I Shouldn't Have Bought That New TV

Mods feel free to move. I had no idea where to put this.

Does anyone have any regret over any big purchases they've made in the last year or so? I sure as hell do. It was ignorant, dumb, and naive of me to not have the foresight to see that the economy was going to fall. I bought that stupid LCD TV last summer for 1500 on a student budget, instead of buying an AR-15 or something. STUPID, JUST PLAIN STUPID. What the hell is that going to do when the power is cut or broadcasts stop? 1500 dollars would have gone a long way in starting a collection of food or building up my Jeep a little more to get far away from the chaos that is sure to come. I should have bought what I needed over the last year and not what I wanted.

Yeah...that's right, I'm calling it, even though I'm not the first to. The world economy will collapse, it is inevitable. There is no bailout that can save this country or any other for that matter. As a matter of fact, America Is Dead as far as I'm concerned. The only reason we haven't hit bottom is because we have already fallen through it. This depression will be gigantically bigger than the last. World-wide chaos will ensue any day now, wars will start all over the world, riots in the street, people will kill others to survive and protect their families...only the prepared and the strong will survive.

I have taken off my tin-foil hat now because I realize that this scenario is entirely plausible and it seems that nothing can stop it. You can't stop an economy from falling with fake money, you cannot lead the American people anymore when they know that those that give the orders at the top are totally corrupt. But please, go ahead and tell me about my tin-foil, I don't care anymore. Tell me I am wrong...You can deny it all you want too, but only because you are afraid to believe. That denial is what has brought us to this point in time in the first place.

Like I have posted in other threads.....99% of the luxuries in your home will not keep you warm, fed or alive! I learned that just a few short weeks ago during the ice storm in Kentucky. Think about what that TV cost you and think about buying a generator, food, bottled water and a gun all for the same amount. Boggles the mind doesn't it?

I spent so much on holiday presents for my friends and family this past winter. It was stupid of me, too. But I just wanted to get them something they wouldn't get for themselves, you know?

That's my regret... And I spent a lot of money on certain clothing items, and some expensive soaps and chocolates... But after the end of December I curbed my spending. I haven't even been to Starbucks since before the holidays.

*shaking* Need... Starbucks...

If we gotta watch the world go to hell in a hand basket, I'd rather do it in a comfortable lazy boy recliner and watching it on my big screen TV.

Sure, there will be times of hardship and discomfort that we will probably all have to go through. Those times aren't here yet so I'm going to enjoy myself while I can.

On Friday I lost my job. I'll be drawing unemployment for awhile and figure it's a good time to catch up on my writing. I may just finish that book.

How does that saying go? "Tough times don't last but tough people do."

Enjoy your TV while you still can.

Don't waste anymore time regretting what you've done, you can't change the past, you can only learn from it. Get over it, move forward and get your self prepared.

reply to post by ravenshadow13


You know you can make most starbucks drinks at your house. Just google the recipe that you want.

I still don't believe that everything will go under. We should all make some nice society where everyone shares and works for each other, barter system, blah blah blah.

The way I see it, you still have at least 1 month and 22 days to prepare.

These guys are not going to risk losing that last cent from your tax returns.

Nope, thier MO is to bleed the corps of it's last drop.

Maybe you can make a trade with someone who doesn't share your view of the current situation.

reply to post by Account


That could really be said about anything. Pizza, filet mignon. But the one thing I love and the only thing I love at starbucks is the caramel frappachino, and I would rather not deal with all the blending and what not. Saves some dishes.

What you are paying for is conveinance. Besides, some recipes I never get quite right.

Poster, you can always sell the tv and buy a smaller one. WE have gotten some great deals on craigslist.

Out of being broke, we can't afford much. But now for me, finding the best deal is a hobby. Like finding a barely used nice lazy boy for 90 bucks.

My husband found a relatively recent 36 inch screen tv and little entertainment center for like 50 bucks. If you look, you can find them. Sometimes people need to get rid of stuff fast.

[edit on 22-2-2009 by nixie_nox]

We have made some bigger purchases in the last year also that we are regretting now but since there is nothing we can do about it we are just moving on. We are getting things in line now and hope we can get enough done in time but at least we wised up. Really that is what matters.

So you got a TV that was a luxury... it's okay, now your priorities have changed. Sell it for cash, or just move forward and manage your money better - redefine what you "need" and what you "want".

I got laid off in November. Was out of work for 2 months, and thankfully found another job in January. HOWEVER, I have made NO changes to my unemployment lifestyle. And I won't. I will continue living very lean and still getting prepared for the worst again. Better to be over-prepared.



[edit on 2/22/2009 by Tadarida]

I don't understand why anybody would regret buying things for themselves or for other people if it made your situation a little better at that time.

Yes the system will collapse, not because it's what they want, but because it's the only way to build another that would actually work for the people instead of against.

Trust me, your gonna like having that big TV when you have no food and can trade it for a HELL of alot. All things have their purpose folks.

And for Raven, don't feel bad, you put some happiness into people's lives with your generosity, and in these times, that is very hard to find.

Big ticket items will be a resource in the coming months as the markets collapse, you won't be able to trade stamps for food, but a huge TV or that new Ipod that came out, most certainly.

New technology will not be readily available after an economic collapse, people will want to cling to what they have and material resource will turn into barganing chips for services and food required to survive.

All of you will be fine, just follow the roots and nurishment will follow.

~Keeper

I have a friend who lost his car because he bought a big screen TV... I just don't get it. But don't beat yourself up. That doesn't do any good at all. Sell it if you can and if you can't, start being thrifty and preparing now. But the TV isn't going to be a bit of good if there's no electricity to run it with!

You don't need an AR15. LOL IMO, that's just another extravagance.

Goo luck to you.

I either sold or returned a lot of stuff including a new television. I used the money to buy survival necessities, also cashed out my 401k quite some time ago (still glad I did that even with the loss) But I'm not sure this economy is going to totally collapse, so there are some things I did that I am already starting to regret.

Hang on as long as you can to what you've got!

I believe things are going turn around sooner than is being forecast.

[edit on 22-2-2009 by Walkswithfish]

I can think of many worse ways to spend or lose 1500 bucks. I used to go to the casino. They let me win a few times and then took it back and then some. Their sign says it's for amusement only. I think they're the ones who are usually amused though.

I've been losing about 2,000 every quarter on my 401k. At least you have a nice TV. Don't be ashamed unless you get robbed and it's not covered. Count your blessings. Which brand and model was it anyway?

reply to post by tothetenthpower


Aww, thanks hun. I mean, it was mostly for my boyfriend. His family has never been well-off, and I was once... I wanted to give him things that he wanted but could never buy for himself and that his family couldn't. Just like, imported snacks, a chinese painting set, some new PJ pants... etc.

And by the way, I'm SO excited about this "making Starbucks at home" thing.
I can't even express it.

You bought the TV because you didn't have the information then that you do now. To beat yourself up about things done in the past serves little use. You have NEW information now - do with it what you should.

If you have the means, why not?

Picked myself up a very nice 50" plasma, haven't regretted it at all.

In t nutshell tho, if you can't spend cash on something, might not want to get it. Credit card companies are legalized crime.

I just want to say I do not see a crash coming. I see some things getting tighter and the need to tighten my belt some but no crash. Things will get a little worse but there will be no out and out crash. They cannot let that happen. They make more and will continue to make more from us if they just let us stay alive with little in our pockets. Sure many of us have spent some cash here and there no biggy things happen we all do it get over it and move on.

I got a car I have dreamt about for years last year. Not to expensive yet just enough that if things get bad it will be the first thing to go. The good thing is I can bet that I can nearly sell it for what I paid for it, as there is always someone wanting to buy one of them. So you bought a TV big deal had you bought an AR15 you would eventually need more ammo. Guns are great until you run out of ammo and eventually you will run out if the crap really hits the fan. Are you happy and comfortable right now? If so great if not maybe you need to look to other things to make you happy besides physical items. Money will come and go family, friends, and true love will stay forever.

Again I do not see a crash coming; yeah things will get worse for many people. But I also see there being a pickup in things as well. Like I said those in power need us just as much as we need their worthless cash to survive and buy things. If not for us they would have to do the physical labor themselves, they cannot do that they might break a sweat. Not only that but how can they gain anything riches wise if we have nothing to pass up to them. They need use to have some cash and they will make sure that there is a way to spend.

Raist

I know how you feel. I bought a sony bravia about 6 months ago and now I'm thinking that I should've saved that money since there's now talk of my company letting a few ppl go. It's a lesson learned.