I couldn't resist...

[Workinghard]

I rarely see or talk to people at work unless there's a meeting. Otherwise people just pop in and out of the office. Anyway, car payments came up in a conversation. Some people were saying they're keeping their car since it's finally paid off. I commented that I never had a car or house payment. They looked at me like I was crazy and ask how I could buy a house. I responded by buying a small one, paying cash for it, and then gradually trading up.  What is norm for us is so far from the norm for another people. One person commented every time she gets extra money she spends it or put things on the credit card. She's a really nice person, but I just don't get how people can be so financially ignorant.  It's not like I grew up with good role models.

[Rezdent]

I hear you.

If your coworkers are anything like mine, they weren't looking at you LIKE you're crazy...they'd already decided.  My coworkers are so into the mainstream lifestyle that they can't imagine living another way.  Spending and TV shows are the only topics.  Makes it hard to chit chat.
Awesome that you could offer an alternative lifestyle option.  Hope it sparked an independent thought in one of them.

[fantabulous]

Somewhat related: My immediate boss seemed a bit bewildered recently when I wasn't terribly concerned about potentially missing two days of pay, due to what seemed like a mixup with some time off.

[Workinghard]

I'm the same way Fantabulous. People, that don't have to, live paycheck to paycheck. It's a lifestyle choice. You done have to be a MMM but at least have a cushion!

Resident, I'm terrible at chitchat. Good thing I work out in the field as a home health nurse. I could care less about some new fancy kitchen gadget or arts and craft stuff or buying new clothes. Unless I need scrubs for work, I buy clothes every two years when we have a family reunion. Even that isn't much. I have to laugh, to myself, when I see a multimillionaire their wearing the same clothes every two years. He's the nicest person you'll ever meet!