There are many different reasons why your dad is not getting paid as much. But first, are you sure he is not getting paid as much? Your mom said you live with the "Rich" meaning, you are not rich, but you are surrounded by rich people, maybe you live in a nice house. Does your dad's friend live in such a nice area? or is he paying less at his house? Maybe your dad's friend's wife make a ton of money, more than your mom? their income combined can make a big difference.
In a job, usually the longer someone has been working there, the more they get paid. Has your dad been working at the same company as his friend? Just because they have the same job title, doesn't mean they get paid the same salary. Also, maybe your dad's friend has family out where he travelled, or he has vacation time he's built up over many years. Also, you guys have been here for 3 years, moving from out of the country cost a lot of money. Your dad's friend didn't have to spend that kind of money because he probably didn't move out here recently.
Just because you make the same money doesn't mean you have the same lifestyle. Your parents could have large amounts of debt from credit cards, a mortgages, cars, or other things.
Your neighbors could have no retirement accounts and spend all the extra money on trips. To you it looks like they have extra money, but in reality, they are going to be broke when they retire.
Don't worry about your neighbors, they can do what they want. Instead think of ways you can make your own money and get what you want instead of asking your parents. Mow some lawns, babysit, wash cars. All good ways to make some quick cash.
Believe it or not, people who are rich don't have much cash. A lot of rich people's wealth is in the form of assets like real estate, businesses or stocks and bonds. My family is in a similar situation. My mother gets really worried when our bills go up. Although we are millionaires, a majority of our wealth is in the form of land and real estate and is not liquid. Living a luxurious life can be costly and perhaps your family is only making enough money to maintain such high standards of living.
People who bought a house 20 years earlier than your parents may be paying much smaller mortgage payments, leaving more money to blow. Raising kids is expensive, single people can better afford the high life.
Starting over puts on at a disadvantage in credit rating, etc which effect how far your money goes.
if your mother always says there is no money in the account, this could be her way of saying 'no' without really saying it
or if he has a good job they may be spending more than they need to and never have enough for extras
More people in the family the more the cost, especially kids. Does the friend have kids?
You do not live IN the army or "with the rich".
