As a father of 5 boys, I can tell you that "thrifty" is not an attribute that comes naturally. In the nature over nurture debate, financial responsibility is solidly in the nurture category. Selfish spending seems to be all too natural. My kids don't waste their money in the same way, but they all waste money. My hope, as a parent, is that I can teach them to be responsible with money. If my kids can master money, money will not master them.
Unfortunately, in this regard, our culture is my enemy. Everything from advertisements to public policy advocates excessive overspending. I have come to call this disease dollarrhea, and it has reached epidemic status:
Do you know someone with dollarrhea? What is the most ridiculous way you have seen someone spend money?
