Spinoff on Keeping Up w/ the Jones

**Early Bird** · 09-28-2005, 10:25 AM

Where do you spend more than the Joneses? Where do you spend less? And the same as the Jones?

For example, maybe I spend more than the Joneses on Tools and Equipment. But, because DH does most of our repairs, I spend less than the Jones on Car Repairs.

I know I spend less than the Joneses on cars: MY car is 16 years old! DH's truck is only 2 years old, but we paid for it with cash.

**PrairieRose** · 09-28-2005, 06:24 PM

I spend more than the Jones on tools and supplies (like plaster and paint) to do my own DIY projects. I figure "THE" Joneses would have paid someone to do this stuff for them. We also have a swimming pool that's not free to run but we enjoy it so much and it provides with so much entertainment that I think it works out pretty well. Not sure if the Joneses would have a pool or not.

*ETA*
Most of the furnishings and decorations in our house are 2nd hand or antique (bought at garage sales for very low prices). We don't spend a lot on furnishings. The living room suite that we recently bought was our first in about 18 yrs. or so. Even then we didn't buy new tables, I love my old antique ones bought at the junk store. I think the Joneses would have spent a lot more on furniture and accessories.

**Jerseygirl** · 09-28-2005, 08:21 PM

If the Jones' are my neighbors we spend more on our home, the tools and supplies to keep it up and decorating. We spend less on just about everything else. If the Jones' are our friends, we spend less on everything.

**bmiltimore** · 09-29-2005, 01:28 AM

Well, I spent more than the Joneses on my Mitsubishi SUV 4 years ago - but I am paying 0% interest, so it isn't too bad!

It will be paid off in October 2006!

I spend less than the Joneses on personal care like haircuts/color and nails. I don't get my nails done except maybe 1 pedicure a year and I only get my haircut when I can't stand the length any longer! LOL

**Early Bird** · 09-29-2005, 09:43 AM

I do the same thing with my haircuts!

**Valerie in WA** · 09-29-2005, 11:24 AM

I think I spend less on beauty products, cleaning products, magazines, convenience foods, eating out, housing, clothing and entertainment.

I spend more on 'regular' groceries because I buy organic foods. We probably spend more on healthcare because dh is self-employed. I have the dd's on my insurance at work, but dd1 has chronic issues, so we spend a fair bit out of pocket on her healthcare.

**inneedofhope** · 09-29-2005, 12:12 PM

I know I spend less on my car, because it is paid off, and most of my coworkers have car payments, but then they also have nice pretty cars.
I probably spend less on my clothes. I'm very choosey about what I buy, but I refuse to pay full price and I generally only buy a few new items a year.
I don't get my nails done, and my hair is just cuts, although I did get a discounted highlight for my birthday.
Ds is not in any extra activities or lessons right now. I do pay alot for quality child care.
My mortgage is lower, I have a small older home in town.
I would bet my grocery bills are lower overall, but I spend more $$ on healthy foods and less on prepared, packaged, and junk foods.
I do not use cable at all. I imagine the Jones have the $100+ package with all the options.
I don't have a land line phone, only a cell ( we're never home!)
I do use high speed internet, Jones quality.
There are no gym memberships, museum or zoo passes, time shares, or big yearly vacations in my budget.
My dog gets her vet care, food, and treats, but we don't visit the doogie boutique and I do her baths myself.
I probably spend much less on gifts for ds and for extended family.

**homesteadmamma** · 09-29-2005, 12:46 PM

I spend less than the Jones on everything EXCEPT (probably no one would believe this here at the village)

quilting material/fat quarters. I've got to have the best and I don't feel one bit guilty about it.

**Michele Annette** · 09-29-2005, 02:32 PM

Yep CJ I knew it was commin'!

I always buy the best quality quilting fabric as well!

**joyofsix** · 09-29-2005, 09:57 PM

I spend more than the Jones' on kid "equipment", but in the long run having a trampoline, swing set and pool makes our house the place to be. I don't have to run them around for entertainment and I get to meet all their friends, because they are always here.

**HandyMom** · 09-30-2005, 07:57 AM

The Jones' buy bottled water. I buy a water filter and filtration system for my tap water and have a jug of it available to me at all times, in the fridge

I rarely drink milk, coffee or tea and almost never drink juice or soda. I got used to drinking only plain water which saves me Oodles on my grocery bill. It's also more healthy.

Recently, I did buy DD some vitamin water that is slightly flavored but it was very cheap on sale because it didn't appeal to your average shopper! Other than that she likes orange juice or milk.

The Jones' buy store made cakes and pastries but I buy Splenda and make our own cakes and muffins from scratch and freeze the extras. Less sugar and better tasting, too!

I spend as much as the Jones' do for DSL internet (my one guilty pleasure) but I try and make the most of it and get all sorts of freebies, read the news online and use email and chat to talk to relatives. Can also use it for selling on ebay.

I quit smoking and the Jones' won't or can't. Huge savings for me, money wise and health-wise!

When it comes to doing laundry, the Jones and I are the same except I always buy laundry soap on sale and stock up on it.

I use less water than the Jones do because I don't have a pool and I don't water my grass, ever.

I use less gas than the Jones because DD takes the bus, plus eats at school for free while the Jones buy prepackaged lunchables and have a car for their teen to drive to school and back.

The Jones won't shop at ALDI for food. They think it must be substandard food if it's not displayed on shelves like at the other grocery stores. Savings galore for me! High grocery bill for them.

**peanut** · 09-30-2005, 12:42 PM

I spend less on everything than the Joneses.

I hang dry laundry and wash it with hm laundry detergent. They would laugh at that.

I use hm femine products instead of storebought.

I don't use makeup hardly at all, and if I do, it's carefully chosen mid-price range to lower-price range stuff.

I wear thrift store clothing mostly. I occasionally buy retail, but have always regretted it.

I buy secondhand books, if I buy them at all. We use the library for most of our entertainment needs.

I buy fabric at yard sales, thrift stores, never pay full price at retail stores, and recycle old clothing, etc.

I spend money learning skills and acquiring tools that will help me be more frugal: sewing, quilting, rughooking, carpentry, cooking, candlemaking, etc.

I also spend more time in my home, rather than going to cottages and on trips.

When dh and I go out to eat, we often just go for tea/dessert. We share the dessert. When we go out to a restaurant for a meal, we go out for brunch or lunch - much cheaper, or go for supper but don't eat appetizers or dessert, which are often high priced and not on our diet anyways! We only drink water.

This is a real eye-opener for me because the Joneses have literally just moved in next door. They are however, another one income family. They simply have tons of money. He paid a lot for the house and is adding a lot of value to the property with improvements. I'm really curious to see how they make out in this neighborhood. It is expensive to maintain a character home.

**canadian gardener** · 09-30-2005, 04:18 PM

More on books,

Not sure about internet as dh has a high speed cable hookup but maybe less as it's bundled with some other stuff, and most families spend more than we do on the phone, TV and internet if you look at our whole bundle.

Less on cars, gasoline, housing, house tax, heat, light, groceries, clothing, phone, satellite TV, entertainment in general except books.

I'm definitely a low maintenance spouse for dh. Feed books regularly, she's happy!