Life aint fair

[liveandchi]

I can't believe it. We are struggling to get by on a daily basis and our next door neighbors just bought not one, not two, but three brand new cars including one for their 16 daughter.

Our car already has over 100,000 miles on it and is about 10 levels below all of ther cars.

I just don't understand how they do it.

[mjrube94]

It's so hard not to be envious of the neighbors when they seem to have everything now. You could probably get one of those cars now, too, but at what cost? A huge car loan that makes you a slave to your cars for years? A lease that is a never-ending vicious cycle of car payments? Higher insurance premiums? Not putting that money to better use like retirement savings, college savings, paying off other debts, etc.? I always try to remind myself that just because people look like they have it made doesn't mean they do. I need to stick to my plan and do my own thing. That's how I'll achieve my goals and be happy...(not that that's easy ) Good luck!

Edited to add: And what the heck are they thinking buying a 16 year old that kind of car? I remember when I got my license (and had to use my parent's car) my mother told me "just because I'm not using my car doesn't mean you can!)

[Momof3grls]

yes always remember just because they look well off dont mean they are you are more likeley better off now than they will ever be.

I have known lots of people in my life who appeared to have everything but got water & phones shut off almost every month. ANd brand new cars repoed & have claimed BK when they had 2 brand new cars.

My dh also believes he has to have everything & I am the complete opposite but heres the funny part he also has a brand new car but he is so busy working to make payments on it & pay for insurance he never gets to spend time with the kids oh & did I mention its a gas hog so we cant drive it anywhere ya thats alot of fun Just kidding of course But whats the point kwim

[34saving]

I'm not sure where I read this, but a while ago I read something that said the most common vehicle owned by millionaires is a older Ford 150. It seems the people with real money don't need to show it by owning/leasing fancy new cars.

I also think there's a certain freedom to owning an older car. How upset am I going to be if my car get a scratch or a ding? Not very. Am I afraid to park in some places because my car might be damaged or stolen? Not very. Would I want to own the fanciest car in the school parking lot? (I'm a teacher) Definitely not!

Don't let the "Joneses" get you down

[DivaJen]

Sometimes it's hard not to feel jealous. I hate feeling jealous, and it hits me from time to time. But keep the big picture in mind and keep plugging away at your plan for your money.

~Jen, whose cars are six years and almost eleven years old.

[miclason]

oh, I sympathize with you! the people across the street have a Mitsubishi Nativa, a convertible BMW, a Mustang and a little Renault...all I have is my 10-year-old Daewoo Fino...but...I don't know, I mean, our neighborhood is basically middle-class...just selling the Nativa and the BMW + their house (if its theirs!) would allow them to live in a much better neighborhood (owning the house)...but, I guess they just want to show off and have people think that because they drive this cars means that they are really better off than what they truly are...
It is actually kind of sad, if you think about it....
Try not to think about it too much! (easier said than done, I know!!)

[mccartygirl]

They could be leased cars too. I know when Dh's cousins both got their licenses his uncle worked out a deal to get their cars dirt cheap. It is hard to see when people have nicer things. I figure in 25 yrs when I am retired and sitting in my winter home down south, they'll still be working.

[PRICEPLUS]

Folks, Warren Buffett is one of the worlds wealthiest men. He drives an old beat up car and lives in a modest house. Envy is a monster that can consume you. Madison Avenue is doing their best to convince you that you must have the latest gadget to be a fulfilled person. Don't buy into the propaganda.

A car is simply a mechanical device to get you from point A to point B. Your perception of what is good and what is not is being formed by advertising. Who do you need to impress? No one? Live modestly and within or below your means and you'll be much happier and prosperous!

[PrincessPerky]

Happy maybe, but stuffless.

Neighbors here are looking at buying 20 acres of forrest to build a house on, other neighbors have 2 BMW, but they leave their kids who knows where for 10 hours a day to pay for it. And a few neighbors (with nice cars, and stuff) are gone now, house forsale forclosure.

I have decided that one of the most important lessons for my DS and DD to learn is that life is not fair, frequently hard, but still worth it, we gotta find fun (pleasure) where we can. So far my kids are not into the 'stuff' and my DS even tells me 'we don't need that one we already have one' or 'we can get rid of this one, cause we don't need two'. Boy do I need to learn from him!

[mccartygirl]

A car is simply a mechanical device but I will pay a little extra to be comfortable and feel safer. We take my SUV on many trips and I do feel safer in it and it is extremely comfortable. It's a higher end SUV and it's loaded but we save on other things that we feel aren't as important to us. It's interesting where people's importance differ.

[kashi]

I'm in the same boat with you right now, liveandchi. new computer? sure!! new car? no problem!! new home? here's the money!!

[byusteeler]

My philosophy is usually that you never know the whole story. Maybe people who have everything are deeply in debt. Maybe a relative just died and left them a bunch of money. Maybe they have different priorities. However, I occassionally watch "Vacation Home Search" on the travel channel. These people are looking at vacation homes that are priced 5 times above the value of my primary residence and I think where do they get that kind of money for a SECOND HOME. I see the house prices in California and I can't believe that many people make so much more money than I do. We could not qualify for a mortgage on a home in california. Although a friend of ours recently relocated to California and asked how people could qualify for these mortgages. She was told interest only mortgages. Pretty scary if you ask me.

[zakity]

I don't keep up with the Jones'. We don't have "nice" things, but, on the other hand, I don't care if the boys dent or bump something (as boys are prone to do). I also get to stay home or work part-time after Ken gets home from work and I get to homeschool the boys.

[mccartygirl]

I've seen that show too BYU and I've wondered the same thing. Sometimes it will say what the people do. My Dh and I have been looking at new houses lately, we'll be buying a new one in a year or so, and we'll look at the house and neighborhood. We were baffled on how they could afford a house like that, have SAHM and 2 BMWs or whatever. I finally figured it out - they are broke as a joke and owe their life. Like that couple that went on Dr Phil.

[jacquelynrose]

It amazes me, it really does, I have someone here at work who goes shopping all the time and has to support a family of four! I am a Single Mom and I make as much as she does and I pay Rent and Child Care.

P.S. Her husband stays home with the kids and has a title loan (and you know how HIGH those interest rates are!)

[DivaJen]

Originally Posted by byusteeler

My philosophy is usually that you never know the whole story. Maybe people who have everything are deeply in debt. Maybe a relative just died and left them a bunch of money. Maybe they have different priorities.

I agree, and I think this is good to keep in mind. Some friends of ours owned a house outright, but it was because his father had died and they inherited money. I know my friend would rather be in debt with a mortgage and still get to see his father.

[ofekslayer]

The easiest thing in the world would be to get envy at the neighbors’ next doors. I know that myself. Until a while ago, I was also very jealous of my next door neighbor, who has a fancy house, 3 cars, fancy designer clothes, while I ride a bicycle, my clothes are second hand, and I live in an apartment. Envy was consuming my life, and at night that was the only thing I could think about. A book I read changed my life, and a movie I saw, made me look at things in a different perspective. The movie isn't all that good really, it's a comedy with Jack Black and Ben Stiller, but it shows what envy does to people. Doesn't hurt to watch it.
The book on the other hand, is a serious book, a must book to every person, envy or not. It is called "Overcoming Jealousy and Possessiveness"

Hope my recommendations help you change yourself, to be a better person.
Good Luck!

[srace]

I agree don't let the Joneses get to you. They may be so much in debt that no matter how hard they work at it they will never get out.

[CRFSaver]

Peace of mind is more important to me then a nice car. I could afford a real nice one if I wanted. But when I got laid off in California, I didnt work for 7 months. I didnt change my lifestyle. I didnt change how I ate. But because I had money socked away I was able to look for the right job and not sacrifice too much.

I also took a year off after grad school. I would have never been able to do that with a 400 dollar a month car payment. When my car finally does die I am sure I will get a nice car (really like the acura TL's), but right now every month I put away 250 dollars that would have gone for a theoretical car payment. and with only 75k miles i should be able to save up a decent downpayment.

Have you all seen the commercial with the guy who has a big grin talking about allt he things he has. New house, new cars, golf club membership. Then the kicker. He asks, how do I afford it all? I am in debt up to my ears. I can barely make my interest payments.

Just remember that commercial when you see that.