in a democracy we vote in politicians who offer us what we want now, not what is best for us in the long run.
so yes, no politician with any long term plans of sticking around is going to cut spending. That alienates the unions right away and the masses over time.
So the government and the Central Bankers do what they can to 'stimulate the economy' even though they have to go deeper in debt to do it, because unemployed masses don't vote for you.
I vote different then most and would rather things be fixed today then pay a bigger bill tomorrow. This game of borrow from Peter to pay Paul would make Bernie Madoff proud.
you have a wealth mentality. and you vote, and I'm guessing that you think and save and spend, different than most.
My 1 Changed Habit, 10 Years, $100,000 saved gives a pretty good insight into my mindset on spending. But lets just say I haven't had an actual credit card in around 10 years now. Have a couple store cards with low limits so I can get discounts but they are paid off the second the bill comes in.
As for saving due to my thoughts on the state of the actual economy I'm a fan of stacking silver for the hyper inflation that I feel will come. Not that all my eggs are in one basket, but that is my safety net for sure.
thanks, you gave me an idea for a post. I'll do one on how to buy 'junk' silver coins and 1 gram gold cards in small, affordable quantities on eBay.
Your welcome ;) . I find you will save about 15-20% by going into local coin shops for junk silver. If you really want a deal run a craigslist add that you are buying silver. What I do is call my shop and ask what they are paying for junk silver. It's normally a multiple of face and doesn't matter if you are getting dimes, quarters, halves, or dollars. I then run my add for 10% over what coin shops are paying and always get takers. Even if you offer spot price for the coins you are saving vs buying from a shop.
good point. that approach is not for everyone but I do know a fellow locally that goes that route. He offers cash for unused Canadian postage stamps and coins. He pays less than they are worth and makes money selling them again.
some people don't care about the value, they are looking for quick, convenient cash.
I am doing more and more of my buying online for convenience, so for me eBay is the preferred route.
you're doing much better at it than me. I find it the other way around, I can buy for less and with more convenience with eBay. I also live in a rural area and the nearest big center with coin dealers is over a couple hours drive.
Lucky I live where there are a million people within 30 minutes of me so supply is never an issue.