Dads can be soo weird!

[waloshin]

My dad is a successful millionaire. He ran his company well and did well in his investments. Now the question: The people I work for were tearing apart their deck, my dad offered to help, and In return would take the wood. Now why would someone with money want to scavenge wood from other wealthy people? It just seems embarrassing and un classy to me. He did grow up poor , but now he has money, it just bugs me how he does everything like that just to save a little money here and their. Why do you think he would do that? He would even save the screws or nails to use later, it just seems too weird!

But then again I guess it just means more money for me when he leaves!

[iBlue]

Perhaps it is more of an environmental reason, less trees to be cut down. Maybe the wood is really special stuff. I dunno. I think it's actually rather nice that he's not out squandering his good fortune now that he's got one. Don't worry so much about "un classy". That sort of pretension never pays off.

[arkitect]

Oh we should all be so lucky to have our millionaire dads embarrass us…
:rolleyes:

To your question, here's your answer:
He did grow up poor
You on the other hand have never known what it means to have to go without… I'll sound preachy — but who cares — get your priorities in order.
There are far worse things to be "embarrassed" about… as example, sounding like a complete twunt on internet forums for a start.
But then again I guess it just means more money for me when he leaves!
You mean when he dies and you inherit his cash?
Show some respect.

[ViciousShadow21]

wow. i hate to say this but you sound really pompous.

and the whole "when he leaves" comment is kind of odd. there is more to life than money. and the fact that you're thinking about how much money you are going to inherit when he dies is sad.

[robbieduncan]

The rich mostly get (and stay) rich by not spending money when they don't have to...

[TomsMacBook]

Just because your dad is wealthy, doesn't mean that he wants to spend a lavish amount of money everywhere. What's the point in wasting something that can be used again in the future?

Besides, screws + wood = treehouse. And treehouses are awesome.

[Jaffa Cake]

Good on your dad, I reckon. If it can be reused, reuse it. Nothing unclassy or embarrassing about that at all.

Of course, when he does 'leave' you could always use some of that reclaimed wood and nails to build his coffin. That way, those expensive funeral costs won't go eating into your precious inheritance.

[edesignuk]

I'm more irritated by the fact you think less of your dad, and are in fact embarrassed by him over such trivial things.

Your dad has done well for himself. Good for him, lucky for you.

Maybe he has plans on what to do with the wood. Maybe he has contacts that will buy the wood, thus adding to the waloshin Snr cash pile. Maybe lots of things.

Kids :rolleyes:

[richthomas]

My dad is a successful millionaire. … it just bugs me how he does everything like that just to save a little money …

a million dollars isnt that much these days. he's probably just saving money in these tough times.

[allmIne]

Rich...

He's a millionaire. That generally means he has more than a million. In fact, assuming he's definitely NOT a multi-millionaire, he could have just under two million :p No matter what days you're living in, that's far wealthier than average, and is still a lot of money.

OP, if he can get free wood, why not? I'd prefer to get stuff free than pay for it, any day!

[babyjenniferLB]

Hey i am and my family are rather wealthy too but we set allowances and don't spend without reason.
Most of my cash is not available to me until i have my honors degree and have been teaching for a year, that way i will live within normal means.
If your dad is buying second hand decking well its the same as when my dad goes and buys some old stones of a neighbor or we get them of the beach. You know old things look rather nice in a garden and as a fond collector of "crap" from car boot sales i rather like odd things and old junk.
I have a collection of old diskette operating systems and car boots are a brill place to find old toys that i grew up with.
Money does not mean you need to buy the best of the best, we live in a large stone build victorian house with 4 large bedrooms, living room, dining room, study, 2 bathrooms and a study.
The house is large enough for us and the cats and better yet i payed £90,000 for it even though were just of the high-street and train station and its a nice quiet area with low crime.
And on the inside there is no indication other than some unusual items that we have any more money than our neighbors that are ether doctors, shop managers, or retired.
All you ever need to do is find a happy life, that does not need a large house or lots of stuff or even lots of money. These can help some people but not everyone is interested, i have some friends that stay in council flats and they still dress nice, keep there house clean and well presented and meet me out for coffee and they manage on £860 a month quite happily, just when they want something expensive it is saved up for.
I do the same thing just now, my allowance is £3500 a year and i get £380 a month from SAAS for attending University. When want something i plan it out with my allowance or i get a part time job which unfortunately with 20 shops in the high street closed down looks a bit rare and i would not want to take a job over someone more in need.

[uaecasher]

It's because he worked hard to get the money he won't waste the money on stupid things

[Mord]

I'd only consider him weird in that he's clearly not passed on his values to you. Which is a great shame.

The social trend of conspicuous consumption and spending is what's got your country into the mess it's in, spending money you simply don't have under the illusion of good times.

[ravenvii]

http://homepage.mac.com/ravenvii/gifs/facepalm.gif

[instaxgirl]

My dad is a successful millionaire.Now why would someone with money want to scavenge wood from other wealthy people? It just seems embarrassing and un classy to me. He did grow up poor , but now he has money, it just bugs me how he does everything like that just to save a little money here and their. Why do you think he would do that? He would even save the screws or nails to use later, it just seems too weird!




Because he has gone without and understands the value of money, unlike you. You're like my brother, why would you choose to throw something away? To choose to spend more money on it again later?

You seem weird to me. ;)

[Peterkro]

Just maybe he does it because it makes him happy,he can be involved in something real. Zen and the art of reclamation if you will. It probably allows him to consider where it all went wrong in life and why instead of working with wood he went after money and ended up with ungrateful offspring and emptiness when all along he'd have been happier straightening out old nails. Just a thought like.

[richthomas]

Rich...

He's a millionaire. That generally means he has more than a million. In fact, assuming he's definitely NOT a multi-millionaire, he could have just under two million :p No matter what days you're living in, that's far wealthier than average, and is still a lot of money.

OP, if he can get free wood, why not? I'd prefer to get stuff free than pay for it, any day!

im talking in terms of investments. in these tough times you can lose your wealth quickly if youre not careful. of course i know its better than average! im a poor Uni student!

but if his dad wants to save a bit of money thru lumber then let him. hes probably acknowledged that he wants to earn money other ways than investing. think of it as a career hobby.

[barkmonster]

Oh we should all be so lucky to have our millionaire dads embarrass us…
:rolleyes:

To your question, here's your answer:

You on the other hand have never known what it means to have to go without… I'll sound preachy — but who cares — get your priorities in order.
There are far worse things to be "embarrassed" about… as example, sounding like a complete twunt on internet forums for a start.

You mean when he dies and you inherit his cash?
Show some respect.

I totally agree with you.

These aren't the sentiments of a spoiled teenager either, the guy is 21 years old and If I was his father, I'd cut him off if I'd read his post on here.

It's pure ungrateful snobbery.

I can think of at least 3 uses for wood that give anyone of any budget a reason to not throw it away:


Wood chips to burn on a woodburner in the garden or as starter fuel in a coal fire.
To add a smokey quality to barbecue food by throwing a few chips on the embers.
The obvious environmental and cost benefit of re-using wood for other purposes.


From the look of the Apple gadget fest in the signature too, I imagine daddy paid for them all and once they're last years big thing, they'll be thrown away or sold on eBay because the idea of giving them away to relatives who are less well off wouldn't even occur.

[iCantwait]

When I am a millionaire, I hope I have a respectful son.

[Arran]

... my dad offered to help, and In return would take the wood. Now why would someone with money want to scavenge wood from other wealthy people?...

He's not 'scavenging' as you put it. He's working and his 'reward' is the wood. I see how that might seem odd given your background, but I think he's trying to set a good example for you. Teach you.

You'll need to figure out what yourself.

[AppleMatt]

The rich mostly get (and stay) rich by not spending money when they don't have to...

Completely agree. It's an acumen honed over time. If the rich spend lavishly, they quickly become asset rich and cash poor.

AppleMatt

[raggedjimmi]

It's because he worked hard to get the money he won't waste the money on stupid things

Yerp.

My dad grew up in abject poverty (in UK standards I guess), he moved out in 75 I think and they didn't have power throughout the 60's, no gas etc. But he worked hard and we now live in a very comfortable way; 4 bedroom house, 3 bathrooms... We grow (some of) our own food, the other day I helped him cut off tree branches which we chopped and plan to use as firewood and/or some kind of weed ridding technique I'm not entirely sure on :D. We still shop at budget places for some things, still holiday in the same country year after year.

Learns about how to keep money. You'll need that once you move out.

[.JahJahwarrior.]

Anyone who is wealthy, wants to be wealthy, or thinks they know what it means to be wealthy should read this book: The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America's Wealthy (http://www.amazon.com/Millionaire-Next-Door-Thomas-Stanley/dp/0671015206) It's a fun read, with lots of stories.

The basic premise is this: people who are wealthy get wealthy because of their frugal lifestyle, statistically speaking. Odds are, the people who look wealthy are big spenders, and the more you spend the less you have: many of the richest looking people have great jobs but are living in deep debt. You want to become a millionaire when your dad dies? Go help him pull up that decking. You want to learn how to spend a million dollars and die broke? Keep on scoffing.

[gnasher729]

The basic premise is this: people who are wealthy get wealthy because of their frugal lifestyle, statistically speaking. Odds are, the people who look wealthy are big spenders, and the more you spend the less you have: many of the richest looking people have great jobs but are living in deep debt. You want to become a millionaire when your dad dies? Go help him pull up that decking. You want to learn how to spend a million dollars and die broke? Keep on scoffing.

There was a nice TV program here in the UK recently, showing for example: The proud owner of a one year old Porsche Cayenne (boy is that car ugly!), who couldn't afford to replace a broken windscreen and buy new tires. The guy who had paid off his house and then got himself into credit card debt until the house was gone (about £260,000). Nice live style for a while, now he has nothing.

[heehee]

But then again I guess it just means more money for me when he leaves!

Yes, he is weird for not smacking you. :mad:

[Sdashiki]

Not another post from the OP.

Did they slink bank into the "Game Room" of the mansion? :D

[chrmjenkins]

You've a lot to learn from your dad.

Have you ever considered, money aside, that what your dad is doing is indicative of a good friend? Building personal relationships like that is invaluable, and it's sad to see his work ethic and values aren't being passed on.

Have you ever considered asking him yourself? He is your father, after all. I'm sure he'd be happy to explain it.

[leekohler]

My dad is a successful millionaire. He ran his company well and did well in his investments. Now the question: The people I work for were tearing apart their deck, my dad offered to help, and In return would take the wood. Now why would someone with money want to scavenge wood from other wealthy people? It just seems embarrassing and un classy to me. He did grow up poor , but now he has money, it just bugs me how he does everything like that just to save a little money here and their. Why do you think he would do that? He would even save the screws or nails to use later, it just seems too weird!

But then again I guess it just means more money for me when he leaves!

Umm...I find your attitude rather un-classy. Your dad sounds like a a good person, you might want to learn from his example.

[miniConvert]

Can't help but feel a little sorry for the OP given the responses :S

Welcome to the real world! :D

[Consultant]

The rich mostly get (and stay) rich by not spending money when they don't have to...

Yeah. Some people are frugal.

[Old Muley]

I can think of at least 3 uses for wood that give anyone of any budget a reason to not throw it away:


Wood chips to burn on a woodburner in the garden or as starter fuel in a coal fire.
To add a smokey quality to barbecue food by throwing a few chips on the embers.
The obvious environmental and cost benefit of re-using wood for other purposes.



Given that he's pulling out old decking, I'd avoid options 1 and 2 since treated deck lumber can contain a variety of metals that aren't really all that good for you to breath or eat.

As to the OP's dad, I find that folks of a certain generation tend to be good at saving, reusing and repurposing things that would otherwise go to waste. My great uncle who really was a multi-millionaire, grew up during the depression of the 1930's and used that depression-era experience for his entire life. He never spent his money frivolously, repaired instead of replaced, and generally lived a very simple lifestyle. I'm sure growing up poor is why he became the man he was.

[stonewall123]

If my Dad did that I'd be proud of him for saving a few trees.

[waloshin]

The funny part is this was a beginning of a short story, and obliviously it hit the right raw emotions of the human physique!

[chrmjenkins]

The funny part is this was a beginning of a short story, and obliviously it hit the right raw emotions of the human physique!

What kind of emotions from the human physique are common, would you say?

[arkitect]

The funny part is this was a beginning of a short story, and obliviously it hit the right raw emotions of the human physique!

I have to ask:
Obliviously? Obviously
Physique? Psyche

Oh, and now of course it is a *cough* "short story"… :rolleyes:
Judging by your writing skills it is going to be something of an exquisite corpse.

[waloshin]

What kind of emotions from the human physique are common, would you say?

People don't know who I am or know what this thread was about. The human physique can be defined at, "When people judge other people it is most commonly because of their physical appearance." quoted from wikipedia.com.

- The majority of the people in this forum formed a physical illusion of what they thought the poster was trying to say. They then used when they saw and replied on what they thought. They probably felt some anger towards the post judging from their replies.

So what they did was create a collage of what they read in the post, and then replied accordingly.

[sarcasticdesign]

The funny part is this was a beginning of a short story, and obliviously it hit the right raw emotions of the human physique!

Short Story? I call b.s. on that. I think you realize what an irrational twat you were in the original posting and are trying to not seem like you're an emotionless, selfish, entitlement case!

My father recently passed, and I hope for your sake your father lives a long life and imparts on you the same ideals he has. So far, it seems like you haven't been listening.

I also hope he decided to leave you out of his will, only giving you access to anything after you demonstrate an ability to better understand finances, recycling, and living life to a better standard than just "what's in it for me when pappy passes!!?!?!?!"

I wanted to build a garage. My dad suggested using a salvage case to assist in my building of the garage. The walls are 100% recycled lumber, which i was PAID to take off the hands of the people who were disposing of it.

Thanks to my dad's quick thinking, I able to build a garage that added about $15,000 worth of value to my home. I was able to, instead of paying for lumber, paid to recycle lumber. My total cost to build the garage was less that 1/5th of the value it added.

That's how you become a millionaire without your dad dying and having it passed onto you, my friend.

I suppose if you have everything you could possibly want and no need to conserve, you can lose sight of the ways to save money available to you all around in your everyday life.

That said, having been through some spending sprees in my younger days (and now, after finally beginning to realize how awesome my dad is/was and what he was trying to teach) i find that the adrenaline rush from doing something amazing for very little budget is much more gratifying.

[samiwas]

Judging by your writing skills it is going to be something of an exquisite corpse?.

Your making fun of there writing skills should not effect them to much, accept when they're principals are wrong.

[jonbravo77]

People don't know who I am or know what this thread was about. The human physique can be defined at, "When people judge other people it is most commonly because of their physical appearance." quoted from wikipedia.com.

- The majority of the people in this forum formed a physical illusion of what they thought the poster was trying to say. They then used when they saw and replied on what they thought. They probably felt some anger towards the post judging from their replies.

So what they did was create a collage of what they read in the post, and then replied accordingly.

You are right, no one in this thread knows who you are. But I would highly suggest you take a step back, put yourself in our shoes and re-read your original post and see how it comes across. It does come across as someone who is a bit spoiled and does not understand the value of money and why someone who came from nothing and now has everything stills holds to those simple values of saving.

And your ending comment of the more money for you is disgusting. I hope your dad doesn't see what you wrote, he could be a bit disappointed in your thinking. But then again, I don't know you and karma is a b****... :eek:

[arkitect]

Your making fun of there writing skills should not effect them to much, accept when they're principals are wrong.
Word perfect.

[samiwas]

People don't know who I am or know what this thread was about. The human physique can be defined at, "When people judge other people it is most commonly because of their physical appearance." quoted from wikipedia.com.

- The majority of the people in this forum formed a physical illusion of what they thought the poster was trying to say. They then used when they saw and replied on what they thought. They probably felt some anger towards the post judging from their replies.

So what they did was create a collage of what they read in the post, and then replied accordingly.

What? That makes less-than-zero sense. Trying to cover up that you meant human psyche? Otherwise defined as "that which is responsible for one's thoughts and feelings". :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes: <- We need more emoticons, like a hand-on-the-forehead.

[chrmjenkins]

What? That makes less-than-zero sense. Trying to cover up that you meant human psyche? Otherwise defined as "that which is responsible for one's thoughts and feelings". :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes: <- We need more emoticons, like a hand-on-the-forehead.

Why'd you have to ruin it? I wanted to see how many more ways he could misuse the word :p

[waloshin]

What? That makes less-than-zero sense. Trying to cover up that you meant human psyche? Otherwise defined as "that which is responsible for one's thoughts and feelings". :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes: <- We need more emoticons, like a hand-on-the-forehead.

And you are correct.

[yojitani]

People don't know who I am or know what this thread was about. The human physique can be defined at, "When people judge other people it is most commonly because of their physical appearance." quoted from wikipedia.com.

- The majority of the people in this forum formed a physical illusion of what they thought the poster was trying to say. They then used when they saw and replied on what they thought. They probably felt some anger towards the post judging from their replies.

So what they did was create a collage of what they read in the post, and then replied accordingly.

:confused::confused: This doesn't make much sense.

Word perfect.

I can't stop laughing!!

I love doing exquisite corpse by the way...

[samiwas]

And you are correct.

Obliviously.

[sarcasticdesign]

And you are correct.


i still think that either:

a) you're completely lying about your "short story" b.s. because you realize what a complete tool you sounded like in your OP

or

b) your dad found the post and is posting to try and make his stupid son sound like he's not the aforementioned toolbag

[yoppie]

My dad is a successful millionaire. He ran his company well and did well in his investments. Now the question: The people I work for were tearing apart their deck, my dad offered to help, and In return would take the wood. Now why would someone with money want to scavenge wood from other wealthy people? It just seems embarrassing and un classy to me. He did grow up poor , but now he has money, it just bugs me how he does everything like that just to save a little money here and their. Why do you think he would do that? He would even save the screws or nails to use later, it just seems too weird!

But then again I guess it just means more money for me when he leaves!

I lost my father two months ago and there's not enough money in the universe for me to forget him and celebrate his "leaving." I would give up everything he left behind for me if I thought it would bring him back. You should talk with your father and learn why he does what he does in regards to money and enjoy the moments you still have left with him.

[barr08]

Your making fun of there writing skills should not effect them to much, accept when they're principals are wrong.

hah! +1

i still think that either:
...
b) your dad found the post and is posting to try and make his stupid son sound like he's not the aforementioned toolbag

If I had a son and found that he wrote this post, I would have bigger worries than fixing his forum reputation. I would probably start with phonics and work my way to not being a spoiled little brat.

[bruinsrme]

Perhaps if you help him scavange (like you say) you might understand why he is doing it. Perhaps he enjoys doing it.
I know a lot of very wealthy people I play hockey with. They spend a lot of time working with groups of people cleaning up streams and shore line and were usually the first to get dirty in various community projects.
Not because they have to or feel obligated because they enjoy it and it is a huge release for them.
Saving the materials. Have you seen the prices for this stuff.

My hometheater speaker stands are made from old hockey sticks.
At work there is practically a waiting list to take the wood from crates and boxes. Pallets are great fire wood.

[sarcasticdesign]

Perhaps if you help him scavange (like you say) you might understand why he is doing it. Perhaps he enjoys doing it.
I know a lot of very wealthy people I play hockey with. They spend a lot of time working with groups of people cleaning up streams and shore line and were usually the first to get dirty in various community projects.
Not because they have to or feel obligated because they enjoy it and it is a huge release for them.
Saving the materials. Have you seen the prices for this stuff.

My hometheater speaker stands are made from old hockey sticks.
At work there is practically a waiting list to take the wood from crates and boxes. Pallets are great fire wood.

great post. as a hockey player and huge fan.... you MUST PM me some pix of your speaker stands built with old sticks. I have some old sticks sitting around i'd like to recycle.

i mean, i know it's WEIRD and all, obliviously, but can we see those speaker stands!?!?

and yes, hockey players tend to be more involved in the community than most!

Hope we in Pittsburgh get to face off against your Bruins in the ECF!!!

[Keebler]

http://homepage.mac.com/ravenvii/gifs/facepalm.gif

ROTFLMAO!

That is just what I did after reading the OPs post.

To the OP, I'll mark it down to being simply too young and having alot provided for you.

Have you asked yourself WHY your Dad is a millionaire? I bet it's b/c in situations, he 'saved the used nails and wood' for use later. He's obviously intelligent and not thrifty.

The very massive problem with today's society is: Oh, it's been used...it's no good....go buy new. If we re-used alot of items, the world would be better off for it.

I think instead of being embarrassed, you should feel great that you have such a smart and considerate Dad.

lol i just read that this is apparently the beginning of a short story.

Weirdest start I've ever seen and sketchy considering you posted it on a message board? I'd like to know if you plan to use our responses in your story?

You don't have my permission :)

be creative on your own!

[waloshin]

ROTFLMAO!

That is just what I did after reading the OPs post.

To the OP, I'll mark it down to being simply too young and having alot provided for you.

Have you asked yourself WHY your Dad is a millionaire? I bet it's b/c in situations, he 'saved the used nails and wood' for use later. He's obviously intelligent and not thrifty.

The very massive problem with today's society is: Oh, it's been used...it's no good....go buy new. If we re-used alot of items, the world would be better off for it.

I think instead of being embarrassed, you should feel great that you have such a smart and considerate Dad.

lol i just read that this is apparently the beginning of a short story.

Weirdest start I've ever seen and sketchy considering you posted it on a message board? I'd like to know if you plan to use our responses in your story?

You don't have my permission :)

be creative on your own!

Well it is a large community on Macrumors here, and this is the community discussion, I could have posted it on yahoo answers, but would have likely got maybe a couple of replies.

I thought it was a good start, it drew out a lot of emotion from people.

[sarcasticdesign]

Well it is a large community on Macrumors here, and this is the community discussion, I could have posted it on yahoo answers, but would have likely got maybe a couple of replies.

I thought it was a good start, it drew out a lot of emotion from people.

ok. well, if you're doing a focus group on your short story, show us a little more. surely you have some other content for this story.

what is the story for? a class? what kind of class? give us a little more info. What is your title? Is it really going to be "Dads can be SOO weird!" or is that just a working title?

Post some more of your story. I wanna see where it goes. Does dad die and the son realizes what a toolbag he is and sells off his Liberty, D40, 8Gb Ipod Touch 2nd gen and Macbook and give the money to charity?

Does he hold off getting that 2.4ghz macbook because he realizes that a used Powerbook G4 12" is sufficient for a budding anti-Thoreau to run word on?
I'm on the edge of my frickin' seat here man. Show us the story!!!

[sushi]

My dad is a successful millionaire. He ran his company well and did well in his investments. Now the question: The people I work for were tearing apart their deck, my dad offered to help, and In return would take the wood. Now why would someone with money want to scavenge wood from other wealthy people? It just seems embarrassing and un classy to me. He did grow up poor , but now he has money, it just bugs me how he does everything like that just to save a little money here and their. Why do you think he would do that? He would even save the screws or nails to use later, it just seems too weird!

But then again I guess it just means more money for me when he leaves!
Wow, I am simply amazed by this post and thread. I decided to only reply to your post.

Many of those who are successful got there through careful planning and saving. Being frugal is key. It's easy to spend but hard to save.

Your dad sounds like a genuine person who knows the value of a dollar. You sound like a spoiled kid at best, and with comments like your last sentence ... well you can guess what you sound like.

FYI, you are probably not the only one on MR who has parent that is a millionaire. I would venture to say that there are some who have a parent that is a multimillionaire.

Personally, I hope my father never passes away. Unfortunately, it is part of life. I have a pretty good idea on how much he is worth, but I really don't care. What I value much more are his values and character, and simply spending time with him. My dad is frugal. I wished more of that would have rubbed off on me when I was younger.

Be glad your dad is frugal. Learn from him. :)

[ButtUglyJeff]

My dad is a successful millionaire. He ran his company well and did well in his investments. Now the question: The people I work for were tearing apart their deck, my dad offered to help, and In return would take the wood. Now why would someone with money want to scavenge wood from other wealthy people? It just seems embarrassing and un classy to me. He did grow up poor , but now he has money, it just bugs me how he does everything like that just to save a little money here and their. Why do you think he would do that? He would even save the screws or nails to use later, it just seems too weird!

But then again I guess it just means more money for me when he leaves!

If that's the worse he does, then I think you'll make it fine.

I tend to go out of my way to be "weird" to my kids. Nothing I enjoy more that my children giving me "that" look. You know, the one you're giving your dad right now..............

[Fake Hipster]

ok. well, if you're doing a focus group on your short story, show us a little more. surely you have some other content for this story.

what is the story for? a class? what kind of class? give us a little more info. What is your title? Is it really going to be "Dads can be SOO weird!" or is that just a working title?

Post some more of your story. I wanna see where it goes. Does dad die and the son realizes what a toolbag he is and sells off his Liberty, D40, 8Gb Ipod Touch 2nd gen and Macbook and give the money to charity?

Does he hold off getting that 2.4ghz macbook because he realizes that a used Powerbook G4 12" is sufficient for a budding anti-Thoreau to run word on?
I'm on the edge of my frickin' seat here man. Show us the story!!!

This.

This thread does sound suspiciously like someone trying to play off something stupid they said.

[Gelfin]

For what it's worth, that is also a massively terrible opening paragraph for a short story.

[ViciousShadow21]

im a little confused. the OP posted the beginning of a short story but pretended that it was him. but really he was just conducting some social experiment on the macforums community? did we pass? i hope that we did whichever makes him leave.

[yojitani]

For what it's worth, that is also a massively terrible opening paragraph for a short story.

Didn't want to burst the bubble of a budding writer, but yes...

Also, responses on an internet forum have nothing to do with the opening of a novel. People respond differently because they are different media.

[stonyc]

The rich mostly get (and stay) rich by not spending money when they don't have to...
Exactly. Some of the wealthiest individuals in the world are also some of the most frugal... Warren Buffett comes quickest to mind. He lives in a modest house (for a multi-billionaire) in a quiet suburb and drives a Cadillac.

Check out some of these other "cheap" billionaires:
http://www.forbes.com/2007/11/14/billionaires-walton-buffett-biz-cz_ah_1114frugalbillies.html

OP, you can call your dad weird if you want... I call him smart.

Oh... and be careful that you don't end up with as big of an inheritance as you might like. Your "weird" dad might end up giving a lot of it away to individuals and charities that might actually deserve such a gift.

[Prof.]

But then again I guess it just means more money for me when he leaves!
He should take you out of his will after that statement.:mad:

And to be perfectly honest, one or two million isn't that much money.

[magamo]

So, the OP is 21... I don't know what he wanted to do, but whatever it is, I just can't facepalm any harder.

[Little HZ]

My mom, who has made some pretty canny investments herself along the way, still saves string and reusable bits of tin foil (as she calls it). It never occurred to me to be embarrassed by this--I have been too busy being proud of her for accumulating so much from so little over her lifetime *including* the string (which she and I laughingly refer to as my legacy!). ;)

[Schtumple]

I fail to see the point of this thread, wasteland this please?

[Arran]

I fail to see the point of this thread, wasteland this please?

There is a point: It's a splendid illustration of how back-pedalling too fast can give you a black eye!

Don't try this at home folks. :rolleyes:

[mkrishnan]

I think this has indeed run its course.