Welcome to the Trading Floor, the place to exchange your knowledge and ideas with Marketplace. You can advise us about stories we’re working on, discuss the news of the day, and find out what we’re learning from members of our Public Insight Network.
After 9/11, we were told spending money was patriotic. A “Buy American” provision was added to the fiscal stimulus bill earlier this year. During this recession, Americans are starting to save more — yet some blame consumers’ newfound conservatism for the continued downturn. Information about what’s the “right” thing to do with your money for the country can be pretty inconsistent. So what choices are you making?
This 4th of July Marketplace Money wants to know how you’re spending your money with the good of the nation in mind.
Posted by Michael Blackwell on July 6, 2009 11:40 PM
I believe it is my duty as a husband,as a future father and as a general person of ethic to SAVE EVERY DOLLAR I CAN. Responsibility isn’t black and white. It’s grey. Capitalism and consumerism, which we ALL PRACTICE TO A DEGREE, is significantly part of the cause of our poor economy. Part of it fundamentally is our ignorance and participation as taxpayers in the GROSSLY FLAWED FEDERAL RESERVE BANKING SYSTEM. Someone, A LOT OF SOMEONES are still making money, A LOT OF MONEY, and it has ALWAYS been on the sweat and blood of the working lower class. I CANNOT SAVE THIS ECONOMY, NOR CAN ANY OF “US” working lower class citizens. The only ones who can are the “8%” and they aren’t parting with the first dollar of their “blood money”. This issue strikes a chord with me and my limited knowledge just causes me to rant. THE CORRUPTION IN OUR ECONOMY WILL NEVER BE EXPOSED. Research the flawed federal reserve banking system and our unconstitutional federal income tax. Report on that. Thank you for the opportunity to be heard.
The old US economy, the one that got us into this mess, depends on consumer spending for 70% of its funding.
The recovery seems to be built on returning consumer spending to pre-Lehman Brothers levels. This is a false assumption. The consumer spending bubble that just burst was built on borrowing against inflated home prices, astronomical increases in family credit card debt, and cheap goods from overseas, based on cheap oil.
The “I want it now and will pay for it later” economy is dead. The new sustainable economy that is arising is locally focused and essential supplies and services.
I work to help local government decision makers, local bankers and other lenders, Chambers of Commerce, the Rotary Club and consumers focus their investment and purchasing locally. Our goal is to build community economic resilience.
There is little talk of the “local economic revolution” in Washington or Lansing (Michigan is my state). It seems like we can only continue to throw money at the old failed economic system — acting out the old advice, “If brute force isn’t work, you are not using enough of it.”
Posted by Suzanne Wheat on August 11, 2009 9:00 AM
I resent being included in a mob of spenders called “the consumer.” I figure that the technology, the brain and muscle power that we have could be put to better use with job sharing, a shorter work week and early retirement. With our extra time we could follow creative and intellectual pursuits. Or volunteer to help other countries to achieve what we have achieved if they want it.
Along these lines, I don’t understand why auto companies have to create so many models and then change them every year. Technological improvements yes, silly body changes: No. A car is transportation—not your living room or who you are as a human being. If you enjoy making new models so much, go ahead and make them and donate them to people who need a vehicle.
Nearly 10 million U.S. homeowners are having trouble making their mortgage payments. Tanya Ott profiles one Birmingham, Ala., family that has that problem, times three.
A new year means it's time for New Year's resolutions. How have you resolved to keep your finances in order this year? We present the financial goals and plans of some of our listeners.
I believe it is my duty as a husband,as a future father and as a general person of ethic to SAVE EVERY DOLLAR I CAN. Responsibility isn’t black and white. It’s grey. Capitalism and consumerism, which we ALL PRACTICE TO A DEGREE, is significantly part of the cause of our poor economy. Part of it fundamentally is our ignorance and participation as taxpayers in the GROSSLY FLAWED FEDERAL RESERVE BANKING SYSTEM. Someone, A LOT OF SOMEONES are still making money, A LOT OF MONEY, and it has ALWAYS been on the sweat and blood of the working lower class. I CANNOT SAVE THIS ECONOMY, NOR CAN ANY OF “US” working lower class citizens. The only ones who can are the “8%” and they aren’t parting with the first dollar of their “blood money”. This issue strikes a chord with me and my limited knowledge just causes me to rant. THE CORRUPTION IN OUR ECONOMY WILL NEVER BE EXPOSED. Research the flawed federal reserve banking system and our unconstitutional federal income tax. Report on that. Thank you for the opportunity to be heard.