Comments on: A Life Without Debt: Deprivation vs. Compromise

By: bill

bill — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:05:01 +0000

There’s always a trade-off when deciding to do something now as opposed to later, or buying this as opposed to that.

By: Carly

Carly — Fri, 22 May 2009 14:22:02 +0000

Your friend pushed it because she had some hurt feelings. You prioritized other more expensive things over spending time with her. She may have been excited about attending this event with you especially since you had expressed an interest. I’m CF and I also have a considerable savings. Your decision may have made sense to you, but to the average person, you are taking expensive vacations, improving your house and don’t have kids. The logical conclusion from the average friend would be that spending time with her at this event would not be worth $160 of enjoyment. I’m not saying your decision was right or wrong, but just giving you some empathetic perspective.

By: gerhard

gerhard — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 05:48:36 +0000

I am married and proud parent- I go through similar thoughts several times a month, but if I look back 10 years we did not enjoy all this extras that we are wanting today. Standard of life has improved and has asked us for more spendings over the last few years.
Beeing together with real friends and not having to show off is what we really enjoy this days.
eg.: Birthdayparties past year were done by a cateringservice and waiters…etc.
Today we categorize friends in: salads, main course, desert, beer, wine etc. everybody contributes ..and it is even more fun and a lot of laughs
I do not feel that we are depriving ourselfs, we really enjoy it finding new more affordable ways in doing things.

By: IRG

IRG — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 04:20:56 +0000

OK. $160 is NOT a small amount of money.

However, two seats at a Broadway play for $160 (And I’m assuming it is Broadway or similar in another major city) are NOT the most expensive seats in the house.

You’re right. It’s not deprivation to choose not to go. By the same token, to not clearly tell your friends “we choose to spend our money on other things” does set up their responses. And if they are your friends, while they may be disappointed because they wanted to share this experience with you, they will understand and respect your wishes.

I’m surprised at how many people have turned this back on those people. Seems more than a tad bit defensive, to say the least.

By the way, for some of us, a night at the theater is an experience that is equal to or more than a lot of other things.

It all goes back to what you want to do. I know plenty of people who have very modest incomes who save and watch their budgets so they CAN go to a broadway show. It’s something that is worth the money to them.

They’re aware that it means sacrificing a lot (even with discounts), but it’s what works for them.

I’m always amazed at how much money people “waste” (in my mind) on sporting events, including the cost of food and drinks. Ugh. Give me a really good nite of theater with top actors and quality writing anytime.

By: Texas Girl

Texas Girl — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 19:10:45 +0000

If you would have REEEEAAAALY wanted to go to that play, you would have. Really.

I get so sick and tired of having to be on the defensive about my financial decisions too!! Usually its the people who are up to their eyes in debt and who have zero willpower to not finance every last restaurant meal their heart desires RIGHT NOW, are the ones putting the pressure on. Misery loves company.

Those types of people will probably still be paying off those play tickets 10 years from now.

By: ThiNg

ThiNg — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 14:22:15 +0000

Is there any reason why the memory of the play would not last as long as the memory of the vacation?!?!

If you say its because there is more to the vacation (things to do, length of time, etc.) I would argue that the vacation costs a lot more than the play does, correct?

I agree with your other reasons, but the vacation is just as frivolous as going to a play, eating at a restaurant, or watching a hockey game. All you have in the ends are memories (or a little more waistline!).

Paying your taxes, maintaining your home, etc. are priorities which can lower costs in the long run (penalties and interest, or costly repairs to unmaintained property in the future).

By: El Cheapo

El Cheapo — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 05:51:55 +0000

I applaud you for doing the responsible thing and not falling into peer pressure. I have friends on both ends of the spectrum – spends a lot – spends a little. I know I’ve fallen into peer pressure and spent on things I really shouldn’t have. Best example is a spontaneous trip that cost me $1500 for one night. Not worth it at all.

By: Shaneil

Shaneil — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 05:04:56 +0000

I like it and I agree with the saying”why pay for the price of one when you can get two out the deal”

By: bank deals

bank deals — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 05:04:24 +0000

Things that you can do include:
- spending less, even if you still go out
- making more than minimum payments on credit cards; pay more than you’ve charged for the month plus the interest due
- negotiate for lower interest rates on credit cards
- don’t charge things on credit cards
- start saving money so that you have resources should the unexpected occur

By: Shaneil

Shaneil — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 04:52:19 +0000

I really agree with the main character in this survey because I feel like why spend all that money when you can get 2 for the price of 1 and plus you can charish that ring and and everytime you look at it you will see the good use your money went to plus you and ya mate trip is something you always want to