Comments on: Apathetic Debtor

By: Kaity

Kaity — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 16:32:53 +0000

I’m 28, and I was these people just a year ago. You know you should save money; you know you should pay down your debt; you know you should cut frivolous expenses, but you get by just fine doing what you’re doing. While I was growing up, my parents never taught me about money planning, it was never something I had to think about. Then a year ago my then fiance lost his job, and all of a sudden being in debt, having no savings to speak of, not watching what we spent was no longer acceptable. While it’s been tough not being able to do what all our friends are doing and not being able to buy new clothes all the time, etc. But in the long run (as strange as it sounds) I’m glad we were put in this position. It has forced us to be excited about savings and money planning, and hopefully it’s putting us in a better position for the long term. We’ve learned our lesson, and it’s one we’ll keep forever and pass on to our children.

I think it’s more society than just these people’s age. Money management isn’t a priority for many people these days, as it was for previous generations. I think many of us are learning the error of our ways due to the state of the economy lately. Not always a bad thing…

By: Diana

Diana — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:22:22 +0000

Why would I say something to them? You did your job, they weren’t interested, so it’s time for the rest of us, who do understand, to have a good laugh about that. They too will learn…when they hit rock bottom, or when exactly did you learn?

By: karyn

karyn — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:26:35 +0000

Maybe once they pay off their credit card bill, they’ll get that “debt-payment” adrenaline rush (or a least a little swoosh) and will feel more motivated. But I do remember that when my husband and I first married, money and time always seemed tight. Then I became a stay at home mom, money and time seemed that much tighter. Now, with number four on the way and the single income life seeming to last longer – I can’t believe how much we money and time we had. But I still wouldn’t trade it; I just wished we had saved up more in the beginning. Live and learn.

By: Financial Samurai

Financial Samurai — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:43:15 +0000

Neal – They may be apathetic, but they sure are having fun! Besides, going to you to ask for help is the step in the right direction, meaning they will probably buckle down after their fun is over.

I don’t want to look back on my life and say I didn’t have MAX fun!

By: Jason @ Redeeming Riches

Jason @ Redeeming Riches — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:14:19 +0000

Neal, great post – I’ve seen this scenario before – the variables change (i.e – golf memberships, outrageous cable bills etc) but the root is always the same – they simply don’t want to change. They want to live debt free and not worry about money without making any sacrifices.

By: Neal@wealthpilgrim.com

Neal@wealthpilgrim.com — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:12:46 +0000

Thanks for all the great comments. As always, I learn so much from all of you.

Fooddiaryuser #26 – That story about your Aunt and Uncle is amazing. I just about fell out of my chair!

I am also very very sorry to hear about your sister. That hits home w/me especially because I lost both my parents at 17. Anyway….

Other folks commented about the goverment role in our psyche and I think that’s actually a great point. Never thought about it before. I also think back to when I was young(er?) and must admit that the idea of turning 50 one day was impossible to imagine – yet it was 2 years ago.

Maybe the younger we are the more difficult it is to understand that we are aging.

I also liked Rob’s comment about the salt.

Thanks everyone.

By: fooddiaryuser

fooddiaryuser — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 02:06:17 +0000

Well, Neal…what do ya do?

I had an Aunt and Uncle who were cancer researchers, they were both hospitalized for lung cancer because they smoked! While in the hospital dieing, they both insisted on SMOKING! (That was back in the day when a person could smoke in a hospital…I know, long time ago.) But, the point is still the same. Stupid is as stupid does.

Welcome Neal, we miss Jason, but know he will get through the long process of grieving in due time. I cried every night for a year after the loss of my little sister to cancer who was 44. She left four children who had lost their father several years before. It is a long process and it just has to run its’ course and he will be fine and we will be here for him.

By: Bobby

Bobby — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:19:53 +0000

It’s endemic to being human, and is particularly strong in younger people: They don’t think the present circumstances are going to change, and that is the one thing that is certain. Job loss could really put them in a financial hole or catastrophic illness.

By: Rebecca Rivera

Rebecca Rivera — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:04:27 +0000

Many people are interested in my story (I am 30, just bought a house, am debt free, and a single mom to two boys.) I have taken fianancial courses and try to help others in similar sitautions, but most people don’t really want to change. Friends of mine bought a house they can not afford, have tvs and game system’s in each room, and eat fast food every day. They asked me to help them with there finances but after I met with them it ended there.

It is sad, as I don’t really feel like we go without stuff. My boys and I have a good life!
It is of course all God, and I would love to help others as well, but most are content being in debt and so on.

By: K at Resqdebt

K at Resqdebt — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:12:37 +0000

It takes real commitment to get out of debt. It really does. Apathy can be an issue.