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To: reformedliberal

The cheap inferior stuff will be the only stuff left on the market. Many of us are already at the point where we make do with what we have in terms of cars, appliances, gadgets, etc.; we’re only replacing them as needed, and have to settle for what is available.

The cheap inferior stuff is the “new normal”; the upper crust will be buying more reliable, better-made things.


17 posted on 05/16/2012 10:47:09 AM PDT by kearnyirish2
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To: kearnyirish2

I am not upper crust, but I recently had to replace my clothes dryer. I was able to contract for 12 months, no interest. Same thing happened in 2008, when both the oven and the fridge died. Both times, I was able to afford better quality than if I had to buy outright and I saved over having to put them on a card. We are folks who repair whatever, if possible, and by ourselves, if possible. I always pay more than the minimum payment on these no interest deals and usually pay them off early.

One nice thing about the net, is that replacement parts and tutorials are all online, these days. Not always worth it, though.

When our gadget that loosens jar lids died, we did without, which was difficult for me if my husband wasn’t around. Then, we found one in a thrift store for $2.50 that was perfect and we still have it. With gadgets, it helps to not be a first adapter and to not buy anywhere near a gift-giving holiday. That said, the stove and fridge both hit the wall 2 weeks before Thanksgiving and I had no choice.

However, this is just another reason to stay as debt free as possible, so when the need arises, you can access credit. In a depression economy, the retailer is ready to make deals, just to make the sale.

I’ve never had the very top of the line and I think what I do have is pretty good, considering. As the Euro declines, I expect there to be some decent prices for various appliances, too.

We have two older vehicles and I try really hard to put something away each month towards a replacement, when we are forced to that. It isn’t easy, but it is how we have always lived, even when times were easier,so I’m used to it. Between the credit union and the dealers, there are always some deals out there.

I know some folks who are very comfortable, don’t have to watch prices at all and those folks are sharp consumers, IMO. Even the well-to-do have multiple places to put their dollars and they shop accordingly.


18 posted on 05/16/2012 12:52:49 PM PDT by reformedliberal
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