Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I just don't get the whole Christmas Shopping deal. Most of my friends and neighbors tell me they are spending close to a $1000 on Christmas gifts but they tell me how terrible their financial situation is, how much they owe on their credit cards and how close they are to be laid off from their jobs.
I ask them why they are spending so much money on gifts to others when their personal financial situation is so challenging, they shrug. When pressed many tell me because it is expected.
They say that the average American is living paycheck to paycheck and has about $6000 in credit card debt they are paying 18% interest on. If this is the case why are the malls so crowed with Christmas shoppers. It's not logical.
I don't buy anyone Christmas gifts but give them a lot more throughout the year in true giving and friendship.
Some people are able to do both... give gifts AND "a lot more throughout the year in true giving and friendship."
Some people have financial troubles, many people do not.
Many people, myself included, have a "Christmas Club", where you save all year and get a check every October. I charge all my Christmas purchases, then deposit the check and pay off the credit card.
Because there are a lot of very stupid people that are willing to pay 100 - 300% more for an item to have it today then to save up and purchase it with cash. There is a comedian that does a routine about "heres your sign" One of the criteria should be putting $1000 on a credit card.
I don't buy anyone Christmas gifts but give them a lot more throughout the year in true giving and friendship.
That kind of attitude will get you banished from the table or home. Last year was an absolute disaster and comprised in many a surprise. My brother made some horrid accusations to me about me and I said, "Gee 2 whole days (Thanksgiving and Christmas) and you get your panties in a wad. Well, I've been dealing with this crap for 13 years. Where the hell were you the other 363 days of the year?" Bam, went the door in my ass.
I just don't get the whole Christmas Shopping deal. Most of my friends and neighbors tell me they are spending close to a $1000 on Christmas gifts but they tell me how terrible their financial situation is, how much they owe on their credit cards and how close they are to be laid off from their jobs.
I ask them why they are spending so much money on gifts to others when their personal financial situation is so challenging, they shrug. When pressed many tell me because it is expected.
They say that the average American is living paycheck to paycheck and has about $6000 in credit card debt they are paying 18% interest on. If this is the case why are the malls so crowed with Christmas shoppers. It's not logical.
The credit bubble that busted in 2007-2008 is well on its way to a repeat performance. How and when it pans out - my guess will be the 2016 election year. Very good way to get people to vote democrat. Just cut off their credit. Easy to do with "nationalized" banks.
What I find interesting, is this constant prodding to buy the most expensive stuff - totally unnecessary stuff, like every time you turn on the TV. Given the economy these days, it reminds me of the welfare mom who lived two doors from my grandmother. We took over canned goods and hand me downs (for her 6 kids walking around in rags) and lo and behold, she had a $1200 copper french pot and pan set (this was 1965) hanging in the kitchen, which she proudly told my mom that it was something she always wanted. It was not given to her...she bought it. That was the last time we took donations to that house.
I wonder about the same. I live in a lower class area, where people have LOTS of kids and struggle with their low income. However, the stores are packed right now, people shop like crazy and I wonder how they can afford it.
I think lots of people put it on their CC and hope the tax return will be big enough to cover it.
They probably put it on credit cards and carry a lot of debt. And how do you know what their interpersonal relationships are like?
I have to ask, OP, what difference does it make to you? Just something to kvetch about?
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
