Weasley Wealth

[Cindy C.]

No: HPFGUIDX 28737

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., "Megan" <virtualworldofhp at y...> wrote:
> This morning, sitting in church, I was thinking (that's not a good
> sign ;-)) about the Weasley's financial situation.
> 

Uh, oh.  I was thinking about the graveyard scene in church today.  
No, that can't be a good sign either.  :-)


Megan wrote:

But, compared to Muggle life, what is draining
> the Weasley's wealth to the extent that they have essentially no
> savings?  Molly uses magic to feed her family, there's no mortage, 
no
> vehicle payments, and it seems to me there are relatively little
> outside expenses.  (obviously there is the debate if Hogwarts has
> tuition...IMO it doesn't)  Perhaps Arthur's salary is less than we
> think?  

Hmmm.  I don't think you're off base to wonder about this.  I suppose 
one way to look at it is to think of all of the things they have to 
buy, and the way to get a handle on that is by looking at what we 
know exists by way of shops on Diagon Alley and elsewhere.  It seems 
the Weasleys must buy wands, potion ingredients, books, broomsticks, 
Floo powder, owls, parchment, cauldrons, clothing, tent rental for 
QWC, and a Ford Anglia.  Presumably they must pay for medical care, 
and I think JKR has made it clear that they can't just conjure things 
they need, so they must buy food as well.  

Also, I was kind of surpised that the Weasleys blew their prize money 
on a trip to Egypt.  You'd think that if they are practically down to 
their last Galleon in CoS, they'd save that prize money and vacation 
a bit closer to home.  

Cindy (who doesn't feel too sorry for the Weasleys, as she can't 
recall a mention of them being forced to pay taxes)