Does refusing to spend money equal greed

[RB TexLa]

A friend of mine called me greedy because I refuse to buy a new or newer car, and don't spend money to go to a doctor when I'm sick.

Is choosing to not spend my money the same thing as greed?


fixed grammer on edit

[unpossibles]

1. I see "greed" as taking advantage of whatever system you're in

to get more than you deserve or have earned.

It's the downfall of every political and economic system, imo. Greed makes every theory fall apart if you cheat to get someone else's share.

What you are talking about is, in my opinion, the opposite - you are being thrifty and not buying into the system of showing off for society to cover your insecurities. The real reason your friend rebuffs you is probably they feel feel shameful about following the rules and are jealous that you do not feel you have to. You embarrass them, not because you are thrifty, but because you remind them of their own self-perceived sins.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

2. My wife and I are very greedy. '91 & '94 bottom of the line Toyotas.

And, we'll keep them until they, or we, die. So far, the Toyotas show every sign of outliving us.

[union_maid]

3. Greed would be the wrong word

There are several words for your way of doing things. Frugal or thrifty are the positives. Cheap or miserly (if you have money and choose not to spend it) would be the negative terms that might be used. Greed doesn't enter into it either way you look at it. I'd call it your own business if your decisions affect only yourself.

[Bridget Burke]

4. No, it's not greed.

But refusing to see a doctor when you have the money is pretty, umm, lacking in intelligence.

[Samurai_Writer]

5. It's called being poor!

Wow, that analogy of your friend's just blows my mind. Does he think that everyone has money? That everyone can afford to drive shiny new cars?

Man, that just hit a bit close to home, as I am having to do a repo on my 2003 Tacoma and buy a 1984 Ford Bronco II. And I had to sell my piano and my TV (the only two things of value that I own). And I recently had to get a second job just to pay bills. Guess I'm too 'greedy'.

[RB TexLa]

6. He ought to be happy I don't spend it, he's my broker

[SmokingJacket]

7. That's so dumb.

So buying a new car is an act of generosity?! :crazy:

Greedy is the wrong word -- a greedy person wants money to buy lots of stuff for himself and himself alone. If you refused to spend money on other people, but were lavish with yourself, you'd be greedy.

He could call you a skinflint, or even cheap. I'd call you frugal.

(Are you Scottish, by chance? I'm cheap as hell and I blame my Scottish ancestors.)

[ScreamingMeemie]

8. No. But not going to the doctor when you are sick is something I would

label dangerous.

[NoSheep]

11. I like your sig line.

[ScreamingMeemie]

13. Thank you!

:hi:

[NoSheep]

9. No. Not at all. You aren't being a "consumer". That threatens some people

[blogslut]

10. sounds like your friend is the greedy one

what? they are ashamed to ride in your car? they are upset because you get sick and can't do what? some friend.

[baldguy]

12. I've been poor.

No.

[calico1]

14. No, you are for the most part

frugal. That is a good thing. However, what is not good is carry it too far. Not seeing a doctor when you need to is one example. I don't like to spend money I don't need to. But taking care of my health is something I need to do. And that includes seeing a doctor when I need to. Not for a cold or anything like that. But you do need to see them sometimes.

[Warpy]

15. "It's not a bargain unless you need it.."

That's one of the words of wisdom passed on to me by my mother. It's saved my house being clogged with junk and my bank account being depleted.

As some of you know, I've just gone through 3 years of real poverty. Now that I've inherited enough to survive on, I find there isn't much out there that I still want.

In fact, I'm giving away a lot of the stuff I do have, much to Aunt Sally's delight. I doubt I can be accused of greed for not spending.

Not going to a doctor when you're sick is just plain dumb, though.

[npincus]

16. you are FRUGAL not "greedy".

Not enough personal info there... it depends on how much you've got in your wallet/bank account. There is nothing wrong with being frugal; another similar word is "thrifty". However, if you delaying a doctor's appointment that you really need to attend, I'd call that "penny-wise and pound-foolish"-- if procrastinating is exacerbating some condition you may have, you'll end up spending even more to treat it later. So go!

Tell your friend to mind his p's and q's!

[Donnachaidh]

17. your friend needs to buy a dictionary

And he needs to be reminded that only dim-witted sheep buy things just *because they can*.