Probably now, more than ever, Americans are overly concerned with “keeping up with the Joneses.” Millions of families are now in major credit card debt as a result of living beyond their means.

No matter how comfortable you are in your own skin, it’s hard not to compare what you have with what others have. Teenagers want name-brand clothes, homeowners want the biggest house and best lawn on the block, and men and women alike are getting nips and tucks so they can look younger than they really are.

I grew up in a very modest family. My parents rarely splurged when I was young. They’ve saved and invested, and have never really gotten caught up with “the Joneses.” They taught me the value of the dollar. But there are times when I find myself dreaming of fancy cars, big diamonds and even bigger houses.

For example: Rather than play dress-up as a little girl, my friend and I would play “Rich Ladies in Town.” Sonja and I would put on (hideous) dresses and heels, and then drape ourselves in costume jewelry and my grandmother’s mink stoles. We pranced around the neighborhood and called ourselves the “rich ladies in town.” I now realize how ridiculous that was.

The person who said "whoever dies with the most toys, wins" couldn't have been any more mistaken. Luckily for a lot of us (and our pocketbooks) our priorities have changed with age. Material possessions become less and less important, especially when you consider what you often have to sacrifice to get them.

Here are some pictures of the "rich ladies in town." It is with great humility that I share them with you. 

I'm the ham on the left.