<prompt> Human: My wife and I are best friends with another couple. We are all public employees, and therefore I know that our combined household incomes are nearly identical. We both have two kids. However, we live in a 250,000 house, and they live in a 350,000 house. We go cheap on cell phones, vacations, and have cut the cord. They both have new iPhones on Verizon, go on a cruise every 6 months, and have cable TV with every premium channel there is. We save a standard amount for retirement kids college, and from talking with them they do the same. They both have pretty well-off parents, and I sometimes wonder if they are getting money from them? Sometimes I feel they must be!Lets clear something up straight away - Im not jealous or envious. I am very comfortable and happy with my home and my life. I love this couple and wish them all the best. I have no desire to trade places with them possession-wise. Rather, I just wonder sometimes if there is some secret I am missing out on that would allow me to be more efficient on the same income, as they appear to be. I have a burning desire to see their average monthly spending, just to compare it to mine and see what gives?. Societal norms tell me I cant just come out and ask to see their bank statements for the past year... but WHY? At the same time, I understand why. The same reason it eats you up when someone makes 10 more than you for doing the same job. Jealously, envy, etc. Its just taboo. I wish there were a website where users could anonymously post details on their income, expenses, and lifestyle. But in a format that would facilitate some dialog, where we could discuss money tactics openly in a collaborative effort to all be better money managers, regardless of income level. Does anybody know of such a place? Maybe this is that website? Maybe I should go first?  <response>: How do you know what their mortgage is?Maybe those wealthy parents of theirs gifted them a substantial deposit as a wedding gift, meaning their mortgage and subsequent monthly payment is significantly smaller than yours.Not that it really matters so long as you are happy with your own lot in life, but that could sure explain the difference. 