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Old 04-09-2008, 12:28 PM
aida2003 aida2003 is offline
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I think your financial wellness should be defined not by how much income you make, but how much you keep. But money is not a good means to find friends, IMO.

I remember when I came to the U.S. 10 years ago, I lived with a well-off American family, and beside babysitting, I used to go out, of course. Once I met a guy from my country in a club. Next day I mentioned him to the family. The first question was "What does he do?" I said "He's a painter". They were not impressed by saying "he doesn't make much." Huh?? What do I care?!! I was just happy to meet a new face who happened to be from my homeland.
So, then it was my first glimpse at the American culture that it seemed judgmental to me.
Unfortunately it has changed in my country since the system changed and now people get jealous if you tell how much you make and expect more presents or parties from you based on that money. If you save, then they think you're being very cheap. Oh, well, I just avoid conversations about money.
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