Britain: an economic train wreck
#46
Re: Britain: an economic train wreck
People have got to learn to do what our grandparents did- tighten their belts and don't buy things on credit. Whatever happened to saving up for your new bed/sofa/plasma tv/car/shoes/computer/phone/or saving a deposit rather than getting a 100% mortgage that you can't afford to pay off? Mend things, don't just throw them away, and if it works don't rush out to buy the shiniest, newest doodad to replace your gadget.
It is profligate spending by the" I want it now" generations, encouraged by the easy availability of money that has got countries into this problem.
As Dickens said, through Mr Micawber (?spelling?) "Income tewnty shillings, expenditure 19 shillings and sixpence, result:happines. Income twenty shillings, expenditure twenty shillings and sixpence, result:misery."
It is profligate spending by the" I want it now" generations, encouraged by the easy availability of money that has got countries into this problem.
As Dickens said, through Mr Micawber (?spelling?) "Income tewnty shillings, expenditure 19 shillings and sixpence, result:happines. Income twenty shillings, expenditure twenty shillings and sixpence, result:misery."
In these days of 50months interest free credit, it pays to look for bargains and hugely cut prices rather than saving.... as you may end up paying more than you need to when you've reached your savings goal. Shouldn't be saving anything if one has a mortgage...The funds should all be aimed at that.
Personally I tend to buy as many electronic/white goods as possible in one hit every 12 to 15 years or so... that way you get massive bargaining power....
Biggest waste of money in any family household budget, is the car IMO. I tend to own mine for well over 10 years before replacing them. It does mean driving around in rubbish cars though lol. I'm fairly determined that the next new car I buy... If I ever buy a new vehicle again, will be electric.
Last edited by ozzieeagle; Jul 26th 2012 at 2:11 am.
#47
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 3,300
Re: Britain: an economic train wreck
True to a certain degree and certainly for now, but don't dismiss the Chinese attempts to build its own consumer base. I'm quite negative about China all in all, but its attempt to create a middle class is impressive.
#48
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 3,300
Re: Britain: an economic train wreck
People have got to learn to do what our grandparents did- tighten their belts and don't buy things on credit. Whatever happened to saving up for your new bed/sofa/plasma tv/car/shoes/computer/phone/or saving a deposit rather than getting a 100% mortgage that you can't afford to pay off? Mend things, don't just throw them away, and if it works don't rush out to buy the shiniest, newest doodad to replace your gadget.
It is profligate spending by the" I want it now" generations, encouraged by the easy availability of money that has got countries into this problem.
As Dickens said, through Mr Micawber (?spelling?) "Income tewnty shillings, expenditure 19 shillings and sixpence, result:happines. Income twenty shillings, expenditure twenty shillings and sixpence, result:misery."
It is profligate spending by the" I want it now" generations, encouraged by the easy availability of money that has got countries into this problem.
As Dickens said, through Mr Micawber (?spelling?) "Income tewnty shillings, expenditure 19 shillings and sixpence, result:happines. Income twenty shillings, expenditure twenty shillings and sixpence, result:misery."
Last edited by Zen10; Jul 26th 2012 at 2:45 am.
#50
Re: Britain: an economic train wreck
tis called the armageddon scenario. but where would you rather be in when it happens?
#51
Re: Britain: an economic train wreck
By mending, I wasn't just talking about gadgets, but also clothing, and other items. Learn to sew so you can darn your socks, or turn towels into face cloths/ hand towels, or repair that torn sheet or broken zip. Pass on your clothing that is too small. Turn jeans into shorts when the knees wear out, or make a bag out of them. Don't pay someone to take up your trousers- do it yourself.
etc.....
etc.....
#52
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 3,300
Re: Britain: an economic train wreck
I notice London has already raised the subject of the emergency clause that allows them to suspend the EU agreements that allow free movement of EU citizens to all states.
#53
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Joined: Jan 2012
Location: Baku/England/Australia
Posts: 40
Re: Britain: an economic train wreck
Britain's debt fuelled binge of the last few decades created the illusion of wealth.[/QUOTE]
Actually I read it was the squandering of the North Sea Oil by all governments since the early 80's which has led to their downfall. If the revenue was not put into general revenue there would be a 4500B sovereign fund that would have stood the UK in very good stead for years.
This money led to unbridled expenditure which has to be reigned in now, which means public service, benefits, immigration and others have to be curtailed. Simple maths - about 25 yrs of oil income = 180B a year which is coming to a close.
Actually I read it was the squandering of the North Sea Oil by all governments since the early 80's which has led to their downfall. If the revenue was not put into general revenue there would be a 4500B sovereign fund that would have stood the UK in very good stead for years.
This money led to unbridled expenditure which has to be reigned in now, which means public service, benefits, immigration and others have to be curtailed. Simple maths - about 25 yrs of oil income = 180B a year which is coming to a close.
#55
Re: Britain: an economic train wreck
Actually I read it was the squandering of the North Sea Oil by all governments since the early 80's which has led to their downfall. If the revenue was not put into general revenue there would be a 4500B sovereign fund that would have stood the UK in very good stead for years.
This money led to unbridled expenditure which has to be reigned in now, which means public service, benefits, immigration and others have to be curtailed. Simple maths - about 25 yrs of oil income = 180B a year which is coming to a close.
This money led to unbridled expenditure which has to be reigned in now, which means public service, benefits, immigration and others have to be curtailed. Simple maths - about 25 yrs of oil income = 180B a year which is coming to a close.
UK spent their share on the welfare state and now has a mountain of debt
There's a lesson in there somewhere
Last edited by Amazulu; Jul 26th 2012 at 7:55 am.
#56
Re: Britain: an economic train wreck
#57
Re: Britain: an economic train wreck
Not forgetting tax cuts.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/e...nue-squandered
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/e...nue-squandered
Superannuation has many faults, but now Australia has in excess of $1.3 trillion (which is only going to get bigger) for its ageing population.
#58
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 3,300
Re: Britain: an economic train wreck
Not forgetting tax cuts.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/e...nue-squandered
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/e...nue-squandered
#59
Re: Britain: an economic train wreck
#60
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Posts: 3,300
Re: Britain: an economic train wreck