A burning, ongoing question- I just don't get it - Page 3

[Denvergirlie]

Originally Posted by Jessmcg

I just see so much judgment in this thread and it makes me sad. I am sure some deserve it, but some also do not

I second this statement.

[SusannahM]

Originally Posted by blueridgewoman

Yep, they could be in debt, or they could do what the PP said and get stuff used or broken and fix it.

For instance, we're getting new countertops next week. We're about to have a 60% drop in income when I have a baby and cannot afford new counters. How did we get them? My father saw them at our dump resale shop, and we were able to purchase them for $10. And they're Corian, in great shape. My father is going to piece them together to work for us and install them for free.

Sometimes things definitely aren't as they seem.

This jus reminded me of something else with my family. My other uncle is a contractor for Home Depot, installing all types of things. He gets to pretty much take anything he rips out home if he wants. You should see the kitchen at my grandparents' house, all done for free!

[lmonter]

Originally Posted by SusannahM

This just reminded me of something else with my family. My other uncle is a contractor for Home Depot, installing all types of things. He gets to pretty much take anything he rips out home if he wants. You should see the kitchen at my grandparents' house, all done for free!

I need an uncle like that. All mine can do is rebuild a combine, which doesn't help much house-wise...

[CatsCradle]

I agree with some of the other posters: it is so easy to fall into the trap of assuming the financial health of others. We live in a co-op apartment building - and it took DH and I a long time to save up for a down payment for our apartment. Even though we make an above average income, we don't have a car and we don't spend a lot on "toys" (I think I'm the only person in my town without an Ipod!). I have often caught myself wondering how the "young" couple down the hall can afford a $500k apartment and a Lexus SUV on one income! But when I start thinking these things, I start feeling all negative about myself (i.e. what have I done wrong all these years??). Our best policy has been to stay focused on our own goals and achieving them at our own pace. Maybe we can't keep up with the Jones, but their values aren't necessarily ours. :