Social Programming

Our society has programmed most of us to believe, debt is required to attain a goal.  Whether it's home ownership, an automobile, or even education, debt has become part of the equation.  This concept that the road to success is paved with debt is not a new concept at all.  The farms lost through the Great Depression were lost because there was a mortgage or lien against them.  Sadly most of those farms were inherited, so the land had been used as collateral.  By the time WWII ended, most all Americans could obtain debt for whatever their dream involved.

Probably the biggest issue I have had all along with large debt like mortgages and cars is the amount of money required to qualify for the debt.  I'm not against home mortgages and even short term car payments, but the idea that our net worth is based upon how much we can borrow, is problematic.  We've already seen that when the housing bubble burst.  Qualifying for debt seems to be the road to paying more for something than it will ever be worth, and that is a problem.  Figuring an amortization for a  mortgage is a great example of just how much we pay for something compared to it's actual value.  A 30 year mortgage on a $70,000 house, which is basically unheard of in today's culture would result in an individual paying nearly double the amount at only a 4% interest rate.  Interest rates are very low, which is why so many are able to qualify for huge loans with large down payments.  Fees and upfront costs have replaced interest rates for the banking industry.

I haven't been able to verify that this appeared in the Chicago Tribune in 1934, but I haven't been able to find any source to say it didn't.

When an economy is based upon the perpetual motion of debt, history is doomed to repeat itself and where the blame falls really won't make any difference.  It will just be re-explained for acceptance and the programming will continue, if . . . the society doesn't completely crumble. 

Impoverished Indulgence and Entitlement

The Other 1 Percent seems to have more areas of agreement than most other "groups."  It's not that we agree on everything, but we agree on a number of basics and that's enough to not focus on the differing details.  Also, there's the fact that the Other 1 percent is busy and doesn't really have a great deal of free time to play the blame game.  We know the system of perpetual motion can't self start or self-recover.  We already know that, as well as realizing money is like water, in that, it will seek it's own level . . .

As some are just sure raising the minimum wage to $15.00 an hour will repair this broken economy, others are flying to the other extreme, just sure it will collapse the economy.  The economy is already collapsing under the printing presses.  Increased minimum wage will only reduce the buying power of what's left of the Middle Class.  I've been in ministry long enough to hear folks' various economic struggles and it's really not about the income, it's about management and priorities.  Scripture says we are to be faithful in the little things and we'll be given much.  I know for a fact and have shared with others, G-d will not give us more of what we already cannot handle . . . and that includes money!

Consider this, in regard to raising the minimum wage.  There are already people making between $14.00 and 18.00 an hour that still can't make ends meet.  There were people making that wage back when minimum wage was $5 something and they were still going upside down in cars and houses.  And that is not about distribution of wealth, that's simply a choice of lifestyle.  If there were to be a redistribution of wealth, within a matter of months, the wealthy would once again be holding the majority of the money and the people now crying for redistribution would once again have empty pockets.  When someone chooses to live beyond their means, they are going to be behind, all the time, with an excuse every time; regardless of how much they make.  We've all read about real estate moguls and millionaires filing bankruptcy.  It's possible to live beyond one's means on every level of income, and it is also possible to live within one's means on even low income levels, as long as one is willing to work and prioritize responsibly.  

I remember my days of being poor, and that's certainly not to say I'm wealthy now, but my days of not being able to make ends meet was a clear case of not being right with G-d and not being responsible with my income.  I wasn't a partier, I just simply lived with poor priorities and kept company with folks who did the same.  Americans make choices, then try to create an image of success or victimhood, but the choices are made. Many simply choose other priorities and indulgences knowing, yes knowing, someone will provide their basic needs.  There's no reason on earth, someone making $12.00 an hour cannot afford their own groceries, but there are many.  If the family is large, then assistance is available on that income, but management is still the key that makes the difference between independence and need.

Whether it's SNAP cards, automatic deposit, food pantries and community services, taking the shame out of begging has created an atmosphere of impoverished indulgence and entitlement.  

52 Week Money Challenge - Savings Plan

I'm a couple of weeks late, posting this, but there's still time to catch up . . .  This is mathematically sound and been proven.  I did discover one thing, however.  I preferred to do it backward and begin with the large number while the enthusiasm is strong.  Once I gained momentum on the plan, I was "rewarded" with a relative large sum early, and a decreasing weekly deposit.

Either way, it's a great savings plan.  I can't take credit for it and I can't find the original site for this calculation, but it's certainly worth sharing.

Independent Business

Independent business are quickly becoming a part of American history.  The independent business man has, for the most part, been replaced with corporate chains and franchises in suburbs and the edge of town.


As a business woman, I've noticed something that seems to take place in dealing with individuals, while the guys at corporate headquarters, remain untouched.  When we are dealing with an independent business man, we hold them to a higher standard than a corporate chain.  I know I recently made a negative decision about patronizing a locally owned business based upon very poor service and rude treatment, by the owner!  I have also made very positive decisions to patronize locally owned businesses, not only based upon good service, but also to encourage those of us who are still trying to stay in business.  It's an investment in independent business.

The way a business person conducts their business is definitely to be considered, but I've noticed many folks make a negative decision based upon a difference in beliefs.  Chick Fil A comes to mind, as does Hobby Lobby.  Both of these businesses have received increased patronage as well as boycotts and protests.  Which brings to mind a strange disconnect in the way we choose to do business.  When someone disagrees with my beliefs, I lose a customer, but people who complain about the greed of the Walton family still shop at Wal-Mart . . . The disconnect seems to be more of an arbitrary line that applies personally, but not enmass.  

When we choose to be divisive on some personal fundamental level, we still have to take our business somewhere, and that seems to be widening the gap between the fat cats and the huddled masses, as well as eliminating the independents.  Most of the "working class" will never be a part of a political lobbying effort of corporate America, but we do have a power we overlook.  We don't need to wine and dine Congress to be heard.  All we have to do is stop complaining and complying.  We can become more independent in our creativity and patronize the local business owners for those things we cannot make ourselves.