Are so many people really that rich? What am I doing wrong?

amother

Tue, Aug 15 2023, 10:43 am

I was out shopping, the stores are so crowded. Not even cheap stores. Expensive stores! People getting $180 coats for 7 kids $150 outfits for the entire family, $90 backpacks for all kids.... how has this become normal standard??? I feel like I'm doing something wrong that I can't buy $90 backpacks for all kids.... I also feel like it's such a waste.

amother

Heather

Tue, Aug 15 2023, 10:44 am

I feel the same way sometimes. Maybe they have a lot of credit card debt or earn money off the books - lots of people are not earning so much.

#BestBubby

Tue, Aug 15 2023, 10:46 am

BH there are so many options for getting inexpensive clothes

Shein, Ali, Amazon, Tottini,

In Lakewood there is Serendipity.

amother

Topaz

Tue, Aug 15 2023, 10:46 am

They say real rich people don't buy that stuff...I could afford that stuff if I wanted to but my kids wear beautiful hand me downs from my nieces and nephews that are 1 size bigger than them. I don't understand why people create this insanity for themselves. And then cry about prices of tuition and food.

amother

Peony

Tue, Aug 15 2023, 10:47 am

I can afford all of those Bh and still feel like it’s silliness, a waste and ridiculous.
So I just don’t.

amother

Tue, Aug 15 2023, 10:48 am

#BestBubby wrote:

BH there are so many options for getting inexpensive clothes

Shein, Ali, Amazon, Tottini,

In Lakewood there is Serendipity.

I know there are options bh.
This isn't my question though.

amother

Seagreen

Tue, Aug 15 2023, 10:48 am

You are not alone... We are scratching our heads... Making decent salaries b"H and NO IDEA how people are spending around us as we are drowning in tuition, mortgage and grocery expenses.

amother

Tue, Aug 15 2023, 10:49 am

amother Topaz wrote:

This. So many people that live a high life, are suddenly poor when it comes to tuition.
We bh can afford full tuition, decent clothing and shoes, school supplies, food... I guess we are rich bh!!

amother

Watermelon

Tue, Aug 15 2023, 10:49 am

Why are you looking at what others do!?

You have your life to live. And your money to spend.

What does others spending have to do with you?
Unless they're using your money....

613mitzvahgirl

Tue, Aug 15 2023, 10:50 am

I agree and have been seeing this constantly. It drives me crazy. I believe they are all trying in different ways. But at the same time, I hear and feel your jealousy aching for more. We all want what we don’t have. It’s completely normal to feel this way. My family members always say why can’t we have this, why can’t we go here ect? Yes, it stings like he:: when we are jealous. And hurt more so when we see it being flaunted in our faces.

bsy

Tue, Aug 15 2023, 10:51 am

Never have I gone shopping before a season and paid full price. Not a thing in my life. Hard to understand the people who do but I definitely don't have the money or heart to spend like that.

amother

Tue, Aug 15 2023, 10:51 am

flowerpower wrote:

It’s not the majority of society. Trust me

Dunno, I think it's more people that we think.
My kids had a trip, I had to drop them off at the bus stop. Most kids had designer expensive duffel bags. I sometimes feel like something is literally wrong with me. Even if I can afford it, I don't have the taavah or interest to spend on such things. I feel like it's a waste of money.

amother

Peony

Tue, Aug 15 2023, 10:51 am

amother Watermelon wrote:

Why are you looking at what others do!?

You have your life to live. And your money to spend.

What does others spending have to do with you?
Unless they're using your money....

Dont you understand that high standards create peer pressure? Especially when those become community norms?

#BestBubby

Tue, Aug 15 2023, 10:51 am

amother OP wrote:

I know there are options bh.
This isn't my question though.

The answer to your question is Parnossah comes from. Hashem.

One just has to make normal Hishtadlus,
Work full time

Daven, give Tzedokah.

amother

Orange

Tue, Aug 15 2023, 10:52 am

Yes, there are many who can afford it.
(There are more that cannot and spending anyway, but there are plenty who can.)

Trademark

Tue, Aug 15 2023, 10:53 am

How to you keep track that one family is buying 7 $150 outfits? I usually don't notice what people are buying. Maybe the person right in front of me when they are paying. Maybe they are getting last year's item? Or maybe they already shopped what they could online/elsewhere and now just finish what they can't get elsewhere or they splurge on one nice item? I really don't notice what other people get.

Or maybe the amount of people are only a small percentage of the people who actually live in your area?

Of course you'll always find some irresponsible people.

Also like you are out shopping they are out shopping.

amother

Peony

Tue, Aug 15 2023, 10:53 am

amother OP wrote:

Nothing is wrong with you. You are just less materialistic and respect real values in life. Same here.

#BestBubby

Tue, Aug 15 2023, 10:53 am

People are racking up credit card debt.

Also, some getting help from. Parents/grandparents

And some are rich.

Last edited by #BestBubby on Tue, Aug 15 2023, 10:53 am; edited 1 time in total

amother

Tue, Aug 15 2023, 10:53 am

amother Watermelon wrote:

Why are you looking at what others do!?

You have your life to live. And your money to spend.

What does others spending have to do with you?
Unless they're using your money....

I'm not looking at what others do. But I do see what's going on in the stores and community, and it's absolutely insane.
I didn't say that others spending has to do with me....