Whats Ruining Society? [Wall of Text]

**Vasu** · 03-09-2009, 03:38 AM

How is spending on expensive items ruining our society? If you've earned the money, it's your wish if you want to splurge or save...

**Yosei** · 03-09-2009, 04:11 AM

Its a whole chain of things. It'd take a lot to explain.

But thats the mentality I'm talking about... I earned the money, so I should spend it.

My rant is more towards the people who do spend money because they have it, and will use good chunks of their money on whats basically... pointlessly expensive items. Such as the iphone and ipod (well the ipods not as bad, but the newer ones are pricey).

This rant wasn't directly at apple... its just an example.

My friend got his first credit card a few years ago. He went hog wild with it, didn't budget, didn't pay attention to his spending. He was the one with the job, he was the one with the money, he was the one with the credit card. He's do stuff for us, such as buying us little things here and there, picking up the bill at restaurants. He soon was $400 in debt. A lot for his age.

My mom got a $130 check this week as compensation for her foot. Does that mean she wants to spend it? She earned it... she deserves the money. Doesn't mean she's going to spend it? No. She could. She needs a new vacuum and could've used it to get professional hand-made shoes specifically for her feet.

But its not just about being able to spend the money. Its ridiculous standards. Why would someone want to spend so much on an item? That's like buying a $200 pair of pants when there's a $30 pair of pants next to it, they look the same, one just looks a little fancier and is by a bigger brand name.

**Vasu** · 03-09-2009, 04:27 AM

I'm just saying it's their choice. A credit card isn't "earned" money. It's a type of loan. If you've earned money it's entirely your choice whether you want to buy a $200 phone or a $10 one. There's nothing "wrong" or "selfish" about it.

**Hessah** · 03-09-2009, 04:31 AM

But that's just... human... You'll pay more for things that you like...

Of coz, people should only use "spare cash" for things they desire.. going into debt and spend the money that needs to be spent elsewhere is not appropriate... (like octomom spending her compensation for plastic surgery when there's 14 kids waiting to be fed..? it's all good if she doesnt have kids and only need to feed herself)

It's almost like asking people why should they spend money on an Internet game, it's just pixels and it doesnt give you anything IRL... coz people enjoy it and like it..

otherwise.. why work so hard to earn the money for? Does that mean we should downgrade ourselves to earn JUST enough money to feed ourselves and people taht depends on us? and not try get a bit more for things that we enjoy our lives with?

But if someone earns $300, needs $150 for food and goes and buy $200 pair of jeans JUST for their desire... this person will go into strive very soon...

**Vasu** · 03-09-2009, 04:36 AM

Quote:

But if someone earns $300, needs $150 for food and goes and buy $200 pair of jeans JUST for their desire... this person will go into strive very soon...

Well, that person got what he wanted. It's like I always think. Take what you want, and pay for it.

**Hessah** · 03-09-2009, 04:40 AM

then he's gonna starve himself and bet on the street coz he doesn't have the $50 to feed himself for 1/3 of the month?

you need to spend based on wat you earn...

**Vasu** · 03-09-2009, 04:43 AM

The fact that he's starving is entirely his fault. He should have known the consequences when he bought the pants. If he put fancy pants higher on his priority list than food, then he got what he wanted.

**Hessah** · 03-09-2009, 04:48 AM

I don't understand, you're saying it's OK for him to get wat he wants, but it's his fault for not being able to feed himself... How is that OK then?

He'll now have to borrow $50 from his friend / from the bank to feed himself...

OK Yosei, I think I understand your point... LOL When people think its OK to spend MORE than they could afford for useless luxuries.. get themselves into debt.. yup that's ruining the economic.. coz you will no longer be able to support yourself, and will start hving to rely on others... that's a debt to the society alright..