I live in a small apartment building and I happen to know financial situations of many neighbors, and I happen to be only one without debt (with the exception of a student loan).
Their problems range from cc debt, to months behind on rent, to collection issues...
I know that the landlord does not take checks from one of my neighbors, requiring that he be paid by a money order.
They sometimes ask my advice on these things. However, they only ask advice on how to deal with the consequences. They don't see at all that the underlining issue is that they are living a lifestyle they can't afford. It is like one gigantic blind spot.
And of course, I cannot volunteer that kind of unsolicited advice to people I have to see on a regular basis. (My mom is an exception to that rule -- she will love me no matter what and I care about her, so I take her problems close to heart.
But I still find amazing how much these people spend. That while I won't buy $800 worth of make-up and perfume in Bloomingdales in ONE trip, but someone who makes minimum wage can feel they need it.
But most of them are very nice people. Helpful, social, friendly, compassionate. They simply don't understand that they are being financially irresponsible. They think that debt is normal.
They also ask each other for short-term loans. It is considered normal to borrow few bucks until payday.
While DH and I never discuss what we bought or how much we make, it is evident that we do ok. Maybe because we don't complain or ever need to borrow money? Or maybe because they know where I work.
In any case, next Friday I should be paid back $250 from people in my building who needed the money to pay the bills due before the next payday. I am not worried about it at all(these types of loans will always be honored by them) and it is no inconvenience for me. It is just a difference in mentality.
And having to fight the itch to comment on their financial tales. Repeating to myself: "It is none of my business, it is none of my business."
So many neighbors with financial problems.
September 21st, 2009 at 07:08 am
September 21st, 2009 at 10:02 am 1253523734
September 21st, 2009 at 01:41 pm 1253536904
September 21st, 2009 at 02:09 pm 1253538573
September 21st, 2009 at 11:03 pm 1253570622
Have you thought you might be enabling them? They may say to themselves while standing at the makeup counter..."I can just ask Brooklyn Girl for a short term. She won't mind." Yes, in the long run they are only hurting themselves. But do you want to be a party to that. I wouldn't. Just something to think about.
September 22nd, 2009 at 01:07 am 1253578037
I'd be telling folks, you ask me for a loan and I will give you GOOD ADVICE to go with. No listen to sermon? No cashy!!!
But, admittedly, I'm not very good at loaning money!