Econo-Panic?

Today, I saw an Internet Bumper Sticker that said "The only way I know there's a recession is because I see it on the news."

I know the bumper sticker refers to people who continue to live lavish lifestyles and spend as if nothing's happening, but for me, it's true even under completely different circumstances.

I always have this deer-in-the-headlights sort of expression when people talk about how bad the economy is, and how their lives are so much harder. Is life really that much harder?

I live how I've always lived. I've never been fond of buying a single article of clothing that cost more than 10 dollars. Even when I was in high school and didn't have to worry about rent or tuition, I did all my shopping at Ross. You'd be surprised how little I spend - I admit, I shop a lot, but as far as spending goes? What I spend shopping in a month is what most people my age are capable of spending in a day.

I had money put away before this whole econo-panic thing started, and I still make it with money to spare. I've always been a bit of a penny pincher. So I guess that's why I find it so hard to relate to people who can't adjust to the new economic situation.

I guess I get offended because people alienate me and think I'm rolling in money or something, because I can live comfortably and not look like I'm struggling, even in "bad" economic times. I'm just not one to spend extravagantly, so in the times when it's needed, I still have enough. People act like I'm rich and therefore can't relate to them.

In a financial sense, no, I'm not rich - so you guys can stop saying so. I'm just happy with simpler things. I'm happy with things that don't require me to blow all my money, so even in a so-called crisis, my life can still be stable.