The current depression- which is what this is, is a huge opportunity for change... We are fortunate to finally have a smart guy in the white house to help steer the blundering corporations through- and blunder they will continue to do, because they are very slow to change. But, we, the people can change quickly. We can change in a snap and we have already and will continue to.
•People habit changes:
•No more stupid buying just to shop... wouldn't that be nice!
I never completely understood that idea, "Lets go shopping" as a recreation- no, you shop when you need something. I do think the American people will get that-it is starting already. Some are addicted to shopping and will have a tough time, but most will be able to just shop when in need. How refreshing.
•Reusing stuff- like clothes- at thrift shops-spend $3 for an American Eagle skirt instead of $40- the addicts can go to the thrift shops!
When my Husband and I went to Hawaii a few years ago- our first stop was a thrift shop which, of course, had tons of Hawaiian shirts- we bought about a doz. and wore them the whole time- they are great and each cost about $2... many were the expensive ones in the boutiques down the street... So, when on a trip to someplace unique- shop their thrift stores...
•Reuse your water bottle- hello? we don't need more plastic in the landfills AND water should be free- buy a sturdy (they are getting harder to find- some are so thin I'm afraid they will gush out all over the place- the Chinese markets have a green heavy duty bottle tea comes in- buy one, drink the tea and rinse- they don't keep the flavor of the tea in the plastic- yeah- how come?) Anyway, fill it up over and over again... I have one I use in my gym bag- it is still fine after several months...! this is a win-win- less money spent, less junk.
• When you have to shop go to BJ's, Cosco- get it in bulk- things like cereal is sooooo much cheaper! I know these places are popular- but they should be packed all the time- you will save time and money.
• I have always been drawn to classic styling- don't buy trendy clothes- buy classic designs they never go out of style- really-
•fix what is broken- When I was a kid there was a vacuum repair shop, a bike repair shop and small appliance repairs all in one little town- All of them are gone because most of what is made today isn't fixable- plastic breaks- wears down and it can't be fixed, computer components fail and that is it... But, if you do have something that is broken that is fixable- either try yourself, what harm can you do, it already is broken! - or find someone who will fix it... pay them- they are part of the change and the solution ...
Right on Cathy. Another tip is to keep a journal of every penny you spend for one month. Even if it only costs 5 cents, write it down. Each week review what you've spent and label it either "need" or "want". Be honest. You may think you need that candy bar, but you don't. You want it. If you have a lot of want's on there, you may want to rethink your spending habits. You do need food for dinner. You don't need donuts and coffee every morning from the local coffee shop. It's an interesting exercise. Include internet spending as well.
ReplyDeleteI agree with keeping an expense journal. For the last 4 years I have been using a for real accounting program to keep track of all our expenses. Maybe it is a little over the top, but it is very sobering at the end of the month or year you pull a report and see how much money went to fuel, or eating out, or renting DVD's. Just the idea that what you are about to spend will be recorded and reviewed makes you think twice about spending it. What will the Finance Committee will say!.
ReplyDeleteIn the last year I have changed my food shopping routine from "what do we want to eat" to "what do we have to eat". I actually dropped 10 pounds that I did not really need, but just saying "no" to the temptations of eating out, or buying snacks.