5 Traits of the New American Consumer

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I've been volunteering globally and teaching a class on voluntourism for the last 6 years. It's nice to see the word getting more play. Now we just need ways to connect travelers with grassroots organizations. If you're interested, head to my website www.inexpensiveglobalvolunteering.com to see if my CD might work for you as a resource of projects. Good luck to everyone who decides to volunteer. I hope you learn as much as I have!

Joyce Major of WA 6:26PM September 24, 2010

It doesn’t matter how bad the economy is everyone still has to shop. Spending some money will get the economy going in the right direction. Now ask yourself a question, do you still shop now? Are you buying toothpaste, toilet paper, shampoo, clothes and shoes for the family? I’m sure the answer is yes, we all still shop for things.
Savy consurmers have turned to the Internet for the best deals.
Retail stores are offering big discounts to shop on their websites. They need to cut down on their overhead costs to make their profit. Many are closing their doors and turning to the internet exclusively. Some stores are even offering free shipping. Did you know that there are internet websites that do not have any retail stores and as a result, they do not charge tax and some even offer free shipping back and forth? Shopping online not only can save you money, but it can save you time and gas! You don’t have to take the time to drive there, stand in line to pay and then drive all the way back to your house. You will also do our planet a favor by reducing your carbon footprint!
Sign up for email specials for your favorite stores & use coupon codes for additional discounts. My online mall searches for the best deals & offers coupon codes, free shipping & tax free sites.
httt://www.SearchYourDeal.com
Debbie

Debbie Russell of FL 4:55PM September 24, 2010

Thrift stores are the life blood of the communities. I have not bought a single Brand NEW item and I am VERY proud of that fact. There are plenty of people wasting their money on crap they will never wear, or wore once.
I bought a pair of suede, Hemp and leather sandals that normally go for ummm, about 150$ retail. I picked these up at the Local good will for 2.99$ So new, the sticker was still on the bottom with out scuff marks.
I find people who pay full price for most of their items are fools and very ignorant. More people comment on my sense of style and thrift and beg me to teach them, it something they have to discover for them selves.
Perhaps if ore people had shopped locally at their thrift stores we wouldn't be in such a consumerist mess.
The Jones look down their noses at people who are "thrifty", but I say...who F'n cares about them, or what anyone thinks about the decorations of cloth I place on my body.
Only Fools and knaves pay full price.

Tainted of WA 11:25PM September 23, 2010

Good article, but I am offended that 'thrift srtore' shopping was considered going overboard. I love thrift stores. So much, in fact, that now I often prefer them over retail stores. I find the most unique, low cost clothes and other stuff that I'd normally never buy, because of the cost. I also participate in a local Freecycle group, with is a swap group. No money changes hands. You get GET or GIVE almost anything. This is the truest form of recycling. This has saved us more money than I can count. I encourage others to seek out such groups.
People have to remember that American consumerism molds us into mindless, frivolous shoppers who spend for the sake of spending. And it's driven by advertisers. When you remove them from the equation, you save money AND sanity !!

Ana of KS 7:55PM September 23, 2010