What do you "need?" Are you paying for cable or sattelite TV? I can imagine if you are you can justify it's price tag if you have children. Peace and quiet in a house with kids is priceless at times-but you don't need cable. Do you have a cell phone? You could convince yourself that you have kids and if the school nurse needs to get in touch with you thats the best way. Or, if your wife breaks down or has an emergency she can call you. I'm with you, but I don't think you need it. People did pretty well before cell phones. What do you drive? Is it an SUV or a four door pickup? If so do you need a vehicle that big? I've heard it justified because you have kids, and need the room, but most four cylinder sedans can fit five adults. Is the vehicle brand new? Do you have a car payment? Couldn't you make do with a used vehicle? Now, you can tell me that you work hard and deserve a nice new car, and cable TV to relax and unwind, and cell phones sure are convenient. You know what? I'll back you up 100%, I agree with you. But cable is at least 80 dollars a month, a cell phone is at least 40 dollars a month, and gas for a full size SUV is two to three times that of a four cylinder sedan. So, if any of the above describes you, you can probably save some money if you wanted to. Would it be worth it to give up these luxuries?

What do you "need?"

Where is the incentive to save when your savings are confiscated by inflation and taxes on interest? Savers have been punished in this economy. The idea is to borrow now and pay back later with cheaper dollars. Corporations don't want people to save. They want us to buy. Almost all advertising is promoting spending and consumption.