While I don't claim to be an expert in the finances department, I do like to think I have some common sense. I don't expect everyone to run their finances the way I do, but if you're going to ask for advice then please listen to it, don't just say "ya okay" and do nothing about it. You can politely agree to disagree or you can change.
Unfortunately, I know quite a few people who have money issues. The difference in most of these people is that SOME of them are actively trying to change. They are reading Dave Ramsey books, taking classes, speaking to financial advisors and much more.
However, there's quite a majority that do nothing but COMPLAIN. These people drive me nuts. I'm sorry but if you can't afford EGGS one pay period then maybe you should reevaluate your lifestyle. I worked very hard with my husband to get us to where we are today financially. We are 100% debt free. We live comfortably. However, we are NOT by any means wealthy. (in material lifestyle...)
It shocks me to see people's priorities. I know it's not "my issue" to deal with but in the same breath I get tired of the complaints. How is it that you can sit on my couch and complain about never having any money, yet EVERY SINGLE weekend you are out drinking and partying? How is it that you complain yet I've yet to see you in the same outfit more than once? How is it that you complain yet you drive around town "window shopping" wasting precious gas money and pay 4 car payments when you don't even NEED 2 cars.
I'm not speaking from a "high and mighty" place, but from a COMMON SENSE place. If you can't afford the lifestyle you're living then CHANGE it.
When Tommy and I first got married we had NOTHING. We lived on Ramen noodles for weeks & slept on a mattress we borrowed (used lightly) from the barracks. How romantic right? The thing is, we didn't live outside our means. The first 2 years of our marriage we had 1 vehicle. That's all we used. I don't care if you have a child(ren) and have to take htem to dr visits, school, etc. you DO NOT need 2 cars!!! If you really want to change YOU have to step up to the plate and make some (omgsh here it comes) SACRIFICES!!!
How shocking right? There's a reason all the clothes I have are either from high school or maternity. I had to make MANY sacrifices to get to where we are today as did my husband. No one can make the change for you except YOU.
So do me a favor, stop complaining and whining how you can't afford things when you're not truly making sacrifices. Stop going out to eat. Get rid of an extra car. Cable/internet is NOT a necessity. Start couponing (judge all you want but i guarantee i spend way less on groceries then a lot of people who don't coupon). Make a meal plan. Do snowballs (check dave ramsey for ideas on this). Most importantly, *gasp* GET A JOB!!!
I know this is a kind of brutally honest in your face post, but I'm sick and tired of it. You don't need a surround system. you don't need a new camera. You don't NEED a lot of things. Make sacrifices and be aware that your financial status can effect more than just what you buy that pay period. It can effect your ability to get jobs, your credit and much more.
So please people. Grow up. Make sacrifices. Become an adult. It's truly not THAT hard.
((Especially if you're in Okinawa. If you can't afford to live out here in the military then you will surely fail in the States if you don't make some changes/sacrifices. Not sure if you knew, but you don't get COLA in the States so if you're spending that extra money you get and "banking" on that to pay bills, etc. you're in for a VERY rude awakening when you are stationed stateside))
Having said that, I truly have no problem helping people out with their finances. I love teaching people about meal planning, couponing, snowballing debt, etc. I'm the first one to willingly lay it all out for you and explain it step by step to let you know what helped ME (yes i realize every situation is different but i can't give you advice unless it's advice that's worked for me). The only issue I have is when you ask questions or if you complain and I see that your'e truly not trying to make a change/sacrifice then i'm sorry but I have zero empathy.
4 comments:
God I love your honest Sara! I completely agree. I dated a guy(very shortly) who openly admitted that he lived outside his means because if he wanted something he was GOING to have it. He ended up with so much stinking debt that it was ridiculous. I am so excited to be using the advice I have gained from you, my mom, and online and start paying off my car and saving money!!
Teri you can do it!!! Just keep your head in the game and each time you see a $0 balance you'll be so ecstatic it will push you to continue to do more!!! Now it's time to learn how to save...i have lots of questions on that so i'm going to set up a meeting with a financial advisor and see what we can do. I'm so excited :) Kick that debts butt!!!
I agree with you completely! It's amazing how some people can say they NEED something(ie: new clothes, car, video games, etc) and in the same breath they have NO MONEY!
Stefan and I are like you and Tommy, if we can't afford to pay cash we don't buy it...with the exception of a few things, but they were all paid off within months of buying it. We are raising almost 2 kids...lol and they don't lack anything whatsoever and we are in no way shape or form rich but by gosh we can certainly make things work when we really need to.
Cassie i understand your frustration. It's beyond irritating. Sorry you're not a HOllister model so get over yourself, btw you're married so you should probably stop caring if you're getting attention from guys because ya, the only guy that should matter is your husband. lol blah endrant maybe that will bemy nextblog haha.
As far as the buying with cash... if it's a relatively small item say under $500 or something like that if i don't have the cash that pay period but i know without a doubt within 30 days it will be paid off then we make hte purchase but that is after LOTS of hard work and time put into budgetng and learning how to really handle our money.
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