Does this sound familiar?

[JoyJoy]

Interesting perspective. Jealousy does consume all doesn't it?

Unfortunately.....yes!

[bjl584]

Well, I can do nothing to control other peoples' jealousy, so I will just work to keep my own in check.

[nanamom]

Years ago I ran a school and ended up teaching a "comsumer Math" class. Instead of a text I made them choose a profession, figure out what they would make figure out what taxes would come out and then take that take home pay and figure out a budget. It was hysterical to see a well read intelligent girl stand in my office and scream "What do you mean I have to pay someone to pick up my garbage" She had no idea nor did the others what it was like to pay all expenses. After the shock of that exercise (and we took it to the max, planning long lost Great Aunt XXX funeral and making a list of food and prices to last a month and the works) we then picked stocks and invested in them. It was quite a year for me and a real eye opener for them. I agree it needs to be taught much earlier than senior high.
People think I am crazy because I don't buy a dryer but other than that type of comment they don't say much about our frugal lifestyle