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Our neighbours, next door...what a life! Made me think.
Imagine you're all so grown up with a family and all. You aren't too well off, financially. You've got a kid whose school fees reaches somewhere near half your salary. What will you do when something like a school trip or a requirement examination fees come up? Waht do you feel then? Would you like to go ask your friendfor money or would you think, thoug I'm so old, I can't even run my family's expenses! What's my wife going to think about all this? Will she wonder whther she made a mistake by marring you? What 'll your kids think? Will you think of yourself as incapable of running a family?
Today we spend lavishly on our parents money. We believe they are earning it all for us, and spend as if we earned up all that money. New clothes every month, compulsive shopping, eating out many times, 3-4 movies a month. We spend without shame.
When we are our parents age, would we want our children to live that way? Think for a moment.
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Now. What do we know about not having any money in hand?
Nothing.
Because, there was never a time we couldn't find less than 10 bucks in our wallets for more than 24 hours. Do we know what it is like, when on the 10th of the month, you'll have to live on 100 Rupees for the rest? The 'Computer Fundamentals' book for IVth sem costs over 100 rupees.
Lilly Aunty is crying. She doesn't know what to do. Her daughter scores well in her exams. She wants to go for science in College. But where is she going to get Rs. 15,000 from? Her husband is in uwait, but doesn;t earn enough money to send home (And people go: He's in Kuwait and I'm not gonna help 'em). The youngest daughter needs to but a new uniform, as she's entering the 5th std. in June and needs to replace her 2 year old uniform. Where is all the money coming from?
Lilly Aunty, our neighbour, is crying.
She isn't all that poor or below poverty line (BPL). But htey have expenses to meet their requirements for a life in a place like this. she came from a family which had just the basic things.Where is she going to go for money. She runs a mess just outside her house where IT and BPO employees who stay near by come and eat from. The income goes, as it is for the house rent which is Rs.2500 for such a dingy place.
Will she have to tell her daughter, heart broken, that they don't have enough oney to send her for further studies, so sit at home? Even if she borrows money, how will she pay back? the girl (daughter) can't even imagine buying new clothes from commercial street once in a year, let alone the half price sale once a year. 30 rupees for a coffee seems insane to her mother- no question of going out with friends. TV. What TV? No money to pay the cable network.
Is it possible to live like that? Of course it is.
But in a society where you look around and see everyone showing off one thing or the other; the same 3-4 years old dresses which your friends make fun of you about?...It's difficult. You're the only one out. It's tough.
Perhaps friends, we need to be more considerate.Everyone is not as fortunate as us. When we spend money, let's just give it a thought. Do I really need what I'm buying? Does it give me any satisfaction? Are these these the things that make me happy? Is my happiness based on what I possess?
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(Lilly -name changed- stays next door to us)
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Harshly critical and straight-from-the-heart comment/ difference of opinions solicitted from all. Please respond with your thoughts on spending.
I'd Specially like to hear from Antares on the web, Blueplush and Romali Roti.
10 comments:
you don't need a comment from me but still i will. i do agree with u on unnevcessary spending but when u can afford then why not. as long as ur spending makes no financial crisis to ur parents then make the best of it. many a times parents earn and expect their kids to spend which in past they haven't.
every coin has two sides...this topic does have its own.
totally agree wit you that we dont even think before spending,while on the other hand there are plenty who die of hunger.But i think its a kind of lifestyle,we've been pushed into,and which nobody wants to question.
Well...these a days...its much obvious that we want what others have...A person having a costly cellphone,or flauting an i-pod----these modern words are more than enough for anyone to want them.
Well,its dependant on an individual too to spend or not to spend.
Being practical,We cant do anything about people who cant afford even the basic necessities of life...all we can do is question our own neceesity....if we need a particular something or not.
another way of looking at it is:
1. you have the cash, does not mean you dont spend, cause its only when you spend that the economy works and people who work get the cash, but cause you got the money does not mean you must be proud of it.
in simple, spend howmuch ever you can, and be humble and respect those that are struggling below you, and who earn only cause you do find movies, or bowling exciting!
Oi!!
where are you
How are you
No mssg,anything
I've commenced blogging again
cheers!
P.s-take care
Well... Hmmmm... Over spending is BAD!! Spending is Not So Bad!! Spending what you dont have is BAD!! and Spending when you cant is well.. out of the question!
This Person or Family in context, needs to live within their limits, all of us learn to do so!
So its not a matter of thinking about it, its reality! I mean all of us do go through bad times, and it should be normal as humans to learn to adapt to the situation? right!
So before we start being judgemental , on how we ought to look at things, we should start accepting reality as it is !!
Hi, that is a good blog. But as you have only asked about spending, I know its okay to spend if you need something. If you'll use it for a long time, go ahead and buy the best your money can buy. If its for medical purposes, spend. If you go to coffee day for coffee and bill your parents without a second thought, thats bad.
Though that money can find greater use and utility in another's hands, the questions of if and how the money reaches the other's hands is better left unanswered now.
Many factors are playing thier role here. A small tweak in one will affect all others.
Heartfelt grattitude to all those of you who have replied and put forth your views. It's a complicated issue. Thanks for voicing your opinions and comment in future.
Hey. Landed here from gaane's blog.
Nice post but I agree with what a lot of people have said. Sometimes you need new clothes, sometimes you need new things. We're debating about the difference between need and luxury. Luxuries differ from class to class. A wrist watch is a luxury for a sweeper, it is a necessity for a officer.
It's really sad that Lily doesn't have the money she needs. She is obviously doing her best but when the flow of income is low then there isn't much she can do. What she CAn actually do is look for aid. Colleges and schools do help the needy, churches give scholarships, social organisations help the needy. Of course the girl will have to make do with second hand clothes and what not, but finally it is education which matters.
Talking about us, we do live in a society where status symbols determine your position in it. I'm not saying that recklessly sepending money is a good thing. Yes of course, it's not necessary. But tell those people who have money and are desperately looking for some acceptance. Money is how a lot of us choose to get it, be it new clothes, new hairstyles, new gadgets and gizmos. If we can stop it we should. But can we?
Whoa this is long. Sorry for bugging you :)
Am loving the template btw. Go FIFA!
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