I had a neighbor say she was frustrated about buying her daughter a 300 dollar pair of sneakers. I said- do you know why they are so expensive? She said- No. I said it’s because people are dumb enough to pay that.
I stopped consuming things that weren't necessities when I moved from one place to another and realized I was hauling nothing but crap I didn't know I own when I went through boxes at my new place. Once it was all sold, given away, thrown away, my new place looked empty and I loved it like that. 3 years later, I had to move out of that place into my current place. It was such an easy move because I had way less crap to haul this time around. And this is why I love being a minimalist.
Same, there was a great article a few years ago about a boomer who regretted that her entire life had been about buying stuff, organising it and throwing it away. Boomers in an nutshell. My parents are a lot like this too. They seem to have grown up with some kind of poverty trauma and because they earned well so easily they started buying a lot of crap. They still buy too much crap, especially for kids. It is all a big cope. I can't say how much I have thrown away because the closest were all spilling. With dirty, dingy, old, gross, nasty, broken, shitty, stuff.
But what if you like to decorate and design your house? I like it filled with cute accessories ☹️ It has nothing to do with consumerism. If I don't find something I want I try to create it myself.
Hopefully once people stop consuming due to lack of funds and get use to not consuming, they realize they didn't need half the stuff they once thought they needed. They see it was big business and corporation manipulation through marketing, making them "think" they are intitled and needed all their stuff. Hopefully people "wake up"
There is an old book I read every year or so it's called "How to want what you have" - it was written in the 1980's and advocates for conscious decisions to make minimal purchases and fully recognizing, appreciating, and using what you already have...
@@CBT5777 First off convenience. Stop paying for convenience, it's to expensive. Especially if you add it up for the whole year. This include subscriptions of any kind. Stop eating out and boy money piles up in pocket and your bank account real quick.
@@CBT5777 Subscription services , fast food in fact any eating out, car ownership now I cycle or use public transportation, nothing new that can be purchased in a goodwill store, no television.
@@CBT5777, If you have to ask. You are not there yet. Stop consuming if you have to put on a credit card. Especially if you have revolving credit card debt.🤔
Its weird how many think consumerism is an essential part to being human and if we loose it we'll all slip into despair. Humans were existing for centuries prior to it.
Shelter is the most expensive thing now, eating into all those things you mentioned,until you can only afford to keep a roof over your head and afford nothing else
The term "late-stage capitalism" got its name from the idea that the current phase of capitalism is the final, often most exploitative and unsustainable, stage before a significant change or collapse.
To me, this is not even cap-uh-tul-izm. It is an ab-yuse of the system. It is more of a cor-poor-uh-tock-ra-see. Cap-uh-tul-izm is about competition. Making the best product at the best price to sell more product than your competitor. You make money and the consumer also benefits. These days giant pry-vut equitee firms are buying up small businesses and are thereby reducing competition. The same thing is happening with single family homes. [Intentional misspellings thanks to Yoo Toob sin-soars].
@@bryanjones8778right on 👍 totally agree and thank you for sharing. It’s become totally unethical in my opinion, greed hidden by numbers and profits and bureaucracy, like Marx called it a hundred years ago. I’m talking about the man himself and what he wrote, not what other people did using his name that came after him.
The RICH are so out of touch, they were shocked that the average Americans were seeing Luigi putting the hit on a man who denied paid healthcare to many average Americans. Causing many Americans to die or suffer.
Tried of spending money I do not have. So I stop going to the stores and restaurants, only food or anything for my car needs. Started a walking and hiking group, go to churches and community centers for meeting friends. I guess some would call this minimalism, but I grow up going to malls and used to have a bunch of take-out boxes in fridge, not now.
If you think about it, once the top tier greedies get all the money, they won't have to have any businesses to "get" more money. They already have it all. And us poor regular people will have to develop our own economic system. It's been done before, but discouraged by the greedies because they can't get a cut.
Those at the top are always too manipulative, and either destroy, or hijack any new system or tech - digital cash/ coins for example. I doubt that Lord Rotheschild did all the coding involved for that - But I'll bet that him, and his mates end up controlling it all..
@iamnotmyhandle We actually CAN do this, but it needs to be done on a community basis. It really does take a village to create and provide most, if not all, necessities, and a few wants.
Timothy, I’m living a post capitalist life. I don’t eat out anymore, camp for vacations, fix anything that needs fixing myself, grow more of my own food, and don’t buy anything. We can still live a good life on very little. That is my only revenge on the monopolies and oligarchs that have destroyed our country.
I asked the same question from Grok and it doesn't sound bad at all: When people are too broke to consume, the dynamics of consumerism can shift significantly, impacting both individual behavior and broader economic systems. Here are some key points based on current insights: Economic Impact: Reduced Demand: With less disposable income, consumer demand for non-essential goods and services decreases. This can lead to a slowdown in economic activity as businesses see reduced sales, which might result in lower production and potentially job losses. Shift in Consumption Patterns: People may prioritize essential goods over luxury or non-essential items, leading to a more basic level of consumption focused on necessities like food, shelter, and healthcare. This shift can alter the retail landscape, where stores might adjust their stock to cater to more affordable or bulk goods. Cultural Shifts: Change in Values: There might be a cultural shift towards valuing experiences over possessions, or a revival of practices like repairing and reusing items rather than constantly buying new ones. This could foster a culture more aligned with minimalism or anti-consumerism. Community and Local Economies: As people become less able to engage with large corporations, there might be an increase in reliance on local economies and community-based services, fostering local trade and barter systems. Environmental Impact: Reduced Waste: Less consumption could lead to a decrease in waste, particularly in terms of packaging and disposable goods. This might inadvertently support environmental sustainability by reducing the strain on natural resources and decreasing pollution. Sustainable Practices: Economic pressures might drive innovation in sustainable practices, as businesses and individuals seek cost-effective, environmentally friendly alternatives. Psychological and Social Effects: Status Anxiety: The inability to consume can increase feelings of status anxiety, where individuals feel less valued or successful due to their inability to keep up with consumerist standards. However, this might also lead to a reevaluation of what constitutes personal success or happiness. Well-being: There's evidence suggesting that excessive consumerism can lead to lower life satisfaction. Being forced into simpler living might paradoxically lead to improved well-being for some, as they find fulfillment outside of material possessions. Economic Policy and Business Adaptation: Policy Changes: Governments might respond with policies aimed at stimulating consumer spending, like tax rebates or direct financial aid, or they might shift focus towards policies that support local production and consumption. Business Strategy: Companies might pivot towards offering more affordable products or services, or invest in models that require less consumer spending, like subscription-based services or shared economy models. In summary, while consumerism might wane when individuals are financially constrained, it could lead to a reconfiguration of economic and social structures, potentially fostering a more sustainable, community-oriented, and perhaps even personally fulfilling way of life for many. However, this transition would not be without its challenges, particularly in terms of economic stability and employment.
Well thought out response, thank you for sharing. Some of us, who have gone through extended periods of unemployment and underemployment have already begun to shift our mindset on consumerism.
@@1dfulbenjamin434 Aye, I moved into the middle of nowhere into the forests years ago. Not looking back. The work here feels more... natural.. useful.. etc. =)
It's all a facade. It's all debt, and they are slaves to their miserable jobs. They buy endless junk on debt to fill the ever-growing whole in their soul.
Not much of a choice .. just about in every town / city / state all over the U.S. basic 1- bedroom apartments w/ no utilities included are $1,500 a month or more .. not many can afford that .. if the U.S. don't change its greedy ways it's headed for a collapse like the world has never seen
I like to recenter myself on this subject and see things I buy as a solution to a problem or need. Then cost efficiency becomes a huge benefit and I stay in a mindset of gratitude
What happens, sadly, is that things get even uglier than what they already are. That's the quick & easy answer to your question. Good video man! Im an old dog nomad just like you. There's gonna be a LOT more of us living out of vans in the near future!
In Indiana, the only choice we have is to keep working overtime until our whole life is at the job. Then we go home to sleep for a short while only to wake up exhausted and report to work again. Our Indiana leaders and the Chamber of Commerse do not care about us. We are just human chattel. Not worth anything.
As a single senior, I think ordinary people should stop overconsuming and make plans on their spending. Adopt a minimalist approach to all areas in your life and send a message "We are not interested in keeping you all rich". Change starts with the 99%. Thank you for your video😊😊
I felt I made decent money a few years back.... but life with a family I'm not sure what we really are even 'consuming', 80% of my salary goes to rent and basic bills (we do have some debts paying down).... I guess our basic dinner out at a local establishment is 'consuming' , and maybe we could lose a subscription service or two, but it's not like cutting them will substantially change anything. I feel like many are in that boat.
You should read the book Capital by Thomas Piketty. He talks about the history of wealth inequality and how we're headed back in the wrong direction on this. He's an economist who argues what you're eluding to: as wealth is concentrated up at the top the entire economy slows down. The scary thing is that society doesn't necessarily crumble if it gets worse... he shows how bad inequality was back in the 1800s and earlier
Yea I read him years ago. The terrifying thing is the system doesn’t collapse, but the markets just adjust to sell exclusively to rich people. People think something is going to break on its own but it won’t. Inequality can get much much worse than it is now. Eventually we’ll look like third world countries with mostly slums surrounding tiny islands of extreme opulence
As someone mentioned below its referred to as "late-stage capitalism". Their is another name that not mentioned often enough "Fascism". Benito Mussolini was quoted as saying " Fascism is the Merger of Corporate and State power". That's the final stage of capitalism before its evolution to a new system or devolution to a more primitive economic system. In a Fascist state the Elites (Political and their Wealthy Donors) maintain their their present quality of life at the expense of yours. This brings stability to the economy, that is unfortunately where we are heading.
Exactly. When people either can't or won't tolerate the economic system any longer the government steps in to force it to continue under threat of violence.
I think Techno-Feudalism(Yanis Varaufakis) is a way to describe the current incarnation of whats happening there. Certainly not incompatible with fascism though - we are definitely seeing expressions of both.
Given their end goal is complete control and we will own nothing wr will rent everything which will massively reduce production of things there will probably be waiting lists for items to increase demand. Consumerism as we currently know it will end. "You'll own nothing and be happy" the part I'm most concerned about is how will they make us happy
Part of their end goal is also population reduction. They're touting it as a save the planet strategy, but in reality, the only way total control will be achieved is to have a manageable amount of people. In the end, all they want is enough workers to keep them in luxury. The rest are useless eaters.
When COVID happen and people stop working, it put everyone on pause to notice “hey Dad’s and Mom are home” which brought the family together. Made people think “why I’m I working so long, when the reason why I’m working is for my family?” That’s why a lot of people did not want to go back to the same old thing. STOP consuming and start living outside the box.
People didn't want to go back to work here in the UK so went on the sick which is wrecking the economy,it's still increasing today record numbers of fit people stopping working and claiming benefits,giving up their jobs, it's a big phenomenal here
Tim, that is such a good question! I remember when they were debating if the 2008 recession was a depression. To me, as a person who graduated from college in 2008 it felt like a depression, but you would hardly know it because some people were still going out spending money. At the rate we are going, we are heading into a depression. Many people are struggling no matter how hard they work. I don't buy much like I used to, I'm better off using my money for other things and being more intentional when it comes to spending. Also, online shopping really took off when the internet popularity grew.
Mostly boomers and mostly women. One boomer wrote an article how she regrets that her entire life was about buying crap, organising crap, and cleaning it, then trying to get rid of it. I inherited this behaviour a bit but I put a stop to it. I have been trying to sell some good things and everybody tries to low ball me, so I am gonna end it once and for all cause it is holding back my frugal lifestyle that I have been having for years, and I want the quick pain of seeing my money go in the dumpster. I am talking lots of books, clothes, cosmetics and art supplies that were a miss buy. The money is already wasted. I cannot count the amount of containers my family has thrown out and the closets somehow stay full with crap... My dad is a hoarder and my mother somehow buys the ugliest clothes and shoes and keeps them all.
Once you have it all what else is there. What a miserable thought process. There's no incentive to live once you have it all. There's nowhere to go. You're sadly right.
Great topic, I work at a local recycling center for our township, about 350 homes every Saturday. It is Mindblowing what people have been throwing away for the last 10 years. I have started my YT channel and get so much stuff for free, I never ever Ever buy anything other than food and a few tires here and there, clothes electronics all free...
RIGHT! I only buy food, but I also forge for pomegranate and wild berries. Get free food at food banks and senior centers. As far as clothes I have 2 closet full of clothes. People throw away electronics because there is always new costly produces each year and electronics has a short time before obsolescence.
@@GoodieJoy-hh9uc I agree but I have had great success using the Boxes of smart phones and computers working flawlessly, I have found my tripods and all of my lighting for free as well. Its unreal. Good for you! Keep it up so much gets tossed!
Hey Tim, your sense of awareness about consumerism is very enlightening. So, i work as a job coach for students with exceptionalities, therefore, you will find me at supermarkets, libraries, fast food restaurants etc. Today i was at this popular retail store in the receiving area and I observed employees wheeling in merchandise at top speeds to stock on the overcrowded shelves, fake flowers, toys, housewares etc. looking at all this excess made me feel sick and tired, i said to myself, are people buying this stuff and why? Then I realize that with no jobs, what would the employer do? How would they survive? What a conundrum.
Now, that's a good question. The answer is...fewer people. During the Black Death and The Plague, so many people died that the survivors owned twice as much as they did before. Their incomes and living standards rose significantly.
Very good point here, Tim. This is why i avoid retail stocks in my dividend portfolio. Customers can turn fast, in a three month time, and bring down an investment. I like foundational stocks like industrial metals , shipping, pipelines. If Americans dont have money to spend, retail stocks get hit hard. Target, Walmart, Walgreens, other clothing retailers, etc etc. too fickle for me haha 🙂
Last year, I was working full time, budgeting groceries, unable to afford date nights, and missing time with my kids. Now I learned how to make money online. Now am a SAHM, homeschooling, and making profits every week.
Investing in alternate income streams should be the top priority for everyone right now. especially given the global economic crisis we are currently experiencing. stocks, gold, silver, and virtual currencies are still attractive investments at the moment.
Perhaps the whole idea is to keep all of us struggling on, and not think about joining together against the system. I believe that's what they are most afraid of. We found out during the Pandemic how much Americans will put up with from the ruling class. Just about anything.
There is no light at the end of the tunnel for majority of Americans. Cost of living will continue to get more expensive while they keep wages stagnant.
If they keep increasing wages, inflation is driven up,so everything gets more expensive,to push inflation down,you have to sort out why everything is expensive and rectify, biggest reason is demand and supply problems
This is a great question. There are a number of thinkers who have suggested that we are heading right back towards the Gilded Age in history, and some have even suggested we're heading even further back towards medieval feudalism at the rate we're going. At some point, no average person will own anything of substantial value, and many of the available consumer goods are going to go away simply because there is no profit in selling excess items. There will likely be an extreme disparity between those who have, and those who have nothing. We may head into trading or bartering for skills and services between people, and basic survival is going to rely on local communities and groups rather than large scale economies.
Excellent video again Tim! A real equilibrium between the people and these dead entities/organizations will eventually happen. Something has to change - the imbalance has become too extreme and the end of consumerism and materialism is the beginning of the shift in the right direction. The mentality of using your labor/money/time for fast fashion and materialism to reflect an image to others will change - not overnight but our mental states will change. We will use our collective experiences as a tool and realize we are under no "real" obligations to be the consumer and participant defending the lobsided colony we were yesterday. The ⚖️ will be corrected 🙏☀️
People need to be smart and take responsibility for their own actions. Greedy corporations aren’t going to stop you from giving them money. But it would be great if price gouging laws existed and regulations were placed to prevent corporate purchasing of mid size homes - again corporate greed, but who’s in power - the rich.
@@Starreelynn By design and on purpose, we were never meant to be happy. We are supposed to work until they do not need us anymore, then we get sick and die.
I'm a 68 year old woman. I see another depression heading our way. I do not spend more than what I actually need, I'm getting ready for the crash. So I agree with you Timothy. Thank you for bringing this up.
The economy is like being on an airplane. In order to get to your destination, the pilot must follow a flight map and keep an eye on the horizon. A small miscalculation can lead the plane totally off course. Small things over time, do add up to big things, further down the road. My hubby and I saved/went on an international cruise recently. We focused on exposing ourselves to people of other cultures/languages/beliefs/architecture. Whenever we sat next to someone new, we would start up a conversation by asking, "Where are you all from?" Spain Portugal Germany Great Brittian Scotland Canada Philippines All curious about the other's way of life. Then our conversations would turn to world events and the state of the economy. We all agreed that it's so much bigger. We now live in a world wide economy that relies on the successes of one another. One couple from London, was optimistic about the United States economy for the near future. Noting that the Stock Market is a great indicator of the fiscal US. Also stating, "The Brittish stock market is so affected, that when the US stockmarket gets a sniffle, London stock market comes down with a cough." Yes, we have seen hard financial times in our history, but people in the US are surprisingly resourceful and manage to get through it. The squeeze/pinch we are all feeling is that tilting/banking feeling of having to make the adjustments necessary to bring us back into peaceful prosperity. It feels a little unnerving at first, but then we learn to budget a little differently. We adjust our priorities. Put a little more into savings/investments. We become a little more frugal. Our money becomes a tool, with a purpose. Maybe walk instead of ride. Plant a garden Make our own coffee/tea/drink water/brown bag it, instead. Borrow/fix up/use it longer/share it/pass it down. Become more aware of the needs around us, look out for our fmily/friends/neighbors/strangers a little more. Decide to handmake/bake/gifts of service/barter. Disconnecting from a false world, and getting a little more fresh air. Connecting with people/reality. I see a little more kindness. A little more humanity. Gotta say, the US can learn a bit from other cultures about intentional consumerism/quality living and how to treat their own.
I consume, but its intental. I bought a drawing tablet, but I'm using it to make my own stickers to sell. I normally just buy food when I go to Walmart, unless I actually need something. Minimalism is what I follow to balance my life.
I do the same with yarn. I’ll make things to sell for gifts and use social media to try to earn more money. Also cheaper than buying a toy when I can make one
Its value is in the billions of people who have been trained to accept it has value and the systems that feed them, etc... you can go read about the beaver pelt trade in north america and marvel at how quickly a concept can transfer from one culture to another. kids play "trade" games all the time long before they have any concept of money or banking or whatever. So even if it's "invented" it is based on concepts that are deeply rooted in humanity.
Very wise words . And a lot of human production has past point of economical return. A modern car has so much costly heavy unnecessary tech that adds little to the overall experience . Mobile phones reached the tipping point a few years back .. now only very small incremental changes on every iPhone.
Daffy Duck once said, 'consequences-schmonsequences, as long as I'm rich!' Truer words were never spoken. The American consumer lifestyle has never, ever been built on the wealth of consumers. It has been built on their greed, their poor impulse control, their avaricious envy of the wealth of others, and on providing them with consumer-credit avenues in order to feel as though they were keeping up with the requirements of fashion and status but not having to pay for it all right away. Consumerism aimed at such naive and childish urges has never been about supplying anyone with what they need, or even necessarily want, but rather with they they believe they have to have, in order not to be perceived as poor or 'losers.' Advertising is about installing these foolish urges in the unsuspecting, and making them feel as though these are the things people really want, or even must have, because everyone else has them and one mustn't fall behind. Neither consumerism nor advertising have ever concerned themselves with the consequences to the consumer for lifetimes of abandoned impulse control and decorating their lives with needless baubles designed to become obsolete or unfashionable almost as soon as one gets them home. Consumerism can kiss my ass. Advertising? I don't even pay any attention to it, and have managed to remove nearly all forms of advertising from my sensory purview, an uninvited form of abuse I want nothing to do with, having been raised to never, ever make any purchase or enter any agreement on the basis of things advertised at me. Advertising in all its forms is a weapon of mass destruction, primarily of self-respect and personal agency, and I have long had the appropriate countermeasures well deployed. Consumerism is stupid. Advertising is evil.
Agree! Back in hs, I was taught all about advertising and the psychological tricks they use to hook you into buying their crap. It was probably the most useful class I ever took.
@@beatrixbrennan1545 I took a similar 'mass media' class in high school in the late 70s, and the message about advertising was helpful for me as well. But it was my own mother, a backwoods farm gal who grew up without even so much as a radio in the home and never did get used to the invasiveness and mind-control attending the middle-class world she entered as an adult, who used to pick apart every TV commercial to point out to us all the lies and manipulations they delivered. Thanks Mom, rest your hick soul: you're still one of the smartest ladies I ever met.
Look at the car market today. Nothing but trucks or large SUV's on many lots (I'm looking at you, Ford) that sell for $60-100,000. Sooner rather than later, you run out of people who can afford them, then what? It's happening already in some parts of the economy.
The last few stores I've worked at, the GM at all of them would project and have a nervous break down over sales. I've never heard more GMs cry about sales and the health of their store than I have this year. One place I worked they literally had to stop being open 24/7 and opted to close at 2. If you have the pleasure of working graveyard at any of these places, they only staff TWO people, two. We were literally getting tipped because the customers felt bad there were only 2 employees, people would literally ask how many people are working. The next level is probably homelessness, that's the only atrocity I haven't endured yet.
I am a full-time GRINCH. I do not have a mortgage or debt. I do not buy into consumerism anymore and have had no-buy months (since last November), whereas I pay fixed expenses and prop/school/local taxes. The only social media that I utilize is RUclips, and with the advent of ad blocking, I am devoid of ALL marketing schemes from GREEDY corporations, so I am NEVER subjected to ads of any sort.
Figure out how to be your own boss. Find something! Anything! Combine multiple things. But free yourself from working for others. It's your best chance
I live a similar live as you Tim and I think thats the only way. People will see that we are living a more fullfilled and peaceful live and some correct their wheel as well. I see it in my surroundings in the Netherlands. So the the advice I want to give. Live a true as possible and dont attach to stuff because in the end you cant take it with you. Regards, Nick
Consumerism is slowing down fast. These big companies will be affected due to greed. Take a look at the car industry and its dealerships. They are a prime example of greed catching up to them. Many car dealers are closing shop. . It's also affecting retail. In a matter of time, spending will be at a minimal. I can't wait to see this happen, because it will affect the wealthy and corporations. No amount of money will be able to keep they living the high-life when there is no middle class for them to rely on.
The system will ultimately implode. Their will be a few holding all the cash and assets and the vast majority with nothing. What happens then is anyones guess.
Regarding the question, “What’s gonna happen?” I see at least two possibilities. The first is violent overthrow French Revolution-style. The second is organic but global shifts in consumer behaviors that result in radical workarounds to the manufactured scarcity of resources. I believe the latter is the more likely outcome. For example, eventually people will not be able to afford even the cheapest new vehicle. At that point we could see a shift to an aggressive DIY vehicle maintenance mindset in which it will be normal to see 30-year old vehicles dominating roadways. Homesteading could make a huge comeback. People could return to the trades in significant number; then use the acquired skill sets to either extract from the wealthy fair compensation and or route around wealth gatekeepers to forge new pathways of economic sustainability. Sadly the 1% people have been preparing for the violent French Revolution model. This is why the tech bros have invested so much energy in Terminator-style technologies. They are preparing for violent resistance from the masses. But they are not prepared for mass opt out movements. Think about it. Bezos’ wealth is only “mega” as long as we all keep buying through Amazon. So how threatening would it be to him if a large portion of society returned to home crafts and cottage industry produced merchandise and equipment?
Tim, you're correct in saying our system is unsustainable. And maybe it's time we quit consuming so much. Walk into any store, filled to overflowing with crap, and know that eventually it's all going to end up in a landfill. Makes me sick.
I graduated school around 20 years ago, and went to study economics. Ive heard the story “economy is going the wrong direction, this time is different” for 20 years now. Nothing will happen. Ive said it. Only time will tell - but nothing will happen. In 20 years time we will have the same stories. Peace everyone!
I would argue that things have happened in the past 20 years. The 2008 financial crisis, for example. Hard to call that nothing when millions suffered.
@@TimothyWard shows the importance of living below your means. I graduated into 2008! So tell me about it. But a bit of a storm in a tea cup really, people are agile
I hear your question. My question that no one answers is,, when you're based on an economy that runs on petroleum based economy, requiring selling some 70 million cars annually. How can the earth 🌎 sustain this indefinitely? These cars all pollute, yet we need to sell, "consumerism " like you said needs to keep going to keep thar economic system going. This is the question needs to be asked. Food for though: one jumbo jet takes 26,000 gallons of ⛽️ fuel for one long distance flight.. mind boggling . No one asks how can we not connect the "economy of the earth " 🌎. The mother to us all......
When I first saw the movie “don’t look up” I thought, nah, that can’t happen. We humans are not so stupid and greedy at the top… now, after seeing how 77 million Maga people voted against their self interests and against their lives and rights, I totally believe this movie is what would happen if the asteroid would come. But it’s also what happens in slow motion as we boil gradually in this increasing co2… climate change is here loud and clear and maga laughs it off… WTF… we are literally cooked… Mother Earth will be ok after getting rid of the virus of humanity
Great question. I agree, it can't be pulled back to even pre covid so now we plow ahead to hopefully a blow out and correction. It will be worse before it gets better though.
I admire your passion. Ask and you will be answered. Predatory Capitalist’s will always exist. The solution is to look to yourself. What can you settle for? How can you do more with less? I have answers for myself; however, I am powerless to influence others.
Yeah, I have walked through this mind exercise too, and just can’t wrap my head around it. They cannot truly be that stupid can they!? But I agree with you re: it just can’t go on like this indefinitely. Unchecked growth in the human body is called cancer. 🤷♀️
You are a very wise man. It’s a game though. Money gets low, just print more, just like last time. Prices go up and the top suck it out as fast as they can. They’re rich and this makes them seem richer. Some even thank they can take it with them.
My other thought on this, is I've noticed a lot of companies cut every corner possible to maximize return for shareholders. I'm personally curious how far could that go before people turn away from those goods or services
Capitalism has some virtues, but its major flaw is that it is never satisfied. It's assets and money must always be earning interest. When people go broke, I think that the government will issue (print) money to keep it all going but that too is finite before cash becomes trash... . Food Stamps are actually a subsidy to the super markets. "Do not get credit cards!" You ask intelligent questions and you have earned a subscriber...
I’ve been pondering this exact same thing for the past few years and the only conclusions I can come to is that either they’re too short-sighted to understand that, don’t care, or have the end goal of all of us become indentured servants. “Saint Peter don’t ya call me ‘cause I can’t go. I owe my soul to the company store.”
I stopped working and paying taxes and left. It feels great. The next bailout/ debt forgiveness won't come from me. That's how they keep that wheel going by the way. Maybe it's a topic you could cover.
No need to fear. ENJOY! If widespread financial hardship continues, society could face long-term economic decline, growing inequality, and potential social unrest. Consumerism would shift toward local trade, minimalism, and sustainable practices. Innovation driven by necessity could reshape economies, with decentralized systems and alternative models like Universal Basic Income (UBI) gaining traction. Environmental benefits might arise from reduced consumption, but global instability could grow. Over time, society might stabilize around smaller, more sustainable economies or risk deeper cultural and economic collapse.
Good question as I try to declutter and organize all my clothes and books i bought when I could afford stuff into my much smaller 450 s f apt but I was very thankful to find it as my 585 s f apt went way up in price last spring.
I'm 69-years-old, and sadly, I see greed and consumerism rising every year with no end in sight. To answer your question, honorable people will just keep tightening their belts and the nefarious will become, or just increase, their thieving ways. Everyone needs a heavy dose of enlightenment, IMHO.
Understanding inflation is a good beginning at understanding money. I read 2007 Book from Alan Greenspan, age of turbulence to help me understand money. Tim your great to see this topic, I agree with your questions... (I’m still learning).
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I had a neighbor say she was frustrated about buying her daughter a 300 dollar pair of sneakers. I said- do you know why they are so expensive? She said- No. I said it’s because people are dumb enough to pay that.
😂
Great answer😂
Remember to remind others that they need to be parents. Children are to be led, not catered to.
Paid $350 for my Timberland pro boondocks. I never buy sneekers, they fall apart in a year. At least a pair of proper Timberlands will last 3 years.
@ I’m all for buying quality and you got something that serves a purpose.
What happens when we’re all to broke to consume? The Great Depression.
Nailed it!
Credit cards were introduced in 1950. Times have changed.
@ that’s only a stop-gap until you max them out.
@@katieandnick4113 The introduction of consumer credit and lack of Govt. oversight were 2 massive parts of the reason the Great Depression happened.
It will be called "The Greatest Depression. " Aka the great reset.
I stopped consuming things that weren't necessities when I moved from one place to another and realized I was hauling nothing but crap I didn't know I own when I went through boxes at my new place. Once it was all sold, given away, thrown away, my new place looked empty and I loved it like that. 3 years later, I had to move out of that place into my current place. It was such an easy move because I had way less crap to haul this time around. And this is why I love being a minimalist.
💯💯
Same, there was a great article a few years ago about a boomer who regretted that her entire life had been about buying stuff, organising it and throwing it away. Boomers in an nutshell. My parents are a lot like this too. They seem to have grown up with some kind of poverty trauma and because they earned well so easily they started buying a lot of crap. They still buy too much crap, especially for kids. It is all a big cope. I can't say how much I have thrown away because the closest were all spilling. With dirty, dingy, old, gross, nasty, broken, shitty, stuff.
But what if you like to decorate and design your house? I like it filled with cute accessories ☹️ It has nothing to do with consumerism. If I don't find something I want I try to create it myself.
@@ValiaStef1990 😅😅 I love ur choice of emoji. Ima do a video to you 🤔🤔🤔
Hopefully once people stop consuming due to lack of funds and get use to not consuming, they realize they didn't need half the stuff they once thought they needed. They see it was big business and corporation manipulation through marketing, making them "think" they are intitled and needed all their stuff. Hopefully people "wake up"
This is so true! Glad I woke up early
@@superdilddyEarly is the key!
How's it going mate?
The economy is built on consumerism
They may for a while, until someone else somehow manages to acquire something shinier than what they have...then it's game on again.
"Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants." - Epictetus 💚
I love Epictetus!
Wealth is wanting what you have.
There is an old book I read every year or so it's called "How to want what you have" - it was written in the 1980's and advocates for conscious decisions to make minimal purchases and fully recognizing, appreciating, and using what you already have...
do the best you can with the stuff you got.
ty. I'll check it out.
Ah yes, the Reagan years.....
I just ordered a copy from ThriftBooks. Thanks for the suggestion.
I've stopped consuming unessasary crap years ago .
Like what?
@@CBT5777 First off convenience. Stop paying for convenience, it's to expensive. Especially if you add it up for the whole year. This include subscriptions of any kind. Stop eating out and boy money piles up in pocket and your bank account real quick.
@@CBT5777like most useless shit you have on your house , 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
@@CBT5777 Subscription services , fast food in fact any eating out, car ownership now I cycle or use public transportation, nothing new that can be purchased in a goodwill store, no television.
@@CBT5777,
If you have to ask. You are not there yet. Stop consuming if you have to put on a credit card. Especially if you have revolving credit card debt.🤔
Its weird how many think consumerism is an essential part to being human and if we loose it we'll all slip into despair. Humans were existing for centuries prior to it.
Exactly!
@TimothyWard don't let money destroy u!!!
3:53 12/18/2024
Consumerism is the backbone of this capitalist system and human being can survive without consumerism.
💯
It’s a great question. We’re rapidly heading towards extreme rich and extreme poor.
We're already there, bro.
Already there! 😩
The extremes are greater now then they were during both the Russian and the French Revolutions
And it’s about to get worse with tariffs and social programs cuts
I was just out in Los Angeles. That's the epitome of extreme wealth and poverty all in one man made concrete dystopia.
It's up to us, food, shelter, clothing and transportation thats all we need right now and how can I forget HEALTH!
Shelter is the most expensive thing now, eating into all those things you mentioned,until you can only afford to keep a roof over your head and afford nothing else
Tim, your prospective on the economy & debt issue is dead on. In my opinion, for most Americans- becoming a fugul consumer is the only way to survive.
Perspective.
There is no American dream anymore.
There's only survival.
Never was. That was for the rich only. Anything else was and is delusional thinking.
the american dream is a winning lotto ticket!
@tj7870 no fooling
@@tj7870 American Dream is a lie.
thats why its called a dream...
The term "late-stage capitalism" got its name from the idea that the current phase of capitalism is the final, often most exploitative and unsustainable, stage before a significant change or collapse.
Basically what we are witnessing now.
To me, this is not even cap-uh-tul-izm. It is an ab-yuse of the system. It is more of a cor-poor-uh-tock-ra-see. Cap-uh-tul-izm is about competition. Making the best product at the best price to sell more product than your competitor. You make money and the consumer also benefits. These days giant pry-vut equitee firms are buying up small businesses and are thereby reducing competition. The same thing is happening with single family homes. [Intentional misspellings thanks to Yoo Toob sin-soars].
@@bryanjones8778true capitalism has never existed. It’s a nice idea, in theory, but that’s all it has ever and can ever be.
@@bryanjones8778right on 👍 totally agree and thank you for sharing. It’s become totally unethical in my opinion, greed hidden by numbers and profits and bureaucracy, like Marx called it a hundred years ago. I’m talking about the man himself and what he wrote, not what other people did using his name that came after him.
@@katieandnick4113We are in crony capitalism.
Companies: Those of you that perform the most labor will be paid the least
Those of you that do the least will be paid the most
The RICH are so out of touch, they were shocked that the average Americans were seeing Luigi putting the hit on a man who denied paid healthcare to many average Americans. Causing many Americans to die or suffer.
Tried of spending money I do not have. So I stop going to the stores and restaurants, only food or anything for my car needs. Started a walking and hiking group, go to churches and community centers for meeting friends. I guess some would call this minimalism, but I grow up going to malls and used to have a bunch of take-out boxes in fridge, not now.
If you think about it, once the top tier greedies get all the money, they won't have to have any businesses to "get" more money. They already have it all. And us poor regular people will have to develop our own economic system. It's been done before, but discouraged by the greedies because they can't get a cut.
The monopoly game is over. The country will collapse without consumers. A new economic system will emerge or there will be mass chaos and death.
Those at the top are always too manipulative, and either destroy, or hijack any new system or tech - digital cash/ coins for example.
I doubt that Lord Rotheschild did all the coding involved for that - But I'll bet that him, and his mates end up controlling it all..
Kinda like bitcoin was supposed to be? But now its being targeted by governments and taxes are due!
BRING BACK THE BARTER SYSTEM!!!
@iamnotmyhandle We actually CAN do this, but it needs to be done on a community basis. It really does take a village to create and provide most, if not all, necessities, and a few wants.
Timothy, I’m living a post capitalist life. I don’t eat out anymore, camp for vacations, fix anything that needs fixing myself, grow more of my own food, and don’t buy anything.
We can still live a good life on very little. That is my only revenge on the monopolies and oligarchs that have destroyed our country.
Have a good day brother !! I have always worked on consuming less and living minimal as possible.
I asked the same question from Grok and it doesn't sound bad at all:
When people are too broke to consume, the dynamics of consumerism can shift significantly, impacting both individual behavior and broader economic systems. Here are some key points based on current insights:
Economic Impact:
Reduced Demand: With less disposable income, consumer demand for non-essential goods and services decreases. This can lead to a slowdown in economic activity as businesses see reduced sales, which might result in lower production and potentially job losses.
Shift in Consumption Patterns: People may prioritize essential goods over luxury or non-essential items, leading to a more basic level of consumption focused on necessities like food, shelter, and healthcare. This shift can alter the retail landscape, where stores might adjust their stock to cater to more affordable or bulk goods.
Cultural Shifts:
Change in Values: There might be a cultural shift towards valuing experiences over possessions, or a revival of practices like repairing and reusing items rather than constantly buying new ones. This could foster a culture more aligned with minimalism or anti-consumerism.
Community and Local Economies: As people become less able to engage with large corporations, there might be an increase in reliance on local economies and community-based services, fostering local trade and barter systems.
Environmental Impact:
Reduced Waste: Less consumption could lead to a decrease in waste, particularly in terms of packaging and disposable goods. This might inadvertently support environmental sustainability by reducing the strain on natural resources and decreasing pollution.
Sustainable Practices: Economic pressures might drive innovation in sustainable practices, as businesses and individuals seek cost-effective, environmentally friendly alternatives.
Psychological and Social Effects:
Status Anxiety: The inability to consume can increase feelings of status anxiety, where individuals feel less valued or successful due to their inability to keep up with consumerist standards. However, this might also lead to a reevaluation of what constitutes personal success or happiness.
Well-being: There's evidence suggesting that excessive consumerism can lead to lower life satisfaction. Being forced into simpler living might paradoxically lead to improved well-being for some, as they find fulfillment outside of material possessions.
Economic Policy and Business Adaptation:
Policy Changes: Governments might respond with policies aimed at stimulating consumer spending, like tax rebates or direct financial aid, or they might shift focus towards policies that support local production and consumption.
Business Strategy: Companies might pivot towards offering more affordable products or services, or invest in models that require less consumer spending, like subscription-based services or shared economy models.
In summary, while consumerism might wane when individuals are financially constrained, it could lead to a reconfiguration of economic and social structures, potentially fostering a more sustainable, community-oriented, and perhaps even personally fulfilling way of life for many. However, this transition would not be without its challenges, particularly in terms of economic stability and employment.
Why would you ask a computer something, then copy it to a comment? Why are you people like this? SO fuckin weird...
Well thought out response, thank you for sharing. Some of us, who have gone through extended periods of unemployment and underemployment have already begun to shift our mindset on consumerism.
Very interesting!
@@1dfulbenjamin434 Well thought out?! That was Elon Musk's AI!
@@1dfulbenjamin434 Aye, I moved into the middle of nowhere into the forests years ago. Not looking back. The work here feels more... natural.. useful.. etc. =)
Everyone broke, yet everyone got a nice ass car.
A car should not be a necessity in a decent society.
None of them own that car
It's all a facade. It's all debt, and they are slaves to their miserable jobs. They buy endless junk on debt to fill the ever-growing whole in their soul.
that’s (part of the reason) why everybody broke so what’s ur point
They have large car loans more than likely. The average car payment is now around $675 a month and 15% pay $1,000 or more per month..
I have been asking myself this question for years now it’s scary to think that they want us all broke, homeless and starving to death
I have seen huge slums in many cities, with most people living in RV's or Cars. It is scary.
Not much of a choice .. just about in every town / city / state all over the U.S. basic 1- bedroom apartments w/ no utilities included are $1,500 a month or more .. not many can afford that .. if the U.S. don't change its greedy ways it's headed for a collapse like the world has never seen
I like to recenter myself on this subject and see things I buy as a solution to a problem or need. Then cost efficiency becomes a huge benefit and I stay in a mindset of gratitude
Our population needs a general public plan like that.
What happens, sadly, is that things get even uglier than what they already are. That's the quick & easy answer to your question.
Good video man!
Im an old dog nomad just like you. There's gonna be a LOT more of us living out of vans in the near future!
Not in the state of Indiana. It is not allowed.
In Indiana, the only choice we have is to keep working overtime until our whole life is at the job. Then we go home to sleep for a short while only to wake up exhausted and report to work again. Our Indiana leaders and the Chamber of Commerse do not care about us. We are just human chattel. Not worth anything.
As a single senior, I think ordinary people should stop overconsuming and make plans on their spending. Adopt a minimalist approach to all areas in your life and send a message "We are not interested in keeping you all rich". Change starts with the 99%. Thank you for your video😊😊
I felt I made decent money a few years back.... but life with a family I'm not sure what we really are even 'consuming', 80% of my salary goes to rent and basic bills (we do have some debts paying down).... I guess our basic dinner out at a local establishment is 'consuming' , and maybe we could lose a subscription service or two, but it's not like cutting them will substantially change anything. I feel like many are in that boat.
Yeah, we have to consume certain things, food, etc.
You should read the book Capital by Thomas Piketty. He talks about the history of wealth inequality and how we're headed back in the wrong direction on this. He's an economist who argues what you're eluding to: as wealth is concentrated up at the top the entire economy slows down. The scary thing is that society doesn't necessarily crumble if it gets worse... he shows how bad inequality was back in the 1800s and earlier
right. we are regressing back towards fuedalism
Yup, neofeudalistic society.
Yea I read him years ago. The terrifying thing is the system doesn’t collapse, but the markets just adjust to sell exclusively to rich people. People think something is going to break on its own but it won’t. Inequality can get much much worse than it is now. Eventually we’ll look like third world countries with mostly slums surrounding tiny islands of extreme opulence
As someone mentioned below its referred to as "late-stage capitalism". Their is another name that not mentioned often enough "Fascism". Benito Mussolini was quoted as saying " Fascism is the Merger of Corporate and State power". That's the final stage of capitalism before its evolution to a new system or devolution to a more primitive economic system. In a Fascist state the Elites (Political and their Wealthy Donors) maintain their their present quality of life at the expense of yours. This brings stability to the economy, that is unfortunately where we are heading.
This is interesting. I need to pull my political philosophy book back out because I didn’t catch this when I was in school
lol. nope. a fascist state does not inherently bring stability to the economy. it destroys the economy. eradicates it. THERE IS NO ECONOMY.
Exactly. When people either can't or won't tolerate the economic system any longer the government steps in to force it to continue under threat of violence.
I think Techno-Feudalism(Yanis Varaufakis) is a way to describe the current incarnation of whats happening there. Certainly not incompatible with fascism though - we are definitely seeing expressions of both.
And people just voted for it to happen. He’ll Rob from the poor to give to the rich and give them more power over us.
Given their end goal is complete control and we will own nothing wr will rent everything which will massively reduce production of things there will probably be waiting lists for items to increase demand. Consumerism as we currently know it will end. "You'll own nothing and be happy" the part I'm most concerned about is how will they make us happy
Part of their end goal is also population reduction. They're touting it as a save the planet strategy, but in reality, the only way total control will be achieved is to have a manageable amount of people. In the end, all they want is enough workers to keep them in luxury. The rest are useless eaters.
They are buying up homes so that families can’t buy them, And have to rent… it’s like a regression back to feudalism
Because greed is evil; and evil’s goal is the destruction of mankind 🤷♂️
The problem with corrupt capitalism is that eventually you run out of poor peoples money...
Dang good question Tim. I am already at the bare minimalism.😂
When COVID happen and people stop working, it put everyone on pause to notice “hey Dad’s and Mom are home” which brought the family together. Made people think “why I’m I working so long, when the reason why I’m working is for my family?” That’s why a lot of people did not want to go back to the same old thing. STOP consuming and start living outside the box.
New American movement #buynothing
People didn't want to go back to work here in the UK so went on the sick which is wrecking the economy,it's still increasing today record numbers of fit people stopping working and claiming benefits,giving up their jobs, it's a big phenomenal here
They definitely know & don’t care. I’m making the most money I’ve ever made & have the most debt I’ve ever had. Shame 😔masters degree & all!
Nothing shameful about getting educated
Don't” let your education get in the way of your learning” - Mark Twain
@@victoriasage7 There is when you're in debt for it...
Tim, that is such a good question! I remember when they were debating if the 2008 recession was a depression. To me, as a person who graduated from college in 2008 it felt like a depression, but you would hardly know it because some people were still going out spending money. At the rate we are going, we are heading into a depression. Many people are struggling no matter how hard they work. I don't buy much like I used to, I'm better off using my money for other things and being more intentional when it comes to spending.
Also, online shopping really took off when the internet popularity grew.
Nice video - Winner take all is not a sustainable path.
Uk here 🇬🇧 I've been thinking about this a lot recently.
Who on earth is buying all this mostly useless crap? Or can still afford it ??
Boomers
Millennials!
Mostly boomers and mostly women. One boomer wrote an article how she regrets that her entire life was about buying crap, organising crap, and cleaning it, then trying to get rid of it. I inherited this behaviour a bit but I put a stop to it. I have been trying to sell some good things and everybody tries to low ball me, so I am gonna end it once and for all cause it is holding back my frugal lifestyle that I have been having for years, and I want the quick pain of seeing my money go in the dumpster. I am talking lots of books, clothes, cosmetics and art supplies that were a miss buy. The money is already wasted. I cannot count the amount of containers my family has thrown out and the closets somehow stay full with crap... My dad is a hoarder and my mother somehow buys the ugliest clothes and shoes and keeps them all.
UK here. It's all finance especially cars trips electronics etc
I think it's people who enjoy useless crap.
Once you have it all what else is there. What a miserable thought process. There's no incentive to live once you have it all. There's nowhere to go. You're sadly right.
Greed has taken our country's soul.
And our Government.
Great topic, I work at a local recycling center for our township, about 350 homes every Saturday. It is Mindblowing what people have been throwing away for the last 10 years. I have started my YT channel and get so much stuff for free, I never ever Ever buy anything other than food and a few tires here and there, clothes electronics all free...
That sounds like a cool job!
RIGHT! I only buy food, but I also forge for pomegranate and wild berries. Get free food at food banks and senior centers. As far as clothes I have 2 closet full of clothes. People throw away electronics because there is always new costly produces each year and electronics has a short time before obsolescence.
@@GoodieJoy-hh9uc I agree but I have had great success using the Boxes of smart phones and computers working flawlessly, I have found my tripods and all of my lighting for free as well. Its unreal. Good for you! Keep it up so much gets tossed!
Hey Tim, your sense of awareness about consumerism is very enlightening. So, i work as a job coach for students with exceptionalities, therefore, you will find me at supermarkets, libraries, fast food restaurants etc. Today i was at this popular retail store in the receiving area and I observed employees wheeling in merchandise at top speeds to stock on the overcrowded shelves, fake flowers, toys, housewares etc. looking at all this excess made me feel sick and tired, i said to myself, are people buying this stuff and why? Then I realize that with no jobs, what would the employer do? How would they survive? What a conundrum.
Now, that's a good question. The answer is...fewer people. During the Black Death and The Plague, so many people died that the survivors owned twice as much as they did before. Their incomes and living standards rose significantly.
Very good point here, Tim. This is why i avoid retail stocks in my dividend portfolio. Customers can turn fast, in a three month time, and bring down an investment. I like foundational stocks like industrial metals , shipping, pipelines. If Americans dont have money to spend, retail stocks get hit hard. Target, Walmart, Walgreens, other clothing retailers, etc etc. too fickle for me haha 🙂
I’m following that advice in my dividend portfolio too Chris!
I decided years ago that if I can't pay cash for an item, I cannot afford the purchase!!! People buy too much $hit that they don't need.
Last year, I was working full time, budgeting groceries, unable to afford date nights, and missing time with my kids. Now I learned how to make money online. Now am a SAHM, homeschooling, and making profits every week.
Wow that's awesome 👌
Investing in alternate income streams should be the top priority for everyone right now. especially given the global economic crisis we are currently experiencing. stocks, gold, silver, and virtual currencies are still attractive investments at the moment.
Info please??
Cryptocurrency/stock investment, but you will need a professional guide on that.
Facebook 👇
The monetary system we use is the biggest scam our times.
Perhaps the whole idea is to keep all of us struggling on, and not think about joining together against the system. I believe that's what they are most afraid of. We found out during the Pandemic how much Americans will put up with from the ruling class. Just about anything.
Check out the new American movement #buynothing
There is no light at the end of the tunnel for majority of Americans. Cost of living will continue to get more expensive while they keep wages stagnant.
If they keep increasing wages, inflation is driven up,so everything gets more expensive,to push inflation down,you have to sort out why everything is expensive and rectify, biggest reason is demand and supply problems
Back to just basics
This is a great question. There are a number of thinkers who have suggested that we are heading right back towards the Gilded Age in history, and some have even suggested we're heading even further back towards medieval feudalism at the rate we're going. At some point, no average person will own anything of substantial value, and many of the available consumer goods are going to go away simply because there is no profit in selling excess items. There will likely be an extreme disparity between those who have, and those who have nothing. We may head into trading or bartering for skills and services between people, and basic survival is going to rely on local communities and groups rather than large scale economies.
Instant gratification has consumed us!
Excellent video again Tim! A real equilibrium between the people and these dead entities/organizations will eventually happen. Something has to change - the imbalance has become too extreme and the end of consumerism and materialism is the beginning of the shift in the right direction. The mentality of using your labor/money/time for fast fashion and materialism to reflect an image to others will change - not overnight but our mental states will change. We will use our collective experiences as a tool and realize we are under no "real" obligations to be the consumer and participant defending the lobsided colony we were yesterday. The ⚖️ will be corrected 🙏☀️
well said!
I’m excited for the balance. I wonder if it will come in my lifetime.
It's an ego thing. Laws need to be put in place to protect against greed.
You didn’t forget who owns the politicians, did you?
Always with the "more laws" nonsense... Who is following them? Definitely not the people making them up.
People need to be smart and take responsibility for their own actions. Greedy corporations aren’t going to stop you from giving them money. But it would be great if price gouging laws existed and regulations were placed to prevent corporate purchasing of mid size homes - again corporate greed, but who’s in power - the rich.
@@Starreelynn By design and on purpose, we were never meant to be happy. We are supposed to work until they do not need us anymore, then we get sick and die.
@@chrismay2298 found the parasite
Perfect timing for what I needed to hear
What you're suggesting is something called discipline. Consumption culture and greed have caused that muscle to atrophy.
I'm a 68 year old woman. I see another depression heading our way. I do not spend more than what I actually need, I'm getting ready for the crash. So I agree with you Timothy. Thank you for bringing this up.
Bed - Don't need
Fridge - Don't need
Car - Don't need
Phone - very basic need
Gaming PC - Need !! -- they last 10 years easy.
Thank you, Timothy. this is exactly what we need to be discussing right now.
The economy is like being on an airplane.
In order to get to your destination, the pilot must follow a flight map and keep an eye on the horizon.
A small miscalculation can lead the plane totally off course.
Small things over time, do add up to big things, further down the road.
My hubby and I saved/went on an international cruise recently.
We focused on exposing ourselves to people of other cultures/languages/beliefs/architecture.
Whenever we sat next to someone new, we would start up a conversation by asking, "Where are you all from?"
Spain
Portugal
Germany
Great Brittian
Scotland
Canada
Philippines
All curious about the other's way of life.
Then our conversations would turn to world events and the state of the economy.
We all agreed that it's so much bigger.
We now live in a world wide economy that relies on the successes of one another.
One couple from London, was optimistic about the United States economy for the near future.
Noting that the Stock Market is a great indicator of the fiscal US.
Also stating, "The Brittish stock market is so affected, that when the US stockmarket gets a sniffle, London stock market comes down with a cough."
Yes, we have seen hard financial times in our history, but people in the US are surprisingly resourceful and manage to get through it.
The squeeze/pinch we are all feeling is that tilting/banking feeling of having to make the adjustments necessary to bring us back into peaceful prosperity.
It feels a little unnerving at first, but then we learn to budget a little differently.
We adjust our priorities.
Put a little more into savings/investments.
We become a little more frugal.
Our money becomes a tool, with a purpose.
Maybe walk instead of ride.
Plant a garden
Make our own coffee/tea/drink water/brown bag it, instead.
Borrow/fix up/use it longer/share it/pass it down.
Become more aware of the needs around us, look out for our fmily/friends/neighbors/strangers a little more.
Decide to handmake/bake/gifts of service/barter.
Disconnecting from a false world, and getting a little more fresh air.
Connecting with people/reality.
I see a little more kindness.
A little more humanity.
Gotta say, the US can learn a bit from other cultures about intentional consumerism/quality living and how to treat their own.
Maybe, somehow, they do not depend on consumers anymore... innovation and war is top focus.
I consume, but its intental. I bought a drawing tablet, but I'm using it to make my own stickers to sell. I normally just buy food when I go to Walmart, unless I actually need something. Minimalism is what I follow to balance my life.
I do the same with yarn. I’ll make things to sell for gifts and use social media to try to earn more money. Also cheaper than buying a toy when I can make one
The money is an invented thing, and that it has no value. Any problem related to money is imagination .
Yeah nice thought but if you don't have enough of the invented thing to supply the basics in life then the outcomes will be real and not imagined.
@@oldbloke204 Not really. You learn to feed and protect yourself and remove the broken scam from your life.
Its value is in the billions of people who have been trained to accept it has value and the systems that feed them, etc... you can go read about the beaver pelt trade in north america and marvel at how quickly a concept can transfer from one culture to another. kids play "trade" games all the time long before they have any concept of money or banking or whatever. So even if it's "invented" it is based on concepts that are deeply rooted in humanity.
@@chrismay2298 We had family in medical in the worst of it so I suspect your social media bs view is irrelevant to them.
@@chrismay2298 Good luck eating bugs and living in a cave then.
I will stick with what we have thanks anyway.
Very wise words . And a lot of human production has past point of economical return.
A modern car has so much costly heavy unnecessary tech that adds little to the overall experience . Mobile phones reached the tipping point a few years back .. now only very small incremental changes on every iPhone.
Daffy Duck once said, 'consequences-schmonsequences, as long as I'm rich!'
Truer words were never spoken.
The American consumer lifestyle has never, ever been built on the wealth of consumers. It has been built on their greed, their poor impulse control, their avaricious envy of the wealth of others, and on providing them with consumer-credit avenues in order to feel as though they were keeping up with the requirements of fashion and status but not having to pay for it all right away. Consumerism aimed at such naive and childish urges has never been about supplying anyone with what they need, or even necessarily want, but rather with they they believe they have to have, in order not to be perceived as poor or 'losers.'
Advertising is about installing these foolish urges in the unsuspecting, and making them feel as though these are the things people really want, or even must have, because everyone else has them and one mustn't fall behind. Neither consumerism nor advertising have ever concerned themselves with the consequences to the consumer for lifetimes of abandoned impulse control and decorating their lives with needless baubles designed to become obsolete or unfashionable almost as soon as one gets them home.
Consumerism can kiss my ass. Advertising? I don't even pay any attention to it, and have managed to remove nearly all forms of advertising from my sensory purview, an uninvited form of abuse I want nothing to do with, having been raised to never, ever make any purchase or enter any agreement on the basis of things advertised at me. Advertising in all its forms is a weapon of mass destruction, primarily of self-respect and personal agency, and I have long had the appropriate countermeasures well deployed.
Consumerism is stupid. Advertising is evil.
Agree! Back in hs, I was taught all about advertising and the psychological tricks they use to hook you into buying their crap. It was probably the most useful class I ever took.
@@beatrixbrennan1545 I took a similar 'mass media' class in high school in the late 70s, and the message about advertising was helpful for me as well. But it was my own mother, a backwoods farm gal who grew up without even so much as a radio in the home and never did get used to the invasiveness and mind-control attending the middle-class world she entered as an adult, who used to pick apart every TV commercial to point out to us all the lies and manipulations they delivered. Thanks Mom, rest your hick soul: you're still one of the smartest ladies I ever met.
Look at the car market today. Nothing but trucks or large SUV's on many lots (I'm looking at you, Ford) that sell for $60-100,000. Sooner rather than later, you run out of people who can afford them, then what? It's happening already in some parts of the economy.
Yep less people having kids yet they making mom cars 😅
My car is always the smallest on the road. I don’t care tho
I’ve noticed that too about cars.
The last few stores I've worked at, the GM at all of them would project and have a nervous break down over sales. I've never heard more GMs cry about sales and the health of their store than I have this year. One place I worked they literally had to stop being open 24/7 and opted to close at 2. If you have the pleasure of working graveyard at any of these places, they only staff TWO people, two. We were literally getting tipped because the customers felt bad there were only 2 employees, people would literally ask how many people are working. The next level is probably homelessness, that's the only atrocity I haven't endured yet.
I really like these types of videos you do. You are a great conversationalist and communicator. The topic is right on.
I am a full-time GRINCH. I do not have a mortgage or debt. I do not buy into consumerism anymore and have had no-buy months (since last November), whereas I pay fixed expenses and prop/school/local taxes. The only social media that I utilize is RUclips, and with the advent of ad blocking, I am devoid of ALL marketing schemes from GREEDY corporations, so I am NEVER subjected to ads of any sort.
It flips to stakeholder capitalism - which is communism for us, and capitalism for 'them'..
To add to that - the reason that it seems to be speeding up is agenda 20 30..
Figure out how to be your own boss. Find something! Anything! Combine multiple things. But free yourself from working for others. It's your best chance
A lot of things are low quality so I don’t want to buy them. Fast food, clothes, music etc. quality vs. price not worth it
I live a similar live as you Tim and I think thats the only way. People will see that we are living a more fullfilled and peaceful live and some correct their wheel as well. I see it in my surroundings in the Netherlands. So the the advice I want to give. Live a true as possible and dont attach to stuff because in the end you cant take it with you. Regards, Nick
Consumerism is slowing down fast. These big companies will be affected due to greed. Take a look at the car industry and its dealerships. They are a prime example of greed catching up to them. Many car dealers are closing shop. . It's also affecting retail. In a matter of time, spending will be at a minimal. I can't wait to see this happen, because it will affect the wealthy and corporations. No amount of money will be able to keep they living the high-life when there is no middle class for them to rely on.
The system will ultimately implode. Their will be a few holding all the cash and assets and the vast majority with nothing. What happens then is anyones guess.
What you say is true. Corporate greed will ruin us. If things don't change, we're all screwed.
Always appreciated brother 😌
Regarding the question, “What’s gonna happen?” I see at least two possibilities. The first is violent overthrow French Revolution-style. The second is organic but global shifts in consumer behaviors that result in radical workarounds to the manufactured scarcity of resources. I believe the latter is the more likely outcome. For example, eventually people will not be able to afford even the cheapest new vehicle. At that point we could see a shift to an aggressive DIY vehicle maintenance mindset in which it will be normal to see 30-year old vehicles dominating roadways. Homesteading could make a huge comeback. People could return to the trades in significant number; then use the acquired skill sets to either extract from the wealthy fair compensation and or route around wealth gatekeepers to forge new pathways of economic sustainability. Sadly the 1% people have been preparing for the violent French Revolution model. This is why the tech bros have invested so much energy in Terminator-style technologies. They are preparing for violent resistance from the masses. But they are not prepared for mass opt out movements. Think about it. Bezos’ wealth is only “mega” as long as we all keep buying through Amazon. So how threatening would it be to him if a large portion of society returned to home crafts and cottage industry produced merchandise and equipment?
Tim, you're correct in saying our system is unsustainable. And maybe it's time we quit consuming so much. Walk into any store, filled to overflowing with crap, and know that eventually it's all going to end up in a landfill. Makes me sick.
What happens to consumerism when we get smart enough not to fall for the hype, is a better question.
I graduated school around 20 years ago, and went to study economics. Ive heard the story “economy is going the wrong direction, this time is different” for 20 years now. Nothing will happen. Ive said it. Only time will tell - but nothing will happen. In 20 years time we will have the same stories. Peace everyone!
The money will change form. That's it. it's just meta slavery. Next is meta meta slavery. Money isn't real. It's a carrot a cage a hook and a flail.
Nope. Fiat currencies expire. The dollar is doing that currently.
I would argue that things have happened in the past 20 years. The 2008 financial crisis, for example. Hard to call that nothing when millions suffered.
@@TimothyWard shows the importance of living below your means. I graduated into 2008! So tell me about it. But a bit of a storm in a tea cup really, people are agile
I hear your question. My question that no one answers is,, when you're based on an economy that runs on petroleum based economy, requiring selling some 70 million cars annually. How can the earth 🌎 sustain this indefinitely? These cars all pollute, yet we need to sell, "consumerism " like you said needs to keep going to keep thar economic system going. This is the question needs to be asked. Food for though: one jumbo jet takes 26,000 gallons of ⛽️ fuel for one long distance flight.. mind boggling . No one asks how can we not connect the "economy of the earth " 🌎. The mother to us all......
When I first saw the movie “don’t look up” I thought, nah, that can’t happen. We humans are not so stupid and greedy at the top… now, after seeing how 77 million Maga people voted against their self interests and against their lives and rights, I totally believe this movie is what would happen if the asteroid would come.
But it’s also what happens in slow motion as we boil gradually in this increasing co2… climate change is here loud and clear and maga laughs it off… WTF… we are literally cooked… Mother Earth will be ok after getting rid of the virus of humanity
Great question. I agree, it can't be pulled back to even pre covid so now we plow ahead to hopefully a blow out and correction. It will be worse before it gets better though.
I admire your passion.
Ask and you will be answered.
Predatory Capitalist’s will always exist.
The solution is to look to yourself.
What can you settle for?
How can you do more with less?
I have answers for myself; however, I am powerless to influence others.
Yeah, I have walked through this mind exercise too, and just can’t wrap my head around it. They cannot truly be that stupid can they!?
But I agree with you re: it just can’t go on like this indefinitely. Unchecked growth in the human body is called cancer. 🤷♀️
You are a very wise man. It’s a game though. Money gets low, just print more, just like last time. Prices go up and the top suck it out as fast as they can. They’re rich and this makes them seem richer. Some even thank they can take it with them.
My other thought on this, is I've noticed a lot of companies cut every corner possible to maximize return for shareholders. I'm personally curious how far could that go before people turn away from those goods or services
Like Tim said in the video,
they put shareholders before employees,
good people are gonna leave…
Capitalism has some virtues, but its major flaw is that it is never satisfied. It's assets and money must always be earning interest. When people go broke, I think that the government will issue (print) money to keep it all going but that too is finite before cash becomes trash... . Food Stamps are actually a subsidy to the super markets. "Do not get credit cards!"
You ask intelligent questions and you have earned a subscriber...
I’ve been pondering this exact same thing for the past few years and the only conclusions I can come to is that either they’re too short-sighted to understand that, don’t care, or have the end goal of all of us become indentured servants. “Saint Peter don’t ya call me ‘cause I can’t go. I owe my soul to the company store.”
It's as though the system is working toward pricing us out of the country.
*the world
Your existence
Your existence.
Tim growing towards a quarter million subs 🙌
I stopped working and paying taxes and left. It feels great. The next bailout/ debt forgiveness won't come from me. That's how they keep that wheel going by the way. Maybe it's a topic you could cover.
How do you support yourself? You still need money for food, bills and rent, right?
@@hazardousmaterial5492 bot
No need to fear. ENJOY! If widespread financial hardship continues, society could face long-term economic decline, growing inequality, and potential social unrest. Consumerism would shift toward local trade, minimalism, and sustainable practices. Innovation driven by necessity could reshape economies, with decentralized systems and alternative models like Universal Basic Income (UBI) gaining traction. Environmental benefits might arise from reduced consumption, but global instability could grow. Over time, society might stabilize around smaller, more sustainable economies or risk deeper cultural and economic collapse.
I hope we pick the smaller, more sustainable economies option…
That's a real good question, broke people don't push demand, so... but corporations doesn't seem to see this future outcome
Good question as I try to declutter and organize all my clothes and books i bought when I could afford stuff into my much smaller 450 s f apt but I was very thankful to find it as my 585 s f apt went way up in price last spring.
Great question and explanation.
We aren't buying presents this year. We are paying each other's bills....❤
If enough isn't plenty, too much is a dead end.
I'm 69-years-old, and sadly, I see greed and consumerism rising every year with no end in sight. To answer your question, honorable people will just keep tightening their belts and the nefarious will become, or just increase, their thieving ways. Everyone needs a heavy dose of enlightenment, IMHO.
Use cash only. If they don’t want to except cash, then move on to another store that will.
@@suzanneroche2615 Yes! Revive the dollar! Delay the digital currency takeover!
Understanding inflation is a good beginning at understanding money. I read 2007 Book from Alan Greenspan, age of turbulence to help me understand money. Tim your great to see this topic, I agree with your questions... (I’m still learning).