Saving Frustration

[shengmei]

It seems that no matter how hard I save, everytime I splurge on something (getting my five cats, for instance) other people start getting down on me and chewing me out for being ridiculously wasteful. The things I splurge on I always save and plan for months in advance.

It is especially frustrating with my ex-roommates. They were always trying to mooch off me because they somehow justified in ther minds that I was richer than them. In the end, it was actually cheaper for me to live without roommates.

Just venting my frustration.

[Tree0164]

Re: Saving Frustration

We all know what we can spend. If you can afford it comfortablely without going into debt-it is no one else's business.

[CRFSaver]

Re: Saving Frustration

I see nothing wrong with rewarding yourself. You save up for it and work hard towards it, why not. We work to hard in life not to have a little gift for yourselfs sometimes...

[jmjj215]

Re: Saving Frustration

Just keep on truckin'

[BAGAGT1]

Re: Saving Frustration

First and foremost it is no one else's business. Secondly, If you can afford it (i.e. not going into debt to splurge), then more power to you.

[robex]

Re: Saving Frustration

A few years ago I started babysitting for some friends of mine. All the money I earned we put into a separate account to save to go to Disneyland. After 10 months, we had our trip, expenses, and spending money all set to go. I heard rumours from sil that dh's family thought my parents had paid for us to go...I never felt the need to explain ourselves, but it was kind of annoying.
We had a wonderful time in Disneyland!!!!

[byusteeler]

Re: Saving Frustration

We've talked about it before but it is all about priorities. Don't let other people get down on you about what you splurge on. Chances are they splurge on something you would think is rediculous. I know most of my friends do and I know they think I do. Don't judge and ask others not to judge you either. I have dogs that are rediculously expensive but the paybacks in love and entertainment (they are funny and fun) are well worth their cost. They are pound puppies so they only cost me $10 to get but they are high maintenance in food, toys, basic care and other misc.

[TBH]

Re: Saving Frustration

That's why we need forums like this--to get support and appreciation for all the hard work we put into being financially responsible. Many of us don't get much recognition for that. I'm lucky to have my sister, who has lots of money now, but spent years scrimping and saving and budgeting to get where she is now. She is really supportive of me.

Also, since there's a stigma against talking about money, most of our friends and even family don't know our true circumstances.

I guess it's a good reminder not to judge other people's spending habits unless you really know the details of their financial situations.

[cheapbastard]

Re: Saving Frustration

<b>Halleluiah brothers and sisters</b>. Don't let anyone put you down for what you spend your money on. If you are not going into debt over your little (or big) indiscretions, no one has the right to put you down for it. Spending money on cats or dogs may make me shake my head and wonder why the heck are you wasting your money on these parasitic mammals? Some people will wonder why my wife and I have two children? They are a huge drain on the finances. Others may wonder why I spend so much my money on overseas trips when I could be putting that money on my mortgage.

[mom-from-missouri]

Re: Saving Frustration

I get the same thing because I put my daughters in private school. Irrates me to no end. #1, if people would call the school they would be amazed to find out how cheap our tution is--it is cheaper for me to have all 3 of my daughters in a private Christian School, than what my girlfriend pays for 1 baby in full time daycare. (I pay $527 a month total--not per child, but total).
#2 Its about priority and choices. I chose to drive an older vehicle that I paid cash for. because I made that choice, I can send my daughters to private school, with only 9 kids in the classroom instead of 32, and where I am welcome to go, visit, sub teach, or whatever on my days off so I am involved in their education. I value what they are taught there--they are taught in a homeschool type of environment, wtih Christian homeschool materials. I would love to homeschool, but as a single working parent, I can't physically do both.
So, big deal that my SUV has 119,000 miles on it. It runs well, never had a problem, I keep it maintained, has no rust and looks good. Why it is other peoples business, I don't know, but I always hear, "well, if you sent your girls to public schools you could have a new car. " Never said I wanted a new car-I like what I got!!!

[tuscan minoque]

Re: Saving Frustration

I could'nt agree with you more,new cars have a way of holding people down from saving for the most important things in life.why I say that?because i'm a victim of buying new cars and it's tough for me to save money.Sometimes I regret taking this path.