Category: Humanities Published on Wednesday, 29 February 2012 23:18 Written by LE Brown Hits: 542

We are constantly complaining about the recession and how our economy is suffering. I don’t even want to mention what I’ve heard people say about our political leaders concerning the economy, it’s brutal. But have you thought about your actions and intentions? What are you doing to help improve the U.S. economy? It’s only human nature to blame politics for an entire Nation’s setback; but we have to consider every variable that causes our economy to fall.

There are many bottom lines; that would depend on whom you ask, “What is the answer”? From a consumer that loves politics, I would have to answer, “You and I”. We are a major variable to helping us out of this rut. There are many that owe taxes, behind on credit card obligations, owe on student loans; not to mention those that are still spending without considering how this affects us.

Since it’s been pounded in our brains (especially during holidays), how we should make a conscious decision to spend in order to help our economy; it’s still setting us back. One can never be debt free unless you pay cash for every transaction or pay each credit card bill in full; and not everyone can do that; especially for big ticket items. I think it’s as important to conserve on spending as it is to conserve our natural energy. Why not go “green” in your spending habits. Use cash frequently; this may even deter your banks from adding more fees. Banks raise fees and add fees depending on the economy and the increase of their services used; so making a statement by taking out cash instead of using your debit or credit card is huge.

Although many truly need student loans and grants to secure their education; we have to be cognizant as to whether we can go through some semesters with less; which would obviously mean, we have less to pay back. Through my college years, I probably could have went at least one semester out of the year, not taking out a student loan, if I would have managed my money more productively. Since I decided to buy a car, instead of taking the bus that meant I had approximately $3000 more then I needed, that I had to pay the government back; of course this is with interest.

So my last thought about being frugal is to just not buy until you’re fully able to make a purchase without owing. It’s difficult for us to go without; we’re a spoiled Nation, and we want to live lavishly. However, there is a time to hold back or spend a lot less. Our responsibility is just as important as our leaders; they’re unable to bring the Nation out of debt without the help of the citizens. I do understand that their tenacity makes a measureable impact; however each and every one of ours does also. Although there are many that are impoverished for many other reasons; however there are those of us that have made horrible choices and brought poverty into our lives.

I believe responsibility trickles down; it starts with a leader and then we have to follow suit. If you expect our President, Congress, Governors and Mayors to advocate for a better economy, then we have no other choice but to become more responsible. It’s no longer a choice, if we want to become debt free.

Thank you, L.E. Brown