An empty storefront — my former nail salon — prompted today’s Game Plan column called Personal Lessons in Economics. In it, I share thoughts on being a more mindful consumer.
We’re also venturing into new territory with this column, as FoxBusiness.com has added the “comments” option right on the article. The floodgates are open …
Nancy, I saw your article on FoxBusinessNews then linked to your website. First of all, I’m glad Sammy found a job, however, IF it wasn’t in a Nail Salon place, I’m betting SHE would have found a job somewhere. SHE seems pleasant and had the right attitude according to your article. My question is this… what on earth did YOU do BEFORE there was a Nail Salon, either green-tea High Priced, or the one Sammy worked in ?? I understand your point about what WE spend may being paying the rent for someone else, but…. Maybe it’s time for ALL of US to realize SOME of the THINGS WE’ve been indulging ourselves in lately, just doesn’t make sense… and IF those Businesses go by the wayside, then the folks that worked in those industries, will have to create themselves new opportunities OR go to work for someone else in some other field. My only point is…… WE have gotten too lazy as a society and maybe it’s time WE started doing some things for ourselves that we have been paying others to do for us.. thus creating industries that just aren’t really needed. AND as long as I’m on my soapbox, some of the industries we have could be revamped to be MORE efficient. For instance WHY do WE NEED a Chevrolet, a Buick, a Pontiac, and a GMC dealership……..GM makes them ALL…….how about just a GM Dealership……….same for Ford -Lincoln – Mercury…. I know…
you are going to say…….LOOK at all those people I’m putting out of work ??
Duh….. I just can’t win …
Hi Denny —
I love your note. You’re absolutely right. I could be cleaning and painting my own toe nails. It is a luxury no matter how you slice it.
I am aligned with your thinking for the most part. I live a very scaled down life that would give pause to most Americans (no car, no dishwasher), but I’ve held on to a few indulgences.
As you say, we would be smart to think about every dollar that leaves our hands. I’m so glad the column prompted you to write.
Nancy
Hah– “New territory”!
A pleasant choice of words there. 😉