>“You are more likely to hear from your buddy that he is on Viagra than that he has credit-card problems,” says Brad Klontz, a financial psychologist who teache

>“You are more likely to hear from your buddy that he is on Viagra than that he has credit-card problems,” says Brad Klontz, a financial psychologist who teaches at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, and ministers to individuals with financial issues. “Much more likely.” What!? This... Isn't even remotely true. Maybe it's just my peer group and family but complaining about money problems is extremely, extremely common. Other than my coworkers I know more people who talk about lack on money then don't. It kinda gets old though because I see the complainers complain then go out and make terrible financial choices. I have a friend whose always complaining about money yet he's buying expensive clothes for his wife, bought two brand new cars (one for the wife), and a motorcycle. While complaining he can't afford groceries. Then goes on several vacations. These people actually have enough money to fund a pretty decent lifestyle if they just worked to get out of debt then worked to budget. Seems people just want to buy the things they want no matter their ability to pay for them. And banks are happy to lend money to finance this lifestyle. So we have more advertising, more credit, and more things to buy. I think there's a cultural expectation of perpectual debt. Like everyone always has multiple "car payments" and a "house payment." Need something? No need to save for it, just take out a loan and add it to your monthly payments. That's how people get in trouble - leaving no cushion. I just find it hard to get through this sort of article, making it seem like average-to-good income earners, someone earning $50,000 a year, are victims of some sort. I went without for a long time to get myself out of student loan debt and the get myself to a place of economic security. If I can't afford something, I don't buy it. It's not hard concept, but it does require going without. I also don't think paying these people more would help - they would just spend more.