Is it getting harder financially or is it just me?

[bobby]

not only car ins is high,
it seems that gasoline, food, rent are also too high.

[bobby]

not only car ins is high,
it seems that gasoline, food, rent are also too high.

[asragov]

If by doing things the “right way” means that your spouse does not work, then I suppose, yes, it has gotten harder for both spouses not to work. This should be viewed as a significant “cost,” even though (IMHO) it is worth it for quality of life.

If you both have aspirations of a higher standard of living, or feel that you are struggling, then she should probably work. Most families that I know of have two working spouses, for many reasons, across all income levels.

I would not consider current lack of homeownership in San Diego a “problem,” though. The fact that the values have been inflated beyond reason in the past 5-10 years does not mean that you must participate in the farce. Hang on, resist the temptation to buy, and wait for prices to return to a more reasonable (historically) level. If you’re looking at other states (Utah, Texas, etc.), then it is a different conversation altogether.

But one has to keep in mind that, in general, the standard of living in San Diego is extremely low (excluding weather, of course). Costs of living are mostly high, and incomes are generally low (relatively speaking). You have to keep some perspective in that regard.

There has been plenty of advice from other posts about taxes, retirement, etc., but I am surprised that more people do not recognize that charity has a very high Return on Investment. This probably does not make sense to those focused on the P&L at hand, but there are other, more important benefits of charity. I applaud your commitment.

[asragov]

If by doing things the “right way” means that your spouse does not work, then I suppose, yes, it has gotten harder for both spouses not to work. This should be viewed as a significant “cost,” even though (IMHO) it is worth it for quality of life.

If you both have aspirations of a higher standard of living, or feel that you are struggling, then she should probably work. Most families that I know of have two working spouses, for many reasons, across all income levels.

I would not consider current lack of homeownership in San Diego a “problem,” though. The fact that the values have been inflated beyond reason in the past 5-10 years does not mean that you must participate in the farce. Hang on, resist the temptation to buy, and wait for prices to return to a more reasonable (historically) level. If you’re looking at other states (Utah, Texas, etc.), then it is a different conversation altogether.

But one has to keep in mind that, in general, the standard of living in San Diego is extremely low (excluding weather, of course). Costs of living are mostly high, and incomes are generally low (relatively speaking). You have to keep some perspective in that regard.

There has been plenty of advice from other posts about taxes, retirement, etc., but I am surprised that more people do not recognize that charity has a very high Return on Investment. This probably does not make sense to those focused on the P&L at hand, but there are other, more important benefits of charity. I applaud your commitment.

[contraman]

Charitable giving does indeed have it’s non-monetary rewards, as it is more blessed to give than receive, but as a responsible husband and father that money should be going toward the well being of his family at this time especially if they are struggling to meet the basic necessities of life (according to their means of living).

It should also be used to pay for the illegal internet access that the gentleman is receiving from next door?

And we are not talking about GIVING here concerning this gentleman, we are discussing the often abused practice and teaching of TITHING one’s income to an organization at the expense of their own household which is very sternly taught in most religious organizations.

Most of this money never reaches the people in real NEED but finances bigger buildings to compete with the other denominations down the street. Tithing is the catholic equivelant of indulgences and if you would like to start a discussion concering the history of these practices and the host of scriptures unduly used to support them, I would be glad to do that in another area with anyone interested

Go ahead and start the new topic if you would like….

Sincerely, Contraman

[contraman]

Charitable giving does indeed have it’s non-monetary rewards, as it is more blessed to give than receive, but as a responsible husband and father that money should be going toward the well being of his family at this time especially if they are struggling to meet the basic necessities of life (according to their means of living).

It should also be used to pay for the illegal internet access that the gentleman is receiving from next door?

And we are not talking about GIVING here concerning this gentleman, we are discussing the often abused practice and teaching of TITHING one’s income to an organization at the expense of their own household which is very sternly taught in most religious organizations.

Most of this money never reaches the people in real NEED but finances bigger buildings to compete with the other denominations down the street. Tithing is the catholic equivelant of indulgences and if you would like to start a discussion concering the history of these practices and the host of scriptures unduly used to support them, I would be glad to do that in another area with anyone interested

Go ahead and start the new topic if you would like….

Sincerely, Contraman

[SDowner]

Warning: Post not concerning RE.

This thread is interesting.

I am not christian, but I am very religious. We are a 1 income household out of choice, not necessity. We save by making lots of “sacrifices.” We contribute to charity as much as “we” think is logical. We help anyone whenever we can. We are surrounded by 2 income families, earning and living well.

I was an overachiever, looking at how everybody lived until one point in my life when I received a VERY valuable lesson. I was at the lowest point in my life, physically, emotionally, and financially (at the same time). It was like standing at the precipice and looking down at an abyss. I am young, not yet 30. We got sucked into the bubble, but we do not pass the buck when it comes to the blamegame. I just wish I had not contributed to this “irrational exuberance” due to my ignorance.

This website is RE based and it probably doesnt help a lot when threads deviate into religion or personal choices that are not RE related.

[SDowner]

Warning: Post not concerning RE.

This thread is interesting.

I am not christian, but I am very religious. We are a 1 income household out of choice, not necessity. We save by making lots of “sacrifices.” We contribute to charity as much as “we” think is logical. We help anyone whenever we can. We are surrounded by 2 income families, earning and living well.

I was an overachiever, looking at how everybody lived until one point in my life when I received a VERY valuable lesson. I was at the lowest point in my life, physically, emotionally, and financially (at the same time). It was like standing at the precipice and looking down at an abyss. I am young, not yet 30. We got sucked into the bubble, but we do not pass the buck when it comes to the blamegame. I just wish I had not contributed to this “irrational exuberance” due to my ignorance.

This website is RE based and it probably doesnt help a lot when threads deviate into religion or personal choices that are not RE related.

[contraman]

SDowner,

Thanks for the post here. I would tend to disagree with your last statement as many choices in life are not made independently of our belief systems and “frames”, mainly spiritual, and this includes RE choices.

That is why these talks keep “naturally” coming up in these forums and I think they are healthy as long as we all respect one another’s thoughts….

As you can see from other posts here like the big scam in Murrieta that is costing alot of people alot of hardship and further deteriorating market prices, these guys preyed on Church people and also claimed to be “Christians” themselves.

Then you have a post where a bunch of Christian Realtors are praying for a reversal in the market prices in Florida trying to get God to violate the natural laws of economics and market cycles. Outright Crazy!

I have heard story after story of people unduly influenced by religious people in making “investment and real estate” purchases over the past few years under the guise of “Blessing” and we are “Blessed” and God wants you to be rich talk…it is rampant in the business of religion today…and it is big $ my friend…..

And people need to start blowing the whistle here and telling people the truth about this stuff…and to watch out for these people that do things in the NAME OF GOD…..and to not be deceived…..

Sincerely, Contraman

[contraman]

SDowner,

Thanks for the post here. I would tend to disagree with your last statement as many choices in life are not made independently of our belief systems and “frames”, mainly spiritual, and this includes RE choices.

That is why these talks keep “naturally” coming up in these forums and I think they are healthy as long as we all respect one another’s thoughts….

As you can see from other posts here like the big scam in Murrieta that is costing alot of people alot of hardship and further deteriorating market prices, these guys preyed on Church people and also claimed to be “Christians” themselves.

Then you have a post where a bunch of Christian Realtors are praying for a reversal in the market prices in Florida trying to get God to violate the natural laws of economics and market cycles. Outright Crazy!

I have heard story after story of people unduly influenced by religious people in making “investment and real estate” purchases over the past few years under the guise of “Blessing” and we are “Blessed” and God wants you to be rich talk…it is rampant in the business of religion today…and it is big $ my friend…..

And people need to start blowing the whistle here and telling people the truth about this stuff…and to watch out for these people that do things in the NAME OF GOD…..and to not be deceived…..

Sincerely, Contraman

[SDowner]

I understand first hand how financial decisions can be clouded by emotion and peer pressure, but Piggington and its veterans who post have time after time explained that a person can succeed, prosper, and help others if that person has the ability to make “sound” financial decisions. “Sound” pertaining to individual financial situation and values in life. It is very difficult to do so, but can be easily learnt if one tries.

I agree with you that “Religion is an opiate of the masses.” This quote by Karl Marx was mentioned in one of the previous threads.

[SDowner]

I understand first hand how financial decisions can be clouded by emotion and peer pressure, but Piggington and its veterans who post have time after time explained that a person can succeed, prosper, and help others if that person has the ability to make “sound” financial decisions. “Sound” pertaining to individual financial situation and values in life. It is very difficult to do so, but can be easily learnt if one tries.

I agree with you that “Religion is an opiate of the masses.” This quote by Karl Marx was mentioned in one of the previous threads.

[Anonymous]

Okay, SDo-, you shot first.

To quote Michael Savage, ‘Liberalism is a mental disorder.’

[Anonymous]

Okay, SDo-, you shot first.

To quote Michael Savage, ‘Liberalism is a mental disorder.’

[SDowner]

nope jg, not raising up for the bait.

you are correct too, in ur own way. 😉

[Author]

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