I've looked down the street before and wondered who "stretched" to get their house and are living way beyond their means and who (like us) bought a house that we were comfortable in the payments and ignored the insane amount the bank wanted to give us.

When my kids have asked if we are rich, I repsond with, "It depends...some people would think that we are and some people would think that we aren't. Just remember you have to be happy with what you have and you cannot compete and worry about what others have. You will never be happy. There will always be someone with more than you and there will always be someone with less than you. Just look at the movie stars that have everything. They are still screwed up and not happy. It's not the money or things that make you happy. It's you."

I think they get it, but I dont' know. I guess time will tell. My girls like to dress "in style", but it doesn't have to be Abercrombie or those brands. They have some of that, but because they ask for those gift cards for birthdays and Christmas. They mostly have Kohls, Penneys & Target.

I love the millionaire next door stories. Some of my friends think I'm crazy using coupons, eating leftovers, cooking at home, driving an 8 year old car that I bought used that I love and have no intention of getting rid of soon, wear my clothes till they wear out versus having the latest fad. I really don't care what they think. I am happy. I've heard of a lot of people who are "rich" but it's not because they necessarily "make" that much - it's because the "save" that much.

Lisa

__________________
"It's not having what you want,
It's wanting what you've got"