Burden Overblown

Perception is not always reality. The media do all they can to change perception to that which favors their agenda.
The media were waiting in eager anticipation, with cameras filming, microphones recording, for the first gas station to post a price with 4 as the first number. As soon as it happened, every TV station had LIVE pictures of the event.
When gas prices dropped to under $3.90, I didn't see any reporters or reporterettes waiting by the price signs.

What good is the media? They aren't doing their job.

The problem is not the price of gas itself, but that many Americans have buried themselves in payments on all the luxuries not deemed necessities. We have $500 a month car payments,$200 cable bills,$150 cellphone bills, laptops, flat screen tvs, 3000 square foot houses, all bought with $0 down on credit.

Many Americans were barely scraping by before gas went up, and now they are in a real pinch.

It is within every American's power to reduce their monthly expenses, but most don't have the will or desire to reduce their inflated standard of living to make the smart financial choice.

Yep, the media sure is sperming all over themselves about this nothing they call "The One'. He's an empty suit, hardcore socialist. The guys voting record, what little there is of it, is to the left of the one Socialist Party member in the senate. Scary. They sure do love the empty suit with ties to some seriously shady people.

Also, why did he send one of his minions to meet with Syrian leaders? They aren't exactly friends of America. It's not for peace purposes, probably funding, i'm guessing. Why hasn't the press pointed out this meeting, either?

And really, do we want a president who thinks there are 57 states?

Doug,
I couldnt agree more with you. 13 years ago I was talking to my assistant at work. He was going on vacation the following week. He had just purchased a house and he had a certain east about him. I was making about 3x what he made but had far less financial security than he did.

I asked him his secret, he said he always lived beneath his means, whatever they were, and that he always paid himself first.(savings)

His point was that by saving first, even if you are bad with money, you are protecting yourself from yourself.

I took it to heart and have never looked back.

Don
p.s. it doesnt hurt that my wife is much more disciplined than I am.

Good message for a limited audience, but it's not the sort of thing any pol is going to use on the campaign trail.

Energy costs have driven up prices of non-discretionary consumer items. Yes, many people are lousy budgeters and foolish spenders. They're also getting kicked in the teeth at the pump and the grocery store. They know that government rakes in more tax dollars as gas prices climb. Picture yourself standing up on a bus and reading this piece to the riders who can no longer afford to drive to work. Remember to duck.

Doug wrote:

The problem is not the price of gas itself, but that many Americans have buried themselves in payments on all the luxuries not deemed necessities. We have $500 a month car payments,$200 cable bills,$150 cellphone bills, laptops, flat screen tvs, 3000 square foot houses, all bought with $0 down on credit.
Many Americans were barely scraping by before gas went up, and now they are in a real pinch.
It is within every American's power to reduce their monthly expenses, but most don't have the will or desire to reduce their inflated standard of living to make the smart financial choice.

Broke is normal, be weird.

http://www.daveramsey.com/