Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - 1992 Redux: Will "it's the economy, stupid", Be The Big Campaign Issue?

jorgelito · 03-06-2007, 10:12 AM

Ah, but this is where choices and decision-making matter. Defer gratification, make good, sound consumer choices, and make sacrifices. All the things you list are a consequence of choice. College debt is very manageable, again, it is about good budgeting and smart lifestyle choices.

Your colleagues, they choose to commute, the choose to live in LA, SF or New York. Accumulating $20K in college for "lifestyle" is highly irresponsible and will not illicit any sympathy from me. They made a choice, they have to live with it. Saving for 20% down is relatively simple if people would just exercise some planning and discipline.

Throughout college I budgeted my finances. I spent $25 a week on groceries by buying produce in season and on sale, clipped coupons and made 98% of my mreals at home and bagged the lunch. I quit smoking, saving myself $1000 a year. I didn't own a cell phone, cable TV or a car or car insurance, saving thousands a year on these expenses. In fact, I was savvy enough to budget my needs and have enough money left over to travel extensively throughout college.

I live in LA. I just graduated and got a job. Now I'm going to buy a car. A nice, simple starter car (Honda Civic). I'm also moving and getting an apartment. Not a house. Not yet. Why? Cause I can't afford it just yet. I know what sacrifices I will had to make to get here and what sacrifices I will have to make to get where I want to be. I also have student loans to pay off and maybe $300 Iracked up in credit card debt I accumulated last month but I will pay off this month. Student loans should not be a problem as long as you have a monthly income.

I stand by my contention that the economy is hot hot hot and the outlook is good.

Bottom line: Spend less than you earn. Live within your means.

03-06-2007, 10:12 AM	#28 (permalink)
jorgelito All important elusive independent swing voter... Location: People's Republic of KKKalifornia	Ah, but this is where choices and decision-making matter. Defer gratification, make good, sound consumer choices, and make sacrifices. All the things you list are a consequence of choice. College debt is very manageable, again, it is about good budgeting and smart lifestyle choices. Your colleagues, they choose to commute, the choose to live in LA, SF or New York. Accumulating $20K in college for "lifestyle" is highly irresponsible and will not illicit any sympathy from me. They made a choice, they have to live with it. Saving for 20% down is relatively simple if people would just exercise some planning and discipline. Throughout college I budgeted my finances. I spent $25 a week on groceries by buying produce in season and on sale, clipped coupons and made 98% of my mreals at home and bagged the lunch. I quit smoking, saving myself $1000 a year. I didn't own a cell phone, cable TV or a car or car insurance, saving thousands a year on these expenses. In fact, I was savvy enough to budget my needs and have enough money left over to travel extensively throughout college. I live in LA. I just graduated and got a job. Now I'm going to buy a car. A nice, simple starter car (Honda Civic). I'm also moving and getting an apartment. Not a house. Not yet. Why? Cause I can't afford it just yet. I know what sacrifices I will had to make to get here and what sacrifices I will have to make to get where I want to be. I also have student loans to pay off and maybe $300 Iracked up in credit card debt I accumulated last month but I will pay off this month. Student loans should not be a problem as long as you have a monthly income. I stand by my contention that the economy is hot hot hot and the outlook is good. Bottom line: Spend less than you earn. Live within your means.