Triumphrat

Demonic · 12-06-2012, 09:19 AM

I'm going to choose to work only 5 days a month.

Means my missus is going to have to find a second job, though...

spank86 · 12-06-2012, 09:27 AM

Horse riding lessons?

You don't need horse riding lessons, it's not something you learn its something you just do.

Like breathing or skiing.

BMK9251 · 12-06-2012, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Speedycaptain

Echo, I had a conversation with my 9 year old daughter this morning... She was asking about horseback riding lessons, a cell phone and a new computer. Why were we even discussing this? Because these are all things that her peers are "blessed" with... or perhaps cursed with.

The hardest part about living within your means, is trying to explain to your kids that most people dont, and that is the only reason that they have "more" than you. But, do they really have "more" if they have mortgaged themselves into a corner and left themselves with no choice but to have both mom and dad working 60 hours per week to make all of those payments? To me, it isnt worth it.

Ever consider that maybe those other people simply make more money than you? There is nothing wrong with that either.Kids today live in a digital communication world unlike any their parents even know about. Your short shortsightedness and obsession with anti-materialism might cause your children to fall behind socially and even developmentally. Unless you can get your 9 year old a union job.

spank86 · 12-06-2012, 12:51 PM

A new computer suggests they already have one, I seriously doubt upgrading it will make a difference to her development, nor will horse riding lessons.

A cellphone might make a difference to her social life but that's nothing a cheap pay as you go smart phone won't cure, then she can do chores for top up credits, it's win-win.

BMK9251 · 12-06-2012, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spank86

A new computer suggests they already have one, I seriously doubt upgrading it will make a difference to her development, nor will horse riding lessons.

A cellphone might make a difference to her social life but that's nothing a cheap pay as you go smart phone won't cure, then she can do chores for top up credits, it's win-win.

My kids all communicate with their peers, employers and teachers via text and email. All assignments are on line now and many due at midnight the day assigned. My 14 year old 9th grader has a Dell Computer, HP laptop and iphone4. She is a field hockey player and now is getting recruited by 3 University field hockey coaches via text and email who are now following her progress. She was recruited by 3 private high school academy's and now attends one. I can only watch in amazement. Her iphone is a necessary tool as she spends 10-12 hours a day at school so we need to know when to get her because it changes every day.

Speedycaptain · 12-06-2012, 01:40 PM

My kids share an old NetBook of mine, its maybe 6 years old. Neither has any need for a cellular phone, they always have access to a phone if they need one. As for her peers parents making more money, they may, some do not, and that is fine. My point being, if your child NEEDS a cell phone for school, then it is no longer a want. If they NEED a computer for class work and cannot use another computer in the home, it is a NEED, no longer a WANT. It is just that, separating wants from needs. I also don't have a problem with people having WANTS, as long as they can afford them, and are honest about the true cost. It isn't just money they cost you, the cost is much greater.
My kids have many things that they want, but they are within reason, and an IPhone for a 9 year old escapes any reason in our home.
My children use technology extensively, but they do not need thier own phones or computers to do so. They all watch TV also, it doesn't mean that we all need our own separate televisions.
We own plenty of nice things, we indulge in nice things, but only if there is cash in hand and it is balanced with retirement and college savings.
I think there is a misconception that living debt free means you are anti material. It isn't that we are anti, we are only choosing to do it while being debt free. The path to becoming debt free necessitates having fewer material things for a short time, to live a lifetime with material things you actually own.
My three year old can power up a NetBook, launch the browser, Google PBS Kids, and play learning games all on his own, but he doesn't need his own computer to do any of it, that is the point. My daughter participates in sports and an extracurricular art class, as she is an amazing young artist, kids can live in a frugal home, without being abused, I assure you.
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spank86 · 12-06-2012, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMK9251

My kids all communicate with their peers, employers and teachers via text and email. All assignments are on line now and many due at midnight the day assigned. My 14 year old 9th grader has a Dell Computer, HP laptop and iphone4. She is a field hockey player and now is getting recruited by 3 University field hockey coaches via text and email who are now following her progress. She was recruited by 3 private high school academy's and now attends one. I can only watch in amazement. Her iphone is a necessary tool as she spends 10-12 hours a day at school so we need to know when to get her because it changes every day.

I think I covered all that with a computer (any computer) and basic smart phone are all you need, but you know in my day (which by the way was pretty much yesterday) we had both schedules and fixed line telephony which worked miracles.

leftarmlogan · 12-06-2012, 04:07 PM

Spank, I know you're not that much older than me but are we really at the age where we can say "in my day"?

I hope not. I'm not ready to be that old yet.

spank86 · 12-06-2012, 04:17 PM

No, that's why I said my day was only yesterday.

Boldor · 12-06-2012, 04:21 PM

Well if the Mayans are correct, you can only say "tomorrow" another 14 times.

"Pop!"