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Re: Marriott Vacation Club point system (by Steve F.):

$12,000 to Marriott, recently? I would think way more?

In any case, I have zero regret from my purchase long ago, it turned out to be a very good deal for us. Despite the price. For many reasons. But it's less likely todays purchasers can come anywhere close to the same result. No doubt. Esp given the points program, hard to get into for any reasonable price even on the resale market unless you know what you are doing. The only "good" thing about points is it is likely, if you buy resale, you will be able to sell for what you purchased them for, unlike, the timeshares purchased from Marriott. But the value is just not like it used to be for ownership.

I came from a different generation and likely different background than many, we never had money at all growing up. So, I am in general very cheap. The people I see all around me, younger people, are not. I see things that cause my blood to boil far more than a timeshare purchase. People who "need" that $25,000+ SUV, yes, they must have it after all the kids might need to be driven somewhere. And in 3 years or so, another, except higher priced of course. I see friends and family spending hundreds of thousands on vehicles, for which you get usage, but, not much else, and talk about losing value. And the $1,000 "free" cell phone every year or 2, there goes another $10,000 in no time, esp when you count spouse, kids, etc. Oh, and, don't forget the ridiculous rates for that "free" phone, vs my $5 per month for my phone service. Have a friend who has a great deal, they are paying a mere $300 per month for cell phone service, but oh those "free" phones. Oh, and at our last reunion, I was informed how everyone needed some $400+ cooler now. Really, a $400 cooler, I about fainted. I can get one for $1. Sure, not as nice. But a cooler, which has limited uses really, many of those I see use it maybe 5 times a year. Maybe $30 for a decent one. But $400? So it has some great name on it, who cares! And so on. So, sure, waste is all around us. And far from just timeshares. Used to be computers, but, those are much cheaper now. But those are mere examples, I know people who can't live 1/4th as well for 5 times the money we spend. Timeshares can certainly make that list, but, are far from alone.

So, for us, I'd much rather be on some beach, or warm winter location, or whatever than driving some car, or using a brand new phone every few months or year. Given that we are fortunate and are able to spend that kind of time. And since we never had money growing up, like my dad, we drive many places. So, when we go to Williamsburg for 2 weeks in a few weeks, driving. Airfare not always needed, we enjoy the drive. And are fortunate enough to still be able to. Vacations for us are just about our fondest memories. And we vacation many times as much as we used to before buying. And that's fixing to grow next year. So many family and friends simply don't go. They are in the rat race.