Perspectives and Priorities 2010-2011

[RedRyder]

This information was in my insurance packet. I feel like it was to shut up those that were complaining about cost increases. I could be wrong.

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NATIONALLY: 60% of all personal bankruptcies are caused by soaring medical costs. 76% of those were filed by individuals who had health insurance that just wasn't good enough - they accumulated so much in out-of-pocket expenses (co-pays, deductibles, and excluded services) that they went bankrupt despite having health insurance (Harvard University)

WHILE AT THE SAME TIME:

Halloween spending was up 17.7% this year compared to last year. In total, Americans spent $5.8 billion on Halloween (National Retail Federation)

Having spent slightly more on Valentine's Day, Easter and even St. Patrick's Day this year, consumers are continuing the trend and will spend a little bit more on mommy dearest as well. Total spending is expected to reach $14.6 billion. (National Retail Federation)

Cosmetics and Toiletries in the U.S. up by 2.4% to $36.5 billion in 2010 (Market Researchers Kline & Co.)

The practically recession-proof hair salon and spa industry has achieved an estimated $50 billion in annual sales (Valuation.com)

Americans also spend more than $40 billion a year on getting skinny (Fitness Magazine)

Pet spending does not appear to be slowing. Industry estimates indicate spending will grow by another 5.9 percent to $34.3 billion. (American Pet Products Manufacturers Association)

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Well..... What do you think of this?

 

[Alien Allen]

It just shows how people make decisions.

Kind of interesting if ya ask me.

I equate it to the person who is broke and out of a job but somehow has a cell phone and other stuff. Just my opinion.

Carry on

 

[RedRyder]

I do agree Alien Allen.

I know people who drive new cars and live in a dive. Not renters either. Homeowners without pride is how I classify them. *shrugs*

To each their own.

 

[Peter Parka]

Yes, Americans should have no fun or luxories so they can afford health care. Hey everyone! Halloween is cancelled because everyone should save their money to pay for health care!:sarcasm

 

[RedRyder]

Yes, Americans should have no fun or luxories so they can afford health care. Hey everyone! Halloween is cancelled because everyone should save their money to pay for health care!:sarcasm

Peter..... It isn't so much that people should do without.... It's the fact that some want it all and more and fall into a debt spiral and then take bankruptcy as a way out..... Some don't learn from that though and continue to live beyond their means again and again.... That's where a good debt counselor would come in handy.

 

[Peter Parka]

I don't think in a country like the USA people should have to scrimp and save for health care, it dosen't add up. Hardly a third world country is it? Jesus, next we'll be having those adverts but instead of medicine for poor starving Africans in oppressed countries it will be for Americans. Something seriously wrong with a rich country that can't look after its peoples health.

 

[GoldDust Woman]

Peter..... It isn't so much that people should do without.... It's the fact that some want it all and more and fall into a debt spiral and then take bankruptcy as a way out..... Some don't learn from that though and continue to live beyond their means again and again.... That's where a good debt counselor would come in handy.

I was in deep debt many years ago. You name the credit card, I had it. Took me years to pay all of them off! Now? I have one credit card - for emergencies only! I will never, ever go into debt again. If I want... I save and pay cash, or, go without said "luxury".

 

[Staci]

we have no credit cards at all and have not the entire time we have been together. before we got married i help pay his old credit cards that his ex girlfriend left him with. if we do not have the cash, we dont get!

 

[Codrus]

we have no credit cards at all and have not the entire time we have been together. before we got married i help pay his old credit cards that his ex girlfriend left him with. if we do not have the cash, we dont get!

ya know....from the looks of this...i would swear your cheating on me......



....NAH!!!

 

[hart]

I feel very sorry for people who get health problems, many health plans are not adequate and they can and will bankrupt someone in a heartbeat and THAT is not fair nor something one can plan for. Forturnately I work for the government and have pretty good health coverage but everyone is not so fortunate.

 

[Panacea]

It's simple. Say you have a $4,000 hospital bill in collections. You have $200 in the bank. A bag of Halloween candy is $3, costumes are x amount, and your children want to be "normal" like everyone else. Will the money have more impact sucked in the abyss of debt collection or used to give the kids a smile and a "normal life"?

People choose the latter most of the time. I can't judge them. Is it a good financial choice? No.

The best choice was to have better health insurance.

This comes from a person who just paid her $973 hospital bill (I fainted visiting my mom in the hospital. Cost me a total of $1600) in full. I don't fuck around, I pay whatever I can. A little pain now to avoid huge pain later. No point putting it off, I'm sure I will owe more money for some other dumbass reason in the future.

I refuse to spend money on things I don't need. Some might say I don't need some of the things I think I need. Everyone is judging someone, and everyone has a different opinion on what defines a luxury and what defines a good decision.