There is a lot of complaining and worrying over the current and future state of the economy. While there are reasons for great concern, remember that every cloud has a silver lining. We wanted to share some of the good things we’ve seen since the economy has hit the skids. Maybe you’ve seen other good things, so write ‘em down and send ‘em in!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- 1 1) Gas Prices are Lower
- 2 2) We’re Eating Dinner Together More
- 3 3) Life is Still Enjoyable Spending Less
- 4 4) There are More Coupons Available Now than Before
- 5 5) Debt Elimination is Cool
- 6 6) We’re Building Savings Now
- 7 7) Borrowing is Harder, That’s A Good Thing
- 8 8) Minimalism is In
- 9 9) Understanding What True Priorities Are
- 10 10) Living Healthier
- 11 11) Having Cash Gives You Power
1) Gas Prices are Lower
Gas prices are lower than they were a year ago (GasBuddy.com) helps you find the cheapest in your area)
2) We’re Eating Dinner Together More
More families are eating dinner together at home rather than at a restaurant.
3) Life is Still Enjoyable Spending Less
Many people are learning to do without certain “luxuries” (acrylic nails and lattes) and finding that life is still enjoyable.
4) There are More Coupons Available Now than Before
There are more coupons being distributed (an increase of 10 percent over 2008) and less junk mail (a 7 percent decrease) in our mailbox. 78 percent of retail shoppers are now using coupons!
5) Debt Elimination is Cool
Debt is now a bad thing and people are getting rid of it as quickly as possible. We are viewed less “weird” for having avoided credit cards and debt for all these years.
6) We’re Building Savings Now
People are putting more money in the bank and saving it. In 2007 the savings rate was negative 1 percent. It is now close to 6 percent — a 14 year high. Our “good” economic times were based on consumers spending everything they had . . . that just wasn’t smart.
7) Borrowing is Harder, That’s A Good Thing
Creative financing has been uncovered as a scam. The only thing that would be better would be for those greedy loan agents to have to give back their commissions and fees.
8) Minimalism is In
People are evaluating their excess material possessions and realizing that they can live better and happier without them. This means that there are lots of deals on CraigsList and Ebay.
9) Understanding What True Priorities Are
People are getting back to the basics. The past seven years of government stimulated “affluenza” have finally come to a screeching halt and the truth has been revealed. Producing too much stuff for people who can’t afford it creates a false economy. And to be honest, even with all the “stuff” we weren’t any happier.
10) Living Healthier
More people are getting exercise and eating healthier by growing gardens. As a result they are complaining less and composting more.
11) Having Cash Gives You Power
Cash is king and there are deals to be found everywhere. If you have cash, you can negotiate better deals now on cars, houses, furniture, electronics, even doctor’s fees (we just did with our dentist!).