Relatives who just don't get it

[penguintroopers]

$2k domestic coffee machines exist? :o

Oh boy, they do. My husbands office has a $5k super fancy coffee machine. Supposedly the owner of the business has one at home too.

[Just Joe]

I'm just curious - does the coffee taste better than a $20 French press?

[penguintroopers]

I'm just curious - does the coffee taste better than a $20 French press?

I don't have first hand experience, but its probably about the same, given that he makes regular joe on it.

[FIREbender]

We have one at my workplace. It does make a good cup of coffee (at the very least better than the keurig coffee I have on the weekends [it was a gift :P]). It still surprises me that co-workers will buy coffee on the commute in, when we can get coffee for free in the office from a $5k coffee maker...

[Saskatchewstachian]

$2k domestic coffee machines exist? :o

Oh boy, they do. My husbands office has a $5k super fancy coffee machine. Supposedly the owner of the business has one at home too.

Not domestic but still crazy expensive. My head office has supposedly $20,000 coffee machines. All though screen that grind the beans and make a variety of coffee's at the touch of a button. When they break parts need to be flown in from Italy. The price may be exaggerated a little as it was office rumor that it cost 20k.

The coffee it makes is terrible though! But that's because they fill this fancy machine with the absolute cheapest coffee and espresso beans.

O, and there's one on every floor of the 4 story building. All of this for a total of 250 employees.

[infogoon]

We have one at my workplace. It does make a good cup of coffee (at the very least better than the keurig coffee I have on the weekends [it was a gift :P]). It still surprises me that co-workers will buy coffee on the commute in, when we can get coffee for free in the office from a $5k coffee maker...

I work in a professional office building, where most people have access to free coffee in their suites. And there's still a huge line of people at the Tim Hortons in the lobby every morning. And Tim Hortons coffee is awful. (Yeah, I'm not scared, come at me Canada.) I just don't get it.

[TomTX]

We have one at my workplace. It does make a good cup of coffee (at the very least better than the keurig coffee I have on the weekends [it was a gift :P]). It still surprises me that co-workers will buy coffee on the commute in, when we can get coffee for free in the office from a $5k coffee maker...

I work in a professional office building, where most people have access to free coffee in their suites. And there's still a huge line of people at the Tim Hortons in the lobby every morning. And Tim Hortons coffee is awful. (Yeah, I'm not scared, come at me Canada.) I just don't get it.

Sorry you feel that way!

;)

[MightyAl]

We have one at my workplace. It does make a good cup of coffee (at the very least better than the keurig coffee I have on the weekends [it was a gift :P]). It still surprises me that co-workers will buy coffee on the commute in, when we can get coffee for free in the office from a $5k coffee maker...

I work in a professional office building, where most people have access to free coffee in their suites. And there's still a huge line of people at the Tim Hortons in the lobby every morning. And Tim Hortons coffee is awful. (Yeah, I'm not scared, come at me Canada.) I just don't get it.

Maybe they are in line for the timbits too.

[kaypinkHH]

Not domestic but still crazy expensive. My head office has supposedly $20,000 coffee machines. All though screen that grind the beans and make a variety of coffee's at the touch of a button. When they break parts need to be flown in from Italy. The price may be exaggerated a little as it was office rumor that it cost 20k.

The coffee it makes is terrible though! But that's because they fill this fancy machine with the absolute cheapest coffee and espresso beans.

O, and there's one on every floor of the 4 story building. All of this for a total of 250 employees.

We may have worked for the same company, I was just going to come on here and say the exact same story..that the rumoured value of the coffee machine at my old job was 20k. It wasn't even that great.

I work in a professional office building, where most people have access to free coffee in their suites. And there's still a huge line of people at the Tim Hortons in the lobby every morning. And Tim Hortons coffee is awful. (Yeah, I'm not scared, come at me Canada.) I just don't get it.

100% agree Tim's Coffee isn't great. Apparently, McDonalds coffee now is what Tim's used to taste like back in the day.


My relatives used to be huge Tim's drinkers....for decaf coffee and tea. But then they 'cut back" and got a keurig. Which...I guess is better?? But FOR TEA!!!! AND DECAF COFFEE!! Just mathed it out, a cup of tea is 20x more expensive in a keurig cup than a tea bag. And turning on a kettle is the same LOE as turning on a keurig. I don't get it.

[speedofsound]

Yet another one of my wife's relatives (who are notoriosly financially unreliable) has crawled out of the woodwork asking if she will co-sign on a loan for an Audi.  The guy hasn't held too many jobs since dropping out of high school, and my wife and I work our butts off and have no debt.

It's not uncommon for her family members to call us asking to borrow thousands of dollars for a down payment on this or that, or to cosign on this or that. Ugh...their excuse: "you don't have kids and we do...so you have to help us".

I'm trying to find ways to 'lock up' our assets and keep a more modest front and make our money inaccesible. We drive a 8 year old paid-off VW Jetta with 55k miles...so we don't give the appearance of  wealth.  I am trying to keep our cash to just emergency fund so we have the excuse not to loan them any money.  What a PITA.

[Rubic]

It's not uncommon for her family members to call us asking to borrow thousands of dollars for a down payment on this or that, or to cosign on this or that. Ugh...their excuse: "you don't have kids and we do...so you have to help us".

Response:  "Let me check, but I think our money is busy right now."

[Just Joe]

Whether your money is busy or not - its really, really busy. Sorry!!!

Even if $50K cash is laying on the coffee table to air out, its really, really busy....

[gaja]

Yet another one of my wife's relatives (who are notoriosly financially unreliable) has crawled out of the woodwork asking if she will co-sign on a loan for an Audi.  The guy hasn't held too many jobs since dropping out of high school, and my wife and I work our butts off and have no debt.

It's not uncommon for her family members to call us asking to borrow thousands of dollars for a down payment on this or that, or to cosign on this or that. Ugh...their excuse: "you don't have kids and we do...so you have to help us".

I'm trying to find ways to 'lock up' our assets and keep a more modest front and make our money inaccesible. We drive a 8 year old paid-off VW Jetta with 55k miles...so we don't give the appearance of  wealth.  I am trying to keep our cash to just emergency fund so we have the excuse not to loan them any money.  What a PITA.

You need to have a "checkins" and a "savins", like Kevin Hart: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhM1dGyUca4

[ixtap]

Yet another one of my wife's relatives (who are notoriosly financially unreliable) has crawled out of the woodwork asking if she will co-sign on a loan for an Audi.  The guy hasn't held too many jobs since dropping out of high school, and my wife and I work our butts off and have no debt.

It's not uncommon for her family members to call us asking to borrow thousands of dollars for a down payment on this or that, or to cosign on this or that. Ugh...their excuse: "you don't have kids and we do...so you have to help us".

I'm trying to find ways to 'lock up' our assets and keep a more modest front and make our money inaccesible. We drive a 8 year old paid-off VW Jetta with 55k miles...so we don't give the appearance of  wealth.  I am trying to keep our cash to just emergency fund so we have the excuse not to loan them any money.  What a PITA.

And I thought my family was bad for insisting that everything we do differently is only possible because we don't have kids. Uh, no, it is all possible because we choose to live by our priorities, not your expectations.

[jinga nation]

Yet another one of my wife's relatives (who are notoriosly financially unreliable) has crawled out of the woodwork asking if she will co-sign on a loan for an Audi.  The guy hasn't held too many jobs since dropping out of high school, and my wife and I work our butts off and have no debt.

It's not uncommon for her family members to call us asking to borrow thousands of dollars for a down payment on this or that, or to cosign on this or that. Ugh...their excuse: "you don't have kids and we do...so you have to help us".

I'm trying to find ways to 'lock up' our assets and keep a more modest front and make our money inaccesible. We drive a 8 year old paid-off VW Jetta with 55k miles...so we don't give the appearance of  wealth.  I am trying to keep our cash to just emergency fund so we have the excuse not to loan them any money.  What a PITA.

You need to have a "checkins" and a "savins", like Kevin Hart: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhM1dGyUca4

Who knew Kevin Hart could Facepunch himself and go all savvy on banking. I love watching him, but now he's got more respect from me for taking it to a higher level.

[Cookie78]

Whether your money is busy or not - its really, really busy. Sorry!!!

Even if $50K cash is laying on the coffee table to air out, its really, really busy....

Expensive humidifier! LOL

[accountingteacher]

Yet another one of my wife's relatives (who are notoriosly financially unreliable) has crawled out of the woodwork asking if she will co-sign on a loan for an Audi.  The guy hasn't held too many jobs since dropping out of high school, and my wife and I work our butts off and have no debt.

It's not uncommon for her family members to call us asking to borrow thousands of dollars for a down payment on this or that, or to cosign on this or that. Ugh...their excuse: "you don't have kids and we do...so you have to help us".

I'm trying to find ways to 'lock up' our assets and keep a more modest front and make our money inaccesible. We drive a 8 year old paid-off VW Jetta with 55k miles...so we don't give the appearance of  wealth.  I am trying to keep our cash to just emergency fund so we have the excuse not to loan them any money.  What a PITA.

Out of curiosity, is the relative Narcissistic in other ways as well?  It's a pattern I'm noticing in a lot of stories in this thread and that I certainly see in my own wall-of-shame in-laws.

[max9505672]

I'm starting to get really frustrated with my sister.  Every time we see each other, she finds something to pick at financially.  We were together for a friggen funeral, and she still had time to rag on me for my pants being "old" - less than 5 years old, which to me is just worn in - and making snide comments about "oh right, because you want to retire at 45."  She seems to genuinely resent both that I'm doing well financially, and that I don't like to spend unnecessarily, and absolutely no conception that those things might be connected.  I get that her life is rough right now, but I can't help but see the direct consequences of the choices she made - getting a degree in something she didn't want to do for a job, putting off her career to get married right out of college and follow his career instead, so now she's going back to school while working full time and getting a divorce - I get that all that sucks, and I'm sorry that it's happening, but none of that is my fault and dealing with this resentment for having a stable life is getting real old.  And then she suggests that I need to be more spontaneous!  It makes me not want to spend time with her, if she's just going to keep making these backhanded comments and belittle me for making good choices.

I think this is a pretty common human reaction to difference in general. A lot of people, instead of trying to understand what you are trying to do, why you want to do it and how they could learn and benefit from it,  seem to want to judge or discredit  it. I think it comes from a feeling of insecurity from that person. Every time someone go against their beliefs and comfortable habits, they feel  the need to convince themselves you are wrong at what  you do and what they do is right. In reality, there’s no such thing as right  or wrong, black or white, especially when you don’t have a clue what you are talking about. Everytime  I hear someone judging something they don’t know, it rings a bell; why does it bother you that much? Why are you so insecure about it? Why aren’t you interested about it?

I’m not a psychologist though haha, just everyday observations.

[Chesleygirl]

We have one at my workplace. It does make a good cup of coffee (at the very least better than the keurig coffee I have on the weekends [it was a gift :P]). It still surprises me that co-workers will buy coffee on the commute in, when we can get coffee for free in the office from a $5k coffee maker...

Well, I'm surprised to see people buying milkshakes when they could make one in a blender at home. I bought one today at Chik Fil A. Cost was over $3.00.

[Rowellen]

I just received a Christmas card from my parents (ie mum) in the mail today. A $6 card that she paid $1.30 to post and she knows it will be in the bin next week. Not only that but I'm seeing her on Sunday. Just a little thing but so typical of her attitude.  "It was just a couple dollars". *facepalm*

[Playing with Fire UK]

I'm starting to get really frustrated with my sister. ...
It makes me not want to spend time with her, if she's just going to keep making these backhanded comments and belittle me for making good choices.

This is sad. Have you told her how you feel? Are you close in other ways? The level of information that she has about your finances is WAY more than my siblings have about mine. [I'm not saying my way is perfect, but that there is a range of information sharing that can work.] There's no law that obliges you to share your retirement plans with your siblings.

If you are presenting your choices as "good" (and hers as "bad"?) then that could be encouraging her to think that making judgements on each other's spending is something that you do.

I'd try to separate out your choices and what is "good" or "smart", just say that it is what works for you. If she comments on your trousers (at a funeral - ouch!), stress that you are not asking her to wear them, and that you don't need to hear about her opinions on them. It's not out of order to say that it's hurtful to hear someone ragging on your trousers. Don't try to justify your choices, why it is smart, what your goals are. Just reiterate that this is your choice (or your trousers) and that you aren't looking for input, make it boring and non-contentious.

Good luck.

[shelivesthedream]

The level of information my (financially responsible, potential large inheritance on the way because my parents don't spend their huge pile o' cash) family have about my and my husband's financial situation is:
- We are saving money
- We don't need them to give us any money
- They don't need to worry about us
- We can afford for me to take extended maternity leave/be a SAHP for a while (I'm pregnant) if that's what I end up doing

Sometimes my parents pressure me to spend money. My mother wants me to buy lots of expensive maternity clothes. I have bought one new pair of jeans and one charity shop dress thus far. I find other reasons to not spend the money (e.g. "Ugh! All of these maternity clothes are so hideous!" (true) "I don't want to buy them all at once because I want to save up some shopping treats for later in the pregnancy" (true) "I'm waiting to see if my friend who just had her baby wants to keep all of her stuff" (true)).

I would cut WAY WAY back on discussing anything related to money with your sister. I also think it's OK to say out loud: "It makes me not want to spend time with you, if you're just going to keep making these backhanded comments and belittle me for making good my choices." It's a true and fair statement.

[Chesleygirl]

I just received a Christmas card from my parents (ie mum) in the mail today. A $6 card that she paid $1.30 to post and she knows it will be in the bin next week. Not only that but I'm seeing her on Sunday. Just a little thing but so typical of her attitude.  "It was just a couple dollars". *facepalm*

I had a friend that got mad at me one year for sending her one of those boxed Christmas cards. (From a box where each card is the same - more affordable this way). She said it was cheap and that I should have sent her a "Hallmark" Christmas card instead. She was offended because she thought our friendship was more important that I would individually select a special card for her from a card rack at the store. And sending a boxed card was cheap and tacky.  Now that I've posted this I realize people will likely think I made this up. Sadly, I did not.

Now, I still send out boxed cards at Christmas. Because the cost breaks down to about 25 cents per card rather than spending $5.00 or $6.00 on an individual card for each person I know. If I did that, it could easily cost $100 a year just to mail out Christmas cards to all my friends.  The price of greeting cards is just crazy these days.

[Jouer]

We have one at my workplace. It does make a good cup of coffee (at the very least better than the keurig coffee I have on the weekends [it was a gift :P]). It still surprises me that co-workers will buy coffee on the commute in, when we can get coffee for free in the office from a $5k coffee maker...

Well, I'm surprised to see people buying milkshakes when they could make one in a blender at home. I bought one today at Chik Fil A. Cost was over $3.00.

Talk to me when you are buying milkshakes 5 times a week, sometimes more.

[BJacks]

I just received a Christmas card from my parents (ie mum) in the mail today. A $6 card that she paid $1.30 to post and she knows it will be in the bin next week. Not only that but I'm seeing her on Sunday. Just a little thing but so typical of her attitude.  "It was just a couple dollars". *facepalm*

I had a friend that got mad at me one year for sending her one of those boxed Christmas cards. (From a box where each card is the same - more affordable this way). She said it was cheap and that I should have sent her a "Hallmark" Christmas card instead. She was offended because she thought our friendship was more important that I would individually select a special card for her from a card rack at the store. And sending a boxed card was cheap and tacky.  Now that I've posted this I realize people will likely think I made this up. Sadly, I did not.

Now, I still send out boxed cards at Christmas. Because the cost breaks down to about 25 cents per card rather than spending $5.00 or $6.00 on an individual card for each person I know. If I did that, it could easily cost $100 a year just to mail out Christmas cards to all my friends.  The price of greeting cards is just crazy these days.

That is insane. I buy all my cards from the dollar store if I buy them at all. I usually buy a few at a time and just keep extras in a cabinet. Saves me time/effort. I did just spend a little bit more on a pack of 25 'handmade' cards at Costco for $15 so now I have a nice little box to keep my extra dollar store cards in when I run out of the fancy ones in like 4+ years.

One of the guys I work with said that I needed to write a newsletter basically that said what my family had been up to this year to mail out to people with a Christmas card and pictures. Apparently they do this every year. I'm giving out 5 cards, in person, that are more thank you/Christmas cards.

[Chesleygirl]

We have one at my workplace. It does make a good cup of coffee (at the very least better than the keurig coffee I have on the weekends [it was a gift :P]). It still surprises me that co-workers will buy coffee on the commute in, when we can get coffee for free in the office from a $5k coffee maker...

Well, I'm surprised to see people buying milkshakes when they could make one in a blender at home. I bought one today at Chik Fil A. Cost was over $3.00.

Talk to me when you are buying milkshakes 5 times a week, sometimes more.

This can happen easily with a big family.  I have three kids (who don't even drink coffee yet), so I have to watch a lot more than just coffee consumption.

And there's plenty of people with a milkshake habit, soda habit, etc buying five times per week or sometimes more. It's not like coffee is the only beverage served in restaurants.

[Chesleygirl]

I just received a Christmas card from my parents (ie mum) in the mail today. A $6 card that she paid $1.30 to post and she knows it will be in the bin next week. Not only that but I'm seeing her on Sunday. Just a little thing but so typical of her attitude.  "It was just a couple dollars". *facepalm*

I had a friend that got mad at me one year for sending her one of those boxed Christmas cards. (From a box where each card is the same - more affordable this way). She said it was cheap and that I should have sent her a "Hallmark" Christmas card instead. She was offended because she thought our friendship was more important that I would individually select a special card for her from a card rack at the store. And sending a boxed card was cheap and tacky.  Now that I've posted this I realize people will likely think I made this up. Sadly, I did not.

Now, I still send out boxed cards at Christmas. Because the cost breaks down to about 25 cents per card rather than spending $5.00 or $6.00 on an individual card for each person I know. If I did that, it could easily cost $100 a year just to mail out Christmas cards to all my friends.  The price of greeting cards is just crazy these days.

That is insane. I buy all my cards from the dollar store if I buy them at all. I usually buy a few at a time and just keep extras in a cabinet. Saves me time/effort. I did just spend a little bit more on a pack of 25 'handmade' cards at Costco for $15 so now I have a nice little box to keep my extra dollar store cards in when I run out of the fancy ones in like 4+ years.

This girl was very spendy and wanted/expected others to be the same way. In a strange way, though, she influenced me to become more frugal and be proud of it. Because I don't want to be like her. If that makes any sense.

[Imma]

I just received a Christmas card from my parents (ie mum) in the mail today. A $6 card that she paid $1.30 to post and she knows it will be in the bin next week. Not only that but I'm seeing her on Sunday. Just a little thing but so typical of her attitude.  "It was just a couple dollars". *facepalm*

I had a friend that got mad at me one year for sending her one of those boxed Christmas cards. (From a box where each card is the same - more affordable this way). She said it was cheap and that I should have sent her a "Hallmark" Christmas card instead. She was offended because she thought our friendship was more important that I would individually select a special card for her from a card rack at the store. And sending a boxed card was cheap and tacky.  Now that I've posted this I realize people will likely think I made this up. Sadly, I did not.

Now, I still send out boxed cards at Christmas. Because the cost breaks down to about 25 cents per card rather than spending $5.00 or $6.00 on an individual card for each person I know. If I did that, it could easily cost $100 a year just to mail out Christmas cards to all my friends.  The price of greeting cards is just crazy these days.

I believe you, because I had a godmother like that. (Still have, actually, she's still alive, but there's a reason I haven't seen her in years and years). We used to call her Hyacinth Bucket as a nickname. She actually did buy boxed cards, to send back to people who sent her boxed cards last year. She'd buy cards in three or four price categories and depending on certain criteria (like blood relation, whether you'd addressed the card in the "right" way) you'd get a cheaper or more expensive card. I was about 14 when she explained that to me and that's when I realised she wasn't just weird auntie Hyacinth but actually insane.

Apart from her, everyone I know sends boxed cards, if they send cards at all. I don't send a lot of cards, but I buy one charity box every year and send a few cards to mostly elderly relatives. I bought Amnesty cards this year.

[Sibley]

I just received a Christmas card from my parents (ie mum) in the mail today. A $6 card that she paid $1.30 to post and she knows it will be in the bin next week. Not only that but I'm seeing her on Sunday. Just a little thing but so typical of her attitude.  "It was just a couple dollars". *facepalm*

I had a friend that got mad at me one year for sending her one of those boxed Christmas cards. (From a box where each card is the same - more affordable this way). She said it was cheap and that I should have sent her a "Hallmark" Christmas card instead. She was offended because she thought our friendship was more important that I would individually select a special card for her from a card rack at the store. And sending a boxed card was cheap and tacky.  Now that I've posted this I realize people will likely think I made this up. Sadly, I did not.

Now, I still send out boxed cards at Christmas. Because the cost breaks down to about 25 cents per card rather than spending $5.00 or $6.00 on an individual card for each person I know. If I did that, it could easily cost $100 a year just to mail out Christmas cards to all my friends.  The price of greeting cards is just crazy these days.

I believe you, because I had a godmother like that. (Still have, actually, she's still alive, but there's a reason I haven't seen her in years and years). We used to call her Hyacinth Bucket as a nickname. She actually did buy boxed cards, to send back to people who sent her boxed cards last year. She'd buy cards in three or four price categories and depending on certain criteria (like blood relation, whether you'd addressed the card in the "right" way) you'd get a cheaper or more expensive card. I was about 14 when she explained that to me and that's when I realised she wasn't just weird auntie Hyacinth but actually insane.

Apart from her, everyone I know sends boxed cards, if they send cards at all. I don't send a lot of cards, but I buy one charity box every year and send a few cards to mostly elderly relatives. I bought Amnesty cards this year.

I will send out 2-3 different cards. There's a funny one that only people I think will appreciate it get. There's a more traditional, but not religious, one that everyone else gets. I buy cards after Christmas for the next year, so any left over just get added to the stash for next year. This year, I think there were 4 different cards sent because I was using up leftovers from last year. If anyone complained about the card they got, I'd just take them off the list going forward. They clearly didn't want one. Only happened once. (It was funny the next year when they called to complain that they didn't get one. I'm blunt, I told them why then hung up.)

[ducky19]

I just received a Christmas card from my parents (ie mum) in the mail today. A $6 card that she paid $1.30 to post and she knows it will be in the bin next week. Not only that but I'm seeing her on Sunday. Just a little thing but so typical of her attitude.  "It was just a couple dollars". *facepalm*

I had a friend that got mad at me one year for sending her one of those boxed Christmas cards. (From a box where each card is the same - more affordable this way). She said it was cheap and that I should have sent her a "Hallmark" Christmas card instead. She was offended because she thought our friendship was more important that I would individually select a special card for her from a card rack at the store. And sending a boxed card was cheap and tacky.  Now that I've posted this I realize people will likely think I made this up. Sadly, I did not.

Now, I still send out boxed cards at Christmas. Because the cost breaks down to about 25 cents per card rather than spending $5.00 or $6.00 on an individual card for each person I know. If I did that, it could easily cost $100 a year just to mail out Christmas cards to all my friends.  The price of greeting cards is just crazy these days.

I believe you, because I had a godmother like that. (Still have, actually, she's still alive, but there's a reason I haven't seen her in years and years). We used to call her Hyacinth Bucket as a nickname. She actually did buy boxed cards, to send back to people who sent her boxed cards last year. She'd buy cards in three or four price categories and depending on certain criteria (like blood relation, whether you'd addressed the card in the "right" way) you'd get a cheaper or more expensive card. I was about 14 when she explained that to me and that's when I realised she wasn't just weird auntie Hyacinth but actually insane.

Apart from her, everyone I know sends boxed cards, if they send cards at all. I don't send a lot of cards, but I buy one charity box every year and send a few cards to mostly elderly relatives. I bought Amnesty cards this year.

"It's pronounced, 'Bouquet'!!!"

I used to love that show!

[MrsDinero]

Had to share this one. 

I was texting with my cousin who was upset because despite his applying to many jobs and being qualified, he hasn't gotten any job offers (his spouse works full time and is carrying the load.).  He is currently working 15 hours a week making about $10-12/hr.  Both kids are either in day care full time or going to after school care.  This is because when he finds a full time job he wants to be able to start work right away and he can't if he is taking care of the kids all day (still don't understand that one).  The place he is working part time at offered him full time hours, but he turned it down because he said the amount of money still isn't enough and worth his time.  This has been the situation for more than a year.   When I was texting him, he told me he was treating himself out to lunch because being at home was too depressing.

He was at a mid-range fast food restaurant so I'm imagining he spent about $10-$15 on food.  He didn't seem to see the folly of eating a full hour of earned income while complaining that his hourly rate wasn't high enough.

[Imma]

Had to share this one. 

I was texting with my cousin who was upset because despite his applying to many jobs and being qualified, he hasn't gotten any job offers (his spouse works full time and is carrying the load.).  He is currently working 15 hours a week making about $10-12/hr.  Both kids are either in day care full time or going to after school care.  This is because when he finds a full time job he wants to be able to start work right away and he can't if he is taking care of the kids all day (still don't understand that one).  The place he is working part time at offered him full time hours, but he turned it down because he said the amount of money still isn't enough and worth his time.  This has been the situation for more than a year.   When I was texting him, he told me he was treating himself out to lunch because being at home was too depressing.

He was at a mid-range fast food restaurant so I'm imagining he spent about $10-$15 on food.  He didn't seem to see the folly of eating a full hour of earned income while complaining that his hourly rate wasn't high enough.

I understand your frustration, and you're completely right, but I do understand the bold part. At least where I live, there are long waiting lists for child care. If you take your kid out of child care, there's not going to be a place available for them right away when you find a job. It's a huge problem for working parents who lose their job: keeping your kid in day care while you're at home sounds counterproductive, but a new employer isn't going to wait 4 months for you until you have arranged child care.

[BDWW]

Had to share this one. 

I was texting with my cousin who was upset because despite his applying to many jobs and being qualified, he hasn't gotten any job offers (his spouse works full time and is carrying the load.).  He is currently working 15 hours a week making about $10-12/hr.  Both kids are either in day care full time or going to after school care.  This is because when he finds a full time job he wants to be able to start work right away and he can't if he is taking care of the kids all day (still don't understand that one).  The place he is working part time at offered him full time hours, but he turned it down because he said the amount of money still isn't enough and worth his time.  This has been the situation for more than a year.   When I was texting him, he told me he was treating himself out to lunch because being at home was too depressing.

He was at a mid-range fast food restaurant so I'm imagining he spent about $10-$15 on food.  He didn't seem to see the folly of eating a full hour of earned income while complaining that his hourly rate wasn't high enough.

I understand your frustration, and you're completely right, but I do understand the bold part. At least where I live, there are long waiting lists for child care. If you take your kid out of child care, there's not going to be a place available for them right away when you find a job. It's a huge problem for working parents who lose their job: keeping your kid in day care while you're at home sounds counterproductive, but a new employer isn't going to wait 4 months for you until you have arranged child care.

Agreed, around here it's common practice to get on a waiting list the moment you see two blue/pink lines.

[Chesleygirl]

I will send out 2-3 different cards. There's a funny one that only people I think will appreciate it get. There's a more traditional, but not religious, one that everyone else gets. I buy cards after Christmas for the next year, so any left over just get added to the stash for next year. This year, I think there were 4 different cards sent because I was using up leftovers from last year. If anyone complained about the card they got, I'd just take them off the list going forward. They clearly didn't want one. Only happened once. (It was funny the next year when they called to complain that they didn't get one. I'm blunt, I told them why then hung up.)

It is good to know I'm not the only person who's had someone complain about the Christmas card I sent to them. But yes, no need to send cards to people who complain about the card.

[Imma]

I'm starting to get really frustrated with my sister. ...
It makes me not want to spend time with her, if she's just going to keep making these backhanded comments and belittle me for making good choices.

This is sad. Have you told her how you feel? Are you close in other ways? The level of information that she has about your finances is WAY more than my siblings have about mine. [I'm not saying my way is perfect, but that there is a range of information sharing that can work.] There's no law that obliges you to share your retirement plans with your siblings.

If you are presenting your choices as "good" (and hers as "bad"?) then that could be encouraging her to think that making judgements on each other's spending is something that you do.

I'd try to separate out your choices and what is "good" or "smart", just say that it is what works for you. If she comments on your trousers (at a funeral - ouch!), stress that you are not asking her to wear them, and that you don't need to hear about her opinions on them. It's not out of order to say that it's hurtful to hear someone ragging on your trousers. Don't try to justify your choices, why it is smart, what your goals are. Just reiterate that this is your choice (or your trousers) and that you aren't looking for input, make it boring and non-contentious.

Good luck.

The thing is, she doesn't have that much information about my finances.  She knows I make more than her, because she knows what my job is (I don't talk about salary at all), and her own job is pretty low paid.  She knows that I hope to retire early, because I mentioned it once.  She knows that I don't like to spend on crap, because every time we're together, she wants to go shopping and pressure me to buy things "because she knows I can afford it," and I resist buying things I don't want or need.

I never bring these things up with her (for obvious reasons!)  I'm not the one talking about 'good' or 'bad' choices, I'm just trying to stick to my choices, which seems to offend her for no reason.  If my clothes aren't worn out or even out of style, why should I replace them?  Why does she even care what pants I'm wearing?  It's just so stupid.

I know what it's like, I have a sister like that. I'm already not looking forward to Christmas conversations and me being accusing of being greedy all the time. I don't care at all what my sis does with her money - she works hard enough for it and she doesn't ask me for cash - and I would honestly enjoy hearing all about the trips around the world she's taking, as long as she didn't include all those snide remarks about how I'm too greedy to go on holidays. I make different choices and I couldn't care less which choices you make as long as you pay for them yourself.

She doesn't know a lot about my finances either, but she knows we own a house and how much we paid for it, and very roughly how much I make. I work in finance so I help her out with her taxes every year, and last year while filling in her taxes she asked if she made less or more than I did, to which I answered 'slightly more' which is the truth. She was pretty pissed off about that, as she felt her job is way more prestigiouss than mine She chose to work in a very competative industry with 200 candidates for every job. I know she works extremely hard, but I work smart: I don't have to work too hard for my money.

[mm1970]

The level of information my (financially responsible, potential large inheritance on the way because my parents don't spend their huge pile o' cash) family have about my and my husband's financial situation is:
- We are saving money
- We don't need them to give us any money
- They don't need to worry about us
- We can afford for me to take extended maternity leave/be a SAHP for a while (I'm pregnant) if that's what I end up doing

Sometimes my parents pressure me to spend money. My mother wants me to buy lots of expensive maternity clothes. I have bought one new pair of jeans and one charity shop dress thus far. I find other reasons to not spend the money (e.g. "Ugh! All of these maternity clothes are so hideous!" (true) "I don't want to buy them all at once because I want to save up some shopping treats for later in the pregnancy" (true) "I'm waiting to see if my friend who just had her baby wants to keep all of her stuff" (true)).

I would cut WAY WAY back on discussing anything related to money with your sister. I also think it's OK to say out loud: "It makes me not want to spend time with you, if you're just going to keep making these backhanded comments and belittle me for making good my choices." It's a true and fair statement.

Yep.  I'm honestly not sure what my siblings think about my income and financial status.  My favorite sister knows we are good.  Don't know about anyone else.  I live on the opposite coast, so they aren't privy to my spending habits.

We recently evacuated for a week due to the fires.  An aunt said "let me know if you need any help, we can send help!"  That was sweet.  I just said "nah, we've got plenty of money".  I was complaining to my boss for evacuating (it's the change in routine, being stuck in a hotel, inability to cook and eat properly.)  And he said "you can afford it!".  Because he knows.  I said "yep, I'm cheap and that helps me afford it.  But I still hate trying to eat out of a hotel...my digestion does not like it!"

[accountingteacher]

I think this is a pretty common human reaction to difference in general. A lot of people, instead of trying to understand what you are trying to do, why you want to do it and how they could learn and benefit from it,  seem to want to judge or discredit  it. I think it comes from a feeling of insecurity from that person. Every time someone go against their beliefs and comfortable habits, they feel  the need to convince themselves you are wrong at what  you do and what they do is right. In reality, there’s no such thing as right  or wrong, black or white, especially when you don’t have a clue what you are talking about. Everytime  I hear someone judging something they don’t know, it rings a bell; why does it bother you that much? Why are you so insecure about it? Why aren’t you interested about it?

I’m not a psychologist though haha, just everyday observations.

I think you've nailed it.  Judging her brother is easier than holding herself accountable.  There's a lot going on there - envy, shame, denial ...

[Chesleygirl]

I'm starting to get really frustrated with my sister. ...
It makes me not want to spend time with her, if she's just going to keep making these backhanded comments and belittle me for making good choices.

This is sad. Have you told her how you feel? Are you close in other ways? The level of information that she has about your finances is WAY more than my siblings have about mine. [I'm not saying my way is perfect, but that there is a range of information sharing that can work.] There's no law that obliges you to share your retirement plans with your siblings.

If you are presenting your choices as "good" (and hers as "bad"?) then that could be encouraging her to think that making judgements on each other's spending is something that you do.

I'd try to separate out your choices and what is "good" or "smart", just say that it is what works for you. If she comments on your trousers (at a funeral - ouch!), stress that you are not asking her to wear them, and that you don't need to hear about her opinions on them. It's not out of order to say that it's hurtful to hear someone ragging on your trousers. Don't try to justify your choices, why it is smart, what your goals are. Just reiterate that this is your choice (or your trousers) and that you aren't looking for input, make it boring and non-contentious.

Good luck.

The thing is, she doesn't have that much information about my finances.  She knows I make more than her, because she knows what my job is (I don't talk about salary at all), and her own job is pretty low paid.  She knows that I hope to retire early, because I mentioned it once.  She knows that I don't like to spend on crap, because every time we're together, she wants to go shopping and pressure me to buy things "because she knows I can afford it," and I resist buying things I don't want or need.

I never bring these things up with her (for obvious reasons!)  I'm not the one talking about 'good' or 'bad' choices, I'm just trying to stick to my choices, which seems to offend her for no reason.  If my clothes aren't worn out or even out of style, why should I replace them?  Why does she even care what pants I'm wearing?  It's just so stupid.

I know what it's like, I have a sister like that. I'm already not looking forward to Christmas conversations and me being accusing of being greedy all the time. I don't care at all what my sis does with her money - she works hard enough for it and she doesn't ask me for cash - and I would honestly enjoy hearing all about the trips around the world she's taking, as long as she didn't include all those snide remarks about how I'm too greedy to go on holidays. I make different choices and I couldn't care less which choices you make as long as you pay for them yourself.

She doesn't know a lot about my finances either, but she knows we own a house and how much we paid for it, and very roughly how much I make. I work in finance so I help her out with her taxes every year, and last year while filling in her taxes she asked if she made less or more than I did, to which I answered 'slightly more' which is the truth. She was pretty pissed off about that, as she felt her job is way more prestigiouss than mine She chose to work in a very competative industry with 200 candidates for every job. I know she works extremely hard, but I work smart: I don't have to work too hard for my money.

That's the choice that people make when they choose a prestigious-sounding career over actual job security. Let her stay jealous.

[TheGrimSqueaker]

I have a relative who's visiting from out of town. She's independently wealthy like most of her generation in that branch of the family. Like most in that set, she also didn't have to do a lot to get it as the wealth was produced by someone else's labor. She's accustomed to a much higher standard of living than what I have (which is palatial by Mustachian standards and which satisfies me, particularly since I get to throw a lot of dinner parties and enjoy the exclusive services of a Venomous Spaz Beast).

The gap between my standard of living and what my relative considers appropriate is creates complications. We're in Day 3 of the visit and although the VSB has accepted her she's already going on about how I "need" to renovate my master bathroom and my kitchen and to hire a contractor to do my outdoor work. The minimum necessary redesign she considers appropriate will run about $65,000. I simply cannot justify dipping into the 'stache for that. She's also trying to buy me a "gift" of what amounts to a key item in a major Diderot unity. I do plan to replace a sink that is almost rusted through, and have been doing some preliminary research related to flooring and other things, yet I cannot justify anything but the replacement sink while still assisting my newly-adult daughter in not fucking up her launch and hearing-ear training the VSB.

I'm trying to hold onto the "Didn't-erot" lifestyle. It will permit me greater freedom in a shorter period of time. I do plan to take the VSB on a lengthy road trip next summer (just the VSB, not the daughter), but my relative doesn't understand why the vacation decision means I won't have discretionary spending money for things like renovations.

[jinga nation]

TGS, your relative hasn't sweated in life to understand the level of effort required to produce earnings. And to save after necessary expenses. That's a disconnect that may be far too late to be mended.

I have relatives and friends like this, where the husband works long hours to make the crazy money while the stay-at-home wife loves to dispense advice on life. The kids have flown the coop and idle time creates bullshit unsolicited advice.

I've been in that uncomfortable host position and you reminded me of this:
When Mrs. JingaNation and I purchased our house years back, an estate-sale, I was an entry-level engineer and she an entry-level accountant. We didn't have many possessions, we're simple, but hosted a New Year's Eve party for friends and family.

The never-employed wife of a hard-working friend decided to nit pick our house (we'd lived there 7 months by then) and told us we need to rehab our kitchen and bathrooms ASAP, get rid of the plantation shutters in the living room (which were good money and quality, paid for by the previous owner and blended well with the openness of that part of the house). I was asking why fix it when it ain't broke. We weren't in a position financially for this. Plus I was traveling constantly for work.

Just then, another friend decided to bang on the kitchen faucet repeatedly and his fiancee told him to stop, whereupon he replied that it can be fixed, as we're going to renovate. Then another friend bitched that all we had was a bookshelf sound system and not a 7.1 Dolby surround sound.

Right after midnight I wished everyone well and asked them to either go home, or a sleeping bag as we hadn't furnished the other 2 rooms. My friends finally got the message and apologized. Shit happens, people drink and say stupid things. New year, new lease on life, let it go, fuck it.

A week later the Mrs. and I decided to not host parties for folks who don't respect our property and lifestyle. All parties will henceforth end at sunset and will be outdoors to feed skeeters. We are the couple who enjoy exercise while they love to complain about exercise. In the years since, we've become good friends but we've gravitated to other groups of friends who's life philosophies are more in line with ours.

There's a rule my Dad taught me at a very young age, when I would have sleepovers at the homes of my cousins and friends: Never insult your host, be gracious and helpful so they enjoy your company and ask you to come again.

Some people weren't taught good manners. Some people believe manners are obtained automatically, "there's an app for that" mentality.

[Chesleygirl]

TGS, your relative hasn't sweated in life to understand the level of effort required to produce earnings. And to save after necessary expenses. That's a disconnect that may be far too late to be mended.

I have relatives and close friends like this, where the husband works long hours to make the crazy money while the stay-at-home wife loves to dispense advice on life. The kids have flown the coop and idle time creates bullshit unsolicited advice.

Lots of stay at home moms have been in the workforce, often for many years, so they do understand the level of effort required to produce money. The may even be the money manager for the entire household. So that could be where their advice is coming from.

[jinga nation]

TGS, your relative hasn't sweated in life to understand the level of effort required to produce earnings. And to save after necessary expenses. That's a disconnect that may be far too late to be mended.

I have relatives and close friends like this, where the husband works long hours to make the crazy money while the stay-at-home wife loves to dispense advice on life. The kids have flown the coop and idle time creates bullshit unsolicited advice.

Lots of stay at home moms have been in the workforce, often for many years, so they do understand the level of effort required to produce money. The may even be the money manager for the entire household. So that could be where their advice is coming from.

That is true, but not the case for the annoying wife of a friend. Never worked. Volunteered here and there per her whims. She's proud to proclaim her non-worked status.

In many middle/upper class Indian families, the husband works long hours, after work networking/social/club events. The wife stays home and raises the kids, engages in gossip, goes around shopping for useless shit. This causes a lot of strife in the marriage, as the wife wants to keep up with the social circle and the husband doesn't give a damn about outwardly appearances. Seen this growing up, seen this living in Bombay and South India on my travels. I love to sit and observe, something my hero Mr. Carlin was very astute about.

[Rowellen]

I just received a Christmas card from my parents (ie mum) in the mail today. A $6 card that she paid $1.30 to post and she knows it will be in the bin next week. Not only that but I'm seeing her on Sunday. Just a little thing but so typical of her attitude.  "It was just a couple dollars". *facepalm*

I had a friend that got mad at me one year for sending her one of those boxed Christmas cards. (From a box where each card is the same - more affordable this way). She said it was cheap and that I should have sent her a "Hallmark" Christmas card instead. She was offended because she thought our friendship was more important that I would individually select a special card for her from a card rack at the store. And sending a boxed card was cheap and tacky.  Now that I've posted this I realize people will likely think I made this up. Sadly, I did not.

Now, I still send out boxed cards at Christmas. Because the cost breaks down to about 25 cents per card rather than spending $5.00 or $6.00 on an individual card for each person I know. If I did that, it could easily cost $100 a year just to mail out Christmas cards to all my friends.  The price of greeting cards is just crazy these days.

I believe you. I have heard people complain about similar things although not usually to the person directly.

My mum's $6 card would cover the few that I send plus what my kids give to their classmates. If I want a "heartfelt" message I'll write it myself not buy some generic "to a special daughter" crap.

[Playing with Fire UK]

I'm trying to hold onto the "Didn't-erot" lifestyle.

Excellent phrase. Stealing. Thank you.

[merula]

Lots of stay at home moms have been in the workforce, often for many years, so they do understand the level of effort required to produce money. The may even be the money manager for the entire household. So that could be where their advice is coming from.

This is true, but regardless of past industriousness, people who have more time on their hands have more time to care about things that are absolutely not their business.

Do I get judgment from my friends and family with very full lives of work, family, volunteering, hobbies, travel, whatever? Not nearly as much as I get from people who do less of all of those things.

[Chesleygirl]

Lots of stay at home moms have been in the workforce, often for many years, so they do understand the level of effort required to produce money. The may even be the money manager for the entire household. So that could be where their advice is coming from.

This is true, but regardless of past industriousness, people who have more time on their hands have more time to care about things that are absolutely not their business.

Do I get judgment from my friends and family with very full lives of work, family, volunteering, hobbies, travel, whatever? Not nearly as much as I get from people who do less of all of those things.

Oh God. You are so wrong about that. Many SAHMs have full lives too, filled with family, volunteering, travel and hobbies. They do TONS of volunteer work in the community and especially for schools, which saves the taxpayers money (let's give them a shout out and a thanks!). They also are the busiest people I know especially if they take care of young children during the day. Your comment that their lives are  filled with free time couldn't be further from the truth. I am a SAHM and guess what? I traveled internationally six times over the past five years, to Prague and the United Kingdom. Its so funny that you think SAHMs don't travel. I got a real kick of that one. Sweetie, I don't "do less" than other people. I don't have any more free time on my hands than you people who work at 8 to 5 jobs.  You really should apologize, your comment is the most disgusting thing I've read on here.

[Sibley]

Lots of stay at home moms have been in the workforce, often for many years, so they do understand the level of effort required to produce money. The may even be the money manager for the entire household. So that could be where their advice is coming from.

This is true, but regardless of past industriousness, people who have more time on their hands have more time to care about things that are absolutely not their business.

Do I get judgment from my friends and family with very full lives of work, family, volunteering, hobbies, travel, whatever? Not nearly as much as I get from people who do less of all of those things.

Oh God. You are so wrong about that. Many SAHMs have full lives too, filled with family, volunteering, travel and hobbies. They do TONS of volunteer work in the community and especially for schools, which saves the taxpayers money (let's give them a shout out and a thanks!). They also are the busiest people I know especially if they take care of young children during the day. Your comment that their lives are  filled with free time couldn't be further from the truth. I am a SAHM and guess what? I traveled internationally six times over the past five years, to Prague and the United Kingdom. Its so funny that you think SAHMs don't travel. I got a real kick of that one. Sweetie, I don't "do less" than other people. I don't have any more free time on my hands than you people who work at 8 to 5 jobs.  You really should apologize, your comment is the most disgusting thing I've read on here.

I know 20+ SAHP, and there's 2 types. The ones that are busy with stuff, like you. And the ones that aren't.

The ones that aren't busy for whatever reason have strong tendencies to be judgey and poke their nose into places they shouldn't. Doesn't mean they DO, but the push is there. It can be very unpleasant to be around them for long. You're likely not seeing the non-busy types because you are busy. Thank you. Please stay busy, because it's very annoying for me to have to keep track of which acquaintances I need to keep on a low-information diet, just so they leave me alone. And also track the changes in those different groups - because people's lives can get more or less busy and change their behavior accordingly.

This doesn't just apply to SAHP of course, it can apply to any person. I might also add that it's possible to be busy and still be a nosey, judgey, annoying human.

[ms]

Lots of stay at home moms have been in the workforce, often for many years, so they do understand the level of effort required to produce money. The may even be the money manager for the entire household. So that could be where their advice is coming from.

This is true, but regardless of past industriousness, people who have more time on their hands have more time to care about things that are absolutely not their business.

Do I get judgment from my friends and family with very full lives of work, family, volunteering, hobbies, travel, whatever? Not nearly as much as I get from people who do less of all of those things.

Oh God. You are so wrong about that. Many SAHMs have full lives too, filled with family, volunteering, travel and hobbies. They do TONS of volunteer work in the community and especially for schools, which saves the taxpayers money (let's give them a shout out and a thanks!). They also are the busiest people I know especially if they take care of young children during the day. Your comment that their lives are  filled with free time couldn't be further from the truth. I am a SAHM and guess what? I traveled internationally six times over the past five years, to Prague and the United Kingdom. Its so funny that you think SAHMs don't travel. I got a real kick of that one. Sweetie, I don't "do less" than other people. I don't have any more free time on my hands than you people who work at 8 to 5 jobs.  You really should apologize, your comment is the most disgusting thing I've read on here.

I did not read merula's comment as a judgement on SAHMs. I read it as a judgement on people with too much time on their hands. The poster clearly stated that people who live full lives (which there's no question that SAHMs live full lives) understand that they need not to judge as harshly as someone who has nothing to do.

That's what I read.

[Chesleygirl]

I did not read merula's comment as a judgement on SAHMs. I read it as a judgement on people with too much time on their hands. The poster clearly stated that people who live full lives (which there's no question that SAHMs live full lives) understand that they need not to judge as harshly as someone who has nothing to do.

That's what I read.

No, she was responding to a post about SAHMs. Clearly believing these people don't have active, full lives.

[merula]

Oh God. You are so wrong about that. Many SAHMs have full lives too, filled with family, volunteering, travel and hobbies. They do TONS of volunteer work in the community and especially for schools, which saves the taxpayers money (let's give them a shout out and a thanks!). They also are the busiest people I know especially if they take care of young children during the day. Your comment that their lives are  filled with free time couldn't be further from the truth. I am a SAHM and guess what? I traveled internationally six times over the past five years, to Prague and the United Kingdom. Its so funny that you think SAHMs don't travel. I got a real kick of that one. Sweetie, I don't "do less" than other people. I don't have any more free time on my hands than you people who work at 8 to 5 jobs.  You really should apologize, your comment is the most disgusting thing I've read on here.

Back the truck up. I never said SAHMs did less than others, much the opposite. ms understood me, so I'm baffled by your response.

I did not read merula's comment as a judgement on SAHMs. I read it as a judgement on people with too much time on their hands. The poster clearly stated that people who live full lives (which there's no question that SAHMs live full lives) understand that they need not to judge as harshly as someone who has nothing to do.

You have things that fill your time. Great. Good for you. I'm married to a SAH parent who also fills his time. Not every busy parent is a SAH one NOR is every busy SAH parent a mother.