Cannot muster up interest or excitement in hearing about parents' luxurious trip

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I find it so obnoxious that the older generation has so much freaking money compared to their kids, who have had to spend more money and time, are deeper in debt, can barely afford a decent house, etc. It was so much easier to save $$ 30 years ago! My MIL goes on and on about how her paycheck always went straight to savings and lectures us on living paycheck to paycheck. Well guess what, your rent back then was only 1/5 of your income!! That's impossible in a decent, safe, reasonable school area now! You didn't have to go to grad school for the same level job, only to graduate and be paid (when adjusted for inflation) way less! OPs parents have the money for fancy trips, cars, houses BECAUSE their generation has made money OFF OURS! Look at the tuition increases alone. It's obscene.

So yes OP, I wouldn't be excited either.

Stop the envy. It wasn't so damn easy for prior generations and they didn't have an abundance of cash while they were in the throws of child rearing--they also didn't have multiple tvs in their homes, multiple cell phones (likely just one landline phone) they they trade up every time a new model cones out, multiple computers that once again they trade up, multiple meals out a restaurants a week/month, trips to the movie theater every time their favorite star released a new film (complete with snacks and drinks), fancy vacations, cleaning ladies, frequent new cars, etc. it was a more frugal generation so yes, they deserve to enjoy themselves in their retirement.

Wait a second - did you just imply that the Boomers are a frugal generation?!?!

compared to the was people throw money around now, yes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I get you OP.

My parents retired relatively early (mom was 63, Dad was 65) shortly after my Dad's parents died and left him a substantial inheritance. Since then, they have been spending money like there is no tomorrow.
Two brand new luxury cars
Completely renovating there house
Multiple international trips each year, plus other small ones (They are currently on a six week trip to Australia/New Zealand, were in Italy in September, went to the UK in June, and went on a month long cruise around the tip of South America in January/February 2015)

It is frustrating when they start complaining about how "tight" money is for them.

Why is this a problem?

It's a problem because they complain about how money is so tight, yet their spending is out of control.

Are they asking you for money? No? Then pipe down.

Actually yes, they have. They wanted to take my kids on a vacation (not my spouse and I, though) and asked me to contribute. I told her no, because I couldn't afford it. She then said she would not take my kids-- this was after she had told them all about it, showed them pictures and brochures, etc. in he end, my brother, who is extremely kind and generous, gave my parents the money to take my kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I get you OP.

My parents retired relatively early (mom was 63, Dad was 65) shortly after my Dad's parents died and left him a substantial inheritance. Since then, they have been spending money like there is no tomorrow.
Two brand new luxury cars
Completely renovating there house
Multiple international trips each year, plus other small ones (They are currently on a six week trip to Australia/New Zealand, were in Italy in September, went to the UK in June, and went on a month long cruise around the tip of South America in January/February 2015)

It is frustrating when they start complaining about how "tight" money is for them.

Why is this a problem?

It's a problem because they complain about how money is so tight, yet their spending is out of control.

Are they asking you for money? No? Then pipe down.

Actually yes, they have. They wanted to take my kids on a vacation (not my spouse and I, though) and asked me to contribute. I told her no, because I couldn't afford it. She then said she would not take my kids-- this was after she had told them all about it, showed them pictures and brochures, etc. in he end, my brother, who is extremely kind and generous, gave my parents the money to take my kids.

. They weren't asking for money for themselves...for your children's travel expenses. There is a difference.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I get you OP.

My parents retired relatively early (mom was 63, Dad was 65) shortly after my Dad's parents died and left him a substantial inheritance. Since then, they have been spending money like there is no tomorrow.
Two brand new luxury cars
Completely renovating there house
Multiple international trips each year, plus other small ones (They are currently on a six week trip to Australia/New Zealand, were in Italy in September, went to the UK in June, and went on a month long cruise around the tip of South America in January/February 2015)

It is frustrating when they start complaining about how "tight" money is for them.

Why is this a problem?

It's a problem because they complain about how money is so tight, yet their spending is out of control.

Are they asking you for money? No? Then pipe down.

Actually yes, they have. They wanted to take my kids on a vacation (not my spouse and I, though) and asked me to contribute. I told her no, because I couldn't afford it. She then said she would not take my kids-- this was after she had told them all about it, showed them pictures and brochures, etc. in he end, my brother, who is extremely kind and generous, gave my parents the money to take my kids.

Asking for money for their own use, not for your child's. Geez, the sense of entitlement here is staggering.

[Anonymous]

Wow OP you suck. There is always someone richer better smarter more privileged more needy more destitute more handicapped more something. I have seen people slave their whole life to provide for their disadvantaged children and seen them do it with purpose and joy. That may be your lot in life but your mother is not responsible for your choices. You have to live your life and be as happy as you can within those choices. You chose to have kids. Multiple kids. Your parents have spent a long time getting to where they are and they owe you nothing. They owe your children nothing. If you loved your mother you would be happy for her and you would make choices now that would enable you some freedom in your later years. But these are your responsibilities not your mothers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I get you OP.

My parents retired relatively early (mom was 63, Dad was 65) shortly after my Dad's parents died and left him a substantial inheritance. Since then, they have been spending money like there is no tomorrow.
Two brand new luxury cars
Completely renovating there house
Multiple international trips each year, plus other small ones (They are currently on a six week trip to Australia/New Zealand, were in Italy in September, went to the UK in June, and went on a month long cruise around the tip of South America in January/February 2015)

It is frustrating when they start complaining about how "tight" money is for them.

Why is this a problem?

It's a problem because they complain about how money is so tight, yet their spending is out of control.

Are they asking you for money? No? Then pipe down.

Actually yes, they have. They wanted to take my kids on a vacation (not my spouse and I, though) and asked me to contribute. I told her no, because I couldn't afford it. She then said she would not take my kids-- this was after she had told them all about it, showed them pictures and brochures, etc. in he end, my brother, who is extremely kind and generous, gave my parents the money to take my kids.

. They weren't asking for money for themselves...for your children's travel expenses. There is a difference.

On a trip THEY initiated, that THEY talked up to my kids, that THEY said they were paying for, knowing that we couldn't possibly afford it. They were asking me for $4,000 at a time where we literally qualified for (though didn't accept) food stamps! At the same time they were planning additional vacations to Charleston, SC and Boston, Massachusetts (they live in California so both were extensive trips, not just "roadtrip for the long weekend.") You really think that is acceptable?

[Anonymous]

Yes it is acceptable. Take responsibility for your life. You can only control your actions not anyone else's. Your mom has a right to be happy. You have no right to be jealous. She is not there to treat you like a dependent. If you didn't want your kids to go then you shouldn't let them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I just wasted 15 seconds of my life listening to you whine.

Yes, suck it up.

+1

[Anonymous]

"Oh Mom - this sounds so neat. I can only imagine when the day will come that Joe and I can do a trip like that! But then again, you probably felt the same way I do when you had a young family."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes it is acceptable. Take responsibility for your life. You can only control your actions not anyone else's. Your mom has a right to be happy. You have no right to be jealous. She is not there to treat you like a dependent. If you didn't want your kids to go then you shouldn't let them.

You are ridiculous.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I find it so obnoxious that the older generation has so much freaking money compared to their kids, who have had to spend more money and time, are deeper in debt, can barely afford a decent house, etc. It was so much easier to save $$ 30 years ago! My MIL goes on and on about how her paycheck always went straight to savings and lectures us on living paycheck to paycheck. Well guess what, your rent back then was only 1/5 of your income!! That's impossible in a decent, safe, reasonable school area now! You didn't have to go to grad school for the same level job, only to graduate and be paid (when adjusted for inflation) way less! OPs parents have the money for fancy trips, cars, houses BECAUSE their generation has made money OFF OURS! Look at the tuition increases alone. It's obscene.

So yes OP, I wouldn't be excited either.

Stop the envy. It wasn't so damn easy for prior generations and they didn't have an abundance of cash while they were in the throws of child rearing--they also didn't have multiple tvs in their homes, multiple cell phones (likely just one landline phone) they they trade up every time a new model cones out, multiple computers that once again they trade up, multiple meals out a restaurants a week/month, trips to the movie theater every time their favorite star released a new film (complete with snacks and drinks), fancy vacations, cleaning ladies, frequent new cars, etc. it was a more frugal generation so yes, they deserve to enjoy themselves in their retirement.

Wait a second - did you just imply that the Boomers are a frugal generation?!?!

compared to the was people throw money around now, yes.

Are you an idiot? Do you think our generation wants to upgrade every year to the latest phone, iPad, laptop, etc. don't you realize that they don't work well if you don't upgrade? That your work hinges on them (but often work doesn't pay for them), and you are pretty much forced to upgrade? Yet another way your generation, corporate execs, are making money off ours. Even the tv! I can't not have cable or Netflix or something, I get two channels otherwise. Wheb you were in your 20s and 30s you had the option of free tv! Your big phone expense back then was how many minutes you spent on long distance ? It's a totally different, more expensive and complicated world now. We have expenses and bills your generation never dreamed of. Well actually they did, they created all these extras, slowly made them essentials and then raked in the $$$

I sit in my college classes at U of MD and listen to the upperclassmen talk about 17% chance of a job when they graduate. Wtf. So they'll graduate with 4 years of debt, be unable to get a job or the job they'll get will pay like $45,000 which is crap and not enough to live on these days. So then they'll think grad school (which is also pretty much a necessity now, thank you boomer generation), so 2-4 more years of school and even greater debt. They won't be able to start saving for retirement until they're 50.

I think most of my generation "throws money around" because you get to
a place where you realize it's all just impossible. Just charge everything in life and think about something else. Don't bother with health care (until ObamaCare thank god), because who can afford that. Never mind dental and vision.

Whatever. Boomer generation, you screwed us. So F you and your fancy trips. You should be taking your kids on trips. You should be buying them cars and helping them with mortgages. Their financial burden is due to you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I find it so obnoxious that the older generation has so much freaking money compared to their kids, who have had to spend more money and time, are deeper in debt, can barely afford a decent house, etc. It was so much easier to save $$ 30 years ago! My MIL goes on and on about how her paycheck always went straight to savings and lectures us on living paycheck to paycheck. Well guess what, your rent back then was only 1/5 of your income!! That's impossible in a decent, safe, reasonable school area now! You didn't have to go to grad school for the same level job, only to graduate and be paid (when adjusted for inflation) way less! OPs parents have the money for fancy trips, cars, houses BECAUSE their generation has made money OFF OURS! Look at the tuition increases alone. It's obscene.

So yes OP, I wouldn't be excited either.

Such BS if I've ever heard....No they learned to save money for houses with the intent of paying them off. Didn't use them as atm's like most do today. They valued security and home ownership over cable, Iphones, latest computers, suv's, etc.

We live in the cheapest country compared to others. If you can live within your means or below, shows you didn't manage your money well regardless of education.

They are retired and worked hard for their money, OP should be happy and proud of them!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I find it so obnoxious that the older generation has so much freaking money compared to their kids, who have had to spend more money and time, are deeper in debt, can barely afford a decent house, etc. It was so much easier to save $$ 30 years ago! My MIL goes on and on about how her paycheck always went straight to savings and lectures us on living paycheck to paycheck. Well guess what, your rent back then was only 1/5 of your income!! That's impossible in a decent, safe, reasonable school area now! You didn't have to go to grad school for the same level job, only to graduate and be paid (when adjusted for inflation) way less! OPs parents have the money for fancy trips, cars, houses BECAUSE their generation has made money OFF OURS! Look at the tuition increases alone. It's obscene.

So yes OP, I wouldn't be excited either.

Stop the envy. It wasn't so damn easy for prior generations and they didn't have an abundance of cash while they were in the throws of child rearing--they also didn't have multiple tvs in their homes, multiple cell phones (likely just one landline phone) they they trade up every time a new model cones out, multiple computers that once again they trade up, multiple meals out a restaurants a week/month, trips to the movie theater every time their favorite star released a new film (complete with snacks and drinks), fancy vacations, cleaning ladies, frequent new cars, etc. it was a more frugal generation so yes, they deserve to enjoy themselves in their retirement.

Exactly. In 2005 when the bubble happened we saw all those people that lived above their means get hit the hardest. We know many that are still renters who lost their houses. All the ones we knew were heavily mortgaged in homes that they shouldn't have bought. Took out equity, bought 40k suv's and lived a champagne life on a beer budget.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My parents just got back from a three-week trip to (leaving out details just in case). Meanwhile, my DH and I are in the weeds - have been for years -- with two young kids, two careers, a few SNs thrown in there with 1-2 of the kids, watching our pennies, etc. Nothing crazy, but you know, like how a lot of young busy families are around here. I am so exhausted I just feel like I can not muster up excitement to hear all that my mom will want to chatter on to me about with her trip. Do I just have to suck it up and do it anyway? Help?

9

You're just jealous.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I find it so obnoxious that the older generation has so much freaking money compared to their kids, who have had to spend more money and time, are deeper in debt, can barely afford a decent house, etc. It was so much easier to save $$ 30 years ago! My MIL goes on and on about how her paycheck always went straight to savings and lectures us on living paycheck to paycheck. Well guess what, your rent back then was only 1/5 of your income!! That's impossible in a decent, safe, reasonable school area now! You didn't have to go to grad school for the same level job, only to graduate and be paid (when adjusted for inflation) way less! OPs parents have the money for fancy trips, cars, houses BECAUSE their generation has made money OFF OURS! Look at the tuition increases alone. It's obscene.

So yes OP, I wouldn't be excited either.

Actually, it wasn't so much easier. I remember my mom up for hours at night, trying to figure out how she could pay all of the bills. All of her clothes fit in one small closet. She scrimped and saved and planned and juggled to make ends meet. So if she and my dad want to take fancy trips now that they are retired and have worked their whole lives for those savings, more power to them. I mean, you can make whatever generalizations you want about a given generation, but we're not talking about people in general, we're talking about your own parents. Do you really resent your parents because they have more money than you? After working their whole lives for it? Do you not think that they were living paycheck to paycheck when they started out, too?

And you can't be happy for your parents because they got to take a nice trip? That's really, really, really sad.