Although I’m not on social media that much, I do participate in a few forums that are beneficial. Besides the obvious crafting forums; spinning, weaving and sewing. I am a member of a few financial forums made up of people who are just as weird and frugal as I am. Quite a few within the group are millionaires. I guess you could call them the Warren Buffets within their bracket. I say Warren Buffet because if you know his story, you are aware that he lives well below his means.
Earlier today, the forum creator, David posted this…
We live in a culture that placates itself by consuming. New cars. Big houses. Precious jewelry. Fancy clothes. Fine food. While those who earn are well within their rights to spend, the “live for today” often catches up with them. It’s not about how much you make but about being content and living on less than you make.
Make $500k, spend $550k … Misery.Make $50k, spend $45k … Happiness.
Sadly, our culture often lusts after the first group since they look “successful”. Delay a bit of your pleasure of today for a better tomorrow.
I get his point, but I will say you have people from both groups doing the first. I have seen numerous acquaintances placate themselves with things or going out and spending money they could not afford at a restaurant. Even spending small chunks of money add up over time and can hinder you from achieving your goals.
I took a pickup truck load of used electronics to be recycled — accumulated over 30 years and stored in the shop because there was no easy way to dispose of them.
My point is, we are consumers. It was a bit shocking to see how much electronics we had “consumed,” realizing that some other items had been passed on to the kids.
However, it was over a period of 3 decades. We moved into this house 35 years ago. It was what we could afford at the time. We’re still here and it’s been paid off for a long time.
There were times when we had too much debt — by our standards — but we were also putting money away for later. We’re debt-free now.
Lack of savings will force many people to continue working into their late 60s, 70s, etc. (I plan to be completely done with working by this time next year, though I could walk away right now with no problem.)
Mike recently posted..In and Around Custer State Park
@Mike, My parents were the same way. They bought a modest home, when I was getting ready to turn five. They’ve paid that off a long time ago as well. About twenty years ago, they did add an addition to the home and perhaps five years ago they remodeled the kitchen and added an additional bathroom. My father had his cousin (raised as his brother from a young age) do the work. He still paid him of course, but he wanted to give that money to someone he knew and he does excellent work. He learned carpentry from my dads brother who was an amazing woodworker.
At times, you can’t avoid some debt. I can think of an acquaintance who was blindsided with job loss and then health issues from her and her spouse. I met a few people, specifically, in similar situations at the homeless shelter where I volunteer. While they were working, they experienced job loss from one of the car plants that had closed down in our area. No family to stay with or potentially assist, add to that sickness, which brought medical bills and now they were behind. They finally acquired another job, but at a huge pay cut and it wasn’t full-time.
I imagine I’ve been writing more about savings because of my own long-term goals and making sure I continue to make the proper decisions. It won’t be too much longer before my daughter is in college. I started a college fund for her when she’s was an infant. I also have a long-term goal, that I set for myself about 10 years ago, and that’s coming closer to reality. I have five more years for that plan to become a reality and so my pace to make sure everything goes according to plan has picked up a bit. But, I do realize that even researched plans/savings, at times, the unexpected does happen.
I am glad i found 2 other people who think the same way i do. When i was a teenager i worked and saved all my money to buy the newest best motocross motorcycle. $1600 back then was alot of money i could have bought a nice used car. I learned fast that nothing is the best thier is always something new coming out next year or sooner.
Since then i hate having to buy something new if i do not have to. I bought the best price computer from a chain everyone knows and that lasted me 3 times longer than my 2 sisters 3 or 4 computers. I found out from the sales person when i needed a new computer the brand that was the best deal also had the less problems. This is a well known company that also makes printers and the price is very low compared to most other name brands. I do not buy the newest cell phone every time i keep my old one until i can not use it and use the money i do not spend on new cell phones to invest like everything else.
I learned young after i bought the motorcycle that material items are only new for a little time and have no real effect on your life. I saved and invested my money and now that has a great effect on my life and what i can buy or do. I still hate buying new product if i do not need it. I do not need the latest or newest because that last only a little while then it is old.
Buffet is the best who needs a mansion or 5 cars just give him a cherry coke and a cheese burger everyday and he has had a great life and a long one.
ken recently posted..grape seed
@ken, That is impressive that you saved up for your motorcycle at such a young age. Those are the principles I’m reaching my daughter also. We’re going on a vacation this fall and I had her plan the vacation. I gave her the location, amenities I was looking for and a budget(under $400) for two days. She’s achieved that and it’s under budget by almost $200! The places I’m going to follow up with are very nice.
I started realizing my parents ‘common sense’ approach to finances was “odd” when I was around 12 years old. 34 years later and that behavior is (seemingly) still odd. I still have my iPhone 4. I bought it used when I purchased that, although it is a smart phone, I rarely use it like that. I’ll keep that until it stops working.
I’m all about buying used if I can, as yourself, I have found a great product will last a very long time. 🙂
Aynaria recently posted..Upcoming Road Trip…