Geno - I once remember my mom offering to let us buy some hamburgers at McDonald's. I was so excited until she pulled out a bag full of loose change that she had been saving. I was so embarassed to pay with change that I refused to go inside and order the hamburgers.
Now I'm embarassed to tell that story and reveal the way I acted. Our parents did what they had to do in much different times. We are a spoiled generation, and I often wonder what we are teaching our children.
Thanks for the trip back.
In our home's lunch jar it was just quarters and nickels - 30¢ a day for lunch.
I was actually milk monitor for the first part of third grade - the second highest office I've ever held. 
Jesus. Since having the kid, I've though a lot about how much money I spend.
I know what you're thinking Geno..."I've seen how you dress, so how can you worry that you spend too much money?"
Interestingly, I will spend for the quality and look I want in my home, nice places to stay when traveling, entertaining and of course... coffee.. My wife hates spending money, and if it were up to her, our place would look like a garage sale and I would be banned from Starbucks.
Luckily, she likes her vacations and eating out. But then worries about it.
The funny thing is, I don't consider my spending as materialism, but as reaching goals. Having a nice home for me (and what I consider a nice home), going to the coffe shop in my routine, eating at a four star restaurant is so personal and internalized and has little to do with peers.
I grew up pretty dirt poor, and through a parent's bankruptcy... never liked the places we lived. Even in early adulthood, my homes were little more than crash pads.
Now I'm filling the void and don't mind investing (spending) to do it.
As for money quirks growing up... let's just say I didn't know there was anything "non-generic" until I was eighteen.
Commenting by HaloScan
