I agree. And even though it's easy to blame the manufacturer / media / goverment I think in the end it's the consumer who is in charge of things. If we wouldn't buy those cheap things, there'd be no reason to make them...

Last year walmart had to close down in germany. Germans didn't like the way walmart treated their employees and their whole "business practice" so a lot of people boycotted the store.

I think we have to realize again just how powerful we are as consumers and start acting that way.

Allright, I'll step of my soap box now.

__________________

This is a tough one, because I agree with your philosophies. There are way too many people living above their means. Total agreement.

But, people work to pay bills and make what they consider better lives for themselves. Who is anyone else to judge what they want to spend their hard-earned money on? Yes, DVDs, TVS, etc. are all wants, not needs. But, who wants to work for just needs? Look around your own houses and I'll bet 90% of it is just wants. Who needs a dresser? Why not just get a cardboard box to put all your clothes in? Who needs a house with a bedroom? Laura Ingalls Wilder lived in a one-room cabin.

I guess the question is, who sets the standard for what one other person needs or wants?

I forget the name of the book, but it's about a woman and her boyfriend who decided not to spend for a whole year. Really makes you think! Anyway, it was eye-opening because in it, she found that although she considered herself to be non-materialistic, there were so many things she spent money on that she wanted, not needed. Even when it came down to toilet-paper, it was a major decision. What kind should she buy? She didn't NEED the more expensive softer brand that she usually bought, but then again...why not crumble up old newspapers and just use that? Very interesting and insightful.

Jiller, I think the book you're talking about it "Not Buying It". It was a recommended book on our very own Forget The Joneses project on this site.

I read it, and it was good. It made me think a LOT about what the difference is in MY life between wants/needs.

__________________
Carly
SAHM to:
DS Levi (9)
DD Abbey (7)

I'm going to look up that book now! It seems very interesting!

__________________
Lookin' for a bargin?? Check this out - http://mommysavers.com/boards/grocery-bargains/

I don't want to be critical of people's personal choices, but when they don't live within thier means and then get bailed out by the government or debt relief, it impacts me, the taxpayer, the interest payer, the cash payer.

Cathleen