Are you a big spender?
We live in a society of status cars, designer purses, designer shoes, bling jewlery, big homes, and huge debt! Everyone would like to live the life of the Rich and Famous, but is it worth it? Sure, if you can afford it. There are so many hardworking individuals out in the world that are stuggling to live the life, keeping up with the Jones', and they're living in huge debt. Being in the car business, I see a lot of individuals who max out their credit cards, and still want to buy that gas guzzling SUV they cannot afford!
I'm not sure what the statistics are, but a good majority of Americans are filing bankruptcy like it was going out of style. I constantly see CREDIT COUNSELING commercials for people who just continue to spend. It's terrible for companies that have to absorb these losses of uncollected money, and people still get to keep the goods. I would almost consider this a crime. I'm sure banks and financial institutions try to collect as much collateral as they can, but still. I think it's the media that influences people to "be like" or 'look like" they have money gushing out of their pockets and wallets. You can watch these stars with their fleet of cars in their garage, the huge homes with Cristal in the fridge....basically MTV Cribs style showoffs. Sure there are people that try to live up to these lifestyles, but then again, they will never unveil to you they owe up their head!
What bothers me most, and it's bad that I profile people like this, is when I see very young individuals showing off like they are "Big Ballers." I wonder if they have wealthy parents, have a great paying job, or they might sell drugs. In reality and in most cases, this person is in HUGE debt. Many people live beyond there means. Overspent and out of budget. Why do people do this? Just for the image? Again and again, it's the media that is forcing your average Joe to think he's rich Mr. Big Stuff.
For women, what's the deal with the designer purse craze? Women are carrying purses that has more value alone than the contents inside it? I see these authentic LV/Coach/Gucci bags selling for over $1000?! It does not make any sense to me? I must say it's smart marketing for Designer companies to price inflate a purse that probably cost them $20 to produce. What's next?
I'm a big spender at times, although I only spend on items that are on sale. It's the Asian in me that's always looking for a great deal. I'm also a big "grinder" if I have the ability to negotiate the price for things. I'm pretty good at it since I negotiate for a living. The key to negotiation is to be fair for both parties. Obviously, asking for 50 to 75% off is unrealistic, but if you hit the right price, then you have a deal. Have a nice and generous attitude, because when you play arrogant or pushy, you won't have a deal at all. Treat the salesperson exactly how you would like to be treated. Then it's a win/win situation for all.
Do I have the flashy car or big house? No, because I personally hate having debt. I do own a house now, but a house is never a losing investment in most cases. If I can't afford it, then I won't buy it. We also have to learn the question to ask ourselves before we make any purchase, "Is it a need or a want." That's what keeps me out of trouble.
Ok...I'm off my soap box. Now I feel like shopping online. =)
I'm not sure what the statistics are, but a good majority of Americans are filing bankruptcy like it was going out of style. I constantly see CREDIT COUNSELING commercials for people who just continue to spend. It's terrible for companies that have to absorb these losses of uncollected money, and people still get to keep the goods. I would almost consider this a crime. I'm sure banks and financial institutions try to collect as much collateral as they can, but still. I think it's the media that influences people to "be like" or 'look like" they have money gushing out of their pockets and wallets. You can watch these stars with their fleet of cars in their garage, the huge homes with Cristal in the fridge....basically MTV Cribs style showoffs. Sure there are people that try to live up to these lifestyles, but then again, they will never unveil to you they owe up their head!
What bothers me most, and it's bad that I profile people like this, is when I see very young individuals showing off like they are "Big Ballers." I wonder if they have wealthy parents, have a great paying job, or they might sell drugs. In reality and in most cases, this person is in HUGE debt. Many people live beyond there means. Overspent and out of budget. Why do people do this? Just for the image? Again and again, it's the media that is forcing your average Joe to think he's rich Mr. Big Stuff.
For women, what's the deal with the designer purse craze? Women are carrying purses that has more value alone than the contents inside it? I see these authentic LV/Coach/Gucci bags selling for over $1000?! It does not make any sense to me? I must say it's smart marketing for Designer companies to price inflate a purse that probably cost them $20 to produce. What's next?
I'm a big spender at times, although I only spend on items that are on sale. It's the Asian in me that's always looking for a great deal. I'm also a big "grinder" if I have the ability to negotiate the price for things. I'm pretty good at it since I negotiate for a living. The key to negotiation is to be fair for both parties. Obviously, asking for 50 to 75% off is unrealistic, but if you hit the right price, then you have a deal. Have a nice and generous attitude, because when you play arrogant or pushy, you won't have a deal at all. Treat the salesperson exactly how you would like to be treated. Then it's a win/win situation for all.
Do I have the flashy car or big house? No, because I personally hate having debt. I do own a house now, but a house is never a losing investment in most cases. If I can't afford it, then I won't buy it. We also have to learn the question to ask ourselves before we make any purchase, "Is it a need or a want." That's what keeps me out of trouble.
Ok...I'm off my soap box. Now I feel like shopping online. =)
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