We have been accustomed to the so-called 'good life' for so long that now, when our country is failing, people are in a horrific panic. Do you catch yourself saying, "I can't cut back on this, I couldn't go without it." Or what about, "I'm just not going to pay the - bill this month." Well, don't feel like you're the only one, because obviously you're not. However, you can be the one who is managing expenses, and life, in a way that is in harmony with this new future we must adapt to. In the past, no one can deny the simple truth that we (in general, as a nation) took advantage of certain privileges. To recognize this and help one another move forward is our only chance at perseverance.
Everyone begins by blaming the mortgage companies. Yet, in all reality we must first look to individuals. At some point, everyone experiences the want for more. It is an intrinsic part of our ego to constantly desire bigger and better things. Houses, 'conveniently' fall under that category. Similar to cars, people are excited and thrive off of possessing large homes. To some, it can be perceived as a wealth indicator or good financial standings, which is something that (in general) America has somehow come to idolize. What ever happened to the comfort in simply having a sturdy roof and a quiet place to rest? Nice homes don't necessarily have to be mansions. However, one of the leading culprits in this gigantic mess is individual people and their desire to buy homes way beyond their price range.
If people were content to live in something they could afford and not worry about how the size of their house reflected on their status in society...we might not be in such a predicament. Regardless, we are now faced with an economic and financial challenge and must rise to the occasion. So finding ways to save on small things in everyday situations will help people live a humble existence and restore balance to their lives. Preparation is the next essential step in the restoration process. Without planning, we will have no way to track our spending habits and identify unnecessary purchases.
First and foremost, let's tackle household items and chores. Look for ways to make particular items last longer. Instead of using two full caps in the wash load, use one and a half. If you typically use a large amount of dishwashing detergent, put a few sprays of Clorox in the dishwasher and only use a half of the amount you would normally use. Next, get to saving on groceries. Make a list and stick to it as much as possible. When you go to the grocery store, only visit the isles that you really need to get things from. Try getting a cookbook and going through most of the recipes with family or friends. This should keep you from eating out too much. When it comes to traveling, try to scale the internet for the best possible deals you can find. Also, instead of taking lengthy trips overseas, consider taking local vacations that are split into a few short breaks.
A few more suggestions could be cutting back on dining out or going to expensive events. Look for free concerts and performances going on in your area that offer a social atmosphere at a discounted price. There are plenty of people in your community that are looking for ways to be more cost effective. But planning trips to the grocery store and buying generic brands can also help tremendously. It's time to rethink the way we spend, understand, and live!
Everyone begins by blaming the mortgage companies. Yet, in all reality we must first look to individuals. At some point, everyone experiences the want for more. It is an intrinsic part of our ego to constantly desire bigger and better things. Houses, 'conveniently' fall under that category. Similar to cars, people are excited and thrive off of possessing large homes. To some, it can be perceived as a wealth indicator or good financial standings, which is something that (in general) America has somehow come to idolize. What ever happened to the comfort in simply having a sturdy roof and a quiet place to rest? Nice homes don't necessarily have to be mansions. However, one of the leading culprits in this gigantic mess is individual people and their desire to buy homes way beyond their price range.
If people were content to live in something they could afford and not worry about how the size of their house reflected on their status in society...we might not be in such a predicament. Regardless, we are now faced with an economic and financial challenge and must rise to the occasion. So finding ways to save on small things in everyday situations will help people live a humble existence and restore balance to their lives. Preparation is the next essential step in the restoration process. Without planning, we will have no way to track our spending habits and identify unnecessary purchases.
First and foremost, let's tackle household items and chores. Look for ways to make particular items last longer. Instead of using two full caps in the wash load, use one and a half. If you typically use a large amount of dishwashing detergent, put a few sprays of Clorox in the dishwasher and only use a half of the amount you would normally use. Next, get to saving on groceries. Make a list and stick to it as much as possible. When you go to the grocery store, only visit the isles that you really need to get things from. Try getting a cookbook and going through most of the recipes with family or friends. This should keep you from eating out too much. When it comes to traveling, try to scale the internet for the best possible deals you can find. Also, instead of taking lengthy trips overseas, consider taking local vacations that are split into a few short breaks.
A few more suggestions could be cutting back on dining out or going to expensive events. Look for free concerts and performances going on in your area that offer a social atmosphere at a discounted price. There are plenty of people in your community that are looking for ways to be more cost effective. But planning trips to the grocery store and buying generic brands can also help tremendously. It's time to rethink the way we spend, understand, and live!