Do you have a spending problem?

[Jeff]

I sure do, for a long string of months i've maxed out my card, but i feel i might make the right choice in a fortnight and only get 2 items that together are under 100 dollars, whereas the most i could spend would be 600, then if i can do that 2 more months my debt would be taken care of, and then with further wise choices, getting less, making that the new norm i could be saving towards renting a movie theatre that would have 100 of my favorites and films i want to see, for a few weeks and that i could smoke and drink and a special seat that's a toilet also, and i would die there seeing those lovely films on the big screen. 2045 i predict this to happen, Summer, in L.A.

[Citizen Rules]

Yes I do. I have no money to spend. That's a problem.

[beelzebubble]

No, I don't. But I do eat out to often. Right now, I am into thrifting. I'm usually there to buy some housewares but I also like to get CDs and DVDs. It is so much fun to spend 75 cents on what used to be $12. Today I am listening to a Glenn Miller CD. I have a DVD of Cronenberg's Crash. I haven't seen it yet.

[doubledenim]

Seems like another crisis thread that the OP will abandon after today.

[John McClane]

I used to but now I have no money.

[ynwtf]

Yes I do. I have no money to spend. That's a problem.

I love The Music Man.
That's something, considering how little I like musicals in general.

[Mr Minio]

I have the opposite problem. I spend too little unless I really need something. I mostly pay for food and utilities and that's it.

[Yoda]

Short answer: no.

Longer answer: most of my life, absolutely not, super frugal, grew up poor, instilled a general background fear about scarcity that, while sometimes unpleasant, has undoubtedly served me well. But after selling our starter house and buying a new one a couple of years ago, and just saving and working for a long time, we've gotten more comfortable and have resolved to spend a bit more to make the new house/life as comfortable as possible, so we're spending more than we have before. Probably still not a lot by most standards, and definitely well within our means, but it's been a major change, psychologically. There are a lot of events that are big enough you think of them primarily in before/after terms, and for us one of them has been buying this house and selling the previous one.

[Captain Steel]

Seems like another crisis thread that the OP will abandon after today.

Maybe they're like me... I never abandon my own threads... but everyone else does (and I can only respond to myself for so long). ;)

[AgrippinaX]

Seems like another crisis thread that the OP will abandon after today.

A ‘crisis thread’ is a wonderful expression.

[TONGO]

At first I thought this was the budget thread Sedai opened a month or so ago.


Answer, I'm better than I was, but have alot of room for improvement.

[Captain Steel]

Short answer: no.

Longer answer: most of my life, absolutely not, super frugal, grew up poor, instilled a general background fear about scarcity that, while sometimes unpleasant, has undoubtedly served me well. But after selling our starter house and buying a new one a couple of years ago, and just saving and working for a long time, we've gotten more comfortable and have resolved to spend a bit more to make the new house/life as comfortable as possible, so we're spending more than we have before. Probably still not a lot by most standards, and definitely well within our means, but it's been a major change, psychologically. There are a lot of events that are big enough you think of them primarily in before/after terms, and for us one of them has been buying this house and selling the previous one.

I don't think I got my first credit card until long after college.

I had a similar upbringing and my parents taught me well about money.

First, there's no such thing as free money (and any loan - such as a credit card gives you - involves interest, so unless you pay your card off in full each month, you are literally paying MORE for everything you buy on credit... as if inflation isn't bad enough).

Second, never spend more than you have or can earn. This is where people go wrong with credit cards and the erroneous concept they carry that they'll pay for anything (as if it's free money loaned to you). Whereas the reality is they only create debt for YOU if you use them as intended (paying the minimum each month). So: never borrow & never be in debt.

Third: save, save, save. Unless you were born rich or inherited money, this is the only way to ever have enough to get by. A key to saving is not to overspend (such as relying on credit) and to limit spending overall as a lifestyle. In other words: don't live above your means. Live on a budget, ignore the desire for immediate gratification, and waste nothing.

In short, this entire issue boils down to simple self-discipline.
(But then again, so does my being overweight - so I realize a lot of it is easier said than done.) ;)

[Stirchley]

I sure do, for a long string of months i've maxed out my card, but i feel i might make the right choice in a fortnight and only get 2 items that together are under 100 dollars, whereas the most i could spend would be 600, then if i can do that 2 more months my debt would be taken care of, and then with further wise choices, getting less, making that the new norm i could be saving towards renting a movie theatre that would have 100 of my favorites and films i want to see, for a few weeks and that i could smoke and drink and a special seat that's a toilet also, and i would die there seeing those lovely films on the big screen. 2045 i predict this to happen, Summer, in L.A.

I’m can’t get past the “special seat that’s a toilet”. :eek:

No, I don't. But I do eat out to often. Right now, I am into thrifting. I'm usually there to buy some housewares but I also like to get CDs and DVDs. It is so much fun to spend 75 cents on what used to be $12. Today I am listening to a Glenn Miller CD. I have a DVD of Cronenberg's Crash. I haven't seen it yet.

Crash is a brilliant movie.

Local hospital has a new thrift shop. I got a long dress (fits beautifully), a yellow cardigan, a 100% cotton top from India, a small cute handbag, some nesting hat boxes & a clock in the shape of a coffee cup, which is perfect for me. Grand total: $49! Such a deal.

To be honest I don’t need to visit a thrift shop (Lord knows I’ve given away entire closets full of stuff), but I do love a good thrift shop.

[Stirchley]

… so unless you pay your card off in full each month,

I pay off my card(s) in full every month. I cannot abide paying interest.

[Citizen Rules]

I doubt anyone here spends less per month for living cost than me unless you're a teen and living at home. I'd say how little I live off, but no one would believe me. I'd venture a guess that many of you spend in a week what I spend in one or even two months. My simple plan is to 'tighten the old belt' as much as possible. I do without all the extras that most can't live without and that's fine with me.

[ScannerDarkly]

If I didn't have a rent problem, my spending problems would be non exsistent

[ScannerDarkly]

I doubt anyone here spends less per month for living cost than me unless you're a teen and living at home. I'd say how little I live off, but no one would believe me. I'd venture a guess that many of you spend in a week what I spend in one or even two months. My simple plan is to 'tighten the old belt' as much as possible. I do without all the extras that most can't live without and that's fine with me.


I won't challenge you, but I'm also living on the bare minimum. I'm in classes and ive decided to eccelerate that in favor of working full time and having money; I have somewhat of a luxury in doing so, but not much, and every month I'm dipping down. I've also decided that working full time is pretty much a scam unless it's something you like doing.

[Citizen Rules]

...
I won't challenge you, but I'm also living on the bare minimum. I'm in classes and ive decided to eccelerate that in favor of working full time; I have somewhat of a luxury in doing so, but not much, and every month I'm dipping down.

]I've also decided that working full time is pretty much a scam unless it's something you like doing.You know what, I agree! To me the most important thing is free time. If you can enjoy your time, you're a rich person!

[Yoda]

You know what, I agree! To me the most important thing is free time. If you can enjoy your time, you're a rich person!
I'm sure this sounds cheesy but boy, is it true. Ultimately money is a means to an end, and it's very helpful to figure out what that end is in order to figure out what's worth spending on. I like money insofar as it allows me to do the things I love and exercise control over my life, and as I came to realize this and make decisions accordingly, I found my level of happiness grew substantially.

[Jeff]

Valuable perspectives, thanks everyone!!

[Jeff]

I’m can’t get past the “special seat that’s a toilet”. :eek:

My point is absolute vegetational bliss to end my life, not getting up for anything, i have to add therefore that there would be a nurse injecting me with powerful tranquilizers every hour.

[Jeff]

Seems like another crisis thread that the OP will abandon after today.

For noticing i'd like to send you my copy of Part 1 of Malcom X!!! :laugh:

[John McClane]

When I'm dead and gone the one thing they ain't gonna be saying is "it's a shame they had so little money"

[ScannerDarkly]

You know what, I agree! To me the most important thing is free time. If you can enjoy your time, you're a rich person!


I saw your comment before the edit. As far as living frugally, you've got me beat by miles ;)

[Mr Minio]

Time is precious. Just imagine I had no time to watch 18,725 movies! Well, I did.

[FilmBuff]

Only 18,725?

https://i.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTc5MGI3NjExY3ZnMWwxbnpnbDdreHk1MWhwNXFjYnVtcnBzODRmNHI5djY4ZG5oayZlcD12MV9pbnRlcm5hbF9naWZfY nlfaWQmY3Q9Zw/rpRVLhPHMbK1ILfPmE/giphy.gif

[Miss Vicky]

Considering I spent like $40 DoorDashing lunch today, probably.

[Captain Steel]

A bit off topic, but the one thing that always bothered me about my "being rich" fantasies is that money doesn't solve one of my key problems... I hate shopping, calling people on the phone, interviewing or hiring contractors and being asked about my next decision.

I'd have to be SO rich that I could hire a personal assistant who would do all the shopping, calling, interviewing and hiring for me... but even that would involve a lengthy interview & hiring process = the very thing I don't want to do.

I'd like a new car, but the very prospect of shopping for one keeps me driving a 23-year-old automobile.

I'd like a fantasy mansion with a swimming grotto and waterfall over natural rocks - but do you know what it takes (besides the money) to have such custom-made things?

Many hours of interviewing contractors & trying to find ones that are reliable, going over plans & drawings & blueprints, picking out colors & textures & "looks".

I've dealt with a few wealthy people who can afford to customize everything in their home, and I'm sure it's worth it when it's all done (but for such people it's rarely ever all done)... and their lives are filled with constant construction noise, contractors roaming throughout their house, constant checking of security systems & cameras, being on the phone all day, fielding non-stop questions: "How high should the rock waterfall be? Because every extra foot is another 10 grand! So how much exactly are you willing to spend?"

Then there's the bookkeeping, finances, taxes, etc.! Such a life of luxury is really one of constantly dealing with strangers in your house, at your door, on the phone, and trying to communicate your decisions to those you're paying.

[Yoda]

Yeah, even being quite wealthy, you couldn't avoid a lot of day-to-day hassles.

There are some studies that show that happiness increases up to some upper-middle-class level of wealth (I think it's like $80-100K a year, something like that), and then plateaus for a long time, which fits what you're saying. At that point, if you're at all responsible, you're comfortable, don't lack for necessities, and can afford a handful of luxuries too. You're mostly free of day to day worry. But the next meaningful jump in quality of life is way higher, probably in the millions, where you can hire actual staff or something.

For most people, the primary benefit of money is not having to worry about money.

Of course, a lot of people just get really into cooking or gardening or whatever so that they don't mind it any more, turn the things you have to do into hobbies unto themselves so you can luxuriate in them more.

[FilmBuff]

Considering I spent like $40 DoorDashing lunch today, probably.

How many people were you hosting?

[John McClane]

ain’t no millionaires hiring staff to do their basic tasks unless they are on their way to a billionaire. they’re using company services just like everyone else (grocery deliver, bulk laundry services, etc). the amount of money you’d need to be making to maintain a hired staff is pretty insane. besides, why create more paperwork for the tax guy?

all my rich fantasies involve giving it all away, and then shame the rest of the rich whilst doing it. and i’m not talking no “make my own foundation” or “by the time i’m dead”. them commas gonna be gone by the end of next week. :lol:

[Jeff]

It's becoming more refined in my thoughts now thanks to the responses, and wise approaches to this topic. I've spent YEARS getting things like mad, so that at some point i'd slow down a heck of a lot, and now is the time i feel. My fantasy about renting a movie theatre is just silly, more like saving up enough to pay for my funeral, and whatever is needed to clean up this pigsty of a home.

Learn to love what you already have, for example i'm starting to stick with a Stephen King novel, and it's entertaining the crap out of me!!

A monthly spending of no more than 100 per month on DVD and Blu-ray has to be the rule except on certain occasions when there's a set that's more, therefore a goodly amount of months where it's under 100, and so to also treat saving as a game, treating it that way is more likely to happen, when i'd clean up the room for example, i who hate work would take an interest in what i was throwing away or keeping, and talking to myself in a cartoony way, and giggling and singing made up nonsense songs. That's for me how things get done!!

[Captain Steel]

ain’t no millionaires hiring staff to do their basic tasks unless they are on their way to a billionaire. they’re using company services just like everyone else (grocery deliver, bulk laundry services, etc). the amount of money you’d need to be making to maintain a hired staff is pretty insane. besides, why create more paperwork for the tax guy?

all my rich fantasies involve giving it all away, and then shame the rest of the rich whilst doing it. and i’m not talking no “make my own foundation” or “by the time i’m dead”. them commas gonna be gone by the end of next week. :lol:

I always imagined a reality show where struggling families would be picked to be given a few million dollars, then the show would follow them to see what they did with it. (I don't like most reality shows - but I'd watch that).

I did see a documentary years ago that was more of a social experiment, where they (I don't know who "they" are) gave a homeless guy about a half million dollars. He helped out some family members which was nice, but stupidly bought some lady at a bar he went to a giant truck, kind of on a whim - which put a huge dent in his new wealth.
Long story short: by the end of a year he was broke again with little to show for it (except an even stronger addiction to alcohol as he was more easily able to feed it with the money).

[Miss Vicky]

How many people were you hosting?

That was just for me.

[Citizen Rules]

I wonder if I'm alone in this, but I never day dream about being rich. I know most everyone dreams about what they would do if they won the lottery or had millions of dollars. But I never think of that as I don't care and don't desire material things, other than the simply things I already own.

[doubledenim]

If you have a spending problem, be happy it’s not a drug problem!

That’s a spending problem with a side of collateral damage on the house!

[John McClane]

If you have a spending problem, be happy it’s not a drug problem!

That’s a spending problem with a side of collateral damage on the house!That's why you become a dealer. Then you can slash prices!

[beelzebubble]

I’m can’t get past the “special seat that’s a toilet”. :eek:



Crash is a brilliant movie.

Local hospital has a new thrift shop. I got a long dress (fits beautifully), a yellow cardigan, a 100% cotton top from India, a small cute handbag, some nesting hat boxes & a clock in the shape of a coffee cup, which is perfect for me. Grand total: $49! Such a deal.

To be honest I don’t need to visit a thrift shop (Lord knows I’ve given away entire closets full of stuff), but I do love a good thrift shop.
Nice haul!

[Jeff]

Thanks everyone, i'm gonna see if i can stop using interactive media for awhile, this spending problem issue is for me what has kickstarted an awakening, for all my film needs i come like a thirsty desert nomad to the fountain of everlasting life that is my collection, silent cinema is thee best, and there is so much to taste in small doses as much of it is short films or 1 or 2 reelers.

I'll be debt free and cured of that pernicious get more disease if i should ever return, but seriously, the way i watch stuff now is similar to how i did it before i had the internet at home, no means of keeping track except pen and paper and too much time would be wasted with that, like in a dream and using memory and chance, i watch what i am led to, believing that every purchase was made through an eternal force, but not like that of Star Wars, rather a hidden secret force which was tasted in childhood and teenager years as coming from nature, baroque music, and rare human relationships, for me they were angels. Take care all, and may you gain mastery in all areas in which you desire it, it could be spending or something else. For the general quality of life, i bid thee adieu.

[Stirchley]

A bit off topic, but the one thing that always bothered me about my "being rich" fantasies is that money doesn't solve one of my key problems... I hate shopping, calling people on the phone, interviewing or hiring contractors and being asked about my next decision.

Ugh, I HATE calling people on the phone. The thought fills me with dread. Making appointments? I’d rather not.

Right now we are looking for a carpenter to rebuild our very dangerous front steps that are wooden & falling apart. Do you think I can find a carpenter? Nooooooooo! I am now guessing that all carpenters are very busy in the summer plus the fact that my job would be considered a small job that nobody wants to be bothered with. Walked past a house today that has brand-new wooden front steps. Ugh, that’s what I need & want. :mad:

PS We did interview one guy recommended by a doctor friend. He turned up, was quite nice, but never heard from again. So frickin rude!

[Citizen Rules]

....Right now we are looking for a carpenter to rebuild our very dangerous front steps that are wooden & falling apart. Do you think I can find a carpenter? Nooooooooo! I am now guessing that all carpenters are very busy in the summer plus the fact that my job would be considered a small job that nobody wants to be bothered with. Walked past a house today that has brand-new wooden front steps. Ugh, that’s what I need & want...Our front and back steps and porch is wooden and falling apart too...and that's my next project to rebuild both of them which I'll do myself.

[John-Connor]

Ontopic, nope..
99113
Calculator watch since 1988..:cool:

[Citizen Rules]

Ontopic, nope..
https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=99113
Calculator watch since 1988..:cool:Ohh, cool! That would sell well on ebay.

[Stirchley]

Our front and back steps and porch is wooden and falling apart too...and that's my next project to rebuild both of them which I'll do myself.

Same. Back steps have fallen apart & 3-season porch has a huge hole in the roof. We can’t use this room at all.

Husband built all these things, but cannot do it right now. If we can’t find a carpenter, we will have to wait until he can do it. :rolleyes:

It was so much easier when I lived in a Manhattan apartment when someone else did all the maintenance & it wasn’t my problem.

[Captain Steel]

Ugh, I HATE calling people on the phone. The thought fills me with dread. Making appointments? I’d rather not.

Right now we are looking for a carpenter to rebuild our very dangerous front steps that are wooden & falling apart. Do you think I can find a carpenter? Nooooooooo! I am now guessing that all carpenters are very busy in the summer plus the fact that my job would be considered a small job that nobody wants to be bothered with. Walked past a house today that has brand-new wooden front steps. Ugh, that’s what I need & want. :mad:

PS We did interview one guy recommended by a doctor friend. He turned up, was quite nice, but never heard from again. So frickin rude!

I hear this all the time. Especially the part about contractors not wanting any small jobs. Yet, I constantly see advertising for "handy man" or someone willing to do "odd jobs" and even with the text: "no job too small." But apparently, no one can get a hold of these people or they're too overbooked to take on more work. Weird, isn't it?

[doubledenim]

Ontopic, nope..
99113
Calculator watch since 1988..:cool:

Only one!?!

[John-Connor]

Only one!?!
Only one what? Only one calculator watch; no, I had two, this one and a tacky (fake) gold one..:D only one watch; no, I have too many.. only one calculator; no..
What I meant by my post was, I can count therefore I don't have a spending problem or debts..

https://a1cf74336522e87f135f-2f21ace9a6cf0052456644b80fa06d4f.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/images/characters/large/800/The-Count.Sesame-Street.webp

[doubledenim]

I was at work and couldn't workshop the bit about wearing multiple watches.
Talking other kids out of their watches, so...


https://i.imgur.com/zD4HKo4.png

[Stirchley]

I hear this all the time. Especially the part about contractors not wanting any small jobs. Yet, I constantly see advertising for "handy man" or someone willing to do "odd jobs" and even with the text: "no job too small." But apparently, no one can get a hold of these people or they're too overbooked to take on more work. Weird, isn't it?

Weird & annoying.

Actually a friend told me yesterday that Home Depot does all kinds of work. Their website is humungous, but I found the carpentry section & what we need is called a stairway. (Who knew?) Will have to drop off here, phone them & see if someone will come out & take a look.

[Galactic Traveler]

Both my wife and I are frugal with our money. Each of us work and make decent wages but she is by far the more stricter one on spending, except when ordering Chinese food. Each month we put aside money for savings, stocks and bonds. We generally try and stay more conservative with our investments (no high risk areas). We own our home so no mortgage payments. Hoping that in the end we both can retire comfortably. I will say this. I USED to have a gambling issue. Mainly it was roulette using the martingale system which is pretty solid for gambling. Despite usually coming home with a profit my wife made me give it up. She despised the risk I was taking each night.

[Stirchley]

Both my wife and I are frugal with our money. Each of us work and make decent wages but she is by far the more stricter one on spending, except when ordering Chinese food. Each month we put aside money for savings, stocks and bonds. We generally try and stay more conservative with our investments (no high risk areas). We own our home so no mortgage payments. Hoping that in the end we both can retire comfortably. I will say this. I USED to have a gambling issue. Mainly it was roulette using the martingale system which is pretty solid for gambling. Despite usually coming home with a profit my wife made me give it up. She despised the risk I was taking each night.

You’re mortgage-free so that’s an accomplishment. I paid off ours & I love the feeling of owning our house & land completely free of a bank.

[WrinkledMind]

I have a different kind of spending problem here.


I am the miser in my family, relatives & friends group.
It is seen as a problem by everyone close to me.

[doubledenim]

As long as nobody suffers from it, I don’t see a problem. If your health and nutrition suffer, while the roof is falling in, it may be.