students of "affluent backgrounds" in kungfu?! Havent seen any daughters and sons of the rich & famous in my school. Most folks are just getting by and make a lot of sacrifices to train.

Reality is that life is about choice. You choose your profession. You choose your hobbies. Stop whining about the cost of things and critically examine your life. Only three possibilities, you're moving toward your goals, moving away from them or holding the status quo. (financial, kungfu, whatever) Maybe that Chi massage course is an investment that is gonna bust you through to the next level. (improve your kung fu, allow to open up a massage business on the side whatever.)

Dont think anyone on this board woke up to a pile of money one morning. Most of us bust our butts to get what we have. It is where we direct our energy that is the key.