Allison D.
Ideal_Rock
- Joined
- Feb 1, 2008
- Messages
- 2,282
To me, living paycheck to paycheck isn't the same as living without luxuries.
When I think about living paycheck to paycheck, it doesn't just mean living without luxuries. It means barely having enough $$ to cover basics (rent, food, clothing, etc.) and having to worry all the time about what will happen if something unforeseen happens (i.e. car breaks down, fails inspection and needs $700 worth of new tires, etc. etc.). I lived that way for several years until I secured a job that paid enough to actually save money. Maintaining that cushion now is my absolute top priority because I'd do nearly anything not to return to living with the worry/stress that comes paycheck to paycheck.
Could I live without luxuries? You bet.....easily. I've often commented that I'd give up every piece of jewelry I own if it meant I could get just 10 more years with my already 10-year old dog. I readily lend my jewelry because they are just things to me; I enjoy them, but I could sooooo easily live without them.
It's even hard for me to come up with things I'd like for my b-day/anniversary, because I really don't care much about things. Given the choice, I'd rather spend discretional $$ on experiences with friends/family instead of things.
Hub and I don't have kids, so my plan in our advanced ages is to trim down to the absolute minimum. I don't want a lot of things that someone else will have to dispose of.
When I think about living paycheck to paycheck, it doesn't just mean living without luxuries. It means barely having enough $$ to cover basics (rent, food, clothing, etc.) and having to worry all the time about what will happen if something unforeseen happens (i.e. car breaks down, fails inspection and needs $700 worth of new tires, etc. etc.). I lived that way for several years until I secured a job that paid enough to actually save money. Maintaining that cushion now is my absolute top priority because I'd do nearly anything not to return to living with the worry/stress that comes paycheck to paycheck.
Could I live without luxuries? You bet.....easily. I've often commented that I'd give up every piece of jewelry I own if it meant I could get just 10 more years with my already 10-year old dog. I readily lend my jewelry because they are just things to me; I enjoy them, but I could sooooo easily live without them.
It's even hard for me to come up with things I'd like for my b-day/anniversary, because I really don't care much about things. Given the choice, I'd rather spend discretional $$ on experiences with friends/family instead of things.
Hub and I don't have kids, so my plan in our advanced ages is to trim down to the absolute minimum. I don't want a lot of things that someone else will have to dispose of.