I don't really understand the opposition that some of the left-wing people on these boards have against living with less money. Sometimes when I point out that Americans, almost across the boards economically, are capable of living with less than they currently have I have been viciously (and sometimes personally) attacked. The fact is that the poor in this country have a living standard that would be considered absurdly good in most countries. The fact that our 'poor' tend towards obesity should speak to the fact that everyone can live with less. I personally have lived on 3000 dollars a year for the last 4 years. If you own a car, I really can't consider you poor.

At one point in the 60's there was a large segment of liberal thought that said we should live with less, but today the reverse it true. The idea that people should live simply is out the window and everything is about money, how much money everyone has and how to get other peoples money, and how the underclasses would be happier if only they have a little bit more money. Meanwhile the western lifestyle destroys the environment, causes wars across the world, and ultimately doesn't make anyone happy. If you are unhappy with the money that you have, more is not going to make you happier. We need to switch our mentality to living with less. Eventually we will have to anyway, as the environment and economy both collapse. It's time to shift our mentality, get rid of our cars and learn to live within our means.

Edit: Just realized that it's Black Friday, please don't go out and buy a bunch of worthless shit that you don't need.

I do live with less money.

In my thirty-four years on this planet, I have never owned an automobile.

The most expensive thing I ever had was a PS3, till I came upon hard times where I lost most everything and had to pawn the gaming system.

Currently, I live in a small motel room. I own one pair of jeans and a couple shirts. The most expensive thing I own is the laptop computer that is years old.

(November 29, 2013 at 6:41 pm)Kitanetos Wrote: I do live with less money.

In my thirty-four years on this planet, I have never owned an automobile.

The most expensive thing I ever had was a PS3, till I came upon hard times where I lost most everything and had to pawn the gaming system.

Currently, I live in a small motel room. I own one pair of jeans and a couple shirts. The most expensive thing I own is the laptop computer that is years old.

Are you happy? Would owning more things make you happy?

(November 29, 2013 at 6:42 pm)CapnAwesome Wrote: Are you happy? Would owning more things make you happy?

I am not as happy as I could be, but I am smart enough to understand that materialism does not necessarily equate to happiness.

I spend a fortune on consumables: excellent food and alcohol, tickets to movies, plays, music (I'm an opera buff, and that gets expensive). I also spend a staggering amount of money on books. I see absolutely no reason to curtail this behavior, since I can afford it.

Other than that, I sew or knit almost all of our clothes (hence we look like we spend a lot on clothes, because I'm good at it), we almost built our house by ourselves, and we aren't into buying fancy shit.

I'd love to get rid of the car- I ride my bike as often as I can. It's not feasible for us, though. If you live in a city with good, reliable public transportation, be thankful for it.

So, Capn, where are you living that rent costs you less than $3,000 a year? I'm sorry you got evicted from the van, btw. It does sound like a fun and free lifestyle, and I'm a little jealous you did that. If I didn't have the antichrist (my cat), I'd probably do something similar. Although, sometimes sacrifices have to be made and I'm hungry. Kung Pao Kitty, anyone?

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(November 29, 2013 at 6:49 pm)Zazzy Wrote: I'd love to get rid of the car- I ride my bike as often as I can. It's not feasible for us, though. If you live in a city with good, reliable public transportation, be thankful for it.

Public transport in San Diego county is sub par, to be extremely generous, if you live outside of the city limits. For years, though, I had my legs, bike, and 50cc scooter that gets 95 miles to the gallon. When I enrolled in classes downtown, I had to get a car. It's an '02 Camry that gets about 35 MPG. I prefer the bike, scooter, and legs, though

I have owned vehicles, homes, a personal music studio with all the toys, much gold and diamond jewelry, etc. and I have literally had assets in the multi-millions, but nothing compares with the peace and contentment I feel from having rid my life of all such frivolities. Now, I have a decent job making a fair wage. I drive a 30 year old car (It's not a classic and it's the only vehicle I now own). My wife and I live in a modest studio apartment, and I'm happier than I've ever been. I live on approximately 20% of my own modest income and the rest goes to savings and the rare, but occasionally expensive six pack of beer. I have not shopped for a Christmas gift since my children left the house, and my wife and I do not exchange gifts. We are one another's gift all year long, and now that I have the best gift ever, there's no way I would ever exchange it, even for all of the money in the world.

That's so sweet, FFF

I love how much you love your wife.

(November 29, 2013 at 7:05 pm)rexbeccarox Wrote: That's so sweet, FFF

I love how much you love your wife.

Thanks. I find it pays reciprocal rewards. Plus, it doesn't hurt that she's a complete friggin hottie

While I certainly agree that most of us spend money on things we could easily do without, some people have responsibilities that extend beyond them self. How would you feel if you needed urgent medical treatment but were told that all the doctors in the hospital had decided they only wanted to work 4 weeks of the year and had fucked off travelling? What about the farmers that grow your food? How about he drivers that use those unnecessary, environmentally harmful vehicles to deliver the things you [i]do[i] buy with your $3000 dollars a year?

I'm gonna go out on a limb and suggest that your entire lifestyle is dependant on the work of those whose lifestyles you criticize.

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Why would getting rid of cars make things any better?