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Across the Fence:  Economy gloom and doom  |
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catscharm74
True Blue Farmgirl
4687 Posts
Heather
Texas
USA
4687 Posts |
 Posted - Jan 25 2008 : 10:57:07 AM
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True Amie, larger scale progress NOW is needed. It is true to be practical and realistic now. I think neighborhoods are not set up to accomodate for the above mentioned things, like say in the days of our grandparents or even parents. I noticed today that the cookie cutter housing is so far out from anything, you are forced to drive to work, food, banks, etc...and forgot about land for doing things out here, at least in CA where I am. But they could build smaller homes or re-furbish the neighborhoods already around and give people incentive for doing so. I know DH would love an older, smaller home. I really don't think people think beyond today and I don't think they put two and two together, as in , less gas to ship food equals less food in store, higher prices, shortages...etc....
The funniest thing I heard the other day was a women talking about how she loves her Prius, the money it saves and how it helps the environment, she is doing her part. I saw her later carrying (and I am not kidding here) 8 huge bags of clothing to her Prius. Yes, she is helping, but seriously....
Cheers,
Heather
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Edited by - catscharm74 on Jan 25 2008 7:21:22 PM |
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one_dog_per_acre
True Blue Farmgirl
1572 Posts
Trish
Sandpoint
ID
USA
1572 Posts |
Posted - Jan 25 2008 : 11:02:58 AM
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Our baby was born in July, and since they we have decided to start living simpler. We started out by selling DH's business and moving from the Puget Sound to N. Idaho. This way DH won't have to work as hard. Less stress. Our manufactured home on one acre is for sell, in western WA. We are going to able to completely pay off our new, smaller house with 2.2 acres. Yes, DH makes 1/3 of his old salary, and yess, N. Idaho doesn't have much culture, etc. But it is better than having to worry about a whopping payment. My MIL lives in a 2000+ square foot house with her two cats. if she sold it, she could have two small houses. One to live in, one to rent out, then she wouldn't have to budget her SS so carefully.
other things we are going to do is have a garden, greenhouse, put a water wheel in the creek, and possibly lookinto solar cells. I am excited about all of our changes.
Farmgirl Sister #91
Make cupcakes not war! |
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GaiasRose
True Blue Farmgirl
2552 Posts
Tasha-Rose
St. Paul
Minnesota
2552 Posts |
Posted - Jan 25 2008 : 11:07:17 AM
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the most recent estimat eon oil running out was aired on NPR last week as about 20 years give or take about 5 years. The reason for this is that within the next 5 years China is expected to have twice the number of vehicles on their roads as we do here and within 10 years, that number will almost double, based on their sales projections and how China is having an economic boom similar to that which we had in the 80's. The Chinese are spending like mad and its on vehicles that consume resources. so between us and them we are going to be bone dry in about 15-25 years....time to buy a horse and cart.
[size=1]
~*~Brightest Blessings~*~
Tasha-Rose
Farmgirl Sister #88
Blogs: http://gaiarose.wordpress.com
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Homepage:
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"Joyful chaos, working in tune with the seasons, telling itme by the sun, variety, change and self-direction; all this wwas replaced with a brutal, standardized work culture, the effects of which we are still suffering from today." - Tom Hodgkinson in 'How To Be Idle' |
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Annika
True Blue Farmgirl
5602 Posts
Annika
USA
5602 Posts |
Posted - Jan 25 2008 : 11:18:24 AM
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I'm trying to look at the sunny side of this. Learning to make do with what we have and expand my basic scrounging nature and farmgirl skills. It will be a challenge not a hardship. We all should look at what we can do and encourage each other to learn more skills.
I have a place to live, we are insured and are crawling out of debt, so at the moment things aren't so bad.
We can do anything we set our minds to do.
Chin up girls, we can make it through with good simple living!
Annika
Farmgirl sister #13
Mud Hen Queen
http://innermountainmudhens.wordpress.com/
http://panzymoon.wordpress.com/
http://panzymoonsgarden.blogspot.com/ |
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babysmama
True Blue Farmgirl
931 Posts
Elizabeth
Iowa
931 Posts |
Posted - Jan 25 2008 : 11:36:29 AM
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Well, we are 25 and 30 years old (me and my husband). We are pregnant with baby #3 and live on one income which is less than $25,000 a year. We just bought our small house two years ago but that is our only debt. We buy older used cars with cash, have no credit cards, and only buy things when we have money. Granted, we have old furniture and buy clothes at thrift stores but we manage and we actually own what we have!
That said, we did just do a bathroom remodel so our savings is very low. And I have noticed it harder and harder to stay on budget since everything is going up. Grocery store trips are killer now, I can't believe the price of eggs and milk and everything in between. We rarely travel but gas is still insane. But I doubt our life will change much, compared to those who life on credit and need those $40 pair of jeans. I think people need to simplify and get back to a better way of living instead of stuff, stuff, stuff.
-Elizabeth |
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catscharm74
True Blue Farmgirl
4687 Posts
Heather
Texas
USA
4687 Posts |
Posted - Jan 25 2008 : 11:45:53 AM
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Amen Elizabeth- you are very inspirational. We are getting out of debt too and when we move to Texas, plan on getting something small with land. I am so excited about getting back to basics and seeing just how thrifty and creative I can be. DH can't wait to see me in my overalls, hanging laundry and scooting around in my garden. Hopefully with a few more small feet following me.
It is funny, I want to live even more simple than I do now because that is how I like to live and I want to continue on like that forever.
Cheers,
Heather |
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miss wilma
True Blue Farmgirl
3410 Posts
Wilma
Knob Lick
Ky
USA
3410 Posts |
Posted - Jan 25 2008 : 5:11:28 PM
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Elizabeth, I am so proud of you, that is how Sterl and I started out almost 46 years ago, I didnt have a bathroom or running water for 5 years, I hate to see young people have it so hard but that is the only way you ever really appreiciate what you have, I would hate to go back to those days but I am thankful I could survive if I did Yeah I believe you take one day at a time to but we can sure make tomorrow a little better by being frugal, If the waste was taken out of washington and our states just think how many people would have it better, and just think how much money is blowed on elections it makes me sick, ,As for the gas if they dropped the gas back to 1.50 per gallon think how much better things could get fast, but it will not drop as long as we buy it
Farm Girl #96
http://www.picturetrail.com/misswilmasplace
http://misswilma.blogspot.com/ |
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babysmama
True Blue Farmgirl
931 Posts
Elizabeth
Iowa
931 Posts |
Posted - Jan 25 2008 : 6:31:29 PM
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Yes Miss Wilma, the waste in this country makes me sick. Seeing how much the presidental canidates spend to get noticed is crazy when there are so many hungry and homeless people out there. People like Oprah who have too much money to even get your mind around. Granted, she donates a lot and does a lot of good but she still have millions upon millions in her name - couldn't she give it all away and live on "only" one or two million?! lol
I could go on and on but America is what it is because people made it that way. Everyone is greedy and all about "me, me, me". Our families are getting smaller, the houses are getting bigger, and everyone is working more just to get more stuff that they can't even enjoy because they are gone too much at their jobs in order to buy even more. It really is a sad state of affairs that our nation is in.
-Elizabeth |
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CountryBorn
True Blue Farmgirl
1545 Posts
Mary Jane
New York
USA
1545 Posts |
Posted - Jan 25 2008 : 7:03:01 PM
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Don't forget ladies,this is an election year. Every thing that the politicians and the news stations can drag out to scare the daylights out of evryone they do. Every election year is always a very unstable year.(of course presidential election years being the worst). This year there will most likely be a complete shift of power from one party to another. That alone makes some people very overly cautious about any buying, selling or making investments. I have a very strong feeling after the election things will start to look up. That is usually the way it works. Don't let all this frighten the dickens out of you. It is always wise to be frugal and pay off debts and live within your means, no matter how good or unstable the economy may be.
Mary Jane
There can be no happiness if the things we believe in are different from the things we do. Freya Stark |
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miss wilma
True Blue Farmgirl
3410 Posts
Wilma
Knob Lick
Ky
USA
3410 Posts |
Posted - Jan 25 2008 : 8:22:18 PM
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Mary Jane you are right about the elections I have always seen a difference in the way people spend, WE have to be practical in the sence that when we have to buy fertlizer and all for the farm at the prices it is now, if we can afford to put out a crop for the income it will bring and the answer is no, My son in law told me he paid 695.per ton for one grade this week, WE have to buy enough for hay and corn to feed the cattle How is any one going to buy food , I saw a 3 day old calf bring 500.00 today and it was the 4th 0ne he sold this week, then I turn righ t around and have the best week selling I have ever had in my life, so some one still has money to spend,
Farm Girl #96
http://www.picturetrail.com/misswilmasplace
http://misswilma.blogspot.com/ |
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miss wilma
True Blue Farmgirl
3410 Posts
Wilma
Knob Lick
Ky
USA
3410 Posts |
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therusticcottage
True Blue Farmgirl
4439 Posts
Kay
Vancouver
WA
USA
4439 Posts |
Posted - Jan 25 2008 : 11:45:20 PM
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Jessie - it's never too late to get your finances in order. I made the same mistakes when I was married to my first husband. Just keep plugging away at paying your debt and soon you'll be debt free. The key is to not spend and don't run up anymore debt. We all make mistakes but as long as we learn from them, then it's ok!!
Elizabeth - I am just in awe of you and your husband. To be such a young age and be so focused. You are an inspiration!
My Etsy Shop http://therusticcottage.etsy.com
The Rustic Cottage Blog http://therusticcottage.blogspot.com
Farmgirl Flair Etsy Team http://farmgirlsonetsy.blogspot.com
PROUD FARMGIRL SISTER #100
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Annab
True Blue Farmgirl
2900 Posts
Anna
Seagrove
NC
USA
2900 Posts |
Posted - Jan 26 2008 : 04:02:21 AM
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Along with NPR listen to Neal Boortz. He'sot a web site and talk about the Fair Tax. (Taxation on the things we ALL buy = spend friviously = taxed more not taxation based on how much we make and social class makes sense to me We get him here on FM 101.1 He talks politics too but breaks it down further and isn't near as depressing. He is an ass, but seems to have a better grip on politics. Sorry, he bashes Liberals, but pretty much bashes everyone who isn't informed about the truth
So much of what we hear and listen to is garbage and slanted to just one side And it goes the same no matter who is president
And I also agree about our president not having NEAR as much power as we think. Who else is pushing to get troops out of the Middle East?......it's the non-freedom fighting tight / stuffed shirt idiots who haven't a CLUE about what's REALLY going on.
It's a job you couldn't pay me enough to do either way
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miss wilma
True Blue Farmgirl
3410 Posts
Wilma
Knob Lick
Ky
USA
3410 Posts |
Posted - Jan 26 2008 : 07:33:14 AM
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Anna how true you speak, I believe in the freedom of our country and support our troups with every thing in me as for all this big tax money coming in well just where is it going to come from, It is not our presidents fault if we dont have some control over our own finances, If my husband and I had had the money that we see wasted today we would have been billionares by now, I am not just talking about your kids or my neighbors , I see it with my own, IT makes me sick when I see my daughter take loads of the best of toys and clothing off to the consignment and good will
Farm Girl #96
http://www.picturetrail.com/misswilmasplace
http://misswilma.blogspot.com/ |
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babysmama
True Blue Farmgirl
931 Posts
Elizabeth
Iowa
931 Posts |
Posted - Jan 26 2008 : 08:50:34 AM
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Thanks for the compliments gals! Though I try not to brag it is rare when I hear a compliment about being thrifty and that can sometimes get you down! My Mother-in-law is a big spender on a small income and when she visits and somehow finds out we have a little in savings she starts mentioning all we could buy with it, like that money should just be burning a hole in our pocket. But than again, it sometimes helps you learn about finances when you see someone else who is so bad with them!! Her last visit she mentioned that the gas prices were killer and that they didn't have much cash. I offered her a little help and asked how much. Well, I gulped when she said $80 but I figured I could help this once so gave it to her. Imagine my surprise when we went to Wal-mart and she bought our neice a $50 doll!!! I wanted to ask for my money back right then but couldn't!
At first I thought my thrifty ways were due to how I was raised (somewhat poor) but my mom isn't exactly thrifty. And besides my older brother, all six of my youngest siblings are horrible with money. So here is a question, for those of you who are thrifty, do you think it was because of how you were raised or something else entirely?
-Elizabeth |
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catscharm74
True Blue Farmgirl
4687 Posts
Heather
Texas
USA
4687 Posts |
Posted - Jan 26 2008 : 09:17:26 AM
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My thiftness comes from living in a family where things were more important than family or making memories or other's self satisfaction came first before more important things. Case in point- I needed new clothes for school bad and I couldn't wear anything I had because I had grown 4 inches and 15 lbs in one summer. My mom kept telling me we didn't have the money and bought me 2 pairs of jeans, 2 shirts and a pair of sneakers. I had to scrounge my brother's closet for some old t-shirts and I was able to wear some pants my mom had that didn't look too old for me. Well, the very next week, my mom went yard saling, came home with a filled car and even bought a $400 corn husker. Like, ok corn husker....clothing for kid...corn husker???? Yep, I learned the important things in life real quick. Not to say I didn't mess up in get into CC debt but I really was clueless about money and cc's.
My bro and sis are even worse. They get money and blow through it like water. Yes, we are all adults and make our own decisions, but sometimes I wish I had learned a lot earlier in life. So- here I am in, in debt, but conscious enough to know better and do better, unlike my family.
I also like to shop,,and that is one reason I am thrifty..if that makes sense.. : )
I probably majorly shop for clothes 2-3 times a year, with a few pieces here and there as needed. I like to be able to take x amount of money and just go enjoy myself. DH and I also like to eat out once a week and we take a lot of weekend trips. This means, eating at home often, living in a smaller house, simple decor, cheap entertainment, eating same foods that I can stock up on, keeping gifts to special occassions, drinking coffee at home, etc...all so we can do this.
People, other than family, really don't say a hoot about our lifestyle. I think they are working so hard to pay for the lifestyle they have, they don't have time!!!
I will say I have always worked several jobs and now am pursuing a higher paying job- the highest amount of money I have ever made at once. I am not greedy, but I do admit, I like to see money coming in and not just in dribbles. It gives me a sense of security.
Cheers,
Heather
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Annab
True Blue Farmgirl
2900 Posts
Anna
Seagrove
NC
USA
2900 Posts |
Posted - Jan 26 2008 : 09:59:24 AM
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Instead of gobs of toys and such for kids, if I had any, I'd forgo all the "stuff" for awhile and ask friends/family if they wanted to get something, put it into a savings or other interest bearing account.
It's also good to teach kids about giving to others/downsizing when toys and clothes aren't needed any more and thinking of others
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ACountryGirl
Farmgirl in Training
42 Posts
Nannie
Ca
USA
42 Posts |
Posted - Jan 26 2008 : 11:22:29 AM
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Getting out of debt is HUGE. We are on the same mission and have been for several years. Have managed a lot and now tackling the debt at our family business... we own two auto repair shops in town. That is a huge hurrdle for sure. Becoming more self sufficient is always good
Nannie
http://acountrywoman.blogspot.com/ www.homesteadblogger.com/AStitchinTime
Live Laugh Love much! |
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ACountryGirl
Farmgirl in Training
42 Posts
Nannie
Ca
USA
42 Posts |
Posted - Jan 26 2008 : 11:24:17 AM
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And for most of us who save and spend frugally and grow/eat our own stuff, not much will change. Only major difference will be if hubby and I decide to ride our bikes to work. Seriously. We used to take turns riding home in the summer. And it's the PC "environmental" thing to do anyway.
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VERY WELL SAID!!!! applauding!!!
Nannie
http://acountrywoman.blogspot.com/ www.homesteadblogger.com/AStitchinTime
Live Laugh Love much! |
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miss wilma
True Blue Farmgirl
3410 Posts
Wilma
Knob Lick
Ky
USA
3410 Posts |
Posted - Jan 26 2008 : 7:29:57 PM
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Elisabeth I am so proud of you little one,You sound so much like our family started,You young ones are who I worry about, but you can do it, We have never been ones to do the credit card thing if we didnt have the money we didnt buy,if I wanted something I always found some way to work it out, you know I was reading some post about looks, well I never did figure I was a beauty and now I have the ugly brown spots and the wrinkles but it doesnt bother me because I earned everyone of them most of them out on a tractor disking and all the things that go with a farm, People that work are going to make it even though we have to buckle our belts
Farm Girl #96
http://www.picturetrail.com/misswilmasplace
http://misswilma.blogspot.com/ |
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La Patite Ferme
True Blue Farmgirl
623 Posts
Jenn
CA
USA
623 Posts |
Posted - Jan 27 2008 : 08:39:20 AM
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I guess it's all in how you prioritize - what's more important to you "stuff", "memories" or "fam/friends". So many of my friends buy everything in sight so their kids don't feel left out, but they can't afford to go anywhere or do anything with them and they work all the time to pay for the "stuff". I'd rather forego the "stuff" so DD and I can do things, go places, have fun together. Even when we go on vacation we try to limit our spending and mostly pay cash for everything and we still have a great time. She enjoys showing her lambs so we spend on that, but it's a trade off - stuff or a market lamb. Fortunately the lambs always win out.
I think too she's realizing the difference. Her dad and his side of the family are the spenders - more like they try to buy your love - very wierd. Now that she's older she sees that she and I and auntie are the one's doing things and going places, making the memories. Her dad and his mom just buy her gift cards and send her on her way. Most of the time they wont even go shopping with her because it's boring for them. She's learning she'd rather spend time with me and do something fun, even if it is on a budget, than go shopping buy herself and have nothing to show for it but a bag of stuff.
Great comments too. Sounds like were all on track and have our priorities straight. |
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Past Blessings
True Blue Farmgirl
1083 Posts
Brenda
Orchard Prairie
WA
USA
1083 Posts |
Posted - Jan 27 2008 : 10:52:59 AM
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We are really trying to plan ahead . . . but not just because of the recession, but for our futures and our children's future. The statistics on debt in the U.S. is mind-boggling. So many people are just a paycheck away from complete financial disaster. They don't just want to keep up with the Jones, they want to fly past them. It still amazes me the huge SUV competitions we see around here. People spend more on them than our first house cost! And they are gas guzzlers. But it is all about appearances. You drive your fancy gas hog through the fancy overpriced latte stand while flaunting your silk nails to the coffee girl. Everyone's home must look like a pottery barn catalog page (which bores me to tears!)and their children must wear all the right clothes, have not just one but several expensive game systems, participate in every expensive event and sport there is and be given every rediculous thing they wish for . . . and if you don't do it, you are a BAD parent!
We have totally jumped off that train. We just bought a Toyota Prius, because it gets the best gas mileage of any vehicle out there, as it is a hybrid. It was also rated the best by Consumer Reports. It is rather homely, but the savings is amazing. While I love silk nails, they have went by the wayside for now too. I make my own coffee and just add the flavored syrups so it gives the same affect as the lattes. My kids all share one game system and they seem to still be surviving! Their clothes are hand-me-downs and thrift stores. There is a place that gets the Costco seconds and oldies where I can get brand names such as Hurley at for 85% off the original Costco price. And we actually say "no" to our kids! Why has that become such a problem for so many parents?!
We have NO credit card debt. I do use it, but more for convenience as I go on-line to our bank website and pay it off the same day. Most of my cooking is from scratch, I make homemade laundry supplies and wash my hair with baking soda and apple cider vinegar. Most all of our furnishings are second hand cast-offs that I redo. It has it's own eclectic look and character that I like way more than Pottery Barn clones.
We want to leave our kids not only an inheritance, but also a legacy . . . of being smart with money and because of planning, being able to help others when true needs arise. Smart finances actually allow us to have the freedom to be generous to others. We control our finances, they don't control us. We just need to get past the mindset of needing everything. Living simple should be our mantra.
Hugs & blessings,
Brenda
Past Blessings . . . Celebrating Life as it used to be . . . when people loved God, loved their families and loved their country. |
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Amie C.
True Blue Farmgirl
2099 Posts
Finger Lakes Region
NY
2099 Posts |
Posted - Jan 27 2008 : 4:52:05 PM
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| So many of you have posted in support of the simple life, and for you it seems like choosing family over recreational purchases is all it will take to get through any economic hard times. But I see so many people around me struggling just to get by. Every leak in the roof or car repair is a crisis. What good is it to be willing to work if there's nobody willing to pay you for your work? I guess that's the difference between living in a growing economy and a failing economy. Things have already been hard here in the "rustbelt" for the past twenty years. I really don't see that we can take much more of a recession before something just gives out. You know, a couple of years ago the city of Buffalo was considering closing all their public libraries because they didn't have the budget to support them. A librarian told me that they were being asked to bring in toilet paper from home because the library system had run out of money to pay for it! There's a lot we take for granted. |
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katmom
True Blue Farmgirl
17161 Posts
Grace
WACAL Gal
WashCalif.
USA
17161 Posts |
Posted - Jan 27 2008 : 5:06:27 PM
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That's one of the many factors for DH & I in making a mid-life style change...
Now our home is paid for, as are all our vehicles & tractors.
I cook & bake more and Dinners out are far & few between, and the best part is we both have lost weight(not 'cause I am a bad cook, but 'cuz we don't eat as much fast foods anymore).
We live w/in our means & yet I can still have fun shopping @ the 2nd hand stores....why buy 3 pks of buttons @ $1.80 for a pack ($5.40),when I can buy a shirt for $1.99 @ the 2nd hand store and re-purpose the buttons as well as the fabric, which can be used for another apron!
WE are so lucky to have sold our home, just before the market went soft. I don't miss the Malls or the "keep up w/the Jones" mentality....
Now the down side is, I took a major hit in the stock market, and lost a bundle in my 401K, however it is still solid and I have made some changes to it so as to not lose anymore money. I am a firm beleiver in living w/in ones means & to be diligent in saving....even when you think you haven't got any spare $$$ to save, if you really dig deep, you can find some..... there is an old saying: "10 pennies make a dime, 10 dimes make a dollar", so save those pennies and before ya know it you will have a dollar.
Hang in there and know that we can all be frugal and save, and to phrase Martha Stewart: "It's a Good Thing".
We are not doing w/o, we are just learning a different way to live.
T.V. & magazines are probably the worst in making us feel 1.Guilty 2.Inadequate 3. Under achiever.... shame on them for trying to make us feel bad about ourselves. Do not set your standards up to theirs. Theirs is only Make Believe! Just another way to part us from our hard earned money.
Oh and as for the gas, I was a newly wed sitting in the odd/even gas line.... just a few years eariler I was paying 27cents a gallon & getting S&H Green stamps & Blue Chip stamps,,,which is how I bought my first vacuum cleaner, which I still have & use!
Check out Dubai, (UAE- Saudi Arabia) to see what they are building with all that gas money profits!!!!
Well gotta go, dinner is in the crock pot & hubby is hungry....
>^..^< Happiness is being a katmom.
mjf#72
Sisters on the Fly#472
www.katmom4.blogspot.com |
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miss wilma
True Blue Farmgirl
3410 Posts
Wilma
Knob Lick
Ky
USA
3410 Posts |
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Across the Fence: Economy gloom and doom |
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Economy gloom and doom
