Friends and Money

i think this is one of the most interesting topics you have covered...especially between women. You should explore this more... what about how women recently became 50% of the American workforce and still make %20 percent less than men. We are about to surpass men in the workplace becoming the MAJORITY of the workforce in the US. Lets face facts... its because we are in a Recession and women will work for less. I think TMI and More Than Mary could bring their 2 cents to this outrage of a fact. 

I grew up in the 80's when women in the workforce was a whole new concept. I consider it my dirty little secret that i dont actually WANT to have a career. I know its a shocker because up until 20 years ago we didnt have them. So am i the crazy one who feels completely unfulfilled chasing after the "status quo" 20-something career when all i want to do is what my mom did as i was growing up? Dont get me wrong, I am a smart woman with lots of career possibilities but am i the only one who feels like the workpace isnt necessarily fulfilling for a woman? Sorry to get off topic from your piece but youve tapped into an underlying frustration about women expected to have money etc. when we make so much less for exact same job.

I think Julia brought up a really great comment about trying to plan events with friends that don't require too much money. Although getting dolled up and going out to dinner is fun, without the good company of friends, it could be pretty dull. When I'm feeling low on money, instead of denying invitations from friends to go out to lavish meals, I suggest getting a slice of pizza and going for a walk.

I was the first of my friends to get a job, so there was a time when I picked up the tab for EVERYTHING. (think like 2 or 3 years.) now I'm trying to design and set up a line and they don't understand why i can't do it anymore. It kind of sucks that no one even bothers to offer to pay for me even though they know I'm practically broke. 
I think that when people go out for dinner there shouldn't be any of this "I'll pay" thing, everyone should pay for themselves otherwise you might end up feeling kind of underaprecciated like I do now.

There is such a strong feeling from people who don't live in NYC that it is impossible to afford the cost of living here, and this video shows that the feeling is felt within the city as well.

It is possible to spend 0/month on rent, to have a "birthday dinner" potluck at home, and to carry the same purse for 3 years that you got at TJMaxx for .  Truly. And it's possible to be happy all the while without therapy.

So good to hear others talk about the dreaded birthday dinner. No matter how conservatively we try to order, we always get stuck with a huge bill.  And it's so awkward to try to separate yourself or call out that you ordered less.  People who make more money are not nearly sensitive enough to the issue. I do have a close friend who makes much more $ than me and she picks up a drink here or there, which is super nice. But I always feel a little awkward about it.

This episode (actually, all of these episodes are) is absolutely worthless. I learned NOTHING, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. 
Seriously...what's the point? 
I refuse to believe that three not idiotic women are not aware of their vapidness.

I agree that friendship shouldn't be about who can pay the bill but it's always nice to do something thoughtful for someone you love.  My sister makes less than I do so I always try to pick up the check or buy her a cute shirt.  She works really hard but can't afford the simple things that make most woman happy  - and I love to see my family happy!

A proper lady wouldn't talk about sex anyway. You girls are crazy, and not in a good way.

Meghan, what alternate universe do you live in? It's insulting to your viewers to try and pass yourself off as living on the money you make from NS. We've all seen that Digital Cribs video - please. Also, half the price of a purse at Barney's? 

Seriously, you guys - with the exception of Mary - are really, really out of touch. I would take some of those critiques to heart, Meghan.

All three of you - please stop pretending like you're suffering in this economy or are some normal middle class women. You're not. Equating your 0 dollar dinner bill to "half of a handbag at Barneys" (0) or "one eighth of rent" (40) just illustrates how horribly out of touch you are. When you say things like that, it alienates a lot of people and really turns them off.  

The only person I can sympathize with is Mary because she actually started and ran a successful business at one point. Julia - you admit you only made  a week working as a writer, so it seems as if you were still receiving help from parents. Why don't you admit it or talk about it? I think a much more interesting episode would be openly discussing whether or not you still get help - and be honest about it.

When I was really poor and couldn't eat, my friends took me out all the time to eat with them.  Like Mary, I couldn't wait until I got into that better job and could return the favor, and that time is finally here. :) Still living frugally though, as I always will.  I'll never spend 0 on a purse from Barney's.  That's almost all my rent.

Mary, it makes me sad that you said you feel like you've "failed yourself and your friends in some way" because you can no longer pick up the tab or pay for things. I think TRUE FRIENDS don't really care how much money you make, they make or anyone else makes. Focusing on who can and can't pick up the tab is missing the point completely.