Comments on: I’m On a Budget, Not Broke.

By: Kathleen

Kathleen — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 23:24:04 +0000

I got this a bit because although I wasn’t on a strict budget I didn’t have a credit card so had to factor the money I actually had into plans. Now I have a mortgage, people are much more understanding!
(But I now have to remind myself that I’m not *poor*, I’ve just chosen to spend my money on something else).

By: Rick @ SLR Camera Bag

Rick @ SLR Camera Bag — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 16:42:12 +0000

I could really empathized with your commentary. I was lay off in January ( but found work again in July) and I remember friends wanting to treat me to meals. “Don’t worry,” they would often say, “take us out when you get a job again.” It wasn’t like I was turned out in the street or sucking on packets of ketchup. I had saved and budgeted and it meant a temporary life adjustment knowing that I was not producing an income. But I could still enjoy time with friends and even offer to pay if the company and time were great. It got to a point that I just didn’t go out anymore for a while because I was tired of the sympathy as much as it was appreciated. In some ways it felt a little like a slight, that I was not fiscally responsible and could not survive on my own in between jobs.

By: Kerri

Kerri — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:25:52 +0000

Great article, Jessica. There’s a misconception when it comes to budgeting; certainly it doesn’t mean you are poor or suffering. In fact, being budget minded has allowed me to enjoy life’s great indulgences! For my husband and I, that is traveling. We are careful with our spending day-to-day to be able to afford trips large and small. Onlookers have even questioned if we have inheritances or have won the lottery. While I am a bit put off by such comments, I am proud of our budgeting and restraint in that it allows us to see the bigger picture of fulfillment!

By: Moneymonk

Moneymonk — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 22:08:40 +0000

Nice article Jessica

By: Courtney

Courtney — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 11:14:50 +0000

This happens a lot to me as well. But with me I tend to get “the look” over them actually saying what they’re thinking. You know, the “oh, I’m so sorry you’re so poor” look. It always makes me chuckle a little to myself when I see it.

By: AJ

AJ — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 15:44:03 +0000

Great post. This is so true.

By: Annie G

Annie G — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 19:38:31 +0000

I just had a related experience this weekend.

My sis called and asked if I was coming to the big birthday event (for another sister) next week. I’m sure I’d already told her that I wasn’t planning to make the trip (involving a $300 flight), but I reiterated it, and reminded her that I had told the BIL that I had to have more advanced notice to plan it into the budget. (He had told me just this spring.) Then she tells me that he had said he was buying me a ticket! Huh?? I’m not looking for charity, because we are NOT poor, just consideration to ask me well enough in advance to make budget plans.

By: Phileas

Phileas — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 13:11:39 +0000

I used to think budgeting was so tedious, but now having seen how much it saved me I’m converted!

By: Yvette

Yvette — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 15:43:59 +0000

Being on a budget is the best thing one can do for themselves. You never know when a raining day will come. Those who live on a regular budget are prepare, those who don’t are lost.

By: MoneyEnergy

MoneyEnergy — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 21:59:42 +0000

excellent point! Glad to hear someone make this distinction. I also like the way you put that line to your toddler. You didn’t say “we can’t afford it” (which, I know, has some negative psychological consequences! and isn’t the case) but put a different spin on it which is more productive anyway.