I’m not shocked because I don’t buy expensive products. i know they’re out there but I know there are alternatives. I know people who think life is not worth living if you don’t have two dishwashers and a restaurant-worthy cooking range. If you’re reading home magazines and listening to sales people and keeping up with the Joneses, you think you “need” high end appliances. But if you’re not locked into that mindset, it’s easy to spend less. For example, nice washers and dryers are really cheap and even free on Craigslist, as people upgrade or move and just want the old stuff taken away. I bought a commercial dryer for our 4-flat apartment building for $160, including delivery. Still working great after 3 years. The previous dryer lasted 20 years. I’ll be getting a washer soon and I plan on spending $200 to $300.