Do you look poor to people?

[sloof70]

I think a lot of it comes down to the car you drive.  These days, a small house in the right location can be worth millions, and the "starving artist" appearance is so popular that you have dotcom millionaires that barely dress up in more than a t-shirt and flip-flops.  However, even among the six-figure geeks and other wealthy folks, newer or nicer cars are still common.  I'm in the mid-range on the pay scale at my company, and I drive the shittiest car of the fleet, and I'm sure most people think I'm still making the starting hourly wage rather than my much higher negotiated salary. 

[Elaine]

I work with a lot of what I call "fancy ladies", the Manhattan/Long Island types with done up hair, jewelry sets each day, makeup, constant manicure, heels, etc. I dress a lot wackier than they do at work (vintage looking, etc.), which is ok because I'm young and more of a tech person than they are. I don't wear makeup, jewelry, or get my nails or hair done, so I think they just peg me more as eccentric or a bit gender neutral rather than poor. Like I'm the artsy weird young one in the office. Though they do question why I bring my lunch, I think I'm more of a general weirdo to them than anything else- which is fine by me. 

[CommonCents]

No, but I don't practice hardcore mustachian.  For example, I eat at the office cafe more than I ought to (I'm working on improving this - I've been aiming for 2x a week bringing in a lunch and upping it to 3-4 slowly). 

I actually have what I consider a large wardrobe (all in the eye of the beholder, because my sister's is HUUUUGE and my SIL lost weight and says hers fits into two dresser drawers, which is less than me), but I find I don't wear a lot of it so I'm trying to purge and wear more creative outfits.

I don't get my nails done or such, and I don't tend to notice those who do.  I don't know many who do that though I think.  My one friend that does, serves as a "hand model" and only pays the tip. 

Like most others, we use the subway here in the city.

Our differences are probably more subtle.  We've noticed the difference mostly with friends that take a lot more frequent vacations than we do, and fancier ones, or go out to eat a lot more, or drink a lot more wine.  I know I'm the only one that focuses on couponing and sales in the same way.  We drive a cheaper car (2002 Honda Civic) than most others.  We also (until this Friday when we close on a house) had a paid off condo, so our savings that we were socking away was "invisible." 

That all said, *my husband* sees us as poorer, although I try to point out that we probably have a higher net worth than others, because we aren't spending our money.  I tell him you just never know what someone's net worth really is.  (His brother and a few friends make absolute bank, so I am sure those few are doing much much better than us.)

[gimp]

Yes. "Student." It works since that's what I am half the year. Also because most of my money from the other half goes straight into tuition and rent and such. Being poor is freeing.

[zinnie]

I doubt it just because most of my social circle revolves around work and I am pretty high in the hierarchy there. I also wear nice clothes to work, even though many of them I have had for ten years or more. We are also one of the few people our age who has been able to buy a house, and I swear some of them think we were only able to do that by a miracle or being independently wealthy (because how else could someone in CA save for a down payment? :)

Our families know how cheap we are, as much of these values originated from them.

I don't know who else I could look "poor" to--besides random people on the street. And when I am dressed in jeans and a t-shirt, driving a 1999 car with dents all over and the front grill missing, yes, I probably do look poor! :)

[CNM]

It's all relative for me.  I tend to wear somewhat nice clothes, but certainly not high-end designer clothes.  The car I drive is nice but it's not a luxury car (and, for that matter, I don't even own it... my employer does).  My house is modest but comfortable.  Sometimes I feel like I may look poor but then I look at someone who is actually impoverished and I look opulently rich.

[chasesfish]

Speaking of "looking poor" and clothing costs.

I was literally ecstatic when I found dress ties at Costco, I was near one I don't usually go to and wanted to yell "score!".  The two near my house didn't have them.  They're $18, but their cost per wear is lower than anything else I can find.  They last almost forever minus coffee/ink I may get on them.

The little things in life...

[Villanelle]

Maybe.  I drive a 2000 Toyota Echo, which even MMM called "dorky", IIRC.  It's not as big a deal in Europe, but driving that car in the States probably stood out a bit.  I don't get my nails done ever, most days I wear no makeup, and my hair is plain, not colored, cut 2-3 times a year, and mostly worn in a ponytail or messy bun.

The house we lived in in the States we nice and large (to us), but a >2000sqft townhouse was less than any of our peers had.  Our furnishings are modest and we still haven't phased out all of our college and just post-college hand me downs. 

I have a giant wardrobe though.  Not mustachian at all, but I love being creative with fashion.  They aren't designer pieces, but if anyone is paying attention and trying to guess my net worth, I think the size of my wardrobe would be something of note.

[HappierAtHome]

I honestly don't know.

I'm certainly not nearly as stylish as some of the other girls at work. But I think that puts me in the category of "general weirdo" as many others here have said, rather than poor. Most people assume (correctly), after meeting me, that I have different priorities from theirs.

My salary is easy to find out for all my friends, family and workmates so I guess they probably think I'm cheap rather than poor. I find that saying the magic words "we're saving for a house" helps.

[ArcticaMT6]

I don't think that I look poor. Or even shoddy. I have a nice 5 year old townhouse in the city, I have a motorcycle, I dress somewhat nicely (button down shirt and non-jeans just about every day when I go out), we do fun outdoorsy stuff like most people here (so it's not looked at as cheap hobbies). Now, if I am working in the garage on something, then I usually look pretty low income. Covered in sawdust, grease, old ratty jeans, a plain gray hoodie, etc.

When we go out to eat, I usually get sandwiches, because frankly I like sandwiches.

[mikefixac]

Absolutely fun thread. Thanks everyone. The campers laughing to tears I loved.

Sometimes I wonder if there are very rich that peruse this forum.

[stripey]

(By the way, Braille lettering on ATMs is not uncommon in other countries. It has value for people with partial vision impairments too)

[SomeYoungGuy]

 without even questioning it.

[pachnik]

I really don't know.  But I think it depends on who is doing the looking.

Family members and friends come to our apartment and know that it is a rental and that we have an old TV with only basic cable.  Our furniture does not match but goes together.  My parents know i am careful (thanks to MMM!) with money in the bank. 

My close friends know I am 'good with money' and one of them wants to take me along when she sees a financial adviser for the first time because 'you know this stuff'.    So to family and close friends I don't think I look poor - just careful with money.

But out in the work world - like at my current temp assignment - I almost always pack a lunch and definitely avoid Starbucks runs.  I have mentioned buying clothes at thrift stores and have a limited wardrobe anyway.  I am happy with local travel.  So God knows what co-workers think about me if they think about me at all. 

[vern]

I always try to dress decently.  Basically in America, if you aren't wearing a wife-beater with shorts and flip flops, you're overdressed!

For men, try to score a good sport coat at a thrift shop and get it tailored.  I keep one in the truck so I can throw it on over a t-shirt and jeans if I end up someplace nice on the fly. 

The folks at work always comment on how I dress and I just say..."In the land of the blind the one-eyed man is king."

[Self-employed-swami]

Vern, that guy is trying very hard to look like that, it seems! LOL

[dragoncar]

(By the way, Braille lettering on ATMs is not uncommon in other countries. It has value for people with partial vision impairments too)

Well the joke is that visually impaired people shouldn't be driving.  We all know that it has Braille in case someone walks up or is driven by someone else, and because it would cost more to design two separate ATMS with and without braille than to just make them all with braille.  But still, funny

[mustachianteacher]

I think a lot of it comes down to the car you drive.  These days, a small house in the right location can be worth millions, and the "starving artist" appearance is so popular that you have dotcom millionaires that barely dress up in more than a t-shirt and flip-flops.  However, even among the six-figure geeks and other wealthy folks, newer or nicer cars are still common.  I'm in the mid-range on the pay scale at my company, and I drive the shittiest car of the fleet, and I'm sure most people think I'm still making the starting hourly wage rather than my much higher negotiated salary.

Yes, this. I am a teacher, so fellow teachers have a pretty good idea of what I make because they make the same. When I replaced my 15-year old Corolla with a 2-year old Nissan Versa, a car significantly "below" what most of the other teachers at my level drive, people assumed at first it was temporary until I got a better one. One person asked me how I liked my rental. When I said that I had bought it, no one actually gasped, "Why???" but their faces sure did, LOL! Since  then, a couple of people have asked me teasingly why I don't "treat myself" to some nicer wheels, I just say I like not having a payment and I really, really like small cars (true). Then I park next to one of the folks who drives a tank of an SUV all by themselves (no large family or anything) to work and back. ;-)

[dragoncar]

I think a lot of it comes down to the car you drive.  These days, a small house in the right location can be worth millions, and the "starving artist" appearance is so popular that you have dotcom millionaires that barely dress up in more than a t-shirt and flip-flops.  However, even among the six-figure geeks and other wealthy folks, newer or nicer cars are still common.  I'm in the mid-range on the pay scale at my company, and I drive the shittiest car of the fleet, and I'm sure most people think I'm still making the starting hourly wage rather than my much higher negotiated salary.

Yes, this. I am a teacher, so fellow teachers have a pretty good idea of what I make because they make the same. When I replaced my 15-year old Corolla with a 2-year old Nissan Versa, a car significantly "below" what most of the other teachers at my level drive, people assumed at first it was temporary until I got a better one. One person asked me how I liked my rental. When I said that I had bought it, no one actually gasped, "Why???" but their faces sure did, LOL! Since  then, a couple of people have asked me teasingly why I don't "treat myself" to some nicer wheels, I just say I like not having a payment and I really, really like small cars (true). Then I park next to one of the folks who drives a tank of an SUV all by themselves (no large family or anything) to work and back. ;-)

Just tell them you are saving up for a lambo (or other car expensive enough that you will be retired before you save enough)

[MrMoneyPinch]

Just tell them you are saving up for a lambo (or other car expensive enough that you will be retired before you save enough)

That's it, I now officially have an excuse for everything :)
Depending on who I tell it to, I could add a smile for comic effect.

[jfer_rose]

Several years ago my brother was in town on business and saw my apartment for the first time. Before the visit I imagined he would see my life as very Yuppie since I am single with no kids and live in a hip, urban neighborhood with a few expensive toys (nice computer, etc.) But then, when he was over, it became obvious he thought the opposite. He said something like, "oh, maybe it isn't so bad living with so little." My mind was blown.

[ender]

Hey, maybe they are closet millionaires too.  I often wonder if I'm rubbing shoulders with other closet millionaires at Walmart or similar stores as I stock up on low cost staple goods.

I'm never going to be able to go bargain shopping at stores the same way again.

[MrNYBudget]

New York is a funny city, inasmuch as many of the most expensive neighborhoods have tiny apartments with no parking and enough congestion that driving is a slow way of getting around, so it is quite normal for people with huge incomes to live in small spaces and not own cars. There's even the screwy dynamic where people pretend bike lanes are toys for the rich, since the central neighborhoods where it's practical to bike commute are relatively expensive.

Great point. I think I probably look average in NYC because I have planned out my wardrobe. The wealthy here also often have lots of expensive clothes. I have very few moderately priced clothes that last me.

Another way people flaunt their money in NYC is through experiences. Buying hugely expensive "rounds" of drinks for their group, regularly attending Broadway plays (I love broadway plays, but it is absolutely a special treat for me), etc.

I have definitely had peers "feel sorry" for me for choosing not to attend one such event or another. I have actually had people offer to pay for me. This makes no sense in my mind.  I COULD go - I have the means, but I might not see the event as worth the cost. So I am happy not going - I have made a good trade, where as other people see me as "missing out".

[RootofGood]

I'm never going to be able to go bargain shopping at stores the same way again.

The two of us might be fighting over the same dented cans and almost expired meats and not even know it! 

[ace1224]

i have no clue, i don't really pay attention.  i'm sure i confuse people.  we look very middle of the pack but then we do go on lots of weekend trips with our son and the neighbors have commented on "how do you guys manage?" 
i just tell them we basically only spend about half of what we bring in.  i get told that its only possible bc we only have 1 child and he's not into sports. 

[abhe8]

I bet I look like a bag lady to many people, pushing my little collapsible grocery cart to the store. But no one has said anything, unless it is "I love that cart! Where did you get it?" When I first got it, I made a point to wear my nicest coat when I went to the grocery store. But now I just wear my usual comfy old sweatshirt!

I think my community is different than what I hear about on here. There's no pressure to buy stuff or scoffing of frugality. People are impressed if you say you paid off a credit card, paid cash for a car, or saved a lot of money by being frugal. Is this a midwest college town thing?

i think it depends on what part of this town we live in. :) I work at the hospital and due to my position, people assume I make a lot of money. but we live very modestly and have 4 kids. I for sure get the "you are weird" vibe from my peers at work, for making/bring my own food, cooking for my family and riding my bike to work. I don't think I "look" poor, in that i do buy nice professional clothing (appropriate for my job but from deep sales, thrift stores and a relatively small wardrobe). its not so bad at work, but both our families assume we are very poor and i think blame it on the fact we have 4 kids. for example, dh and I each have 2 siblings. 3 of the 4 and both our parents bought expensive brand new cars in the past 1-2 years. they seemed shocked and somewhat concerned and disappointed when we (quite proudly!) bought our 8 y/o family car with > 100k miles. we never speak about the fact we paid cash, but the others like to blabber about their car payments, so i know they did not. they get annoyed when we can't see the pictures on their group texts (no data plan and super old phones, although still paying way too much and changing to Republic next month). but they also complain about how they could "never afford" food like we do. its all in your choices people.

all in all, I do appreciate our small town and its super low COL.

[sloof70]

I think a lot of it comes down to the car you drive.

...a couple of people have asked me teasingly why I don't "treat myself" to some nicer wheels, I just say I like not having a payment and I really, really like small cars (true).

I get the same.  Mostly in a joking way of people asking me when I'm going to drive that truck to the scrapyard.  (Luckily I don't have one of those "connections" with my car like some.)  I just like only paying for gas and insurance.  Not worrying about it is nice too.  Most people just don't get that.  I did read something recently about how cars are becoming a bigger focus of American's finances (rather than houses).

http://qz.com/153354/americans-are-binging-less-on-houses-and-more-on-cars/

[Mlkmn]

At work, I come across as eccentric rather than poor. I ride my bike to work in the snow, everyone else drives miles and miles. Clothes don't say anything because everyone has a uniform where I work and I work night shift so I only see like seven people total over the entire time I am there.

There is no way my wife comes across as poor, because she always looks FABULOUS. We live across the street from her job, so no one would even know which car is hers since she never uses it. Her wardrobe is nice from before we turned our brains on. Plus, he coworkers totally accept our low expenses lifestyle and are supportive.

I tell people we are poor though when I turn down eating out and other such expenses, because we are. We have a negative net worth so I can't afford to have other people prepare my food! I say it in a lighthearted manner, so it usually just gets a laugh or starts a fun conversation.

Our immediate families just know that we are serious about paying off debt, becoming financially independent, and paying for an adoption. They are in "we will see how long it lasts" mode. Most people we talk to are pretty intrigued by it, but aren't interested in it for themselves, even if I show them the simplicity of the whole thing.

[MrNYBudget]

I did read something recently about how cars are becoming a bigger focus of American's finances (rather than houses).

Wow - I guess people just feel the need to throw their money somewhere. Maybe it should be in vogue to wear a button showing your Net Worth, then people can save as a status symbol! Ha.

[RootofGood]

Wow - I guess people just feel the need to throw their money somewhere. Maybe it should be in vogue to wear a button showing your Net Worth, then people can save as a status symbol! Ha.

(this comment isn't directed at you, just at the sentiment in general)

Everyone would be better off adopting the zen attitude toward wealth.  Cast off the desire to make yourself known to others as wealthy.  Self-worth and self-respect don't grow as you add more zeros to your investment portfolio. 

[daverobev]

Wow - I guess people just feel the need to throw their money somewhere. Maybe it should be in vogue to wear a button showing your Net Worth, then people can save as a status symbol! Ha.

(this comment isn't directed at you, just at the sentiment in general)

Everyone would be better off adopting the zen attitude toward wealth.  Cast off the desire to make yourself known to others as wealthy.  Self-worth and self-respect don't grow as you add more zeros to your investment portfolio.

Dude no offence but have you looked in the mirror? Maybe your online persona doesn't betray your real life, but I think I read a bit of your blog and some of your posts on Reddit, and on here, and.. well, no offence intended... but you come across to me as "HEY! Look at me ROOT OF GOOD BLOG! I'm RETIRED AT THIRTY THREE!!!"

:D

*Edit* to be fair, I probably come across as a know-it-all. Ah.. which I guess is true, I am a bit of a know-it-all :-/

Mirror mirror on the wall... bleh!

(If you hadn't got it - I really don't mean to offend, but I almost spat my hot chocolate out, hehe).

[RootofGood]

(this comment isn't directed at you, just at the sentiment in general)

Everyone would be better off adopting the zen attitude toward wealth.  Cast off the desire to make yourself known to others as wealthy.  Self-worth and self-respect don't grow as you add more zeros to your investment portfolio.

Dude no offence but have you looked in the mirror? Maybe your online persona doesn't betray your real life, but I think I read a bit of your blog and some of your posts on Reddit, and on here, and.. well, no offence intended... but you come across to me as "HEY! Look at me ROOT OF GOOD BLOG! I'm RETIRED AT THIRTY THREE!!!"

:D

*Edit* to be fair, I probably come across as a know-it-all. Ah.. which I guess is true, I am a bit of a know-it-all :-/

Mirror mirror on the wall... bleh!

(If you hadn't got it - I really don't mean to offend, but I almost spat my hot chocolate out, hehe).

Hey, no problem!  I don't mind tooting my own horn out there on the internets because so many don't really get that you don't have to accept a life of willy nilly materialism and resign yourself to some helpless state of just going through the motions of life.  You have a choice in your destiny. 

My point about shrugging off what others think of you goes to the root of it.  You don't need to embellish yourself with indicias of wealth.  Let people judge you by what you say, who you are, and what you think, not by what you buy and what you wear. 

It's better to have "enough" to be able to live a rich life, even if you might appear materially poor at times.

In real life I usually don't talk about finances that much.  Online, I do, so I have a different "persona" as you say.  Here, and other places I visit, I can say things like I have a 3% SWR and my portfolio has a 0.15% ER and people are like "oh, ok, awesome".  Obviously I present myself differently online than in person since I have a different message in the two venues. 

[ShortInSeattle]

I don't think I look poor to others. I have nice clothes for work (bought on sale of course) and drive a 6 year old car. We probably look typical.

I've learned not to be too vocal about my spending choices. We were without a TV for years and a bit too proud of that fact. A parent mistook our happiness at being TVless for a complaint and bought us a big ass TV. :)

[Leisured]

Warren Buffett is paid less than $200K a year, and lives in the same suburban house he bought in 1958. Just tell people you prefer to follow Warren Buffett than big spending celebrities.

[prof61820]

I think it depends on a person's values, work and experience.  Some middle class folks see being middle class as having a lot of "stuff" and having it right now.  Some expect others to buy that same "stuff" as well and look for it as a sign that the other person is also middle class and, therefore, successful.  Mustachians forgo the "stuff" to achieve a greater middle class value: retirement security.

Think of the Ant and the Grasshopper Fable when you have these moments of insecurity with regard to the material possessions you have for you and your kids.  Knowing that you have the savings and investments to buy everything the "grasshopper" values (5 times over), will make you a happy "ant."  There is a certain power in knowing you are not being swayed by the nation's army of marketing professionals and the zombie spenders they create that look for reasons to justify their own budget busting purchases.

[prof61820]

I think it's important to look nice and presentable because you never know what adventures you'll run into.

I agree with this sentiment...you do need to dress well at appropriate times.  It does help with "adventures" and sometimes career advancement...

[Leisured]

Rectifying a big mistake in my prev post. Warren Buffett of course gets colossal dividend income, but the point I made was that he does not spend to impress.

[prof61820]

Rectifying a big mistake in my prev post. Warren Buffett of course gets colossal dividend income, but the point I made was that he does not spend to impress.

Thanks for pointing this out.  Another thing to consider is that Buffett, and other high net worth folks, by keeping their Earned Income below $250,000, avoid paying additional ACA medicare taxes on their very large passive incomes.  It will be interesting to see if Buffett will voluntarily pay this tax by increasing his earned income to above $250K?

http://www.forbes.com/sites/hollymagister/2013/12/19/obamacare-medicare-taxes-increasing-your-2013-tax-bill/?ss=personalfinance

[Lina]

I think it's important to look nice and presentable because you never know what adventures you'll run into.

I agree with this sentiment...you do need to dress well at appropriate times.  It does help with "adventures" and sometimes career advancement...

I also agree with this. I have gotten several professional opportunities due to being well dressed as I have been able to go to functions with a short notice. I prefer to buy clothes and shoes of good quality because they last much longer and are in the end cheaper if you count the cost per use.

[daverobev]

(this comment isn't directed at you, just at the sentiment in general)

Everyone would be better off adopting the zen attitude toward wealth.  Cast off the desire to make yourself known to others as wealthy.  Self-worth and self-respect don't grow as you add more zeros to your investment portfolio.

Dude no offence but have you looked in the mirror? Maybe your online persona doesn't betray your real life, but I think I read a bit of your blog and some of your posts on Reddit, and on here, and.. well, no offence intended... but you come across to me as "HEY! Look at me ROOT OF GOOD BLOG! I'm RETIRED AT THIRTY THREE!!!"

:D

*Edit* to be fair, I probably come across as a know-it-all. Ah.. which I guess is true, I am a bit of a know-it-all :-/

Mirror mirror on the wall... bleh!

(If you hadn't got it - I really don't mean to offend, but I almost spat my hot chocolate out, hehe).

Hey, no problem!  I don't mind tooting my own horn out there on the internets because so many don't really get that you don't have to accept a life of willy nilly materialism and resign yourself to some helpless state of just going through the motions of life.  You have a choice in your destiny. 

My point about shrugging off what others think of you goes to the root of it.  You don't need to embellish yourself with indicias of wealth.  Let people judge you by what you say, who you are, and what you think, not by what you buy and what you wear. 

It's better to have "enough" to be able to live a rich life, even if you might appear materially poor at times.

In real life I usually don't talk about finances that much.  Online, I do, so I have a different "persona" as you say.  Here, and other places I visit, I can say things like I have a 3% SWR and my portfolio has a 0.15% ER and people are like "oh, ok, awesome".  Obviously I present myself differently online than in person since I have a different message in the two venues.

Phew - reflecting on what I wrote makes me realise how over-sensitive I am to criticism (or potential criticism). Glad you took it without offence!

Hey - NC? We're going to be down on Cape Hatteras in May, sometime. Are you anywhere near there?

/offtopic

[RootofGood]

Phew - reflecting on what I wrote makes me realise how over-sensitive I am to criticism (or potential criticism). Glad you took it without offence!

Hey - NC? We're going to be down on Cape Hatteras in May, sometime. Are you anywhere near there?

/offtopic

We're in Raleigh, so 4 hours and about 240 miles away. 

[daverobev]

Phew - reflecting on what I wrote makes me realise how over-sensitive I am to criticism (or potential criticism). Glad you took it without offence!

Hey - NC? We're going to be down on Cape Hatteras in May, sometime. Are you anywhere near there?

/offtopic

We're in Raleigh, so 4 hours and about 240 miles away.

Ah, shame - we'll likely come down the coast as much as possible.

[Bethany J]

Not poor, but not like most of the other moms at my kids private school. No Lululemon, North Face, or Louis Vuitton for me. I have had most of the status symbols and have sold them because I don't really care about that stuff anymore. I think of the shares I could buy in xyz company instead.

[Yonco]

I always get that "rich kid" mumbo-jumbo from coworkers and friends.  They see how hard i work and use my brain far more than most people around my town. Co workers come to me with problems and advice, they assume i make a lot of money(and save it too.)  I take care of everything i own.  Wash the car weekly. With some elbow grease a 10 year old garage kept vehicle looks better than the neighbors neglected  items.  They have a $30k truck outside with $2k worth of junk taking up the garage space. Some sandpaper, a can of paint and a spray gun and i can make it look like something new.  I help out other people in times of need and often i get rewarded for working hard.  Ill refuse money, but if you offer me a dirtbike, trailer, DA sander or a chainsaw, i will not refuse.  People always claim i have so many toys, but i get them used/free and a barter. -Jon

[Zamboni]

I am sure there are people who assume I am "poor" in an American sense at various times for various reasons.  It doesn't bother me one iota, because frankly I once was poor for quite a long time and I am still the same me.  The lessons and skills learned while being poor were valuable; for example, poor people often approach problems with creative solutions that do not involve the need to spend money.

Therefore, if people think less of me because they think I'm poor, then
1)  that just shows how little they know because I am definitely not poor in any sense of the word, and
2)  they ought to reconsider their priorities in life.

[JanMN]

I come from a family that gets a perverse thrill at looking poor sometimes to mess with people's assumptions.  So, to answer the question - yes, indeedy.

[dude]

Speaking of "looking poor" and clothing costs.

I was literally ecstatic when I found dress ties at Costco, I was near one I don't usually go to and wanted to yell "score!".  The two near my house didn't have them.  They're $18, but their cost per wear is lower than anything else I can find.  They last almost forever minus coffee/ink I may get on them.

The little things in life...

haha!  In a similar vein, I recently browsed our local Salvation Army thrift store (which I'd previously walked by no fewer than a few thousand times), in search of an ugly sweater for a party I was hosting -- and was actually pretty stunned to find racks full of brand-new looking khaki pants for $5 each!  They looked better than most of the older pairs I wear (which are typically from Old Navy for $15-$25, depending on sales).  It was pretty eye-opening, and I plan to definitely look there first next time I need a few "new" pairs of pants.

[RootofGood]

Ah, shame - we'll likely come down the coast as much as possible.

That's usually the case if you're coming from points north of NC.  For beach vacations, we usually end up in Topsail/Surf City which is barely 2.5 hours from Raleigh and mostly freeway.  And inexpensive. 

Holy off-topic posts Batman!

[rubybeth]

I think we might appear to be less well off than others, at least to our extended families, and maybe especially to DH's family. We still rent a 1-bedroom apartment (most in my family buy houses), and we bought older used cars (2001 and 2005), and DH is busy with work a lot. I especially love to give nice gifts at Christmas, but we try to stick to a budget of about $25-$30 per person for our closest family and friends, so that might also make us appear less well off. The important people know we're doing well and our plan to retire early. :)

[NeverWasACornflakeGirl]

I hope so!  I try to spend as little as possible on the external trappings, so if I look poor, then I've done a good job.  ;-)