I’d say restaurants should go under the 30% discretionary budget, not the 50% necessities section, as eating out is not a necessity. People can easily spend over a grand on food in a month going out to eat a lot and have no idea where the money went.
I’d love to not own a car, but that not possible with the current infrastructure around me, and I think that’s true for most people in North America. I’d like that to change, but that would require actual leadership and cooperation, which apparently isn’t a thing anymore.
I worked with a guy who would often say, it’s not about how much you make, it’s about how much you keep. Another co-worker told me I lived like a poor person, but I don’t think so. I just don’t spend a bunch of money on “status” stuff. I live in a modest place and drive a modest car, eating basic food, and wearing basic clothes. I don’t care about most of that stuff, so why waste money on it? I guess I’d rather have money than look like I have money. Though I could step it up a little. I’ve had homeless guys sit next to me at McDonalds to commiserate about how hard we have it. I didn’t really know what to do, so I just went with it.
I’d love to not own a car, but that not possible with the current infrastructure around me, and I think that’s true for most people in North America. I’d like that to change, but that would require actual leadership and cooperation, which apparently isn’t a thing anymore.
This would go a long way to help people get control of their money.
I’m very fortunate to have access to “pay-as-you-go” insurance, so at most I pay around $250 a year (two drivers) for up to 1000km, and every additional 1000km is around $50-60.
Since I’ve been able to move much of my car driving to cycling, I’m saving in gas and insurance. Easily $3000+ a year.
Even if someone isn’t physically able to cycle, investing in an ebike to offset some of their driving can also have an impact on their wallet.
But if you’re stuck with car payments, a rigid insurance plan, and are forced to buy gas often, then it’s a very tough situation.
Another co-worker told me I lived like a poor person, but I don’t think so.
Haha. I don’t think what they meant was to actually live like a poor person, but to be frugal with your spending. This can have a profound effect on how much money you keep!
Have you seen Peachtree City? They have a whole network of golf cart paths. Even for a lot of mobility issues this would work. They’re way cheaper than cars, easier to electrify without having to go overboard, and I’m sure bikes could use the paths too. It seems great.
And the co-worker wasn’t telling me to live like a poor person, he was saying I already did. He was trying to tell me I should spend more money… get a bigger/nicer apartment, a faster more expensive car, etc. I was just like, naw… I’m good.
For sure, a lot of spending is out of control.
I’d say restaurants should go under the 30% discretionary budget, not the 50% necessities section, as eating out is not a necessity. People can easily spend over a grand on food in a month going out to eat a lot and have no idea where the money went.
I’d love to not own a car, but that not possible with the current infrastructure around me, and I think that’s true for most people in North America. I’d like that to change, but that would require actual leadership and cooperation, which apparently isn’t a thing anymore.
I worked with a guy who would often say, it’s not about how much you make, it’s about how much you keep. Another co-worker told me I lived like a poor person, but I don’t think so. I just don’t spend a bunch of money on “status” stuff. I live in a modest place and drive a modest car, eating basic food, and wearing basic clothes. I don’t care about most of that stuff, so why waste money on it? I guess I’d rather have money than look like I have money. Though I could step it up a little. I’ve had homeless guys sit next to me at McDonalds to commiserate about how hard we have it. I didn’t really know what to do, so I just went with it.
This would go a long way to help people get control of their money.
I’m very fortunate to have access to “pay-as-you-go” insurance, so at most I pay around $250 a year (two drivers) for up to 1000km, and every additional 1000km is around $50-60.
Since I’ve been able to move much of my car driving to cycling, I’m saving in gas and insurance. Easily $3000+ a year.
Even if someone isn’t physically able to cycle, investing in an ebike to offset some of their driving can also have an impact on their wallet.
But if you’re stuck with car payments, a rigid insurance plan, and are forced to buy gas often, then it’s a very tough situation.
Haha. I don’t think what they meant was to actually live like a poor person, but to be frugal with your spending. This can have a profound effect on how much money you keep!
Have you seen Peachtree City? They have a whole network of golf cart paths. Even for a lot of mobility issues this would work. They’re way cheaper than cars, easier to electrify without having to go overboard, and I’m sure bikes could use the paths too. It seems great.
https://youtu.be/pcVGqtmd2wM?si=EwDfdWbEzqqxN0bv
And the co-worker wasn’t telling me to live like a poor person, he was saying I already did. He was trying to tell me I should spend more money… get a bigger/nicer apartment, a faster more expensive car, etc. I was just like, naw… I’m good.
Ah, i misread the poor person comment! Spend however you like, but there’s no reason to spend more than you need to.
Peachtree City is delightfully unique. Thanks for sharing that.
Part of me wonders “why not just ride a bike?”, but hey, “anything but a car” also works for me 😂