No such thing as "NORMAL"

I have come to the conclusion that there is no such thing as normal. I long for days to be a “normal” person just skipping though life without a care in the world but my common sense will not allow it. I look around at all that is happening in our world and it is all I can do not to load my family up, leave all the creature comforts (like running water, lights, computers, refrigerators etc) behind and find a cave somewhere to live. Go totally off the grid and get lost in the woods. You are probably thinking this lady is nuts. But am I…seriously look around you.

The government keeps putting out hype that employment claims have dropped but the fact of the matter is most of these people are not finding jobs they have just exhausted their benefits and are dropping off the unemployment rolls.

We hear all the time that the housing market is turning around but yet there was a story in the main stream media yesterday (July 20, 2010) stating that new housing hit an all time low in June.

Grocery prices are out of control. Seriously have you looked at what you are purchasing lately? Did you notice that a quart of mayonnaise is no long 32 ounces but is now 30 ounces but you are still paying the 32 ounces price? Same with ketchup, peanut butter, margarine, even the cereal boxes are loosing weight but the boxes are not shrinking. The bottles and jars have changed shapes so as not to give the decreased weight away. That the marketing strategy, make it look like you are getting the same amount but you are not. Yes grocery shopping has become an art lately.

Those of us that can not afford a new car are being punished in my opinion. Gas prices are on the uphill climb again and it has nothing to do with the two oil spills, the one in the Gulf of Mexico and the one in China. Not only are gas prices increasing but look at all the tax breaks and rebates for new cars, electric cars and hybrid cars. This is not just on prices either but insurance cost, with the new GPS they can locate your care if it is stolen. They are not making the old size of tires any more. That’s correct if your car takes 195/75R you can’t find them unless you buy used tires. And now they are talking about increasing taxes on oil to help pay for the clean up in the gulf. Guess who is going to cover that bill. Not the oil companies but you and me and it will not be just at the gas pump but in every day items also.

What can we do? Well we are going to have to become smarter shoppers. READ LABELS! Stop running to the store just to grab an item or two. Clip coupons, hit those sales, and buy in bulk. Plan plan and plan some more. Take advantage of those tax free weekends many states have in August just before school starts. Take advantaged of those sales at the end of the season. Buy next year’s summer clothes in August and September. Don’t let Hollywood or the “Runway” decide what you will wear next year. If you have to make a big purchase like a large appliance, or a car shop around. Compare prices, haggle, and don’t be afraid to walk away if you are not happy. Remember it is YOUR money don’t let anyone make you feel bad that you don’t spend it.

Need a computer now is a good time to shop. With all the back to school sales you are bound to find a good deal on one that fits your needs. Don’t let the salesman talk you into the high end product. Decide what you need and what you will use your computer for, remember less is sometimes better.

Are you going to have to make a large appliance purchase wait if you can; most large appliances are on sale around tax time. Start now shopping for what you want then watch for sales.

What about a car? Are you going to have to buy better set of wheels? Well don’t buy new. Look for used car with low miles. You can find some that still have most of the warranty left. Contact your bank and see what the value of the car really is, it is never what they are asking. The new models come out after Labor Day so around the holidays is a good time to look for a car. The dealers are desperate to clear their lots and they usually have fairly good holiday deals.

I am not even going to touch on the number of “recalls” we have had lately; nothing is safe from food to baby beds. **sigh**

Yep that cave is looking better and better.