To answer a few questions asked:

1. My source of the numbers was the IRS web site.   I keep this chart with me in my planner when questions like that come up.

2. I checked the IRS web site last year and found that the top 10% wage earners in the country were above $92,500 (approx)   This changes a few hundred dollars either way each year.

3. The top 5% I think was about $150,000 or so.   I will have to look it up.   From memory, I think the top 1% was over $350,000.

4. You are absolutely right that Americans are saving less.   This year Americans have spent 100.5% of what they earned.   They actually spent .5% more than they earned which depleted savings.   Terrible. In addition 70% pay credit card interest.   Also terrible.

Little Hawk:

I know you recognized my sarcasm in the tax the poor reply. You asked what I did to help society. Let me fill you in.

The month of Sept. I have done 8 speeches teaching people how to save money on their energy bill (and also conserve resources)   This included 2 training sessions for United Way case workers, Canton UAW, Monroe exchange club, Ypsilanti public library and others.   

Next week I am the keynote speaker for Senator Bashams energy summit, speaking to 500 employees at Budco, and training SEMCA (low income) reps on energy efficiency. The following week I am doing a town hall in Downtown Detroit, and appearing on WWJ 950 radio (50,000 watts) for the THAW (The heat and Warmth Fund) Telethon.   I than am taking my family on a cruise to the Caribean.

Last year I did over 50 seminars to over 6,000 people teaching them how to save money on their energy bill. This included many low income groups such as THAW, United Way, Human Services Agency, Headstart, Legal Aid Society, New Detroit, AARP, and even spoke at the Michigan State Fair.

In addition, my company has sent out over 3,500 copies of my tv show on managing your energy costs.   We have just reprinted another 1,500 copies as they are out of stock.   (If anyone wants one, just give me a mailing address and I will mail you one- no charge)

I am also the booking agent for The Oakland County Traditional Dance Society.   Hopefully this saves me from hanging over a bed of trarantualas as you suggested.