Doesn't quite get it at age 24

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-25-2006
Doesn't quite get it at age 24
15
Fri, 12-14-2007 - 4:12pm

Now I know this board is for parents of teens...hope you don't mind my venting about DS24 who is still acting like a teen!

Received two emails from him today:

#1 Got a bonus--$1800 after taxes

So I replied, contgrats...save it for that new car you'll soon need. Then I read the next one:

#2 Who wants to see Grandma/watch the Packers playoff on Jan 12? Only $400 per ticket and the flight to Green Bay would be only $250. Mom & Dad, maybe you could help out DS18 and I could meet him there.

And this is the DS who couldn't take any vacation days or spend any money to fly to WI for Xmas!

He puts about 30,000 miles/year on his car just for work, and of course the company reimburses him. While I give him credit for saving a fair amount in his 401k, I know he hasn't been saving what he's collecting in the way of mileage reimbursement. He still needs that instant gratification.....arghhhh. I really thought that DH and I set a good example all these years when it comes to saving/spending wisely, but we failed somewere along the way.

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http://www.pnhp.org/news/2009/october/meet_the_new_health_.php

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQTBYQlQ7yM

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iVillage Member
Registered: 10-16-1999
Sat, 12-15-2007 - 10:47am

I probably have a different perspective on the shortness of life because of where I spend my days, working with senior citizens in their last years of life, but I tend to put more importance on spending time with the people that are important to me and taking the opportunity to experience what life has to offer than being super-frugal.


I've very rarely seen someone at 80 or 90 regret not saving more money over their lifetime, but I HAVE seen people regret not spending more time with friends and family, or taking the opportunity to do and experience things that are out there.

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-25-2006
Sat, 12-15-2007 - 10:48am

You're right about the wisdom of enjoying life while we're still able to get around, and Italy sounds more enticing than a Packer game, LOL. My parents were able to take only two trips after my dad retired--then his arthritis got too bad to get around.

DS24 has already seen a LOT and traveled more than most in his 24 years, including one Packer game with DH when he was about 13. He really does need to curb the frivolous spending.

-----------------------------------------------
http://www.pnhp.org/news/2009/october/meet_the_new_health_.php

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQTBYQlQ7yM

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-04-2003
Sat, 12-15-2007 - 11:48am

I love you comment about how are the boots and I can sooooo symphathize. DD20's "hobby" is to buy clothes. I don't think she even knows what she owns and if something is over a year old it's "ancient" and she couldn't possibly wear it again. She knows I think she's being unwise and materialistic and I basically have to keep my mouth shut now, but I will remember your comeback when she complains.

She made lots of money last summer (working at Forever 21!) but spent much of it on clothes and it's basically gone. I did hear her comment to a relative at Thanksgiving that she had had a good summer job but that she had "wasted all her money" in a "I wish I hadn't" tone so maybe something is sinking in.

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-03-2003
Sat, 12-15-2007 - 1:27pm
I agree with you Rose.....
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-25-2002
Sat, 12-15-2007 - 1:42pm
Actually...sounds like he's doing pretty good to me!

 

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