Is it just me being a Scrooge?

tibawo

Must admit dd's do get a stash but a lot of it is second hand, and they do a list with ten things on. Some of this comes from aunts and g'ma. They know if they put more then one expensive thing on that there is no chance they will get it. The earlier they write the list the more chance they have of getting it because I can search for it either pre owned or like when argos do a three for two etc.
This year I saved rather than 'borrowed' which was good too. Kindle vouchers etc where from my daily clicks so was all sorted.

Saying that though it will be tough to end of Jan as I bought a tv, have a birthday to sort etc but that's what I'm used to. Least this year I can put the heating on though!

They got me a book of vouchers with jobs and treats they will do for me which for me is lovely as they did the ideas themselves.

jellyhead

The woman would probably have borrowed from loan sharks or the Provident if she hadn't borrowed from Wonga type companies ... there have always been companies or people ready to prey on the vulnerable or desperate without the sense to avoid them.

Her oldest child is only 8, why on earth would he need all the stuff she's bought? I have an 8 year old who doesn't even have a TV in his room, let alone a new one. And he would only get a new bike if it was his 'main' present from Santa, but these kids have got masses of computer games, etc. too so surely a second hand bike would have sufficed.

Wonga is not the problem here, although I do think these companies charge shocking amounts. The problem is that she doesn't know how to manage her money, and doesn't know how to restrain her spending 'wants'. I bet hardly anyone I know has spent what she has on their kids for christmas. It's just not necessary!

Janepig

jellyhead wrote: »

Yes, that is worrying! Tell them to buy a magic Santa key! I think places like Wilkos will sell them, and Santa can use it to open any door if the house doesn't have a chimney. I'd never leave my door unlocked!

I've got one of those!! We hang it outside the front door before the kids go to bed on Christmas Eve (just have to remember to bring it in!

I don't see the problem with the photos going on FB - or maybe I've got nice friends who don't appear to be showing off, or maybe I just don't care! I'm a very nosy person and I just like looking at friend's photos, and the odd photo I've posted is certainly not meant to be in a "oh look how much I got my kids" kind of way, genuinely it's not (Jellyhead, do you think they look like showing off photos, you've seen them?).

I also don't buy the excuse that your children may be bullied if they don't have the latest stuff - I couldn't give a monkeys, if I couldn't afford to buy stuff for my kids then I wouldn't buy it!! DD's got herself a "boyfriend" (they're only 10), they've been to the cinema, etc... so it's as serious as it can be for two ten year olds. Anyway, his parents have the hugest, most beautiful house you could imagine, it's absolutely stunning with a swimming pool, etc... We, by contrast live in a hovel - so, should I go and get myself into mountains of debt by moving to a bigger house and struggle, just to try and compete? No chance. He's just never coming here for tea :D:D.

As for that woman in the Mail, I really can't see what she's trying to achieve, the stupid cow. Zero sympathy.

Jx

neneromanova

jellyhead wrote: »

The woman would probably have borrowed from loan sharks or the Provident if she hadn't borrowed from Wonga type companies ... there have always been companies or people ready to prey on the vulnerable or desperate without the sense to avoid them.

Wonga is not the problem here, although I do think these companies charge shocking amounts. The problem is that she doesn't know how to manage her money, and doesn't know how to restrain her spending 'wants'. I bet hardly anyone I know has spent what she has on their kids for christmas. It's just not necessary!

See I don't agree with this. I wouldn't know the first place to look to borrow money from a loan shark, but I have Wonga type ads beemed into my brain daily so I know if I needed money there and then I could just go and get it and worry about it later (not that I would! :rotfl: ) So for my personally, I think people think it's easy money (easier than a credit card) and you don't have to worry about it til you get the bill through.

paulineb_2

She took out several different loans. How could she possibly think she was going to repay them.

shegirl

neneromanova wrote: »

wow, so many replies. i wasn't expecting that many. I'll go back and read what people are saying but I just wanted to share this link below. It's basically shows exactly what i mean apart from going to a national newspaper !!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2529393/Unemployed-mother-two-borrows-1-700-EIGHT-payday-loan-companies-buy-hundreds-Christmas-presents-children-says-pay-back.html

IF that's true she's an idiot for doing it and quite probably hoping someone will bail her out -she knew she couldn't afford to pay it.

However,I'm pretty sure pay day loan companies only pay to those who are IN EMPLOYMENT and ask for all those details.I've heard of one that pays to those in receipt of particular benefits,but only one.Certainly not 8 of them.

lucystardust

Not on the subject of Facebook, but at work the topic of 'what have you bought your other half' always comes up in December.

I'm always amazed at the 20 somethings who have bought their boyfriends/girlfriends hundreds of pounds worth of presents. Some examples in my office are the girl who got her boyfriend a £300 leather jacket, and the bloke who's bought his girlfriend a trip to New York. Another girl has bought her 22 year old boyfriend of a few months a new Xbox.

I'm the same age and my boyfriend and I spend about £50 on each other and we think that's quite a lot lol! We're quite happy with this level of spending, but it does make me wonder where other people get the money from.

System

Am I the only one to enjoy seeing the pictures of the faces of the children of people I am 'friends' with on Facebook?

I feel privileged to have been able to have shared just a tiny part of their Christmas and the joy on their childrens faces as they open up their gifts.

There are children who have had more than others of course depending on the family finances but the one thing they had in common was pure joy which is something that cant be bought, no matter how much is spent.

shegirl

Judi wrote: »

Am I the only one to enjoy seeing the pictures of the faces of the children of people I am 'friends' with on Facebook?

I feel privileged to have been able to have shared just a tiny part of their Christmas and the joy on their childrens faces as they open up their gifts.

There are children who have had more than others of course depending on the family finances but the one thing they had in common was pure joy which is something that cant be bought, no matter how much is spent.

Nope! I enjoy seeing their faces,the piles of presents under the tree,the decorations etc even the ones of them fast asleep on christmas eve

brunettifan

Judi wrote: »

Am I the only one to enjoy seeing the pictures of the faces of the children of people I am 'friends' with on Facebook?

I feel privileged to have been able to have shared just a tiny part of their Christmas and the joy on their childrens faces as they open up their gifts.

There are children who have had more than others of course depending on the family finances but the one thing they had in common was pure joy which is something that cant be bought, no matter how much is spent.

No, I love it too. And we have had all the videos of visits to Santa, the Nativities, the Christmas trees....I have enjoyed looking at them all. Quick flick through and it is done.