"-L." > writes:

>It's a huge problem in our society. People aren't willing to trade in
>their posh lifestyles and live within their means

My husband and I just bought our first house, and were amazed that
even though an estimated 22,000 people are flooding into town (soldiers
transferred near here or back from Iraq, mostly) no one wanted this
house. Our realtor was ecstatic we bought it, even at the obviously
reduced price. Turns out no one wants a 3-bedroom anymore, everyone
wants a McMansion with 4 stories and a Hummer in the driveway, even if
they don't make enough to afford it.

>But I'm extremely frugal, I guess. I'm not a consumer. I don't care
>about "things" - I just want to be comfortable and afford to "do"
>rather than "have".

My vice is music and movies, and kitchen appliances if needed.
Otherwise I don't like to buy stuff. I was cranky all day yesterday
buying curtains. We need curtains, I just didn't want to have to buy
any!

Stacia