Money (Pink Floyd)

I find myself attracted to watching the wide variety of TV shows about people that have debt problems. They have been popping up a lot faster than that money tree I planted. I am simultaneously fascinated and disgusted by the people on these shows. How can they possibly buy so much crap, and not feel bad, or if they do feel bad, not stop the madness? Aren't their lives fulfilling enough without the excess material possessions?

Money, get away
Get a good job with good pay and you're okay
Money, it's a gas
Grab that cash with both hands and make a stash
New car, caviar, four star daydream
Think I'll buy me a football team

Granted, some of them are caught in bad cycles. They might, for example, go into debt for student loans, and then don't make enough money at their current employment to pay back the loans back and live comfortably.

Money, get back
I'm all right jack keep your hands off of my stack
Money, it's a hit
Don't give me that do goody good bullshit
I'm in the high-fidelity first class traveling set
And I think I need a lear jet

Part of my frustration with these shows is that I find it very fulfilling to save money and not be in debt. This is perhaps a nicer way of saying that I'm frugal. I take comfort in knowing that I could afford to not work for a little while, or take a big vacation wherever I want, and that I don't have to worry about making a large purchase if I feel it's valid. I tend to say that I'm savings towards the vague goal of a house, but really, I'm just saving.

I could write a book on saving money, but I struggle with a few facts.

1. Isn't it kind of wrong to sell books to people that have problems with over-spending?

   Step 1: Quit buying so much stuff. Oh, except this book, buy this book first, then quit buying so much stuff.

2. The items that you could save money on by giving up (car, cell, starbucks, flat panel tv) might be the very staples of your life
   
   
3. Once you turn on the part of your brain that tells you not to spend, it can be hard to turn back on.

Money, it's a crime
Share it fairly but don't take a slice of my pie
Money, so they say
Is the root of all evil today
But if you ask for a raise its no surprise that they're
Giving none away