Do you prefer to

live comfortably yet modestly

or

stretch yourself a little thinner financially to attain more "material success" (for lack of a better term)?

Example:

Older car, but no payment therefore more cash in pocket

Vs

Newer flashier car, but things are tight for awhile until you catch up

Re: Do you prefer to

I'm not going to lie....before I would have preffered to stretch myself thin however my priorities are different now so I prefer to live comfortably yet modestly.

Re: Do you prefer to

Comfortably with an occasional stretch for some items like clothes or a trip (I def. wouldn't live hand-to-mouth for a car).

Re: Do you prefer to

I think you need to find balance

I have a car payment- but in order to drive the car I want- I was willing to cut back on other things - no more perm french nails, I don't buy lunch or breakfast at work, cheaper gym membership, etc all little things that all up

I personally think life is short- and you should get to enjoy things that you want - I lost my Mom when she was very young and watched he never buy herself anything- b/c she was saving it for later- well later came and she never got to enjoy the fruits of her labor

so for me and my DH we try to find balance with what we want- and what we are willing to cut back on

Re: Do you prefer to

comfortably. I hate the stress of bills.

Re: Do you prefer to

I'm kind of in the middle. I hate when bills pile up, so I'm always trying to save and pay things off. But then my "wants" get the better of me and I have a hard time saying that I don't need certain things. Although, I have no trouble telling DH when he doesn't need things

Message edited 7/13/2007 11:51:38 AM.

Re: Do you prefer to

Message edited 7/13/2007 11:53:53 AM.

Re: Do you prefer to

live comfortably yet modestly


My car is from 1996.

Re: Do you prefer to

Definitely to live comfortably. We always buy used cars, buy houses that are less than we can probably afford, etc.

I don't want to live with the stress of trying to attain this, that or other, all material things. I'd prefer happiness in my relationships, career, etc.

I was definitely the "stretch myself thin" kind of person when I was younger, but learned it's a quick route to serious debt and misery. I've learned as I get older that I care much less about having things just for the sake of having them, and proving to the world that I can afford them.

Don't get me wrong, I certainly appreciate things of beauty and comfort. But, if I can't afford them, I can't afford them and I'm not going to stress about it. I'd rather have money in the bank so I don't have to stress about what would happen if one of us were to lose our job, than have a lot of "stuff".

Re: Do you prefer to

live comfortably yet modestly

Re: Do you prefer to

Re: Do you prefer to

Re: Do you prefer to

Re: Do you prefer to

Comfortably but modestly.

I just got rid of my 1991 car last year. I was in a full time volunteer program for 2 years and really learned which things in life are really necessities and which are really "wants".

Re: Do you prefer to

DH and I are def stretchers. We know in a yr or so everything will be fine because DH will become owner. So we buy what we want and worry about it later

We are def live in the moment type people.

Re: Do you prefer to

Normally I am all about living leaner and being comfortable. I don't have a huge desire for material success. I like in a hovel - but it is MY hovel. And I am proud of it. I don't have designer shoes or fancy bags and my wedding didn't cost a gajillion dollars.

BUT... currently I am CRAVING a new car. Not a new used car - but a NEW car. I don't want a big fancy, shmancy car... in fact I am opting for a lower end car. My payments would be moderate.. but I would be better off buying a new used car for 10K outright and not having payments at all.

Woe is me.

Message edited 7/13/2007 12:18:53 PM.

Re: Do you prefer to

Posted by 5ofClubs

DH and I are def stretchers. We know in a yr or so everything will be fine because DH will become owner. So we buy what we want and worry about it later

We are def live in the moment type people.

Re: Do you prefer to

i like to live comfortably in all respects, but i guess the modestly part is up for debate. i treat myself to the things i really want but am willing to cut back in other ways that don't matter as much so that we aren't stressed financially.

others looking in from the outside might have their own opinions about whether or not we live modestly. but i think we do.

Re: Do you prefer to

Re: Do you prefer to

Comfortably and modestly, but not cheaply.

I save a ton and plan to retire very early... however, I have nice things, splurge on some things, and don't believe in denying yourself some of the finer things in life.

Re: Do you prefer to

definately comfortably moderate.

I know people who have thousand dollar "it" bags that literally can not afford food.

Re: Do you prefer to

Posted by neenie

For example- I drive a 99 Sentra. I have no payments, it gets like a million miles per gallon and its great- small, easy to handle/park/etc. But, if/when we have kids, it doesnt offer the space/safety that i would want/need. So here's where the whole crazy guilt pains come in: I love the lexus RX 330 and the BMW X5... and figure if i'm going to have a car payment anyway, i may as well get the one that i love. I can afford it, although it would be a much higher monthly payment that we need. But, then i get all anti-materialistic and think about how i really dont need to spend that much money on a car and that it would use up so much more gas than other cars/suvs. I guess it comes from growing up poor and realizing that i ended up fine eventhough i didnt have any luxuries. And i think about all the things that could be done with that money, and feel guilty thinking about driving around in a car that costs more than anyone should really pay for a car- while other people are starving and sleeping on the streets- yes, i know me buying a car isnt keeping them from having a meal, but something about it just doesnt seem right. I dont know- maybe my mom was just really good at the Irish guilt?

so anyway (if you're still reading) I guess the point it- there are luxury things that i like and would consider... but when it comes down to it, i'm just too practical about it.

Re: Do you prefer to

Posted by BabyAvocado

Posted by neenie

For example- I drive a 99 Sentra. I have no payments, it gets like a million miles per gallon and its great- small, easy to handle/park/etc. But, if/when we have kids, it doesnt offer the space/safety that i would want/need. So here's where the whole crazy guilt pains come in: I love the lexus RX 330 and the BMW X5... and figure if i'm going to have a car payment anyway, i may as well get the one that i love. I can afford it, although it would be a much higher monthly payment that we need. But, then i get all anti-materialistic and think about how i really dont need to spend that much money on a car and that it would use up so much more gas than other cars/suvs. I guess it comes from growing up poor and realizing that i ended up fine eventhough i didnt have any luxuries. And i think about all the things that could be done with that money, and feel guilty thinking about driving around in a car that costs more than anyone should really pay for a car- while other people are starving and sleeping on the streets- yes, i know me buying a car isnt keeping them from having a meal, but something about it just doesnt seem right. I dont know- maybe my mom was just really good at the Irish guilt?

so anyway (if you're still reading) I guess the point it- there are luxury things that i like and would consider... but when it comes down to it, i'm just too practical about it.

I heart you!

Re: Do you prefer to

Re: Do you prefer to