I’m sure that there are poor souls that really can’t do ANYTHING to improve their situation at all. It takes all their available, time, energy, creativity, income, etc. just to survive. None of their resources ever goes to anything other than survival needs, and any additional stresses will mean their end.

Trent should NOT write articles for these people because they will never be able to read his articles. They could never spare the time, and they certainly wouldn’t have the luxury of a computer or internet access.

However, for everyone else- and I think that encompases ALL of Trent’s readers: We aren’t on the razor’s edge of survival and we have at least some options.

You may not like some of those options, like buying 2nd hand clothes or cutting cupons, or buying in bulk. You don’t have to use these option and you can still follow the spend less than you earn rule… However you will have to earn a bit more or be satisfied with less material goods.

Priswell makes a good point- for many people using these options are good trade offs. Why not try some out before declaring them useless?

-Rick Francis

It is a systemic issue that energetic, intelligent, attractive, healthy and/or lucky people have a better chance at advancing in life, regardless of their beginnings, and people whose parents or grandparents gave them advantages of education, inheritance, connections, etc., also have a better chance. Even if you could succeed in trading all that in for a system that strictly enforced “equality,” some people, the enforcers and their connections, would soon be more equal than everyone else.

These systemic issues can’t be solved by individual efforts, or by collective efforts either, for that matter. But as individuals, we have more control over our own efforts than anything else, so that’s the obvious place to start if you have a goal of improving your life. Every time Trent brings that up, it seems to push some people’s buttons. Not sure why.

Trent, like everyone else in the world, is limited to some degree in the scope of his understanding by his culture, age and personal experiences, but the points he makes, even if limited, are useful to the vast majority of his potential readers even if some will find it harder to apply them than others.

#7 – “Buying second hand clothing, doing things yourself when you can, buying in bulk to maximize unit prices, using coupons, etc.” requires me to have the time and the know-how to learn and do those things myself. Buying in bulk (or good quality that lasts) requires you to have cash on hand and a place to store it (though I did like the idea of having a group of people who will share the bulk items, that requires time to set up). Where I live, coupons require you to have a computer/internet connection/printer or a newspaper subscription. I can’t speak to 2nd hand clothing, as I have enough trouble finding clothing first hand and can’t imagine what level of time investment would be required to get it elsewhere.

#3 – I agree, it is a great post for some people. But it claims to be for all. Which really pushed my button this time. Not sure why.

There are systemic issues in our society, and it can’t all be fixed by individual efforts.

/sarcasm.

With the post “A Dose of Financial Reality” from a few weeks ago, I thought we might be turning a corner toward more research and less navel gazing. I guess not.

Spend less than you earn can be really tough in the when you’re old, sick, under-educated (to the point at which pulling up with bootstraps doesn’t work because you’re missing the boots and the straps in the first place), tied by family commitments, etc.

Disclaimer – I’m white, educated, in good health, strong relationship, employed, hh income in the six figures. So yes, I’m the target demo. But I know I’m privileged.

Plus, there has been some really interesting research on self-control lately and its relationship to being stressed and tired and hungry.

Suze Orman does a decent job of wanting people ot delve into why they overspend and getting control of your life/emotions along with your finances.

For me, I’ve realized that I have what I need and it’s almost a challenge for me to spend money. Especially on big ticket items. My car and computer are very old, and I probably should buy new ones. But I think, will this really make me happier? And I think, I’m plenty happy! So I don’t spend.

Small ticket items I really struggle to spend as much as I budget to spend. Clothes, games, books, etc. I have been coming in way under what I’m alloted lately and don’t want to accumulate more “junk”.

Vacations are about the only place I can blow my budget in the last few years. And “travel” is starting to bring diminishing returns due to the hassle of airports/flying these days. Ruins the whole trip, nearly.

Since I can’t get into spending money, I save. Lots. And what I’m saving for, I don’t know. I think I need to spend more time with Trent’s action item here:

“Figure out the big things you want in life”

Not an easy thing to figure out sometimes!