Doesn't quite get it at age 24
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| 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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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.
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.
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http://www.pnhp.org/news/2009/october/meet_the_new_health_.php
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQTBYQlQ7yM
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.
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