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[bee_beck]

I just read this very interesting article and was wondering if anyone wanted to discuss it.

Link to the entire article: http://moneycentral.msn.com/content/Savinganddebt/Savemoney/P107710.asp

Luxuries you can live without -- and should
$200

Comments

[nyclaura]

Oh my goodness I would love to discuss this! I'm going to be back later to post a more indepth opinion. I agree 100% that our society has taken a turn towards "everyone" thinking they "deserve" luxury goods. They're SO much more publicized now.

I think what most people (especially younger, not well paid people) need to realize is that it's not a RIGHT to have expensive sheets or watches. If you're charging them - you can't afford them. If you have a Rolex but don't have a 401-k - you can't afford it. But lately those goods have been marketed to the general population and with credit easily accessible everyone splurges, even if they can't afford it or aren't the target population.

More in a sec - this is so interesting though. Seth and I were just talking about this last weekend when we were discussing my car purchase.

[bee_beck]

I think you have a great point. My husband knows SEVERAL people who have claimed bankruptcy. To him it’s normal and good way to get out of extreme dept. He under Personally, I’m disgusted by it. I know that may sound extreme but I have issues with someone filling and then going out to purchase a Cadillac. WTF?? This is seriously what his friend did. His wife doesn’t pay her taxes and is avoiding the IRS but again, they have a Cadillac. I’m sure they think it’s impressive but what kind of person thinks that’s impressive?

I think I’m very different then this person. Embarrassingly I will admit that in some ways I think I am better then them because I can handle my finances - but am I really? And how fucked up is it that I think in some way I am better? In reality I’m really not and this friend of Fred is a good person but do why does it piss me off knowing he’s not good with finances??

[prudies]

Interesting article! I try to always ask myself, am I paying for the brand name, or am I really getting something? Say with chocolate. I wouldn't buy super duper expensive chocolate, but I will pay a little more for scharfenberger or something. The quality is worth it.

Here's my current problem with buy "cheap." So many cheap clothes are made in sweatshops. And some not so cheap clothes, like those sold at Banana Republic. And I'm not trying to get on my soapbox about it either, but I really would like not to contribute to companies that pay they're workers crappy wages.

So I guess my point is that it's better if you can really investigate the company you're purchasing from. And I think to a certain extent with clothes, buying a few really well-made things might be preferable to spending a lot on cheap stuff.

[bee_beck]

I think you have a great point and I know that *you* put serious thought into purchases but I don’t think most people do (ahem, including me).

I don’t drink much wine. It just isn’t my thing but I have actually considered purchasing a very expensive set. For me it was because I thought they looked pretty. Damn, I just can’t get enough of pretty - I’m such a push over. I really have no clue if the brand is good but at $50 a glass I’m going to assume they were. Clearly I don’t need them. What sticks me is that I’ll probably say some snooty comment about the person who spends too much on an item *I* feel is not a necessity. Because it’s all about what I think matters, right? ;)

I’m so fucked up. I should just admit it.

[nyclaura]

And then take us - who love wine, and love to have people over for wine. We have sets of the Reidel stemware, a wine refridge, and probably over 50 bottles right now (of nicer to stellar quality). Some people would think that was SO stupid.

[prudies]

You sound normal to me! Maybe I'm fucked up too. You were considering getting wine glasses or wine? Hey, wine glasses are an investment! ;) And I'm all about pretty too. I haven't really purchased expensive glasses though, because I know there's a high probability Dave or I will break them.

Anyway, people put a lot of thought into marketing, and I don't think it's necessarily a bad idea to reward that!

[cubbear]

this is a very interesting article. more thoughts later :)

[ocmaria]

A lot of your own thoughts and opinions mirror mine. (Fellow Sag?) I, too, own several luxury items, but they were in no way purchased frivolously or simply for the idea of owning them. The All-Clad, Wusthoff, and Kitchen-Aid gear? I'm not a professional cook, but my kitchen is my domain. I actually use my gear. A lot.

I think you (and I) are different. As are many other consumers I'm sure. And no, no one should feel bad or horrible about it. Because you save for these items and can actually justify their uses, it doesn't sound like you're the kind of person who buys things for status. Those people who own the All-Clad copper cookware yet rarely uses them? Well, good for them that they can afford it, but whatever. These same people will probably never be caught dead inside an Old Navy. Again, status.

[bee_beck]

I love Old Navy!

Thanks for posting because everything you said resonates with me… and makes me feel better. I needed that. I think you said in your journal once that you have All Clad LTD? I LOVE that line. I so wanted it, because, umm… I thought it was pretty. I ended up with the Stainless Steal which was so hard for me initially. But you are right, it had nothing to do with the status symbol - heck the people who come to my house know nothing about it to be impressed. I only wanted it because my eyes and brain thought it was prettier. And I do use my kitchen gear a lot.

[catch_531]

I think everyone has certain luxuries that we NEED to have. Some make us feel better about ourselves, some are for "quality" reasons. Some are just pretty, lol. I think most of the items listed on the list above are ridiculous. The funny thing is, the writer didn't list shoes and handbags. Hmmm...wonder why? ;) Those are probably her weaknesses and she didn't want to call attention to them. She doesn't care about $150 sneakers, but out there somewhere (for instance, my lil bro), he rather have those sneakers, than a $400 Coach bag. He thinks THAT is ridiculously over priced and not worth the cost, lol. To each his own

[nyclaura]

I love the L'Occitane shea butter lip balm!!! Do you know the outlet stores have it for $6. Sometimes I stock up there :)

[catch_531]

wow!! where is there an outlet store???

[nyclaura]

I'm not sure where they all are - there is one at the Woodbuy Commons outlet malls in NY, just north of NYC.

They do 75% off fragrance and candles all the time. I got 3 perfume spritzes for around $4 each!