Money may not bring you happiness, but it sure is more comfortable to cry in a Mercedes than on a bicycle.
I agree with you to a large extent, Todd. I definitely think how people manage their money, and even poverty itself, is more mental that physically having enough money. Attitude matters and if you're ingrained with a spend versus save approach as a kid then you'll more than likely be that way as an adult. I believe it's the same with manners and simple etiquette. Some people are willing to change and see the world around them differently. Others are too set in their ways it seems.
To answer your 750 versus 250 question, for me it wouldn't be much. I'm making really good money right now in my life. In 2010 as I approached graduating, I had big plans for the money I knew I'd be making. My TA was going to be loaded with DSE parts and have a crap ton of power. I'd have tools, a loaded crew cab Duramax, and be really finally living my dreams. I could honestly do and have all of that right now. I'd be no happier. I'd actually be worse off I think. Right now, I feel the money I'm making isn't worth what I've given up and missed out on in order to make it. I'm trying my best to save as much as possible yet balance my dreams and desires so that I can feel as if I am living, but also, so that in a few more years I can hopefully feel that everything I have given up and missed out on was worth it because of how much better I have set myself up for long term. I kind of wish I was going through this in my 20s and not my 30s. It would be a little less burdensome I believe. Give me a few more years and we'll see what I think then.