Comments on: A Life Without Debt: I’ve Always Been Old

By: Lillian

Lillian — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 22:21:20 +0000

Excellent post Sadie! I have always been very frugal, meticulously choosing what to purchase and what not to.

I disagree though with some of the comments made about cellphones, internet as being wants. The majority of people do use these things – they are useful tools (for emergencies, learning, etc).

I agree with being financially responsible, but some people do work very hard and have the means to afford toys/travel. What’s the point of working and being frugal, if you’re not going to enjoy your hardwork and debt-free life?

By: Gail

Gail — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 18:33:36 +0000

So this is where all the people like me are! I too was in that class of folks that just couldn’t be irresponsible and was always taken for someone much older than I was, even though now I don’t look as old as I am. My biggest financial problems came due to poor choices in marriage and then having to go on disability in my mid-forties. Which leaves me two points to make. Be VERY sure when deciding to marry that you are both on the same page financially. And don’t think you can go into debt because you will have years of working good jobs to pay it off well before retirement. The smallest thing can knock you off your feet and ruin a shaky financial foundation, whether illness, job loss, etc.

By: Joy

Joy — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 17:13:44 +0000

I stand in awe of you. I am the grasshopper, and you are the ant! There’s been some pleasure in some of my goofing off, though. When I was diagnosed with cancer 3 years ago, I found myself happy at some of the things I’d done (work a poor-paying flight attendant job for years, and do traveling and having adventures) and not necessarily overwhelmed with gratitude for all the chances I had not taken. BUT, spending money on goofy little stuff that sucks your energy dry… yep, bad move. The key is knowing what you want with all your heart, and just focusing on it, and not spending on distractions. You sound like a gem, and I hope you have a very youthful 40′s decade, enjoying the fruits of your early “oldness”!

By: rob62521

rob62521 — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 16:20:19 +0000

You are a smart cookie…too bad people twice your age still haven’t figured out your wise decisions.

By: Roger

Roger — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 20:15:14 +0000

Excellent work Sadie, your financial responsibility is currently and will pay off handsomely in the future. In response to the the comment made by James, I’m afraid I have to agree with some of your assertions. I don’t know anyone without a cell phone (just like you didn’t grow up without a home phone). I agree that kids certainly have too much “stuff”, but this is nothing new. When I was young many years ago, it was the same. The only difference is the technology. Chess, Checkers, GI Joe, and Monopoly have been exchanged for digital video games (in some cases for the digital equivilent).

By: Cindy M

Cindy M — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 13:01:02 +0000

Amen. I’m 55 in actuality now but have always been “old” in my attitude about money and my world view in general. I say it’s a shame folks like us aren’t celebrated more and sad we don’t run into people who think more like we do on an everyday basis, at least I never met many people my age who agree with me. I was/still am considered the “serious” one in any get-together and know what it’s liked to be teased, taunted, made fun of, etc., for being “so serious” and why don’t I let my hair down a little, enjoy myself, etc. I definitely DO enjoy my life and could care less what my peers have ever thought about me anyway, and I believe that’s the secret to contentment.

By: Just A Fan

Just A Fan — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 06:41:58 +0000

BRAVO!

By: crazyliblady

crazyliblady — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 15:55:55 +0000

I agree with Nicole about teaching this to kids. Too many parents are so caught up in their own debt nightmare that they forget to teach their own kids about money. The best example I can think of of a family which has taught their children about money management is the Economides. I think I saw a video about them on youtube. That family is debt free and even the kids have large savings accounts and investments.

By: Nicole

Nicole — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 19:48:30 +0000

Great Job!! I’m 27 and just now realizing that accumulating debt was a BAD move! I really wish someone (at school or church) would have warned me about the dangers of debt! I would have listened!!! The only thing I was taught about was how to obtain “smart” debt! Sigh!
My husband and I will be debt free in 1.5 years and will be able to accumulate WEALTH from then on! You should scream your story to as many youth as possible!!

By: James

James — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 16:33:41 +0000

I say Kudos to you Sadie.From my observations this is also a “Generational” thing. Today’s kids and young Adults ALL have cell phones, would be lost without the internet and XBOX and Playstation and would cry if u took away their iphones.Im around your age and you and i both grew up and “made it” without all these things. Yes,it is a different world today and some would argue that these things are neccessites,but i would argue they are doing alot of these young people more harm than good. Why go to the library when there is the internet? why have a face to face conversation when all i have to do is text you? Chess,Checkers and Monopoly…please!, where’s my XBOX? The need for “things” starts VERY early and if you are the ONLY kid in your school without the iphone..who’s the new oddball? I see a sad pattern.