https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Tue, 02 Jun 2026 21:06:10 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-hb-is-rich/page/5#post-656169 Wed, 20 Mar 2013 20:35:57 +0000 lomom 656169@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yes! I hear about the price of daycare (although I do acknowledge there is a COL difference) the amount people spend on clothes, gear, etc. and yeah, it seems very rich. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-hb-is-rich/page/5#post-656144 Wed, 20 Mar 2013 20:26:29 +0000 Mrs. Sketchbook 656144@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsTiz: MUST STOP POSTING!! Sorry! If you must know, the forty dollar one is a NEW pattern! I got mine on clearance for 19.99! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-hb-is-rich/page/5#post-656138 Wed, 20 Mar 2013 20:24:01 +0000 Mrs. Sketchbook 656138@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsTiz: I have actually been preparing a cheapo gear post for some time now but was waiting until Scribble was old enough to be out of his infant car seat. We are getting either the Jet or the Ignite....both are under fifty dollars. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-hb-is-rich/page/5#post-656133 Wed, 20 Mar 2013 20:20:52 +0000 Mrs. Sketchbook 656133@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Anagram: I totally agree. We are usually bargain basement folks, but when it comes to the baby we choose to spend more. I think that is typical of parents of all economic levels....they want more for their kids than for themselves? We don't even have a real stroller (only a frame) but if I lived in the city I would definitely consider a more luxe one! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-hb-is-rich/page/4#post-656129 Wed, 20 Mar 2013 20:18:20 +0000 Mrs. Sketchbook 656129@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have to admit, I am probably not active enough on the boards to really say if HB is "rich." But I'd like to say that I hope the blog offers some low-cost solutions, such as the buy/skip articles, BLW and breastfeeding, and home birth stories. I am probably low middle although in my small town we can afford to live more comfortably on less.</p> <p>@KissMeCait: if you look at our nursery it cost about 1,000 dollars, but that is because our parents bought us a crib and a glider. That was probably 60% of our budget. I would say if we had gotten those items, the whole thing could have been around 600 or 700? But cribs/mattress are already 200-300 bucks even on the low end (I just googled Walmart crib bundles and the Graco Lauren bundle is 175). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-hb-is-rich/page/4#post-656097 Wed, 20 Mar 2013 20:04:13 +0000 Grace 656097@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>When I first considered the question, I thought that HB was skewed to the wealthy. But I thought about it more and I think part of the reason is that I remember posts that showcase items that I consider extravagant. I think that is because i couldn't ever imagine buying a $1000 crib (for example) so it sticks in my head. But when I really think about it, I think it's a mix. I'm sure that for every wealthy poster post (for lack of a better phrase), I've seen one on how to save money. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-hb-is-rich/page/4#post-656061 Wed, 20 Mar 2013 19:46:36 +0000 Mrs. Oatmeal 656061@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think there's a pretty good mix on here. I know that, like other posters have said, income is pretty relative.<br /> That being said, when I post about wanting a $200+ diaper bag, its only a pipe dream. We're on the low end of middle class, but we're doing just fine.<br /> The dynamic certainly hasn't turned me off, though. There's a mix here, just like there is in my own group of friends. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-hb-is-rich/page/4#post-655963 Wed, 20 Mar 2013 19:04:30 +0000 Mrs. Yoyo 655963@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I hope my gear posts never came across as extravagant, 'cause we're certainly not! LO is sleeping in a Walmart crib in a room full of Ikea. We've done a few "splurges" on certain gear (jogger, travel crib) but it seems to me that just about everyone splurges on things they'll get a lot of use out of. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-hb-is-rich/page/4#post-655929 Wed, 20 Mar 2013 18:52:46 +0000 MrsSCB 655929@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@HLK208: "I have champagne taste on a beer budget"</p> <p>Tell me about it!! I say this to DH all the time, haha. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-hb-is-rich/page/4#post-655912 Wed, 20 Mar 2013 18:43:24 +0000 anonysquire 655912@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I classify HB as a rich community. We definitely have the "snobby" people who act like they are rich. I don't really pay attention to who has money or whatever since I just come here for baby advice. </p> <p>And again I don't think if people have an expensive stroller they are rich. They could have bought it used or splurged on that and scrimped on everything else. I've been thrift shopping since I was a kid and in my neighborhood it's practically frowned upon. But whether we are poor or millionaires I will always thrift shop. Im sure there are people here who even of they are poor or rich they will always splurge. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-hb-is-rich/page/4#post-655896 Wed, 20 Mar 2013 18:36:06 +0000 MsMamaBear 655896@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bluestriped bee: I personally don't think I can call people rich without seeing their bank accounts.</p> <p>Agree. Anyone can live off a credit card buying high priced stuff they can't afford. I can't really answer this to tell you the truth. I'd just say middle. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-hb-is-rich/page/4#post-655622 Wed, 20 Mar 2013 16:20:57 +0000 plantains 655622@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Anagram: I have never seen a post like that either, and I have been here for quite a long time. </p> <p>I just don't like it when people try to get me to ascribe to their ideals. For example, I have friends who prefer experience to material gifts. I prefer material gifts. Neither is better, everyone is just different. I prefer a Gucci bag to a skydiving trip, totally okay with me, and I will save 5 years for it no problem. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-hb-is-rich/page/4#post-655602 Wed, 20 Mar 2013 16:14:19 +0000 sunny 655602@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Everyone prioritizes differently. As PPs have mentioned, just by virtue of having a specific stroller doesn't make you rich or poor. </p> <p>Given the number of members with professional degrees, I'm not surprised that incomes skew higher than the American average.</p> <p>I think in general it's difficult to draw a line and say people making over $x are rich. You never know their circumstances. Doctors making 6 figures are probably also paying 6 figure student loan debt. They are probably doing better than the average American, but I bet they don't all feel rich. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-hb-is-rich/page/4#post-655594 Wed, 20 Mar 2013 16:12:43 +0000 JoJoGirl 655594@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oy. I definitely was not able to read every post in all 4 pages - but I get uncomfortable when people start making assumptions/judging each other on something as superficial as baby gear! We bought an Uppababy Vista - on Craigslist for $200. We would never even have considered it otherwise! And we *never* would have gone into consumer debt for a stupid stroller. That is still a lot of money for a stroller, I realize, but my point is: don't generalize when you don't really know the situation.</p> <p>That being said - agree with @blackbird that it seems a lot of folks on here have desk jobs/professional jobs/higher education. Does that mean they are 'rich'? Absolutely not, since those people are also all likely saddled with student loan debt and might also live in cities with high cost of living. But I do think the professional cohort here is slightly higher than average, if that makes sense. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-hb-is-rich/page/4#post-655579 Wed, 20 Mar 2013 16:08:12 +0000 LaughLines 655579@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I see a ton of posts about how to save money!<br /> for example: using cheap pregnancy tests first and only using the more expensive tests once you think you have a positive on the first one<br /> There is a running monthly deal thread<br /> Posts about using cloth diapering to save money<br /> DIY projects, etc etc</p> <p>I think if you're looking for the posts about expensive things you're going to find them here and there, but you're ALSO going to find a lot of posts about being frugal and ways to save. Everyone has their own circumstances and the beauty of a community like this is it's a group of people from all sorts of walks of life and you should be able to find some in similar situations as you and some that aren't (not just money wise, but also TTC status, # of kids, age of kids, etc). </p> <p>It would be a shame if we were ALL "wealthy" or ALL "living paycheck to paycheck" Luckily we have the ability to ignore advice that doesn't work for us and search among all the voices for stuff that does. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-hb-is-rich/page/4#post-655503 Wed, 20 Mar 2013 15:44:50 +0000 Happygal 655503@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This site seems balanced to me. It doesn't seem like there are a lot of gear posts--I think the majority of blog posts are really thoughtful, well-articulated entries about others' experiences. Maybe there's more discussion like that in the forums, but I haven't been reading up much on gear.</p> <p>We're definitely scraping by (we've both started our own businesses), but we're content and know it's not forever so I don't have "the wants." Which means if someone shares info about a stroller that is more than we would spend, it doesn't ruffle my feathers. Spend a lot, spend a little....doesn't matter to me! </p> <p>The only thing that I don't get are the big birthday parties, but that's b/c birthdays were really low key in my family. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-hb-is-rich/page/4#post-655421 Wed, 20 Mar 2013 15:21:04 +0000 Anagram 655421@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Goldilocks1107: hmm. We have very different experiences on HB. Granted, I've only been here a few months, but I've never seen a post like that. Maybe I only click on all the posts about which items can be bought used, or which coupons are good on baby items now, or which sites have sales right now?</p> <p>I just checked out the gear posts and scrolled back three pages and didn't see any posts like that. Somehow I'm missing those posts! =) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-hb-is-rich/page/4#post-655418 Wed, 20 Mar 2013 15:20:03 +0000 Mrs. Pen 655418@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Goldilocks1107: love this! It takes being frugal to remain well off :) it takes me being frugal to hope to one day BE well off! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-hb-is-rich/page/4#post-655416 Wed, 20 Mar 2013 15:19:25 +0000 Mrs. Pen 655416@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@HLK208: this this thisssssss!!! I love you haha. I am the exact same, champagne taste on a trader joes $1 beer budget bahaha. Thethings I really want, I really have to save!! It may seem like big expenditures to outsiders but I work for high quality items and remain quite frugal. The key is knowing the difference between what should be quality or not. Ie, do I think a $1,000 crib is a safer option for my child? No! They're all held to the same safety standards. My $187 crib is perfect for us! But ask me if I feel a $50 carseat is up to par with the $200 one we registered for? Yes, actually I do feel there is a difference. I loved the new "air technology" and other safety and aesthetic features on our carseat. It felt safer because the frame is so much sturdier in comparison with a cheaper seat.</p> <p>That was long winded haha sorry </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-hb-is-rich/page/4#post-655397 Wed, 20 Mar 2013 15:12:49 +0000 Goldilocks1107 655397@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I get the impression that the majority of HB posters are "well off" based on what they announce they have. It may be they aren't well off and it was gifted, or that they are in debt up to their eyeballs, but it seems the posts that say things like "Should I get this $800 crib, or this $1000 crib" are specifically intended to flaunt how much they spend/have, even if it's not a realistic picture of their financial status. </p> <p>I know I'm probably "well off" compared to a lot of people (when you factor in cost of living/income/savings) but I choose to be frugal on my purchases (and celebrate my "screaming deals") because it helps contribute to me remaining "well off". Plus, I find it hard to justify dropping a wad of cash on baby items that will be outgrown in 2 months, spit up and pooped on. But that's my decision.</p> <p>I just dislike rampant consumerism. What does it matter how much something costs - and why post about how much you're spending? I don't see how that information contributes to the overall conversation. I see it more as an "ego boost" for the poster than anything else and don't waste my time reading or responding to those posts. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-hb-is-rich/page/4#post-655300 Wed, 20 Mar 2013 14:40:01 +0000 plantains 655300@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just to add to the chorus of people who don't think HB is rich. I think theer is a pretty good range here. I also think that everyone has different priorities and needs so it is important to bear that in mind. I have an UppaBaby Vista stroller and was more than happy to spend teh money on it. It is vital here in New York because we don't drive. It isn't exactly fun slogging through the snow and sleet on the subway either, a car would certainly be more comfy but who can afford that in addition to mortgage/rent plus cost of parking in New York? It takes an insane amount of money to be rich here.</p> <p>I think assuming that people cannot afford their lifestyle is a bit of a reach, there are just way too many factors involved. By the same token, I could look at anyone who has more than 2 kids and classify them as rich because I have no idea how anyone affords that in this day and age. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-hb-is-rich/page/4#post-655299 Wed, 20 Mar 2013 14:40:00 +0000 mrbee 655299@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>&lt;&lt; I understand, and you (and any bloggers out there) have my sympathies. No one likes to hear negative comments, especially when they're related to our parenting skills/decisions. &gt;&gt;</p> <p>@Freckles: Hey so back at my desk now... just to clarify, my main goal in cutting back on posting to the blog and boards is just to focus on building out the site. We've been building out gold and also adding bloggers, and now we're going to launch a newsletter... that stuff takes time, so just putting my focus there.</p> <p>As for haters, not much I can do... we just try to focus on making our users happy, and trying to take criticism as constructively as possible. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-hb-is-rich/page/4#post-655291 Wed, 20 Mar 2013 14:38:00 +0000 HLK208 655291@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think hellobee is mostly upper-middle class. As for me, I have champagne taste on a beer budget so although I like nice things, it takes a long time to save for them (like our $500 stroller). We don't put anything on credit anymore. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-hb-is-rich/page/4#post-655219 Wed, 20 Mar 2013 14:15:17 +0000 savanarunner 655219@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree, it's all about perception. Also keep in mind this is a site that solely focuses on pregnancy and children/families and most people wait to have children until they consider themselves financially stable/comfortable. This is the first time in my life I feel like I have "extra" money because we anticipated needing extra money each month to cover childcare costs. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-hb-is-rich/page/4#post-655217 Wed, 20 Mar 2013 14:15:07 +0000 prettylizy 655217@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Beebug: Awe thanks!! FTR, the jeans I bought at Value Village for $7 were supposed to be for a halloween costume, but they were in BETTER SHAPE than the jeans I had at home so I cut up my home jeans and replaced them with the $7 pair! lol! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-hb-is-rich/page/4#post-655208 Wed, 20 Mar 2013 14:10:50 +0000 2PeasinaPod 655208@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsTiz: The thing is, it's not something I necessarily want to keep private. But I also don't want to be judged about it either. Like most said, what is "well off" to you may not be to me. It's all about perception. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-hb-is-rich/page/4#post-655206 Wed, 20 Mar 2013 14:10:23 +0000 MrsSCB 655206@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Anagram: You're welcome! And yes, my DH and I are nowhere NEAR that level! It's just crazy!</p> <p>@mewtill: Thank you for sharing that video! I think inequality of wealth is a serious issue in the US and the video illustrates it really well. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-hb-is-rich/page/4#post-655201 Wed, 20 Mar 2013 14:08:14 +0000 Beebug 655201@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@prettylizy: I love what you just wrote, I feel like you said better what I tried to a little earlier re: having a BOB but currently wearing 15 year old pants, lol.</p> <p>+1! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-hb-is-rich/page/4#post-655200 Wed, 20 Mar 2013 14:07:50 +0000 Anagram 655200@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsSCB: great article! Finally, I have a number! To be upper class in NYC, you have to make $790,000 a year!</p> <p>That makes Dh and me relatively poor in comparison. Nah...not poor, just the middle of middle class here. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-hb-is-rich/page/4#post-655192 Wed, 20 Mar 2013 14:04:16 +0000 mrs. bird 655192@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mewtill: thank you for sharing that link! i hadn't seen that before and found in really interesting. </p>