What Do People Do to Afford Such Life?

aboogee on 14/02/2021 - 17:11
Last edited 14/02/2021 - 17:22 by 1 other user

Wife wanted to go get a $2,000 watch.

I don't usually get her anything so I thought yeah I will get her something special this Valentines. Drove to the CBD and saw a long queue outside Hermes, LV, Chanel. My wife told me there was a even longer queue outside Rolex. And my wife told me the purse and bags etc would easily cost $5k and above.

I thought everyone would be cutting back on expenses given the uncertainty but where are all these people getting money to spend on discretionary luxury goods? Not saying it is bad but where do these people do to be able to afford such luxurious lifestyle. To put it in perspective, I wear a Hush Puppies t-shirt (was a gift) and a brand-less short pants, I have been using iPhone 8 with shattered screen for 1.5yrs now. Been living frugally since entering workforce and I still feel I am very poor. When I step outside my home, my personal belongings on me might be worth $100-$200 max.

Any idea anyone?

Financial

Comments

  • Tiredman on 14/02/2021 - 17:16
    +220

    Most like living outside their means. Stupid really. Harsh but true.

      • jv on 15/02/2021 - 00:06
        +107

        You only live once

        Proof ?

        • cheeseburger on 15/02/2021 - 05:46
          +31

          Would you care to regale us with tales from your previous lives?

          • jv on 15/02/2021 - 09:22
            +54

            @cheeseburger: Not being able to recall a previous life does not mean it didn't happen.

            • Peck on 15/02/2021 - 10:29
              +6

              @jv: We live on, through our children.

            • mahdoo on 15/02/2021 - 12:29

              @jv: Can you please take this to a religion forum or something?

            • Zachary on 04/03/2021 - 21:21

              @jv: Well then if you're not aware of what happened in your previous life, how do you know you have more than one?

          • noshopping on 16/02/2021 - 01:33
            +3

            @cheeseburger: There's a strong sense that everything in the universe gets recycled. Stars, planets, air, even the water we drink is billions/millions of years old and recycled countless times, so too perhaps our soul gets recycled. Don't want to sound new age, but science is still quite dumbfounded about the topic of soul/consciousness because it can't be measured, just as how science can't measure how much love you have for say, your parents. It's un-measurable but we all know it's there, inside.

            • john71 on 16/02/2021 - 11:02
              +5

              @noshopping: New Age rubbish - but whatever it takes to help you sleep at night.

            • Loot N Plunder on 16/02/2021 - 11:19
              +8

              @noshopping: I hate to say it but there is no afterlife once your dead you are dead once the last electrical spark in your brain dies you are dead there is no soul no heaven no hell this is it now what you are living.
              religion is a security blanket for fools.
              Why are the churches adorned in gold, jewels, art, crowns, bank accounts worth billions and people still dying of starvation when their religion forbids its own hoarding of wealth?

              .

              • figarow on 16/02/2021 - 12:59
                +3

                @Loot N Plunder: A theory spoken as fact…
                Then this:

                Why are the churches adorned in…

                Correction: Why are some churches adorned in…

                Because of the greed of men (even those proclaiming the be religious men).

              • SlavOz on 16/02/2021 - 16:55

                @Loot N Plunder: Don't suppose you have any evidence for your claims?

                I'm particularly interested in the part about churches hoarding wealth. Do you have access to their financial statements to ascertain where their money is going? Eg it's quite easy to measure that the Catholic Church has the largest network of charities in the world.

                • Loot N Plunder on 16/02/2021 - 17:58

                  @SlavOz: Don't suppose you have any evidence for your claims?

                  Maybe you know something i don't and can point me in the direction to a poor religion?

                  Some of the wealthiest organizations are religion based

                  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_wealthiest_organizatio…
                  The pope sitting on a gold throne holding a golden staff encrusted in jewels admiring his art collection and silk clothes eating the finest of foods all for doing gods work

                  • SlavOz on 16/02/2021 - 18:27

                    @Loot N Plunder: I didn't say that there were poor religions. What I'm saying is that you don't have access to the financial statement of these institutions so you're in no position to claim how greedy they are. It's objectively known that the Catholic Church is by far the most charitable organisation worldwide.

                    Do they have significant wealth? Sure, I'd wager that most of it is in assets, which is just smart financial planning. Nothing wrong with storing away funds for a rainy day, year, or century. The church has a lot of obligations and powerful opponents so they are looking out for their own.

                    • Loot N Plunder on 16/02/2021 - 18:43
                      +1

                      @SlavOz: The church has a lot of obligations and powerful opponents so they are looking out for their own.

                      They have god on their side and they shouldn't be in need of anything of material value so obviously there isn't a god looking out for them.
                      What opponents do they face? apparently there is only one the devil who else is there.

                      the hoarding of wealth and people dying of starvation makes no sense its hypocrisy
                      Justify the jewelry when people drink filthy water justify the gold when people starve justify their grand cathedrals when people sleep in the streets justify the money when someone hasn't got a wheelchair

                      https://twitter.com/BKimber/status/1246262862156349447

                      • SlavOz on 16/02/2021 - 18:54
                        +1

                        @Loot N Plunder: So needing material things means there's no God?

                        That's like saying the existence of crime proves there's no such thing as police.

                        Opponents? The catholic Church is a political powerhouse. Think of the United States but even bigger over thousands of years and revolutions. They did have a 600 year war with the Ottoman Empire so there's that too.

                        As for hoarding wealth, you seem to keep ignoring that they give ridiculous amounts of it away. Can you name another institution that runs hospitals, shelters, food aid, at no cost in almost every country in the world?

                        • Loot N Plunder on 16/02/2021 - 19:37

                          @SlavOz: That's like saying the existence of crime proves there's no such thing as police.

                          I can see feel hear smell taste the police/religion crickets

                          Which one do i choose because they all cant be right i wouldn't want to choose the wrong one would you?
                          I heard thor is the god of thunder i might choose him but i could be making a mistake. I never thought it was this hard in choosing a god

                          Edit
                          Don't worry about it i found the perfect one
                          https://www.spaghettimonster.org/

                          Who did you choose?

                          • SlavOz on 16/02/2021 - 19:49
                            +2

                            @Loot N Plunder: Personally, I chose one that has survived thousands of years and has a long history of social, cultural and moral contributions.

                            But good luck with your blog there.

                            • Joshaz on 23/02/2021 - 13:49

                              @SlavOz: Sorry, tagged the wrong person, mate.

              • Joshaz on 23/02/2021 - 13:48

                @Loot N Plunder: Capitalism and socialism are yet to address any of these issues.

            • BIGPETE0005 on 16/02/2021 - 13:43

              @noshopping: Objectively prove that some are more conscious than others 😂 but yeah Crazy shit.

            • khomeini on 16/02/2021 - 15:35
              -1

              @noshopping: All scientists know the weight of the soul is 21 grams.
              Now back to my duties in made up Australialand and spread the lies about this "spherical" earth.

            • banana365 on 17/02/2021 - 22:57

              @noshopping: There is a lot that's unknown to science but that doesn't mean you can fill the gaps with fluent bullshit, most of which is totally counter to the bits that science does know.

          • User102430 on 19/02/2021 - 09:00

            @cheeseburger:

            Would you care to regale us with tales from your previous lives?

            Is that a serious question, mate? Because if it is, then I would be more than happy to respond…

        • Hangryuman on 15/02/2021 - 11:25

          YOLO ! - now, hold my beer … !

          • John on 19/02/2021 - 14:52

            @Hangryuman: Expecting to read some comments about managing money, frugal living etc.. finds philosophical discussion instead..

      • TimApple on 15/02/2021 - 13:38
        +16

        This is just a stupid way to counter an argument. Would you be drinking poison and say “Why not? You only live once. I wanna know how it taste”.

        • AuSlade on 16/02/2021 - 14:22

          Depends if it tastes / smells like Almonds or not.

          No, don't drink Cyanide because it tastes or smells like Almonds. Just don't.

          • TimApple on 17/02/2021 - 00:05
            +1

            @AuSlade: Why not, you only live once LOL

            • Bad Company on 17/02/2021 - 09:08

              @TimApple: Actually, plenty of people do that already.

              Alcohol, cigarette, drugs, you name it.

              Puffer fish is said to be highly poisonous if not treated properly before cooking, yet people still eat it because it's supposedly very nice. Some literally die for it.

    • SF3 on 14/02/2021 - 22:49

      Keeps the economy going… so they say.

    • RiseAndRuin on 15/02/2021 - 21:26
      +5

      That, or tradies who take mostly cash payments with no invoices…

    • theo96 on 16/02/2021 - 06:21
      +35

      Luxury goods are a scam created by rich people to make money off poor people by making them feel rich.

      • Jackson on 16/02/2021 - 11:13
        +4

        Truer words were never said… however the flip side is Luxury goods are a scam for poor resourceful people [or anyone really] to take money from rich people and then become rich themselves.

      • diazepam on 17/02/2021 - 21:23
        +1

        Yes and no. I agree with you to a certain extent but many things are significantly better quality when made to the standards expected by luxury companies… my wallet has lasted me 5 years, my shoes some 6 years and counting both with virtually daily use
        Has actually saved me money on the long run

        • banana365 on 17/02/2021 - 22:58
          +2

          Vimes? What are you doing here?

        • theo96 on 18/02/2021 - 08:52
          +2

          Agree — I'm not knocking the quality of luxury goods, but that the prices charged are a scam. Sure, high quality costs more, but not THAT much more.

          https://italic.com/

      • Joshaz on 24/02/2021 - 08:51

        It's a bit like drinking wine and scotch.

    • TK Deadwalker on 16/02/2021 - 09:38
      +10

      This thread got too existential too quickly

    • hearitfromhorse on 16/02/2021 - 16:44

      Jobkeeper is propping up a lot of people that don't need it

      • itsme56 on 17/02/2021 - 08:22

        Not sure why you were negged. I know someone with three jobs that received job keeper from a job they only earned $200 per fortnight for. Totally ridiculous. They were pocketing the whole $1500 while getting extra shifts from the other two jobs.

        • banana365 on 17/02/2021 - 23:00
          +4

          For every person taking unfair advantage of Job Keeper there are hundreds that need it to survive. I'm happy with that level of wastage if it means those that need it get it.

    • Millikano on 16/02/2021 - 21:07
      +3

      Not me. Years of selling jousting sticks in the Trading Post has really paid off.

      • ndftz on 19/02/2021 - 11:08
        +1

        you really showed that one customer who said you were dreaming :)

    • BargnHuntr on 17/02/2021 - 11:49

      living life on credit cards and maybe on ozbargain deals

    • elvislj on 17/02/2021 - 21:08
      +2

      Can't believe there are so many discussion here missing something fundamental here. The queue are full of Chinese who does DaiGou for a living. They purchase the goods and send back to China for profit. pretty much the same as the baby formulas Luxury goods are symbol of social status in China. I am not making this up. every time I pass through this queues. most of them speak Mandarin. (I am a Chinese)

      I think many Australian doesn't know there are one million plus Chinese living here now, most of them don't socialize with the.. locals. With internet they just physically here. everything else is bridged to China through internet.

      • diazepam on 17/02/2021 - 21:21
        +2

        On the flip side as someone who on occasion shops at luxury stores, many of the mandarin speakers (I also speak the language) seem to be buying for themselves with their partners with them.
        Not saying that the daigou market isn’t real etc but the Chinese government has been taxing everything worth >$200… learnt this the hard way by sending a $500 item., which has quickly eradicated most of the market

      • anastasiastarz on 23/01/2022 - 01:16

        Ah like personal shoppers?

  • orangetrain on 14/02/2021 - 17:18
    +108

    Buy now, regret later

  • capslock on 14/02/2021 - 17:19
    +23

    How many of them are just browsing though?

    • aboogee on 14/02/2021 - 17:39
      +28

      my wife didnt end up buying
      she said the shopkeeper gave her the look
      i guess you wouldnt really queue and go in just to browse through if you get such treatment in store

      • elgrande on 14/02/2021 - 23:44
        +98

        Great outcome then .. did not have to spend and it was not your fault.

      • Scrooge McDuck on 15/02/2021 - 04:46
        +51

        she said the shopkeeper gave her the look

        Could've slipped him a fiver; he just saved you $2,000!

      • DarkOz on 15/02/2021 - 07:54
        +18

        The shopkeeper only gave her the look after he noticed that you gave him the look. I would do the same too if my wife wants to buy a $2,000 watch!

      • Hangryuman on 15/02/2021 - 11:28
        +2

        you were 'obviously in the wrong place' - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nu3x5SZrMHo

      • Morien on 16/02/2021 - 13:18
        +3

        She needs to go back and Pretty Woman that place!

        • banana365 on 17/02/2021 - 23:03

          What, go down on the rich guy with the expensive suit?

    • anastasiastarz on 23/01/2022 - 01:17

      Do people really line up for an hour to look though? Was under the impression if you went in you knew exactly what you wanted.

      To browse you'd shop off peak.

  • Hybroid on 14/02/2021 - 17:19
    +44

    Some of those people actually buy those high designer stuff here and ship them off to China or other countries with plenty wealthy people demand to flip for considerable profit. I'm convinced a large portion of the Asian youth in the CBD does this as primary source of income. They are constantly camping outside shoe stores, designer brands etc.

    Plenty people have a lot more disposable income over past year as have been working and getting paid as per normal yet have had significantly reduced costs sitting at home (no commute costs, no going out expenses, no events/parties/concerts/shows, no restaurant dinners/drinking, no holidays, no work clothing etc). So on a special occasion like today, they don't mind spending a bit more. This was also evident by the crazy demand for the new console releases.

    Some have ridden the current stock/share/cryptocurrency fluctuations and done quite well thus using those profits/gains to splurge.

    Also don't forget there's a large population of skilled expats here earning very high salaries that are happy to spend money.

    Not everyone saves for a rainy day but equally not everyone is super frugal.

    • aboogee on 14/02/2021 - 17:41
      +9

      I used to see lots of Asians queuing up - yes that was years ago
      I can tell you its now more balanced - not dominated by Asians anymore

      • p1 ama on 14/02/2021 - 21:38
        +34

        I can tell you its now more balanced - not dominated by Asians anymore

        Maybe because no tourists are allowed in the country….

        • xuqi on 15/02/2021 - 18:33
          +9

          or 'students'..

      • anastasiastarz on 15/02/2021 - 09:54
        +2

        For shoes? We saw them like a year-ish ago, certain they all know each other as they had matching chairs with tags (likely to clean and return after event).

      • striker5950 on 15/02/2021 - 16:15
        +1

        idk which part of Australia ur from but speaking for Sydney DFO area near Olympic park, and sometimes when i go city, its majority Chinese Asian groups lining up on those expensive stores.

        • diazepam on 17/02/2021 - 21:26
          +4

          Lol. Nothing in that DFO is “those expensive stores”… the stuff at Burberry all look appalling - my opinion but I do honestly think there’s a difference between luxury brands and the stuff sorted to outlets in terms of style etc

      • BargnHuntr on 17/02/2021 - 11:51
        +1

        Most of them have become Australian Citizen

        • John on 19/02/2021 - 14:53
          +1

          He was talking about Rolex, not Citizen

    • eek on 15/02/2021 - 10:06
      +3

      It's not necessarily cheaper to buy in Australia to ship overseas especially if you can't get your GST back. I found buying those items either in Dubai or Europe (Spain) was often cheaper, and you could often get your VAT back as well. The other possibility was they are buying items not in stock overseas. Australian market is quite small in comparison, so sometimes has more stock available, especially limited edition items.

    • juki on 15/02/2021 - 11:22
      +2

      that was sort of true but greatly exagerrated around 2010, nowadays those students are going to be cooking the bag for food before they'll sell it off

  • Jugganautx on 14/02/2021 - 17:28
    +7

    My wife has dreams too.

    • tooblue on 14/02/2021 - 17:31
      +3

      Hermes?

      • Kangal on 14/02/2021 - 18:22
        +2

        I thought you asked Herpes?

        • bloom on 14/02/2021 - 19:02
          +40

          My wife wanted Hermes, I gave her herpes

          • aboogee on 14/02/2021 - 21:20
            +2

            @bloom: And you'll get divorced with 50% wealth gone too

            • LFO on 15/02/2021 - 12:15
              +5

              @aboogee: Avoid marriage and keep 100% of your wealth.
              And growing.

          • Blue Cat on 15/02/2021 - 09:39

            @bloom: A gift she will have for the rest of her life!

          • Hangryuman on 15/02/2021 - 11:30
            +14

            @bloom: 'My wife wanted Hermes, I gave her herpes'

            the difference between M and P is the word NO … ;-)

    • crob on 17/02/2021 - 07:48
      +4

      same, that's what I get my wife's boyfriend to buy her expensive stuff

  • tooblue on 14/02/2021 - 17:32
    +6

    YOLO.
    Buy now think later. It is also OzBargain's slogan.

    • Mr Haj on 15/02/2021 - 13:04
      +1

      Wouldn't that be BNTL?

      • 51722 on 15/02/2021 - 20:53
        +2

        Ugh.. so close. BnL

    • ndftz on 19/02/2021 - 12:22

      just ran out of eneloops

      • no true ozbargainer ever
  • JIMB0 on 14/02/2021 - 17:33
    +18

    Perhaps they too lived fragaly once upon a time, paid their debts off and now have plenty of disposable income.

    • ItsMeAgro on 17/02/2021 - 10:09

      I think the tiny amount of thoughtfulness required to do that is more than enough to inoculate you for life from doing something as stupid as buying a $1000+ watch or handbag.

  • Hardlyworkin on 14/02/2021 - 17:35
    +18

    A life buying material things? The majority of the 6 odd billion people in the world probably think you are rich. It's all relative.

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