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JoV · Jan 29th, 2006, 04:37 PM

Originally Posted by LV_addict

I don't use credit cards (I've learned the hard way!), so if I don't have cash in hand I don't buy it!

I'm with her! I save cash to fend my addition to bags.

luvboogie · Jan 29th, 2006, 04:43 PM

I'm a 40+ year old IT manager - my husband and I are DINKs (dual income, no kids), so we can both afford our respective collections of "stuff." (I probably spend more on computer equipment and electronics than on fashion items.)

wickedassin · Jan 29th, 2006, 04:45 PM

I'm 31 and single, no boyfriends to supplement the purse habit either

I'm a lawyer (but just so you know, not all of us make a lot of money. I do ok, but nothing amazing.) I've been lucky to have great parents that have supported most of my education. And my dad taught me a great lesson that credit card bills HAVE TO BE PAID COMPLETELY OFF each billing cycle.

Whenever I got a raise, I "pretended" that I didn't get it and either upped my 401(k) contribution or paid more towards my student loans. I get paid 2x/month. So I'd use one paycheck to pay the coming month's rent and use the next one to pay the same amount I paid in rent towards my student loans. That really helped reduce them down. And when I realized I had money saved up, I paid off the balance. This probably sounds funny, but I do save for retirement before I spend money. I figure I can't assume I'll get married or have someone to support me later in life....

I don't spend TONS of money on clothes, I'm a bargain hunter for the most part. But I do buy things that are nice. I also don't really party since I don't drink--I think that's a HUGE place where I save money. My sprite & cranberry juice is A LOT cheaper than a Jack & Coke or a glass of wine. So purses are basically my real "splurge" item. This past year I bought 3... This year I'm at 1 and it's only January! So we'll see what happens

ButterflyDreams · Jan 29th, 2006, 04:54 PM

Originally Posted by TheArtofAcquisition

I wish my parents ever saw things the way yours do. They have money but they also have a scrooge mentality. If I ever wanted to buy anything it had to be reduced 75% + and much begging would be involved. It is so frustrating as they are well to do yet still wear holes through their socks. My mother refuses to carry a nice handbag, and (gulp--horror) carries an old beat-up fanny pack around her shoulder purse style (trembles). She could have a Birkin if she wanted it! I have never recieved any money for clothes from my parents, which is partially why I am in debt now, as I just graduated and did not work during that time. Still, it must be said they are very loving and supportive, which is what matters.

Oh, I wish my mother loved fashion. Ohhh... sigh.

I know exactly how you feel!! Except my mother is well into her fashion, she sometimes shops at stores i go to... and shes 30 years older than me

Well... Im 20 years old, i work for the police as a researcher (poor pay and the job totally sucks). I had my first job when i was 11 working at my parents social club. I then took my first english job at 16 and i´ve worked ever since. My parents dont give me finacial support, they feel that i have to "earn" and "appreciate" where my money comes from as they wont be here forever

I was supposed to start my degree in criminal psychology but since i opted to join the police (huge mistake) i have money saved up...somewhere, but as i type this im on holiday in barcelona blowing my last pay cheque. I used to use my paycheck to pay for my lovely bags.. but now im about to venture onto my own business (its time for me to work for myself and not for others) and leave the police force i´ll have to save every penny i can, except for 2morro where im gonna go look for that Gucci and Mui Mui store. Sometimes my boyfriend buys me a bag or purse, but apart from that i use my paycheck but never a credit card!!

bethany · Jan 29th, 2006, 04:59 PM

It took me several months of retail work to pay off my summer credit card debt so I learned my lesson of never, ever, charging stuff that I can't pay off buy the end of the month.
I'm 20 and a senior in college. my family is not too rich and not even close to poor. my parents bought me a car, pay the insurance, I live at home, and have a full grant for tuition. I graduate in May and am moving out/going overseas/finding a full-time career job after that. I don't spend wild amounts of money on anything, my single most expensive non-travel expenditure to date is my laptop that I bought for $1600 last year. heh. but I do tend to buy nice stuff, just not The Nicest.
I would feel weird dating a guy who spent tons of money on me. mine doesn't and there's no pressure for me to spend a lot on him. husbands, on the other hand...although I don't know for sure, I suspect they are a whole different story.

TheArtofAcquisition · Jan 29th, 2006, 05:01 PM

Originally Posted by english_girl_900

No such thing as too old! I'm a member of a creative writing forum - one of our regulars is 67, and she's a wonderful lady and a great friend. Just bask in the presence of like-minded people.

Creative writing forum? I just gratuated from UCLA with a major in English Creative Writing. I would love to know more...

blushingbaby · Jan 29th, 2006, 05:02 PM

I have my bachelor's degree, but am back in school for my education degree. I'm not working anymore, but I was an optician for the past 3 1/2 years...so that helped pay for my bag craze, but now its been my bf that buys them for me. I don't ask for lots though, eventhough its hard sometimes to not be greedy! hehe

I also have a horrible shopping addiction, so most of my money goes towards that. I don't have any debt, the bf has me on a budget...but we live comfortably. I wouldn't buy a bag if I didn't have the money....its so sad to see some girls with expensive designer bags with $10 in it!

Cristina · Jan 29th, 2006, 05:07 PM

Originally Posted by TheArtofAcquisition

Hi, I am curious as to what you do for a living if you don't mind my asking, as I am a recent graduate too. (I would have been your age after graduation had I not taken 4 years off working.) And what do you sell on ebay? I also sell on ebay, but so far I have not had the success I would want... what is your ebay ID? (I am curious as to how I can live a debt free life but still afford some luxury.)

I do business development (advertising/public relations) for a construction company. I have my bachelor's in journalism with a minor in political science, but decided not to be a reporter after a few media internships and a public relations one that I really enjoyed.

I sell bags that I don't carry anymore on eBay, as well as musical equipment that I don't play anymore and anything else that I think can be sold on eBay that I don't use or need anymore. I used to play the bass and had a nice, professional setup worth some $$$. I don't sell very often, only when I think I can make money from what I sell. I will PM you my eBay ID

TheArtofAcquisition · Jan 29th, 2006, 05:08 PM

I am curious as to how much money we spend on clothes per year vs. handbags. If you can give an estimate... I am trying to discover whether I am spending too much on clothes, and if so, how to remedy that...

TheArtofAcquisition · Jan 29th, 2006, 05:10 PM

I think this thread is turning out so great. Doesn't it feel like a cocktail party? I feel like we are all holding virtual cocktails!

kimmy · Jan 29th, 2006, 05:14 PM

I am 22, and have just graduated from uni .. I just have a VERY generous bf LOL who I ove dearly - we will of been dating for 6 years on the 19th febuary .

Loganz · Jan 29th, 2006, 05:19 PM

I spend far more on clothes than bags. I have a high-end denim addiction.

Bags - 2003 - 2005 on average $750 - $1200 a year (BEFORE this forum.)

Bags - 2006 - $2000+, (sure to increase), AFTER this forum.

Clothing - Annual expenditure - $10k or more

Cristina · Jan 29th, 2006, 05:19 PM

Originally Posted by kimmy

I am 22, and have just graduated from uni .. I just have a VERY generous bf LOL who I ove dearly - we will of been dating for 6 years on the 19th febuary .

Your anniversary date is the same as mine! My boyfriend and I will be celebrating our 4th anniversary

Congratulations on 6 years together

IntlSet · Jan 29th, 2006, 05:32 PM

Originally Posted by TheArtofAcquisition

I wish my parents ever saw things the way yours do. They have money but they also have a scrooge mentality. If I ever wanted to buy anything it had to be reduced 75% + and much begging would be involved. It is so frustrating as they are well to do yet still wear holes through their socks. My mother refuses to carry a nice handbag, and (gulp--horror) carries an old beat-up fanny pack around her shoulder purse style (trembles). She could have a Birkin if she wanted it! I have never recieved any money for clothes from my parents, which is partially why I am in debt now, as I just graduated and did not work during that time. Still, it must be said they are very loving and supportive, which is what matters.

Oh, I wish my mother loved fashion. Ohhh... sigh.

Hey Art!

To be honest, I wish my parents had been a little less generous. They had a hard time having kids and I'm their only, so they really spoiled me.

Luckily, it hasn't ruined me completely, but I probably don't have the motivation you do. And you and I both know that'll kick my butt someday soon!

A lot of my friends have trust funds set up for them and they're not necessarily insanely rich or anything... it's just a system of budgeting, so to speak. I think it's actually a better system to force your kid to understand the cash as his own, and if you blow it, you blow it. They handle their own tuition payments, purchasing cars and insurance, rent, etc. It's a great thing, I'm going to do it for my kids rather than just hand them my VISA which is my folks did.

When my parents pull their support out from under me, I'll probably have one steep learning curve.

I console myself with the fact that at least I realize this. In about six months, I won't be spending as I do now!

amanda · Jan 29th, 2006, 05:56 PM

i'm 20 and in college, i get a small monthly stipend from my parents and work part time, but my parents pay for car, rent, insurance, school, etc. so my money is mine to do what i want with.

i'm opening a Roth IRA tonight :-D

i'm also a big fan of the suze orman show, lol. she gives great advice on financial things. i so fear bad credit. i don't buy as much as i'd like to, but i have peace of mind

and i spend far more on bags than anything.

Jan 29th, 2006, 04:43 PM	#17
luvboogie Member Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 262	Re: How do you afford your bags and how many per year? Credit debt or millionare love I'm a 40+ year old IT manager - my husband and I are DINKs (dual income, no kids), so we can both afford our respective collections of "stuff." (I probably spend more on computer equipment and electronics than on fashion items.)
luvboogie Member Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 262

Jan 29th, 2006, 04:45 PM	#18
wickedassin Member Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 3,563	Re: How do you afford your bags and how many per year? Credit debt or millionare love I'm 31 and single, no boyfriends to supplement the purse habit either I'm a lawyer (but just so you know, not all of us make a lot of money. I do ok, but nothing amazing.) I've been lucky to have great parents that have supported most of my education. And my dad taught me a great lesson that credit card bills HAVE TO BE PAID COMPLETELY OFF each billing cycle. Whenever I got a raise, I "pretended" that I didn't get it and either upped my 401(k) contribution or paid more towards my student loans. I get paid 2x/month. So I'd use one paycheck to pay the coming month's rent and use the next one to pay the same amount I paid in rent towards my student loans. That really helped reduce them down. And when I realized I had money saved up, I paid off the balance. This probably sounds funny, but I do save for retirement before I spend money. I figure I can't assume I'll get married or have someone to support me later in life.... I don't spend TONS of money on clothes, I'm a bargain hunter for the most part. But I do buy things that are nice. I also don't really party since I don't drink--I think that's a HUGE place where I save money. My sprite & cranberry juice is A LOT cheaper than a Jack & Coke or a glass of wine. So purses are basically my real "splurge" item. This past year I bought 3... This year I'm at 1 and it's only January! So we'll see what happens
wickedassin Member Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 3,563	Last edited by wickedassin; Jan 29th, 2006 at 04:48 PM.

Jan 29th, 2006, 04:59 PM	#20
bethany Member Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 662	Re: How do you afford your bags and how many per year? Credit debt or millionare lover? It took me several months of retail work to pay off my summer credit card debt so I learned my lesson of never, ever, charging stuff that I can't pay off buy the end of the month. I'm 20 and a senior in college. my family is not too rich and not even close to poor. my parents bought me a car, pay the insurance, I live at home, and have a full grant for tuition. I graduate in May and am moving out/going overseas/finding a full-time career job after that. I don't spend wild amounts of money on anything, my single most expensive non-travel expenditure to date is my laptop that I bought for $1600 last year. heh. but I do tend to buy nice stuff, just not The Nicest. I would feel weird dating a guy who spent tons of money on me. mine doesn't and there's no pressure for me to spend a lot on him. husbands, on the other hand...although I don't know for sure, I suspect they are a whole different story.
bethany Member Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 662

Jan 29th, 2006, 05:02 PM	#22
blushingbaby porte bonheur Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 2,547	Re: How do you afford your bags and how many per year? Credit debt or millionare lover? I have my bachelor's degree, but am back in school for my education degree. I'm not working anymore, but I was an optician for the past 3 1/2 years...so that helped pay for my bag craze, but now its been my bf that buys them for me. I don't ask for lots though, eventhough its hard sometimes to not be greedy! hehe I also have a horrible shopping addiction, so most of my money goes towards that. I don't have any debt, the bf has me on a budget...but we live comfortably. I wouldn't buy a bag if I didn't have the money....its so sad to see some girls with expensive designer bags with $10 in it!
blushingbaby porte bonheur Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 2,547

Jan 29th, 2006, 05:08 PM	#24
TheArtofAcquisition OP Sofa King Banned Joined: Jan 2006 Location: California and Hawaii Posts: 545	Re: How do you afford your bags and how many per year? Credit debt or millionare lover? I am curious as to how much money we spend on clothes per year vs. handbags. If you can give an estimate... I am trying to discover whether I am spending too much on clothes, and if so, how to remedy that...

Jan 29th, 2006, 05:10 PM	#25
TheArtofAcquisition OP Sofa King Banned Joined: Jan 2006 Location: California and Hawaii Posts: 545	Re: How do you afford your bags and how many per year? Credit debt or millionare lover? I think this thread is turning out so great. Doesn't it feel like a cocktail party? I feel like we are all holding virtual cocktails!

Jan 29th, 2006, 05:14 PM	#26
kimmy @LV Princess@ Joined: Dec 2005 Location: London UK Posts: 2,002	Re: How do you afford your bags and how many per year? Credit debt or millionare love I am 22, and have just graduated from uni .. I just have a VERY generous bf LOL who I ove dearly - we will of been dating for 6 years on the 19th febuary .

Jan 29th, 2006, 05:19 PM	#27
Loganz raining cats & dogs Joined: Dec 2005 Location: in the doghouse Posts: 4,528	Re: How do you afford your bags and how many per year? Credit debt or millionare lover? I spend far more on clothes than bags. I have a high-end denim addiction. Bags - 2003 - 2005 on average $750 - $1200 a year (BEFORE this forum.) Bags - 2006 - $2000+, (sure to increase), AFTER this forum. Clothing - Annual expenditure - $10k or more

Jan 29th, 2006, 05:56 PM	#30
amanda RIP Uga VII Joined: Oct 2005 Location: Athens, GA Posts: 11,733	Re: How do you afford your bags and how many per year? Credit debt or millionare lover? i'm 20 and in college, i get a small monthly stipend from my parents and work part time, but my parents pay for car, rent, insurance, school, etc. so my money is mine to do what i want with. i'm opening a Roth IRA tonight :-D i'm also a big fan of the suze orman show, lol. she gives great advice on financial things. i so fear bad credit. i don't buy as much as i'd like to, but i have peace of mind and i spend far more on bags than anything.
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