Gifts from the Recession... commentary from Joan Carris BEAUFORT, NC (pre) - Although media pundits seem unsure as to whether we are in a recession or a depression, I am not the least bit unsure. It is both. My wee hunk of wealth has receded and I am depressed. Everyone I know feels the same way. This is not a good way to feel, of course. Depressed people do dumb things, like strangling a few investment bankers before breakfast. That IS an appealing thought, isn't it? If you agree, then we're all depressed and we should fix that.
Let's start with a positive affirmation: Many good things have or will come out of this fiscally challenging time. For instance, this year we do not have to worry about getting just the right cabin on a cruise ship. We will not be cruising and of course we don't want to! The swine flu is out there! Aren't we smart to avoid it by staying home?
Since we'll be home, we can focus on saving money. I can fix all the normally-frowned-on meals that I want to: meals that feature pasta spaghetti, macaroni and cheese, tuna casserole. Those are the meals that save money. Coupons let us save even more money, and last week this is the truth I saved $12.00 just by clipping coupons from the Sunday papers. Now that's exciting. I feel sorry for the unenlightened hedge fund managers who will never know the satisfaction of clipping coupons.
One of the greatest economies in this family will be achieved in the realm of transportation. We'd been contemplating a newer vehicle to replace our old pickup, but we'll probably repair the pickup instead. Because this truck gobbles gas, we will save gas by not driving it after it's fixed. Here again, some people will miss out on the noble feeling we are going to get from saving all that fuel. Our truck will sit in pristine white splendor on the driveway, where everyone can admire it. I'd bet that very few CEO's have old pickups on display in their driveways.
Last, consider income taxes. Once upon a time, we had dividends upon which we paid noticeable taxes. Now that dividends have shrunk some stock holdings dying out altogether and banks are not paying interest we have far less income on which to pay federal or state taxes. Just think of the money we have all saved in this category! Did you ever think you would rejoice about the level of income taxes you were paying?
I imagine you are already starting to feel better about this depression-recession. If not, please get in touch with me and I will share my recipe for Italian spaghetti sauce, guaranteed to make you smile.

© Copyright 2009, pre