Banks aren’t lending; people aren’t spending.  That’s what’s wrong with the economy today ( at least, on a very, very basic level. )  So, what to do?  Well unless you’re a bank, the answer would seem to be “spend, spend spend!” And indeed, if we all get together and spend like crazy, our country’s economic condition as a whole might well improve.  However, what happens if you spend like mad, but everyone else keeps their spending in check?  Well, then things start looking mighty bad for you, big spender.

Think about your economy, not the country’s.

How does your cash flow look?  Your debt?  Your net worth?  These are the things that you have to look at when you’re making your spending decisions.  Don’t worry about what’s going on in the world – and don’t worry about the rest of us.  Your job is to worry about yourself, and your family.  That’s it, no one else.  If you’re not comfortable spending, then you should keep your money in the bank ( or under the mattress, whatever you prefer. )  In other words, don’t be pushed into spending because you’re trying to save the world.  All that will do is make sure you end up in the poorhouse, deep in credit card debt, with no savings to fall back on.