What do you think makes more sense?

[Philippine Mango]

I was in an arguement with a friend over the fact that he wastes money and his counter arguement was that I wasted money and that I was a hypocrite. I complained that hes gone through three processors, IIRC 2 motherboards (at the minimum), 3 cases, 2 sets of ram, and 4 video cards in a period of 2 years. I on the otherhand have stuck with my setup the whole time hes been changing his setup.

I thought that it was a waste of money that he kept on upgrading continuously cause he couldn't make up his mind. Then he counter argues and said stuff like "Mr. Dual LCDs, mr. I want a $2000 LCD TV, fancy desk, Surround sound etc.."

Hes not the only one, I complained about my sister's spending habits as well, continuously spending money on little things and she counter argues saying that I'd be a money waster since I would spend $2k on a TV while she spent $500 on hers..

My reasoning is that if I purchase right the first time, I'll save money because I won't have to 'replace it' sometime in the near future. While that equates to a higher upfront cost, I believe you save more in the long run.

Their reasoning (I think) is that if you spend cheap the first time, you'll save money overall.

Whats your opinion on this?

 

[torpid]

My opinion is that you are a bit of a jerk for going around criticizing other people's spending habits regardless of your own. If you were the most thrifty guy on the planet, it wouldn't matter, it's still a big jerk move to go around insulting people like that.

Also, your reasoning may be flawed for some products. You make it sound like there was some superior long term value in a $2000 LCD TV. I find it unlikely that is the case. Do you buy the most expensive version of gadgets assuming that because they are expensive and newfangled, they will last? Sounds like it - I do that too on occasion.

 

[z0mb13]

different strokes for different folks

 

[NaOH]

I'm in the same situation as you. Except my friends buy stuff they don't need. ie Sleeping bag when we don't go camping. I don't really insult them all that much because although I purchase right the first time like you, I also end up spending a lot (fancy dual core amd, brand name car parts, fancy snowboarding stuff).

 

[anxi80]

Whats your opinion on this?

its their money. who gives a swollen rats colon what they do with it? dont worry about what everyone else is doing, just worry about yourself.

 

[Gunslinger08]

Originally posted by: torpid
My opinion is that you are a bit of a jerk for going around criticizing other people's spending habits regardless of your own.

QFT.

 

[IceBergSLiM]

you need somethi8ng better to do with your time if you are picking fights with your "friends" about their spending habits which are not any of your concern

 

[NaOH]

I agree, learn to respect your friends and let them have their own lifestyle, as long as it doesn't affect yours.

 

[Philippine Mango]

Originally posted by: torpid
My opinion is that you are a bit of a jerk for going around criticizing other people's spending habits regardless of your own. If you were the most thrifty guy on the planet, it wouldn't matter, it's still a big jerk move to go around insulting people like that.

No body cares. I asked for you opinion on which made more sense, not the 'ethics on it'...:roll:
Also, your reasoning may be flawed for some products. You make it sound like there was some superior long term value in a $2000 LCD TV. I find it unlikely that is the case. Do you buy the most expensive version of gadgets assuming that because they are expensive and newfangled, they will last? Sounds like it - I do that too on occasion.

Originally posted by: AMDUALY
I agree, learn to respect your friends and let them have their own lifestyle, as long as it doesn't affect yours.

What am I suppose to say when they start bitching about having no money and that the only reason I have money is because my parents are more wealthy than his are????

They bitch about having no money, and I explain why.

 

[FrustratedUser]

It's his money. How is this your problem?

 

[alimoalem]

Originally posted by: FrustratedUser
It's his money. How is this your problem?

he answered that in the post above your's

OP, you waste money, too. there is no reason you need a $2000 LCD. the only difference between you two is this: you waste a lot of money at one time, they waste a little bit at a time, which amounts to a big waste in the long run.

 

[torpid]

Originally posted by: Philippine Mango
No body cares. I asked for you opinion on which made more sense, not the 'ethics on it'...:roll:

You asked for my opinion on "this" and I gave it in two different ways.

Where did the money for your $2000 LCD TV come from? And where did the money for your "friend"'s computer upgrades come from?

 

[Philippine Mango]

Originally posted by: alimoalem

Originally posted by: FrustratedUser
It's his money. How is this your problem?

he answered that in the post above your's

OP, you waste money, too. there is no reason you need a $2000 LCD. the only difference between you two is this: you waste a lot of money at one time, they waste a little bit at a time, which amounts to a big waste in the long run.

I guess you can look at it that way, so, seeing it that way, what would you say is worse? Remember it's a $2000 LCD TV.

 

[SampSon]

So both of your parents bought this stuff for you? Or just your parents bought all your stuff, and she bought all her own stuff?
Anyone who has their parents purchasing stuff for them shouldn't be talking about anyones money spending habits, let alone their "own".

You don't need dual LCDs, your LCD tv's "tube" is going to burn out faster, anyone with two hands can build a better desk than is available in a store.
All of the "yours" should be in quotes, because you really didn't purchase any of it?

Either way, why would you really care?

 

[NaOH]

Originally posted by: Philippine Mango

Originally posted by: torpid
My opinion is that you are a bit of a jerk for going around criticizing other people's spending habits regardless of your own. If you were the most thrifty guy on the planet, it wouldn't matter, it's still a big jerk move to go around insulting people like that.

No body cares. I asked for you opinion on which made more sense, not the 'ethics on it'...:roll:
Also, your reasoning may be flawed for some products. You make it sound like there was some superior long term value in a $2000 LCD TV. I find it unlikely that is the case. Do you buy the most expensive version of gadgets assuming that because they are expensive and newfangled, they will last? Sounds like it - I do that too on occasion.

Originally posted by: AMDUALY
I agree, learn to respect your friends and let them have their own lifestyle, as long as it doesn't affect yours.

What am I suppose to say when they start bitching about having no money and that the only reason I have money is because my parents are more wealthy than his are????

They bitch about having no money, and I explain why.

Say "Know your role. Before I layeth the smack down."

 

[Pikachu]

Originally posted by: Philippine Mango

What am I suppose to say when they start bitching about having no money and that the only reason I have money is because my parents are more wealthy than his are????

They bitch about having no money, and I explain why.

That's exactly what I figured was happening when the holier than thows started spouting off.

These conversations usually start with somebody bitching about not having money. It's not like a person just blurts out that you waste too much money.

I usually just talk behind their backs. Funny how Luke can't afford to chip in for a gift, but he can afford cigarettes. Suzie has all kinds of money for lottery tickets, but can't afford shoes for her kids. George has all the money in the world to pay for his damn cell phone, but not a nickel to maintain his car... :roll:

 

[NaOH]

My friends say I started spending a lot of money this year, but that is because I was working full time for an engineering coop. Me and my friends got into snowboarding and even though he got brand new stuff, he wanted a better brand and replaced his new snowboard before the season was even over. He also replaced all the clothes he originally bought. I bought all my clothes once and replaced my snowboard, bindings and boots which were used. I told him he was wasting his money since he was replacing new stuff. He told me i was spending a lot too. Then I reminded him that I worked. I made twice as much as he recieved from his parents each month but every week. I didn't say that but, I thought of it when he brought my spending habits up.

I say it would make more sense if you were working and buying your own stuff. And if your friends were just mooching. If you guys are both mooching, then you have no leverage to your criticisms.

 

[spidey07]

What makes the most sense?

Buying expensive stuff that lasts. Stuff that lasts isn't cheap.

 

[torpid]

Originally posted by: AMDUALY
My friends say I started spending a lot of money this year, but that is because I was working full time for an engineering coop. Me and my friends got into snowboarding and even though he got brand new stuff, he wanted a better brand and replaced his new snowboard before the season was even over. He also replaced all the clothes he originally bought. I bought all my clothes once and replaced my snowboard, bindings and boots which were used. I told him he was wasting his money since he was replacing new stuff. He told me i was spending a lot too. Then I reminded him that I worked. I made twice as much as he recieved from his parents each month but every week. I didn't say that but, I thought of it when he brought my spending habits up.

I say it would make more sense if you were working and buying your own stuff. And if your friends were just mooching. If you guys are both mooching, then you have no leverage to your criticisms.

What makes sense is if friends don't stand around and criticize each other and keep long lists of dirty laundry to sling at each other at a moment's notice.

 

[sunase]

You people going off about how offensive it is amaze me. I'd much rather have friends who criticize and argue with me than a bunch of yes men. Criticism is essential to improving yourself as a person. Even in cases where you decide not to change due to the criticism, it still forces you to examine your reasoning and firm it up. Maybe the OP is really wondering which method is best for his own future spending plans.

Back on topic, I buy expensive stuff myself (24" LCD monitor, collapsible kayak, 450$ scanner instead of a 100$ one, etc.). My reasoning is just that I like the better quality/features, though. I think going a level cheaper would definitely save money in the long run. I once bought a pair of knock-off sneakers at a flea market, however, and they fell apart a week later. So buying the absolute cheapest is going to hurt just as much.

 

[torpid]

Originally posted by: sunase
You people going off about how offensive it is amaze me. I'd much rather have friends who criticize and argue with me than a bunch of yes men. Criticism is essential to improving yourself as a person. Even in cases where you decide not to change due to the criticism, it still forces you to examine your reasoning and firm it up. Maybe the OP is really wondering which method is best for his own future spending plans.

Back on topic, I buy expensive stuff myself (24" LCD monitor, collapsible kayak, 450$ scanner instead of a 100$ one, etc.). My reasoning is just that I like the better quality/features, though. I think going a level cheaper would definitely save money in the long run. I once bought a pair of knock-off sneakers at a flea market, however, and they fell apart a week later. So buying the absolute cheapest is going to hurt just as much.

It's never admirable to constantly criticize someone. If you think they need advice in some area, offer it as advice. But don't constantly offer unsolicited advice to people. When someone constantly criticizes you, eventually you just start ignoring them and don't listen to what they are saying or take heed of their "advice" anymore. That's just the way humans work.

I buy expensive stuff, and sometimes it is worth it, other times not. There is nothing wrong with the idea of incrementally upgrading on a regular basis, nor is there anything wrong with making major upgrades only occasionally.

 

[HardcoreRobot]

my opinion is, you are dumb as hell

 

[joecool]

as a general rule, i have found it is more cost-effective to buy quality, and perhaps pay a little more, than to buy price, only to wind up replacing it sooner because it breaks, or is of such poor quality that it doesn't serve it's purpose.

that said, everyone has different values, and while a $2k LCD tv may be a great deal for you, for someone who doesn't care as much about tv a $500 tube may be a better way to go. ditto for computer components - if your friend enjoys upgrading and being on the cutting edge, then who are you to judge?

 

[Philippine Mango]

Originally posted by: HardcoreRobot
my opinion is, you are dumb as hell

Silly Rabbit, Nobody asked for your opinion, TPAD.

 

[Philippine Mango]

Originally posted by: joecool
as a general rule, i have found it is more cost-effective to buy quality, and perhaps pay a little more, than to buy price, only to wind up replacing it sooner because it breaks, or is of such poor quality that it doesn't serve it's purpose.

that said, everyone has different values, and while a $2k LCD tv may be a great deal for you, for someone who doesn't care as much about tv a $500 tube may be a better way to go. ditto for computer components - if your friend enjoys upgrading and being on the cutting edge, then who are you to judge?

Thing is, I don't believe he has admitted that he wants to be on the cutting edge, I think it's in his head he wants to be on the edge and not realize it. I agree on the first part, thats how I tried reasoning with my sister, I thought that picture quality etc.. doesn't really matter for her while it does for me. A perfect example of this is what her TV was prior to going to college, a boobtube 13" TV, mono, integrated VCR, poor colors, meh picture.