I've driven a Camry for over 20 years. My first one lasted me 15 years. I only got a new one so I could give my older one to my granddaughter. She still drives it 3 years later. I guess we are a lower-status family!

I have no debt and live fairly well. I'm not rich and don't live by any Jones'. We choose what's important to us. Obviously, in the celebrity world, it's a different lifestyle.

It's a bummer for your uncle but a good thing for the rest of his family and friends to see. Maybe they'll see the sham of materialism before it takes a bite out of one of them.

Great article. Great lesson. A parable.