No. My neighbors seem happy. Especially the ones in the more expensive lot of houses - over twice mine. They have all the accoutrements and seem happy. They are in their 30-50s, so I think they moved from California, have bought and sold homes in the past, are college educated w/good jobs and businesses. Some have inheritances.
We also have multi-million $ homes nearby and their owners don't look like they're stressing about $. In fact, many of these folks seem at peace.

__________________
Make someone's heart smile today.

Can dark get darker?

I'm in the same situation as someone else who posted that they have a camper, an ATV, and a trailer to haul it. We have these things ONLY because we got great deals on them (bought them from friends who owed us money) and we love to go camping. The ATV comes in handy when we're out on our property (only a 1/2 acre, folks!) and go out looking for mesquite to burn in the campfire. That's about the only thing we've used it for. And the camper is not big, nor is it new, nor do I rub the fact that we HAVE ONE in anyones' face. (Why would I? It's practically 35 years old!! )

The only time it bugs me that people have "toys" (which covers alot of ground, actually) is when they use it BLATENTLY as a measure of comparing themselves to other people. Kind of like the snobby, rich kids in high school who wouldn't dare be seen with anyone who didn't have designer labels on their clothing. Or people who ONLY interact with those who are up to their "social status". This shows the true depth of their personalities, if you ask me, and is a rather shallow way to live.

But, no. I don't automatically "label" someone who has nice things. However, if they speak condescendingly towards me about it...well, that's another story!!

__________________
Whoever said "Ain't nothin' in life for free"
had obviously never visited
The MommySavers Samples & Freebies Forum!!



Come on over...to the "FREE side"!!
http://mommysavers.com/boards/sample...eebies-offers/

I live in an area where people with very modest means have some really big-boy toys that I don't think I'm in a position to afford. We went camping with our volunteer group last year. Hubby and I were the only ones without an RV - and some of the families in the group are one step away from collecting food stamps! I have a nephew who lives in a dumpy, cramped, tiny apartment but he has a great, custom built kayak that he spent thousands of dollars on. He told his parents he'll have to get a better place to live just so he can get a garage to store his kayak.

It is all about choices. I guess I rather stay in a hotel than an RV. I rather rent a boat (or go on a cruise) than own one.

__________________
"I've been rich and I've been poor but independently wealthy is where it is at."

My blogs:
Oh!: http://oh-cookie.blogspot.com/
The Foundation Club: http://thefoundationclub.blogspot.com/
12 Months to a Homemade Christmas: http://12monthstoahomemadechristmas.blogspot.com/
Experiences, Not Things: http://experiencesnotthings.blogspot.com/

If you'd like to be friends on Facebook, PM me.

I think it sgreat!! Some people have the boat or camper whatever and that is there family activity!! That is the thing they spend money on!!

__________________
http://tickers.bump-and-beyond.com/34/3431/343117.png

I don't but based on various thread of similar topics, it seems a lot of people do. My thoughts are that people think that way to makes them feel better about their own situation.

I don't care either way who has all the "toys" and who doesn't.
It only bothers me when the idiots across the street from me(long story there!) have 2 brand new snowmobiles on a trailer parked in their yard,they NEVER use them and then complain they are so broke all the time.Here's an idea......SELL THEM!!!
Otherwise i don't care, but it does get a bit annoying having neighbors like mine that insist on having these items,never using them and then crying about how they can't pay their heat/light bill during the winter months.I guess they are just pretty lawn ornaments to them?

__________________
"Go on, get outside, get the stink blown off ya!!"

Life is too short. If someone wants to buy toys and splurge on vacations to do things that they really enjoy, then who am I to criticize them for it? It is not my place to judge someone else when what they are doing doesn't impact me and any of my loved ones in any way. If they are hurting no one else, then whose business is it?! Certainly not mine.

I say, if you can afford it without taking away necessities for your family, then go ahead and enjoy the fun that life and the world have to offer.

__________________

I agree! We see it all the time at the lake...people and their toys and you know what I think? If you can afford it...good for you! When we can afford things we splurge on them too...I'd hate to think what people assume about us and our electronics! The key there is 'afford it'...as an example...my BIL and SIL...They have a 1/2 million dollar home, no kids. Great..good for you! They got a boat, again great! good for you. Then they got a bigger boat b/c BIL 'friends' had a bigger boat, I don't want to hear hoe much it cost to fill it for a day in the ocean( I personally don't care) I don't want to hear that you're now struggling b/c of the choices you made. If you're happy then I'm happy for you...but if you can't make ends meet b/c you had to have bigger and better than the guy next door...I don't want to hear about it.
I suppose I'm like Happymom in this regard...I have enough to keep up with in my own life, let alone worry about yours. If your 'toys' make you happy...then great for you, I begrudge you nothing...but I'm not going to feel bad for you if you can't afford them.

__________________

I try not to make that assumption because we too enjoy our toys. Honestly people tend to assume too much about one another and honestly its just rude.

I don't see it as an attempt to cover an empty life either. I've heard a variation of that thought posted several times and honestly it gets under my skin. Dh and I are very happy and our "toys" are just another way we spend time together and have fun. Just because we have some nice things doesn't mean we are trying to fill a void in our lives.

__________________
Proud mommy to adorable Kinsley

people who work also need to be able to enjoy their down time...and if you can budget it in...toys...good clothes whatever SHOULD be on your list....you gotta have something to show for the efforts outside of just the basics I think.

__________________