Comments on: The Upside of a Down Economy

By: Paul Morales

Paul Morales — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 19:39:46 +0000

Yeah special deals are great during this time because everyone is hurting for business.

By: » Weekly Roundup - New Voices Edition

» Weekly Roundup - New Voices Edition — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 04:55:44 +0000

[...] Ron talked about the upside of a bad economy. [...]

By: Curmudgeon

Curmudgeon — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 17:19:25 +0000

Is the perception as regional as the economy? I just returned from Barnes and Noble, on a Sunday morning, and the place was packed. I go to the mall in the middle of the week, and it has a healthy crowd. Now, I can’t say that they are buying anything, but it doesn’t seem like people at least around here (New England) are avoiding the retail outlets. Yes, and even the vet still seems to be doing a great business, Ron, so I’m a bit surprised they are on your list.

The press is really the problem here. When times are good, they write about people pulling in the money, even if many aren’t. When times are bad, they tell the sad stories, even if they aren’t representative.

By: Scott @ The Passive Dad

Scott @ The Passive Dad — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 23:00:49 +0000

I was able to negotiate with several tree trimming companies and received quotes from $2500-$1200. Once company had a crew that hadn’t worked for a couple days and were happy to come over the same day and start work immediately.

We also negotiated with a furniture store for some new chairs. He was willing to pay sales tax, delivery charges and assemble the chairs for us. The customer service was fantastic.

By: Tammy Brackett

Tammy Brackett — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 00:46:47 +0000

Ron when my poor dog heard the lead in for the Nightly News with Brian Williams tonight, instead of laying on my lap, he went in the bedroom and went to sleep! Talk about “recession weary”!
I’ve been a frugalist forever, and it is rather refreshing to be “hip” rather than looked down upon. I read Your Money or Your Life many years ago and the life energy=money equation really hit home.
I garden, make my own tea and vitamin water, cook at home, work at home and batch errands when I run out for the day in my 1998 Jeep Cherokee (I call her Betsy).
When someone says something about me being frugal I often reply that I live “mindfully”.

I just subscribed to your blog. I found you through Frugal Dad!

By: Andy Wood

Andy Wood — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 05:00:47 +0000

Ron,

This is an excellent (and rare) perspective. I would humbly add that such times offer us the opportunities to refocus on the things that matter most, such as family relationships, etc. Also, to maintain an attitude of gratitude, instead of an attitude of entitlement.

Great thoughts!

By: LP

LP — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 19:42:37 +0000

I see positive in everything. We still have the best economy of anywhere in the world. But the media isn’t going to tell anyone that! But, we started living a bit “closer to the vest”, before the economy started stuttering. And you’re 100% right……much too much talk about this negative aspect of the financial. The media has nothing else that they deem necessary to report. But, we’ll have a new story before long, and we’ll get tired of that one too. That’s why several years ago, I blacked out the news channels on my TV. Can’t stand to hear the lies that are perpetrated on the air waves. I get all I want to read, via internet. Then I can click out, and not have that stuff reverberating in my head! Makes my BP much better!
But for your question….My purchases are thought about even more. My habits are on the back burner. I don’t whip out the chosen method of payment quite so quick. I am not buying presents near so much. We aren’t planning to do some needed upgrades quite yet. The car isn’t being eyed for trade, as the mail from car dealers keeps pouring into our mailbox. So, you can see….many things have been put on hold. And I have no idea how much longer this will last. But more than likely, we will survive at our house! God bless America!!!