Bankers are doing it to themselves.

[Chugnut]

That's like blaming dealers for supplying the junkies. The junkies want the drugs!

We - you Mitch, me, your friends, everyone - wanted the cheap credit. Lashings of it so we could buy overpriced houses, new cars, high-end gadgets and dine at Gordon Ramsays.

Not all of us deano, but I do wonder how exposed the average person is.

I've noticed an awful lot of spangly, top of the range motors being driven around where I live, out in the sticks. How many have actually been paid for? They can't all be company cars as the industry isn't here. Maybe everyone's leasing them? I reckon bangernomics land is safer ground myself.

The point is that there seems to be a widespread perception of wealth based on such indicators, and yet so many folk seem to be cacking themselves immediately at the prospect of being out of work for more than a month. Do they have rainy day funds, and how long will they last?

[sasguru]

Not all of us deano, but I do wonder how exposed the average person is.

I've noticed an awful lot of spangly, top of the range motors being driven around where I live, out in the sticks. How many have actually been paid for? They can't all be company cars as the industry isn't here. Maybe everyone's leasing them? I reckon bangernomics land is safer ground myself.

The point is that there seems to be a widespread perception of wealth based on such indicators, and yet so many folk seem to be cacking themselves immediately at the prospect of being out of work for more than a month. Do they have rainy day funds, and how long will they last?

Good point. The stupid "keeping up with Jones" aspirational lifestyle is to blame for much of our current woes. What makes people so insecure that driving a large car on credit is necessary to maintain their sense of self-worth?

[PM-Junkie]

Good point. The stupid "keeping up with Jones" aspirational lifestyle is to blame for much of our current woes. What makes people so insecure that driving a large car on credit is necessary to maintain their sense of self-worth?

Ah, and now we get down to the core social force that drives the capitalist system. Solve that one and you will indeed be rich!

[Cyberman]

Ah, and now we get down to the core social force that drives the capitalist system. Solve that one and you will indeed be rich!

That's precisely why we are a rich nation. If we were a socialist nation we would all be much poorer. Unfortunately, New Lies' aspirations are socialist and thus our current levels of crippling taxation and debt, personal and national !! We need a Tory government, and quickly.

[Chugnut]

Good point. The stupid "keeping up with Jones" aspirational lifestyle is to blame for much of our current woes. What makes people so insecure that driving a large car on credit is necessary to maintain their sense of self-worth?

Do you think it really is that widespread and it matters so much to so many? If so, a lot of people are going to have a pretty rude awakening over the next few years.

Years back I had an expensive car, and the depreciation when I got rid far outweighed the enjoyment it gave. Since then I've not really been keen to bite again. I'm now of the opinion that it's one thing being able to buy one, but another issue totally whether you can afford to write-off the hundreds or thousands in ownership costs. Not many feel the need to brag about the latter point, but plenty do the former it seems.

In all seriousness, I wonder if lusting after other people possessions occurs more in towns where you can see the aforementioned Joneses new car on their driveway or their new home cinema system being delivered. Months could go by without my noticing if my neighbours had a new car! What you can't see, you don't covet maybe?

[AlfredJPruffock]

Do you think it really is that widespread and it matters so much to so many? If so, a lot of people are going to have a pretty rude awakening over the next few years.

Years back I had an expensive car, and the depreciation when I got rid far outweighed the enjoyment it gave. Since then I've not really been keen to bite again. I'm now of the opinion that it's one thing being able to buy one, but another issue totally whether you can afford to write-off the hundreds or thousands in ownership costs. Not many feel the need to brag about the latter point, but plenty do the former it seems.

In all seriousness, I wonder if lusting after other people possessions occurs more in towns where you can see the aforementioned Joneses new car on their driveway or their new home cinema system being delivered. Months could go by without my noticing if my neighbours had a new car! What you can't see, you don't covet maybe?

All is vanity.

As my Father used to say when he detected Vanity taking over 'Theres nobody looking at you.' and he was right .

And theres nobody looking at you either bud - so best drop all that flash nonsense.

Dutch proverb 'Just be normal - because thats crazy enough'.

PS Ive got a bike - you can ride it if you like

its got a basket and a bell to make it look good

Id give it to you if I could - but I borrowed it ..

[Mich the Tester]

Dutch proverb 'Just be normal - because thats crazy enough'.

[/I]

Doe normaal, dan doe je al gek genoeg.

It’s a Dutch characteristic that can be both charming and frustrating depending on the context.

[Cyberman]

Do you think it really is that widespread and it matters so much to so many? If so, a lot of people are going to have a pretty rude awakening over the next few years.

Years back I had an expensive car, and the depreciation when I got rid far outweighed the enjoyment it gave. Since then I've not really been keen to bite again. I'm now of the opinion that it's one thing being able to buy one, but another issue totally whether you can afford to write-off the hundreds or thousands in ownership costs. Not many feel the need to brag about the latter point, but plenty do the former it seems.

In all seriousness, I wonder if lusting after other people possessions occurs more in towns where you can see the aforementioned Joneses new car on their driveway or their new home cinema system being delivered. Months could go by without my noticing if my neighbours had a new car! What you can't see, you don't covet maybe?

I only renew when I need to. My previous car I had for almost 20 years before I had it towed away, and my current I have had for 8 years from new. I never base my buying decisions on other people and I have now lived in the same house for 21 years.
Chopping and changing gets expensive and I would rather not work than work just to pay taxes and buy unnecessary luxury goods that depreciate quickly and pack up due to low quality. My Lloytron TV just packed up after 24 years and my other is also a portable that cost about 80 Euros in Ireland. We would have had a recession long before now if everybody was a frugal as me !!