Sooo....my wife and I have a combined income of a little more than $80k/yr....

[nitrox28]

AND I HAVE TO GET A SECOND JOB!!!! :mad: Yeah, I'm a little pissed right now. Everything just took a dump at once it seems. $1200/month for daycare( kids are EXPENSIVE!!!), 3 car payments, mortgage, credit cards, loans, Christmas is right around the corner.....I guess I should have seen it coming. If I can get a second job at a minimum of $10/hr, 3 days a week, I should be ok in about 3 months. Sorry for venting. On a side note, Yellowtail makes a shiraz/cabernet blend that is OUTSTANDING!!! 60% shiraz, 40% cabernet, and 100% delicious! :D Good news is my 401k is still doing pretty well. I thought about quitting and paying off a ton of bills with it and getting another job at $12-$13/hr closer to home but I would be too scared to do that honestly. Anyone wanna buy a Firebird? Looks like I'm going to have to get rid of my toy :( Might sell the house and rent something smaller for a year or two. 4 years ago we had more money than God's accountant, then BAM!!! Kids and a house payment and daycare and on and on and on. People get divorced over this crap all the time but I guess I have a pretty good woman. Hell, she puts up with me right? :D I know I'm not th only one feeling the pinch, but it suuucks when it hits home. I'll get off of my soapbox now.

[daking]

Why are you making three car payments? I have one and the only reason I have it is because I got the loan at 5.125%. I could have paid for it outright. Our household income is a good bit better than you and we didn't like one car payment, let alone 3. You're living too high on the hog.

You are looking at drinking a relatively good wine? With your whine? How's about some Milwaukee's Best?

Kids aren't expensive. They are the only thing you'll do that's worthwhile. They are your investment in America's future. Stop whizzing and moaning. You knew how they were made.

Sell the Firebird. You really don't need it and since your kids are costing you so much, you should sell the thing you don't need in favor of the lives you chose to create. Get a second job. Man up and do the right thing. No one owes you anything.

You are beginning to disgust me.

[grouser68]

Thats good stuff Nitrox.Your not only one of the craziest members,but possibly the most honest, and open!Sounds like you got it pretty good, good woman, good family,good beverage.Clear up a few money matters and you got it made.Keep on venting Nitrox, it's a good thing!

[KYBOY]

Dont give up man, you'll get there..We were in nearly the same predicament at one time...Young, newly married and blistering the dredit cards :rolleyes: Of course a few times if not for the credit cards would wouldent have made it at all..They are good for those emergencies but like most folks we couldent just use them for emergencies..Well long story short after a long while of cutting back, saving and taking it like a man we now only have a mortgage payment and a small personal loan payment..Everything else is payed for.Best of all no more god forsaken credit cards:D..Still basic utilities and living expenses are high enough...Anyway keep your chin up. With some work it will get better...:)

[grouser68]

Why are you making three car payments? I have one and the only reason I have it is because I got the loan at 5.125%. I could have paid for it outright. Our household income is a good bit better than you and we didn't like one car payment, let alone 3. You're living too high on the hog.

You are looking at drinking a relatively good wine? With your whine? How's about some Milwaukee's Best?

Kids aren't expensive. They are the only thing you'll do that's worthwhile. They are your investment in America's future. Stop whizzing and moaning. You knew how they were made.

Sell the Firebird. You really don't need it and since your kids are costing you so much, you should sell the thing you don't need in favor of the lives you chose to create. Get a second job. Man up and do the right thing. No one owes you anything.

You are beginning to disgust me.Don't pay any mind to this,you don't disgust, you entertain,keep up the good work! He's just a curmudgeon!:D;)

[nitrox28]

Why are you making three car payments? I have one and the only reason I have it is because I got the loan at 5.125%.

You are looking at drinking a relatively good wine? With your whine? How's about some Milwaukee's Best?

Kids aren't expensive. They are the only thing you'll do that's worthwhile. They are your investment in America's future. Stop whizzing and moaning. You knew how they were made.

Sell the Firebird. You really don't need it and since your kids are costing you so much, you should sell the thing you don't need in favor of the lives you chose to create. Get a second job. Man up and do the right thing. No one owes you anything.

You are beginning to disgust me.

Kids aren't expensive??? ARE YOU INSANE???? Do you have kids? My 4yr old has a 50cc atv, a mini bike, a John Deere Gator, and more toys than you've ever seen in one house. They are the biggest money pit I've ever seen. But they deserve every penny! I bend over backwards to give them everything my parents couldn't or wouldn't give me. Hell, I spen over $100 on 2 pairs of shoes for him last month. More than my Nike Shox Turbo VII's! if you don't think kids are expensive you either don't have any, or you don't care enough about them to give them nice things.

[daking]

I have two kids. One is a senior at Xavier University, graduating a semester early with high honors. The other is a sophomore at UK and a member of their hockey team. I put them both through private high school. They both drive old, cheap cars, as do I. I don't recall ever buying either of them an ATV or designer footwear. They both played travel hockey which might be the second most expensive sport next to being a dressage rider. My wife and I make a good bit more money than you, but when I was in your shoes (early on in my career), we made a hell of a lot less than you (adjusted for inflation). We decided what was important and spent no money on what wasn't. Certainly, no three car payments.

No offense, pal, but you are EXACTLY why this country is in the financial shape its in. You have a household income that is more than double the median household income in Kentucky (about 38K a year). How is it that people making half the money you make are doing OK and you're pissing and moaning. Good God, man, look within yourself. You said (and I quote) "f you don't think kids are expensive you either don't have any, or you don't care enough about them to give them nice things." Well, I've given my kids everything they needed. I helped them chase their athletic dreams. I've seen that they got top quality high school educations (St. X and Assumption) and I've seen that they are getting good quality college educations. I did it on only somewhat more than you make. I have never owned a car that was built in the decade in which I owned it. I never paid more than $39.95 for a pair of sneakers. The ONLY reason my wife got a newer car is that a) she drove her old car for 180K miles over 9 years, b) I got a killer deal on the one I bought, b) the old one was moribound (dying) and d) she deserved it. Still, I bought a 07 Mercury Montego for 12K down in Florida. I don't think 12K is too extravagant, but I was damn sure that 15 K was.

Wise up. It's not about standard of living. It's about quality of life.

[nitrox28]

You said kids aren't expensive.

[daking]

I didn't say that at all. Try reading. What I said is that they are the only thing worth doing. I kept them both in cars. I paid for private school for both for 12 years. I paid for travel hockey and college. Yes, they are a substantial investment. I gave up stuff I wanted to make sure they got launched well. Not with three car payments.

Stop whining.

[nitrox28]

I can't imagine what college will be 14 years from now. Private school (elementry) will actually be cheaper than daycare for my oldest son when he starts next year.

[BadDuck]

AND I HAVE TO GET A SECOND JOB!!!! :mad: Yeah, I'm a little pissed right now. Everything just took a dump at once it seems. $1200/month for daycare( kids are EXPENSIVE!!!), 3 car payments, mortgage, credit cards, loans, Christmas is right around the corner.....I guess I should have seen it coming. If I can get a second job at a minimum of $10/hr, 3 days a week, I should be ok in about 3 months. Sorry for venting. On a side note, Yellowtail makes a shiraz/cabernet blend that is OUTSTANDING!!! 60% shiraz, 40% cabernet, and 100% delicious! :D Good news is my 401k is still doing pretty well. I thought about quitting and paying off a ton of bills with it and getting another job at $12-$13/hr closer to home but I would be too scared to do that honestly. Anyone wanna buy a Firebird? Looks like I'm going to have to get rid of my toy :( Might sell the house and rent something smaller for a year or two. 4 years ago we had more money than God's accountant, then BAM!!! Kids and a house payment and daycare and on and on and on. People get divorced over this crap all the time but I guess I have a pretty good woman. Hell, she puts up with me right? :D I know I'm not th only one feeling the pinch, but it suuucks when it hits home. I'll get off of my soapbox now.

I have got to go with DaKing on this one. Man up and quit the whining. Its tough all over. Its called personal responsibility. Did you lose your job? How about your wife? No. Then you brought this all on all by yourself. No one made you get 3 car payment or credit cards or all the other luxuries.

Some people call it living within your means.

[WildmanWilson]

Yep ..you dont have an income problem but a spending problem. If you get another job you will just spend more on "stuff" you think you need. It never hurts to give your kids some nice things but theres also a time when you can go overboard and spoil them. Kids that get everything they want tend to be spoiled brats in the long run....not saying yours are however. Also it may pay your wife to stay at home rather tha pay that much in daycare. Add up what daycare, gas, lunch, and work expenses cost and see if it's worht it.

Get Dave Ramseys book and you can learn somethings about putting yourself back on track....and pay off the credit cards and CUT THEM UP.

[Ky'sFinest]

Yep ..you dont have an income problem but a spending problem. If you get another job you will just spend more on "stuff" you think you need. It never hurts to give your kids some nice things but theres also a time when you can go overboard and spoil them. Kids that get everything they want tend to be spoiled brats in the long run....not saying yours are however. Also it may pay your wife to stay at home rather tha pay that much in daycare. Add up what daycare, gas, lunch, and work expenses cost and see if it's worht it.

Get Dave Ramseys book and you can learn somethings about putting yourself back on track....and pay off the credit cards and CUT THEM UP.

i have to agree with daking, bad duck and wild man, live within your means.

wildman beat me to it, but i would also suggest dave ramsey's book "total money makeover, wal-mart sells it for $24.99. it is not a get rich quick book but a way of controling yourself and your income and setting yourself up for wealth in the long run.

i know millionaires who drive rust buggies. they didn't get rich because they inherited it either. they started from the bottom and invested and worked hard to make and control their income.

my advice is sell all you need to sell to get out of debt. suck it up and realize that if you attack the problem and fix it asap there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

ive been broke before, and i hated it. there is nothing worse than squeezing by every month imo. i put my wife through college on an e-1 salary in the military.we've had hot dogs and water for breakfast just to get by. her medical school was a full time deal and she graduated top of her class. now we are reaping the benefits of our hard work.

good luck.

[watermelon3308]

expensive things are nice.but if you cant afford them.get rid of them.i used to live for drag racing.had two cars at one time when i was single.but after awhile i had to give it up completely.be thankful for what you got.there are families that cant hardly afford to eat.and your crying about having an income of 80 grand a yr.not trying to be a smart arse.but get real.besides arnt you the one that was on here bragging about giving an ungodly amount for a pair of sun glasses.not trying to give you a hard time but quit spending above your means.

[243win]

if I were you I would trade in all my stuff for bigger nicer stuff which would cost even more money!!

Wait a minute I am not you so i guess I wont do that.:rolleyes:

[Art]

This whole thread is troubling to me. I don't like arrogance trumping honestly. I don't like a plea responded to with a put down.

Nitrox, there's nothing wrong with what you've done or your life. The only thing you need to do is manage money a bit better, and the only reason it sounds like you need to do that is the fact that everything has pretty much doubled in price in the last 5 years. Simple fix. I'm not a financial planner, so I'll leave it up to you since you know your situation better than anyone.

How someone 25 years your senior raised their kids 2 decades ago is really trivial. Everyone has a different situation and times are much harder now. My brother and I grew up in the 80's and were raised by my mother after my father died. We had the best clothes, the best cars, the best educations, and the best toys we could get- all on a teachers salary. It would be impossible to do that in todays world. Sometimes the times change faster than our ideas and theories about life and money. My brother is an ER doctor at Kansas University, my job and other investments, while certainly not prestigious gives me a salary several times that of what my mother's was. Neither of us have the financial freedom like we would have had years ago, and we don't have kids!

I think as long as you are working hard, living a good life and taking care of your wife and kids then everything else will fall into place.

[Auk1124]

This whole thread is troubling to me. I don't like arrogance trumping honestly. I don't like a plea responded to with a put down.

How someone 25 years your senior raised their kids 2 decades ago is really trivial.

Bingo! Well said. Hang in there Nitrox - you and your wife are doing better than most. Sell the extra car for whatever you can get, pick out one monthly bill and focus on paying that one bill off. After that first one is knocked out, go to the next monthly bill. Its what Leggy and I are trying to do, and I definitely feel your pain.

Also, cut back this Xmas, the kids will still love you. If they ask why this Xmas is slimmer than last, be honest with them. Kids are amazing and they will understand.

[westkybanded]

AND I HAVE TO GET A SECOND JOB!!!! :mad: Yeah, I'm a little pissed right now. Everything just took a dump at once it seems. $1200/month for daycare( kids are EXPENSIVE!!!), 3 car payments, mortgage, credit cards, loans, Christmas is right around the corner.....I guess I should have seen it coming. If I can get a second job at a minimum of $10/hr, 3 days a week, I should be ok in about 3 months. Sorry for venting. On a side note, Yellowtail makes a shiraz/cabernet blend that is OUTSTANDING!!! 60% shiraz, 40% cabernet, and 100% delicious! :D Good news is my 401k is still doing pretty well. I thought about quitting and paying off a ton of bills with it and getting another job at $12-$13/hr closer to home but I would be too scared to do that honestly. Anyone wanna buy a Firebird? Looks like I'm going to have to get rid of my toy :( Might sell the house and rent something smaller for a year or two. 4 years ago we had more money than God's accountant, then BAM!!! Kids and a house payment and daycare and on and on and on. People get divorced over this crap all the time but I guess I have a pretty good woman. Hell, she puts up with me right? :D I know I'm not th only one feeling the pinch, but it suuucks when it hits home. I'll get off of my soapbox now.

Man, I KNOW what it's like to be in a pinch financially.. But really... Do you understand how you got here? I'm really not trying to be mean, but 3 car payments, credit cards, etc?

PLEASE please please get yourself a book on personal finance. Even if your 2nd job is able to pull you out of the mess now, if you continue to do this you WILL end up right back where you are. I know it's fun having toys and spoiling the kids, but you're not setting a good example for them. Your mess is fixable, but you have to change your lifestyle completely.

[GHOSTHUNTER2008]

AND I HAVE TO GET A SECOND JOB!!!! :mad: Yeah, I'm a little pissed right now. Everything just took a dump at once it seems. $1200/month for daycare( kids are EXPENSIVE!!!), 3 car payments, mortgage, credit cards, loans, Christmas is right around the corner.....I guess I should have seen it coming. If I can get a second job at a minimum of $10/hr, 3 days a week, I should be ok in about 3 months. Sorry for venting. On a side note, Yellowtail makes a shiraz/cabernet blend that is OUTSTANDING!!! 60% shiraz, 40% cabernet, and 100% delicious! :D Good news is my 401k is still doing pretty well. I thought about quitting and paying off a ton of bills with it and getting another job at $12-$13/hr closer to home but I would be too scared to do that honestly. Anyone wanna buy a Firebird? Looks like I'm going to have to get rid of my toy :( Might sell the house and rent something smaller for a year or two. 4 years ago we had more money than God's accountant, then BAM!!! Kids and a house payment and daycare and on and on and on. People get divorced over this crap all the time but I guess I have a pretty good woman. Hell, she puts up with me right? :D I know I'm not th only one feeling the pinch, but it suuucks when it hits home. I'll get off of my soapbox now.
sell your toys,,down size ,stop spending so much.you buy on impulse credit cards will ruin you cut them up.live in the real world ,hard times are comming.:eek:

[deadaim]

sell your toys,,down size ,stop spending so much.you buy on impulse credit cards will ruin you cut them up.live in the real world ,hard times are comming.:eek:


Hard times are here they are just getting worse.............a study was done on millionaires..........almost none had a car payment......Im not pointing fingers I have two of them:D I did however save and pay half down and negotiated great interest rates. When I was in my twentys I purchased a new truck the payment was the same as my house payment:eek: Live and learn.....The Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University ( google it ) would be the best thing you could ever do for you and your family.

[Art]

Hard times are here they are just getting worse.............a study was done on millionaires..........almost none had a car payment......Im not pointing fingers I have two of them:D I did however save and pay half down and negotiated great interest rates. When I was in my twentys I purchased a new truck the payment was the same as my house payment:eek: Live and learn.....The Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University ( google it ) would be the best thing you could ever do for you and your family.

If I had millions in the bank, I probably wouldn't finance a car either...Here's your sign.:D

[nitrox28]

Wow. The things I do when I'm drinking. Alkeehol + interwebnet = bad idea! :D I have 3 car payments because I had the Firebird before we got married and had a home. Then the kids came and outgrew the backseat. So, I bought a cheap Jeep that has 2 payments left. My wife has a car payment as well. Her last car had 158,000 miles before she got rid of it. It's not like we have 3 new Ferraris in our garage. We got rid of our credit cards months ago. It's really not as bad as it sounds I guess. Everything should be fine in a few months with a little extra income to pay off a few odds and ends. Woke up with a pretty nasty hangover this morning :(

[grouser68]

I only saw one question mark in Nitrox's entire post, and that was asking if anyone wanted to buy a car.It appeared to me as if he was drinking a bit and venting, and NOT asking for advice, but man he is sure getting alot of that! Nitrox, your financial situation is just that.....YOURS! I don't see you as the problem we have these days. It's still a free country, still your money, spend it as you feel fit, not what someone elses idea of what you should do. Ok, off my soapbox now!

BTW, I just bought another new car last Friday for the wife, so as to your question........naw, I don't need a car'

[deadaim]

If I had millions in the bank, I probably wouldn't finance a car either...Here's your sign.:D

:D Im sorry let me slooow down and clarify they aquired millions by NOT having a car payment. driving a cheap junker until they had the money saved to pay cash;) Ramsey has a formula that if you follow it in about ten years you will have a free car instead of buying a banker a free car.

You can have your sign back :D

[GSPonGrouse]

Nitrox I feel your pain. And keep doing what you are doing and that is working and sending checks out. I seen that one person blamed you or people like you with todays economy. Nothing is farther from the truth you are working and paying your bills, got money in the market(401k) and shop at retail stores Nike Shocks, Kids toys, you get the idea. You are just a example of riding the wave of good times and getting hit in the bad times. I learned my lesson on that a few years back. Or should I say learning, I am still working to get my head above water again or at least keep it there.
To all the nay sayers who want to attack. Look around your house I am sure we all can find a few hundred things setting around that we don't really need. I am typing on one now. The guy is not looking for or asking for a government bailout. Just venting some frustration. Frustration that we all are feeling.

[deadaim]

Wow. The things I do when I'm drinking. Alkeehol + interwebnet = bad idea! :D I have 3 car payments because I had the Firebird before we got married and had a home. Then the kids came and outgrew the backseat. So, I bought a cheap Jeep that has 2 payments left. My wife has a car payment as well. Her last car had 158,000 miles before she got rid of it. It's not like we have 3 new Ferraris in our garage. We got rid of our credit cards months ago. It's really not as bad as it sounds I guess. Everything should be fine in a few months with a little extra income to pay off a few odds and ends. Woke up with a pretty nasty hangover this morning :(

It will be fine you are hitting the growing pains of having a young family.

With this economy it isnt easy.

If it makes you feel any better when your kids become teenagers it gets even more expensive:eek: Wait till you try and feed two teenagers and drive there taxi !!!!

That being said I see the clock ticking on how long I still have them.
Its odd but right now im not looking forward to the empty nest:o

[randy grider]

I have two kids. One is a senior at Xavier University, graduating a semester early with high honors. The other is a sophomore at UK and a member of their hockey team. I put them both through private high school. They both drive old, cheap cars, as do I. I don't recall ever buying either of them an ATV or designer footwear. They both played travel hockey which might be the second most expensive sport next to being a dressage rider. My wife and I make a good bit more money than you, but when I was in your shoes (early on in my career), we made a hell of a lot less than you (adjusted for inflation). We decided what was important and spent no money on what wasn't. Certainly, no three car payments.

No offense, pal, but you are EXACTLY why this country is in the financial shape its in. You have a household income that is more than double the median household income in Kentucky (about 38K a year). How is it that people making half the money you make are doing OK and you're pissing and moaning. Good God, man, look within yourself. You said (and I quote) "f you don't think kids are expensive you either don't have any, or you don't care enough about them to give them nice things." Well, I've given my kids everything they needed. I helped them chase their athletic dreams. I've seen that they got top quality high school educations (St. X and Assumption) and I've seen that they are getting good quality college educations. I did it on only somewhat more than you make. I have never owned a car that was built in the decade in which I owned it. I never paid more than $39.95 for a pair of sneakers. The ONLY reason my wife got a newer car is that a) she drove her old car for 180K miles over 9 years, b) I got a killer deal on the one I bought, b) the old one was moribound (dying) and d) she deserved it. Still, I bought a 07 Mercury Montego for 12K down in Florida. I don't think 12K is too extravagant, but I was damn sure that 15 K was.

Wise up. It's not about standard of living. It's about quality of life.
I have to agree with Daking, you got you'reself in that shape, GW Bush nor anyone else did, it was all you.

[Hammer]

tough, Nitrox, but at least you're not throwing out the "B" word.

Why are you spending so much at daycare? :confused: $150 per child per week seems way high, but I could and probably am totally off base there. Is there any way for the 2 of you to keep the kids at home more? I thought you delivered pizza? Shouldn't you be home a lot during the daytime when you could watch them yourself? I would figure pizza delivery is a second shift job. I have worked nights for years and my wife just part-time. We've been fortunate to always keep the kids at home (before school age and now, during the summers). It's been a huge sacrifice sleep wise for me, but worth it.

I've always driven pretty crappy cars too, but I've never had car payments, and trust me, those will drain you in a bad, bad way!

Keep pluggin', and I'm thankful there are some people left who own up to their responsibilities! No "B" word in this thread. :D;)

[droopy]

hang in there nitrox. times are tough all over, i went from around 900. a week to a couple hundred unemployment a week. we did have some savings and such to carry us through and dont have car payments,mine is so old it's not woth paying for and the wife's is a company car.you may have to suck it up and unload some toys for a while but hard work will pay off in the long run.

[Al]

Attack your debt one at a time and pay off or sell stuff.
I bet with a second job and no more unnessary spending like eating out etc and you could pay off all your debt except your house in 3 yrs.
Pay off your debt and I bet you could put $1500 a month in the bank, and pay cash for all the stuff you want.
Try not to get take it out on your kids and the cost of childcare. Its the debt and the intrest your paying that is killing you.
Ive been there and done that.
Once I got out of debt it was freedom. Like a ton of bricks lifted off of me. No more dreading the mail.

[etownhunter]

sell one of the cars!

[nitrox28]

I thought you delivered pizza?

Pizza? I've been at the same factory job for the past 8 years. If I could make $50k/yr delivering pizza, I'd be all over it!! :D

[Hammer]

Pizza? I've been at the same factory job for the past 8 years. If I could make $50k/yr delivering pizza, I'd be all over it!! :D

:D what am I thinking then? :confused: Who on here delivers pizza for Papa Johns? my bad!

[itallushrt]

Why are you making three car payments? I have one and the only reason I have it is because I got the loan at 5.125%. I could have paid for it outright. Our household income is a good bit better than you and we didn't like one car payment, let alone 3. You're living too high on the hog.

You are looking at drinking a relatively good wine? With your whine? How's about some Milwaukee's Best?

Kids aren't expensive. They are the only thing you'll do that's worthwhile. They are your investment in America's future. Stop whizzing and moaning. You knew how they were made.

Sell the Firebird. You really don't need it and since your kids are costing you so much, you should sell the thing you don't need in favor of the lives you chose to create. Get a second job. Man up and do the right thing. No one owes you anything.

You are beginning to disgust me.

Agreed! Sell all three cars, and buy two clunkers that are paid off. Water instead of w(h)ine. Sell personal possessions that aren't necessary and probably don't get used much.

[JDMiller]

To talk straight & not sugarcoat it...... what your going through is part of growing up and becoming a responsible adult. Some see it coming and some dont. In your case it's looking you square in the eye.

Just because someone completes their education...begin careers...gets married or has children does'nt mean their mature in their financial decisions. I've seen it over & over with young guys I work with... hell.. I've done it myself. They live way above their means and put themselves in such financial debt... the slightest thing pushes them over the edge.

Their whining because their HVAC unit broke down and they dont have the money to fix it and then turn around in the same breath and tell a buddy their going to make a beer run tonight. I have a hard time feeling sympathetic in these circumstances. They waste more money on unecessary crap...and yes..alcohol is unecessary when theres mouths to feed.

Making more money in these situation always seems like the answer to get by...when it really is'nt. You make more ...you just spend more. At first it helps to make a payment but then you end up just getting a little deeper. Soon that job you planned having for a few months to make ends meet...turns into a necessity.

If you have kids in daycare.... yes I agree its expensive but I got sad news to tell you...they just get more expensive as they grow up. You have'nt seen nothing yet... just wait until their teen years...cars ..insurance...education. You will look back at that $1200 a month and wish you had those years back.

Times are tough... everything cost more and dont expect it to change. You can get through it but its tough and you wont like it. You need to look beyond the end of the month as well... plan for the future to ease up the unexpected burdens. At some point you will realize you want some security and not have to bust your butt until you die. When your young adults...you dont think about these things and think what others say is crazy or their just not in my shoes.

Man... weve all been there at some point. Its just a matter to adjust to your means where your quality of life is satisfactory. It means spending money on necessities...and not buying those material things not needed. When you get to that point....you can begin to work to make it better for your entire family. A lot of people look at their parents or others and want what they have...right now. It just does'nt work that way for most of us.

[itallushrt]

i know millionaires who drive rust buggies. they didn't get rich because they inherited it either. they started from the bottom and invested and worked hard to make and control their income.



You got that right! I know a guy who sells cars; high end cars at Bluegrass Porsche. I asked him one day who the toughest sell was. I figured it was the guy that really had no business coming in and buying a 70K+ car. He flat out told me no way man! Those guys come in here all day long and sign their lives away even though they barely make the credit minimums. They don't even haggle on price. The guys that show up in a 'Benz or 5 year old Porsche...well I know that in the end I'll make the sale, but we didn't make crap on the car. We just moved it. They will haggle and walk away. They don't part with their money easily.


As the old saying goes ... a fool and his money are soon parted.

[Scott7m]

my god.......... this is a good example of whats wrong with credit. borrowing has got you into one heckuva shape! and from the way it reads, all of it is for stuff that you don't need. i'm not saying it's not your right to do what ya want! not at all.. but to think your kid needs 3 or 4 motorized toys, and all that is a lil extreme. at some point the bill collectors do come knocking...........

the real question is when the urge to spend some more comes along, and you go ahead and get another payment, where does it end?

[ril7572]

Attack your debt one at a time and pay off or sell stuff.
I bet with a second job and no more unnessary spending like eating out etc and you could pay off all your debt except your house in 3 yrs.
Pay off your debt and I bet you could put $1500 a month in the bank, and pay cash for all the stuff you want.
Try not to get take it out on your kids and the cost of childcare. Its the debt and the intrest your paying that is killing you.
Ive been there and done that.
Once I got out of debt it was freedom. Like a ton of bricks lifted off of me. No more dreading the mail.

100% correct. He must listen to Dave Ramsey;)

[naturalelite]

To talk straight & not sugarcoat it...... what your going through is part of growing up and becoming a responsible adult. Some see it coming and some dont. In your case it's looking you square in the eye.

Just because someone completes their education...begin careers...gets married or has children does'nt mean their mature in their financial decisions. I've seen it over & over with young guys I work with... hell.. I've done it myself. They live way above their means and put themselves in such financial debt... the slightest thing pushes them over the edge.

Their whining because their HVAC unit broke down and they dont have the money to fix it and then turn around in the same breath and tell a buddy their going to make a beer run tonight. I have a hard time feeling sympathetic in these circumstances. They waste more money on unecessary crap...and yes..alcohol is unecessary when theres mouths to feed.

Making more money in these situation always seems like the answer to get by...when it really is'nt. You make more ...you just spend more. At first it helps to make a payment but then you end up just getting a little deeper. Soon that job you planned having for a few months to make ends meet...turns into a necessity.

If you have kids in daycare.... yes I agree its expensive but I got sad news to tell you...they just get more expensive as they grow up. You have'nt seen nothing yet... just wait until their teen years...cars ..insurance...education. You will look back at that $1200 a month and wish you had those years back.

Times are tough... everything cost more and dont expect it to change. You can get through it but its tough and you wont like it. You need to look beyond the end of the month as well... plan for the future to ease up the unexpected burdens. At some point you will realize you want some security and not have to bust your butt until you die. When your young adults...you dont think about these things and think what others say is crazy or their just not in my shoes.

Man... weve all been there at some point. Its just a matter to adjust to your means where your quality of life is satisfactory. It means spending money on necessities...and not buying those material things not needed. When you get to that point....you can begin to work to make it better for your entire family. A lot of people look at their parents or others and want what they have...right now. It just does'nt work that way for most of us.
Great post JD.
This is the stuff that they should be teaching in high school. So many of us don't plan far enough ahead to stay out of bad financial situations.

I was always wanting more and more and at the time I always had the money to get it. I wasn't thinking marriage, kids, car insurance, electric bills, ect....I was thinking Brand new ram 1500, polaris ATV, hunting land, and 21 ft bass boat. It made for several tough years living paycheck to paycheck. Then when you get your priorities in order and concentrate at the task at hand you can make tremendous leaps forward. Just don't ever forget where you come from. That will keep you from getting back there.

[headoftheholler]

AND I HAVE TO GET A SECOND JOB!!!! :mad: Yeah, I'm a little pissed right now. Everything just took a dump at once it seems. $1200/month for daycare( kids are EXPENSIVE!!!), 3 car payments, mortgage, credit cards, loans, Christmas is right around the corner.....I guess I should have seen it coming. If I can get a second job at a minimum of $10/hr, 3 days a week, I should be ok in about 3 months. Sorry for venting. On a side note, Yellowtail makes a shiraz/cabernet blend that is OUTSTANDING!!! 60% shiraz, 40% cabernet, and 100% delicious! :D Good news is my 401k is still doing pretty well. I thought about quitting and paying off a ton of bills with it and getting another job at $12-$13/hr closer to home but I would be too scared to do that honestly. Anyone wanna buy a Firebird? Looks like I'm going to have to get rid of my toy :( Might sell the house and rent something smaller for a year or two. 4 years ago we had more money than God's accountant, then BAM!!! Kids and a house payment and daycare and on and on and on. People get divorced over this crap all the time but I guess I have a pretty good woman. Hell, she puts up with me right? :D I know I'm not th only one feeling the pinch, but it suuucks when it hits home. I'll get off of my soapbox now.
If it does come down to moving , get out of the urban lex area. The cost of living is killing you.

[hillhntr]

While everyone has justly pointed out that this scenario is a microcosm of our larger current economic state; it's also important to note that when those payments were being made and all the new purchases were happening by folks; those behaviors contributed to what appeared to be a boom at the time. Things are coming home for a lot of us in this country.

[BadDuck]

I only saw one question mark in Nitrox's entire post, and that was asking if anyone wanted to buy a car.It appeared to me as if he was drinking a bit and venting, and NOT asking for advice, but man he is sure getting alot of that! Nitrox, your financial situation is just that.....YOURS! I don't see you as the problem we have these days. It's still a free country, still your money, spend it as you feel fit, not what someone elses idea of what you should do. Ok, off my soapbox now!

BTW, I just bought another new car last Friday for the wife, so as to your question........naw, I don't need a car'

Whether or not he asked any questions or the fact that his financial situation is "HIS" is completely irrelevant. He posted it on the web for the whole world to read. Not a good thing to do if you dont want to ear opinions about it.

It is his money he can do what he wants, when he goes bankrupt, well its a free country.

[ptbrauch]

As someone previously said, this post is troubling to me. My wife and I make about the same and have two kids in daycare. That's where the similarities stop though.

When it was just the two of us, we used to live high on the hog. Heck, I didn't even realize my couldn't cook because we ate out so much. But then the kids and house came along and we were faced with two choices--go into debt or change our lifestyles. I manned up and changed our lifestyles.

So now, I show my kids I love them by hugging them and playing with them every day. I don't try to show it by how much I spend on them. While I want to get them the best of everything, I more want to never have to move them out of our house because we can't afford it any more. Man up.

When my oldest got too big for the back seats of our coupe and Wrangler, we manned up, sold them, and bought 4 door cars.

When we began to send them to daycare (or as I like to call it, my lake house), which cost more than our house payment each month, we manned up and cut back on our spending. Where I used to buy $75 designer jeans, I now wear $20 Wrangler jeans from Walmart.

For those of you who say he's an example of whats wrong with this country, I say "right on". Here you have someone that has more than most, has a higher income than most, and its still not enough.

For anyone who said he's not asking for a gov't handout, I only say, "not yet". But what's going to happen when that factory job begins lay offs?

One last thing, you'll never get rich by spending your money. No one will.

[Ky'sFinest]

While everyone has justly pointed out that this scenario is a microcosm of our larger current economic state; it's also important to note that when those payments were being made and all the new purchases were happening by folks; those behaviors contributed to what appeared to be a boom at the time. Things are coming home for a lot of us in this country.


when the gov't and the fed reserve get together and pump money into the economy it just creates big market bubbles.

a lot of people in america want the gov't to control spending but they don't know how to control their own.

debt is not a tool for you to get rich. debt is a tool for bankers to get rich.

[JDMiller]

Things are coming home for a lot of us in this country.

I agree & it would be easy to say most of us...if not all ..got sucked in. Low intrest on homes to 0% on vehicles...it sounded good at the time. Hopefully most did'nt bite off more than they can chew.

Unless theres some magical economic turn-around...everyone has got to start using their head. In most regions ...speaking primarily rural areas with modest industry... jobs / wages did not support 300k homes nor 40k plus multiple vehicle ownership. However I see it everywhere in my area and amazes the heck out of me how the banks lent the money. It was either bad business practice or they did it knowing full well.. they were going to get payments until they could'nt and forclosure was eminent.

I've been on a retirement track for about 5 years. I've done a lot of things financially to try to make it a reality. One thing i did several years ago..most thought I was a little off to do it because I was increasing my payments.... I refinanced my home to get a fixed intrest rate. I had a variable and its rate was a whole lot lower but I had a gut instinct that if I did'nt lock this in ..it was going to cause me some financial issues down the road. The way things are headed I'm glad I did now.

I've turned around this year and put most of my money into energy saving measures for my home. I've added more insulation... went from incandesent bulbs to the newer flouresent bulbs throughout ... replaced my 14 year old package gas / electric hvac unit with a Trane unit with the highest SEER rating I could afford. My savings alone in July & August (my most expensive cooling months)..lowered my electric cost by nearly 40%. The lighting alone includes 15 % plus of this total.

I've downsized somewhat on vehicles.. to a little more fuel efficient but I did get sucked in on another payment in the process. I did however keep it to a minimum..on bells & whistles and looked at from the perspective of needs and not wants. The other thing I'll add... when we got married ..20 years ago...we both had new vehicle payments. I said then... that wont happen again as having two vehicle payments at the same time. We both appreciated nice vehicles but we have the understanding if we buy...we will not buy another until its paid for. Sometimes with 60 month payments that means driving one for a minimum of 10 years or more before I can even think about trading / buying a new truck.

Theres a whole bunch of frivolous things I did'nt buy / do in the last few years that after serious thought... I did'nt need anyway. My youngun will be heading toward college in two years as well. I hope I've got that squared away for the most part but its another adjustment to be made. It's just a matter of thinking ahead to make things work out. Living for the moment will come back to haunt you.

[Scott7m]

As someone previously said, this post is troubling to me. My wife and I make about the same and have two kids in daycare. That's where the similarities stop though.

When it was just the two of us, we used to live high on the hog. Heck, I didn't even realize my couldn't cook because we ate out so much. But then the kids and house came along and we were faced with two choices--go into debt or change our lifestyles. I manned up and changed our lifestyles.

So now, I show my kids I love them by hugging them and playing with them every day. I don't try to show it by how much I spend on them. While I want to get them the best of everything, I more want to never have to move them out of our house because we can't afford it any more. Man up.

When my oldest got too big for the back seats of our coupe and Wrangler, we manned up, sold them, and bought 4 door cars.

When we began to send them to daycare (or as I like to call it, my lake house), which cost more than our house payment each month, we manned up and cut back on our spending. Where I used to buy $75 designer jeans, I now wear $20 Wrangler jeans from Walmart.

For those of you who say he's an example of whats wrong with this country, I say "right on". Here you have someone that has more than most, has a higher income than most, and its still not enough.

For anyone who said he's not asking for a gov't handout, I only say, "not yet". But what's going to happen when that factory job begins lay offs?

One last thing, you'll never get rich by spending your money. No one will.


Excellent post......... it all comes back on the consumer/tax payer.. we'll be bailing them out along with the mortgages next...

every credit agency out there will just loan loan loan and here you have people just spend spend spend........ Hey just put it on the card! woaaa

I remember nitrox talking about how much it cost to go out to keenland or somewhere, i about pooped down my leg..... I wouldn't be caught on that place trying to socialize if i didn't make 150k a year...

as the guy above stated though, when i was in college i spent the dough, i had a new camaro, ate beyond my means, each day i had on 300 dollars worth of clothes, i mean the list could go on and on where i blew money, but now i don't pay attention to crap like that....... I drive a chevy aveo, which gets me 35 mpg, i'm still wearing most the clothes i had in college, and if i buy something new, it probably came from value city haha..........

[predator]

As someone previously said, this post is troubling to me. My wife and I make about the same and have two kids in daycare. That's where the similarities stop though.

When it was just the two of us, we used to live high on the hog. Heck, I didn't even realize my couldn't cook because we ate out so much. But then the kids and house came along and we were faced with two choices--go into debt or change our lifestyles. I manned up and changed our lifestyles.

So now, I show my kids I love them by hugging them and playing with them every day. I don't try to show it by how much I spend on them. While I want to get them the best of everything, I more want to never have to move them out of our house because we can't afford it any more. Man up.

When my oldest got too big for the back seats of our coupe and Wrangler, we manned up, sold them, and bought 4 door cars.

When we began to send them to daycare (or as I like to call it, my lake house), which cost more than our house payment each month, we manned up and cut back on our spending. Where I used to buy $75 designer jeans, I now wear $20 Wrangler jeans from Walmart.

For those of you who say he's an example of whats wrong with this country, I say "right on". Here you have someone that has more than most, has a higher income than most, and its still not enough.

For anyone who said he's not asking for a gov't handout, I only say, "not yet". But what's going to happen when that factory job begins lay offs?

One last thing, you'll never get rich by spending your money. No one will.

Great post JD.
This is the stuff that they should be teaching in high school.


Great posts. I always give the advice, NEVER, I MEAN NEVER, BORROW MONEY FOR DEPRECIATING ASSETS!! The only exception to this rule is for a cheap car to get to work in.

[PhilpotHunter]

Nitrox,
You can get Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover on his website for $14, or go get it at the library for free. It works. Use the feeling your having now to spur you and motivate yourself to not ever get back where you are again. And I will say this, not to offend so please don't take it that way. I would be careful what lesson you are teaching your children by getting them everything they want regardless, they might end up in the same boat you are somewhere down the road. Change your family tree.

Someone made the comment "it will all fall into place":eek: You've got to be kidding me!!!! Thats how we got into this mess in the first place.

This country has been in need of a financial wake up call for a while now, and it looks like we are going to get it.

[PhilpotHunter]

:D what am I thinking then? :confused: Who on here delivers pizza for Papa Johns? my bad!

Papa Johns as my second job Hammer. It is funding a Roth for my wife, an education fund for my son, and paying down extra on our house every month.

[Wildcat]

To talk straight & not sugarcoat it...... what your going through is part of growing up and becoming a responsible adult. Some see it coming and some dont. In your case it's looking you square in the eye.

Just because someone completes their education...begin careers...gets married or has children does'nt mean their mature in their financial decisions. I've seen it over & over with young guys I work with... hell.. I've done it myself. They live way above their means and put themselves in such financial debt... the slightest thing pushes them over the edge.

Their whining because their HVAC unit broke down and they dont have the money to fix it and then turn around in the same breath and tell a buddy their going to make a beer run tonight. I have a hard time feeling sympathetic in these circumstances. They waste more money on unecessary crap...and yes..alcohol is unecessary when theres mouths to feed.

Making more money in these situation always seems like the answer to get by...when it really is'nt. You make more ...you just spend more. At first it helps to make a payment but then you end up just getting a little deeper. Soon that job you planned having for a few months to make ends meet...turns into a necessity.

If you have kids in daycare.... yes I agree its expensive but I got sad news to tell you...they just get more expensive as they grow up. You have'nt seen nothing yet... just wait until their teen years...cars ..insurance...education. You will look back at that $1200 a month and wish you had those years back.

Times are tough... everything cost more and dont expect it to change. You can get through it but its tough and you wont like it. You need to look beyond the end of the month as well... plan for the future to ease up the unexpected burdens. At some point you will realize you want some security and not have to bust your butt until you die. When your young adults...you dont think about these things and think what others say is crazy or their just not in my shoes.

Man... weve all been there at some point. Its just a matter to adjust to your means where your quality of life is satisfactory. It means spending money on necessities...and not buying those material things not needed. When you get to that point....you can begin to work to make it better for your entire family. A lot of people look at their parents or others and want what they have...right now. It just does'nt work that way for most of us.


Great post JD!!

[slickhead slayer]

Like others said, get Dave Ramseys program. Its idiot proof, and I know alot of people that I never thought could be saved, who paid off their debt and are fiscally responsible now. You won't regret getting it.

[treerat]

have to hand it to nitro,,,,,so far he has been the only one that has admitted to being in some what of trouble,,,i think before it is all over with we all are going to be in the shape,,,,,things are going to get a lot worst before it gets better,,,,

[Art]

Lots of financial wizards around here. Hell, it looks like everyone here (except Nitrox) is debt free and on their way to becoming mini-Warren Buffets by 2010.

I got a question for all you guys who like to stash every penny, drive a Chrysler K car, and kiss Dave Ramsey's butt, for $14.95 of course. What are you here for? Do you think you're gonna live forever? For most of us here our lives are well past half over. I think if there's something you want to do or to buy, then do it! There's no guarantee you'll be here to enjoy your millions in 50 years or 2 months.

The people I know who are penny pinchers are the most miserable bass-turds on this planet. They are going to die with lots of money in the bank, but little else. They have sacrificed their very lives for a buck, which to me means nothing different then being in debt. Money is still controlling them whether they owe it or save it.

For me, I get a great feeling from having nice stuff and doing things I love, more so then living a dull life and adding zero's to my bank account. When I leave this earth, I will be able to say that I did everything I wanted to do and if there was something I wanted, I made it mine. I worked hard and played harder. I will have had TONS more fun in life then any of Dave Ramsey's sheep, and I'll still have money in the bank too!:D

[Luckybuck]

Kid if you don't think kids are expensive you either don't have any, or you don't care enough about them to give them nice things.

I know kids are expensive and I would give up many things to be fortunate enough to have children as would my wife. We have tried for many years to have them to no avail and then hear parents bitch about them being expensive. Try the kid scene from my side of the fence and I bet you'd quit bitching quick fast and in a hurry.

[naturalelite]

Lots of financial wizards around here. Hell, it looks like everyone here (except Nitrox) is debt free and on their way to becoming mini-Warren Buffets by 2010.

I got a question for all you guys who like to stash every penny, drive a Chrysler K car, and kiss Dave Ramsey's butt, for $14.95 of course. What are you here for? Do you think you're gonna live forever? For most of us here our lives are well past half over. I think if there's something you want to do or to buy, then do it! There's no guarantee you'll be here to enjoy your millions in 50 years or 2 months.

The people I know who are penny pinchers are the most miserable bass-turds on this planet. They are going to die with lots of money in the bank, but little else. They have sacrificed their very lives for a buck, which to me means nothing different then being in debt. Money is still controlling them whether they owe it or save it.

For me, I get a great feeling from having nice stuff and doing things I love, more so then living a dull life and adding zero's to my bank account. When I leave this earth, I will be able to say that I did everything I wanted to do and if there was something I wanted, I made it mine. I worked hard and played harder. I will have had TONS more fun in life then any of Dave Ramsey's sheep, and I'll still have money in the bank too!:D
No my kids will have it better than I did. That would make it worth it. When you have kids you will realize it isn't all about you. Until then keep living it up man I know I sure did when I could.

[reivertom]

AND I HAVE TO GET A SECOND JOB!!!! :mad: Yeah, I'm a little pissed right now. Everything just took a dump at once it seems. $1200/month for daycare( kids are EXPENSIVE!!!), 3 car payments, mortgage, credit cards, loans, Christmas is right around the corner.....I guess I should have seen it coming. If I can get a second job at a minimum of $10/hr, 3 days a week, I should be ok in about 3 months. Sorry for venting. On a side note, Yellowtail makes a shiraz/cabernet blend that is OUTSTANDING!!! 60% shiraz, 40% cabernet, and 100% delicious! :D Good news is my 401k is still doing pretty well. I thought about quitting and paying off a ton of bills with it and getting another job at $12-$13/hr closer to home but I would be too scared to do that honestly. Anyone wanna buy a Firebird? Looks like I'm going to have to get rid of my toy :( Might sell the house and rent something smaller for a year or two. 4 years ago we had more money than God's accountant, then BAM!!! Kids and a house payment and daycare and on and on and on. People get divorced over this crap all the time but I guess I have a pretty good woman. Hell, she puts up with me right? :D I know I'm not th only one feeling the pinch, but it suuucks when it hits home. I'll get off of my soapbox now.

Dude.........I hate to break the news, but you need to downsize.


Six years ago when our second girl was born, my wife quit her job and became a stay-at-home mom. It cost us nearly half of our income, but we adjusted and have done fine. I don't go buy a new truck when ever I want to and our car will get to 100k miles before we shop for a new one, but we don't need anything and we have very little debt compared to the norm. You would be amazed how well you adjust in just 6 months or so. My point is you need to take a good hard look at what you have, and ask yourself what do I NEED and what do I just WANT. There is a big difference. Your kids always come first I'm sure you know, but sometimes our "Stuff" starts ruling our lives and clouds our judgement.

[Scott7m]

Art, having fun and having nice things are all fine and dandy, as long as your not jeopardizing your future and your childrends future out of pure non-sense.

There is nothing wrong with leaving this earth with not a dime to your name... But you've got to be responsible and realize there are things in life much greater than a new toy.

Like nitrox said, he's got a kid, and it's worth spending the money on. Makes me think though, buying your kids the latest fads and fashions doesn't show how much you love them, and in a few years, it really won't matter what they had when they were 4. What means the most as a parent is to raise them to appreciate what they do have, and that will take them further in life than anything you could ever buy them.

[Auk1124]

I think there is a dividing line in there. I'll be the first to say that the spoiled babies in this country get no sympathy from me. But when I say spoiled I'm talking about the new cars every few years, the time share in Gulf Shores, the camper, Bayliner, garage full of toys, $250,000 house... all on 60 grand a year. Everyone knows the people I'm talking about, they are on every street. They get what they deserve.

Nitrox, on the other hand, has a Firebird he doesn't need. And he bought his kid a 4 wheeler and other expensive toys. And he buys silly sunglasses and drinks too much.

Is that being a spoiled baby? Maybe a little. Not nearly as bad as the ones that REALLY get my goat, though.

[ril7572]

Lots of financial wizards around here. Hell, it looks like everyone here (except Nitrox) is debt free and on their way to becoming mini-Warren Buffets by 2010.

I got a question for all you guys who like to stash every penny, drive a Chrysler K car, and kiss Dave Ramsey's butt, for $14.95 of course. What are you here for? Do you think you're gonna live forever? For most of us here our lives are well past half over. I think if there's something you want to do or to buy, then do it! There's no guarantee you'll be here to enjoy your millions in 50 years or 2 months.

The people I know who are penny pinchers are the most miserable bass-turds on this planet. They are going to die with lots of money in the bank, but little else. They have sacrificed their very lives for a buck, which to me means nothing different then being in debt. Money is still controlling them whether they owe it or save it.

For me, I get a great feeling from having nice stuff and doing things I love, more so then living a dull life and adding zero's to my bank account. When I leave this earth, I will be able to say that I did everything I wanted to do and if there was something I wanted, I made it mine. I worked hard and played harder. I will have had TONS more fun in life then any of Dave Ramsey's sheep, and I'll still have money in the bank too!:D

I'm not a "Dave Ramsey sheep", but without a doubt this country would not be in financial crisis if this more people followed his advice.

I know several folks that are financially responsible that have a ton of fun. Maybe it's because they don't have to worry about huge debt and paying the bills:rolleyes: Give it a try, you might like it.

[Art]

No my kids will have it better than I did. That would make it worth it. When you have kids you will realize it isn't all about you. Until then keep living it up man I know I sure did when I could.

I'm not really wanting kids, but you can bet that I will not stop living my life if I ever do have any. We could go into the whole parenting thing and my views on it all, but I'll spare you the agony.:D

[Art]

I'm not a "Dave Ramsey sheep", but without a doubt this country would not be in financial crisis if this more people followed his advice.

I know several folks that are financially responsible that have a ton of fun. Maybe it's because they don't have to worry about huge debt and paying the bills:rolleyes: Give it a try, you might like it.

I don't have huge debt and I can easily pay my bills and still save and invest. It's not because I needed someone to show me how to manage my money before I could have any, but because I've done it all along using common sense. Sure, I've done plenty of dumb things and made bad decision but I don't think I'd change anything if I could. Like I said, I don't know ANYONE who sacrifices life for money that is truly happy. I know there's some out there who would rather not have that new toy or stay home on a saturday night if they can save a few bucks for their afterlife, but it's not me brother.:)

[Al]

Lots of financial wizards around here. Hell, it looks like everyone here (except Nitrox) is debt free and on their way to becoming mini-Warren Buffets by 2010.

I got a question for all you guys who like to stash every penny, drive a Chrysler K car, and kiss Dave Ramsey's butt, for $14.95 of course. What are you here for? Do you think you're gonna live forever? For most of us here our lives are well past half over. I think if there's something you want to do or to buy, then do it! There's no guarantee you'll be here to enjoy your millions in 50 years or 2 months.

The people I know who are penny pinchers are the most miserable bass-turds on this planet. They are going to die with lots of money in the bank, but little else. They have sacrificed their very lives for a buck, which to me means nothing different then being in debt. Money is still controlling them whether they owe it or save it.

For me, I get a great feeling from having nice stuff and doing things I love, more so then living a dull life and adding zero's to my bank account. When I leave this earth, I will be able to say that I did everything I wanted to do and if there was something I wanted, I made it mine. I worked hard and played harder. I will have had TONS more fun in life then any of Dave Ramsey's sheep, and I'll still have money in the bank too!:D
Art your completely missing the point. Its not about pinching pennys and being miserable.
Its about paying cash for stuff instead of running out and taking out loans and using credit cards. Your making bankers rich with all the interest your paying out.
You may go whip out your credit card for a big screen TV, but I will save for 3 or 4 months and pay cash.
What is your car loan costing you in intrest over the length of your loan? $3000? And how many years of your life have you had a car loan? Most people have car loans their entire life.
There is no reason an out of debt person cant save up for a year and pay cash for that ATV instead of getting a 3 or 4 yr loan and loosing all that money.
Its no coincidence that the biggest buildings in every town and skyscrapers in every city are banks.
I can buy a lot more stuff paying cash than you can on credit because at the end of the day your paying thousands and thousands of dollars in intrest that I pocket.

[Art]

Art your completely missing the point. Its not about pinching pennys and being miserable.
Its about paying cash for stuff instead of running out and taking out loans and using credit cards. Your making bankers rich with all the interest your paying out.
You may go whip out your credit card for a big screen TV, but I will save for 3 or 4 months and pay cash.
What is your car loan costing you in intrest over the length of your loan? $3000? And how many years of your life have you had a car loan? Most people have car loans their entire life.
There is no reason an out of debt person cant save up for a year and pay cash for that ATV instead of getting a 3 or 4 yr loan and loosing all that money.
Its no coincidence that the biggest buildings in every town and skyscrapers in every city are banks.
I can buy a lot more stuff paying cash than you can on credit because at the end of the day your paying thousands and thousands of dollars in intrest that I pocket.


I have not owned a credit card in many years and I don't plan on ever getting another one. Ever.

Maybe what I see in everyday life is something different then what you guys see. I don't know anyone that would save money for 3 or 4 years to buy something they want now and actually BUY it once they save the money. People are just not like that, they become obsessed with saving money.

Everything I've ever financed I have paid off early. I've paid cash for some things and financed other's. It doesn't really matter to me, I pay my bills and I'm not broke and don't plan on ever being broke. Just because someone finances something doesn't mean they are stupid. What would you tell someone who has been saving money to pay cash for a new(er) car while driving a junker that needs constant repair? Or how about someone who's saving money to pay cash for a home while they rent? It all equals out usually.

I think in the end all that really matters is that you can afford what you have and are taking in more money then you are shipping out.

[killinmammals]

I think in the end all that really matters is that you can afford what you have and are taking in more money then you are shipping out.
Basically yep

[ril7572]

I don't have huge debt and I can easily pay my bills and still save and invest

I have not owned a credit card in many years and I don't plan on ever getting another one. Ever.

Sounds like a "Ramsey sheep" to me:D:D:D

[PhilpotHunter]

Lots of financial wizards around here. Hell, it looks like everyone here (except Nitrox) is debt free and on their way to becoming mini-Warren Buffets by 2010.

I got a question for all you guys who like to stash every penny, drive a Chrysler K car, and kiss Dave Ramsey's butt, for $14.95 of course. What are you here for? Do you think you're gonna live forever? For most of us here our lives are well past half over. I think if there's something you want to do or to buy, then do it! There's no guarantee you'll be here to enjoy your millions in 50 years or 2 months.

The people I know who are penny pinchers are the most miserable bass-turds on this planet. They are going to die with lots of money in the bank, but little else. They have sacrificed their very lives for a buck, which to me means nothing different then being in debt. Money is still controlling them whether they owe it or save it.

For me, I get a great feeling from having nice stuff and doing things I love, more so then living a dull life and adding zero's to my bank account. When I leave this earth, I will be able to say that I did everything I wanted to do and if there was something I wanted, I made it mine. I worked hard and played harder. I will have had TONS more fun in life then any of Dave Ramsey's sheep, and I'll still have money in the bank too!:D


That is one of the most ignorant posts I think I have ever seen on this website, and I'm suprised it came from you Art.

But don't pay any attention to me, I'm just miserable Ramsey butt kissing sheep that has TONS less fun in life than you do.

[Art]

Sounds like a "Ramsey sheep" to me:D:D:D

I think Dave Ramsey is an idiot. I've listened to his show and all I hear is the most ignorant people on earth calling him to ask for his sage wisdom. Money management is the most simple form of math, who in the world needs a radio show host to tell them that they're an idiot for maxing out 20 credit cards and buying 5 new cars on 30k a year? People actually pay that genius for his advice.

I was never great at math, but by God I can figure out that 2+2 doesn't equal 10 without the help of a radio show.:D

[Art]

That is one of the most ignorant posts I think I have ever seen on this website, and I'm suprised it came from you Art.

But don't pay any attention to me, I'm just miserable Ramsey butt kissing sheep that has TONS less fun in life than you do.

You said it, not me.:D

[CUZZIN]

AND I HAVE TO GET A SECOND JOB!!!! :mad: Yeah, I'm a little pissed right now. Everything just took a dump at once it seems. $1200/month for daycare( kids are EXPENSIVE!!!), 3 car payments, mortgage, credit cards, loans, Christmas is right around the corner.....I guess I should have seen it coming. If I can get a second job at a minimum of $10/hr, 3 days a week, I should be ok in about 3 months. Sorry for venting. On a side note, Yellowtail makes a shiraz/cabernet blend that is OUTSTANDING!!! 60% shiraz, 40% cabernet, and 100% delicious! :D Good news is my 401k is still doing pretty well. I thought about quitting and paying off a ton of bills with it and getting another job at $12-$13/hr closer to home but I would be too scared to do that honestly. Anyone wanna buy a Firebird? Looks like I'm going to have to get rid of my toy :( Might sell the house and rent something smaller for a year or two. 4 years ago we had more money than God's accountant, then BAM!!! Kids and a house payment and daycare and on and on and on. People get divorced over this crap all the time but I guess I have a pretty good woman. Hell, she puts up with me right? :D I know I'm not th only one feeling the pinch, but it suuucks when it hits home. I'll get off of my soapbox now.Three cars,big credit card debt? If your going to live large you got to work large, thats the AMERICAN way!

[Art]

Three cars,big credit card debt? If your going to live large you got to work large, thats the AMERICAN way!

If I was Nitrox, i'd start by trading that crap F body for a 10 second Civic that gets 32 mpgs.:D

[JDMiller]

I'm not really wanting kids, but you can bet that I will not stop living my life if I ever do have any.


Famous last words... kinda like saying I'll never do this or that. Then your friends remind you of what you said the rest of your life.:D

The first time that youngun is put in your arms... what you think you know goes by the wayside. Your life will revolve around your children concerning every facid of your life ..including those things you personally enjoy. You wont stop living your life.. but you will live your life in a very different way and enjoy every minute of it.

As far as pinching pennys and being miserable.... thats a long way from what everyone is saying. I've never listened to Dave Ramsey ... did'nt need to. As of next Thursday... I'm retiring from my job at the age of 41. Sure theres a lot of thing I did'nt do or buy along the way but I never have been unhappy. I've always felt rich or better words ..blessed with family and people around me. I've got plenty of guns..bows..been on several hunting trips out of state...drive a new truck... have all the material things I want and plenty more than I need.

My retirement will pay my mortgage.. vehicle payments ..ect. I plan on taking a 3 month hiatus and then get serious on another career. For the first time I can be picky on what ...when & how often I work. This income will be for the first time since I've been married to be used for whatever. I've never had that luxury and would'nt have it if I blowed my money on whims & things I did'nt need. Theres nothing wrong with some debt..I've got some.. but you got to reign it in or it can control your whole life.

Believe me I'm a long way from being miserable... pretty much have had a permanent smile in the last few weeks as my working days wind down. I'll also say I dont want this construed as bragging but just making a point that it is possible to reach certain goals early... you just have to use your head and live within your means.

[ril7572]

Famous last words... kinda like saying I'll never do this or that. Then your friends remind you of what you said the rest of your life.:D

The first time that youngun is put in your arms... what you think you know goes by the wayside. Your life will revolve around your children concerning every facid of your life ..including those things you personally enjoy. You wont stop living your life.. but you will live your life in a very different way and enjoy every minute of it.

As far as pinching pennys and being miserable.... thats a long way from what everyone is saying. I've never listened to Dave Ramsey ... did'nt need to. As of next Thursday... I'm retiring from my job at the age of 41. Sure theres a lot of thing I did'nt do or buy along the way but I never have been unhappy. I've always felt rich or better words ..blessed with family and people around me. I've got plenty of guns..bows..been on several hunting trips out of state...drive a new truck... have all the material things I want and plenty more than I need.

My retirement will pay my mortgage.. vehicle payments ..ect. I plan on taking a 3 month hiatus and then get serious on another career. For the first time I can be picky on what ...when & how often I work. This income will be for the first time since I've been married to be used for whatever. I've never had that luxury and would'nt have it if I blowed my money on whims & things I did'nt need. Theres nothing wrong with some debt..I've got some.. but you got to reign it in or it can control your whole life.

Believe me I'm a long way from being miserable... pretty much have had a permanent smile in the last few weeks as my working days wind down. I'll also say I dont want this construed as bragging but just making a point that it is possible to reach certain goals early... you just have to use your head and live within your means.

Great post.

I'm going back to the deer forum. Too much drama in the community forum for me:rolleyes:

[Art]

Famous last words... kinda like saying I'll never do this or that. Then your friends remind you of what you said the rest of your life.:D

The first time that youngun is put in your arms... what you think you know goes by the wayside. Your life will revolve around your children concerning every facid of your life ..including those things you personally enjoy. You wont stop living your life.. but you will live your life in a very different way and enjoy every minute of it.

As far as pinching pennys and being miserable.... thats a long way from what everyone is saying. I've never listened to Dave Ramsey ... did'nt need to. As of next Thursday... I'm retiring from my job at the age of 41. Sure theres a lot of thing I did'nt do or buy along the way but I never have been unhappy. I've always felt rich or better words ..blessed with family and people around me. I've got plenty of guns..bows..been on several hunting trips out of state...drive a new truck... have all the material things I want and plenty more than I need.

My retirement will pay my mortgage.. vehicle payments ..ect. I plan on taking a 3 month hiatus and then get serious on another career. For the first time I can be picky on what ...when & how often I work. This income will be for the first time since I've been married to be used for whatever. I've never had that luxury and would'nt have it if I blowed my money on whims & things I did'nt need. Theres nothing wrong with some debt..I've got some.. but you got to reign it in or it can control your whole life.

Believe me I'm a long way from being miserable... pretty much have had a permanent smile in the last few weeks as my working days wind down. I'll also say I dont want this construed as bragging but just making a point that it is possible to reach certain goals early... you just have to use your head and live within your means.

Great post. I think I'll disappoint you on the kids though. They just don't do it for me. If I ever have kids, I'll be a great father, but I'm not selling the motorcycles and guns and cleaning the beer from the fridge. However, if I ever do have kids rest assured that I'm not going to be making post after stupid post here about what they look like, where they go to school, or what they are doing at the current time.;)

[slickhead slayer]

Lots of financial wizards around here. Hell, it looks like everyone here (except Nitrox) is debt free and on their way to becoming mini-Warren Buffets by 2010.

I got a question for all you guys who like to stash every penny, drive a Chrysler K car, and kiss Dave Ramsey's butt, for $14.95 of course. What are you here for? Do you think you're gonna live forever? For most of us here our lives are well past half over. I think if there's something you want to do or to buy, then do it! There's no guarantee you'll be here to enjoy your millions in 50 years or 2 months.

The people I know who are penny pinchers are the most miserable bass-turds on this planet. They are going to die with lots of money in the bank, but little else. They have sacrificed their very lives for a buck, which to me means nothing different then being in debt. Money is still controlling them whether they owe it or save it.

For me, I get a great feeling from having nice stuff and doing things I love, more so then living a dull life and adding zero's to my bank account. When I leave this earth, I will be able to say that I did everything I wanted to do and if there was something I wanted, I made it mine. I worked hard and played harder. I will have had TONS more fun in life then any of Dave Ramsey's sheep, and I'll still have money in the bank too!:D

I have never bought a Dave Ramsey book or CD in my life, I have always been blessed with being financially responsible while having fun. You call us penny pinchers and ask why we are here. I am no penny pincher, and the original poster is now getting a second job to pay for his toys and habits. Is that living life to the fullest? Who cares how much money you have or don't have, if you are working two jobs and can't afford it?
I am shocked that so many people need others to tell them how to pay their bills, but lots of people do. And it better to take others advice than go belly up. I am glad you can pay your bills confortable, but the original poster can't, thats why he is getting a second job.

[Art]

I have never bought a Dave Ramsey book or CD in my life, I have always been blessed with being financially responsible while having fun. You call us penny pinchers and ask why we are here. I am no penny pincher, and the original poster is now getting a second job to pay for his toys and habits. Is that living life to the fullest? Who cares how much money you have or don't have, if you are working two jobs and can't afford it?
I am shocked that so many people need others to tell them how to pay their bills, but lots of people do. And it better to take others advice than go belly up. I am glad you can pay your bills confortable, but the original poster can't, thats why he is getting a second job.


I agree, but what got lost in the shuffle here is that some seem to think if you owe money or you finance anything then you must be an idiot. At least that what I'm taking from some of the comments.

I'm all for people saving money, but I'm talking about the extremist here. The people that say, "I really want a steak tonight, but if I eat a sweet potato and water and put the money I saved into a CD then I can buy 2 steaks 5 years from now."

[AteUp]

What good is saving every dime you can if you can't spend any of it?
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Somewhere in the middle the sensible people hang out.:)
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-What good is spending all your money and then some so that you have to spend most of your time working to pay it all back and then some?

[Art]

-
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-What good is spending all your money and then some so that you have to spend most of your time working to pay it all back and then some?

Time away from the wife?

[JDMiller]

Great post. I think I'll disappoint you on the kids though. They just don't do it for me. If I ever have kids, I'll be a great father, but I'm not selling the motorcycles and guns and cleaning the beer from the fridge. However, if I ever do have kids rest assured that I'm not going to be making post after stupid post here about what they look like, where they go to school, or what they are doing at the current time.;)

My daughter was born when I was 26... up until then I said the same thing. My road bike has been gone a long time but do have a 4-wheeler. I have'nt sold any guns and have bought many more than I had then...wife & daughter have even bought me a few. Never had the beer in the fridge to give up... but theres is a fridge in the garage if it was needed to find a resting place. :D

Again.... famous last words.... even the bragging on the kids part. You wont be able to help yourself.:eek:

Good luck on that!!

[Art]

My daughter was born when I was 26... up until then I said the same thing. My road bike has been gone a long time but do have a 4-wheeler. I have'nt sold any guns and have bought many more than I had then...wife & daughter have even bought me a few. Never had the beer in the fridge to give up... but theres is a fridge in the garage if it was needed to find a resting place. :D

Again.... famous last words.... even the bragging on the kids part. You wont be able to help yourself.:eek:

Good luck on that!!

Well, I'm almost 33. I work long hours and cherish my sleep and free time. The tubes are in danger in the next couple of years.:D

[AteUp]

Well, I'm almost 33. I work long hours and cherish my sleep and free time. The tubes are in danger in the next couple of years.:D

Who's gonna change your diaper when your 90 if you don't have kids?:eek:

[Art]

Who's gonna change your diaper when your 90 if you don't have kids?:eek:

90? I'll be lucky to make it to 60, but if that day were to come I'd probably call up Kevorkian's grandkids to "help me".:eek::D

[Ky'sFinest]

just a dave ramsey sheep here. fellas, ignorance is bliss until that unforeseen event takes place. someone who is stressing about money needs to talk to a financial adviser or read a book or two about finance. there is nothing wrong with someone wanting to better themselves by broadening their knowledge and changeing their perspective.

i was lucky to have a dad that preached to me on many issues, including but not limited too, finances. not only did he preach but he praticed what he preached. i have witnessed fist hand what hard work and a little sacrifice can do. when you set yourself up for success, success will come easier and more often.

without going on and on, one thing that i think is truly ignorant is to blast off like you know it all. second, if i die with money in the bank, that money will go to greater things than what i could have done with it while alive.

bills are easy to pay when you have the income, but what happens when you or your spouse loses his or her job and all of a sudden you can't pay for all those bills?

[deadaim]

The Ant and the Grasshopper
In a field one summer's day a Grasshopper was hopping about, chirping and singing to its heart's content. An Ant walked by, grunting as he carried a plump kernel of corn.

"Where are you off to with that heavy thing?" asked the Grasshopper.

Without stopping, the Ant replied, "To our ant hill. This is the third kernel I've delivered today."

"Why not come and sing with me," said the Grasshopper, "instead of working so hard?"

"I am helping to store food for the winter," said the Ant, "and think you should do the same."
"Why bother about winter?" said the Grasshopper; "we have plenty of food right now."


But the Ant went on its way and continued its work.

The weather soon turned cold. All the food lying in the field was covered with a thick white blanket of snow that even the grasshopper could not dig through. Soon the Grasshopper found itself dying of hunger.

He staggered to the ants' hill and saw them handing out corn from the stores they had collected in the summer.

Then the Grasshopper knew:

It is best to prepare for the days of necessity

[Art]

just a dave ramsey sheep here. fellas, ignorance is bliss until that unforeseen event takes place. someone who is stressing about money needs to talk to a financial adviser or read a book or two about finance. there is nothing wrong with someone wanting to better themselves by broadening their knowledge and changeing their perspective.

i was lucky to have a dad that preached to me on many issues, including but not limited too, finances. not only did he preach but he praticed what he preached. i have witnessed fist hand what hard work and a little sacrifice can do. when you set yourself up for success, success will come easier and more often.

without going on and on, one thing that i think is truly ignorant is to blast off like you know it all. second, if i die with money in the bank, that money will go to greater things than what i could have done with it while alive.

bills are easy to pay when you have the income, but what happens when you or your spouse loses his or her job and all of a sudden you can't pay for all those bills?


I noticed you bring up the word "ignorant" a couple of times when referring to someone who doesn't follow Dave Ramsey, which I assume is referring to me.

At the end of the day I would be that even though I spend more money then most of Dave Ramsey's cult on things like toys and other "non-essential" items I still probably invest and save more money each week then 95% of those who think I'm a fool for not wanting to end my life by becoming a slave to my bank account and save every penny for some giant misfortune in life that may never come.

The 5 hours or so a week you guys are listening to your leader or buying one of his books making him millions, I'm out working OT, MAKING money to buy stocks and to fund MY savings and retirement accounts, not Dave Ramsey's.:)

[Al]

The 5 hours or so a week you guys are listening to your leader or buying one of his books making him millions, I'm out working OT, MAKING money to buy stocks and to fund MY savings and retirement accounts, not Dave Ramsey's.:)
Art have you thought putting your money into land?
I dont trust the stockmarket anymore. Im putting my money away to buy more land or another farm. I dont trust Wall street paper. Now I want an investment I can see and use or hunt on or cut lumber off of. Lumber is very high now. If you buy the right farm you can often recoop a bunch of money from it by cutting it. Espesially if there is hickory and wallnut on it.

[mgpatty]

Art have you thought putting your money into land?
I dont trust the stockmarket anymore. Im putting my money away to buy more land or another farm. I dont trust Wall street paper. Now I want an investment I can see and use or hunt on or cut lumber off of. Lumber is very high now. If you buy the right farm you can often recoop a bunch of money from it by cutting it. Espesially if there is hickory and wallnut on it.

This is part of my retirement strategy. In addition to investing in my retirement fund (not going so good right now:eek::eek:), I also try to invest in undeveloped property. However, I would not invest in undeveloped property without being close to debt free. I would also invest in a good retirement savings plan, especially if your employer offers matching funds. The market will correct itself and rebound, the only real question is when will it bottom out. However, being debt free should be everyones goal in life if they want to retire someday. The biggest wealth building tool you have is your income.

[TedB]

MODERN VERSION:
The ant works hard in the withering heat all summer long, building his house and laying up supplies for the winter.
The grasshopper thinks the ant is a fool and laughs and dances and plays the summer away.
Come winter, the shivering grasshopper calls a press conference and demands to know why the ant should be allowed to be warm and well fed while others are cold and starving.

CBS, NBC, PBS, CNN, and ABC show up to provide pictures of the shivering grasshopper next to a video of the ant in his comfortable home with a table filled with food. America is stunned by the sharp contrast.

How can this be, that in a country of such wealth, this poor grasshopper is allowed to suffer so?

Kermit the Frog appears on Oprah with the grasshopper and everybody cries when they sing, 'It's Not Easy Being Green.'

Jesse Jackson stages a demonstration in front of the ant's house where the news stations film the group singing, 'We shall overcome.' Jesse then has the group kneel down to pray to God for the grasshopper's sake.

Nancy Pelosi & John Kerry exclaim in an interview with Larry King that the ant has gotten rich off the back of the grasshopper, and both call for an immediate tax hike on the ant to make him pay his fair share.

Finally, the EEOC drafts the Economic Equity & Anti-Grasshopper Act retroactive to the beginning of the summer.

The ant is fined for failing to hire a proportionate number of green bugs and, having nothing left to pay his retroactive taxes, his home is confiscated by the government.

Hillary gets her old law firm to represent the grasshopper in a defamation suit against the ant, and the case is tried before a panel of federal judges that Bill Clinton appointed from a list of single-parent welfare recipients.

The ant loses the case.

The story ends as we see the grasshopper finishing up the last bits of the ant's food while the government house he is in, which just happens to be the ant's old house, crumbles around him because he doesn't maintain it.

The ant has disappeared in the snow.

The grasshopper is found dead in a drug related incident and the house, now abandoned, is taken over by a gang of spiders who terrorize the once peaceful neighborhood..

[KYHUNTER14]

One thing that cracks me up are the "How to Save Money" books. For just $19.99 you can learn how to save money the right way, blah, blah, blah....


If any of you guys want some financial advice PM me. I can tell you how to save $19.99 for just 3 easy payments of $5.

[deadaim]

MODERN VERSION:
The ant works hard in the withering heat all summer long, building his house and laying up supplies for the winter.
The grasshopper thinks the ant is a fool and laughs and dances and plays the summer away.
Come winter, the shivering grasshopper calls a press conference and demands to know why the ant should be allowed to be warm and well fed while others are cold and starving.

CBS, NBC, PBS, CNN, and ABC show up to provide pictures of the shivering grasshopper next to a video of the ant in his comfortable home with a table filled with food. America is stunned by the sharp contrast.

How can this be, that in a country of such wealth, this poor grasshopper is allowed to suffer so?

Kermit the Frog appears on Oprah with the grasshopper and everybody cries when they sing, 'It's Not Easy Being Green.'

Jesse Jackson stages a demonstration in front of the ant's house where the news stations film the group singing, 'We shall overcome.' Jesse then has the group kneel down to pray to God for the grasshopper's sake.

Nancy Pelosi & John Kerry exclaim in an interview with Larry King that the ant has gotten rich off the back of the grasshopper, and both call for an immediate tax hike on the ant to make him pay his fair share.

Finally, the EEOC drafts the Economic Equity & Anti-Grasshopper Act retroactive to the beginning of the summer.

The ant is fined for failing to hire a proportionate number of green bugs and, having nothing left to pay his retroactive taxes, his home is confiscated by the government.

Hillary gets her old law firm to represent the grasshopper in a defamation suit against the ant, and the case is tried before a panel of federal judges that Bill Clinton appointed from a list of single-parent welfare recipients.

The ant loses the case.

The story ends as we see the grasshopper finishing up the last bits of the ant's food while the government house he is in, which just happens to be the ant's old house, crumbles around him because he doesn't maintain it.

The ant has disappeared in the snow.

The grasshopper is found dead in a drug related incident and the house, now abandoned, is taken over by a gang of spiders who terrorize the once peaceful neighborhood..

Isnt that the truth...............

[B.M. Barrelcooker]

I noticed you bring up the word "ignorant" a couple of times when referring to someone who doesn't follow Dave Ramsey, which I assume is referring to me.

At the end of the day I would be that even though I spend more money then most of Dave Ramsey's cult on things like toys and other "non-essential" items I still probably invest and save more money each week then 95% of those who think I'm a fool for not wanting to end my life by becoming a slave to my bank account and save every penny for some giant misfortune in life that may never come.

The 5 hours or so a week you guys are listening to your leader or buying one of his books making him millions, I'm out working OT, MAKING money to buy stocks and to fund MY savings and retirement accounts, not Dave Ramsey's.:)


Stocks haven't been doing so well latley. I'd cut back on the overtime and wait for a slight upward trend and start to buy again.

On another note, Life is too short to drink the cheap stuff.

[killinmammals]

Art have you thought putting your money into land?
I dont trust the stockmarket anymore. Im putting my money away to buy more land or another farm. I dont trust Wall street paper. Now I want an investment I can see and use or hunt on or cut lumber off of. Lumber is very high now. If you buy the right farm you can often recoop a bunch of money from it by cutting it. Espesially if there is hickory and wallnut on it.
All good and everything, but what if the time comes to sell that land and you can't. What if nobody is buyin up land in the area or times are hard like now in the realestate market?
There is still money to be made in the market right as I'm typing this, it just takes some homework to know what to look for.

[ptbrauch]

Lots of financial wizards around here. Hell, it looks like everyone here (except Nitrox) is debt free and on their way to becoming mini-Warren Buffets by 2010.

I got a question for all you guys who like to stash every penny, drive a Chrysler K car, and kiss Dave Ramsey's butt, for $14.95 of course. What are you here for? Do you think you're gonna live forever? For most of us here our lives are well past half over. I think if there's something you want to do or to buy, then do it! There's no guarantee you'll be here to enjoy your millions in 50 years or 2 months.

The people I know who are penny pinchers are the most miserable bass-turds on this planet. They are going to die with lots of money in the bank, but little else. They have sacrificed their very lives for a buck, which to me means nothing different then being in debt. Money is still controlling them whether they owe it or save it.

For me, I get a great feeling from having nice stuff and doing things I love, more so then living a dull life and adding zero's to my bank account. When I leave this earth, I will be able to say that I did everything I wanted to do and if there was something I wanted, I made it mine. I worked hard and played harder. I will have had TONS more fun in life then any of Dave Ramsey's sheep, and I'll still have money in the bank too!:D

Right now I'm doing the things I have to do so that later (2010 may be a little too soon though), I can do the things I want to do. You guys will know when that's happened when I no longer sit around at work and post on hunting forums.:eek:

[barney]

All good and everything, but what if the time comes to sell that land and you can't. What if nobody is buyin up land in the area or times are hard like now in the realestate market?
There is still money to be made in the market right as I'm typing this, it just takes some homework to know what to look for.
Land will never "evaporate" into thin air, it will always have a value.;)

[mgpatty]

Land will never "evaporate" into thin air, it will always have a value.;)

The important thing to remember is that you must be willing to 'sit' on the investment until there is a buyer. It's just a matter of matching the land to the person who wants the land bad enough. That is why it is important to own the land without any debt involved.---> Buy low and sell at a gain<---.

[Hammer]

Papa Johns as my second job Hammer. It is funding a Roth for my wife, an education fund for my son, and paying down extra on our house every month.


very nice! Sorry to confuse the 2 of you.

I have a friend who does the same job for the same reasons.

[Hammer]

I read the first Ramsey book and followed that philosophy for a few years. I've never been a big spender; I've always driven a beater, had no debt from college since I had a nice scholarship and lived at home, never cared anything about fashion, never been big on the newest technology/gadgets, and I'm very fortunate to have a father who has paid for most of my hunting endeavors. U can't realize how many people have asked me at some point why I don't drive a better car. Simple... I don't want one, and I think it's a silly waste of money. They usually say, "U can afford it!" I could be paying on a loan, but I don't want to. I did get married along the line though :rolleyes: and have kids :D so things change.

I think Ramsey teaches solid principles, but I don't agree with everything he says. Like AteUp said, I think there's a balance in the middle somewhere.

I still think people are too hard on Nitrox. He's such an open book on here, and maybe that's just the beer talking, BUT he is taking responsibility for his actions. We can't say that about most of the USA unfortunately. He's spent too much, has too many toys/cars, and maybe over-indulges his children, but hey, we've all made mistakes. He's set about to correct things. Good for him. Don't beat him when he's down.

[Al]

All good and everything, but what if the time comes to sell that land and you can't. What if nobody is buyin up land in the area or times are hard like now in the realestate market?
There is still money to be made in the market right as I'm typing this, it just takes some homework to know what to look for.
There is a huge difference between buying a farm for hunting and one for an investment.
I look for close to a town or city and close to major roads or hwys. Also I need lots of road frontage so on a 60 ac farm I can sell 10 ac lots in the future. I also look for marketable timber.
Whats also good is a farm with a older farm house that needs work.
You can fix up that house and sell it along with 10 ac within 5 yrs, and I bet you will recoop a big portion of your money.
Houses are a dime a dozen right now. But affordable houses on a bit of land are still in demand. Alot of people are scared now and want to be able to have a garden and a couple of cows or goats.
I paid $85,000 for 60+/- ac in a desirable area, 6 yrs ago. I recently had someone walk through with me and he estimated that I have $100,000+ of marketable timber.

[barney]

There is a huge difference between buying a farm for hunting and one for an investment.
I look for close to a town or city and close to major roads or hwys. Also I need lots of road frontage so on a 60 ac farm I can sell 10 ac lots in the future. I also look for marketable timber.
Whats also good is a farm with a older farm house that needs work.
You can fix up that house and sell it along with 10 ac within 5 yrs, and I bet you will recoop a big portion of your money.
Houses are a dime a dozen right now. But affordable houses on a bit of land are still in demand. Alot of people are scared now and want to be able to have a garden and a couple of cows or goats.
I paid $85,000 for 60+/- ac in a desirable area, 6 yrs ago. I recently had someone walk through with me and he estimated that I have $100,000+ of marketable timber.
I look for "baby farms" to be the hottest form of real estate, over the next few years. The handwriting is on the wall!;)

[predator]

I think Ramsey teaches solid principles, but I don't agree with everything he says. Like AteUp said, I think there's a balance in the middle somewhere.

There is a huge difference between buying a farm for hunting and one for an investment.

I look for "baby farms" to be the hottest form of real estate, over the next few years. The handwriting is on the wall!;)

I'll take being called a mini-Warren Buffet as a compliment especially if I'm lumped in with these guys. I haven't put any money in the stock market for over 5 years, good thing, I'd lost it all this week. I have a pretty good knowledge of real estate and have done quite well.

There is a balance in between. I'm sure about every McDonalds is like ours. There is a certain group of older (rich) gentlemen who hang around at 10:00, waiting for the free, leftover breakfast items that didn't sell before the lunch menu starts. I have an aunt and uncle worth millions, for 50 years, every day they put in 9 hours at the plant, then came home and worked the farm till dark, 5 hours at the factory every Saturday wether needed or not, then back to the farm till dark. Got all that money and now their health is gone. They think I'm being wasteful for going to Canada and Cancun every year, but I'm going to enjoy what I've made, but yet I'm not going to borrow from somebody else to do so. There is an certain order to things.

[Art]

Art have you thought putting your money into land?
I dont trust the stockmarket anymore. Im putting my money away to buy more land or another farm. I dont trust Wall street paper. Now I want an investment I can see and use or hunt on or cut lumber off of. Lumber is very high now. If you buy the right farm you can often recoop a bunch of money from it by cutting it. Espesially if there is hickory and wallnut on it.

I have. I looked pretty hard at land about 4 years ago and still do from time to time. My problem is that I can't find land that meets all my requirements. I want the land to gain value, but I also want to use it. I'm actually going to look at some land on sunday.

[Art]

Stocks haven't been doing so well latley. I'd cut back on the overtime and wait for a slight upward trend and start to buy again.

On another note, Life is too short to drink the cheap stuff.

Nah. This is when you make all your money! Buy while everything is crashing and ride the swell. I don't want to wait until the market is about to burst and then buy everything for top dollar.

[Ky'sFinest]

anything in moderation.

in the end you reap what you sow.


;)

[KYBOY]

Dang, I can skip church for a good while....Ive read enough preaching on this thread to last myself a month of sundays :D:D:D