Perception

I just had a really interesting conversation with someone about wealth and I found it very interesting.

Has anyone read the book "The Millionaire Next Door"? You would be surprised who has money and who doesn't. Do you feel envious of people who drive really nice cars and dress in the nicest clothes and they seem to have every new electronic gadget on the market? Do you know that often what you see is a lie? How much credit card debt does this person have? Do they have a home equity line of credit? Are they thousands and thousands of dollars in debt? Do they want you or others to perceive that they are successful and more stuff makes them that way? There are exceptions to this rule and they are people who have genuinely done well and they have made good choices with their money but it is not normally that way.

I truly am proud of my frugalness. I don't have the nicest clothes or drive the nicest car but all of these items are paid for and this gives me peace of mind.
My tennis shoes have a rip in the side and they really need to be replaced. I am waiting till I have extra cash to pay for them. I refuse to put them on credit.
I am making my daughter pay for her ballet supplies and I will soon plant a victory garden so that I can cut down on my grocery costs. I know that some people think that I am strange but why does it matter? My children know all about Good Will and Savers and they know how to use coupons. I am teaching them coping skills if things get worse with our economy.

More to come...