This is just a PSA to be careful about with whom you talk about money!
I went out to lunch with a girlfriend of mine on Friday. Normally we get along really well, but money is becoming a really sticky issue between us.
She is very, very spendy and is in serious money trouble. They're upside down on their HOUSE (let alone the credit cards, car payment, other loans). I'm honestly scared for them.
Anyway, we were making idle chit chat and complaining about how much time we spent on the phone and I made an offhand comment that I had spent so much time on hold with one of my credit cards that I can now recite the entire spiel (Your call is very important to us...)
She asked was I was waiting so long for, and I told her that I was trying to get them to waive my annual fee. (I had gotten a Mariott Visa last year to take advantage of some of their promos. The card has an annual fee, which they waived for the first year. I refuse to pay annual fees for CCs, so I was calling to either have them waive it or to close the account. They were able to switch my account to another reward card without an annual fee.)
When she heard what I was calling for, she started laughing and said "God, you are so cheap!" The hell??? I'm cheap because I don't pay unnecessary fees?
It was quite an awkward moment. I finally said something like "Why would I pay it if I don't have to?" and the conversation moved on.
I totally regret ever discussing money with her. She's put 2 + 2 together from comments I've made and understands that DH and I are in pretty good shape, and I think it makes her defensive since she ALWAYS feels the need to bring up money!
We stopped at Target after lunch so I could pick up a birthday present for my godson, and I felt ill watching her fill up the cart with stuff she didn't need and couldn't afford. I know I'm not responsible for her behavior, but I felt like I had taken an alcoholic to a bar, you know?
I've learned a lesson--no more discussing money with my friends, no matter how vague the terms!
Apparently I'm "cheap"...
September 10th, 2006 at 05:06 pm
September 10th, 2006 at 06:22 pm
September 10th, 2006 at 06:58 pm
I find talking of money a sure fire way to lose friends..
September 10th, 2006 at 07:15 pm
You didn't say if her laugh was mean or what, but a sense of humor helps in these moments. I have said in that situation, "you laugh, but I'm laughing all the way to the bank." And then smile broadly.
The Target situation would sadden me, too.
September 10th, 2006 at 08:20 pm
Your friend is a textbook example of someone who would benefit more than most from a lesson in Frugal 101.
September 11th, 2006 at 05:06 am
September 11th, 2006 at 09:39 am
September 11th, 2006 at 09:21 pm