I really appreciate your opinions….but when I use my CC for accountability…I do not carry balances. I know many people do out of choice or necessity. But my family also did not believe in having debt so I understand your view. My father built his first home out of salvaged materials from a local theatre and went to damaged freight auctions and resold items for extra cash. You have a valid viewpoint. I need my next book to actually sell so I can avoid falling down the debt hole in the future. One income doesn’t work at least in the USA ❤
I have always been afraid of debt. Very true about Americans in general, but I’ve always lived within my means. And as a teacher to boot. (Terrible wages, and yes, give them gift cards. Way too many mugs. 😊) I Really appreciate your videos on budgeting. We’ll done!
I like my sprouts roasted. I cut them in half toss in olive oil place them cut side down on a sheet pan. Salt them. Put them in a 400-414 degree F until they caramelize and are soft. They are really good just like that or drizzle them with a little balsamic vinegar
You are not wrong in your assessment of the majority of America's financial mindset and reality. To get a mortgage or a loan for a car, it's difficult when you don't have previous debt to "prove you can handle it/pay back the loan" which is so backwards because if you can manage your money without debt, there's a greater chance that you can handle the extra expense of paying back that loan....but American banks make a LOT of their money from interest on debt. The banks don't want people to be debt-free and even from a young age, it feels like culture and media encourage children to get everything they want without concern for the consequence....and if parents don't know and aren't taught how to handle their own money, children just blindly follow. At least once a week I receive mail from credit card companies trying to get me to sign up for another credit card.
I’m American and from my personal experience when I started college credit card companies were on campus practically giving away credit cards so I signed up and then not understanding how it worked went into debt that I took almost 10 years to clear. Now the only debt I have is my home mortgage and even that freaks me out a bit.
I’m just now catching up on everyone’s Vlogmas videos and wanted to say you aren’t wrong about Americans and debt. And the only people who would argue with you are those who are afraid to admit that maybe our system is broken and needs to change or those who are well off and don’t really understand the struggles most Americans are facing. For many, the only way they can pay for college, pay medical expenses and maintain even a lower middle-class lifestyle is by carrying large amounts of debt. Cost of living has increased way faster than pay in the US for decades and it’s increasingly difficult to avoid the debt trap. I fear it will be even worse for the next generation. Even for many of those who try to make all the right choices they may be just one medical emergency away from bankruptcy.
You are absolutely right about debt being an American thing, it totally is. When I started out as a young person, I thought I had no choice but to go into debt....truly, no one seems to buy anything here without using credit. When I finally realized that it was not something that was done in other countries, or even in previous decades, I started to realize that debt was just part of US culture and is not required. And the less money you have, the more you pay for things in the form of higher interest, and it is disgusting. My personal opinion, of course...
I think it’s a very clever marketing strategy given to young people. I often see people who move out and immediately dive straight into debt. It’s so hard for them. Very manipulative of the credit card companies.
I really appreciate your opinions….but when I use my CC for accountability…I do not carry balances. I know many people do out of choice or necessity. But my family also did not believe in having debt so I understand your view. My father built his first home out of salvaged materials from a local theatre and went to damaged freight auctions and resold items for extra cash. You have a valid viewpoint. I need my next book to actually sell so I can avoid falling down the debt hole in the future. One income doesn’t work at least in the USA ❤
Same here in ireland. We can’t live on one wage. Not comfortably anyway!
I have always been afraid of debt. Very true about Americans in general, but I’ve always lived within my means.
And as a teacher to boot. (Terrible wages, and yes, give them gift cards. Way too many mugs. 😊)
I Really appreciate your videos on budgeting. We’ll done!
I like my sprouts roasted. I cut them in half toss in olive oil place them cut side down on a sheet pan. Salt them. Put them in a 400-414 degree F until they caramelize and are soft. They are really good just like that or drizzle them with a little balsamic vinegar
You are not wrong in your assessment of the majority of America's financial mindset and reality. To get a mortgage or a loan for a car, it's difficult when you don't have previous debt to "prove you can handle it/pay back the loan" which is so backwards because if you can manage your money without debt, there's a greater chance that you can handle the extra expense of paying back that loan....but American banks make a LOT of their money from interest on debt. The banks don't want people to be debt-free and even from a young age, it feels like culture and media encourage children to get everything they want without concern for the consequence....and if parents don't know and aren't taught how to handle their own money, children just blindly follow. At least once a week I receive mail from credit card companies trying to get me to sign up for another credit card.
I’m American and from my personal experience when I started college credit card companies were on campus practically giving away credit cards so I signed up and then not understanding how it worked went into debt that I took almost 10 years to clear. Now the only debt I have is my home mortgage and even that freaks me out a bit.
Not all Americans live in debt. We have only car and mortgage payments. I do understand your feelings. Just know not all of us live under debt.
Cabbage, bacon & chestnuts with a fried egg on top = nom!
I’m just now catching up on everyone’s Vlogmas videos and wanted to say you aren’t wrong about Americans and debt. And the only people who would argue with you are those who are afraid to admit that maybe our system is broken and needs to change or those who are well off and don’t really understand the struggles most Americans are facing. For many, the only way they can pay for college, pay medical expenses and maintain even a lower middle-class lifestyle is by carrying large amounts of debt. Cost of living has increased way faster than pay in the US for decades and it’s increasingly difficult to avoid the debt trap. I fear it will be even worse for the next generation. Even for many of those who try to make all the right choices they may be just one medical emergency away from bankruptcy.
It’s so true Colleen. The health and education system is crippling the young and old in the states. Terrifying.
You are absolutely right about debt being an American thing, it totally is. When I started out as a young person, I thought I had no choice but to go into debt....truly, no one seems to buy anything here without using credit. When I finally realized that it was not something that was done in other countries, or even in previous decades, I started to realize that debt was just part of US culture and is not required. And the less money you have, the more you pay for things in the form of higher interest, and it is disgusting. My personal opinion, of course...
I think it’s a very clever marketing strategy given to young people. I often see people who move out and immediately dive straight into debt. It’s so hard for them. Very manipulative of the credit card companies.