Thu, 10 Jan 2013 12:00:00 GMT | By Alison Griffiths, MSN Money
Financial meltdown survival guide for 2013

Don't keep up with the Joneses

Suburbs in Chesapeake, Virginia. (© Getty Images)
Next
Previous
- (Starts in 5 seconds)
Related Galleries
Boy using a tablet computer. (© Getty Images)
How to raise an upwardly mobile baby
A homeless man eats a charity meal. (© Anatolii Stepanov/Newscom/RTR)
Canadian business leaders on the best way...
Canadian money (© iStock)
What prices are going up in 2013?
Previous
  • An excellent credit score. (© Getty Images)
  • Suburbs in Chesapeake, Virginia. (© Getty Images)
Next
Getty ImagesShow Thumbnails
Previous9 of 9Next
Share this Gallery

Don't keep up with the Joneses

As you work to give your kids the best, fit into society and generally keep up with the Joneses, chances are the Joneses are struggling to keep up with you too. It is all too easy to look at the trappings associated with other people’s lives and make judgments. That perfect couple next door with a cottage, new car and well-clad kids could be drowning in debt while across the street your poorly dressed neighbour driving a beater might be a happy but hidden millionaire. Try to avoid emulating those around you, especially if it means spending more.

* Bing: What’s the emotional cost of keeping up with the Joneses?

Money videos

In focus

Have your say

Should new wireless companies Mobilicity, Wind Mobile and Public Mobile be allowed to fail?

Thanks for being one of the first people to vote. Results will be available soon. Check for results

  1.  
    55 %
    Yes, the market will decide if they are competitive enough to survive.
    2,332 votes
  2.  
    35 %
    No, the playing field in the wireless market is not level. The government should help these companies.
    1,475 votes
  3.  
    10 %
    I don't know.
    401 votes
  4. Skip to results

Total Responses: 4,208
Not scientifically valid. Results are updated every minute.

Recently recommended stories