Financial Free fall

The Mother:

I wish I could enjoy it when my daughter Shani and Co. come for YomTov but every time they visit all I can think about is their unsustainable lifestyle. The five brand-name outfits for each child the new custom sheitel the array of new toys — practically a toy chest! — acquired for each of the kids eachYomTov. (“The kids need stimulation! I can’t have them making me crazy!”)

Can someone explain to me why four-year-old Shira needs Juicy sweatshirts and two pairs of Vennetini shoes — each season? Why Moishy needs to drive a high-end car? Why Shani can receive only Italian designer jewelry as her “YomTov” gift? Moishy’s in a real starter job; I doubt they can afford all this. They’re probably sliding into debt and I can’t imagine they’re able to put away money for a down payment or a mortgage. Do they think they’ll be able to stay in that basement apartment forever? Avoid yeshivah tuitions for eternity? Where’s the plan the common sense? I’m so worried about their financial future.

The Daughter:

My mother thinks we’re nuts but I grew up with hand-me-downs and secondhand clothing and I will not make my children endure that. Everyone in our community leases a car wheels a luxury carriage gets a new sheitel every two to three years and buys quality clothing for their kids. It’s not fair to make my kids stand out to have them look like they’re coming from the poorhouse!

I know firsthand what it feels like being the “nebach” kids in town. True my parents didn’t have much money but even when their financial situation perked up they remained ridiculously frugal: my mother still busy with her clothing gemachs my father still driving his beyond-yeshivish car. What’s the point of money if you can’t enjoy it a little? It’s not okay to look frumpy. Plus I work in a very professional environment. I don’t even have a choice — I have to look good.