How we're failing Home Ec 101

re: How we're failing Home Ec 101

Hurley — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 19:00:37 GMT

This is all a vicious cycle if you think about it. If everyone cuts back on the cable and eating out, and buying things, then jobs are going to be lost. I think the real problem is there are too many people needing to work and not enough jobs, and the spending spree that america went on was a temporary solution to that, because it provided, jobs, which provided income, which was spent, etc. Its a shame that its a necessity to have a 2 income household now just to survive. Maybe if we could get back to the basics, then the wife or husband wouldn't both have to work to survive, one could stay at home, and open a job up for someone else. As long as we aren't spending, more jobs will be lost and more people will be out of work. So back to what so many have said. Living within your means. If you can easily afford cable, and enjoy it, go ahead and pay for it. You might be saving someones job! If you can afford it, get rid of it.

re: How we're failing Home Ec 101

smiling1 — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 02:04:08 GMT

it's not what people buy on sale that is their problem...it's what people DON'T buy that is the issue. I go to Walmart and all sorts of other stores where I see those considered to be 'less fortunate' buying junk instead of the basics. So, they are always doing without, struggling and dealing with obesity and bad health b/c of their poor choices. I don't have an income problem and I wouldn't spend on the prepackaged unhealthy junk food I see in their carts. If you are hungry you can do a lot with bread and peanut butter. They don't know how to stick to the basics. No one needs lunchables and caprisuns. My children don't need them and neither do theirs. I grew up in a rural town and learned to cook and mend. My parents provided for me more than I ever needed and most that I wanted but they also taught me to be intelligent about what I do with my money. The school system is failing b/c they don't teach good old fashioned home economics anymore. 20 years ago when I was in that class we made cakes with premade icing and learned to make tea in a microwave which was a real shame....IT ISN'T ROCKET SCIENCE TO BOIL WATER. I can only imagine what they teach now if they teach anything. I'm tired of the whining I hear when a lot of people in bad shape are a product of their own choices. If you keep it in your pocket you'll have it...if you blow it on junk then you'll just have to do without.

re: How we're failing Home Ec 101

marie — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 04:02:57 GMT

Make smart choices, avoid impulse buys. Cook meals at home instead of going

out. Rent is cheaper than owning a home in some areas, at less costly - no

maintenance fees no property taxes. Basic cable. Keep your car as long as it

runs, do routine maintenance and change oil frequently. Shop around for insurance

plans on cars, phones etc. Be smart with your money, don't use credit cards that

you are paying interest on. Make sure you pay on time. Be loving to your family,

make sure they eat well. Rent movies and watch at home instead of going

out to the movies or find a dollar movie theater. Go to the library with your family and

read & use the computer if you don't have one. Buy clothing from thrift stores or after season sales.Make a list of what you need and stick to it. Work hard at getting and keeping your job and save a little every week for emergencies. Go for walks

or ride a bike with your family, you will be surprised at how much fun you can have

and get to talk with your loved ones. Your family is your greatest gift,value them

with respect and kindness, your reward will be a happy and well adjusted adult

that will be self supporting in the future. If you can't afford things explain that

to your children, so that they understand money, budgets, how they relate

to survival skills and give them a small allowance to use on things they need, so

that you can teach them at a young age how to value money and make wise choices.

Read, learn, love, play or sing music and let your heart be filled with joy. Material

things are just that, nothing more.

re: How we're failing Home Ec 101

pjs — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 02:37:04 GMT

Heard this phase many years ago and I have applied it in life with good success; Use it up; Wear it out; Make it do, or do without! Benefits the environment, the wallet and eases the mind.

re: How we're failing Home Ec 101

dee dee — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 02:29:36 GMT

Maybe there's a silver lining in the forced ending of all the excess consumption. Maybe families will--gasp--return to the dinner table and even begin to have mealtime conversations! Board games, reading a book, taking up a hobby, and (my favorite) turning off the television can actually lead to getting better acquainted with family, neighbors, friends. A return to community--now, there's a concept!

re: How we're failing Home Ec 101

Mom of 4 — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 02:08:43 GMT

Cooking, nobody cooks anymore. Simple home economics, such as baking bread...heck use a bread maker. Do the math. A loaf of bread is 2-3 dollars! It's by far cheaper to make your own. And SO much yummier, and filling.

Bake a cake, instead of buying one.

Make oatmeal instead of eating cold cereal.

Cooking is a lot art, just simple home cooking is becoming extinct.

re: How we're failing Home Ec 101

573-443-3517 — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 01:55:09 GMT

Jim nailed it.

re: How we're failing Home Ec 101

david — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 01:53:12 GMT

if you wouldn't reach in your pocket and pay cash for something then don't put it on your credit card

re: How we're failing Home Ec 101

Ignatz Howoritz — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 01:49:06 GMT

Dang, sounds like an awful lot of worry warts here. Don't live beyond your means, and you won't get into messes like this.

re: How we're failing Home Ec 101

Feed up with the crying from spoiled Americans — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 01:43:10 GMT

Americans will do almost anything for "A SALE".... Even tramble a man to death at Walmart the day after Thanksgiving ... just to save a buck ... was his life worth you saving a couple of dollars ... This is the problem with Americans, they have lost sight of their values. Spend what you can spend no more no less... live with-in your means. Not everyone is suppose to be RICH, not everyone is suppose to own a HOME (at least not a home over 1200 sq feet), not everyone should drive a BMW>>> GET REAL