I'm happy, but am I stupid?

[RH]

Let me see if I can recap here:

- you post a thread with a provacative question "...am I stupid"
- the post is long tale about how you did something that most normal folks would call stupid or irresponsible, but you're rationalizing and kind hoping we knifeknuts are all on the same wavelength as you, affirming your choice
- some folks (about half by my guess) respond very politely, not trying to hurt your feelings, that umm, yeah maybe the answer to the your title question is "yes". At the very least, it's not something they would do or recomend, but c'est la vie.
- you return the volley with more rationalization, explanation, and support for your decision, basically poo-poo'ing all the constructive responses YOU solicited in the first place. So far, this is not working out the way you planned. You are not getting the affirmation or encouragement (and perhaps envy?) that you sought after.
- more negatives from the crowd
- more explanations and self-talk, really trying to overcome the nagging feeling that maybe you screwed the pooch this time.

Of course, you have a great job and are very mature and responsible, and you really did not need to take out a loan, you just did it for giggles. We understand.

Whatever, dude.

 

[Hair]

Well, RH, you are obviously very mature. You of all people are most apt to tell me what I am doing, and what I should do. You know better than I what is right for me! I'd never want to do something you wouldn't do. You are obviously a very smart person. Why else would you feel the need to make such a worthless post?

Actually kiddo, I posted to share my decision and get some input and experience. I didn't ask anyone to tell me what to do, nor say I would definitly follow any and all advice given. The title of the thread is obviously in jest. It does not make comments like "yes, you are stupid" appropriate. And for recieving such comments, I think I remained very polite. I don't deserve to be insulted by anyone.

Despite poking fun at myself in the title, I was just posting to share. That is sort of what this forum is for. Sharing. I did not expect encouragement or envy. I expected what I got, people trying to keep me from making what *THEY* feel is a bad decision. But it isn't their decision to make, and they not know me well enough to say whether the decision is right or wrong for me. How ignorant of you to assume that getting the go-ahead from people was my goal. I don't need the "okay" from people on this forum. I will do what I feel is right from me.

I didn't blow off anyone's advice. I further explained myself and respectfully disagreed. No one changed my mind. No one made an arguement that applied to me and my wants and needs. Only time will tell who is right. I won't follow advice when I believe it is wrong for me. Does that mean I am a jerk? Does explaining myself make me a jerk to? What about not responding to baseless insults from people no better than me with insults of my own? Too polite? Sorry, I won't be so respectful in the future. I mean, I don't want to be a jerk and blow off horrible advice.

You need to take another look at the thread. Maybe upon second glance you won't get it so painfully wrong.

 

[OneKnifeMan]

I am just curious do you have to state the purpose of the loan in the application? If so what did tell the bank?

 

[Copper Crayon]

You asked for an opinion. I gave you one.

Seems as if you've justified this in your head so you don't really need our answers.

Find life in the journey.....not in the destination.

 

[Hair]

They do ask. I suppose you could lie or give a vague answer, but I was honest.

I told them I collect knives and wanted to buy some high-end knives. To make it seem less like I was planning to take over the world with a knife in each hands, I also mentioned that I wanted to buy some motorcycle gear and some musical gear, too. I do intend on getting some motorcycle and musical gear, but they will only be about 100 bucks of the grand.

Newsflash: My Dad said he'd loan me the grand, but that we would talk about it more when we get together for Christmas. I applied for a few different credit cards when I was first looking into loans, so when I get the answers back from those in a few days, I will sign up for one of them and use that to build my credit.

Copper- I thank you for your opinion and am not trying to put anyone down for trying to help. Take my last reply in the context of the post I was replying to. I wasn't replying to you. I have justified this in my head, but that doesn't mean I will automatically turn down all advice. But at the same time, it would be foolish of me to take someone's advice just because they offered it. I have veto power in this case. So far no one has changed my mind, but that doesn't mean I came into this knowing I would not sway from my decision.

 

[Walking Man]

Hair, I recommend that you don't take the loan from your Dad. Take the loan from your bank or credit card, it will keep you honest, and it will keep anything from coming between you and your dad, and yes, it will help your credit out, if you don't have much of an established credit history.

 

[OneKnifeMan]

Not trying to change your mind but you may want to give this a try.

 

[RH]

Hmm. Being called "kiddo" by a 22 year old "guitar teacher". Priceless.

I tell you what, let's pick this up after you've had a few career ups & downs (oh, wait, you need some semblance of a career first), some higher education, and you have some experience supporting a family of 4 and a mortage in one of the most expensive states in the country. It should be an interesting conversation.

 

[DaveH]

SO maybe I have a different idea. Try and get a $10K loan. Buy one of almost any expensive knife around $400 you can find until you run out of moeny. Send a couple to me because I thought of the idea.

- Think of the immediate satisfaction of getting 10K worthof knives.

- All your knife peers will respect and look up to you.

- We might even like you.

- You're building your credit history.

 

[Dog of War]

Seems to me that buying all these knives at once is probably going to diminish the enjoyment you'd get if you'd bought them individually over time.

When I get something new that I'm really looking forward to getting, I like to be able to focus on it, really check it out and become familiar with it. Most likely I'll learn some valuable things from using it, and the next time I buy something similar, that'll influence my decision. So to me, not only would what you're doing not be nearly as much fun, but there'd probably be a number of knives in this 'bulk purchase' that turn out to be disappointing.

To say nothing of paying interest on a loan, which just adds to the cost of the knives..... although lots of people borrow and spend for frivolous reasons, so that's kind of like criticism of an American institution.

Merry Christmas, I guess. At least you'll be getting plenty of toys to play with!

 

[symphonyincminor]

Nothing said from these intelligent, EXPERIENCED people is going to deter you from your ridiculous decision. The only thing that is going to make you second-guess your loan is when that bill comes, month-after-month. After month. After month.

I'm only a year older than you and even I know better. As comfortable as you feel in your job and finances, please understand that you realistically have nothing to your name. No savings account (obviously, if you're looking to take a loan out), no credit, no property or investments in your name. Only a job that you think will substantiate you (which it isn't; aside from paying bills, you have no savings).

But you already knew all of this; you're 22 and of course those silly things don't matter.

 

[Hair]

Hmm. Being called "kiddo" by a 22 year old "guitar teacher". Priceless.

Act like a kid and be called a kiddo. It is that simple. Your reply was rude and uncalled for, so I called you what you were.

I tell you what, let's pick this up after you've had a few career ups & downs (oh, wait, you need some semblance of a career first), some higher education, and you have some experience supporting a family of 4 and a mortage in one of the most expensive states in the country. It should be an interesting conversation.

I've finished college. Neither of us can predict the future, but I can say for certain that a personal loan poses very little risk for me. I am not taking out this loan while I have a family to support and a mortgage. I am taking it out now that I can afford to. Just trying to enjoy my life. But I guess you know better about my life than I do, kiddo.

Nothing said from these intelligent, EXPERIENCED people is going to deter you from your ridiculous decision. The only thing that is going to make you second-guess your loan is when that bill comes, month-after-month. After month. After month.

No one is more experienced at living my life than I am. If anyone gave me any advice that actually applies to me, I would take it. I have considered the advice given in this thread, and it isn't right for me, so I am not going to take it. And yes, I will have to pay the bill each month, but I would have to pay for the knives either way. I would still be paying a "bill" for them every month if I didn't take out a loan. But this way I get them sooner at the cost of paying more. That is worth it to me. Your arguement doesn't hold water.

I'm only a year older than you and even I know better.

You don't know what is better for me. Get of your high horse.

As comfortable as you feel in your job and finances, please understand that you realistically have nothing to your name. No savings account (obviously, if you're looking to take a loan out), no credit, no property or investments in your name. Only a job that you think will substantiate you (which it isn't; aside from paying bills, you have no savings).

If you knew my actual situation, you'd know that my job is very secure. I also have a *VERY* large safety net if I need it. I have nothing to my name? It is so funny how you assume. I love how everyone thinks they know me so well just from this thread.

But you already knew all of this; you're 22 and of course those silly things don't matter.

I know what I need and I know what I want. I always take care of my needs first and have *NEVER* had to skip on one of my needs because I overextended or was too impulsive with what I wanted. But I can afford to take care of my wants, and I can afford to do so by taking out a loan and paying it off rather than saving up. But hey, why should I do what makes me happy and is also VERY safe financially? You know what I should do better than I do.

Hair, I recommend that you don't take the loan from your Dad. Take the loan from your bank or credit card, it will keep you honest, and it will keep anything from coming between you and your dad, and yes, it will help your credit out, if you don't have much of an established credit history.

Normally I would agree, but I have paid rent and car payments to my Dad for years and never missed one, and that chance that I will miss a loan payment is damn near zero. I am definitly going to do something to build my credit, but if I can get a loan from my Dad at no or low interest, I would rather do that.

Seems to me that buying all these knives at once is probably going to diminish the enjoyment you'd get if you'd bought them individually over time.

For many people that may be true, but I can honestly say that for me it is not. I know what makes me happy, and I would not do this if it wouldn't make me happier than the alternative. The question is whether or not the risk is worth the reward, not if getting the knives now would make me happier than saving up for them. I know which of those two options will make me happier. I do not enjoy the "chase" or the "catch". I like using knives (i.e. the meal), and I like having a variety at my disposal. As for the risk/reward, I feel the risk is low enough to justify going for it. A lot of people here disagree, but they don't have even a sliver of understanding of my life and situation. They sure like to think they do, though.

 

[Deadhead Archer]

I'm happy, but am I stupid?

Ignorance is bliss.

 

[Pyromancer]

To address the thread topic.

"I'd rather be happy, than right anyday."
But, you have to ask yourself if this is going to be 2 weeks of happiness followed by an extended period of bill-paying regret. 2 weeks being the average amount of time it takes for ME to quit obsessing over a new knife/knives, and go out searching for new ones. In my experience, working with substance addicts, and being somewhat of a knife-addict myself, I would say you are not making a very sensible choice. Your attempt to validate your expenditures (improving your credit), is not supported by the ignoble act of posting this thread (I'm happy, but am I stupid). The direction of which, always seems to face the wind...

My regards
Desmond

 

[Hair]

First off, I want to say that my annoyed tone in a couple of the previous posts is only aimed at the people in this thread that have decided to act like jerks and be holier-than-thou. Pyromancer's post is a great example of something giving their opinion in an attempt to help me, not in an attempt to make himself feel better by putting someone else down for no good reason.

But, you have to ask yourself if this is going to be 2 weeks of happiness followed by an extended period of bill-paying regret.

That is a good point, but I know from experience (buying knives and guitars) that for me, getting 6 things I want keeps me happy for longer than getting 1 thing I want. In other words, I am as sure as can be without being able to predict the future that these knives (bought together) will keep me happy longer than if I just buy 1 of them. Will they keep me happy as long as if I bought 1 of them, after another, only after the "happiness" of each purchase wears off? Probably not. But I think I would also be "more happy" while having all of the knives in my collection than I would be with any one of them.

People keep bringing up the bills I will have to pay for the loan each month, but I would have to pay for the knives either way. I would have to keep saving and paying their "bill" as I buy them.

Now that I am getting the money from my Dad, and it is only a grand instead of the higher amount I would be forced to get in a loan (due to the minimum), and also with no interest, I can pay the loan off in 2-3 months. This means that taking the loan only speeds up getting these knives by 2-3 months, but I am pretty sure the happiness will last longer than that (though I cannot say for certain). Also, I think getting the knives 2-3 months earlier is a pretty big deal. I do not want to wait 2-3 months. I could wait, but I do not want to. And if paying interest is the cost of not waiting, then I can accept that.

You guys have to remember that it is my money and my wants. You can think I am stupid (I'm not, but think what you will), but you cannot tell me what I want better than I can. I know what makes me happy. I can't predict the future, so I don't know how the loan will affect me 2-3 months from now, but you cannot tell the future either. I am taking a risk, but I feel it is worth it. Driving to work each day is a risk, too. Skydiving is a risk (and an unneeded one), but it makes some people happy.

2 weeks being the average amount of time it takes for ME to quit obsessing over a new knife/knives, and go out searching for new ones. In my experience, working with substance addicts, and being somewhat of a knife-addict myself, I would say you are not making a very sensible choice.

I don't know what my, let's say, "period of joy" will be for each knife, but I do think that it will be longer for all of the knives together than it would be for any one of them by itself. I agree that the joy will probably wear off before it would if I bought the knives one at a time, but like I said above, I also think I would be happier in that time period than I would be if I only had one new knife.

Your attempt to validate your expenditures (improving your credit), is not supported by the ignoble act of posting this thread (I'm happy, but am I stupid). The direction of which, always seems to face the wind...

You have it all wrong. I wanted to take out a loan or get a credit card to build my credit long before I got into knives. Building my credit is not an excuse to make my decision seem more sensible. I was going to get a loan or CC anyways (and I still am, even though I am getting the knife money from my Dad), and thought knives (being my current passion) would be the thing to spend the money on.

I really don't see how doing something to make me happy at the cost of *VERY* little risk is unsensible. No, it's not like I am using the money for things I need, but I already have money for things I need. If I used the loan or CC (which I need ot build credit anyways) on things I need, then it would just be my paycheck that buys my wants. Same difference.

Many of you seem to be lumping me in with the many people my age that are deep in debt and cannot control themself. If you knew me, you would see that I am not them. I have controlled myself my whole life, and I have weighed the risk and decided that a small loan poses very little for me. If you want to think I am foolish, that's fine. But I feel that judging me over the Internet without really knowing me is far more foolish than anything I have ever done.

 

[trooplewis]

Geez Hair, you opened the thread and asked for opinions. If you don't want to know what people think, don't ask them. Some posted long and thought-out answers to your question (Am I Stupid?) and now you are dissing them for it? For the most part, I thought everyone was more than kind. They could have just said, 'the answer is yes, you're an idiot' but they didn't. And if you have a big safety net, why do you need a loan for a paltry 2 grand? Why would you be borrowing it from Dad? That's why people assume you have nothing to your name; jezz, put it on the AMEX card if you have the means...

 

[Deadhead Archer]

If you are so sure what you did is a good idea, why are you airing your dirty laundry here? I'm sure there will be a line at the bank tomorrow to get personal loans. :jerkit:

Seeking justification among faceless peers on the internet won't prove you are a man. Grow up.

 

[Pyromancer]

Hey man, it's great that this post is drifting back to normality.

I'm a kid myself, but will say that the majority of people are inclined to take out loans out of necessity. Necessity, usually being an investment (a car to get you to work, a house that may appreciate in value), and not out of fun. Working to pay off interest is like working with extra weight on your back.But it seems like you're a pretty financially able fellow, your dad seems pretty generous, so your socio-economic situation might allow you to curtail some notions of sensibility. Yes, I said it, and no, I will not take it back...

So, if possible, get yourself a credit card with no APR for a year or whatever, get your dad to float you a few more bucks (cause I mean, there's not that much difference between a grand and 1.5 grand), and reduce the amount of interest, while obtaining knives YOUR WAY, and improving your credit.

Peace be with you
Desmond

 

[Hair]

Geez Hair, you opened the thread and asked for opinions. If you don't want to know what people think, don't ask them.

When did I say I didn't want to know what people think? I am coming to this thread, reading, and responding. Am I not allowed to respond?

Some posted long and thought-out answers to your question (Am I Stupid?) and now you are dissing them for it?

No, I am only dissing the people that act like children and blatently insult me.

For the most part, I thought everyone was more than kind.

For the most part. But it is the few bad apples that I am dissing.

They could have just said, 'the answer is yes, you're an idiot' but they didn't.

Calling me an idiot and then giving me advice from a high horse isn't any better than just calling me an idiot.

And if you have a big safety net, why do you need a loan for a paltry 2 grand? Why would you be borrowing it from Dad?

Because I don't want to dip into my safety net if I can use money from a loan I am taking out anyways. Likewise, I would rather borrow from my Dad and have the safety net in tact than borrow from the safety net and have it not be there if I need it.

That's why people assume you have nothing to your name; jezz, put it on the AMEX card if you have the means...

I never asked anyone to assume.

And, if you look, I never asked for advice either. I asked if anyone else had done this, and, jokingly, if I was stupid. Acceptable answers would be "I think you are making a pretty impulsive and foolish move, but do what you feel is right for you. Just be careful and think about the long-term." or "I can't say whether the loan will bite you in the ass or not, but I do feel the risk isn't worth it. Then again, I do not know your exact situation."

Saying "You're an idiot and I am better than you." is not acceptable, or welcome.

If you are so sure what you did is a good idea, why are you airing your dirty laundry here? I'm sure there will be a line at the bank tomorrow to get personal loans. :jerkit:

Have you read the thread at all? I already got approved for a loan, but have decided to borrow from my Dad and get a CC instead. I am not airing my dirty laundry here. I am posting what is obviously an interesting topic and sharing a recent knife-related decision. That's what what forum is for.

Seeking justification among faceless peers on the internet won't prove you are a man. Grow up.

Ok, now I know you haven't read the thread.

I am not seeking justification. I am going to do what I feel is right no matter what anyone else says. Good, applicable advice can change my mind, but so far none has been given. This has already been said. Please read before you reply.

I am not trying to get approvable from a bunch of faceless people on the Internet. For you to make such an ignorant assumption and then tell me to grow up... well, it's not a very smart thing to do, boy.

I got exactly what I was expecting, and that isn't approval. It is several people giving me good insight that I seriously mulled over (though ultimately my mind was unchanged) and some sad, pathetic people trying to put me down and judging me to make themself feel better.

 

[Hair]

Hey man, it's great that this post is drifting back to normality.

I'm a kid myself, but will say that the majority of people are inclined to take out loans out of necessity. Necessity, usually being an investment (a car to get you to work, a house that may appreciate in value), and not out of fun. Working to pay off interest is like working with extra weight on your back.But it seems like you're a pretty financially able fellow, your dad seems pretty generous, so your socio-economic situation might allow you to curtail some notions of sensibility. Yes, I said it, and no, I will not take it back...

So, if possible, get yourself a credit card with no APR for a year or whatever, get your dad to float you a few more bucks (cause I mean, there's not that much difference between a grand and 1.5 grand), and reduce the amount of interest, while obtaining knives YOUR WAY, and improving your credit.

Peace be with you
Desmond

It is amazing how you can give opinions and advice without being needlessly insulting and petty. I think you should give classes on BF.

If more people here were like you, I wouldn't be considering leaving this place.