Surviving the Depression - 1: 100 Tips and Tools from E-Justice

I'm not the first to use that skeery word "depression" these days -- just surf around and you'll see lots of debate going on about how bad it's going to get and whether or not our next few years will be as stressful and cutting as those of the 1930's Great Depression.

It's both direct and indirect. There's blatant discussion of when or if we're in a second full-blown Great Depression (in the Wall Street Journal, Peggy Noonan calls it "GDII") and then there's the subtle references, when pundits compare our current economic situation to those of Herbert Hoover or FDR.

Simplicity as a Lifestyle - Great Rewards No Matter Why You've Chosen It

Once again, many of us chose a simple lifestyle long ago - consciously and proactively - for many reasons other than holding on during a major economic downturn. Living a simple life has such great rewards. (Really!)

However, I recognize that there are many, many folk out there that may come to investigate a simple lifestyle for no other reason than they've got no other choice. To them, I say "welcome."

I think you'll be pleasantly surprised with how much more life has to offer when you live simply. It's really great fun, and there's a peace and joy in it that's quite comforting.

Great Tip List Available for Surviving the Upcoming Economic Storm

I've written lots and lots (and will continue to do so) on how to simplify your lifestyle. However, one of the best overviews on dealing with making concrete lifestyle changes that I've seen in a long time was sent to me today by Kelly Senora at the Criminal Justice USA blog ... it's written by Alisa Miller over there, and it's a great index to info on the web about how to get ready for the Big Bad Storm we're facing:

How to Prepare for a Financial Apocalypse: 100 Tips and Tools to Secure What’s Yours.

Go read this. Even if you're an experienced simplifier, you'll find something of interest here.

And thanks, Kelly, for sharing. This list should really help a lot of people in what's becoming a fearful time.

Have You Ever Thought about Shopping at a Pawn Shop?

Yeah, I know. Pawn shops always sound a little shady -- and there's always some sinister fact that reveals itself in a pawn shop everytime they pop up in any Law & Order episode I've ever seen.

Still, I've just learned that pawn shops not only sell used merchandise that is in perfectly good condition (they test it), but that they are a great place to buy jewelry (it's usually about 40% of what you'd pay at the swanky store) and they also offer new merchandise, too.

Plus, they've got things you might not think they have. Lawnmowers. Bicycles. Jigsaws.

So, while you're out and about this holiday season trying to think of ways to save on your shopping budget -- stroll through a pawn shop in your area. You might be tickled pink at what you find.

(Plus, reusing things that other people don't want is not only good for our throw-away environment, it's all part of that whole simplicity concept. So, wander over to that pawn shop feeling like the wise and savvy shopper that you are!)

Online Retailers Offering Big Markdowns Already

Any trepidation you may have about shopping online might fall by the wayside when you start investigating the markdowns and discounts that are already being offered online -- over a month before Christmas arrives.

You might want to check out:

K-Mart -- which started taking 40-50% off its electronics prices as of November 2nd with free shipping when the purchase is $49 or more;

Wal-Mart -- always low prices are getting lower, and there's a lot being offered online that is not in the stores, with a "ship to store" option at the website - their clearance page offers 3312 items as of this posting, with free shipping site to your local store for pickup;

JC Penney -- their online "outlet store" even has a section for "$9.99 or less," with lots of nice things in all departments; and

Toys-R-Us -- which has a nice selection of clearance items that ship free (for example, Up! Up! Elmo sells for $9.98 with no shipping costs) and otherwise offers free shipping on any purchase totalling $50 or more.