Stock-related, but more general speak.
Overall, I'm just so surprised at the turnaround in financial sentiment. Seriously, it's only been a year to a year and a half going from "frugality is icky" to "frugality is chic". Even teenagers are getting in on the simpler life. And that's a great thing.
However, there also seems to be a new kind of pessimism as well. A certain sense that the government or the economy or something has somehow betrayed them. And if they are wise and mature, they will also realize that we consumers are just as much to blame for our own actions.
Regardless of the finger pointing though, it seems much harder now to "sell" the idea of actually BUYING into the market for example. "Oh, look at how the market has failed us." Ugh. Whatever happened to the good old days of just trying to convince people to be more frugal? 
Ah well, despite my currently bearish outlook, I'm still going to keep buying into the market. In the end, there are still a lot of good companies out there that is still going for a pretty good price.
I could be wrong about the stock market of course, and end up losing a bunch of money. But I also think it's important to be able to see beyond what's right in front of our noses. There's great opportunities to be had!
What a difference a year makes
August 19th, 2009 at 07:43 pm
August 19th, 2009 at 09:27 pm 1250717221
August 19th, 2009 at 10:59 pm 1250722784
August 19th, 2009 at 11:18 pm 1250723937
August 20th, 2009 at 01:15 am 1250730904
As far as frugality, it does feel odd to no longer be a lone voice crying in the wilderness, seeking refuge amongst SA peers.
August 20th, 2009 at 02:19 am 1250734757
August 20th, 2009 at 05:18 am 1250745493
Right now I'm cheering for the market to get back down so I can buy some more. I look at the MMM stock I bought in February at $45, and sigh.