the great depression

is what eric is calling it. suzy orman (per the oprah show) advises at least 8 months of savings, cause that's how long it might take to find another job. the financial powers are forecasting it will take 10yrs for the economy to turn around(!!!)

it's not sexy, but frugality is in.

i listened to a segment on NPR that other day, they interviewed ppl in their 80s who lived thru the 30s depression. they remember how the 20s was an era of parties and excess before the stock market crashed. to them it feels like the same bad cycle. today we've become a throw-away society, always wanting new, bigger and designer-- regardless if we can afford!

what's wrong with an older but functionality deck, or EUC (excellent used condition in ebay lingo) kids clothing and toys; or original but presentable wood floods. yup, that's our house and that's what the kids get. and the peace of mind we get, by not being in the hole.

we do splurge on family trips, parties, extracurricular activities/classes for the girls,,, cause life is about experiences, not things.

but my dear hubs wants to tighten the money belt even further. DIY haircut:



savings $12/mo. the word jagged comes to mind (-:
(the gunk on their chest is vicks vapor rub, since preschool = cesspool of germs)

his next target, netflix. savings $200/yr. thanks goodness, tivo is paid for!