Contraman is on to something, I don’t disagree. Ultimately you must take responsibility to something that you take on – I am just saying that in the face of huge social and marketing pressures (as well as the wife!), it’s hard not to buy….
I am not sexist, but men and women have somewhat different personalities. I think that most men would be happy in equally usable, utilitarian structures which are easy to pay for and easy to maintain. As long as the TV’s and video games and toys are easily accessible… Women nest much more and want to own a home. I just wonder how many people bought a house because they were trying to please the wife… Just a thought – don’t beat me up! (and don’t tell my wife!)
PerryChase – I am also a proud liberal, but not a bleeding heart one. I would use my liberal ways to make things fairer and to put the money into the infrastructure of our education systems and job training vs. giving it to hedge fund managers and all the other greedy people in charge of our economy.
I grew up as a spender, and still am – but as my income ramped up and my risk aversion went up, I got off the wheel of make lots of money and spend even more. When I sold my company I didn’t buy a new car. I have 3 but they are all paid for. I haven’t not paid off a credit card bill (never owning anything on them) for at least 10 years now.
I personally keep the economy humming! But the difference is that I’ve got the money in the bank. Most of the people I know spend freely as well. Problem is that they make high incomes and spend just as much. A lot of them have equity in their homes, but really don’t have the cash in the bank to keep their lifestyles.
When the equity goes down, I think that the new watchword will be downsizing… Problem is that as everyone does it, or is forced to by the amount they owe (great time for Bush to have passed the bankruptcy litigation!!! Way to go on the lobbyists Credit Card Industry!) the economy is going to go south…. WAY south….
p.s. When we sold our house in Dec 06 and started renting in La Jolla, I haven’t bought a single thing at a furniture store…. Bought an awesome glass kitchen table on Creigslist! For $240!
