SIL inheritance stupidiy.

[bumbershoot]

Just be glad you are taking care of things in your household and I would really refuse to listen to her complain about money. The next time she does, just hand her a copy of Total Money makeover and be done with it

Sounds like a good plan to me.

Op said "what was killing her was the fact that she could have planned the vacation for a lot less"

That's like when people post that booking a deluxe is a "waste" of money because you are only in the room to sleep or if you didn't book a deluxe and stayed at a value you could go to Disney more often.

We're planning a Universal vacation for December (in the middle of our first WDW trip). And the pricing has large swings. Right now I have the Harry Potter package. It's expensive, IMO. (though I hear the Universal hotels are incredible, and if it's warm enough to swim I'm so excited that they *encourage* hopping between pools!) I started looking around, and there's a Stay More Play More (or osmething like that) room only deal, which is hundreds and hundreds less than the package. And if I buy my tickets from UCT, I save more. I *could* pay nearly half of what I'm currently slated to pay, for *almost* the exact same thing. If I buy tix from Universal directly, I pay a bit more, but get the same commemorative ticket that comes with the package. The ONLY thing missing is the breakfast at the 3 Broomsticks. But we're vegetarian, and frankly the idea of eating in a restaurant that also serves black pudding skeeves me, so we're completely willing to give up that privilege of a reserved b'fast seating.

It's about getting more for the same cost, or getting what you want for less. I don't really see the OP saying "go to Disney!", but rather "if you're going to spend that money, let me help you get even MORE than what you want".

Hi Again,
I just want to clarify that I am not totally against them going on vacation. I just wish they could have "gotten more vacation for the money"

That's exactly how I heard it.

 

[wbn36]

Forgive me wbn36, it's definitely me in a mood. Like I said, I just came off of a debate over whether DVC'ers have sense enough to screw in a light bulb for purchasing. (not as blunt as that but pretty much the implication) It's got me in a quirky mood.

I have no idea why it bugged me as I'm usually a "too each his own" gal.

Is your SIl a disser? I think we here at the Dis are the exception. we tend to research, plan and exam our trips way more than the average. So I think we automatically start scratching our heads and doing internal math when we talk to non dissers.

Def. not a disser. She/they are not even a fan of theme parks. They are def. most excited about just swimming in the hard rock pool. One of her boys doesn't do rides so there will be a lot of splitting up and waiting around for them. That is another reason why I just don't get it.

 

[dzorn]

Their money their business.

Denise in MI

 

[Evi]

I wouldn't waste your time trying to change her ways. She has clearly told you shes not interested and can't be bothered. The next time she complains to you or husband about her financial woes you can simply say sorry to hear about it but honestly that's what happens when you can't be bothered to plan for things and change the subject. As you clearly got her message she will clearly get yours.

 

[jennyopenny]

"SIL seems to have the financial common sense of a manatee"


THAT is the funniest thing I have read in a long time!

 

[nunzia]

And that's the thing. Op is upset because her SIL is spending what she deems as too much money ($4000) on her vacation. It's 4K out of 13K they inherited.

So I guess, I question how why we think "our" way of vacationing became "THE" ultimate guide to vacationing? Op said "what was killing her was the fact that she could have planned the vacation for a lot less"

That's like when people post that booking a deluxe is a "waste" of money because you are only in the room to sleep or if you didn't book a deluxe and stayed at a value you could go to Disney more often.

I don't think the OP came across that way.. I think she is just tired of listening to someone who is so poor with money whine about being broke and then continue to spend spend spend with no concious thought..

 

[wide awake]

If SIL is living above her means it can mean that she is just dumb, or it could mean that she chooses to present herself to the world as being wealthier than she is. How often do you see someone get a lump sum of money who runs wild w/ it, doesn't use any sense in how they spend it ? Some of it is laziness and ignorance, but some is putting on a show, that if they hunted for good deals they would "look poor". Unfortunately I've never met one of these types that didn't understand that no one was impressed w/ their "rich person's purchases". If she asks for advice again you might want to tell her that money can't buy respect...what people respect is the effort, brains, etc that got people the money. Sure, people w/ money sometimes choose to spend foolishly...but choose is the operative word. Everyone I know that is at least a millionaire is a tightwad in one or more areas, and is consistently talking about how poor they are. I am in no way a millionaire, but I don't have a hard time paying my bills, and I always tell people I have no money and can't afford this or that. A PP hit that one...lots of times I "can't afford" things I have no interest in.

 

[clh2]

As the great philosopher Ron White says:

You can't fix stupid.

I'm so going to be using this comment....this will work for a lot of life's annoyances!!!

 

[apnep]

I know this is none of my business except for the fact that I am constantly being told they have no money. I do wish them a great trip but I just wish they would have let me help them get the most for their money

Some people just don't know how to research or plan their travel and just fly by the seat of their pants instead of learning how to do it right.

I planned my aunt's trip to Hawaii with a fantastic itinerary included. I spent weeks researching it for her and booked her a fantastic package through Travelocity. It was really good. I typed out and planned each day for them keeping in mind they like to get up late but gave them a nice overview of the entire island in Oahu where they were staying. The cost of the trip included a rental car.

What did she do? They spent tons of $$ on island tours!!!! She ended up spending waaaay over what she would have spent if she had just followed the itinerary I had given her. But, to each their own. Not everyone travels the same way. When my DH and I go on a trip, we like to get our money's worth. We research for months, book in advance, and try to be frugal about it. We get up early and try to see as much as we possibly can because we don't know if we'll ever be back. That's how we like to travel.

My point is this, even if you HAD helped her, she would probably done it her way anyway. My advice is that if she complains about not having any money, change the subject. Congrats on your inheritance!

 

[marie1203]

This drive me crazy too! I am a friend and that is crazy in debt yet she does nothing to help her situation expect complain!

 

[KS Dis Mom]

I do not understand how people can live above their means. I also have many friends that just spend, spend, spend and then complain about money. I have offered help but they just brush me off. These are also the people who say to me, 'You're going to Disney, Again."

One of my DS's friends told him the other day, 'Your family is rich!' My response to DS was to ask if he was happy and that his parents work very hard to provided for him and his Sister. DS said that he was happy and I told him that was all that mattered. Money does not equal happiness.

It is true we do have nice things, but we research a lot and find the best deals. I would love to have a new car, but the one I have is paid for.

My DH is the trip planner and somehow always finds the best deals, a trait he inherited from his mother.

 

[eliza61]

Some people just don't know how to research or plan their travel and just fly by the seat of their pants instead of learning how to do it right.

I planned my aunt's trip to Hawaii with a fantastic itinerary included. I spent weeks researching it for her and booked her a fantastic package through Travelocity. It was really good. I typed out and planned each day for them keeping in mind they like to get up late but gave them a nice overview of the entire island in Oahu where they were staying. The cost of the trip included a rental car.

What did she do? They spent tons of $$ on island tours!!!! She ended up spending waaaay over what she would have spent if she had just followed the itinerary I had given her. But, to each their own. Not everyone travels the same way. When my DH and I go on a trip, we like to get our money's!

Did your Aunt have a good time on her trip? If she did, then the way she travel was RIGHT. Whether she spent a little money or a lot, if she enjoyed her vacation, which if I'm not mistaken is the entire point of going, then she vacation RIGHT.

So besides from the fact that you think she way overspent, what's the problem.

Why shouldn't she have taken the Island tours if she had the money?

Sorry, I'm just really having a hard time why people feel that other people can't blow their money they way they choose simply because it's different?

Remember we are budgeters so we may naturally look for cost savings other people are not, doesn't make our way any more right, than some one who perfers vanilla ice cream over chocolate.

 

[travelbug]

I'm a little sensitive because some one just posted how DVC members are pretty much suckers becasue we did not take our money and invest it instead of purchasing our dvc.

I haven't run across that thread. Can you point the way? Thanks!

 

[nunzia]

I haven't run across that thread. Can you point the way? Thanks!

Me too..because I don't really feel like a 'sucker'..

 

[apnep]

Did your Aunt have a good time on her trip? If she did, then the way she travel was RIGHT. Whether she spent a little money or a lot, if she enjoyed her vacation, which if I'm not mistaken is the entire point of going, then she vacation RIGHT.

So besides from the fact that you think she way overspent, what's the problem.

Why shouldn't she have taken the Island tours if she had the money?

Sorry, I'm just really having a hard time why people feel that other people can't blow their money they way they choose simply because it's different?

Remember we are budgeters so we may naturally look for cost savings other people are not, doesn't make our way any more right, than some one who perfers vanilla ice cream over chocolate.

Yes they had a good trip. But when she got back, she said it was SOOOO expensive. Alot of it had to do with taking those tours and she even commented that she shouldn't have booked them. I didn't mean to sound snarky. I didn't get my point across right. My point was, that everyone travels differently and what one person deems is the best way to travel isn't necessarily how others would do it. That's why if the OP HAD tried to help, her SIL probably just would have done her own thing anyway and it would have been pointless. You're right, I agree, it's their money and they can spend it however they please because different things make different people happy.

 

[csharpwv]

I've come to firmly believe that some people just like to complain - about service, about quality, about overall experience, and about overall cost.

A local very well respected business man in our community was recently telling me a story about his last trip to WDW with his family. While his adult daughter was riding Cinderella's Carousel (it was still called that when they went LOL) he was sitting on a park bench waving each time they went around - and a young father sat down next to him on the bench, and they started a conversation - and he asked the young man if they were having a good time - and his response was - "Yes, but everything is so overpriced here!" - and his response back to that was - well you have to put things into perspective. Did you have to look at this bench before you sat down to see if it was clean enough or in good enough repair to sit on? I saw you throw something in the trash can over there before you sat down - where you able to dispose of your trash properly or have to worry about coming into contact with a dirty trash receptacle? Were you greeted at the front gate? Have you had any problem finding a clean restroom? The young man looked at him and said "I didn't think about any of that! You really put it all in perspective for me, thanks for making my trip better!"

So when we all think about what we spend at WDW or Disney stores - we really get a bang for our buck - and are nearly Guaranteed to have a good time. That's why we find it harder to vacation elsewhere, because you do have to worry about those things! We went to a small family owned amusement park over the July 4th Holiday this year and the food was horrible, the walkways were littered, the trash cans were full and over flowing, and there was no shade - at all!

So while we are all Disney nuts - we are Disney nuts for a reason - we recognize quality, attention to detail, and most importantly value for our dollar. At face value - is Disney expensive? Yes - it does cost a decent amount to go - however is the price unreasonable? No - or none of us 'budget boarders' would even consider going!

The first time I went to Universal I was so disappointed that it wasn't up to the level of expectation that I had come to know from going to Disney. Will I go back to Universal - Yes, only to see new attractions and have new experiences. The biggest disappointment was the lack of attention to detail. I just wish Disney had been given the opportunity to build the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - I'm sure it would have been much better

But in the end - all will vacation as they do - and some will continue to complain about how expensive it was - even though you KNOW they didn't TRY to save money. So, let them spend $4,000 on a trip to Universal - and you can spend $4,000 on two week long trips to Disney!

 

[diamondpixienc]

Though I don't consider myself an expert in budget matters I can say that I have made some mistakes (thankfully not major) and can advise someone on "what not to do" if you follow me. So, when they don't listen to my been there done that advice I just sit back & watch the fall out and surprisingly I've never had to actually say I told you so but they know.

 

[crisi]

If SIL is living above her means it can mean that she is just dumb, or it could mean that she chooses to present herself to the world as being wealthier than she is. How often do you see someone get a lump sum of money who runs wild w/ it, doesn't use any sense in how they spend it ? Some of it is laziness and ignorance, but some is putting on a show, that if they hunted for good deals they would "look poor". Unfortunately I've never met one of these types that didn't understand that no one was impressed w/ their "rich person's purchases". If she asks for advice again you might want to tell her that money can't buy respect...what people respect is the effort, brains, etc that got people the money. Sure, people w/ money sometimes choose to spend foolishly...but choose is the operative word. Everyone I know that is at least a millionaire is a tightwad in one or more areas, and is consistently talking about how poor they are. I am in no way a millionaire, but I don't have a hard time paying my bills, and I always tell people I have no money and can't afford this or that. A PP hit that one...lots of times I "can't afford" things I have no interest in.

I agree, except people ARE impressed with rich people's purchases. People who spend to impress others do so because they themselves are impressed by other people's possessions or expensive experiences.

Money DOES very often buy respect. Its unfortunate, but true that there are a lot of people shallow enough to give respect based on wealth or perceived wealth.

The trick is to break yourself of caring about what other people think.

 

[WeRblam]

I understand OP's position. You hear these folks whine all the time and they could have gone on a much cheaper trip (with all the same details of course) had them done a little planning.
I hate seeing people throw money away. A little planning and searching for deals can save you lots of $$$. Pet peeve of mine I guess. Oh and by the way, I am a travel agent, so you can bet I get my clients the best deals around! Good Luck on your inheritance as well! Any happy planning for your trip!

 

[dispor]

So adult grandchildren (DH Included) were all given a gift of $13,000 this year because grandmother is getting old and they would like to start distributing her wealth. We are so fortunate.

Who are THEY?