Just the beginning

We are bombarded by "the economy." Mainstream media, reluctant to use the word "recession" has finally come around. Now we are not only in a recession, we are in a "deep recession." Daily I listen to the news of hundreds of thousands of people losing their jobs. My personal conversations center on the economy. How can we cut back? What can we do to maintain? What will happen to our jobs?

A friend of mine received word the other day that his salary would be cut by 10%. This was only two weeks after receiving a 7% pay increase. Though his net loss is not as great as it could have been had the news been delivered before the raise, his family is still feeling the pinch. As he said, "at least I still have a job." His wife has gone through the motions of cutting back. No more piano lessons, buying food in bulk, even reducing the telephone services to local calling only. In those few actions she has managed to save several hundred dollars a month--more than likely enough to make the difference of the pay cut.

Everyone seems to be doing what they can to cut back. And this has been much needed as I feel our society is so focused on consuming. Buy now and save! How can you save if you buy?

As my blog continues, I intend to focus on the ways we can save money, but also I will throw in some historical context. As a historian I tend to look back and consider the way people managed in similar circumstances. Our economic downturn has often been compared to the Great Depression. I believe we are heading into more dire economic circumstances before it gets any better. I hope to include Depression-era recipes, tips for simple living, and thoughts on how we can change our attitude toward mass consumerism.

Stay tuned!