can someone explain to me

I don't get it, personally. Especially in your friend's case, she could just get a new one. 

I don't get it either.  We went to a time share spiel at the Wisconsin Dells to get a free weekend vacation package.  In return, we had to listen to their sales pitch.  It amazed us how many people actually signed up for it.   Too many restrictions for too high a price IMO.

I think the draw is the comfort of having a set family vacation spot.

We rent the same cabin up north each year for a week. The rental agent told us that as long as we treat it with respect we can come back and stay the same week each year. We are going for our fourth year this summer. Our girls love the traditon and we enjoy having a really nice log cabin with a private beach to enjoy.

I dont get it either.  My sister had one with her fiance once and when they split up they both made such a big deal about who was going to get the time share (it still wasn't even finished being paid for the initial part - besides maintaince each year no?) I just could not wrap my head around WHY they were both carrying on like it was the greatest thing in the world.  I kept asking her why she just did not go get a new one and let him have the stupid thing!! She wound up with it but really it still amazes me what she went through to get it..

Do you mean, you don't know how timeshares work? Or you just don't understand why it is a big deal? I don't think they are a big deal. I know all too many people who are trying to get rid of their timeshares.

Quote:

Originally Posted by raetonycass 

well, their timeshare isn't a location persay. She gets points? that she can use at any number of resorts in that company. She has stayed at 5 star hotels in Chicago, a resort in Mi, a place in the Dells and a place in Orlando. I just don't get it. She pays close to 2 grand every year for membership fees and then almost $600 a month! She keeps carrying on that it is an investment in the girls future? and that it is like a home mortgage. I don't understand it. 

Since she is soon to be a single mom, she should realize really quickly that she probably won't be able to afford that. It isn't realistic. It would be smarter to save some money each month in a travel fund and stay at a cheaper hotel. 

Maybe you should tell her that the $600 a month could pay for a nicer place to rent or for a mortgage on a house at that rate. That would be a better investment for her kids future.