# 1 thing to start doing today, STOP SHOPPING!!!

[Walt Starr]

Buy only the necessities. Put your money away. Pay off those credit card bills. If you've been contemplating a new Refrigerator, make due with the old one. Need a new car, get the old one repaired instead. Forget about that wide screen HDTV, live with the 19" standard you already have.

Cancel your cable and get an antenna. Forget about that new stereo, put the money away instead.

After the economy we've had for the past four years, you'll be thanking me for this advice in three years. We'll get a bump up and that's good, but the people who survive from 2007 to 2012 are those who have low debt and large savings accounts.

Bank on it.

[Krupskaya]

1. Have to find a job, first....

I'm coming up on three years. :(

[amazona]

36. yeah i hear that!

Some of us haven't shopped in four years!

[Serial Mom]

49. Oh, I am so sorry!

My hubby was without one for 9 months - has only a contract job now, about 45% less pay than before, no benefits at all, but it is bringing in some money.

I knew it was bad out there, but your comments shocked me!

[Coyote_Bandit]

58. Nearly Two Years Here

:freak:

[TexasChick]

63. 2 years for me too! And no relief in sight! It's only going to get worse!

[displacedtexan]

2. Absolutely!

I was just looking at a catalog of useless things I AM NOT GOING TO BUY this year to give as gifts.

As for cable... with Netflix, there's no need for it.

[Sara Beverley]

31. I said this on another thread. No Christmas shopping and will try to

shop on-line for clothes and outlets in "blue states" only.

[madrchsod]

3. i stopped along time ago

thrift stores is all i can afford-my wife and i together make over 22 dollars an hour....
its hard to type and watch john stewart at the same time....

[meti57b]

4. I agree with the stop-shopping part .... BUT our massive deficit ...

will probably result in high inflation and in that case ... if you save a lot, what you save will end up worth pennies on the dollar and your debt will also be only pennies on the dollar.

If there is such a thing as an investment that increases in value with inflation, that would be the way to go.

[telamachus]

17. There are many ways to save money

that are not tied to the US economic status. Anyone can purchase gold and currency with NO RECORD of the transaction.

[ilovenicepeople]

56. and believe you -me,

in this time of fear and uncertianty,the price of gold will only go up.

[cheezus]

34. treasury bills

[telamachus]

40. I may be way off but

didn't the last auction have quite a few foreign buyers?? Asian I think.

[LSK]

52. when inflation rises, interest rates rise with it

[WolverineDG]

5. that's what i've been thinking as well

cancel cable, cancel aol, look into non-time warner or sbc dsl internet hook-ups (so i can also get internet phone & further screw sbc), paid off most of my cards already.

still praying for a miracle, because good lord knows we need one.

dg

[UNIXcock]

6. No thanks, I'm not giving up niceties at my expense

... I'll stay proactive politically by I control my finances not the republicans.

[Cats Against Frist]

18. Actually, that would mean you're part of the problem,

not part of the solution. Next to the delusional evangelicals, the reason that the dumb bastard might win the WH is because everyone's so concerned about getting their hands on some "niceties."

[UNIXcock]

21. Perhaps ...

... you manage your financial affairs and I'll manage mine - Okee Dokie?

[Cats Against Frist]

24. When did I say that I was going to manage your financial affairs?

I'm just simply asserting my right to say that you're part of the "bread and circus" cabal that gets right-wing delusional murderers voted into the White House.

50,000 dead Iraqi women and children thank you for your support. My uterus too.

[vpigrad]

29. When you support the repugs

by paying them large amounts of money every month, then it is everyone's business. Think about it.

[LSK]

53. Enjoy debt and having to work your ENTIRE LIFE

[UNIXcock]

57. What do you mean by that? I don't have any debt ...

... I have bills, sure but I am very serious about how I manage my family's money. If I need to "borrow" for a big-ticket necessity, I "borrow" from myself and not lending institutions.

... Again, the key is financial responsibility. If we choose the option to get cable for the speed over phone modems, learning channels and better entertainment, we will do so. It has nothing to do with politics.

... If I can support a knowingly democratic party supporting business, I will. But to many folks, myself included, it's ludicris to go to the extremes the author outlined here. It just ain't gonna happen sweetie.

[Career Prole]

33. Some people say shit that makes we just hope they're draftable...

awful, but true.
There's two sides to the military-industrial coin.

[Bhaisahab]

7. That's good advice. Far sighted and right on the money n/t

[Iris]

8. Hey! Were you reading my mind when I was walking the dog this a.m.?

That's EXACTLY what I was thinking.

And even further - quit eating their refined foods so you won't be dependent on their woefully inadequate healthcare.

[KayLaw]

9. I was thinking the opposite

My first thought was to go ahead and join Costco, take my family with me, and start storing food like the Mormons. I feel anything can happen now and want to prepare. Do they take American Express, I wonder?

[Walt Starr]

12. Food is a necessity, and Costco is a good way to stock up.

Yes, American Express is the only credit card they accept.

[Lost Creek]

10. I LIKE THIS IDEA

SAVE SAVE SAVE - There will be many rainy days ahead.

[democracy eh]

11. remember the early 1980's

and the corresponding interest rates

Pay off your debt

[Walt Starr]

13. If you do not have a fixed rate mortgage right now

REFINANCE IMMEDIATELY!!!!

Fixed rate is the way to go. Pay off all variable rate debt IMMEDIATELY!!!!!

[Cassandra]

14. Try to buy from craft stores that carry American-made goods

I'm now in that category as a jewelry designer whose business currently sucks. I'll do my part and work on interesting pieces that are a bit lighter and less expensive than my usual.
As for your suggestions Walt, I had to replace my TV early this year; amazing how cheap a basic TV is. Without cable, I have no picture at all, so I'm kind of stuck there.
Annoyingly, there is good news in the coming awful economy for me. I have no debt. I have a modest trust which makes me independently middle class, which has been slipping towards lower middle class but those higher interest rates will pick things right up for me. No estate tax would be lovely for me, although a rise in the top tax free rate would be sufficient. The rise in the gold price (which is actually a fall in the dollar) means that I can melt down some of my old samples and get a good price, lowering of tax rates on the rich means that more of New York's money is available for New York.
What's annoying about all that? What might be good for me is not good for the country as a whole and eventually, we all run out of customers (and citizens' rights).
Sorry if this is disjointed. I feel like utter crap this morning.

[Walt Starr]

15. I voted mostly against my own interests this year

I'm a white married heterosexual male. We have no children and are both in our forties. I really didn't have a dog in this hunt and, in fact, my wife and I are actually big benefactors of the Bush tax cuts.

I voted for what's right. I should actually do very well over the next four years, especially if I hoard away lots of cash.

[Jane Austin]

64. I'm in your catagory, too.

Except I'm older and female.

I voted for what's right, too.

[telamachus]

16. Hey WS

I do not always agree with your positions but on this one you are on to something!

When the economic shit hits the fan we will all sink with the ship if we have not built our own lifeboats (or at the least a life jacket)

Also remember if you pay taxes you are killing Iraqis. I strongly suggest to all that you look into the ways of avoiding taxes.

Our family has been debt free and not spending extra on toys. It took us three years to get to this point but we have saved much money that we have invested in select foreign locations. We started planning on leaving the US three years ago and we should be able to leave in 18 months.

I strongly urge anyone who has large credit debt to declare bankruptcy. The money that you save may save your life! If you believe that America is moving towards a fascists theocracy then you will need to leave in order to fight.

[Lorien]

19. Already done

two years ago.

[Cats Against Frist]

20. I absolutely agree --

of course, I've been a minimalist for several years. I can't tell you how wonderful it is.

[Dukkha]

22. I'll be free soon enough

I have a fixed martgage rate and my CC debt will be cleared in a few months.

I dearly hope we have a MASSIVE economic depression. This fucked up country deserves to dig it's own grave for this.

[flobee1kenobi]

23. I've already done

my christmas shopping-and even then, my entire family put a 20$ cap on gifts this year. Hell of an Idea!
ANOTHER THOUGHT***
Gas usage
I know some can't avoid it, but if you can, cut down on the traveling.
or carpool with a buddy that has a very fuel efficient car.
I see gas prices crippling us in the very near future!

[Shadoobie]

25. Another reason

I am with you Walt. I am currently on schedule to be debt free (except for home and student loan) in 4 years. I have successfully become less desirous of material things.

But we need to do more. As long as the war continues (forever?), * could care less about how the economy is for the lower class. More poor people will turn to the military to for economic reasons. It is a win-win situation for this maladministration.

Greg

[Walt Starr]

28. Those folks voted for *, let 'em go to Iraq because of the economy.

It's pretty clear. Let them reap what they have sewn!

[Eloriel]

26. Something else to do today

No More Stolen Elections
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x2580866

[Lorien]

61. We had our last election in 1996

and we'll never have another one. The coup insured that in 2000.

I like the idea of not purchasing anything except necessities. This will mean driving myself into bankruptcy, because I design crap for the Disney corp. But so be it. I've lived nearly 40 years, if I don't have the funds to live much longer...well, I don't really give a shit.

[The_Casual_Observer]

27. I am behind you on this one, also go out of your way not to buy

shit made in China.

[Dukkha]

30. Who needs material shit anyways?

Library, Half-Priced books, dollar theaters, public television & radio, DU. You can be entertained and informed for next to nothing.

Use the Internet too. For the rural areas that only have Wal Mart, get your supplies online. Don't give the Wal Martians all your hard earned dough.

[greekspeak]

32. An inspired post...Clintmax and I are discussing it now!

We are thinking of ways we could cut corners and stop consuming as much. We consume a lot less than a lot of people do, but we can do better. In a way, it is cutting off the nose to spite the face. But in another way it is practicing what we preach. I think that about every DUer could cut a tiny bit of something out.

[Clintmax]

42. I'm ready...

I'm ready to cancel our cable service (internet and tv), canel our cell phones ($400 fee), only go to cut rate supermarkets, not buy another cigarette (I know I need to quit anyway), turn the air conditiong off (already done) and anything else we can do to survive the next four years!

I HATE that we have to think about doing this!

[cynatnite]

35. Will Do!

I can cut expenses extremely well. The car can be paid off in six months and it still runs great. I dont' need to pay out the ass for cable any more, I'm dumping netflix, no more shopping at Walmart at all, get rid of the landline (we have two cell phones). I figure I can save on average 300-500 per month. I'd get rid of the insurance if it were possible.

Just have to figure out what the hell to do with the 401k, now.

[LightTheMatch]

37. Excellent advice.

I already do almost all the things you are mentioning, but it's definitely good advice and I'm about to look for even more ways to save money.

[coolhandlulu]

38. This is cool and a challenge for me!

I would love for this thread to stay open. We could stop by daily and leave a list of things we did NOT buy. I'll start by postponing my trip to France, not buying the new front loading Frigidaire washer/dryer set, do with my '97 Ford Mustang instead of buying the new Hybrid Escape, etc. I'll even stop buying off of Ebay. Only the necessities like deoderant and food. I will pledge to do my part, will you?

[Delphinus]

39. Been doing that ...

don't have enough of a job to do more than necessities, so I have to find another way to voice my displeasure with those who have put money as god. I'll keep reading and see if there are more suggestions.

[shance]

41. Right on**********

n/t

[AP]

43. Cancel cable. You're going to need the money.

[Cogito ergo doleo]

44. That's the bottom line- and counsel as many credit card users

as you can. Get those you love off those cards.

[Pathwalker]

45. We HAVE to replace one of our cars - it's almost gone

and not worth the cost of repairing. My husband has 35 yrs. experience in the auto parts/repair and he says we must replace it, so we will. We will purchase a USED auto from a Democratic source.
Other than that, we spent this morning finalizing all our previously discussed "tentative just-in-case" plans - pretty much like you suggested. We don't have credit cards, so that's not an issue. We're hunkering down for the long haul here.

I'm with ya!

[2bfree]

46. That is what my husband has been preaching for the last 4 years.

We paid off our house and now are saving for retirement. I need to spend less so we can save more. Great post, thanks for the reminder.

[fudge stripe cookays]

47. Here's another suggestion:

And to the DUer who suggested it on another thread a few months ago....THANK YOU!

htp://www.freecycle.org

It rules!
FSC

[H3Dakota]

51. Sweet! I *love* it! Waiting membership approval as I type!

[Glenda]

55. I just got rid of a ton of stuff on freecycle...

3 old printers and a scanner, and people were happy to get it.

Also check out www.simpleliving.net. Click on Discussion Forums. It takes a new mindset to stop shopping, and become financially independent, and this will help you.

Glenda

[Ladyhawk]

48. I'm willing to do my part to tank the * economy even further. nt

[kayell]

50. Yes. you won't believe what you can cut back on

Even food - the basics will do. Beans, rice, homemade salsa. NOTHING packaged by a corporation. NO meals out at any chain whatsoever.

You don't really need any new clothes - sew on the button.

Toothpaste is a neccesity right? Forget it, give them less money and use some baking soda.

Pretend you have virtually NO money and stock it all away.

The other BIG, BIG reason - don't support the corporate sponsors of the BFEE.

[PNsC]

54. I stopped shopping two years ago

I have to start soon!

[laruemtt]

59. right with ya on this one.

never did cotton much to the consumer mindset. not hard to do at all.

[treehuggnlibrul]

60. Yep, I've been thinking the same thing today. eom

[fidgeting wildly]

62. I'm in. Fuck 'em all.

My husband and I just drafted plans to pay off all of our debt, including my student loans, by the first of the year. We have one economy car between us, and I bought it from my grandparents, so no interest on that loan! We've already opened a savings account, which will serve until we decide what to do with our money long-term. And we're opting out of the holiday gift grab. Friends and family will be getting handmade cards, and that's it. We're digging in and taking our lives back.

[kimchi]

65. I'm in.

I was going to make Yule gifts this year anyway. The only problem is that we desperately need a decent car. We will buy it from a private owner, but now I'm even going to ask them how they vote before I fork over any money.

Lets do this! I know we can!

[Keirsey]

66. recycle, recycle, recycle

By that I mean buying used.

I haven't bought a new car in 20 years. Think of it, when you drive a new car off the lot, you've lost 25% or more of it's value. Consider what you have to pay for car insurance.

Not having a huge ego, I look at a car for transportation purposes only. Bought a van off of my brother for $500 and drove it for five years. Replaced the tires and a battery. Carried liability insurance only.

Being ecologically-minded for many, many years, I pretty much do without air conditioning in my house. Open the windows, turn on the attic fan, and enjoy the fresh air.

As for food, 65% of Americans are overweight. Do you really need to eat out as often as you do?

If you're going to buy wine...buy French wine just to thumb your nose at 'em.

[Name removed]

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