Money and Friendships

Do You Have a Materialistic Friend?

February 22, 2011

Friends are a big influence in people's lives, and their spending can affect yours, too. MSN Money named a few types of these big-spender friends, which range from the "oh, come on, you deserve it" pal to the "pusher" friend. I have friends who spend a lot more than I do, but I deal with the situation by not shopping with them. If money is putting a strain on your friendship, there's nothing wrong with being honest about it with your pal.

There are plenty of activities you can do with your materialistic friend that won't hurt your wallet. Do you have a friend who spends a lot of money on luxury goods or activities?

Photo courtesy of The CW

5 Comments

nomnom 2 years 12 weeks

I think everyone has "that friend." I just finished my B.A. and a lot of my friends are students living on loan money. I'm always surprised at the nice cars, food and clothes some of my student friends are able to afford. The key with friends who are comfortable spending more than you is to not get jealous or offer too much unsolicited advice. Even though I may know some info about close friends' finances- how much their rent is, approximately how much they make- there are probably other factors I don't know about. I try to give them the benefit of the doubt and not be too judgmental. But I hate saying I can't afford to go out all the time! I don't want to get a reputation for being cheap :( I try inviting people over for dinner instead of going out to a bar or restaurant.

amber512 2 years 12 weeks

While I don't have friends with big money, almost everyone I know lives beyond their means.

Emily Co 2 years 12 weeks

Your approach is great. I have to remind myself that my friends are only human and aren't perfect, so I can't expect them to have the same attitudes towards money.

RoaringSilence 2 years 12 weeks

There's no one who really has a whole lot of money to spend in my circle of friends, but I do have some friends and acquaintances who live well beyond their means and constantly wonder why they're always broke. Those people think it is absolutely justified for them to get a brand new car, to constantly upgrade their gigantic TVs, or to eat out more than they cook at home (even though at least one of them is a stay at home person). I sometimes mention to them in a nice way that they would have no trouble paying their bills if the only changed their lifestyles slightly, but this mostly falls on deaf ears. I usually avoid the subject now, I don't pay much attention when they complain about being broke, and I certainly do not feel bad for them at all.

RoaringSilence 2 years 12 weeks

Link Love

5 Comments

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