I found this interesting, but... kind of sad too. So many people think they need to live like others, especially in an area like these people were in.

http://lifestyle.msn.com/mindbodyand...94839&GT1=9210

It's sad and frustrating to hear about people making a nice living having financial struggles, when they're totally preventable. Keeping up with the Joneses seems to be the new passtime of the upper middle class!

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I see tastes of what could happen for me. Thankfully, in a way, my spendy friends moved away due to his job promotion. They moved away from a major city and had two kids, so they have gotten better. But I could just imagine how hard it would be if they still lived here. Since my little guy started school, I have felt so inferior - driving my CRV behind their Lexus and BMW SUVs, and going to their very nice large homes. Many say they have no financial issues, and I do believe them - they certainly seem stress free. However, they did pay their dues, too - children later in life, went to school, some got inheritances or made money through real estate. Husbands are professionals and executives.

However, we chose to live here. We like the lifestyle here, even if we don't have the biggest, nicest house on the block and have professionals landscape every week. Just wish I could get DH to pull weeds!

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We were alsmost these people. we bought a house in a fancy communtity and guess what we started spending more and more. We finaly relized what was happening and sold our house and moved into an area that we fit into. Now it is much easier for me to live within my means. We are much happier and didnt have to go bankrupt. Those were the worst three years of my life/

I mean - I don't condone that kind of debt/spending/mentality at all. But - my DH and I are hoping to put our house on the market in the next couple of months. We talked to our mortgage guy this weekend to see what we can really afford. Much to my EXTREME disbelief, we were approved for a mortgage that is 50% of my husband's gross (yes, gross) pay. In our area, housing is very expensive. I see how people can convince themselves that they can manage that kind of mortgage. But, that's how people start getting into credit card trouble. But, I also think that people just have some weird entitlement thing going on, too.

I read this a couple months back in one of my magazines (a subscription I got off this board, I might add ), and it was a real eye-opener. I had no idea that people went to such extremes and it helped me to keep perspective for my own life.

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A very sad story. I know some people that have similar stories (or so it seems) and I just feel sad for them. Until they realize they have to change (like Dan did), then there isn't much you can do to help.

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a friend of mine is currently over 95,000 in debt with nothing to show for it, and planning a 20,000 wedding. and they do not have a high income at all. especially since her dh to be is hurt and can't work right now and he used to make a good income.

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Kimberley

"there is nothing to worry about, just plenty to think about" from an episode of Extreme Makeover House edition

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Are You Living Beyond Your Means?

I live in a society in which I regularly receive offers for credit cards. The offers tell me I am "pre-approved." Some offers encourage me to take a second mortgage on my home.

Other advertisements encourage me to buy various products and services. "Easy credit" is available, I'm told. "Free gift for applying." "Buy now, pay later." "Instant approval." "Take up to three years to pay."

Whether you live in a credit society or not, let's take a look at the problems of credit in the United States, where I live. For what is occurring in the U.S. could likely be visited on many nations long range.

There are several brand new expensive SUVs or minivans in the parking lot at preschool. I roll in with my 99 Suburban or my husbands' 88 Chevy pickup. We aren't into keeping up with anyone. I like to keep things nice but am not into having the best of everything.