So many good points have been raised so far in so few replies.

Growing up my needs were barely met if met at all. To me luxury was a can of Campbells Soup WITH crackers for lunch. Many times we went without heat and I'd hide away in a neigbors house just to get warm and usually I'd fall asleep then get into trouble for it. I used to HIDE a can of peas in my dresser drawer because many if not all nights I couldn't get to sleep because I was so hungry. Both my parents worked but there just wasn't enough money for the neccessities.

Once I got to the age where I could work, around 14 or so, my mother took half of whatever I made so working didn't have much reward. I am not good with money. I am a terrible consumer because I haven't had enough practice. I hate shopping. Probably because when I was married any money I spent was so scrutinized and examined that I dreaded it. Those were the only times I ever had any money at my disposal and it wasn't all that much. I hate anything to do with money now. I don't even like to think about it.

Yes, I know how to make due or most of the time do without. I am very frugal too. Even now at living at half of the nat'l povery level I take better care of MYSELF now than I ever did while married or with my parents. I have control over my existence now whereas I never did before. Someone always seemed to be hovering over me telling me everything I Couldn't have.

Every job I ever had was fraught with sexual harrassment. Very demeaning. Probably why now I'm a Hermit and a recluse.