Comments on: Why have Americans become so overindulgent?

By: Shay Jansen

Shay Jansen — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 20:45:28 +0000

I find we live in a disposable society, nothing ever get’s fixed because it cost to much to get fixed, or it wasn’t built for repair or cost more to repair then it does to buy brand new.

We are a society where we want it now and we have it now weather we pay cash for this or we use credit. The avalibility of credit in America is amazing! I live in Australia and to obtain one credit card you have to have a clear credit rating if you have any marks on your credit history file forget about getting fincace unless you go to one of these companies that will give you credit but at up to 30% interest.

We are a society of wants and not need’s anymore.

By: Lynnae

Lynnae — Sun, 07 Oct 2007 19:32:56 +0000

Thank you!

By: FIRE Finance

FIRE Finance — Sun, 07 Oct 2007 19:01:59 +0000

A very nice post which we have listed as our favorites. Keep up the excellent blogging!
Cheers,
FIRE Finance

By: Lynnae

Lynnae — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 16:04:05 +0000

Yeah, marketing is the enemy. My husband works in advertising sales, and I often tell him he works for the enemy. :)

By: Fabulously Broke

Fabulously Broke — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 12:59:54 +0000

I agree with Marsha’s point.

“You deserve it.”

“You’re worth it.”

“You’ve worked hard for it.”

That keeps coming up again and again in marketing…. and it DOES make you think: Hey! I worked 47 hours this week. I DESERVE a treat!

-sigh-

By: Weekend Roundup - Soccer Season Starts Edition | beingfrugal.net

Weekend Roundup - Soccer Season Starts Edition | beingfrugal.net — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 12:42:19 +0000

[...] also participated in the Festival of Frugality with Why Have Americans Become so Overindulgent? Thank you to Penny Nickel at Money and Values for [...]

By: Marsha

Marsha — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 19:50:14 +0000

On a related note: I’ve begun to notice the references to “treating oneself” on TV and in printed matter – as well as how often I think I “deserve” a treat.

Back in the day, treats were really rare items, not something one had every week – certainly not an entitlement.

I’m as stricken as anyone with the affluenza disease, but I’m trying to be more mindful and change my ways.

By: Meg

Meg — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 16:22:16 +0000

A lot of it is a sense of entitlement. Everyone’s keeping up with the Joneses and it’s not just that we want to show off, it’s that we think that if the Jones family has it, then why shouldn’t we? We look to others to see what is acceptable behavior. What’s not accepted is saying, “No, I really can’t join you for dinner because I can’t afford it” or “Yes, I’ve worn the same outfit twice this week because I don’t have the money for more clothes”. And now we are all in debt (well, the vast majority for sure).

Another issue – mindless shopping. We buy stuff that doesn’t fit, doesn’t flatter, then we only admit it to ourselves after the tags are off and the receipt is history. We buy stuff without even thinking about where we’ll put it. I definitely believe in smarter shopping. Fortunately, it often results in less buying.

By: Best Frugality Articles from Festival of Frugality #93 at Clever Dude Personal Finance & Money

Fri, 28 Sep 2007 10:08:52 +0000

[...] Being Frugal asks why Americans have become so over-indulgent. [...]

By: The Sunday Review #39

The Sunday Review #39 — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 15:00:42 +0000

[...] Why Have Americans Become so Overindulgent? by Lynnae @ Being Frugal. [...]