I've become aware in recent times that my view of the "average American lifestyle" may be skewed and getting more skewed by the day, as I continue to be surrounded by coworkers with opulent lives and asses firmly planted atop the pyramid. While my own day-to-day existence is relatively modest, in terms of spending & consumption, I fear my own perception of what I should be able to afford; indeed, my sense of entitlement (what an ugly word!), has grown in ways that have been unperceptable along the way, though undeniable now as I evaluate my current recreational tastes and Quicken report of monthly expenditure, relative to what they were before I started work at my current job, just about five years ago.
I don't think enjoying a quality meal in a nice restaurant is a total waste of money, but I remember a time when I thought it was. I remember a time when the only "eating out" we did was at Taco Bell. I also remember a time when the only beer that was "stocked" in my fridge was left over from my last party. And it was shitty beer, in cans. And I didn't have Netflix. Etc. Etc. It adds up.
Scaling back would be healthy to begin with, but our hand has been forced as we are faced with having to eke out an extra $500 or so for childcare expenses we'll be facing when Sharon goes back into work in February. We're in the midst of trying to dial down monthly expenses in just about every recreational/luxury category in the register. Right now, it doesn't appear it will quite add up to the extra $500, but who knows in what way I don't even see now that monthly budget will change over the next five months? Easy come easy go.
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5 comments:
You can become a male postitute?
Easy come easy go.
I've been trimming away expenses as we head into a major phase of student loan repayment. Still, I have theater tickets I'm budgeting in the next few months. I figure: we drive two un-flashy cars that we own. I bring my lunch to work. We don't stockpile consumer debt. We could really be riding entitlement, but it's a relative thing.
It's a noble and worthwhile endeavor. I think we all are guilty of getting used to what is really a luxury, partially because of the asshole next door, and partially out of laziness.
I'm as guilty as anyone, though I really don't aspire to the bullshit that many do. We live in a modest house in a very cool location and aspire to little more. We'll finish it nicely, but also simply and modestly.
I wish you well, of course, and hope that you can figure out how to make it work.
Stephen: "Consumer debt" for me, but it's always been built up purely on an emergency basis. We've just had a lot of emergencies. And I'm not just saying that.
Mixdorf: I assume your "I'm as guilty as anyone" refers to present company, and not our country at large, in which case it's just not true. And I'd say that if your goal is to live within your means, you have little to feel guilty about. If I'm not mistaken, you've always done exactly that.
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