Reply #229: I firmly believe that we're in a downward spiral...

[CoffeeCat]

I see no way out of horrendous economic circumstances.

If we're lucky--the pain will be equal to the Great Depression. I think we're headed for an abyss that will be
unique to our complex times. Life was much more simple in 1929. Today, we live in bigger houses, commute farther
to work and rely on more expensive technology for basic communication and entertainment. Plus, most people have
garnered massive debt, unlike in 1929. IMHO, our economy was artificially inflated with a booming housing market,
and people spending money they didn't have (credit cards, home-equity loans). That's all ending.

My strategy is to hoard cash at home and also to stockpile essentials that I can get at rock-bottom prices.

That's why most of my money was spent on socks, jeans, bedding and other clothes for the kids (I purchased their size and one size up as well)
and also bras and underwear. I did get some earrings, but hey--I spent a total of $3 for six pair. The Godiva
chocolates are for teacher gifts.

We've got enough food, paper products, grooming products to last 6 months. Now, I'm working on other essentials--like socks,
batteries, OTC medicines, etc.

Today, Kmart in our area is doubling all coupons up to $2. Last month, they did this. I got $350 worth of essentials (mostly food, cleaning
product, shampoo, tp, etc) for less than $40.

I consider it my job--to prepare our family for unemployment or other bad economic conditions.

I'm sure some might find that nutty, but I'd rather prepare some and have nothing happen--then be unprepared and have the you-know-what
hit the fan.

Good luck to all of us!

(If anyone is interested, you can get fresh broccoli and cauliflower at Super Target for 30 cents right now. Go to afullcup.com This is where
the Target online coupons for the veggies are. Click on the Target link and follow the directions. You can print as many of these coupons
as you want. Also, you can print out these coupons (but only one at a time) at the Target stores. Go to the kiosks at the front of the
store. Click on "Shop Target" and you can get to the coupons from there. That way you use Target's printer and paper, and not your own).