How do you deal with good friends who...

[nemesis]

My good friends are smart enough to know that what I say is for real.  If they're too dumb to understand that, then they are not good or friends.

I don't see how this is even a problem. Pick your friends carefully. If you choose friends who pull you down or doubt you, what the heck are you doing?

[BussoV6]

My good friends are smart enough to know that what I say is for real.  If they're too dumb to understand that, then they are not good or friends.

I don't see how this is even a problem. Pick your friends carefully. If you choose friends who pull you down or doubt you, what the heck are you doing?

I find that my close friends get it when you explain what you are planning. However, most vague acquaintances, colleagues etc seem to struggle to understand the FIRE concept.

[nemesis]

I find that my close friends get it when you explain what you are planning. However, most vague acquaintances, colleagues etc seem to struggle to understand the FIRE concept.

Yes, I don't share my financial situation with vague acquaintances or colleagues.  They have no idea of my financial status.  It's better that way.

[fantabulous]

I usually compare how much money I'm putting away per month for medical procedures to how much money a spendy pants friend is spending when she brings it up.

[goalphish2002]

I think DJ is around 26 years old.  I don't think many young people are thinking that far ahead.  Honestly, I am 35 and hear this from people around my age.  It usually comes up that I am too frugal or cheap.  I brush it off stating I have bills/obligations to pay ("bills" meaning self-imposed obligations in many cases) and that comes before entertainment, new material possessions, etc...  I've noticed this usually ends the conversation.  But, if I go into details, people tend to get defensive about their spending, get annoyed at my philosophy, etc...  If someone asks, I will give my opinion.  But, I no longer waste my valuable time trying to change someone else's mind. 

DJ- My best advice is to do you.  It is normal to want to discuss your life with your friends.  But, I don't think you will get much validation or agreement from them on this topic.  You are further ahead than they are...  Congrats! 

[Tyson]

I think DJ is around 26 years old.  I don't think many young people are thinking that far ahead.  Honestly, I am 35 and hear this from people around my age.  It usually comes up that I am too frugal or cheap.  I brush it off stating I have bills/obligations to pay ("bills" meaning self-imposed obligations in many cases) and that comes before entertainment, new material possessions, etc...  I've noticed this usually ends the conversation.  But, if I go into details, people tend to get defensive about their spending, get annoyed at my philosophy, etc...  If someone asks, I will give my opinion.  But, I no longer waste my valuable time trying to change someone else's mind. 

DJ- My best advice is to do you.  It is normal to want to discuss your life with your friends.  But, I don't think you will get much validation or agreement from them on this topic.  You are further ahead than they are...  Congrats!

For most people, they have to make a choice.  They can either "look rich" by having a lot of new/fancy things, or they can "be rich" by spending less now and saving up $$.  Most people take the "look rich" option and it makes them feel good to have "nice things". 

[Just Joe]

I find family to be the most outspoken about whatever they don't endorse. More so than "friends" (coworkers, friends, acquaintances)

Oh look Larry, he has an electric bicycle. We should have bought one of those instead of that Harley. We could have ridden around the Rockies with that electric bike.... (use your most condescending awww cute baby animal voice when you read it).

That feeling that they aren't teasing but really ridiculing...

Things like this just help to define boundaries with people. Might come away perhaps a little pissed off but tougher too.

I watch for people who "walk the walk" and "teach by example". I might be able to learn something from them. The rest of are on their own. 

[Linea_Norway]

I find family to be the most outspoken about whatever they don't endorse. More so than "friends" (coworkers, friends, acquaintances)

This is my mother. She condemns everything that doesn't fit in her definition of normal, including some aspects of my life. She is quite unaware or doesn't care that her snarls are hurting me.