We did not cause this massive economic upheaval.
But because we believed what we were told we now find ourselves entangled in a massive financial web.
Whether it's the stock market reversal, mortgage crisis--leaving families homeless or massive layoffs.
The American way of life is drastically changing at a rapid pace.
How can we adapt to this seemingly overnight financial convulsion? The American people are very resilient and have demonstrated this in the past.
Whether it was the decade- long depression or the tremendous effort put forth during WW ll, we adapted and were victorious.
It is time to step up to the plate and reclaim our innovativeness and use our creativity to change our lifestyles.
We have depended too much on sources other then ourselves to control our destiny.
I'm going to present a few ideas that may create some uneasiness because it means making some changes in your lifestyle.
But when a person's back is to the wall his/she can adapt and be very creative.
I can definitely state this from experience.
SAVING MONEY Our shopping habits need to change.
As a former owner of a second-hand store, I know they can produce many bargains.
My wife shops thrift shops, garage sales and craft fairs for gifts--sometimes holding them for months until that special day arrives.
Some of her gifts are one-of-a kind and people want to know where she purchased them.
It used to be when you purchased something it was not supposed to be obsolete in a short period of time.
Now we are conditioned to buy items because they are a little faster, a little smaller or perhaps a different color.
We are constantly bombarded by the ads that tell how much easier our lives will be with this new technical gadget.
That is until a new version hits the market.
We are conditioned by the media to buy, buy, buy.
That's because the United States has greatly reduced its manufacturing capabilities.
We need to be conservative about purchases and buy when we need that product.
If you have any room at all plant a garden.
With the high cost of food you not only have tremendous saving but the taste of the food when freshly picked is mouth watering.
If you live in a warm climate you may be able to cover your plants with row covers on cold nights.
I did that with eggplants.
If you live in a city you can plant a few items in pots or perhaps your city provides garden plots.
Shop at the local farmers' market where items may be cheaper and fresher.
Several families can pool their resources and drive to a farm and purchase large quantities of vegetables.
I have joined several food co-ops in rural and urban areas.
Co-ops allow discounts if you give them some of your time.
CREATING INCOME As I have stated my wife shops at craft fairs and occasionally sells her crafted items there as well.
Some fairs have more then 75 vendors who proudly present their wares.
I'm usually amazed at the quantity and quality produced by these artisans.
Perhaps you have a hobby or a desire to produce something to sell.
We started selling at small craft fairs and then moved on to bigger fairs.
And remember craft fairs are located in small towns and cities.
Don"t forget the internet when you want to market your wares.
The internet allows you to market around the world at a very low price.
Sell some of your stuff at garage sales or online.
If you combine with a couple of neighbors it may bring more people to your door.
Start a home-based business.
I am always reading about people who were innovative and started a small business.
Years ago I read an article in a magazine, called up the company to verify their credibility and purchased a startup package.
I had that business for about five years.
I've done this on several occasions--sometimes the business worked out and some times it did not.
The main thing is to put your ideas into action.
You do not have to spend a lot of money.
In some cases you can try something out on a small scale and then if it works put more resources into it.
And today with the internet you don't need a building, truck or a large advertising expense because of the power of internet marketing.
You may have to move to another part of the country where there are jobs.
You may want to move because of a lower cost of living.
Lower heating bills may be a deciding factor in your move.
Before you move do your homework.
Too many people move and later find they have made a mistake.
I am implementing many of the ideas I've presented- especially the business ideas.
It is always interesting to speak with people who have started a new business or who have changed lifestyles for a better way of life.
But because we believed what we were told we now find ourselves entangled in a massive financial web.
Whether it's the stock market reversal, mortgage crisis--leaving families homeless or massive layoffs.
The American way of life is drastically changing at a rapid pace.
How can we adapt to this seemingly overnight financial convulsion? The American people are very resilient and have demonstrated this in the past.
Whether it was the decade- long depression or the tremendous effort put forth during WW ll, we adapted and were victorious.
It is time to step up to the plate and reclaim our innovativeness and use our creativity to change our lifestyles.
We have depended too much on sources other then ourselves to control our destiny.
I'm going to present a few ideas that may create some uneasiness because it means making some changes in your lifestyle.
But when a person's back is to the wall his/she can adapt and be very creative.
I can definitely state this from experience.
SAVING MONEY Our shopping habits need to change.
As a former owner of a second-hand store, I know they can produce many bargains.
My wife shops thrift shops, garage sales and craft fairs for gifts--sometimes holding them for months until that special day arrives.
Some of her gifts are one-of-a kind and people want to know where she purchased them.
It used to be when you purchased something it was not supposed to be obsolete in a short period of time.
Now we are conditioned to buy items because they are a little faster, a little smaller or perhaps a different color.
We are constantly bombarded by the ads that tell how much easier our lives will be with this new technical gadget.
That is until a new version hits the market.
We are conditioned by the media to buy, buy, buy.
That's because the United States has greatly reduced its manufacturing capabilities.
We need to be conservative about purchases and buy when we need that product.
If you have any room at all plant a garden.
With the high cost of food you not only have tremendous saving but the taste of the food when freshly picked is mouth watering.
If you live in a warm climate you may be able to cover your plants with row covers on cold nights.
I did that with eggplants.
If you live in a city you can plant a few items in pots or perhaps your city provides garden plots.
Shop at the local farmers' market where items may be cheaper and fresher.
Several families can pool their resources and drive to a farm and purchase large quantities of vegetables.
I have joined several food co-ops in rural and urban areas.
Co-ops allow discounts if you give them some of your time.
CREATING INCOME As I have stated my wife shops at craft fairs and occasionally sells her crafted items there as well.
Some fairs have more then 75 vendors who proudly present their wares.
I'm usually amazed at the quantity and quality produced by these artisans.
Perhaps you have a hobby or a desire to produce something to sell.
We started selling at small craft fairs and then moved on to bigger fairs.
And remember craft fairs are located in small towns and cities.
Don"t forget the internet when you want to market your wares.
The internet allows you to market around the world at a very low price.
Sell some of your stuff at garage sales or online.
If you combine with a couple of neighbors it may bring more people to your door.
Start a home-based business.
I am always reading about people who were innovative and started a small business.
Years ago I read an article in a magazine, called up the company to verify their credibility and purchased a startup package.
I had that business for about five years.
I've done this on several occasions--sometimes the business worked out and some times it did not.
The main thing is to put your ideas into action.
You do not have to spend a lot of money.
In some cases you can try something out on a small scale and then if it works put more resources into it.
And today with the internet you don't need a building, truck or a large advertising expense because of the power of internet marketing.
You may have to move to another part of the country where there are jobs.
You may want to move because of a lower cost of living.
Lower heating bills may be a deciding factor in your move.
Before you move do your homework.
Too many people move and later find they have made a mistake.
I am implementing many of the ideas I've presented- especially the business ideas.
It is always interesting to speak with people who have started a new business or who have changed lifestyles for a better way of life.
Source...