The 10 Commandments of Surviving The Economic Crisis

     We are in hard times financially in America.  Lots of people unemployed, lots of people losing their homes.  And as sad as it is, the main has nothing to do with our government… it’s because we’re stupid.  We are, by far, the most wasteful nation in the world.  We preach conservation, and really don’t know what the word means. 

     The people who are going to make it through this collapse are the ones… novel concept coming here… who are not stupid.  A little bit of common sense is all it takes.  Here are the ten commandments we should all follow if we want to float this one out.  Take a read; almost amazing how simple it really is.

1. Understand the nature of economics in the United States.

     While many of the people in this country feel like they’re in a state of emergency, most are not.  A bit of perspective is necessary.  In a world where a half dozen children will die of starvation while you read this article, being a month behind on your mortgage is not a crisis.

2.  Have a pre-set budget.

The easiest way to blow a budget is to not have one.  Plan your spending.

3.  Live below your means.

     As simple as this sounds, virtually no one does it.  The vast majority of Americans, in fact, do the exact opposite.  Everyone has an amount of money coming in and going out.  If the latter is the bigger, it’s high time to make some changes.

4.  Avoid Credit.

     Another simple one that no one seems to have any interest in following.  We are a nation of credit.  If I have to explain the reasoning behind this one, you shouldn’t have a damn credit card, anyway.

5.  Save everything you can.

If you happen to have a few bucks left once the bills are paid, for God’s sake put it in the bank!

6.  Understand the difference between ‘want’ and ‘need’.

     You may want a flat ngscreen, but I’m pretty sure you don’t need one.

7.  Learn to do things yourself.

     Washing your car at a car wash runs 10 bucks.  At home?  A dollar combined in soap and water.   Electricians, plumbers, and handymen can run you a hundred dollars an hour.  A Time Life book on doing it yourself is free.  Jiffy Lube charges you $30.00 to change your oil.  Do it at home for half that.  Get it?

8.  If your feet work, use them.

     Gas is expensive.  If you can get somewhere on foot, do it.

9.  Drink at home with your friends.

     America spends a lot of money going out drinking.  A case is $20.00.  Each beer at the bar is 3 bucks.  Do the math.

10.  Learn to conserve.

     Save where you can;  google it, and you’ll find a million ways.