Co-worker(s) complain about money

[George P.]

How do you guys react when someone you know very well (fiend, or relative or someone at work) complains about money
(particularly by saying "We're in debt, but who isn't? Everyone lives like this, we're no different")? They aren't looking for advise, but rather just state this nonsense (probably to calm themselves down).
I have learned not to solicit advise if not asked for, so I pretty much say "yeah I know" and try not to engage in this particular conversation.
Do you handle it differently?

[Jon Holdman]

Somewhere I heard this story of a famous pianist who did a recital for some small group. After the recital, one of the guests said to him "I wish I could play like you". His response was "No, you don't. If you really did, you could."

Whether talking about a job you claim to dislike, some skill you wish you had, or debt you wish you didn't have, the story is really the same. You're living the life you choose. If you don't like your situation, make some different choices.