Comments on: You Think You Have Money Problems? Try Visiting Mexico…

By: Weekly Roundup - Post Thanksgiving Edition | Cash Money Life

Weekly Roundup - Post Thanksgiving Edition | Cash Money Life — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 20:57:29 +0000

[...] Two Dollars – You Think You Have Money Problems? Try Visiting Mexico… I traveled extensively when I was in the USAF and saw a lot of places that made me realize how much [...]

By: Moolanomy weekly roundup #17: “Prosper” edition | Moolanomy

Moolanomy weekly roundup #17: “Prosper” edition | Moolanomy — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 13:14:46 +0000

[...] You Think You Have Money Problems? Try Visiting Mexico”¦ @ My Two Dollars [...]

By: david

david — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 23:57:29 +0000

It’s a good lesson, Cat – one we should all learn. Thanks for the comment.

By: Cat

Cat — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 21:49:37 +0000

I really enjoyd reading this post. A few weeks ago I visisted Papua New Guinea and it was truly a reality check. We’ve just had our national election here (Australia)…some of the hot election issues included affordable housing, an improved healthcare system, better water infrastrucure and better industrial relations and while these are problems, in PNG it is a whole new ball game. It made me realise just how lucky I am and my fellow Australians as well.

By: jj

jj — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 18:06:57 +0000

I have to take offense with the comment about Italy because it makes the country sound like a third-world nation which it isn’t. Gas is prohibitively expensive in Italy and most of Europe so that’s why someone may not be able to afford it. Plus Italians generally don’t have credit card debt. Many Americans could not afford their lifestyle, including gas, if they actually used cash. I’ve been to Italy many times and have family and friends there so I’m writing from experience.

By: david

david — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 19:48:46 +0000

Patrick and Investing Lessons – you are both right – you learn a lot seeing how other countries live. It’s unfortunate that so many people in the US think they have huge problems, which are really nothing compared to most of the world. Thanks for the comments…

By: Patrick

Patrick — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 18:57:33 +0000

David, I know exactly what you mean. I traveled extensively in the USAF and saw a lot of places that made me realize how much most Americans take the US for granted. I have a great appreciation for our contry and the freedoms and wealth we enjoy. I wish more people could experience an international trip to a less fortunate detsination to see just how good we have it compared to the rest of the world.

By: Investing Lessons

Investing Lessons — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 15:11:19 +0000

Each time I visit India (for work) I come back with mixed emotions. The extremes you see are mind-boggling.

My lesson learned is – perspective. When you venture out of your comfort zone you see and experience things that truly expand your horizons. And getting a new perspective on people, finance and life is always refreshing.

Great post!

By: david

david — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 04:28:26 +0000

Thanks Frugal Pursuit, I am glad you liked the post. Sometimes it takes a trip like these to remind us how good we have it, even if we don’t get a Lexus for Christmas or a 52″ plasma TV. Thanks for the comment.

By: Frugal pursuit

Frugal pursuit — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 02:52:39 +0000

For two weeks in the late 1980s, I spent two weeks in what I call “the real Mexico”. It was two hours from the Gulf of Mexico, the town was surrounded by farmland and the standard of living was far below anything I understood prior to my trip. I stayed with a family that was considered lower middle class with an annual income of ~$5,000 US dollars. The running water was intermittent, I cleaned myself using a five gallon bucket of water and cockroaches were a part of daily life. The people were kind and generous despite their circumstances and I walked away with a new appreciation of life and wealth (even as a teenager).

Your story is a great touchstone and very timely. Thank you.