Do you ever feel poor even when you aren't?
By youdontsay
@youdontsay (3497)
United States
May 29, 2008 7:12pm CST
I really have no cause to complain about money, not really. We have enough to eat, clothes to wear, a large and comfortable place to live. Our bills are paid on time. We have medical insurance that helps with our health care and medications. So what's my problem?
For some reason lately I've been more focused on what I don't have than on what I do have. I'm retired, had to retire for health reasons, and retirement income is considerably less than half of what my working income was. So I don't have as much financial freedom as I used to. But I'm not really poor, not by a long shot when you compare my life with the rest of the world.
But gasoline is twice as much as it was, so I'm not going as many places or as often as I'd like. And I can't afford to pay people to do the hard cleaning tasks that I can no longer do, so it goes undone. I've not spent money on household upkeep so there are things that are starting to look really worn - furniture, kitchen and bathroom counters, stuff like that.
I'm having trouble adjusting to the limitations of both my physical activity and my finances. But when I think about it I feel like I'm whining. After all, most of the world's people don't live nearly as comfortably and safely as I. I can't stand whining. So I'm pretty disgusted with myself when I even think that way.
What do you do to combat your own whining?
3 people like this
22 responses
@alienstar (5142)
• India
31 May 08
When things are going wronmg and we feel depreseed in life when thsoe bad things keep extendinga dn one does feel left out and poor in thsoe conditions and it is natural phenomenon to occur in anyone's life isnt it? only thing is, one has to be ioptimistic in life to go with time and thsi will help him out in any circumstances
@youdontsay (3497)
• United States
31 May 08
You're right. We have to overcome it with optimism.
Good luck to you. 
1 person likes this
@knightrider (1083)
• India
31 May 08
i never felt that i am poor because i know there r so many people who cannot even afford a day's meal .i feel thankful to god that i have what i have and i hope i will be able to do my bit to help others.
2 people like this
@youdontsay (3497)
• United States
31 May 08
I'm sure you will find many ways to help others. Life is full of those opportunities. And that helps me feel wealthy, when I help others with whatever I have.
Life is full of those opportunities. And that helps me feel wealthy, when I help others with whatever I have.1 person likes this
@Lauraleigh99 (4718)
• United States
30 May 08
I always feel like I am struggling but everything is paid on time so I should be thankful! I work fulltime and then parttime on the internet and my husband just got done going to college to better his education. So being the only one working is tough. I just can't afford any extra luxeries until he finds a job, which I hope is soon!! So I am very fortunate we can make it on my income because there are a lot of other people who have much worse situations
@youdontsay (3497)
• United States
31 May 08
You are right - it could be much worse.
I hope your husband finds a job he likes really soon. It isn't easy these days.
I'm interested in what you do "parttime on the internet". Maybe it is something I could do at home.
I hope your husband finds a job he likes really soon. It isn't easy these days.
I'm interested in what you do "parttime on the internet". Maybe it is something I could do at home.1 person likes this
@5mayday (1053)
• Norway
30 May 08
I do feel poor because I still a high school student and dont have part time job. I dont get much money from my parents and I sometimes help my dad on the restaurant he own and they will pay me, so there is where I get some money from to buy my bus card and maybe food and clothes. But ofcourse they support me if I need money to something else or so. But I am trying to find a summer job now and going to a interview on next monday, I hope it will go well.
2 people like this
@youdontsay (3497)
• United States
31 May 08
Good luck on your job interview! Summer jobs are hard to find this year.
There are things young people can do to earn a little money if they are willing to work for it. For instance, we can't find anyone in our neighborhood willing to cut our grass or shovel snow in winter for $5. Our yard takes maybe 20 minutes to mow. We buy the gas. But the kids don't think it is worth the effort.
We used to have kids come to the door and ask if they could do those things. When I was a kid we did whatever we could for whatever we could earn. I remember collecting wire coat hangers and selling them back to the neighborhood dry cleaners. We collected bottles to return for their deposit. Neither of those options are available anymore. But you could recycle aluminum cans. It is a lot of work for a little money. And a little money is better than none, I always say. If you don't have a job, you have the time. Think creatively. What could you do for someone? Walk the dog? Babysit? Clean cars? Deliver papers? When people see how ambitious you are they will start thinking of you when they see a job is available.
Go for it!
1 person likes this
@Dorislee (209)
• China
30 May 08
Yeah, I should admit, the major reason is that I'm not really rich though I am not lack of necessary money. So sometimes when I got out seeing somebody spending money generously, or buying some precious products without lightly arching a brow, or driving a very beatiful, famouse brand car....that moment, I really felt that I was a real poor person in the world.
@youdontsay (3497)
• United States
31 May 08
I don't know that I've ever wanted to be a "big spender." I've always been kind of tight with my money. But with the rising prices the tightness is getting more uncomfortable. Also, maybe it is because the tightness is being imposed on me rather than me choosing it!
Aha, that old independent/stubborn streak. 
1 person likes this
@chechuva (1275)
• Philippines
30 May 08
me too, i don't have any reasons to worry about money, since my parents are the ones whose paying all the bills and buying food and my clothes. they even give me some money when i go out with my friends. but of course im still thinking of having my own money. actually im having a hard time of getting a job. what i just do, is do what i can do to help here in our house. i understand there's a limitation for you. maybe you could ask one of your family or friends to help you out ones in a while. i hope they don't mind helping you. anyway, mylot can also help you earn money, i think better post more discussions, so you could add to your income.
have a nice day!
@youdontsay (3497)
• United States
31 May 08
Thanks for you good wishes. Too bad you don't live in my neighborhood and could volunteer to work for me! You know, at your age it is a good thing to volunteer to help others. Volunteer at some non-profit organization and add the work you do there to your job resume. You will also gain some good references when you look for jobs. Not only will you be helping others, you'll be helping yourself as well.
I'm amazed at how many responses there have been to this discussion. So you are right, myLot can help me earn a little money.
You know, at your age it is a good thing to volunteer to help others. Volunteer at some non-profit organization and add the work you do there to your job resume. You will also gain some good references when you look for jobs. Not only will you be helping others, you'll be helping yourself as well.
I'm amazed at how many responses there have been to this discussion. So you are right, myLot can help me earn a little money.1 person likes this
@danishcanadian (28953)
• Canada
13 Jun 08
There are plenty of things in life that I can not afford, but I'm really not hurting for anything. I could be in a better apartment, but I have a place to live. Considering the conditions that some people live in, I really have NOTHING to complain about.
1 person likes this
@youdontsay (3497)
• United States
14 Jun 08
Isn't it amazing how much we have to be grateful for, and yet there are days when we seem to ignore them and focus on what we lack? I'm working at keeping my focus on what I have rather than what I lack.
That doesn't mean there aren't things I want to have or do that I don't as yet have. It just means that these can be goals to move toward not complaints to bog down into.
Thanks for your comment.
@raijin (10345)
• Philippines
30 May 08
I don't see any reason for me to complain, I live in a third-world country and we live a normal life. I guess I just have to look at those unlucky families that are struggling, for me not to worry about being poor. Poverty is a huge problem here, but I am still happy to say that most of them still find ways to make a living for themselves. I also believe that helping one another is another way to combat poverty, with neighbors sharing what they have to others.
I have friends who are poor, I help to the best possible aide I could give without seeking for anything in return.
@steveniam (25)
• Singapore
30 May 08
It is very human to feel poor especially when you live in a so-called developed economy especially when you see your neighbours have more than what you have.
In fact at one time when I have US$200,000 I am still feeling very poor however after I have loss everything in the stock market and I realise it is not the physical thing you have that determine your wealthyiness but your mind.
Just a thought
steveniam
http://www.tipsforfastweightloss.com
1 person likes this
@youdontsay (3497)
• United States
30 May 08
Absolutely. One way that helps me feel "rich" is to give to my church and to charities/people who need it. No matter how "poor" I think I am, I can always help someone else.
In the long run, what I give returns to me in other ways. So it is very important to how I live.
1 person likes this
@subha12 (18441)
• India
30 May 08
still feel poor many times. its true that when we look into the things we do not have, we feel poor. actually we also get to eat, live in a big house and all. But the problem in the hardship i face in day to day life, and when i see before me how the people are enjoying, it makes me feel poor.
@youdontsay (3497)
• United States
30 May 08
Yes, it is all in how we look at things. It is sometimes challenging to kick ourselves out of the "lack" perspective and to see that we really have abundant blessings.
@steveniam (25)
• Singapore
30 May 08
It's all in your mind. You are poor because in your mind you think you are poor.
steveniam
http://www.tipsforfastweightloss.com
1 person likes this
@grammasnook (1871)
• United States
30 May 08
I would like to touch base on this subject as a working couple. I feel that most of us think that we bust our humps for our whole life working 40/50/80 hours a week,and feel that we should be able to enjoy some of the money we earn. Everytime you turn around there is something new you have to pay for. I am not talking about luxeries either. What is so wrong to want to go out as a family and go to a movie and dinner? Are we just that spoiled that we have always taken this for granted? Is this the way life is suppose to be? I do not know but as all the prices of neccessities rise we are all going to be in the poor house if we are lucky and others will end up living under a bridge.
We have let so many jobs go abroad, heck we even buy lots of our produce from other countries. We rely on the rest of the world for the things we need for survival. Americans are compassionate in the most part and I think that is something to be proud of, but the matter of fact of this whole scenaro is that we like to put on a show.(politicians) We have allowed for us to be the door mat of the world. Where is the help when we need it? Where is the compassion of the other countries for us? Just a few things to ponder!
Have a wonderful day
1 person likes this
@youdontsay (3497)
• United States
31 May 08
You know, after 911 other countries did offer aid and our government turned it down. And I think that happened again after Katrina. It is one thing to be proud of America. But it is unhealthy to be too proud to acknowledge when you need help.
America has parts of its population that live in worse conditions than many third world countries. We have turned our backs on the truly poor in our country. There are Indian Reservations that could use some foreign aid!
People around the world are struggling under the cost of gasoline. We need to get free of dependence on fossil fuels. Some countries are really researching aggressively to find new renewable energy sources. I think we need to, too.
Americans have lost a lot of respect because of the way our leaders have conducted themselves in the world. As individual citizens we are nothing like the image our government creates for us.
Now how did I manage to get on my soap box in this discussion?
@youdontsay (3497)
• United States
7 Jun 08
Absolutely! Just imagine what would happen to the foundation of YOUR house/building if next door they blasted out a hole miles deep? We have this idea that the earth is impervious to humankind. I don't think so!
@grammasnook (1871)
• United States
31 May 08
Okay time for a rant lol ..
I just got finished watching a show ont he discovery channel and yes there is already something out there that will stop the dependency, it is the hydrogen fuel cell. We have about 80 vehicles being tested as we speak, it works on all size engines.
Hubby said something to me tonight and it made so much sence, did anyone ever think the reason for all this crazy weather doesnt have to do with the ozone layer but instead it has to do with all this digging and drilling down miles upon miles whether it is being done in our own back yard or halfway across the world it is changing the core of the earth and causing caos for us.
1 person likes this
@jczvrse (169)
• United States
30 May 08
Yes you are very lucky to be blessed with what you do have as you say many people do not have that advantage. I do however understand where you are coming from, I am kind of in the same boat. When you are able to do the things you want, travel, fix up your place, buy something nice that you really want but can't afford it sure you feel crappy, I mean when your home starts to need repairs and to be fixed up, cleaned properly and you can't do it and can't afford to have it done it makes you sad and upset. You were use to being able to do it, now that is not possible for whatever reason, you are not whining you are stating feelings. I haven't found a solution for myself yet, I just wanted to respond by saying look at all the blessings you do have and don't focus on what you don't or can't have . Vent when you need to but don't stress yourdelf out...God Bless...
1 person likes this
@youdontsay (3497)
• United States
31 May 08
You are right. The venting has helped. And I'm doing a better job of looking more at what I have than what I don't have.
I really am just spoiled! I can't do or have what I did in the past. Poor me 
. So childish! and at my age, too!
. So childish! and at my age, too! @trkrgrl (18)
• United States
30 May 08
I'll admit to feeling poor when I've got a roof over my head and food on the table. my biggest beef is not having health insurance and not being able to have a baby becouse of it. I don't want to go on welfare just to have a baby...I think our society has programmed us into thinking we have to have the latest gagets, the nicest house and car and it's really hard to combat the media that's pounding on us from every side. Carlos Mencia did a skit about this very subject the other night...
1 person likes this
@JBKnutsen (425)
• Northern Mariana Islands
30 May 08
I really feel poor when I have used to much money on WAP on my cellphone..
I don't use more than about $15 on it, maximum a month, I'm only 14, so I haven't got more than $5000, but still, I feel very poor after that...
1 person likes this
@youdontsay (3497)
• United States
31 May 08
For a fourteen-year-old you have a lot of money. Are you saving for your education? That will cost a lot but it will pay off in the long run.
When I was your age I baby-sat for fifty cents an hour. Now babysitters get many times that. Do you have some ways to earn a little extra money?
Keep saving!
@khopkins75 (83)
• United States
30 May 08
I know what you mean, yes at times I do feel poor. I have a home, a car, a job, a family, and my husband makes good money as well. Sometimes I think it's all because I don't appreciate what I do have. I'm working on that though.
@youdontsay (3497)
• United States
31 May 08
Me, too. I'm working on appreciating what I have. This discussion has helped me with that.
Thanks. We can work on it together!
@highflyingxangel (9225)
• United States
30 May 08
I've done the same thing. I feel poor a lot because I can't do the things a lot of other people do. That's usually go out and blow all of my money on ridicously priced things and then do it again a few days later. I've realize though that I'm not poor. I have a home, I have food on the table, I have water, electricity, indoor plumbing and I have a computer. I have things a lot of people don't and I'm grateful for that.
I just stop myself when I start feeling like I have nothing but thinking about what I do have and about what children or families in poorer countries or poorer cities do not have.
1 person likes this
@youdontsay (3497)
• United States
30 May 08
You are so right. It could be worse. I guess my fear is that it WILL be worse and I'll have no control over that.
In comparison with the rest of the world, even my limited and fixed income is in the upper ten percent of average adult incomes worldwide. In that perspective I an wealthy!
@chaime (1152)
• Philippines
30 May 08
Oh yes i do...
Like you we also live somewhat comfortably and generally doesn't want for the basic necessities, but there are times when I feel like were poor specially when there's something I 'want to buy' not necessarily something we need, just want, if you get my drift, but I would think about the coming bills, especially these past months when we've been saving up cause it's tuition fee time from where we are since school here starts June, I stop myself from buying and consider the coming bills
I feel that sometimes I feel sad that I'm not able to buy stuff I want but I comfort myself with the knowledge that money I do not spend on myself gets spent on my children ^_^
@youdontsay (3497)
• United States
31 May 08
Been there! My kids are grown with kids of their own now. So I don't have to financially support them. But I remember lots of "doing without" so my kids could have what they needed and wanted.
I don't know how anyone affords to raise kids these days, especially if they pay tuition for education. I applaud every parent who is determined to give their kids adequate education.
@zenmachado (1617)
• United States
30 May 08
Its a moot point in my case because I feel poor... but because I am poor...
1 person likes this
@jkgao801 (15)
• China
30 May 08
I can felt and understood the situation all of you from the words above, i think that's going to make me unpleasure everyday and effect my life and work ,because so many thing which i liked i can't do it, you konw, it's not a good thing. however, the one thing i was different with you people, that is i don't like complaining and have them under my heart deeply, last do something to make me better. honestly , now i need to buy a house as i'm not working at my family nearby , but i can't afford it now , sometims,i thought about maybe i should change a job for more salaries.
1 person likes this
@youdontsay (3497)
• United States
31 May 08
No matter how small your salary, save a bit of it each payday. Even if it is a little it will eventually add up. And of course you can explore changing jobs. Maybe you need to get more training to get more salary. Whatever it takes, you can do it.
Go for it! And, good luck.
And, good luck.
@youdontsay (3497)
• United States
31 May 08
Isn't it a blessing to be able to support yourself? My income, even though it is limited, does cover my necessities. That is good.
@youdontsay (3497)
• United States
30 May 08
Thanks. I keep looking. If I'm meant to find a legitimate work-at-home opportunity I will.
I keep looking. If I'm meant to find a legitimate work-at-home opportunity I will.