It’s funny the people that I want to hang out with are the ones that save their money:) I want to learn from others that have it, so I try not to hang out with broke people and those are usually the ones that drive expensive cars and have big homes.

I have found the people that save their money don’t try to keep up the the Jones they care about saving for the future and I think that makes more since.

There will always be something to buy things just get old:) Everyone wants a “new” car… how about a new whatever?? I think we need to sit back and try to figure out why we think we need all these things just to impress people “that really don’t care”.

My advice: Hang out with people that enjoy saving. You just might need that extra money in the near future. and Don’t hang out with Broke people!

Renee

I am actively trying to avoid any of the consumer goods that seem to define success: the big TV, the flashy car, the expensive watch. However, I would love to have a boat, because I remember the wonderful experiences I had boating as a child.

I loved reading everyone’s comments.

I fell into that trap as well in my last corporate job where I had to wear suit (not a jacket, not separates, but a suit) every day, and was told where to shop for them.

All to sit in a cubicle every day with no customer contact.

When my parent got sick I left for a more flexible position where I could wear a sport shirt and slacks every day (only wear one of my old suits to weddings or funerals)

As ‘The Millionaire Next Door’ notes, encouraging your kid to be a doctor/lawyer/Indian chief often locks them into a lifestyle where a high level of conspicuous consumption is expected.

Self-made millionaires put what they make back into their business, often wear jeans, and drive used cars.

I’m driving a company car now no one else wanted because it is over 5 years old and in need of paint job (at Maaco on the company’s dime sometime this fall)

BUT

When my wife says we should have something or sees something she likes, it’s a whole different story. I feel inferior if I can’t provide it for her. I just found this site, and am obviously not living debt free… and in the end, I suppose that last sentence points out why.

And I save money because I don’t have a cell phone, drive a 1994 car with no loan, rent, invest in stocks, invest in antique books, and could not care less if someone thinks I am rich or poor.

Imagine all the people you see naked… their smelly, dirty bodies and fatty deposits exposed…..trying to look important… trying to look successful. And they stick so bad.
Yikes. Be what you are: a smelly human mortal animal. And love the one you’re with.

My Mom calls me about four times a year with “rent to own” house deals. Because SHE thinks we should do that. We live in a tiny rented house, in a safe but run-down neighborhood.

On purpose. We are saving.

Yes still she comes back with “I’d never want to encourage you not to do the right thing…but…

Arrrgh.

Parents especially should butt out. I’m almost 30. I’ve finally gotten my life on track, and here come the troops telling me that I need a mortgage that I can’t afford, a nicer car for my childs safety….

I just want to cry sometimes. What we have is enough right now, and I sincerely wonder why other people think they should even be allowed an opinion.