i want a big new home. new furnishings, the most up-to-date technology.  i want a new car one that is economical (is there one out there?).  i want an up-to-date wardrobe.  and i want all this for my children too!  and your children.  but here's the thing....i must first pay for and tend to the things i currently have.  some are paid for...like my car for instance.  but guess what?   it must be maintained.  and thankfully we've managed to budget accordingly to pay it off early, and set funds aside to ease the blow when maintenance is necessary.  in addition we try to set aside money because someday i'll have to purchase a new car and i want to be able to pay for it.  same goes for my houses.  only i haven't paid for both of them yet.  and as for the clothes, well many times i've had to make do.  i've worn shirts with stains, pants that were uncomfortable, underwear that were too big/small, bras that were worn out, socks that didn't match and most recently pants that were too big (i bought a belt). 

you see, who doesn't want new.  who doesn't want better? and most want bigger.  but is it smart to buy new & better when what you have still isn't paid for?  when you don't have the funds to pay for what you currently have?  when you're not quite sure on what the bottom line, final cost will be?  well, from those econ classes i've taken, and of course from all i've learned from dave & his financial peace university i'd have to say no. 

if that course in money management, examples from our government, and observing other examples of financial crisis' have taught me anything it would be that sometimes you just can't have what you can't afford. 

i know this ....in most cases if you can't afford what you currently have ....you're often going to be hard pressed to afford newer & better. 

it's a life lesson and a tough one at that.  i know because i was beyond spoiled.  and i prefer to get what i want when i want it.  however, what i want when i want it isn't always in the budget.

....well, unless you want to help me pay for it....not sure how much i'll need from you but as soon as i get all i'm after i'll let you know what you'll need to contribute.