Comments on: Abercrombie…

By: Lindsay

Lindsay — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 02:17:42 +0000

I’m loving this discussion. It’s very insightful as we prepare to enter into many of these issues ourselves.

I have already told my oldest son (7) that there are some things I WILL NOT buy for him (Pokemon et al, for example), but he is free to purchase them with his own money. I don’t think the lesson really comes home when they are spending it on the thing that (we think) is silly. It’s later, when they don’t have enough money for a DIFFERENT silly purchase that they begin to think these things through and learn the value of the dollar. In my opinion, the only way they will ever learn that is to feel the pang of not having the money for something you want.

By: Revanche

Revanche — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 03:15:05 +0000

It’s not really a bad idea, considering your youngest has gotten your message about the relative worth of jeans. And it probably helps that he is both younger and learning from watching his older brother as well. Kids will absorb the same exact same lesson in wildly different ways, and I think that it’s rational that you teach him moderation through moderate parenting tactics. Strongarming a kid into following all of your rules may very well backfire; if he’s determined to get those “designer” jeans (and I agree that AF is terrible quality) then he’ll find a way to get them. Perhaps it’ll inspire him to work the sales, as even those stores manage to have sales that are occasionally much cheaper than offbrand clothing. I’ll admit to picking up the odd basic item of clothing at a similar store because their clearance sales had them priced lower than any other comparable pieces.

By: Ramit Sethi

Ramit Sethi — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 04:33:51 +0000

Great idea — I never thought of that.

By: Stacey

Stacey — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 23:46:36 +0000

@ Jeremy and JLP, guess I now know where to shop when DH is out of town

By: JLP

JLP — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 20:10:12 +0000

Mr. ToughMoney,

I think he has to figure that out for himself. He’s a smart kid, he’ll figure it out on his own. I just want to be sure that he learns NOT TO CHARGE such purchases. To me, that’s more important than WHAT he buys. If he learns to live within his means, I’ll be happy.

Besides, I can talk ’till I’m blue in the face about how silly his purchase is, but do you think that will do any good? As long as he’s not wearing disgusting clothing, I’m okay with it even though it may not be to my liking.

By: Mr. ToughMoneyLove

Mr. ToughMoneyLove — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 18:09:06 +0000

JLP – You make excellent points but here is the flaw that I see in your approach: How and when will your son learn that being upsold by marketing into an expensive brand is a “mistake”? The way he might learn that is by you showing disapproval. The way you show disapproval is by calmly not funding any of his mistake. ‘Nuf said by me on this. Happy Thanksgiving.

By: Adam - Natural, Personal Finance

Adam - Natural, Personal Finance — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 18:07:30 +0000

Brilliant move JLP. I love the concept of a “base” that you’ll support and leave the remaining money for discretionary purposes. It’s a safe way to demonstrate value to your children and I imagine it will be easier in the future for them to identify value on more important items.

By: JLP

JLP — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 17:30:52 +0000

Jeremy,

You make me want to pluck out my mind’s eye!

By: Jeremy

Jeremy — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 17:29:28 +0000

Every time I walk by Abercrombie I feel like running in the store, ripping my shirt off, and start wrestling other shirtless guys.

By: Victoria

Victoria — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 16:52:16 +0000

How can you stand to even be in Abercrombie? I can’t think, it is tooo LOUD in there. Thats what they do, scatter your brains so you can’t think and you just want to get out so you buy more.
Knowing the boys I would have to say it is personality that also lends itself to thier purchases, not consumerism being enforced or approved of by JLP. They are very close in age and have been raised in the same manner but make different choices like all people. JLP is consistent in his instruction and guidance though, always.
Have a great Thanksgiving, we will be thinking of you all!!!!
V