I want I want I want

I just finished reading an article about the rebates that will be going out to people starting on Monday, a week earlier than projected. What I found more interesting were the comments people made on the article.

They were excitedly awaiting their money so they could buy the things they want. Among the list were trips, new furniture, shopping sprees and the like. It would be interesting to know how many among them had debt they were not paying on. How many had credit card debt that they were making minimum payments , medical bills not paid, bills sitting in collections ruining their credit.

Many of the comments were complaints from people about how the money was being distributed. It is being released on a schedule that goes by the last two digits in your social security number. Of course the angry people were the ones who will get theirs toward the end. Instead of seeing some financial relief coming they are irritated because they are last. No one wants to be last. Have to get that money fast so it can be spent fast. Instead of being happy they have something coming they'd rather bitch about how it's being done. Sounds like spoiled children if you ask me.

It's no wonder our government is in a financial mess. They suffer from the very thing that most Americans suffer from. Entitlement. "I want this therefore I should have it" syndrome. Why should we expect the government to be any different than many of the people in this country.

I read an article the other day that gave some American debt statistics. Home equity debt and credit card debt has risen about 10% in the first quarter of this year. What is being put into this debt is changing. More of the credit card debt is food and gas. That is scary. That is saying people are living beyond their means to the point of not really being able to afford the necessities.

Now some of you might look at that and say it's because jobs aren't paying well and prices are going up. There is some truth to that. But the real reason most people are in debt is because they don't live within their means and make bad choices with their money. Giving them more money wont help because they will just continue to use those bad habits on whatever other money they receive. I heard someone say one time that you don't solve money problems with more money. I couldn't agree more.

It amazes me how many people steal and do not call it stealing. I personally know people who have run up credit card debt because they knew they were going to file bankruptcy anyway. That is stealing. Everyone one of the people who DO pay their bills help cover the cost of those losses to the companies. So when you screw a company, you are also screwing your family and friends.

I sometimes find myself wondering when cells phones, cable and Internet became more important than honoring debts. When did they become necessities in life. I've known people who let debt hit their credit report and receive threats of having utilities shut off but heaven forbid they pay those things before TV, Computer and the all mighty Cell Phone.

Why am I venting about all this? I guess I'm just tired of listening to selfish undisciplined people complain about money. At least the ones that are where they are because they chose poorly and have no desire to be different. The comments at the end of that article really set me off.

People are "bound" because of what they allow themselves to do financially. They want their "things". There is so much freedom in being at least somewhat free of debt. Then if hard times do hit, they can tighten up a little and still survive.

Note: I am not talking about people who are in or near poverty level incomes. I know they have a struggle. My heart goes out to those in that situation.

Okay...rant over..... for now.