We have some serious income problems but yeah a lot of people waste a lot of money. Big ass trucks and SUVs, eating out, shopping sprees, all the newest bells and whistles, gotta keep up with the Jones.
None of that really matters. The people who can buy big trucks, generally, can afford to. Or at least with debt. Can’t get a $100k car loan if you make minimum wage.
These are all small luxuries that people deserve to have (disagree about trucks, but that’s just an example). Otherwise it’s calling for austerity. Which is something we DON’T need. Not when we have billionaires. If the working class is being asked to tighten their belts, they should instead be looking to the rich who are hoarding the vast majority of wealth.
That being said, we really need to teach young people about finance. It’s completely lacking from modern education: be design. People desperate from credit can’t afford to quit their jobs for a chance at a better one, stand up to their boss, or risk their job by unionizing or demanding safe working conditions.
The boycotts that Totally Won’t Work but pleeeese don’t corporate will do anything to stop you boycotting wouldn’t you like a nice starbucks™ iced mocharina?
Yeah Warren, I’m shitty at being poor but you’re shitty at being rich. Living in a tiny ass house in the middle of BFE and driving old piece of shit cars. Fuck off, dragon.
Haha that is true. For some reason I don’t mind his obscene wealth quite as much as most of them even though on the surface his hoarding is a bit more nonsensical. Maybe it’s because he’s not flaunting his exploitation.
He’s doing what all the “everybody could be rich if they just did X” jackasses do: see some people who don’t have money make bad decisions and generalize it to all people who don’t have money.
Middle aged parents with 2-3 kids and jobs in the $40k to $60k range aren’t going out all the time, buying the latest gadget, buying new cars, etc. They’re scraping by.
They could do some “personal development” if they had the time and energy after working full time and caring for children. But they don’t.
Actually I’d like to see a comparison of the number of people in different income groups who “splurge” on the stuff Buffet is accusing them of versus those who have to “splurge” on an unexpected expense like a medical condition or fixing a broken car or an unexpected home repair. I’m betting people actually end up spending money on the latter way more than the former.
And it’s just disgusting hearing him complain about people using credit cards when he and all the other economic vampires in his cohort have been purposefully restricting wage growth since the 1970s when they introduced credit cards as a trap for young people who expected their quality of life to increase with increasing productivity the way it had for decades before.
According to Buffett, the best investment one can make is in oneself. Enhancing skills and education can boost earning potential significantly. Knowledge and abilities are assets that no one can take away from you.
Relying On Credit Cards
Credit cards can be convenient, but high interest rates can quickly overshadow any benefits if you don’t pay the full balance monthly. Buffett advises against needless spending that could lead to credit card debt.
Frequenting Bars and Pubs
Spending on social activities like drinking at bars can add up. Opting for more affordable social gatherings, like home get-togethers, can help save significantly.
Chasing the Latest Technology
New gadgets may be tempting, but often, last year’s model serves just as well. Buffett himself has a history of sticking to functional rather than flashy tech. It’s important to assess if the latest upgrades genuinely provide added value for the price.
Overspending on Clothes
Buffett, along with other billionaires, leans towards simplicity in his wardrobe. Choosing classic, durable clothes over flashy, expensive brands can result in significant savings.
Buying New Cars
Cars are notorious for their rapid depreciation. Buffett recommends buying pre-owned cars and holding onto them for as long as they’re reliable, instead of falling for the allure of the new models.
Unused Gym Memberships
Buffett promotes an active lifestyle but cautions against unused gym memberships. Free or low-cost fitness routines can be just as effective if regularly practiced.
Unnecessary Subscription Services
Subscription services, if not carefully monitored, can become a financial drain. Review these regularly and cancel those that don’t provide value.
Over-Reliance on Skincare Products
Buffett advises against overusing or needlessly combining skincare products. Finding a simple and effective routine can save both money and your skin.
Regular Nights Out
While socializing is essential, frequent nights out can be a significant expense. Opting for budget-friendly alternatives like home-cooked meals and movie nights can cut costs considerably.
Gambling
While gambling might seem like a shortcut to wealth, Buffett emphasizes the importance of understanding the odds. He urges people to make financial decisions that favor their long-term wealth accumulation, not momentary thrills.
Smoking
Smoking, beyond its health implications, is a costly habit. Quitting can lead to a significant boost in your personal budget.
The list isn’t terrible, but the current cost of developing oneself is getting pretty prohibitive for a lot of folks due to the cost of food and housing. If you’re barely scraping by it’s difficult to go take a class or get a professional certificate for even a couple of hundred bucks.
Yeah, but putting all of them together, assuming each one to be relevant at the same time, that means you already have thousands of disposable income every month.
And taking them individually doesn’t get much better. How many people are gambling? How many people spend that much money on Skincare? How many people who struggle buying a home, buy new cars too often?
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