Getting ahead gets harder

**Shell** · 03-04-2006, 04:04 PM

http://moneycentral.msn.com/content/...0s/P140959.asp

**Emerald_Mommy** · 03-04-2006, 04:20 PM

Interesting article. I definitely think that health-care costs are the main thing holding my family back.

But (and this is jmo) I don't think legislation to change t.v. shows or commercials is the answer. We are each bombarded with temptations for certain things every day but we are responsible for how we respond to those temptations.

**Telephus44** · 03-04-2006, 07:59 PM

Originally posted by Emerald_Mommy
But (and this is jmo) I don't think legislation to change t.v. shows or commercials is the answer. We are each bombarded with temptations for certain things every day but we are responsible for how we respond to those temptations.

I agree with you 100%. I think that everyone who complains that it is the credit card companies fault, the media/advertising's fault - is really only kidding ourselves. While I agree that this is a national problem, its a problem because of an attitude shift - the attitude that young people have about being "entitled" to new cars every year, and eating out every night, and rampant consumerism - and then blame everyone else but themselves. As much as the article states that this isn't an individualistic problem, they're wrong. And I can point to several individuals (mostly here on FV) that do not have the problems with money because they have adjusted their attitudes. Individuals can overcome this difficulty without government legislation.

**juliek** · 03-04-2006, 08:17 PM

The tone I picked up on in the article is, "It's not your fault."

**AmyBoz** · 03-05-2006, 07:16 AM

Interesting article, with a lot of good points. However, the bottom line is, if you don'y want to go into debt, don't spend money. And, if you HAVE to spend money, (no health insurance, etc.), then you have to make some tough choices and start making some money, no matter if it is something you want to do or not. We all possess within us the ability to change our circumstances...it's a matter of whether or not we choose to take advantage of everything at our dispoal.

**FrugalMomof3** · 03-05-2006, 08:12 AM

I agree about TV ads but one just has to learn to control their urges. You can only get into debt if you let it happen, it no one's fault but your own, we all have to admit that.

Even though you have a credit card does it mean you have to use it to buy items you just want instead of need? I am one who can say I've been there, maxed out my CC just because I had to have it, now I can honestly say that I have changed my way of thinking to - do I really need that.

Down to your last penny? Think of other ways to get money then using your CC, have a yard sale, borrow a couple bucks from family or friends but dont use your CC.

JMO, but we cannot blame anyone but ourselves. The first step is admitting this to yourself.