Comments on: Defining Poverty

By: Thor

Thor — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 18:27:14 +0000

Great post!!! I think having conversations about money is really important. I also think having both people involved in financial decisions, even if one is more financially informed, is key to making large and small decisions. It has certainly helped ease some of my money arguments.

By: beautyoftheyear

beautyoftheyear — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 17:17:17 +0000

Geesh. I totally understand the student loan idea. I've racked up about the amount of a luxury vehicle. Damn, I'm scared to open up a Sallie Mae envelope. Student loan interest shouldn't be so high. beautyoftheyear´s last blog post...Fashion, Fucking and Feelings

By: Me Thinks

Me Thinks — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 14:51:54 +0000

The money issue is a tremendous stressor in marriages. My ex racked up a lot of debt for us, it took on a life of its own. I am proud to say 2 1/2 years after divorce I am totally debt-free with exception of the approx 70% financed mortgage on my house, I’ve built up a retirement fund and have a credit rating of 815. Its like being a lifetime away from where we were.

I learned a lot on how to manage my finances by being “broke” and it took a lot of hard work and discipline. But anyone can research the advice they give you with debt management and find ways to improve their situation.

Definitely it is a subject to broach in any serious relationship. I’m surprised how clueless people are, my ex-BF actually made over $200k a year but still had debt that he effectively never paid off, he was a total moron with money. Huge red flag.

By: NewWrldYankee

NewWrldYankee — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:53:24 +0000

I am so glad you both are participating! The more the better, IMO. You're right, student loans are a hell to pay off, and the interest rates are crazy. I can't even always apply for a govt student loan like Sallie Mae, because of studying internationally - my school is just too lazy to worry about things like that. NewWrldYankee´s last blog post...Dealing with Authority - American v. European, part I School

By: lisaq

lisaq — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 11:36:25 +0000

It's a difficult conversation to have but definitely one you have to have. I've lived both in poverty and beyond my means and I think the first definitely impacted the second. Now that I finally have my ducks in a row, it's easy to see that. The other thing to think about, in regard to dating and poverty, is that people in poverty view relationships differently. People in poverty, and even in wealth, view relationships very differently than those of us living somewhere in the middle. It's a whole different mindset. Good to know if you are interacting with people from all different walks of life. lisaq´s last blog post...But Will I Even Like You When I’m Sober?