Do you ever feel guilty??

**dolphinlfier** · 06-16-2008, 05:52 PM

I know times are tough right now, and everyone is having a hard time making ends meet. The only thing we do for entertainment is camp. BUT we have a new 29 ft self contained camper, that is as much as a car payment per month, and we pay $250 a month to keep the camper on site at the campground(we have a year round spot) I know it's a lot of money, but we never do anything else, and my daughter has the time ofher life camping. but I am starting to feel guilty about the news , when you see and hear so many things about forclosures and people living on the streets. I do give to our local charitys and almost all of our things are second hand. But still, I feel guilty sometimes........ Do you ever feel guilty?

**sunshine** · 06-16-2008, 06:02 PM

Not often -- I work hard for my money, I'm frugal so that we can enjoy a few pleasures. If I choose to go camping a few weekends, yet don't eat out for months - why should I feel guilty for choosing to spend MY money in that way?

I feel empathy for those who cannot earn more, with the sky rocketing costs. And for those, I donate to charity.

**LuvMyHubby** · 06-16-2008, 06:02 PM

I think that as long as making all the payments associated with it doesn't interfere with a roof over your head, food in your stomach and all your required bills paid and that you are not in over your head in debt by having it, why not?

If it is the only thing that you do in terms of vacation etc. then it is being put to good use. Besides, you will have plenty of family memories of your DD's childhood to look back on when she is out of the nest.

**voodidit** · 06-16-2008, 06:04 PM

Don't feel guilty, think of it as not only a way to make your family happy but by keeping it parked you are saving the gas you might use taking it back and forth from your home.

Plus it's cheaper than a trip to Disney!

**jamie79** · 06-16-2008, 06:05 PM

No I dont feel guilty. I give to charity each month. I feel sad which is different. Just like I feel sad for all those in Iowa who lost everything due to the floods and you know the insurance companies are going to screw them over

**Luv2BeFrugal** · 06-16-2008, 06:08 PM

Originally Posted by LuvMyHubby

I think that as long as making all the payments associated with it doesn't interfere with a roof over your head, food in your stomach and all your required bills paid and that you are not in over your head in debt by having it, why not?

If it is the only thing that you do in terms of vacation etc. then it is being put to good use. Besides, you will have plenty of family memories of your DD's childhood to look back on when she is out of the nest.

Well said! I second it!

**itsahumanzoo** · 06-16-2008, 07:34 PM

I don't feel bad. We earn our money, and can do with it as we please. I do donate to charity, and occasionally even give a few dollars to a homeless person on the side of the road. We give back what we can, but it's not a crime to be happy and have fun with your family!

**FrugalMomof3** · 06-16-2008, 08:01 PM

I wouldnt feel bad at all, you work hard for your money and I am sure if it interfered with having the things you need you wouldnt have asked that question.

I personally dont have a camper or the like but i do have a bunch of very nice items inside my home that DH and I work hard to save for, I dont feel guilty when I get something new or am able to do things with the family that can be quite expensive, we deserve it and SO DO YOU! I also donate to charity by means on tangible items.

**DonnainME** · 06-16-2008, 08:17 PM

I feel guilty for spending things on myself and not on my kids.

**Telephus44** · 06-16-2008, 08:23 PM

Originally Posted by jamie79

No I dont feel guilty. I give to charity each month. I feel sad which is different. Just like I feel sad for all those in Iowa who lost everything due to the floods and you know the insurance companies are going to screw them over

Yeah, that. I feel very sad for people who are losing their homes, can't make ends meet - which right now is a lot of people. I do what I can to help (donate to the food bank, for example) but I don't feel guilty about what I have. I earned it - although that doesn't make me any "better" than anyone else, either.

**LuvMyHubby** · 06-16-2008, 08:58 PM

Originally Posted by DonnainME

I feel guilty for spending things on myself and not on my kids.

I can relate to this Donna. I am not a shopper by any means (not enough patience) but when dd was younger I would skip buying wanted items for myself so that she wouldn't go without something that she might have wanted....not needed mind you (I made that happen for the household as a whole) just a silly dollar this or two dollar that. I still hate to spend money on myself.

**redhead68** · 06-17-2008, 12:48 AM

Guilty? No.
Compassionate? Yes.
Grateful? Absolutely!

**The Muse** · 06-17-2008, 07:17 AM

Paying to insure, keep (taxes), and maintain a sportscar that I drive less than 1,000 miles a year is a bit foolish, but I don't feel guilty about it. I work hard and have made smart financial decisions that allow me that luxury.

You shouldn't feel guilty either. It's important to indulge in things you enjoy...within reason of course.

**ConnieD** · 06-17-2008, 07:50 AM

Guilty? No.
Compassionate? Yes.
Grateful? Absolutely!

We have nice things, but I don't feel one bit of guilt. Worked too hard for what we have. We tithe and give to charity. We are very grateful for all our blessings!