I don't want to end up like Mr. Burns in that episode where Homer asks him if his money says "I love you" at the end of the day, and Mr. Burns sadly says, "…no!"

OK, I am a young professional with a good job that I got in 2008 after graduating college. Since my hiring, I've managed to put away about $12,000 into a savings account, and a few months ago my parents gifted me another $20,000 because they gave up on me ever having a wedding.

My intern just got a full-time job for when she graduates at a competing company. Her role is going to be similar to mine, as far as I can tell. So, yay for her! But she also told me her starting salary: It is $10k more than I am making.