The Price of Prosperity

More than 120 residents, business owners, economic experts and other individuals were interviewed to determine how the Collin County area's wealth compares with its peers around the country. Data was analyzed from more than 15 sources, such as the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Claritas Market Audit, the U.S. Census Bureau, the Texas Workforce Commission, the state Office of the Comptroller and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In every case, the newspaper requested the most current data available. The data come from a mix of individual headcount, or case-by-case, records and surveys. Collin County's 12 peer counties were chosen based on incomes and the availability of related data.

FROM THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS SUNDAY Collin County's wealth may not be what it seems • House of cards came crashing down • Newcomers stretch housing dollars • Opinion: Model citizens or model consumers? MONDAY Ready buyers, shopping options collide • Will the good times keep rolling? • Holding the middle, living within their means • Road to bankruptcy often paved with pink slips • A nation of spenders • Chat transcript: Reporter Paula Lavigne on her research and the implications for Collin County families TUESDAY Nothing but the best from mom and dad • Higher salaries make it easy to keep one parent home • Having it all has its costs • Tips for parents to control spending • Jacquielynn Floyd: Utterly consumed with stuff • Opinion: Conservatives, or the ultimate consumers? • Chat transcript: Credit counselor Reid Remington • Chat transcript: Parent educator Mia Mbroh on teaching kids about money		INTERACTIVE QUIZ Calculate how your household income, debt and home value compare to the Collin County average. MAP How Collin County compares to wealthy counties across the country MULTIMEDIA Images, audio impressions of the Collin County lifestyle TELL US How do you deal with the spending pressure? Comment \| View Results How do you balance shopping and saving? Comment \| View Results How are you teaching your children about saving and spending? Comment \| View Results How does the shopping culture of Collin County compare to other places? Comment \| View Results How do you think bankruptcy laws should treat people who've overspent? Comment \| View Results

CREDITS: Reporting and data analysis: Paula Lavigne; Staff photographer: Lara Solt; Graphic artist: Tom Setzer; Designer: Cindy Smith; Copy editors: Samantha Shaddock, Laura Roddy and Wm. Tracy Cowle; Photo editor: Chris Wilkins; Project editors: Kamrhan Farwell and Chris Buckle; Multimedia: April Kinser, Karen Dee Davis and Alberto Gomez; Web editor: Jodi M. Leese Send comments or questions on this series to priceofprosperity@dallasnews.com.

FROM THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS

INTERACTIVE