I am not going to start this post with the words “Due to the recent economic downturn…”

I am not going to start this post with the words “Due to the recent economic downturn…”

I am not going to start this post with the words “Due to the recent economic downturn…”

I have already written about my financial priorities and my annual goals – and now I think I’m ready to put together a comprehensive plan for the next decade (or two).  Thinking about the future, I couldn’t help buy wonder -

How Far Out Are You Planning?  Are you thinking about future, or are you just trying to get through the month?  I’d love for you to vote in the poll – and leave a comment, explaining your vote.

By the way, when I say “planning” – I mean – “thinking about, running the numbers”.  In other words, do you have a vision for the future and a real plan to get there?

Edit:  To clarify – If you are planning for 5 years out, then I’ll assume that you are ALSO planning for next month and next year.  What I’d like to know is, how far out do your plans go, at their maximum.  For the purposes of the poll, let’s assume that, if you are thinking long-term, you are also thinking short-term.

Thanks so much for participating.

If you are viewing this via Email or RSS, you’ll need to click through to vote.

Today, I was hauling off some trash in my old pickup truck.  The radio in the truck barely works and will only receive AM stations.  As I was bumping down the dirt road, headed to the landfill, I hit the seek button, and the radio stopped on a talk show, hosted by some dude I’ve never before heard.

He said, and I quote – The reason most folks overspend is that they care too much what other people think.  They’re trying to keep up with the Joneses, so they spend and spend.

The station faded before I could find out more about the dude or his radio program, but his statement got me to thinking.

Do I really care what other people think, about the things I own or the car I drive or the clothes I wear?

It’s an interesting question.

On the one hand, I’d like to think that I’m secure enough, happy enough, and strong enough, and that I don’t need the approval of other people, especially when it comes to ’stuff’.  But, at the same time, I do conform to certain social norms, and I do so, quite honestly, so that I’ll fit in and be accepted.  Does this conformity reach past social behaviors and into my wallet?  Do I buy things so that I, or my children, or my spouse, will fit in and be considered normal?

I really don’t know how this post should end… So I guess I’ll just open the floor for discussion.

Do you really care about what other people think, when it comes to the stuff you buy?  If so, why?  And, if not, what do you mean by “No, I don’t care.”?

By the way – I realize that there is a certain segment of the population that doesn’t “care” what anyone thinks about anything.  That’s not, really, what I”m writing about.  I’m thinking more along the lines of – Do the opinions of others, people you love and respect, alter or change your spending habits?

(If my posts seem a bit more abstruse this week, I’m sick and I’ve stopped counting the cough syrup doses, as evidenced by my use of the word abstruse – and, what I fear is, an extreme over usage of commas)

Back in January, I purchased a new high definition television.  In order to get high definition channels, I signed up with Dish Network.  Our monthly bill is $92.73.  We live in a very rural area, and there aren’t any stations available via over-the-air antenna.  We also live in area where cable is not available.  So, if we want high definition content, we are pretty much stuck with choosing one of the satellite providers.

How much do you pay for television?  Do you watch television?  What about some of the online options like Hulu or Miro?

When we were getting out of debt, we radically reduced our bills and we only had the most basic satellite package.  But, over the past couple of years, we’ve upgraded our package.  The high definition content looks stunning – but I’m not sure it’s worth what we are paying.

I’m home from a week at church camp.  This year, I served as camp director.  As you can no doubt imagine, I’m exhausted!  But, the camp was, by all accounts, a success.  The kids had fun, no one was seriously injured, and the nightly worship services were phenomenal.  Now that camp is over – it’s time to get back to my regular blogging schedule.

While I was away, I spent some time thinking about the people who have inspired me – my personal finance heroes.  I’ll list mine, and then I’d love to hear from you.  Who inspires you?  Who motivates you?  Who helps you?  (If your hero has a website, feel free to link to it in your comments, but please don’t comment spam the site!)

• Dave Ramsey – What can I say?  The man’s radio program changed my life.  If you read my first post, you’ll see that I mention Dave’s site in the very first paragraph.  While some find him to be a little abrasive, I think he does a great job of motivating people.  Do yourself a solid and read Dave’s best book -  The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness.
• Larry Burkett – Before he passed away in 2003, Larry hosted a radio program and managed Crown Financial Ministries.  Larry was like Dave – but dialed-down, just a bit.  His book – Complete Financial Guide for Young Couples: A Lifetime Approach to Spending, Saving and Investing inspires me, every time I thumb through it. I really miss listening to Larry on Christian radio.
• Nickel – A must read, Five Cent Nickel is one of my favorite sites.  And, it’s author, Nickel, is one of my best pf blogging buddies.  I cannot tell you the number of times he’s helped me out, given me tips, and encouraged me.
• My Papa Harper – My great-grandfather was born January 1, 1900.  He lived 92 years.  The last few years of his life, he lived with our family.  He taught me the value of hard work and honest business dealings.  I’ll never forget riding in his old car as he went from business to business, paying his bills.  He was gentle, kind, thoughtful, and patient.

There you go – my list of personal finance heroes.  Now, it’s your turn!  Who has inspired you?

Side note:  I want to thank all of you who visited the site while I was away.  And, I want to thank those of you who subscribed to the site’s RSS Feed.  As of Saturday, No Credit Needed now has more than 4000 subscribers!  Thank you so much.  (For those who are interested, you can subscribe via RSS or daily email.)