Why should I support someone else?

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-27-2006
Why should I support someone else?
4426
Sat, 12-30-2006 - 1:24pm

Let me start by saying that I"m new here so this may have already been discussed, but this has come up in my office several times and I wanted to get some other views of this.

I do payroll for a rather small company so I know most of the workers and their wives (most of the workers are men due to the nature of our business). There are two in particular who's wives SAH. These two are up to their eyeballs in debt. I have bill collectors constantly calling for them. That part is really their business, it is annoying but I enjoy being rude back to the bill collectors, lol.

The part that bothers me is that both wives have been in the office wanting copies of X amount of check stubs so that they can go and get public assistance (I know because they told me that is what it is for)! Why should my tax money go so that these women can SAH? I know that not all families that one parent stays at home are like this, but I know lots that are. Heck, growing up we were always broke because my mother refused to work, but we weren't on any public assistance.

So, why should I pay for a woman to SAH? Why can't she go and get a job to support her family just like anyone else?

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iVillage Member
Registered: 01-28-2007
Thu, 02-01-2007 - 6:50am

Because her husband is a car mechanic so they never have to pay for service, just parts - maybe! And she can always trust "her" mechanic and will never get ripped off or rushed out of the repair shop with anything overlooked.

She forgot to mention that tidbit!

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Thu, 02-01-2007 - 6:50am

Hybrids weren't available the last time I was car shopping. We plan on buying one when the current one kicks the bucket. It is environmentally irresponsible to buy a new car when your current car has life left in it. It does take quite a bit of energy to make a car. THe fewer cars made for you in your lifetime mean less energy expended.

And actually this summer we drove to Maine in our old station wagon and our friends drove to Maine in their new hybrin Highlander. Both cars were weighted down, both cars had the air cranked as it was 90+ and we got 10 more miles to the gallon.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Thu, 02-01-2007 - 6:52am

However, if you buy a hybrid BEFORE your current car is completely used up you are not being as environmentally responsible. It takes energy to make a car- lots of it. It takes valuable resources to build a car. THe fewer cars consumed by you in your lifetime make a difference too.

I am assuming that you bought the Pruis or smaller Honda Hybrid, because the SUV hybrids get lower gas mileage than regular old station wagons. Or possibly the Camry if you needed the extra room. All the others get ghastly mileage on the highway.

As you said, different strokes.




Edited 2/1/2007 6:57 am ET by janetlynn_64
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Thu, 02-01-2007 - 6:53am
No. she is saying that that is *one* of the reasons to shop at a thrift store.
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-27-2005
Thu, 02-01-2007 - 6:54am

Is there a difference in emissions between brand new cars and 1 or 2 year old cars?

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Thu, 02-01-2007 - 6:55am
How much extra energy and goods did it take to make your new car? Did you factor that into your calculation?
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Thu, 02-01-2007 - 6:59am
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Thu, 02-01-2007 - 7:02am
I have had friends who had similar luck as you. I think some it is inconsistant buyers and manufacturers. SOmeof it is that I am not really a shopper. If you ever saw the show Caveman or whatever about the differences between men and women. I fell into the men side on the shopping gene.
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-28-2007
Thu, 02-01-2007 - 7:03am

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No, you mean it is *fiscally* irresponsible. Environmentally, the newer car with less wear and problems and lower emissions with the hybrid engine is preferable. Keep that until it dies, not the toxic old clunker.

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-09-2006
Thu, 02-01-2007 - 7:04am
When I was young and stupid I bought a new car. I've never bought another, although I've purchased several since then. As mygarnetboy mentioned, it's foolish and wasteful to pay for instant depreciation.

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