The Over Materialization of Parenthood
Welcome back!
In these difficult economic times, everyone seems to be cutting back in one way or another. We as a society are really being pushed to ask, what do we really need. American society is materialistic to it’s core. For decades, people have been judged by many, by what they have not who they are. As this trend grew, so did the cost of “keeping up with the Jones.’”
I think that this upward trend of materialization is very prevalent in parenting culture here in the United States. Just like in the wedding industry, women and some men, are sold a dream of how things should be, and that dream is really expensive. However, many do not realize how expensive this dream is until reality hits them.
My husband and I have been discussing starting a family. We know that raising a child is not an inexpensive endeavor, but it does not have to be as expensive as society lets on. In realistically looking at what we would actually need to take care of a baby, their needs are relatively simple. I wondered what the basics would run, crib, bottles and other basics. I was shocked how expensive things were. My mom had my youngest sister when I was a teenager, and I did quite a bit of shopping with her. I was amazed at how much more expensive baby things are today.
Many couples are victims of up-selling, this is where the couple chooses an item and are talked into buying a more expensive item instead. Many are guilted into buying what they cannot afford. Every parent wants the very best for their child, but does that mean that one has to spend $2000. on a crib? Since when did the money that parents spent on a child, measure the degree of love that they have for their child? I know that there are certain items that are expensive, and there is no way around it. Some items must be bought new, due to safety regulations and hygiene issues.
I just do not understand why anyone would overpay for basic items, just as a status symbol. Why is the $600 stroller better than the $100. stroller? What does not make sense to me is that new parents are shelling out ridiculous amounts of money on items that could be bought more economically. With the prospect of raising a child for the next 18 years or more, why not try to be frugal from the beginning?
As for my husband and myself, we know that starting a family will be the most expensive thing we probably ever do. But, we will not be bullied by society that we do not care for our child because we do not have the newest designer clothing on them, or the hottest new car seat. I think it is too over complicated, as long as the product does the job that it is meant to do safely, then why over pay? To me it just does not make sense, why not save the money on the designer stroller and start a college fund for that child?
In this tough economy more and more couples are stepping back and really analyzing what they need to raise a baby. I have come across numerous youtube video on how to save money while raising a child. Having a baby does not have to be as expensive as society lets on. As long as a couple realistically look at what they will actually need, buying all of the needs for a baby does not have to bankrupt new parents.
Like all major purchases, do your homework before you go out and start shopping for your new bundle of joy, do your homework. Ask other new parents what they actually used. So many people over-buy stuff that they will newer even use. When you go into a store to make purchases, set a budget and stick to it. Do not let anyone guilt you into buying something more expensive, that you really don’t need. The prospect of raising a child is costly at best, but don’t let that scare you away, just know what you need and stick to it.
Austerity Guide to Menu Planning – Menu Planning 101
I’ve discussed how to save money at the grocery store before. One of my biggest tips is to plan meals BEFORE you go to the store. When you plan your meals, extras will not find their way into the cart as easily. There are some out there who are meal planning pros, and others who are not so hot at it. Menu planning is so essential to saving money, that I chose some of the best menu planning sites that I have come across. The sites range from expert advice, to directions of how to begin making a meal plan.
Learning How to Make a Meal Plan
Ehow has set up a page that gives step by step directions to setting up a menu ahead of time. The page is laid out very simply and the directions are very easy to follow. I think this is a great starter for those of you who are unsure of how to go about planning a menu.
Menu Planning Instructions From Ehow.com
How to Make a Few Items Work Throughout the Week
Mill Musings is a blog written by another budget conscious blogger. I chose this blog because it illustrates how a few items can last through out the week. In the sample menu that is shown, certain ingredients are used many times during the week, but they are done in a unique and tasty looking way. I also liked that this menu incorporated pictures of the made food.
Menu Ideas for Everyone
Budget 101 is a wonderful website for many different types of services for those who want to get a good deal. I chose this website for the more experienced menu planners or those who want to give planning a try. I like this site because it gives many different types of menu options, whether it be vegetarian or simply feeding 2 people. This is a wonderful database for budget meal planning.
A Wonderful example of a Pro menu planner
The hillbillyhousewife is another great sight for planning meals. I was really impressed at how organized her meal plan was. I was also happy to see that her meal plan was extremely healthy and filling. I think that this is a wonderful example of how to plan a menu. I also like her use of a grid at towards the bottom of the page, which clearly lays out all meals and snacks. I use this technique myself.
Menu, tips and full layout of meal planning
Menu Planning Service
Dine without whine is a menu planning service. Some people out there are just not planners. I am not necessarily saying that this is a good option to save money, because this service does cost money. However, it could be a good start for beginners to see how menu planning is done, or for those who simply do not have the time.
Menu plan is essential to saving money in the grocery store. Sit down have yourself a cup of coffee, get yourself a pen and paper and start planning. I always like to include some of my favorite foods for the week. Don’t plan your menu so cheaply that you don’t like what you put on it. Buy food that you and whoever you are feeding likes. Once you know what you want to eat, start you list for the store. It is much harder for unneeded extras to work their way into your grocery cart when you have a list in hand. Happy Planning!
The Austere Dinner Party, Yes it can be done!
I love to entertain in my home, and since the recent economic depression, many people believe that the days of doing dinner parties are over. I say, quite the contrary. I have hosted more dinner parties in the past 6 months than in the past year. When my husband and I wanted to get together with friends and family, we used to meet them out at a restaurant. Those days are long gone. The prices in restaurants just keep going up. Now the get together spot is usually in someone’s home.
Many think that entertaining is too expensive, but it is not if it is done correctly. There are plenty of inexpensive meals to serve at a dinner party. The one-pot dishes seem to be the least expensive to make. These can range from chili. to lasagna, to chicken in a wine sauce. If you are going to be having a dinner party, watch the sales fliers after you have planned a menu. Get you ingredients on sale. The beauty of a one pot meal is that in most cases, a loaf of french or Italian bread makes a great side dish, and is very inexpensive.
Whenever I entertain, I always try to put out finger foods before the dinner. I have found that this part of the meal tends to be the most expensive. When it comes to appetizers, I shop at stores like Aldi, for crackers and cheese and other tidbits. Keep in mind when buying this part of the meal that this is not meant to fill your guest, but only wet their appetite.
I also feel that depending on the guests that are coming, it is okay to ask a guest to bring something. I would not recommend asking someone that has never been over to your home before. The pot-luck dinner is back in a big way. A pot-luck, for those of you who don’t know is when each guest brings something do the dinner. I often ask guests that I know will be big alcohol drinkers to please bring a bottle of their favorite drink. I find that I save a lot of time and money this way.
As for setting my table, I set it based on the occasion, obviously. I have invested in some neutral colored cloth dinner napkins, which I bought on sale. I love my dinner napkins because they go with everything and they add a really nice touch. I also went to my local resale shop and purchased some inexpensive table cloths. I always keep my eye out for candle sticks when I go as well. I picked up a lovely pair of silver candle sticks at my local resale shop about two years ago, I use them constantly to entertain.
When it comes to setting a table, it can be done on a austere budget, but it doesn’t have to look like it. Use your imagination. Take for instance, I held a Christmas dinner and I did not have anything to decorate my coffee table with, so I cut a large piece of leftover wrapping paper into a funky shape and put that on my table and then put my hors d’oeuvres on top of it. It looked great!
Keep your dinner parties fun and relaxed, and people will want to come back. Just remember that a dinner party does not have to be super expensive. Dinner parties allow you to do what you want when you want, and you are not rushed like you can be in a restaurant. So, relax and enjoy!
An Attitude of Gratitude
These days with the economy in trouble, we hear more and more how people are having to go without. The news paints the bleakest picture possible. Stores are reporting weak sales. The notion that people are not out shopping means to many that people are just going without, and are suffering because of it.
I could not disagree with this idea more. Although this economy can be scary, there is a slight beauty to it. We as a nation are being brought back to the most basic necessities of life, and to me, that is not necessarily a bad thing. The average American’s life is so over complicated with things that we do not need, that is time for us our society to get back to basics and realize what we do have, not what we do not have.
So many people made New Year’s resolutions to lose wait, or cutback on certain things, but I resolved to be truly thankful for what I do have. When I really think about it, I am so blessed. I don’t own a house, money is super tight for me and things are not totally rosy in my life right now. But I believe that you must recognize what you do have and be thankful for it to be ready to receive more.
This past December, my husband and I really had a hard time financially, we were having to cook the stuff in the back of the cupboard, the stuff that you never actually cook. As I was making another bag or Ramen soup, feeling so broke, a thought came to me, I am so lucky to have this food. I am blessed to have a stove to cook it on, and natural gas to heat the stove. When I started to think about my measly Ramen dinner in this way, I was grateful and happy that I had it.
I started to apply this attitude of gratefulness to all aspects of my life, I have a car that is 10 years old, it’s not as beautiful as it once was but, it runs. When I have to stand out in the cold to pump gas, rather than grumble about how cold it is or how much gas costs, I am grateful for the car and grateful that I have money to buy gas. The most grateful thing that I think of is how wonderful it is to have that technology, thank God we do not travel on horseback! We can be somewhere instantly in a car, not take half a day to get somewhere.
I know all of this sounds a little “pollyannish” but really take a step back, examine your life, if you look around all of you, you really do have a lot to be grateful for. I think the biggest thing to be thankful for is the people in your life. I will never stop being thankful that I have my husband, he is a great partner and I know that we can make it though anything together. I am even grateful for the people that cause stress in my life because they make me stronger as a person,
So, don’t feel so badly, everyone is having some type of struggle right now. Struggles are character builders. Be grateful for what you do have, and forget about what you do not have. In the grand scheme of things, think about what really DOES matter, prioritize. I promise that if you really do this, life will be much happier and this recession will be much easier to get through.
Like my mother always said, ask yourself one question: “Is it going to matter in 20 years?”
If it won’t, then it’s not really that important.
As the Economy Gets Worse, So Will Crime
Crime is up. Welcome to this new fiscal reality. Now it’s time for some safety tips for the New Depression.
More and more people are having to go without. Jobs are being lost at an alarming rate. People are getting desperate and because of this crime is on the rise.
Now, I’m not telling everyone to run out an buy a gun, or take drastic measures to protect themselves. I’m merely saying that as the economy gets worse, we need to be more vigilant.
I live in an upper middle class suburb of a major city in the U.S. We are far enough out where people don’t lock their doors, because many feel that crime doesn’t happen here. My little town has had quite a wake up call recently. A neighbor was recently robbed. Someone had their car stolen in the Walgreens parking lot, in broad daylight. Petty theft is on the rise all over. Times are tough and people need money.
There are a few simple steps that you can take to protect yourself without spending a lot of money. Again, I do not tend to alarm, but I do want to bring this issue to light. I know that crime is up much across the country with robberies at the top. In the past few months, in my area robberies have been way up. Before the economy took a down turn, the biggest robbery was maybe a bike.
The first step is simple and it’s free. Lock your doors. I know this seems too simple to even mention but you’d be surprised how many people don’t lock their doors. By doors, I mean not just the house. Lock the car, shed, garage, etc. Anyone can come in and take what they want when the door is not locked. Have the door locked even when you are home. Once you start locking your doors on a regular basis, it will become habit. Also, never leave your car running, ever! It’s just too easy for a crook to hop in and drive away.
The second thing that you can do is to keep an eye on your belongings. Always keep your purse on your body, never leave it in the cart when grocery shopping. I cannot tell you how many purses I have seen sitting on the passenger seat of empty cars. When you leave something like that visible and unattended, you might as well beg a thief to help themselves.
This is the same with a man’s wallet. When in crowded places, watch out for pick pockets. I know that this is rare in most small towns in America, but you’d be surprised what people would do to get by. Also protect what is in your wallet and purse, have the phone numbers of credit cards, and the cell phone company on hand, so that if something is stolen or lost, you can make the necessary calls right away.
The biggest thing to keep in mind is to just be aware of your surroundings and have common sense. If you see something out of the ordinary that seems odd, give the police a call. You don’t have to call 911. Most police departments have a non-emergency phone number that you can call. Most times the police will thank you for keeping a watchful eye. I’ve called them a few times myself and I have never had a negative reaction. It’s their job.
Common sense should guide you. I saw one of the stupidest things while I was out today. Someone had just purchased a 48″ flat screen television and left the box at the end of the driveway for the garbage man to pick up. The driveway was next to a busy highway. This is basically an advertisement to criminals. Common sense would say, never put packages from expensive purchases out on the curb for the garbage men (cut the box down and recycle it). Many towns have recycling centers to dispose of packaging. If the packaging cannot be recycled, I would suggest disguising it so that you can’t tell what went into that package. Don’t advertise to criminals.
The world is not a complete bad place. I am not suggesting you run out and buy a pricey alarm system or something as extreme as a gun. I just want to stress that now is a time for vigilance. Keep an eye on your surrounding and your posessions. Lock your doors. With a little common sense, we can all stay safe. So through these tough times, safety is possible, but it may require just a little more effort.
The One Question that will get you through the New Depression
What do I really NEED?
This should be the new attitude that will get people through the modern day depression. Americans are coming out of a time of enormous prosperity, and great waste. Sure the credit boom was fun, while you were on top, but at the bottom, it is no fun. Those plastic little cards are sneaky, its easier to spend money when you do not see the actual cash coming out of your hand.
Want is a four-letter word.
It’s a dangerous word that needs to be used sparingly. It is okay to want for things, but one must be thankful for what you do have. In our materialistic society it is ingrained in all of us from childhood. Those Saturday morning toy commercials are made to make children want. This disease of want continues into adulthood, but now a $10 toy does not satisfy the want, soon it’s cars and electronics or expensive designer clothing and accessories.
Want and the concept of reason do not coexist for many people. Often when want takes over, rationality flees in the opposite direction.
Now I am not saying that I do not want items that are not basic necessities at times, but I do not run out to the store to purchase that want. It is possible to have rationale in this matter. I must say that this was a long and hard lived trait.
If I really want something, I think long and hard about that purchase. I ask myself, will I really use that? How often will I use the product? What purpose does it really have in my life? Do I think the price is actually representative of the value of the item? Will it go on sale? After I take into account these questions, I discuss it with my husband. I am capable of making rational decisions on my own, but having someone to bounce ideas and thoughts off of is helpful.
When a big purchase comes along that my husband and want to make, it is always a joint decision. We save for what we want, and we pay cash. Recently, my husband said that he would like to upgrade our television to a new HD one. Our current television is old, buttons are broken on it, but the picture is still good. The remote has been lost for centuries.
After much debate, my husband and I decided that if we really wanted a new television, then we would save for it. A little money from each paycheck will go towards that television, into a specially designated savings account. We are grateful for the television we do have and we realize that we do not actually need a new one. But that doesn’t mean a new one wouldn’t be nice, after we’ve earned it.
NEED is the most important word in the English language. So many purchases are made with little to no regard of need. Most purchases are merely based on want. This idea of want is a dangerous one and it’s why the economy is in such trouble. There are many reasons why people shop, some actually need to, some use it as entertainment, therapy, or just a fun way to pass an afternoon.
Shopping is not an entertainment outlet, it is to get what you actually need. Need is a very basic concept, which is confused with want to many. There are 4 basic needs, water, clothing, shelter, and food.
That’s it.
An HD television is not a need, nor is the newest model of car or a designer pair of sunglasses. These basic needs do not have to be the best and most expensive, they have to sustain life, that’s all. I know that sounds harsh but, when you really think about it, it’s true.
Overall, I encourage all of you out there to think about purchases with your head, use rationale, don’t use your heart or emotion. I have to say that like any new way of thinking, this takes practice and time to learn. It took me a couple of years, and at first, I was miserable. I am guilty of being a shopper who enjoyed the entertainment of it. But I must say that I wish I would have been taught early on the difference between wants and needs. The sooner you start to separate these two words, the better and happier you’ll be.
10 Ways to Feed Your Family For Less – Shopping for Groceries with Austerity
It seems to many that feeding a family is becoming increasingly more expensive. However, all is not lost. With a little tweaking and habit change, a good deal of money can be saved. I have seen these tip work in my own life. I spend less on food than I did five years ago and my family dynamic has not changed.
The biggest thing to remember is, the store is not your friend, they are there to extract as much money out of you as possible. This does not mean one needs to be unfriendly but keep in mind, you are in charge when it comes to shopping. Never be embarrassed to put items back, keep a running tally of the cost of the grocery bill, or buy generic. The grocery store is in business because you are a paying customer.
I want to share my best ways for grocery shopping on a budget. I want to stress that I eat well and that I do not go without when it comes to food. Food is a need, not a want. And although I stick to these ten tips I do occasionally break them, every once and a while a small splurge is allowed.
These are my top ten ways for saving money at the grocery store:
Where to Shop
Choose where you shop. Believe it or not price does differ depending on the the store. Aldi is a great place to start, it’s no frills approach does pass down to the consumer. I personally have shopped there. Their food is good quality and is considerably less than your average grocery store. Another place to save is Wal-Mart. Yes, I am not a huge fan of them but when it comes to sticking to a budget, that’s the place to go.
Coupons
Coupons, yeah they seem like a pain, but they do actually save you some money. Wait to see if the local store has double-coupon days, where you coupon now counts for double savings. Don’t cut coupons for food you don’t eat. Just because the coupon came in the Sunday newspaper, does not mean that you have to purchase that item. Also read the fine print on coupons, some are sneaky, by requiring you to buy a larger size, or double of that product.
Sales Flyers
Watch the sales ads, if the item can be frozen and the price is great, get a few and freeze them till you need them. Meat is a great example of this. I wait till chicken breast goes on sale, I look for the bag that has 6 or 7 breasts in them. I don’t eat it all at once and the bag lasts for about a month. This can also be done with vegetables and fruit. I have heard that this can also be done with milk, but I have not tried it.
Store Brand Generics
Generic does not always mean low quality. I am brand loyal on certain items, Oreos, Jiff Peanut Butter… but overall most generic brands are made in the same factories as name brands. Be brave try it. There are differences in some cases, if you don’t like the generic brand try adding some spices to it, really give it a shot if you don’t like it. In the long run you will be amazed how much money could be saved this way. Also, a word to the wise, no one will know the difference when you put it on the dinner table.
Make a List
Make a list. I cannot stress this enough. Go in with the mindset that the only things that go on in the basket are things that are on the list, no exceptions. Leave a pad of paper on the refrigerator, when you run out of something, write it down. Make sure to include household items on you list as well, like toilet paper, and cleaners. In not taking a list to the store, something is always forgotten. This forgetfulness will prompt another trip to the store, which stores are counting on. How many people actually go back to get an item they forgot and only buy that item?
Set a Budget
Set a budget, and stick to it! Keep track of what you are spending while you are shopping, bring a pocket calculator or use one on you cell phone if it has one. Don’t be embarrassed this is a tuff economy, never be ashamed of looking out for yourself and your family. If the calculator is not your thing, try rounding up on prices to the nearest dollar and keep a running tally in your head. I find that this works for me and I always come in under budget.
Plan Your Meals
When making your list think ahead and plan meals, every meal. In doing this, nothing is forgotten at the store and you don’t overspend on things that won’t get eaten. I plan all of my meals when I go. I also plan lunches to take with me during the work week. If you do the math, in most cases it is so much cheaper to bring a planned lunch from home than to eat out. I also know how to allot the food for the week, I know not to eat all of a favorite food when I first get it, it has to last through the week.
Don’t Go Hungry
I know this seems obvious, but it’s true, eat before you go to the store. Hungry people alway buy more, myself included.
Grocery Shopping Only
If you shop at a super-center type grocery store, stick to the food section. Stores with this type of set up depend on you walking through the store, resist the urge. There is a reason the shampoo is on the opposite side of the store.
Don’t be Afraid to Say No
If you are over budget at the check out, don’t be embarrassed to put items back. You are the consumer, you have a choice. It is not a done deal once things are in the grocery sac. I have done this many times. I have come across the rude, nasty and angry doing this, but remember, YOU ARE THE CUSTOMER! The person behind the checkout does not have a job without customers like you shopping. I must honestly say, I see a negative reaction less frequently as the economy worsens. I also find that if you are up front with the cashier and tell them what your budget is and to let you know when the hit it, the checkout seems to go more smoothly. Overall, don’t be embarrassed, you have a right.
Final Thoughts on Saving at the Grocery Store:
I have learned these tricks over time and I have visibly seen my grocery bill go down. My husband and I can get everything we need to eat for the week for about $60. We both eat very well. We do not starve. Clever shopping will fill your cupboards and your tummy. Go out and look for a deal, remain in control of your shopping experience, and plan ahead. Happy Shopping!
10 Things You Can Cut out of Your Life
This is part of an ongoing series or articles on how to deal with the ongoing crisis in the world economy. Many are calling it a New Depression. Whatever you want to call it, news ways of thinking are being called for. Welcome to the New Austerity.
During this time of trouble, what are some things you can cut out of your life to save money and help make ends meet? What are the things you can live without the most? Believe it or not, there is plenty in your life that you can truly live without.
The Gardener
This one is easy. Mow your own lawn. Go down to the local flea market and buy a second hand mower. It won’t take that long to mow your own lawn. Google basic lawn care and how to care for your lawn.
The same goes for tending to your landscaping. The internet is an invaluable resource and you can find out anything you want to know about gardening and landscaping. Take the time and save the money.
Cable TV
You don’t need Cable TV, you really don’t. With the advent of Digital TV, there is plenty of TV broadcast over the air. You know the stereotype, 500 channels with nothing on. It’s really always like that. What shows you do watch you can download on the internet for free. However, high speed internet, be it cable or DSL, is essential as electricity and water.
Newspaper and Magazine Subscriptions
Your local paper has a website with the same content for free. Stop wasting money on delivery. What if you want the coupons on Sunday? Then get a Sunday only subscription or just pick it up in the store. Most magazines also have a website with the same content as the magazine. Start reading your news online and you won’t need either.
The Maid or Housekeeper
It does not take much time or energy to keep your house clean. Set a schedule and a routine and you can replace your made easily. Successful households require teamwork on the part of both spouses. Help your wife out and she will in return. You’re a team, tackle the current problems together.
The Nanny/Babysitter/Daycare
If your sinking a lot of money into a nanny or daycare, it’s time to investigate the cost effectiveness of having both parents working. If you’re essentially breaking even once you factor in childcare and other kid related costs, then it’s time for one parent to dedicate themselves to raising the kids full time.
Monthly Recurring Billed Services
Look at your monthly outgoings and find recurring monthly bills for stuff you don’t really need. Cut them out of your life and cut up the credit card they’re being billed to. Things like Tivo Service, Netflix, Credit Monitoring (you can do this for free) can all be snipped out of your life.
Sell a Car
If you have two cars and one is sitting around most of the time, get rid of it. It’s just costing you money. The inconvenience of having one car does not outweigh the savings.
Your Next Vacation
Trip to Europe or Vegas planned? Time to cancel it. If the trip is already paid for and you can’t get your money back, then by all means go. But if you can get out of the trip, now is the time to take a hit for the team and wait until the world financial outlook improves.
Eating Out
Stop eating out so much. It’s much more cost effective to eat at home. Make eating out a monthly treat that the family looks forward to. It will feel so much more rewarding to you and your family when they get something they have been working for all month.
Ditch a Hobby
Into model trains? Building RC Planes? Dungeons and Dragons? Collect stamps? Your hobbies are costing you money. It’s time to put your hobbies aside. They aren’t going anywhere. You can resume them when the economy improves. For now, stop spending the money and put it towards saving and living. I’ve given up comic books for now. It sucks, but the comics aren’t going anywhere. You can always take up a hobby that doesn’t cost any money.
If you have any ideas for things you could cut out of your own life and want to share, please leave it in the comments!
Austere Back to School Tips
This can be a very expensive time for families as kids go back to school and they need all the accoutrements that go with that.
A major problem that parents face is that often kids don’t know the difference between needs and wants. They don’t think anything of thinking they need the newest clothes and most expensive school supplies.
It’s the job of the parent to reign them in and teach them the values of austerity and to clarify needs and wants. This can be extraordinarily difficult with children, whom generally don’t respond well to reason. This is why one must be the parent in the relationship.
I won’t pretend to be an expert in parenting. My wife and I are waiting to have kids until we can afford it. Which is what many people in this country don’t do. They have kids left and right and don’t think it through. We have decided to buck the trend and put money away first, before they come along.
One of the main philosophical tenants of this blog is to deny yourself until you’ve earned it. And we have not earned children yet. To save and plan for something you really want makes it all the more rewarding when you stop denying yourself.
I bring this subject up because there have been many articles in various news outlets about parents becoming more frugal this fall because of the tough economy. Essentially, hand-me-downs are back in as is shopping at thrift stores. Parents are also seeking ways to get their school supplies cheaper.
Keep in mind, if you’re shopping for your kids, that there is always somewhere where you can buy something cheaper. Walmart generally has the cheapest of everything but they’re not the only place for a deal. While some people hate Walmart, it’s not a bad place for a deal and in the future we’ll be talking about the virtues of Walmart.
Times are tough and the retailers know this. They are tripping over themselves to provide you the best back to school deals. It’s your job as an austere consumer and responsible parent to take them up on it.
First Post
Welcome to Austerity Blog. The economy has taken a turn for the worst and it’s time for all of us to use our heads to get through these tough times. Tough times call for new habits and new ways of doing things. No longer can we count on continued consumption to fulfill and maintain our lives. We have to change our ways and reevaluate what really matters in our lives. Check back often.
