Economic Jitters

CAFFECTION.COM
The economy is on everyone’s mind, of course, and we'd be remiss if we didn’t interject a bit of previously published caffectionism here. We’ve written before that a partial solution to the economic morass we find ourselves in is an expedient which at first blush seems ridiculously naive, and even a bit insensitive. We need to spend less than we earn! Okay, beat us up for being oblivious to certain realities--health care crises, job losses, unexpected natural or social disasters, the shrinking dollar. We get that, and we concede that spit happens, as they say. That’s why the safety net isn’t just a good idea; it’s a requirement in a civilized society. But the majority of Americans spend $1.05 for every $1.00 we earn! How long can this last? Here’s where the caffection part comes in. Stable, happy, caffected couples have much more control over their financial well-being than struggling, unhappy, distant couples for the simple reason that spending is very often a symptom of unhappiness, either with a partner or yourself. And it increases geometrically both ways: happy couples amass more savings, thus more security and latitude; unhappy couples spend more, lose money, save less, and have less freedom to maneuver all the time. Caffection may not reform Wall Street, but it might enhance YOUR street.