Thoughts On Finance

I guess, with all the talk about money and finances in the forefront of everyone’s minds, you would think that more people would be taking action and cutting back and saving money now for the future.  This is really not the case because some people really don’t understand shopping wisely and saving money and all that stuff.  It seems pretty simple to me, maybe because I learned from my grandparents, who came from the Great Depression times and didn’t have much money even after they started a family.  Growing up I would hear my grandmother tell stories about wanting to buy a Christmas present for my aunt when she was a little girl and about how they could only afford a doll, but they couldn’t afford the clothes, so she made an outfit for the doll which was my aunt’s only Christmas gift.  I heard stories about adding water to stretch things and making lots of Koolaid to quench the thirst of friends who would come for a visit.  My grandparents now have money, but still do not spend.  My grandmother still recycles her tin foil and uses it again.  She shops a bargain whenever possible and will reuse items past the point of exhaustion.  Since they never really had money, when they did get it, they still continue to act as if they don’t.  This is how they were raised.  Many times when speaking to my grandmother and grandfather about my struggles with raising a family and about having no money, they share stories about wondering how they would pay for heating fuel and about the tough times.  I look at them now and hope that my future holds for me money in it, as they are a true testament to the power of pushing forward and going from have nots to haves.  A rags to riches story that even now, makes you think about how you are spending your money and what you are spending it on.  I am gradually learning how to cultivate my money and keep it going far past where it should.  I am cutting coupons and shopping sales, I am going to yard sales, I am cutting back.  My kids feel it and are hating it, but I can’t just blow money on their every desire, I keep trying to explain to them the difficult financial times that we are in, but I really don’t think they get it.  The time to cut back is now, so start making gifts for Christmas and thinking of ways to reduce costs where ever you can.  This is a time of “Economic Slowdown” so be ready because when things start to slow down, they eventually come to a stop.

I agree that the financial situation is looking kind of grim, but is there really anything wrong with American’s cutting back on their lavish lifestyles a little bit.  Let’s face it our lavish lifestyles is what other countries can’t stand about us as we spend and spend to have the biggest and the best, while in other countries their people are lucky just to have clean drinking water.  Isn’t it really the truth? I mean if you were the one struggling to keep your family safe from the toxins in their all so necessary water supply, would you not be just a tad resentful looking at American’s complaining about their new plasma TV’s? And what about the poor in our own country, don’t you think that the homeless are a bit resentful as we complain about the price of things but we are still running to the mall to get our kids designer clothes.  I think that as American’s it is time to accept the fact that what they say about us is really true.  We spend money like it is water and most of us have been spending more than we have been making for a long time now.  I am from a simpler time I suppose and really don’t mind cutting back a little, actually I am somewhat grateful for the cut backs that I have been forced to make.  I think it makes me appreciate the fact that I live a relatively simple life, with very little debt and money owed.  Sure I am not saying that if I won the lottery tomorrow that I wouldn’t enjoy it, I surely would, however, I think that living a simple more primative life is more my style and it really does make me appreciate all the non-material things that I have in my life.  So what if I can’t eat out all the time or take my kids to the movies but once in a blue moon.  I guess we will just have to enjoy watching DVD’s, home cooked pop corn and a Saturday night family game of Clue or Monopoly.  A simpler life doesn’t have to be so bad, just look at saving money as a challenge that you are willing to accept.  There are things that you can do to not only save money, but also to help the environment, but the question truly is are you willing to give up your lavish lifestyles, or are you willing to go down with the ship? Consider this your thought for the day.

Hey! How about those gas prices? Geez-O-Pete! There has to be a stop to those constantly rising prices before long or we won‘t be able to afford to drive to work to get the money to pay for the gas it takes to drive to work. If this has become the same nightmare for you that it has for most of us, may I suggest:

1. If there is any way you can swing it, carpool. It makes more environmental sense as well as financial sense. If there are only two people in the pool, you will at least cut your gas expenses by half. If you are lucky enough to have more than just two in the pool, then your gas savings will increase even more, of course. Check around in your office or check the newspaper. There may be an easy carpool fix with your name on it.

2. If it is not possible for you to carpool, check in to the transit systems in your area. Unless you live in a reasonably large city though, you will most likely be looking at the bus lines. Here you will find minimal cost compared to driving yourself, fighting the traffic and the cost of parking and you can catch up on your reading (or doze a while) on the trip in to the office. You may find you prefer it to driving your own car and it may become an enjoyable little modification to your previous life style.

3. If you are physically able and the distance does not prohibit it, you can clean up that bicycle or invest in an electric scooter — last resort for some, I know.

4. Another thing to remember when buying that golden gas is to pay cash or use your debit card. Every place I know accepts a debit card the same as cash. However, if you use a credit card, you will most likely have to pay a higher price than what is advertised and all that gas price shopping you have been doing will have been a wasted effort. Even a few cents makes a difference at the pump. Check it out before you pump and you won’t have to deal with that unpleasant shock after the fact.

5. Plan your trips also. Use one trip out to accomplish all of those short stops. When you leave the grocery store, stop by the dry cleaners, run into the pharmacy and pick up those rental videos in one large swoop. Saves you time as well as gas.

6. I continue to hear that not using your air conditioning in the car will give you better mileage. Well, that is just about impossible for Floridians in the summer months — unless you limit your driving to after the sun has set. Do it if you can. I absolutely cannot.

7. Check the air pressure in your tires. Whatever air pressure the manufacturer suggests is exactly what you should maintain. Check them often. Keep them in good shape. And keep your car in good running condition. Change the oil, filters and keep the fluids checked as is suggested. If your car is running more efficiently, you’ll do better in the long run also.

You probably have heard most of this before but maybe this time you are ready to pay a little more attention. It makes no sense to not take advantage of every little savings you can when we are suffering through this gas gouge. And even taking a baby step forward to improve your situation may encourage others to do the same and keep you out of the poor house. Just pick one of the above and give it a try. You’ll be glad you did.