Years ago, I heard this saying, pertaining to our economy, based on consumerism:
We spend money we don't have
To buy things we don't need
To impress people we don't like
"Steak tastes on a baloney budget." That's how my dad used to say it.
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Years ago, I heard this saying, pertaining to our economy, based on consumerism:
We spend money we don't have
To buy things we don't need
To impress people we don't like
Well, it worked - and not just in "America"!"We must shift America from a needs, to a desires culture. People must be trained to desire, to want new things even before the old had been entirely consumed. We must shape a new mentality in America. Man's desires must overshadow his needs."
Paul Mazur of Lehman Brothers. Around 1924.
It's for you. If you want it, buy it. Doesnt really matter if you're playing out at the moment. Right?The other day someone made a thread asking what bass they should buy. They had a couple of US made Fenders and a Rick and was looking for a new addition to the collection but didn't want to spend over $5000. Now I'm not a financial success story with plenty of money in the bank for a rainy or unemployed day so far be it from me to give spending advice, but does it strike anyone else as unwise to make major, or even minor bass purchases with what's going on in the world? From paycheck to paycheck workers to people with lots of money in the bank, correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems to me no one's financial future is particularly secure right now and maybe luxury purchases aren't the best idea for the time being.
The world economy is based on commerce occurring not on money being saved.
Spending discretionary money for non-essentials during a downturn is somewhat patriotic because it adds to the tax treasuries, and provides support to businesses and workers.



This crisis will pass.
Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding! We have a winner!More than 70% of the U.S. economy is comprised of consumer spending. Whether it's toilet paper, electric basses, or – in the words of the late Robin Leach – "champagne wishes and caviar dreams," one could potentially argue that any spending restraint will only compound the damage wrought.
The other day someone made a thread asking what bass they should buy. They had a couple of US made Fenders and a Rick and was looking for a new addition to the collection but didn't want to spend over $5000. Now I'm not a financial success story with plenty of money in the bank for a rainy or unemployed day so far be it from me to give spending advice, but does it strike anyone else as unwise to make major, or even minor bass purchases with what's going on in the world? From paycheck to paycheck workers to people with lots of money in the bank, correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems to me no one's financial future is particularly secure right now and maybe luxury purchases aren't the best idea for the time being.
Agreed. Seems like an appropriate time to post a link to Kenny Loggins' I'm Alright with Kenny dressed in "hazmat orange." Killer bass part.
My car is almost 14 years old...if not for surgery next month, I would be thinking hard about a new one.
Your right, as usual. I bought a 1200 bass a couple months ago. Don't see any major purchases again for the foreseeable future. Hunkering down and spending very little until this thing blows over.The other day someone made a thread asking what bass they should buy. They had a couple of US made Fenders and a Rick and was looking for a new addition to the collection but didn't want to spend over $5000. Now I'm not a financial success story with plenty of money in the bank for a rainy or unemployed day so far be it from me to give spending advice, but does it strike anyone else as unwise to make major, or even minor bass purchases with what's going on in the world? From paycheck to paycheck workers to people with lots of money in the bank, correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems to me no one's financial future is particularly secure right now and maybe luxury purchases aren't the best idea for the time being.