There Is Nothing Wrong With Spending!

[moneyrant]

Spirit of helping charities (chaching - 5 cents drops in the till), I wake from my semi-lurking status and express my views. Am sure that they won't be appreciated by some -- tough. I speak for a majority of the silent people who visit.

THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH SPENDING MONEY

Problem is excess spending. Too many make you feel like a criminal for enoying a latte. It's a freaking latte, not a jaguar. Chill and remember important things. Save on big stuff, enjoy the little things. DONT become a Margot the gestapo.

[Sara]

Maybe there is a reason others can cause you to feel like a criminal for enjoying a latte. lol

Seriously though....

I don't think my frugality is being afraid to spend or not enjoying any luxuries.

For me, I don't have money to burn on lattes and if I did, I could find better use for my money.

I don't mind passing up the "lattes of life" to work toward my financial goals. Saving money is easier than making more money for me.

[moneyrant]

Sara]Maybe there is a reason others can cause you to feel like a criminal for enjoying a latte. lol

Don't see an "I" anywhere lol Speaking generally (chaching 10 cents to a good cause)

I don't think my frugality is being afraid to spend or not enjoying any luxuries.

Good, -- No need to force opinions of good & bad then

For me, I don't have money to burn on lattes and if I did, I could find better use for my money.

Judgement: lattes = bad -- Sure 'bout what you said before

I don't mind passing up the "lattes of life" to work toward my financial goals. Saving money is easier than making more money for me.

Judgement Expands: lattes represent all bad luxuries. Can be spent better. Should feel bad about enjoying one. Point of my post in the first place

[Sara]

My point is that for some there aren't big ways to save and the little ways are empowering and make a difference.

I just can't justify paying Starbucks for a latte when I can make one at home. I don't consider it a luxury. I consider it one of those things that I can choose to not do and I can choose to spend or save my money on other things.

Each decision I make (whether it be big or small) either works toward my financial goals or sabotages it.

I think if someone is having financial issues or has a goal in mind that they'd like to reach, they should take a good hard look at the small stuff (AND the big things) that may or may not be contributing to their current situation. Some people have entitlement issues and feel they deserve that latte. That's fine and good..drink up my friend, but if you have some financial goals you'd like to reach, there is one of your money leaks.

My financial freedom is based on simplifying my life, exercising frugality, and making deliberate choices. I know what worked for me and what has brought me to where I am today.

In closing, I'd like to add that I don't think you speak for the majority of silent people that visit.

This site is "savingadvice". There's obviously a reason people visit.

[moneyrant]

My point is that for some there aren't big ways to save and the little ways are empowering and make a difference.

Fine & Dandy (chaching, 15 cents - Sara, hope you have voted since odds are this thread will be a charity goldmine). Why harp on my latte?

I just can't justify paying Starbucks for a latte when I can make one at home. I don't consider it a luxury. I consider it one of those things that I can choose to not do and I can choose to spend or save my money on other things.

Starbucks? Like the mysterious "I" before, it doesn't exist. Choice is fine as long as not forced on others.

Each decision I make (whether it be big or small) either works toward my financial goals or sabotages it.

Judgement: latte is sabotaging my financial goals. I think not.

I think if someone is having financial issues or has a goal in mind that they'd like to reach, they should take a good hard look at the small stuff (AND the big things) that may or may not be contributing to their current situation. Some people have entitlement issues and feel they deserve that latte. That's fine and good..drink up my friend, but if you have some financial goals you'd like to reach, there is one of your money leaks.

Financial issues? Must have found that with the Starbucks and "I" -- Goal: I can reach with my latte. Entitled: no Enjoy: yes Judgement: latte = money leak, bad

My financial freedom is based on simplifying my life, exercising frugality, and making deliberate choices. I know what worked for me and what has brought me to where I am today.

Judgement: latte is bad for you = bad for everyone

In closing, I'd like to add that I don't think you speak for the majority of silent people that visit. This site is "savingadvice". There's obviously a reason people visit.

Silent people are always on my side. Only I can hear them

[Sara]

I'll simply agree to disagree.

Are you familar with the "Latte Factor™"?

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

[moneyrant]

I'll simply agree to disagree.

Thread may be shorter than I thought (chaching - 20 cents and counting)

Are you familar with the "Latte Factor™"? Sorry, I couldn't resist.

latte factor (LAT.ay fak.tur) n. Seemingly insignificant daily purchases that add up to a significant amount of money over time.

Never said daily. Read again.

Problem is excess spending. Too many make you feel like a criminal for enoying a latte. It's a freaking latte, not a jaguar. Chill and remember important things.

Say "latte" people automatically assume extravagance. I say I enjoy a latte. People assume I can't control spending.

I don't think my frugality is being afraid to spend or not enjoying any luxuries.

What luxuries do you enjoy?

[Sara]

I want you to get at least a quarter. lol

One luxury I enjoy is new pillows. Not sure how often others get new pillows, but I get new pillows often.

Could I not purchase my new pillows and save more? Yes, I definitely could;however, it's all about VALUE. (my personal views on what has value to me and what doesn't)

Probably sounds hypocritical, after my latte tangent. It's the passing up of lattes that allows me to enjoy my new pillows.

Even though I love my new pillows, I'd still give them up to achieve my financial goals.

It's about wants vs. needs.

[moneyrant]

I want you to get at least a quarter. lol

Not for me. For the Charities (chaching - the quarter appears)

One luxury I enjoy is new pillows. Not sure how often others get new pillows, but I get new pillows often. Could I not purchase my new pillows and save more? Yes, I definitely could;however, it's all about VALUE. (my personal views on what has value to me and what doesn't)

Bingo. Personal values differ

Probably sounds hypocritical, after my latte tangent. It's the passing up of lattes that allows me to enjoy my new pillows.

Passing up pillows allows me my latte

Even though I love my new pillows, I'd still give them up to achieve my financial goals.

Give up pillows so that you can buy pillows? lol (My Assumption: one financial goal is to have enough money to buy pillows you love

It's about wants vs. needs.

Nope: Wants vs. Other Wants

[marla]

What do you mean wants vs. other wants. Can you clarify that please?

[Sara]

You say passing up pillows allows you your latte. I don't think passing up something that wasn't already a part of your typical spending can be considered. If that were the case, then one could purchase anything and justify it by saying they didn't buy something else. That's often where entitlement issues arise. Lattes were a part of my frequent spending at one time, so making it at home makes a difference. (assuming pillows weren't ever a frequent expense for you)

Want vs. other wants is an interesting point. Yes, that is the case sometimes. That could work, if choosing the lesser of two wants consistently. Or if you look at it like prioritizing wants.

The changes I made began with first establishing my wants vs. needs though. (which again, my wants and needs are going to vary from someone else) ie. Someone else, may list a computer as a want, but I make my living with mine, so it's a need.

Perhaps you could clarify on Margot the gestapo.

btw, yes I voted.

[moneyrant]

Originally Posted by marla

What do you mean wants vs. other wants. Can you clarify that please?

Basic needs: shelter, food, work (money)
Assumption: everyone here has those
Result: Money left over is spent on wants. Not enough for everything, chose between the wants

You say passing up pillows allows you your latte.

Joke (chaching - $0.30 and counting)

I don't think passing up something that wasn't already a part of your typical spending can be considered. If that were the case, then one could purchase anything and justify it by saying they didn't buy something else. That's often where entitlement issues arise. Lattes were a part of my frequent spending at one time, so making it at home makes a difference. (assuming pillows weren't ever a frequent expense for you)

Bought a Honda instead of a Jaguar

Want vs. other wants is an interesting point. Yes, that is the case sometimes. That could work, if choosing the lesser of two wants consistently. Or if you look at it like prioritizing wants.

We find common ground!

The changes I made began with first establishing my wants vs. needs though. (which again, my wants and needs are going to vary from someone else) ie. Someone else, may list a computer as a want, but I make my living with mine, so it's a need.

After needs, you want pillows. Me: latte Is there a difference?

Perhaps you could clarify on Margot the gestapo

oh, not a good subject to get me started on. Read my journal (click all entries at the top)

[kelijene]

Read this with interest, and think the points raised have been interesting.
I read the frugal gestapo thingy, and I agree that there is a line (and for me that is way over it!!!) - I guess we all put it in a different spot. Just the same as reasons for our choice of spending differ, some simply like the challenge of saving a buck, whilst for others there are financial goals at any cost. And still for others a 'freakin latte' could mean no dinner on the table tonight for the family. Whilst I can see the point you were making moneyrant, and even to a point agree, I don't think it's fair to belittle others because they feel that buying a cup of coffee is too frivolous. You don't know their reasons.
But, after reading your journal I guess I can't blame you, with the neighbourly frugal police on your case.

[moneyrant]

Thread continues to live! (chaching - $0.35 and counting)

Whilst I can see the point you were making moneyrant, and even to a point agree, I don't think it's fair to belittle others because they feel that buying a cup of coffee is too frivolous.

Not looking to belittle. Frivolous for them, fine. Not passing judgement on my end at all. Their choice. Them imposing their values (frivolous for them = frivolous for everyone) is the point I wanted to address.

[kelijene]

[quote=Not passing judgement on my end at all. Their choice. Them imposing their values (frivolous for them = frivolous for everyone) is the point I wanted to address.[/QUOTE]


Perhaps that is the part you should have put in screaming capitals in your first post. If you take a look at it you can see that it's possible to read it that those who choose to pass on going out for coffee are going too far.


Quote: 8/1/04:
"THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH SPENDING MONEY.......Problem is excess spending. Too many make you feel like a criminal for enoying a latte. It's a freaking latte, not a jaguar. Chill and remember important things. Save on big stuff, enjoy the little things. DONT become a Margot the gestapo."

[moneyrant]

Perhaps that is the part you should have put in screaming capitals in your first post. If you take a look at it you can see that it's possible to read it that those who choose to pass on going out for coffee are going too far.

Not what I said. People read what they want to read. Read what they feel. frivolous for them = frivolous for everyone

[DivaJen]

What's the point of this thread anyway?

[moneyrant]

Originally Posted by DivaJen

What's the point of this thread anyway?

Starting from step one? (chaching - $0.45 - can't believe I forgot the previous chaching

Only wanted to say spending is okay as long as not excessive. And a latte doesn't always equal excess.

[sarah]

Take care of the pennies and the dollars will take care of themselves

[moneyrant]

Originally Posted by sarah

Take care of the pennies and the dollars will take care of themselves

All wrong. Should be "take care of the dollars and you're free to do what you want with the pennies."