Struggling financially and dealing with others?

Question

My family is in a pretty bad financial situation right now because my sister and I are going to college at the same time. We weren't too well off to begin with. I went to a high school that was full of rich, bragging teens who had everything handed to them. Not only that, but my best friend's family is filthy rich, too. I have such a hard time dealing with the bragging while I'm not nearly as privileged. I need some advice, but please don't be insulting or rude. I didn't ask for that and a lot of people's answers have been downright mean.

Answer 1

Hun. I was in your shoes. I grew up in a very afluent neighborhood where the kids didn't wear the same outfit in a month while I walked around in clothes that were too small for me; my family was one of the poorest in the town. I actually had some girl in 8th grade compare how much my house cost to how much her house cost.

Have you considered applying for a scholarship and financial aid as well as a student loan so the financial burden isn't on your parents so hard?

As far as the jerks in your town, I'm now 32 and could care less about what those a**holes said 15 years ago. I went to my 10 year reuniun and had a great time because all the jerks weren't there and the people who may have had money and didn't flash it around along with my friends were there.

They may have cash on hand, and a brand new car and several of daddies credit cards but you have something more important, you have the ability to earn what you get. With earning something you appreciate it a lot more. You know what a privlidge is worth, you know what a dollar is worth. These kids will grow up clueless. still living at home or their parents paying their rent while you are taking care of your own, without any help from your parents besides emotional support. I know that you think they have a lot more then you going for them, but in the long run you will wind up far ahead of them.

Keep your head up, dear. It will all work out in the end.

Answer 2

Just be grateful for what you have. Some people have less. I didn't grow up in a rich family either, my father died (drowned) when I was only 3, my mom did the best she could raising 3 kids. We turned out fine. I'm still not wealthy, I live paycheck to paycheck, sometimes with no money left over. If your friends want to do something that cost money and you cant afford it..suggest something else. Talk to your friends, they should understand. If not, then I would re-think the friendship thing. Tell them you would prefer they don't brag. Let them know that money can only buy materialistic things not happiness. You can always brag about being happy...maybe its something they don't know anything about..
take care

Answer 3

I went to a private highschool with alot of rich, spoiled kids too. But, not all of them were like that. So I hung around with the ones who had more to their personality than bragging about how much stuff they had.
Maybe you should ask some of them the next time they brag, if they think a person's worht is measured by how much stuff they have, or the size of their house?
On the other hand, don;t make the mistake of thinking all rich people are bad or mean, becuase that's not true. You just have to find friends you "fit " with better.

Answer 4

Try to get grants and financial aid for college and tell your sister to do the same. Both of you need to get a job and help out and always remember it is not the wealth of a family, it is the love and closeness of the family that counts and I am sure if you compared your family to hers you would find you have much more to be thankful for then she does. The money does not matter you can't take it in the end but love will always be with you.

Answer 5

There are times in person's life when finances are hard. College is one of those. An evening part time job is almost necessary but don't let it interfer with your schooling. And, it's time to part company with bragging friends who will tear you down to build themselves up. Think of the future and five years from now you won't even remember their names. Find a friend, yea, that shy boy in the library, and just say, "Hi" to him. Guess what, he is also needing a friend and is short on funds. At least you will have a new friend. Good Luck, I hope things work out for you.

Answer 6

Hey, try not to take it so hard. When people start bragging, sing a song to yourself in your head to drown them out. Aside from that, I know plenty of people who didn't come from money who totally kicked butt in school and wound up being very successful and very well-off financially. Work hard on your studies and if you need extra cash, there are lots of little campus jobs you can get that won't demand much of your time. It's worth a look...ask your advisor when you're signing up for classes and making a plan for your college career. I know life isn't fair, but it's life, and won't it be totally awesome to turn the tables on your situation on your own? I find it most impressive when I meet people like this because it shows they are ambitious and will work hard to get to their goals. Incidentally, these are the kind of people I hire for my team at the office. Good luck, and you sound like the kind of girl who can do anything she puts her mind to. I hope your sister has the same great attitude!

Answer 7

if u dont have enogh money for school u 2 should try getting a school loan but only get what u think u can afford later on in the future. there are loans that u can pay the intrest on while u r in school...while u r in school though try getting a job that works around ur school schedule.that can help u out alot..u might want to suggest this to ur sister too. then ur parents will not have to worry about trying to get ur education paid for. i think this can help out ur parents financial situation alot. while u 2 r in school they can save some money. u and ur sister should also try work study and u should talk to ur financial advisor about scholarships for students in financial need.. try that first then get the student loans if financial aid and the scholarsip ins't enough.

Answer 8

You friend brags? That's not a behavior of a true friend. You have to remember that you are in college to better yourself and to better your chances of getting a good job and becoming financially independent. Don't be down on yourself for not having money to throw away. Hopefully, you have learned to appreciate and respect money, unlike your friend who treat it like toilet paper. Don't be ashamed of who you are. You've made to to college and things will get better. Focus on your studies and it will pay off for you.

Answer 9

Need a job to understand how the world works. Your bragging friends will have many problems in the future. When life is easy, you do not understand how to handle adversity.

Answer 10

those people have nothing to do with the rest of your lives....your parents have tried very hard to get you where you are...best thing is to finish school, get your career going and repay your parents...i am sure by having a successful, life that is rewarding enough for them....when they brag....just keep asking ...did your parents have to buy you that. ? Let them know they are so meterial based, and you are so glad you don't have to depend on your parents, to survive......brag to them that everything you have you got on your own...trust me...you'll be on top......