Why do poor people always rationalize why they don't have things outside their means?

[IEC]

Originally posted by: alkemyst
I don't get it.

Usually they talk about how eating out is such a waste of money considering the food is utter crap (not sure where they have been but they always seem to have some story of a $100/plate meal ending poorly).

I can make a $3/plate multiple-course meal that'd taste better. (And win me points with teh womens.)

That they actually prefer their $5k car over anything new out of any automaker.

I'd much rather buy a 1-2 year old car at <50% of original retail price. The key is to know what you're getting.

They wouldn't want a larger house because then it would be 'uncomfortable' (not acknowledging a better home even the same size as what they have).

If a house is a decent size in a decent neighborhood and fits your needs, why waste money to be pretentious?

That they prefer watching movies on their $300 home theatre in a box over even IMAX because it's more realistic at home (HT can be better at home, but not with a box system usually).

Have you considered that they may just prefer the intimate setting a bit more?

It's not like you asked them to volunteer this, but they always seem to want to provide it.

Yeah you can make store sauce and pasta at home for like $1, but going out means I don't have to clean, take the time to cook and I will be out doing something rather than sitting home.

Cooking is relaxing and if you have the time, highly recommended. It's not only healthier, it just tastes better IMO.

 

[JEDI]

Originally posted by: alkemyst
I don't get it.

Usually they talk about how eating out is such a waste of money considering the food is utter crap (not sure where they have been but they always seem to have some story of a $100/plate meal ending poorly).

That they actually prefer their $5k car over anything new out of any automaker.

They wouldn't want a larger house because then it would be 'uncomfortable' (not acknowledging a better home even the same size as what they have).

That they prefer watching movies on their $300 home theatre in a box over even IMAX because it's more realistic at home (HT can be better at home, but not with a box system usually).

It's not like you asked them to volunteer this, but they always seem to want to provide it.

Yeah you can make store sauce and pasta at home for like $1, but going out means I don't have to clean, take the time to cook and I will be out doing something rather than sitting home.

your post makes no sense.

when do poor people ever say i want a $5k car vs a $50k car. or 75k house vs McMansion?

when do they stay within their means? what country are you in? definety not the USA.

poor people eat $100/plate dinners?! or have a $300 HT system? huh?!

 

[alkemyst]

thanks for the clear post Spartan, that was nothing about what I posted. I cook at home as well...I have a non-new car, etc.

My post was about those that feel the need to go off on a tangent to justify. It's like the people that say they don't really want to win the lottery and just play because it helps the schools.

What I think is so funny is everyone's defense in this...basically it's exactly what I was posting about.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: DrPizza

Ahh yes, the drive-thrus are pretty quick these days, aren't they. So, you can drive to a restaurant, have a steak cooked, and drive home in less time than it would take you to cook a steak at home?? Ditto for most items. The only reason it would take less time eating out is if the stuff you're purchasing is pre-prepared and reheated. i.e. lasagna. If you order lasagna at the restaurant, you're getting a hunk of lasagna that's warmed up in a microwave.

(I should point out though, that this isn't the case at all restaurants. *All* of the chain restaurants have one thing in mind: get you to your table, serve you, and get you the heck out of the place in as little time as possible so they can serve another customer. i.e. Applebees, Sizzler, Ruby Tuesday, Red Lobster, Bennigans, Outback Steakhouse, etc. are only a very small step above McDonalds, Arby's, and Burger King. )

Also, in all likelihood, the food your wife prepares at home is far healthier and of better quality than the stuff served at most restaurants (with exceptions for "real" restaurants.) I ate at one of the above mentioned restaurants and (being on a low sodium diet) realized that their wonderful steaks that everyone told me are so nice and tender are actually of the "5% solution added to enhance flavor" variety. I about gagged because I'm not used to salty food any more.

not talking drive through's though. Again some tangent I didn't post about.

To me a steak is nothing spectacular, but if all you are having is a steak then yes it would be faster to do at home assuming it was not frozen and that's all you are having.

If you are making vegetables, preparing meats (like not just throwing a slab on a broiler), sauces and seasoning then I don't see how one would think making it at home is faster. Better yes much of the time (sometimes not so, most people seem to think their cooking is a lot better than it is)...again if you were thinking I was talking fast food . Not many people I know complain about the cost of Burger King or Fridays.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: Greenman

Because what was presented was bullshit. People that live within their means have developed a mindset that allows them to do it. They figured out that a BMW and a Rollex don't equal success, they have a different on life and they enjoy sharing it as much as you enjoy talking about how much money you make.

Where was that discussed? I didn't see anywhere it was talked about how much money I made.

It's not really bullshit though, people right here are doing the same. I never said half the things people are here. I never claimed to have the best car, house, eat at the best restaurants only...yet people are defending why they don't. I have even stated in this thread that I am happy with the things I have, but there is no way I would not want certain upgrades. Yet people are still acting as if I live in some 7 figure home and drive a 6 figure car.

This is exactly what I was posting about and still do not get. Why does anyone have to defend themselves over something when they weren't attacked for it? The only thing I can think of is they enjoy playing the happy part, but are really miserable about their deal in life.

 

[1prophet]

Originally posted by: alkemyst
I don't get it.

Usually they talk about how eating out is such a waste of money considering the food is utter crap (not sure where they have been but they always seem to have some story of a $100/plate meal ending poorly).

That they actually prefer their $5k car over anything new out of any automaker.

They wouldn't want a larger house because then it would be 'uncomfortable' (not acknowledging a better home even the same size as what they have).

That they prefer watching movies on their $300 home theatre in a box over even IMAX because it's more realistic at home (HT can be better at home, but not with a box system usually).

It's not like you asked them to volunteer this, but they always seem to want to provide it.

Yeah you can make store sauce and pasta at home for like $1, but going out means I don't have to clean, take the time to cook and I will be out doing something rather than sitting home.

The grapes must be sour since I cannot get to them and I must tell everyone to make myself feel better.

 

[TehMac]

Originally posted by: se7en
4.) If I cook and stay home I still get to see my wife in her tshirt and panties. She wears clothes out in public.

We didn't ask for your opinion yet you posted it. How is that any different?

No bra??? WTF?

 

[SpeedEng66]

Originally posted by: alkemyst
I don't get it.

Usually they talk about how eating out is such a waste of money considering the food is utter crap (not sure where they have been but they always seem to have some story of a $100/plate meal ending poorly).

That they actually prefer their $5k car over anything new out of any automaker.

They wouldn't want a larger house because then it would be 'uncomfortable' (not acknowledging a better home even the same size as what they have).

That they prefer watching movies on their $300 home theatre in a box over even IMAX because it's more realistic at home (HT can be better at home, but not with a box system usually).

It's not like you asked them to volunteer this, but they always seem to want to provide it.

Yeah you can make store sauce and pasta at home for like $1, but going out means I don't have to clean, take the time to cook and I will be out doing something rather than sitting home.

1 it is a waste of money (not sayin me and the wife never go and fancy ourselves but when you have a morgage 100 a plate leaves a bad taste )

2 this is first new car , but I still have my beater, beaters rock!!

3 better homes = more $, remember "poor ppl"

4 I hate ppl so yea my ht rocks

5 im poor (lower middle income bracket just by a hair) but there's other things in life you know

 

[Turin39789]

Originally posted by: alkemyst

Originally posted by: Greenman

Because what was presented was bullshit. People that live within their means have developed a mindset that allows them to do it. They figured out that a BMW and a Rollex don't equal success, they have a different on life and they enjoy sharing it as much as you enjoy talking about how much money you make.

Where was that discussed? I didn't see anywhere it was talked about how much money I made.

It's not really bullshit though, people right here are doing the same. I never said half the things people are here. I never claimed to have the best car, house, eat at the best restaurants only...yet people are defending why they don't. I have even stated in this thread that I am happy with the things I have, but there is no way I would not want certain upgrades. Yet people are still acting as if I live in some 7 figure home and drive a 6 figure car.

This is exactly what I was posting about and still do not get. Why does anyone have to defend themselves over something when they weren't attacked for it? The only thing I can think of is they enjoy playing the happy part, but are really miserable about their deal in life.

Perhaps the problem is in your perception.

 

[0roo0roo]

whatever keeps them from rising up and killing the aristocracy right?

 

[911paramedic]

I would pay more for quality, but never for vanity.

My $5K Expedition runs and looks just fine, depreciated from $25K. Please, tell me where the value in that is? Not to mention the higher sales tax, registration fees, and insurance that goes along with an expensive car... which is used to get you from point A to point B.

 

[PhoenixOrion]

I can see it now........coming this fall:

[Robin Leach]Lifestyles of the Poor and Unknown![/Robin Leach]

Yep, I'm watching this alright. It's gonna have some great ratings I'm sure.

People rationalize simply to make themselves feel better and justify the state that they are in. Now, is that good or bad to do so?

 

[MrDudeMan]

We buy what we need and only what we need when it comes to anything even remotely expensive. We spend less than half of what we make every month and save the rest. We plan to pay off our mortgage in cash 26 years before it matures, and never do we justify our 1100 sq. ft. condo because we couldn't have afforded more, because we certainly can. We are happy living a relatively simple life style and having a huge savings account in the mean time. We are not rich by any means, but we live well within our limits. I feel like this is normal because a lot of the people I know do the same thing, so I can't really relate to the OP. We just buy what we actually need and that attitude basically dictates what we do and don't purchase. Although, I do buy a lot of animals, but they are very cheap and basically account for my hobbies. I have 2 lizards, 1 snake, 6 tarantulas, 2 cats, and 1 dog. We spend about 80 dollars a month to feed and take care of them all (the cats and dog are about 70 of that), but we don't spend any money on litter because I trained my cats to shit in the toilet :laugh:.

 

[3NF]

Originally posted by: alkemyst
I don't get it.

Usually they talk about how eating out is such a waste of money considering the food is utter crap (not sure where they have been but they always seem to have some story of a $100/plate meal ending poorly).

That they actually prefer their $5k car over anything new out of any automaker.

They wouldn't want a larger house because then it would be 'uncomfortable' (not acknowledging a better home even the same size as what they have).

That they prefer watching movies on their $300 home theatre in a box over even IMAX because it's more realistic at home (HT can be better at home, but not with a box system usually).

It's not like you asked them to volunteer this, but they always seem to want to provide it.

Yeah you can make store sauce and pasta at home for like $1, but going out means I don't have to clean, take the time to cook and I will be out doing something rather than sitting home.

You do not epitomize the value system of a common person. Therefore, there is no point in comparing what others like with you.

 

[TallBill]

Just to clarify, I completely agree with Dr. Pizza. I know what I like and what I can afford. I'm not trying to impress anyone, but I do know that things that I own are coveted by my coworkers AND I have way more in savings at the same time. Buying used cars for transportation and spending less on worthless stuff allows me to have an AR15 and save. It allows me to build a new computer when I want, take vacation where I want, etc.

 

[AbAbber2k]

Originally posted by: MrPickins
Your post makes you sound pretentious.

 

[dug777]

Originally posted by: TallBill
Just to clarify, I completely agree with Dr. Pizza. I know what I like and what I can afford. I'm not trying to impress anyone, but I do know that things that I own are coveted by my coworkers AND I have way more in savings at the same time. Buying used cars for transportation and spending less on worthless stuff allows me to have an AR15 and save. It allows me to build a new computer when I want, take vacation where I want, etc.

:thumbsup:

 

[NoShangriLa]

Each to their own, and that what make the world go round.

Thanks God I no longer live in a communist country where everything I do & how I live is no longer dictate by the government.

 

[jagec]

Originally posted by: alkemyst
It's not really bullshit though, people right here are doing the same. I never said half the things people are here. I never claimed to have the best car, house, eat at the best restaurants only...yet people are defending why they don't. I have even stated in this thread that I am happy with the things I have, but there is no way I would not want certain upgrades. Yet people are still acting as if I live in some 7 figure home and drive a 6 figure car.

This is exactly what I was posting about and still do not get. Why does anyone have to defend themselves over something when they weren't attacked for it? The only thing I can think of is they enjoy playing the happy part, but are really miserable about their deal in life.

No...you made the assumption that people who are content with their lifestyles must be wrong, and are secretly pining for the richer things in life. There are some people who bring it up overly much and have an inferiority complex, but they aren't the majority. When you posted on ATOT about it and asked for comments, people repeated the obvious truth--that not all the expensive stuff is much better than the cheaper stuff, that spending more money isn't the key to happiness, and so on.

You just don't seem to get it. Again you started assuming that this was all a show put on to convince ourselves that we're doing OK when actually we'd love to own more, more more!

We're not getting "defensive", we're trying to explain our position. If your core belief is that 'poor' people are miserable, than no matter how happy they really are, you'll wrongly see that as a poor cover for the actual state of affairs. And you'll pick the few people who actually ARE miserable and trying to hide it as representative of the whole, and claim that as a proof of your flawed convictions. This is classic human psychology...self-fulfilling prophecy, the placebo effect, and stereotypes ALL stem from our tendency to come to a conclusion based on a few experiences, and then seek evidence that shores up these beliefs while unconsciously rejecting any evidence to the contrary. I'm not blaming you or claiming that you'll less intelligent because of this...we all do it...but try to surpass your natural tendencies in this matter, and consider other possibilities.

 

[dug777]

Originally posted by: jagec

Originally posted by: alkemyst
It's not really bullshit though, people right here are doing the same. I never said half the things people are here. I never claimed to have the best car, house, eat at the best restaurants only...yet people are defending why they don't. I have even stated in this thread that I am happy with the things I have, but there is no way I would not want certain upgrades. Yet people are still acting as if I live in some 7 figure home and drive a 6 figure car.

This is exactly what I was posting about and still do not get. Why does anyone have to defend themselves over something when they weren't attacked for it? The only thing I can think of is they enjoy playing the happy part, but are really miserable about their deal in life.

No...you made the assumption that people who are content with their lifestyles must be wrong, and are secretly pining for the richer things in life. There are some people who bring it up overly much and have an inferiority complex, but they aren't the majority. When you posted on ATOT about it and asked for comments, people repeated the obvious truth--that not all the expensive stuff is much better than the cheaper stuff, that spending more money isn't the key to happiness, and so on.

You just don't seem to get it. Again you started assuming that this was all a show put on to convince ourselves that we're doing OK when actually we'd love to own more, more more!

We're not getting "defensive", we're trying to explain our position. If your core belief is that 'poor' people are miserable, than no matter how happy they really are, you'll wrongly see that as a poor cover for the actual state of affairs. And you'll pick the few people who actually ARE miserable and trying to hide it as representative of the whole, and claim that as a proof of your flawed convictions. This is classic human psychology...self-fulfilling prophecy, the placebo effect, and stereotypes ALL stem from our tendency to come to a conclusion based on a few experiences, and then seek evidence that shores up these beliefs while unconsciously rejecting any evidence to the contrary. I'm not blaming you or claiming that you'll less intelligent because of this...we all do it...but try to surpass your natural tendencies in this matter, and consider other possibilities.

Cliffs: OP is a dick who doesn't get it?

 

[Scouzer]

ah alkemyst, the troll

I personally succumb to many of these materialist desires...but I can certainly see how people don't. I envy them, truly.

For example, my mom makes $90k/yr. She lives in a 900sqft house (bought for 115k and now worth 350k) and drives a 1990 Ford Taurus Wagon. She has no significant bad habits that make her poor, either. You tell me she can't afford better...she's certainly satisfied where she is material-wise.

 

[ColdFusion718]

Being poor is rough. People will find ways to rationalize their situation so they can be happy about it. Do you want to take that away from them too?

Geez, have some compassion.

 

[compuwiz1]

How many times do I have to tell you people, (the sane ones) STOP feeding the trolls!

When I got married, which was oodles and oodles of years ago, I was young and felt that the measure of a man was in what he had. I worked my ass off, bought a nice house, nice cars, nice boat, etc. 20 years later, I almost died, trying to work to keep up with the payments of all I that I had created. After the breakdown, when all my Wife and I were left holding was each other, it finally set in. There are far more important things in life than big bills and bragging rights.

The only people to please, people, are yourselves! You do not have to rationalize what you choose to have to ANYBODY. (that includes your parents, in case you feel pressured to "be somebody") Anyone who thinks differently, really needs to revisit their value system or paradigm, if you will.

Most drug addicts and chronic alcoholics live their lives believing that they have failed to live up to a standard that was imposed upon them. That's a different subject, I won't derail the thread with it.

 

[theeedude]

Why would someone need to rationalize not having things outside their means anyways? That is already perfectly rational.

 

[Evander]

Having a high priced car means high priced insurance. High priced house = high property taxes. If you're content with the basics, paying the associated extra costs sucks.

Getting cheaper stuff also means you don't have to feel like you're walking on eggshells- I would happily use an old coffee table to put my feet on and put drinks on there w/o coasters, but spending several hundred $ on one means I'd have to treat it like a museum piece.

Sometimes it's worth it- I bought an expensive smartphone b/c I like having one portable device that does everything, but still I worry how it would suck it were lost/stolen/damaged