Americans Waste Too Much Money!
By Rozie37
@Rozie37 (15499)
Turkmenistan
May 21, 2007 10:58pm CST
I have to start by saying that I am sorry if I offend anyone, but this is something that I am very passionate about. We waste too much money on clothes shoes, purses and so many other things. And we only keep them for a short amount of time.
Basically, until they go out of style. Then, we find these items in the second hand store. Do you ever look at these clothes and think, I wonder how many hungry children this prada purse could have fed. Americans have to much of everything and they gap between the rich and the poor is getting wilder every year.
If I were a multi-millionaire, I would start a program called adopt a family. Every poor family who wanted help could sign up. I could interview them and match them with a millionaire and then that millionaire could work with that family until they become self supportive.
I would also have a program for single people who need help. One for disabled people and so on. I would need social workers to help me to help them cut through some of the red government tape. Well, I guess I have just shared a dream. What do you think?
9 people like this
17 responses
@disvachic (10117)
• United States
22 May 07
I dont buy alot of name brand for me or my kids.As long as it look good and fit then thats kool with me.All I'm doing is making the rich richer.I buy it every now and then.The off brand looks the same the only difference is the name.Far as your dream you can always work on making your dream come true,you can possibly live your dream.Your state may have funding for you to help start your own business.I live in va and I am in a program that is helping me with my group home I want.I see you live in CA and I am not sure what your state has but check here and see if it can redirect you to different resources for your state http://www.sba.gov/ca try also with your local chambers of commerce website ours provide workshops and also get a counselor with unlimited usage free of charge. You can make it happen,where there is a will there is a way.
3 people like this
@Rozie37 (15499)
• Turkmenistan
22 May 07
Thank you so much for all of your information and encouragement. I have a lot of dreams, but it is hard for me to make them happen. I have a mental illness and for some reason, my brain can come up with good ideas, but once I start planning and seeing all the different little things that go into it, I get over-whelmed and my brain shuts down.
I am, however, always trusting God to enlighten me and help me to make my dreams a reality. I just pray that I always remain level headed about money and never turn into any thing that would make me not like myself. You can have money, but you can't let money have you. I will look up the information that you gave me and get back to you about it as soon as possible.
3 people like this
@disvachic (10117)
• United States
22 May 07
you are so welcome and thats right keep your trust in God.He has a reason behind everything.
2 people like this
@teapotmommommerced (10359)
• United States
22 May 07
Rozie I agree Americans do have to much much money. I do not believe we are the only country with that problem. Yes you are right the gap between rich and poor is getting wider and wider.
Your idea for adopt a family is great and I think it would work for some families but not all. In society we have some people who cannot comprehend what it takes to make more money. These people are not studid they just do not have the brain power to keep the good paying job. Have you seen the person that no matter what you have done for them they will always be poor? Some people are poor and do not know any different and cannot see themeselves anyother way. There are families who have had some bad luck and need someone to help them. I feel your program will work for.
I agree the government red tape is horrible and some people do not know how to get through it to get the help they need and someone who can help them free of charge would be great.
I think you have good idea but I also think some that some people no matter what you do to help them they will always be poor.
3 people like this
@tigertang (1749)
• Singapore
22 May 07
Well, the economic statistics speak for themselves. The USA, which is the world's largest economy is also the world's largest debtor. Just as Asians are blammed for having too much savings, Americans don't have any. Its rather worrying that one of the world's largest financial markets is in fact US Government debt. At the moment things seem quite OK, Americans buy goods that Asians manufacture and Asians reinvest those dollars to keep the system going.
Comming from a country with alot less than the USA, the good Old US of A seems like a land of abundant nature. It's also the land of waste. Lots and lots of instances where you see people ordering huge portions of food but not being able to finnish the food they order.
However, having said all of that, Americans are exceedingly generous with the good things that they have recieved. The world looks to American consumers to spend the world out of recessions. Americans are also very good at going out and giving away their wealth to help those who are less fortunate.
America has a huge divide between rich and poor. It grows and its sometimes quite disturbing to see the divide. The big divide is a cause of problems. But rich Americans are also giving away their money. Look at Bill Gates, the world's richest man who is going out of his way to become the world's biggest philanthropist, not just giving away money but also taking the trouble to find how his money can do the most good. This is indeed a skill that is benefiting the world in some peculiar way or another.
So, while Americans do need to save more, they're big spending does have a silver linning to it from time to time.
@cherriemae (3370)
• Philippines
22 May 07
that's great plan girl..Americans really have a good and stable jobs that they have the chance to buy anything for theireselves..and yet, they are people who are still hungry, no house to live, no clothes to buy, no education..and that's so sad..specially here in our country, there are lots of poor people and most of them are little kids..i think, we can do anything for this even where not a millionaire right? but that's a good plan girl..two thumbs up for you..cheers!!
3 people like this
@sabwinner (499)
• China
22 May 07
I feel the same way with you, rozie. Actually my American freinds are really waste a lot of things in their lives. I think that's because they are weathy and don't have a sense a economic. But just for some. I believe most American don't waste too much.
3 people like this
@singlepixel (2743)
•
22 May 07
very noble of you Rozie. i think there are a lot of these charity foundations but most people just don't know how to approach them or worse still, their very existence. there are also many millionaires who donate just like you said but they remain anonymous. "let not your left hand know what your right hand is doing".
@buenavida (9984)
• Sweden
22 May 07
Sounds like a good idea. I have a dream too, to raise funds for those who cannot afford healthcare, I mean real quality food supplements that can give a lot of energy both physically and mentally.
The almost 50 year old company I am working with are using the network system and this system would make people in it wealthy enough to have a normal living, even better, of course.
This already works in Africa and many other poor countries, and only from people´s own effort.
I can just imagine how much it would mean for the really poor to get help in starting their own business.
After some time of part-time work most would be financially independent.
@emeraldisle (13138)
• United States
23 May 07
I do agree that many American's do waste too much money however not all do. There are many who do not buy things like name brand items or extravagant clothing. It does happen with some but not all.
I like your idea with the program. I think it's very good and it would be nice if they came out with something like that. I think it would be a wonderful one to see happen. Any time we can help others to become self suffient it is best.
@iloveviki (41)
• Taiwan
23 May 07
i agree you too. and i think everyone can do it so easy. anytime you can spend your few time or penny for exmaple if you went to connience store donate your penny. or your old fashion clothes can donate them too. i saw one news about african child she wearing high school unifrom from taiwan. and reporter to interivew this taiwan girl. she was so happy she can helping them.
1 person likes this
@chaime (1152)
• Philippines
23 May 07
oh yes I believe that people in general waste too much money, not only americans I think most everybody buys clothes, shoes, jewelries, even mobile phones and accessories. Yes I do look at 2nd hand stores and there are times when I find good bargains there.
@wifeofharvey (1156)
• United States
23 May 07
What a great dream! Many wealthy people do charitable work but many don't.
As far as wasting money on things that go out of style- I agree it is a waste. Not only of money but of the the materials that are used up. I just plain do not understand the need to be 'in style' anyway.
We have always worked very hard for our money. To spend it on things that are going to be used for just a short time, is just plain unthinkable to me. I seldom use anything 'disposable'. Both my husband and I wear clothes until they wear out, really wear out. We each have a few things that are worn only when we go out in public, we have some 'everyday' things for most days, and some very worn, or stained things for 'dirty' jobs. We each only have 3 pairs of shoes.
We tend to buy used stuff, we find so many things in almost new condition in thrift stores--------I can't understand why people give away, or throw out ---so much, so much waste.
@moumitamazumder (817)
• India
22 May 07
You have very nice plans, and I wish you could be a real multi-millionaire to execute those. This is actually true that when we have plenty, we just enjoy that, but we never think of those, who have only scarce or nothing at all. But personally I am a person, who do not spend on a thing and throw it, when it is still in good condition. I always spend my money very calculatively.
2 people like this
@dlkuku (1935)
• United States
22 May 07
I try to buy clothes that are classic and don't go out of style to soon. I am not into trendy clothes that I won't wear next year. I also buy clothes from clearance racks and thrift stores. I have clothes older than my youngest daughter, and she will be 17 soon. If you take care of clothes they can last a long time.
2 people like this
@Rozie37 (15499)
• Turkmenistan
22 May 07
This is very true. Clothes will last a long time if you take proper care of them. When I stop wearing a certain garment, it is ready for the trash. Depending on how comfortable it is, I will wear it out, then around the house, then sleep in it, then it is ready for the trash.
I have to sleep in clothes because I am anemic, so this works out great for me. There is a website that I thought about when you said that you wear classic clothes. Http://www.classiccloseouts.com, where you can get good deals on nice quality clothes. Check it out.
1 person likes this
@sigma77 (5383)
• United States
22 May 07
That is a great set of ideas. I would be interested in doing something like that if I had the financial means. I agree completely with you, instead of giving handouts to the poor, that it is far more productive in the long run to help them reach self-sufficiency. I think that we waste alot of resources in this country.
In order for this program to work well, we need to create more millionaires to support it. Then the government wants to tax the richer people to pass it on to the poorer ones. Your idea has great potential as long as the socialists don't control the government. If you did have a lot of money, you could buy expensive things and help the poor at the same time. That is the idea I think about.
1 person likes this
@mjsdls (1840)
• United States
22 May 07
Yes Americans are wasteful. We were taught while growing to not be wasteful but when you look at it we are very wasteful. I do think about these kids that do not have anything at all. I think of it more now because I have a son. I try and teach him that they are kids out their that have nothing. I want him to know what is going on around this world, I pray that he starts appreciating more of what he does have. He does not get everything he wants but he is blessed.
The Lord provides food, clothing, and yes even yoys for him to play with. One lady up at church just feel in love with my son. She has adopted him as her grandson, she brings him a toy every time she comes.
I would love to help feed and provide for all the children that do not have nothing. I do support different ministries when i can. But I do not just throw my money to anyone, I make sure that the money actually goes to the kids.
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
22 May 07
You're right on target, Rozie. Americans have gotten greedier and greedier over the decades. They have the attitude that they deserve much more than they actually need. I grew up in an uppermiddleclass family during the 50s and 60s. People then were more concerned with family, friends and community. There was not a rush to keep up with the Joneses like there is now. We only had one tv in the house. We could have afforded another, but there was no need. TV time was a family affair then (except when I rushed home from school to catch American Bandstand every day,lol). Most people were content to be able to put food on the table; take leisurely rides after church on Sunday afternoons; visit with friends and family. We shopped when it was necessary and grew much of our food. America has not done well in assisting the truly needy in our society. The ideas you have are very altruistic. Good luck to you.
1 person likes this
