I see there is not one comment for spending what we don't have just for the sake of so-called saving the economy....it's spending what they don't have that has got so many people in the mess they are in now.     Rewarding people for digging the hole they are in  is just perpetuating the problem.  

I am with 'Frugal and Solvent' above! What a hoot that they would blame the economic issues on those of us who work, pay our bills and live within our means. Ha ha!!! I am laughing all the way to my paid for car and belongings and the bank...

Those of us capable of spending money need innovative, environmentally friendly products.  Bail out the Big 3 by enforcing a merger of all three and create a unique partnership between government and business that accelerates the delivery of vehicles powered by electricity.  Businesses procure products and services that make their companies more revenue, reduce expenses, make their employees safer or enhance their corporate image.  Businesses buy solutions.  It's time for consumers to demand products that truly improve the way we live our lives.  Give consumers solutions and we will spend our money.  

If we'd had more frugal people in the runup to this disaster,  we wouldn't have the disaster.  How ironic that some people feel responsible people are the problem.

Frugal people are ruining the economy?  How about greedy reckless people who gambled selling leveraged OTC derivative contracts backed by junk sub prime mortgages ruined the economy? Why don't you do an article on that?

Profit margins are falling, and just where do you expect the companies that sell these products to get money from to stay above water?  You should be willing to spend a little more for good service at a retail store, than to go in, demand a better deal, and then treat the employees with contempt because they do not make as much as you do.  I feel just fine paying a bit more for good service, and I make a point of not trying to chisel down the price. You don't complain to your lawyer or doctor, do you, when they cost the US much more than they should, do you?  They too, are providing a service.  These slightly-higher-than-online prices are what pays for the good service and employment for others that you get, and the lack of this kind of thinking is what is driving our economy down, not frugality.

Hello Uncle Sam;

Why couldn't we FORGET the companies that got themselves deep in debt, and give the money to the people?  Do you think another stimulus check of $1,200.00 for my wife and I is going to help much?  Hell no!!!

194,000,000 adults in our country over the age of 18-- give them one million each for a REAL STIMULUS CHECK,  and guess what???  We would get rid of everyone's debt.  Wouldn't $194 Million be a whole lot less expensive than $700 billion???   What my wife and I could do with 2 Million ...!!!  What we all could do with 2 Million????  Why pay fat cats big money to bail them out and do this all over again.   Let us pay our debts, which for most everyone is far less then a million dollars, and help stimulate the economy too!   Don't give us a meager little check to go buy a new TV with, but give us money to pay for our homes, and pay off ALL of our debts!  Damn, thats soooooo simple it makes it seem wrong!  

Isn't that just the simplest solution you ever thought of?  Please...  don't even bring up the Alaskan Gold Rush, or bring up how everyone raised prices on anything that could be purchased.  Establish laws that won't allow price increases beyond 3% per year for at least 5 years.  Then establish another 5 year moratorium on "Price Gouging."  After the first 5 years upon the release of the stimulus funds, allow up to 3.5% each year thereafter.  All business owners must provide proof of pricing each month on inventory.  Let the economists figure this one out.  There will even be enough money to place "price inspectors" and keep a government, watchful eye, on gougers.  Provide real stiff penalties for those who raise their prices above the 3% from the 90 day period before the stimulus check is distributed.  This is America, and we have the way to control this.  

Even for our auto manufacturers and banking industy, it would work, more autos would be purchased, more infusion of cash in our banks, the real estate market would be filled with investors.   Infuse the money in increments.  This will slow down capitalism but infuse a lifeless economy!  If capitalism takes a strangle hold on us,  our government controls need to be tightened.  

Econo - Man

Scott Wesley

the only problem i see with frugal people is there is not enough of them.   getting out of debt hurts but when you get there it feels so so so good.

I'm reminded of what an old friend called me once. Frugal yes I dont go on extravigant vacations or buy food out every day or even owe creditors. Hmm I have a good credit rating. Yes here I am Joe Public who thinks responsible living is smart living. Oh I may splurge for Christmas so sue me

The US government is going to be in big trouble next year as it's credit rating starts tumbling and finds itself having a more difficult time borrowing.  My saving every cent now will save this country next year.  I look around at all of my friends and I can tell with great certainty which ones will be living in cardboard in 3 years.  There is just so little room for error built into their lifestyles.

They believe that if something goes wrong, that some level of goverment will bail them out.  It is all puppy dogs and rainbows.  Americans are too spoiled.