The Green Eyed Monster....

fascinated

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to post this for some support to stop me going out and buying something I can't afford. Most of the time I think I am getting my finances back on track and I am doing well. On the up side I have a mortgage I can comfortably afford, I've paid off the credit card in full through reclaiming the PPI, I only owe a small amount to the catalogue which is interest free and I am now about to tackle the car loan.

And then the rest of the family start going buying flashy new cars and booking holidays to tropical islands, and I am really jealous! And parents start saying things like "You'll have to get a new car now.".

Help me. Am I the only jealous person in the world? And I am jealous - there is absolutely no doubt about that. I have been consumed by it since I heard about the booking of the caribbean holiday my sister is going on. Thought she wouldn't have a holiday this year as they upgraded their car, but no, it seems they can afford to do both. And I thought the country was heading for a major recession.

Where are we going wrong?

Arrrgggh. I feel better for getting that off my chest. I know I am doing well to sort my own finances out and I shouldn't worry about others, but does anyone else find that really hard to do??

Fasci xx



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Krasnoludek

Yes I also have this problem, I just accept that things are stretched at the moment but I am in a lot better position than some at the present time.
I remind myself that I have a wonderful, healthy husband and children, a comfortable home and we both have employment. Ok so I dont have flash stuff but I have a good relationship and I wouldnt trade that for all the tea in china

K xx

skylight

I doubt they can actually afford it. At the moment, they can probably afford the repayments.

fascinated

Awww thanks guys. That's just what I wanted to hear. Deep down I know what you say is right and I am thankful for my lovely family and the fact that we are able to keep this little roof over our heads, even if we are outgrowing it!

It's just difficult sometimes to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. I've managed to resist buying anything online today and I didn't even have a biscuit with my coffee!

Thanks for the replies.

MrsTinks

If it makes you feel any better - we just bought a new (and not cheap!) car - why? ok we needed a bigger car - baby on the way and a mini cooper is NOT practical when it comes to car seats However DH talked me in to spending more than I had planned grrrr - on the up side we CAN afford it (we both earn a good salary) but I can assure you that I worry almost daily about "what if" - what if we're made redundant (as a result we have income protection - taken out privately and not connected to any debt ). I know I shouldn't worry but it's put a cramp on me overpaying my debts as much as I wanted to.
So if we earn a fair whack and worry - imagine how they are probably scrimping and saving to have these new cars too And look at whatever you're driving and think "HA!!!!" - yeah it might not be as posh or new, but so what! It starts in the morning and gets you from a to b right?
If anyone asks or comments just say that you are waiting till car prices drop as you don't want to loose loads on the 2nd hand value like anyone buying now undoubtedly will Bet that'll shut them up hehehehe

tallyhoh

skylight wrote: »

I doubt they can actually afford it. At the moment, they can probably afford the repayments.

I second that. Actually their position may not even be that good. Never mind, you know where to direct them to if they end up in a mess.

doodledo_2

It is hard and I think most of us will have suffered this at some time.

I often get cross with myself as I think if I hadn't got myself into debt like I did then I would be able to have these things which make me jealous.

The likelihood as well is a lot of the people who have these things are getting them on credit or paying with credit cards so I always use that and think I would rather not have the item.

I am the only one in my family not to have a flat screen TV but I know several of them have bought them on some form of finance and will paying them off for god knows how long.

IcklePickle_2

It is difficult sometimes. I felt sad last year to hear of friends buying new house, then I realised they'd had to take a dented profit on their existing flat by trading it in to the developer, and are now sitting with an enormous mortgage over their heads which they can't afford on one salary so god help them if one of them loses their job.

Then I realise I'm lucky that we're still in a small flat with a manageable mortgage payment. Even though it doesn't feel like it sometimes when I'm drowning in clutter and would love to re-decorate.

Then I console myself by thinking how MUCH spare money we'll have when we're debt-free.

Mudbath

Hugs to you. I had a moment of jealousy last night when my friend told me her and her hubby were going for a weekend away to Dublin - it's about her 6th weekend away since September and her parents are happy to look after their children anytime. I had to take a few deep breathes. It's not easy when everyone else is doing 'fantastically'. Mind you, my friends husband works away for 6 months of the year and her children are a nightmare....think i'll stick with my life! xx

fascinated

Wow, you guys are fantastic. Thank you so much for cheering me up. I have now managed to get up off my jealous bum and get the ironing board out. I know being jealous is a sin and all that, but my goodness me it is hard.

Let's look at the positives. I am healthy and happy, I have manageable debt, and yes MesTine, my car does start in the morning and get me from a to b, so hurrah. And I don't have to worry about it getting scratched when I park it as it's a workhorse not a status symbol. And I paid cash for it 5 years ago.

Congratulations to you all with your debt busting - long may it continue!

Fasci xx

Uniscots97

doodledo wrote: »

It is hard and I think most of us will have suffered this at some time.

I often get cross with myself as I think if I hadn't got myself into debt like I did then I would be able to have these things which make me jealous.

The likelihood as well is a lot of the people who have these things are getting them on credit or paying with credit cards so I always use that and think I would rather not have the item.

I am the only one in my family not to have a flat screen TV but I know several of them have bought them on some form of finance and will paying them off for god knows how long.

I held off buying a new tv for the sake of it. Years ago if I wanted something I bought it and didn't think about the consequences. I waited till my tv needed replaced and then used savings to pay for my item. Much nicer feeling . Besides which if I need something (e.g. I needed a lamp), I look on freecycle the ultimate high getting something free.