re: Do you open your checking/savings in front of family and friends to show off?

My oldest daughter is 19 and loves to shop (which one doesn’t) and spends frivolously. I preach saving over spending and I’m sure in due time it will click…but it hasn’t yet.

Her mom (ex-wife) lives paycheck to paycheck on nearly 100k a year when her only true obligations are 2 car loans, a loan I lent her, and insurance for two cars and she’s eternally stressed because she’s “broke”. I drive a 9 year old vehicle and my wife drives 7 year old vehicle whereas her mom is getting a new vehicle every year or two.

To prove a point, I showed her my cap one dashboard with all of my info (sans brokerage and investment accounts)to show her I may be driving hoopties, but I’m singing money, money, moneyyy while doing so.

The old adage “money doesn’t buy happiness” is only partially true. Money may not buy happiness but it sure the hell greases the wheels.

Aside from that, I call my brother when I get my bonus but that’s just competition… he does the same to me.