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Younger generation
needs to be more frugal by
Delbert Trew | |
I
reckon I will receive some flak over this column as I almost never editorialize
about current problems, religion or politics. So be it. Since my remarks are based
on history and the parallels of The Great Depression and today, here goes.
Not
everyone is in a panic mode over the current financial condition of America and
the world. Not every family is behind in their house payments or owes a fortune
on their multiple credit-card collection. In direct contrast to what the media
seems to promote most, not everyone has lost their jobs or joined those who are
homeless.
I believe for every family who over-extended and bought a home
and furnishings they could not afford there are thousands who did the opposite
and are snug and secure in their maybe-less-than- grand abodes and are happy in
their older, paid-for automobiles.
Our local coffee and gas station owner
on Interstate 40 tells of customer after customer that try card after card to
find one that is not maxed out when paying for fuel.
We pay our one card
off every month and I know of many others that do the same. The card problem is
not universal.
Our location "way out in the boondocks" helps us resist
the temptation to "eat out" on a regular basis. Many of our urban friends and
relatives know about every restaurant in town and can quote the menus item for
item. This can get to be a very expensive habit.
Anyone can make an innocent
mistake in judgment involving investments. But, the consistent hunt for the highest
possible return on your investment can sometimes backlash into unwise decisions.
The highest return is not always the safest.
My parents and grandparents
remained in place, on a dusty farm, in the heart of the Dust Bowl all through
the Great Depression. It wasn't easy.
They squeezed every penny, spent
no money unless they had it in hand, used it up, wore it out, repaired and despaired
before making changes. It worked and with a little help from The New Deals of
President Roosevelt they somehow survived.
Mother Nature finally came
through with blessed rains just before the end seemed near. Persistence, frugality,
starting earlier and staying later saved the day and they have prospered ever
since. It took a sustained effort by them and a little from the government to
get back on track.
My folks said they had no money but since no one else
had money either it wasn't so bad. They gardened, butchered, bartered, traded,
shared and donated to those less fortunate and day by day somehow stretched that
effort into weeks, months and years. As the more prosperous years passed, these
frugal habits lost their flavor with the younger descendants.
My father
observed those who had the hardest time in bad times also had tough problems in
good times. It hasn't changed with the passage of years. Some people are just
not able to make it whether it is in good times or bad. In fact, the times don't
seem to matter in many of their problems.
© Delbert Trew
"It's All Trew"
June 23, 2009 Column
E-mail: trewblue@centramedia.net.
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