Happy Families are Thrifty Families

I seriously think that people today are overspending because they are overcompensating to off set bad feelings. 

I know this is the case of one single parent I used to know. Being away from two children at night  was a drag.  But the amount and variety the things that the two kids had were unbelieveable. This person was trying to keep expenses down because of the divorce proceedings, but  videos lined the hallways; dolls, cars, and clothes spilled out of the closets.  The bathroom was filled with toys that they had during bath time.  This parent wasn't a slob, but the house was looked like someone with disposophobia.

Some of the toys were still in the boxes.  By the time they all returned home, the two kids  were too tired to enjoy the toys.

The kids did not  understand why the one parent did not want to be with them anymore.  They were told that they were the best kids in the world to be left on the back burner.  They were hurting and their everyday routine was in upheaval.  They were no longer returning to a home where at least one parent was always waiting for them;  they were having to go to a baby sitter's or family relatives.  They did not complain but this one parent felt guilty because of the unfair situation.

So this parent was buying them a toy or DVD when they worked nights, which was quite frequently.  He or she felt they kids needed to be rewarded.  The kids  were not asking for the rewards, but to offset the bad feeling for the kids this parent would buy the extras.  In truth, there could have been less financial stress if the parent could get over his or her own negative feelings.

I can't help but think that this is the case with many people.  They really don't see the reality anymore; it has turned into a  nightmare.  Some people may seem happy or successful, but becuase of their child hood, they have learned to fill the empty spot with things.  Things cost money. Things cost stress.   But things are added because that is all they have learned.

What I am trying to say is that all overspending is not trying to keep up with the Jones.

I really don't think many people see how profitable it is to have a good family structure for everyone involved.  It is a part of society that is a society of its own that needs to be protected.  It is where family values that help actual monetary values are taught.

GO HAPPY FAMILIES!!! FIGHT!!!

I seriously don't think the Duggers are strange.  They are respectable people.  I am not saying that everyone should have a dozen plus children.  But that family is happy and they are not in financial trouble.  I think happy families are naturally thrifty families. 

2 Comments | Post Feedback

I agree whole heartedly with this! I make most of my gifts and have spent less than $150 for EVERYONE including friends/family and acquaintances. My family always looks forward to the box of goodies i send them because the items were chosen or made with love. People get thrift books, records, clothes and handmade items/foods and no one has ever complained. I had a friend spend LOTS of money on her kid last year, he complained that his christmas was bad, that he didn't get anything good...so the guilt drove her to spend more. I wish people didn't give in like that. I don't have children, but if I did i certainly wouldn't give into guilt. Not my style. Here's hoping people won't drive themselves into severe debt this holiday season!!

I look around and see titles like "gifts for under $40" or $20 - or... and I have never in my life spent that much - because I frankly didn't have it. Didn't keep me from participating in a gift exchange, tho -
Gifts are nice - but they don't stop up the holes in anyone's heart. Let's remember that.

Post Feedback:

You need to be a registered ThriftyFun user post feedback. If you are registered, login using the form at the top of this page. Click here to register.