Money secrets

[marla]

Do you have money secrets that you keep from certain people? I have some friends that I can talk to about this site and wanting to save money, but other friends I can't. If the subject of money comes up, I become quiet because I don't want to say anything about it to them. It almost feels like I'm trying to hide it from them.

I also keep all my money matters secret from my parents. I'm not sure why.

[liveandchi]

Re: Money secrets

I hide our current money situation from almost everyone I know. I'm quite embarrassed about it. That is one of the reasons this website and all of you have been a godsend. I felt very alone before I found this site.

[vendigirl]

Re: Money secrets

I dont keep money matters secret from anyone. I'm proud of the changes we've made and the financial improvements they have creted for us. I'm an advocate for a simpler lifestyle and old fashioned financial values (ie: using cash, paying off mortgage loans etc). My friends are the opposite from me and that's okay. I find them often asking my advice- even if they don't use it. They often tell me that they want me to give them a financial makeover, but it never happens. So, maybe there is something to be said for wanting to get out from under a heavy debtload. It seems many folks aspire to it but relatively few have the fortitude to take on the challenge wholeheartedly.
I don't want to sound "preachy" but if you can, try to let go of that fear you carry. Come clean with your situation as you see fit. I'm sure you'll find it very freeing and might be pleasantly surprised by the reactions you get.

[marla]

Re: Money secrets

I don't want to sound "preachy" but if you can, try to let go of that fear you carry. Come clean with your situation as you see fit. I'm sure you'll find it very freeing and might be pleasantly surprised by the reactions you get.

I know it's stupid. I'm not ashamed (well, maybe a little with a couple of the friends) so much as I don't want to have to explain to people who I know won't be interested in my explanation. I know I should come clean with everyone. It sounds like a good New Year resolution.

[PrincessPerky]

Re: Money secrets

I realized while thinking on it the past few weeks, that I do not want to share with my friends. Mostly they think I should just go get a 'real' (meaning paying) job and get cable. You should hear the complaints from our family about the fact that I don't drive, even though it saves us well over 400$ in insurance a year, they think we are crazy.I don't want to hear what they would think of some of the other minor changes we've made

[seaar2000]

Re: Money secrets

Most of my friends and family know about my money secrets. Alot of times I will tell them what my goal will be financially. For example, I told everybody that I will have my car paid off by Mr of 2005, sure everybody is tired of hearing about my car, this motivates me to follow through. Princess Perky I'm glad that you don't let your friends and family detour you in your frugal spending. I have no choice to have a car, because my job is about five miles away and with the girls in extra activities in school, and their jobs we need a car. Believe me I am envious of you not having to have any car insurance, car maintenance, gas, etc.,. The one nice thing is that most of my family and friends are very frugal. It's exciting to talk to one another and help each other save, what is the latest bargain, or what we can do to keep the cost down. I feel bad that others can't just let people alone and let them live the way they want to. Sometimes I look at people if they have lost their mind when they say how much they have on their credit card for groceries, christmas. They will be the first ones to complain on how they are having a hard time making it. Don't say anything to them, but why don't they look and see what they are doing with their future. I guess to each their own, but I like to have my EF, savings, and 401 (k), and funding for my furture instead of for the moment. Sorry so long. Renee

[PrincessPerky]

Re: Money secrets

Don't want to leave the wrong impression. We have a car, but I don't drive it, just my husband. Thanks for the encouragement. Sometimes I really need it. Good luck on getting your paid off .

[vendigirl]

Re: Money secrets

I know it's stupid. I'm not ashamed (well, maybe a little with a couple of the friends) so much as I don't want to have to explain to people who I know won't be interested in my explanation. I know I should come clean with everyone. It sounds like a good New Year resolution.

I don't think it's stupid not to tell people. In all honesty it's no one's business. For me it's helpful to be upfront about my newfound frugality. Lord knows I've gotten the gears about it, but I've gotten a lot of support from unexpected places too. I just don't want to have to make up excuses for my friends when they want to go to Vegas for a weekend or spend thousands shopping in the neighbouring province. It's just easier for me now that they know our goals in advance.

[mom-from-missouri]

Re: Money secrets

Don't want to leave the wrong impression. We have a car, but I don't drive it, just my husband. Thanks for the encouragement. Sometimes I really need it. Good luck on getting your paid off .

You may want to double check your insurance quote-The insurance is on the car, not the person. Providing your are a licensed adult, female driver, with a good history of no accidents or tickets and you are over 21, and under 70, it should not raise the insurance 400 a year to add you as a part time driver to your existing car--more like about $50 to $75 a year. I'm not saying you should be driving, but should there be an emergency and you have to-you would be covered in the event of an accident.

[PrincessPerky]

Re: Money secrets

You may want to double check ... Providing your are a licensed adult, female driver, with a good history of no accidents or tickets ...

That is a rather big if I only qualify for the adult part, though that is debatable too.

[amomof4]

Re: Money secrets

PrincessPerky:

You are a women after my own heart. I have yet to disagree to one of your post.

I tried to give up driving once. My husband wouldn't let me. Now that we temporarily live in two different states, it's good I didn't. But maybe...when he moves here....

[zakity]

Re: Money secrets

I am a blatant tightwad. I am proud of it! I am proud of the fact that we only have a house payment and we pay off our credit card every month.

I offer to help people with their bills, but I don't push at all. I figure if they are serious enough they will arrange a time for me to come over and take a look.

[amomof4]

Re: Money secrets

I'm a blatant tightwad too. But mostly what I seem to do is to be frugal in some areas so that I can be extravagant in other areas. You wouldn't believe by collection of books, fabric, rubber stamps, movies, and scrapbook supplies. That's why I'm on a no spend year.

[Momtwo]

Re: Money secrets

There are a few people that I would share my frugality with but most of my relatives and friends wouldn't get it! They are spendthrifts.

Funny thing though, they still work 40+ hours a week and we ER'ed years ago.

[dealsaver]

Re: Money secrets

I try not to talk money with friends. I somehow always make them feeling stupid.