According to a USA Today article about debt, 78% of Baby Boomers have mortgage debt, 59% have credit card debt, and 56% have car payments. It takes a lot of will, discipline, courage and help to slay the debt monster. But it can be done. Imagine how much you could put toward retirement if you just didn't have a stinking car payment? This is how the wealthy really build their wealth. Debt is dumb. Welcome to the real world. Dave Ramsey
This is my generation. My people. How did we get here and what does it mean?
More importantly, what have we taught our kids and grandkids? We live on a modest income, I have told the grandkids when they ask why poppa and I don't have a dog, nana can spend her money on you or a dog...pretty much ends the conversation.
I like the idea of every generation working for the things they want. The Fun Run at Gage's school on Friday was to raise money for playground equipment. They are in a new school and have none. If each kid could get $25 in sponsor money, they will have a new playground next fall. This year, they started the school year with no grass. No grass isn't a big deal until you don't have any or worse, see green stuff growing but also see DON'T PLAY ON THE GRASS! signs every 3 feet.
Between the many Gage fans in the family, he will more than bring his share of the money. Next year when his brother and sister join them at the school, he will tell them he paid for the swing they are on or the piece that they are climbing on and he will be right. Will drive them crazy but he will be right. There is Something to be proud of when you have sacrificed and worked hard to achieve a financial goal. Mayb ewe Big People should run laps and collect money before we buy a new car. Maybe a yard sale to cover escrow costs when we want to buy a new home.
Money will always be an issue in whatever season of life you are in. The trick is to be in control of it instead of it controlling you. Took me a long time to learn that lesson but being a baby boomer and having a mortgage just doesn't make good sense to me...
