Funding cuts leave many without home heating assistance in Macon

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by AOII Angel

I think every person who criticizes could probably look at their own finances and find items they waste their own money on and could stand to save more.

If those people who criticize have saved money and are building some level of wealth, they can "waste" a percentage of their own money.

I know that people who live paycheck to paycheck are often unable to save money (although, putting $20 in a savings account per month is better than spending to your last cent if you don't have to) and that's why this topic is also based on where people are situated. There are people whose wasteful spending lends itself to immediately needing financial assistance during hard times. Financial literacy programs in the Black community, for example, are based on the premise of financial freedom to spend your money however you choose. But that freedom comes with financial responsibility so that tax payers do not end up footing the bill. Those who see that reality as being critical or judgmental will have to get over it.

Originally Posted by AOII Angel

As for her TV, etc., she could sell it, but who knows what someone would pay for it and how long that money would last to pay her bills, rent, etc. An xbox isn't likely to fetch much on the used market.

People who are truly truly truly struggling will try and see how much they can get for whatever they are able to sell. Assuming that you won't get much money is much less productive than seeing how much money you are able to get for it.

[AOII Angel]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

If those people who criticize have saved money and are building some level of wealth, they can "waste" a percentage of their own money.

I know that people who live paycheck to paycheck are often unable to save money (although, putting $20 in a savings account per month is better than spending to your last cent if you don't have to) and that's why this topic is also based on where people are situated. There are people whose wasteful spending lends itself to immediately needing financial assistance during hard times. Financial literacy programs in the Black community, for example, are based on the premise of financial freedom to spend your money however you choose. But that freedom comes with financial responsibility so that tax payers do not end up footing the bill. Those who see that reality as being critical or judgmental will have to get over it.



People who are truly truly truly struggling will try and see how much they can get for whatever they are able to sell. Assuming that you won't get much money is much less productive than seeing how much money you are able to get for it.

It's no easier to know who in the group criticizing is any more responsible than those in the group being criticized. I understand that people who are desperate will try to sell anything and everything to get by. Hell, drug addicts will sell their mothers for a hit, but you could also look at it as a waste of money to take a $2000 investment and sell it for a pittance when you think you'll get back on your feet in just a few weeks. I'm sure that's the mentality of people in this situation. Everybody thinks they are middle class and that middle class people deserve a big screen tv and all the amenities. I'm not saying their right, but it's the mentality of Americans. You take the same people bitching about the unemployed and people on welfare and put them in that situation, and they'd do no better. Nobody saves money. We have unprecedented levels of credit card debt. I have a great job, make more than an average salary, but with my debt burden from school, mortgage, car loans, etc, it would take no time for me to burn through my considerable savings. I am just fortunate enough to have the advantage of job security due to an extreme shortage of radiologists in this country. I don't think that gives me the right to be smug and look down on those who aren't are fortunately situated or didn't put away money in savings when they could have. Hindsight, after all is 20/20.

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by AOII Angel

I don't think that gives me the right to be smug and look down on those who aren't are fortunately situated or didn't put away money in savings when they could have.

I don't see where being smug and looking down on anyone is even part of this discussion. That may be what this topic is fundamentally about to some people but that isn't what this topic is about to me.

Originally Posted by AOII Angel

Hindsight, after all is 20/20.

The point is that foresight is 20/20 and that is what many supporters of financial literacy programs and financial assistance programs are hoping people of all income levels will learn.

[AOII Angel]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

I don't see where being smug and looking down on anyone is even part of this discussion. That may be what this topic is fundamentally about to some people but that isn't what this topic is about to me.



The point is that foresight is 20/20 and that is what many supporters of financial literacy programs and financial assistance programs are hoping people of all income levels will learn.

I'm not arguing the benefit of the financial literacy programs you're discussing. I think they are very useful. I agree that all income levels could use help learning to spend within their means and save for a rainy day. That being said, some days are rainier than many people can save for.

[aggieAXO]

Originally Posted by AOII Angel

It's no easier to know who in the group criticizing is any more responsible than those in the group being criticized. I understand that people who are desperate will try to sell anything and everything to get by. Hell, drug addicts will sell their mothers for a hit, but you could also look at it as a waste of money to take a $2000 investment and sell it for a pittance when you think you'll get back on your feet in just a few weeks. I'm sure that's the mentality of people in this situation. Everybody thinks they are middle class and that middle class people deserve a big screen tv and all the amenities. I'm not saying their right, but it's the mentality of Americans. You take the same people bitching about the unemployed and people on welfare and put them in that situation, and they'd do no better. Nobody saves money. We have unprecedented levels of credit card debt. I have a great job, make more than an average salary, but with my debt burden from school, mortgage, car loans, etc, it would take no time for me to burn through my considerable savings. I am just fortunate enough to have the advantage of job security due to an extreme shortage of radiologists in this country. I don't think that gives me the right to be smug and look down on those who aren't are fortunately situated or didn't put away money in savings when they could have. Hindsight, after all is 20/20.

Actually, saying that no one saves is quite a broad statement. I save every month b/c I see what happens when you don't. I have very little debt and what debt I do have I can pay off if I needed to immediately (0% interest credit card). I deal with people everyday that say they have absolutely no way of paying me yet have nicely manicured nails, a coach purse and an iphone. Sometimes after they tell me they will have to sign a promise to pay for services (which less than 1% come back and pay) they need to go get something to eat while"Fluffy" is getting treated-HELLO, you obviously have some money if you are going to dinner. If my dog were ill or I needed to pay for heat I would pawn whatever I needed-many people won't give it a second thought. I see people taking advantage of the system everyday.
BTW my TV is from 1992-works great!

[aggieAXO]

BTW AOII Angel do you work with the general public? or is it mainly through insurance/referral? Just curious.

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by aggieAXO

a couch purse

Those damn couch purses!

[aggieAXO]

oops fixed it

[als463]

Originally Posted by aggieAXO

Actually, saying that no one saves is quite a broad statement. I save every month b/c I see what happens when you don't. I have very little debt and what debt I do have I can pay off if I needed to immediately (0% interest credit card). I deal with people everyday that say they have absolutely no way of paying me yet have nicely manicured nails, a coach purse and an iphone. Sometimes after they tell me they will have to sign a promise to pay for services (which less than 1% come back and pay) they need to go get something to eat while"Fluffy" is getting treated-HELLO, you obviously have some money if you are going to dinner. If my dog were ill or I needed to pay for heat I would pawn whatever I needed-many people won't give it a second thought. I see people taking advantage of the system everyday.
BTW my TV is from 1992-works great!

If I wasn't so dumb with computers, I would put up a graphic of people standing and clapping. I pretty much liked everything you had to say. Thank you!