I came from a family that wasn't necessarily materialistic, but we had alot of nice things, travelled, etc. I did not find this with either the peson I married or in my LTR even though they both appeared at the beginning of the relationships to want this type of life.
*crying*
I AM SO CONFUSED!!
**And jealous of Mavs cows outside her window**

I had a problem with this because my inlaws were wealthy and materialistic esp her mom. I swear I dont think my exMIL would even care if her daughter got slapped around a bit by her new bf as long as they had a nice car parked in a nice drive infront of a nice house. If she was abused the exMIL would at least say "try to work it out" but with me it was we'll send you some money, help you move and buy you guys plane tickets for a holiday.

My parents lived in their means, when their means got better our lives got better, thats how I am, materialistic or not, if you arent within your means there is no stable secure feeling.....I think the relationship with money or security has something to do with it....
I am financially responsible...I dont want to be with someone who isnt. If I dont have the money, my ass is home!

What does "in your means" mean? Does that mean if you can afford it do it? See I had a problem with them because theyd buy a third car when the other two were almost brand new just because they could afford it. They had a beautiful house but theyd rip apart a beautiful hardwood floor so they could install new hardwood because it was darker. I shouldnt say I have a problem with it its their business. It just makes me cringe seeing a truckload of floor being sent to a landfill because someone wanted a more aesthetically pleasing floor - and they could afford it. Perfectly working fridge and stove but they buy a new one because stainless steel is "in". I guess I'm just a function over form type person - if the fridge is working it stays no matter how much money I have. I could care less whether or not guests like my stainless steel appliances I'd rather myself and them have cleaner air to breath on their way over.

My ex was the original materialistic guy. After criticizing Jaquars for years, he bought one as a 40th birthday gift to himself (without telling me in advance). He did get me a beautiful diamond ring -oh wait, I paid for that too!

Materialism is for the birds. I have a simple life now and that' s what I prefer.

Lynne

Well to each his own!

I personally have tons of credit cards, but only use about one or two all year, maybe once or twice. Then I like to pay it off that month, and not accrue the ridiculous interest charges.

I love resale shops, thrift stores, salvation army stores, goodwill, and garage sales as well as estate sales. But I found myself coming home with a bit much, and landed up having to do my own garage sales, just to recycle. I agree, if the kitchen is functional, and things work, I tend to keep them. I did get granite, after 5 years, after much shopping and negotiating because I didn't like the counters when Imoved in. But I couldn't justify it, to just change it out, until after 5 years of use (they were 5 years old, and not abused, still looked fine). I considered it a splurge, and I really enjoy the way it looks. So for my house, and car, I will spend a bit more.

For clothes, no way! I get my hair done 2-3 times a year, only. I don't do mani's and pedi's except myself. NO massages, no health clubs, try not to eat out too much (way to easy to spend), and I find I have plenty of money left over for that rainy day, or unexpected problem, like being unemployed.

I don't think one needs to live like a pauper, if you have saved a few bucks. My mom did this, due to having lived during the depression. If I really want something, I'll get it, but I like to save first, plan ahead, and then really think about it. I finally got our family an above ground swimming pool, always wanted one as a child. I purchased it twice, and then had buyers' remorse the next day, and cancelled. When my Mom passed away, she left her daughters a few bucks. Then I decided to get the pool, I always wanted at age 51. I don't regret it, I use it, and save Health Club membership, and I'm very thrilled about it, except I wish I could keep it open more than 5 months! lol

I am also very generous with family and friends. So, it is nice to be able to give, when the heart speaks to you! And it's nice to be able to entertain foks, feed them, and supply drinks etc. and be a hospitable host. I remember, when I was not in a position to do those things, and it was hard. So Mom taught us to live within your means, save like a dog, and then the other part is me: spend if you really want something, but think hard about it.

My car is over 10 years old, and I only have 70,000 miles on it. I hope it lasts and runs another 10 years. It's perfectly good, and I don't need to impress anyone with a new car. I'm impressing myself with 0 car payments, just the way I like it! lol