What does ”means” mean?

Seems like a simple question until you think about it. “Means” as living within ones “means” may mean something different to different people😳.

To me, “means” means no debt other than a mortgage and maybe an auto loan (maybe). Certainly no credit card balance at the end if the month  

What makes up the “means?” I say it’s all earnings that are or could be subject to FICA taxes if there were no limit. That means, “means” does not include say, interest and dividends, but if retired it has to include a pension, social security or other regular income stream. 

I also think “means” only begins after saving, except once a person is retired.

Would you include taking a lump sum from investments to buy a car within ones “means?” Maybe, is the way I see it. Why maybe? If that withdrawal has zero impact on long term financial needs, yes. If it has a chance of messing up future income needs, no. 

Funny how “means” is unrelated to income. Everyone has a “means.” Although at the stratosphere income level, “means” is quite meaningless. 

Since we have money left each month from our pension and social security – sometimes more or less than others – I believe we are living below our means. I would be stressed living any other way.