Email/phone your rep to ask for this to happen. If millions of Americans reach out, he will be gone but it seems like Americans are numbed to this guy's antics.
It won't be long (though perhaps too late) for him to be gone. Two insane egomaniacs can't share the same space any length of time b4 exploding on each other. I'd laugh my arse off if Elon himself did Orange Sewer Rat in and then the Secret Service let Vance throw Muskrat to the waiting crowd outside.
Or consumer confidence. When you buy a pig in a bag and that pig turns out to be a cat and the cat turns out to be a leopard, that's eating their faces.
The expectation index is up like twenty points since this time last year. Context matters; if you read or listen to reporting from journalists, they would have pointed this out.
WE won't last. When he got elected my thinking was well, things might still kinda function in September. After week one, I. changed it to May. At almost two weeks........end of the month.....maybe......
@@edg3048, It's my impression the economy is usually kept on course, or at least out of the ditch, by countless faceless bureaucrats with boring job titles but impressive credentials. Trump & team appear to be firing or otherwise driving off those people as fast as they can be identified. I expect the experts to be replaced by textbook examples of the Dunning-Kruger Effect whose chief and only job qualifications are blind loyalty to Trump and near total lack of a moral compass.
Don't count the days. If we do nothing, their control will be indefinite, even if Trump dies in office. If we do something, we don't have to wait 1,448 days. ✊️
Personally I know that if eggs suddenly became cheap - now that Trump's Administration is hiding information about bird flu - my _Consumer Confidence_ is non-existent.
If eggs suddenly become cheap due to _missing_ information (a-la don't count the dead from COVID to keep numbers small), there will be fewer consumers with lower confidence, so it will appear to get better. Face it, the government under him won't protect us. Google is your friend: Does x contain toxic chemicals? Assume all food is contaminated: wash it thoroughly and cook it to proper temp, Don't be the first to try something; wait for others to do the alpha testing. If a restaurant is always short-staffed, assume they might also be shorting the washing/cleaning/sterilizing and maybe eat elsewhere. Protect yourselves!
I'm allergic to eggs. We use flax seeds as a substitute -- one teaspoon replaces one egg (white, not yolk), then boil in water just until viscous. I'm not sure what to replace yolks with.
@@luisdotespinal dunno if saving up U.S. dollars is going to be the answer or the fatal mistake. the felon is already eying the fdic, with h8s new head stating that an FDIC top priority is to "study deposit behavior to develop a more sophisticated understanding of the relative stability of different types of deposits and depositors". for all we know, he might crash the banks and force us all to trade in our dollars at $1k per trump bitcoin.
Same. I live with my 70+ mom after my dad passed. She can’t afford to live on her own without me. We had a long discussion and she’s keeping her PT job because of threats to SS, 😢. NO unneeded expenditures. Fix, not replace if cost/benefit makes sense. Yes, we’d love a different stove but it’s $44 usd for part to fix a burner vs $$$ for new stove. Ordered part direct from Canadian supplier before tariff, thank goodness.
US consumers are about to take a self-imposed hit from their president on Tuesday. Ironic that His Majesty's Loyal Subjects of Canada are fighting against import taxes in the US similar to the Tea Tax of 1773 which affected what are now American states and Canadian provinces alike. The founding fathers of the US must be turning in their graves.
I wish we could get him out of office, but then we would have Vance as President and Speaker Mike Johnson as VP. Either way it’s a lose - lose scenario. 😢
Canadian as well, don't panic we are starting to come together as a nation, historically when our backs are against the wall we stand strong. We also have the ability to sell our products to other countries and we will. There maybe a bit of pain in the beginning but over the long term we will be strong
One person US retailer here. I laid in supplies and stock (of the non perishable kind) before it took office. I also stocked up on non-perishables in my home pantry, from toilet paper to rice to canned goods. I will be purchasing as little as possible - perishable foods, gasoline and medicines - for the next four years, or however long it takes to excise the cancer that is T****ism. I can weather a qurantine-like pause in my business.
anecdotal, but some have described how shortly after the election, people in business meetings went from being glad Trump had won to being told that Christmas bonuses were cancelled because the company had to stock up before the new year.
I have a full pantry and freezer. I started stocking Nov. 6th. I also am cutting all spending except the household, food, and gas. I am also planning to rarely go to restaurants. I am now SAVING at a fever pitch.
I took care of every big purchase I might need for the next four years back in November and December. Since I work remotely and don't need to worry about gas for 6-9 months, my biggest expense will be my monthly grocery run -- and even that I plan to limit as much as possible. I have zero confidence in the economy, because I saw how badly mismanaged it was the last time Trump had his way with it.
If you have the space, it can help a lot to get an additional large chest freezer. Use it for deep freezer storage for large amounts of whatever it is you eat. For example, if you are a meat eater, you can get a whole quarter of a cow and just freeze it. Then, instead of using it for pure beef meals like steak, cook it up into stews and such. That helps spread it out quite a bit. Do that, and the 1/4 cow can last most of a year or possibly more than a year. You would obviously still need to buy the veggies and stuff to go with it, but often times the protein is the more expensive (and vulnerable to disease/unsafe practices) while also being the easier to keep for extended periods through freezing. Of course, most of the ways to store/grow food long-term are impossible for those of lower incomes. I live in a small, shared apartment. I can't really have a chest freezer or home garden. It would also stress the monthly expenses a bit to invest in that much meat at once. But for those who have a bit more flexibility in space and finances, you can save a lot of money doing it that way. Yet another example of how much more expensive it is to be poor...
Same here. I'm a freelance translator so I work from home and don't really need anything but groceries. There are plenty of farmer's markets I can go to as well. But I feel bad for anyone who doesn't have these options.
I stockpiled as much of what I think I'll need, for the next 4 years. In anticipation of Trump tariffs. My consumer confidence dropped to 0, on November 6, 2024.
just bought 4 more solar panels to hold in reserve 2 days ago- right after i read about the felon imposing big new tariffs on china, canada, and mexico starting as early as today. gonna divert funds planned for use on projects like a covered deck on our recently purchased tract of raw land to use to build the infrastructure for longterm food and water storage instead.
Same. Got a closet full of coffee, my favorite import. Thousands of canned goods, and 2 freezers packed full. All I need to buy for 3 years is milk and gasoline.
It’s like there’s a voyeur looking at our data, sizing us up for taking everything. One unelected rich arrogant POS put there by the illegitimate felon POOPTUS. How anybody can think he is up to good is just unfathomable. A soon-to-be trillionaire looking at our data, deciding what to cut. He’s going to sell it the other billionaires so they can run our lives even more. This isn’t freedom. Trump has sold us out. Musk bought and paid for the presidency. He’s not even a native American. Have you noticed that he keeps hopping from bedroom to bedroom making more and more Musk babies?
Nobody asked me what I think of the state of affairs. I stopped shopping only buying necessities like food and gas. Already had my cable and internet shut off and went with a much cheaper company. Just hoping to keep my medical. I'm not confident at all in any part of this country.
When the supposed commander in chief IS the cause of anxiety, there's little hope for positivity. I'm in "hold onto your hat" mode. Zero significant purchases for the next four years for this household.
Every federal employee I know is cutting their spending because of the lack of certainty surrounding our jobs. And I work for the VA which is generally hands off. But we got the threatening "offer to resign" email and the "public sector employee suck" follow up.
Jesus said: In this world, you will have trouble; but, take heart, for I have overcome the world!!! Jesus will have the last word on Trump!!! Because no lie can live forever!!!
Well, I've already curtailed my spending. Friday night I made the last of my discretionary though immensely useful purchases. From now on it's strictly Great Depression tactics: use it up, wear it out, make do or do w/o.
@ - I know. And they've been taught to turn up their sweet nose as technically expired canned goods to the point where I'm sure they'd rather starve than do 'poor stuff'. The average wedding today (for a marriage 50% likely to fail) costs $30K and is loaded on a card by people w/o a pot to piss in much less the down payment on a *starter* home. I mentioned that on a public thread one time and got scolded roundly for 'not understanding money'! By people no doubt in hock up to their eyeballs. Yes, I'm fortunate to have been taught by people who survived the Great Depression - but I've also taken care to always live below my means and not to waste resources. So - once again, not all my own doing but - I'm retired in a nice home that's paid for and I don't owe a single dime. .... But supposedly *I* am the one who 'doesn't understand money."
Facing a layoff when my kids were young, my Mexican co-worker gave me good advice. "Don't worry. Buy tortillas and patotas. You can live on patota tacos for months if you have to." sic I still love potato tacos.
Living in a very cold part of the country I’m worried about disruptions to electricity and propane. I know companies are trying to maximize profits for their boards and share holders by cutting maintenance costs and raising prices. When they cut resources, and raise prices people are going to suffer…which seems to be the whole point. I’m Just glad I’m not responsible for any little ones, except my myself and my dog….who wouldn’t screw me over for a buck.
Our economy isn’t only based on faith. It’s definitely consumer driven and when so many consumers are maxed out on credit cards and have very little savings the economy can’t go anywhere but down. So many of our neighbors have had their heads buried in the sand for so long it’s taking longer than it would if they were like, sane.
Canadian here- since he got voted in I only spend on necessities. Since many women are the driving force in spending, him passing drastic laws affecting women/ other minorities affects confidence
I was thinking the same. Pondering which global organization would come in help, since the dems aren't doing anything. I'm wondering if dems are waiting to see how much pressure the old R can take from the citizens, before they write up impeachment. 🤷♀️
@@71suns Because not enough people were allowed to vote against it. A democracy that allows fascists to be voted in is not a functional form of government.
I already lost confidence in the future of the economy once he was elected. I have shut down spending on anything extra, stockpiled frozen and dry foods, and pulled my stock investments. I was already convinced that a downturn was inevitable due to the chaos he causes.
@Erin-Thor it looks like some will never see. After he's long gone, some will think he did good, but they will have to be willfully blind to all the damage he will blame on people that tried to help us.
Honestly, anyone who isn't actively hording as many resources as they can right now, simply isn't staying up with current events. Things are going to go straight to hell if Trump does only half of what he's been saying he's going to do.
It's a good time to be a veg head. There's lots of different grains. Rice Millet quinoa, oats. Lots of different beans, You can make rice milk. You can make oat milk. Never use eggs. I haven't used them for 30 years. Another thought and this sounds really weird but one of the best things I ever bought was a bidet. I might one package of toilet paper every 4 or 5 months. Indispensable!
So many comments from people who are WEALTHY enough to stockpile and weather the storm, and there are so many of us living moment to moment on next to nothing who will be ending up on the streets. This is what I hate about our country ' I've got me and mine taken care of and screw those others.' Good for you. Have a blessed day.
Some of us worked more than 40 years to save enough to retire/live on (maybe we're just further along the road of life?). And some of us still donate to help others, not just because of felon-1, but in _spite_ of him (excuse me, her).
I don’t have excess money. I understand what you are sharing. I am scouring the sale flyers, buying what is on a real sale, buying one or two items extra at a time. Starting small is making a difference for me. All the best to you.
I have no income. I'm waiting on an SSDI decision. I was homeless for 6 weeks before getting a project apartment in October, living in my barely running car with my cats. My grown sons struggle to help me pay my $25 rent (the rest is paid by Section 8 HUD voucher), to put a little gas in the car and buy non-food necessities like cat food, toilet paper and the one prescription Medicaid won't pay for. Food stamps and food pantries do the rest. All those programs are looking at being cut, which means I'm probably looking at homelessness and eating once a day at the Salvation Army, maybe twice a day if I can make it to other charity meal sites, while going without meds. I cry when I think about having to give up my kitties, which I most likely will. I, like you, CAN'T stock up on anything.
@@sharonrose295 I know that feeling. On SSDI myself and living with a relative until my son comes home from being stationed overseas. I even have a cat. Whatever happens, try to look up rather than down. God bless and keep you safe.
Yes. Put Americans back into those "black" jobs he kept yelping about during his campaign, everybody who isn't at least a millionaire working in the fields folks. Get ready for it. When the depression hits, what will your choices be if you have a family you need to feed and 200 million Americans have lost their jobs.
Yeah, in addition to being more careful in our spending now, we're going to have conversations about preparing for disruptions to Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. Retirement's gonna look different than spouse always assumed.
So there's a solution to all of this. Every financial issue we have. Raise the minimum wage. Seriously all our problems stem from people not making enough money. If workers make more money problems go away. Life's good. Crime goes down. Actually I'm going to make a prediction. Crime will go up during Trump's term. Follow the money to figure out crime.
Best wishes, Belle, Beau, kids, dogs , horses and the rest of the team. My confidence is in the toilet and gets worse every time tRump opens his mouth. Discretionary spending ceased in this household the first of the year. Tripling the size of the garden this year.
Love your show. Relevant, brief and right to the point. A required watch in my books. Consumer confidence is a great indicator because it is garnered democratically from a wide spectrum of front line consumers, not government officials or academic eggheads.
I did my spending during the Black Friday sales in anticipation of the DJT reign of terror, including food that could be prepared and frozen and canned goods.. With growing a lot of my own vegetables and the local farmer's market, I should be good for quite some time. PS I also bought wash clothes for when toilet paper leaves the shelves.
I was ready to launch a coaching business to help people micro start-ups, but I have completely scrapped the project. I can not, in good conscience, recommend that any one take such a risk in this chaos that trump has unleashed. FFS!
I think launching a startup would be wider than joining one for a while. But I think there's going to be gaps that will need filling in the economy and that some someones are going to do very well for themselves until they're bought out or crushed by the multi nationals.
I’m anxious about what this means for housing prices. We went on a weekend trip and after talking it over decided to put our house on the market. When we got home, three other houses in our neighborhood had For Sale signs in the yard. Im not sure if that’s a good thing or not.
2x4's (mostly from CA) are going to cost 25+% more. That should add at least 20% to the cost of a house by itself. Add electrical wires, pipes, vents, heat/A-C/washer/dryer/fridge/range/dishwasher, floor finishes, etc., all with tariffs, and do the math.
I received an email today from Pulte (a builder in central Ohio.) They are increasing their prices in February due to “material costs and consumer demand in the rise.” My guess is it’s more because of the former than the latter.
I don't have a lot of money for extra stuff, so I'm going to try to spend as little as possible during this... administration's reign of incompetence. That's assuming I don't lose my job.
I retired into this. In the late fall I got my senior lifetime pass for the national parks and I renewed my passport and I had plans of going on a cruise and traveling the country and then Trump got elected. I had a new car fund and a new (to me) boat fund and my first year expenses for retirement all set aside. That is all being divided up to four years of living expenses and all traveling is canceled. The only thing I’m buying is groceries and I’m stocking up on canned goods if I get a good price on it.
I never really stopped “prepping” after the pandemic. I’d actually started prior to so we’re in pretty good shape at my house. No unnecessary expenditures. Only “major” purchase planned is a 1/4 cow from a friend next month 😉. Almost all in ground beef because that’s the biggest bang for the…cow, lol. Everyone take care. 🙏🔵
Please refer to Beau's video explaining what third world actually refers to. With that in mind I can't quite see how the US could complete that manoeuvre.
I'm a VA employee who's about to lose my job because there's simply no office fir me to report to. I signed on to be 100% remote. Though I live close to another regional office, I can't get transferred because they simply don't have the desk space as we've been doing telework since 2010. There are 3-5 employees to a desk. So a quarter of VA staff is going to disappear so it'll take even more time to process veteran claims even though we have a 6 month backlog. There's also buzzing tuat they'll take the contact centers overseas, so imagine an 80 year old widow trying to understand an Indian accent. Veterans will suffer and never understand it's Nero's doing.
Over the last 30 years, there has been the most massive transfer of wealth to the rich and super-rich in history. (In the Gilded Age, a lot of money the plutocrats had came from actually building a powerful industrial economy...which would eventually 'trickle down' to the workers. Today's super-rich are mostly just looters.)
So if consumer confidence was that high, why did they then vote for promised unrealistic change ? Yep, it's a hell of a big postcard to write the answers on, suffice to say, human nature to protect and preserve oneself against adversity has not kept up with the times and the ideals of Star Trek and are still a long way in the future.
I remember that Bush Jr. thing, as well as something written on a white board “in country” during the war… “America is not at war. The Marines are at war; America is at the mall.”
Consumer spending powers 70% of the entire economy. Not the ultra-wealthy so-called "job creators." BTW, today while grocery shopping at Meijer, I had about 7-8 items on my list that I simply went without because I looked at the price and decided it wasn't worth it, due to obvious price-gouging. So, Meijer, that's some $40 you lost on sales from me today. Let's multiply that, shall we, and see what kind of roar we can raise.
There is no reason for optimism. Do what you can to help your family prepare for the worst possible outcomes. Be fiscally conservative, and say so loudly*. Reduce debt (this means you won't be paying exorbitant interest payments to big banks). Eliminate subscriptions (this will defund media corporations). Minimize purchases and try to spend locally (this defunds big retailers). Even if you are comfortable this is wise: you will have money to help those in need. *The MAGAhats and oligarchs need to wake up. They only understand one language: US$. If you make it clear you are being fiscally conservative you are helping them come to terms with things. Any discussion they can twist into "woke" gives their talking heads fodder for a narrative that will keep them from coming to terms.
Jesus Christ is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!!! Trump will never, ever be king!!! Jesus Christ will always have the Kingdome, the Power and the Glory!!! All Trump will ever have is power!!! But, Trump's power is empty, false and temporary!!!
Belle, I appreciate the calm way that you bring the news in these scary and uncertain times. With that being said, at this time, I'm just buying essentials, only!!! This whole thing would never have happened if Kamala Harris was president!!! America chose a different way with Trump!!! This is America: Adolescent, Arrogant, Belligerent, Uneducated and Ignorant!!! My vacation to Niagara Falls, Ontario can't come soon enough!!!
I have no choice but to stop spending disgressionary income bc I'll need it for groceries and basic necessities. Im just grateful I replaced my car and electronics in the last two years.
I haven't been a "big spender" in years. Life just seems to keep taking downturns when it comes to my personal economy. I eat cheap, get the big bags of cat food for the cats, even though they're harder to carry, buy any clothing I need at thrift stores, Goodwill, and yard sales, and am on the lookout for bargains on the groceries I need, and at the bin store. If you go on dollar day and don't mind digging, you can get some good bargains.
I have no confidence. I laid in a few supplies but I live in social security so didn’t have much extra money. But I’ll be shopping WinCo (employee owned) and eating a little if beans and peanut butter. Hard to trust food that isn’t inspected.
What can we do to get rid of Musk. He has no right to any computer access or telling people what to do?
It rhymes with See Eye Aye.
Serve him with a side of fava beans and a nice chianti.
Email/phone your rep to ask for this to happen. If millions of Americans reach out, he will be gone but it seems like Americans are numbed to this guy's antics.
More like Not-See@@johnsteiner3417
It won't be long (though perhaps too late) for him to be gone. Two insane egomaniacs can't share the same space any length of time b4 exploding on each other. I'd laugh my arse off if Elon himself did Orange Sewer Rat in and then the Secret Service let Vance throw Muskrat to the waiting crowd outside.
Consumer confidence, like Trump's feeble mind, is predictably in rapid decline...💙
👍🏻
Or consumer confidence. When you buy a pig in a bag and that pig turns out to be a cat and the cat turns out to be a leopard, that's eating their faces.
I think the two are inexorably tied together.
lump sum zero burned out what little mind it had decades ago one white line at a time
The expectation index is up like twenty points since this time last year.
Context matters; if you read or listen to reporting from journalists, they would have pointed this out.
Why couldn't voters Google tariffs BEFORE the election, not the day after?
Idk why it take 4 years for British to look up Brexit?
The Maga cult morons were to occupied watching foxxx or some other hate filled media to get that rage high
Because they were too busy hailing their dictator-to-be with verbal musk-salutes
@@WBS001 Savage but true
It was never about the economy, it was about helping leaders gain the power to oppress the people that they hate.
Considering that he was only sworn in 12 days ago, I think it's safe to say that the next 1,448 days are going to be... rough.
WE won't last. When he got elected my thinking was well, things might still kinda function in September. After week one, I. changed it to May. At almost two weeks........end of the month.....maybe......
@@edg3048, It's my impression the economy is usually kept on course, or at least out of the ditch, by countless faceless bureaucrats with boring job titles but impressive credentials. Trump & team appear to be firing or otherwise driving off those people as fast as they can be identified. I expect the experts to be replaced by textbook examples of the Dunning-Kruger Effect whose chief and only job qualifications are blind loyalty to Trump and near total lack of a moral compass.
Don't count the days. If we do nothing, their control will be indefinite, even if Trump dies in office.
If we do something, we don't have to wait 1,448 days. ✊️
The good news is at least 3-4 days out of each week he'll be golfing. Imagine the damage he could be doing if he were doing this full-time.
Personally I know that if eggs suddenly became cheap - now that Trump's Administration is hiding information about bird flu - my _Consumer Confidence_ is non-existent.
May be able to check your state website, they might not be blocked out from reporting specifics. If you're on a border, check both/all...
If eggs suddenly become cheap due to _missing_ information (a-la don't count the dead from COVID to keep numbers small), there will be fewer consumers with lower confidence, so it will appear to get better.
Face it, the government under him won't protect us. Google is your friend: Does x contain toxic chemicals? Assume all food is contaminated: wash it thoroughly and cook it to proper temp, Don't be the first to try something; wait for others to do the alpha testing. If a restaurant is always short-staffed, assume they might also be shorting the washing/cleaning/sterilizing and maybe eat elsewhere. Protect yourselves!
No more chicken or eggs for me.
if eggs suddenly get cheap i won't touch them. remember:
"If we stop testing right now, we’d have very few cases, if any"?
I'm allergic to eggs. We use flax seeds as a substitute -- one teaspoon replaces one egg (white, not yolk), then boil in water just until viscous. I'm not sure what to replace yolks with.
i have ended my discretionary spending . At least 4 years of OH F NO!!
Same here. Started 11/6/24
Same here. I started digging my foxhole just after Xmas (less spending and saving any penny I can to savings, gold ETFs and retirement.)
@@luisdotespinal dunno if saving up U.S. dollars is going to be the answer or the fatal mistake. the felon is already eying the fdic, with h8s new head stating that an FDIC top priority is to "study deposit behavior to develop a more sophisticated understanding of the relative stability of different types of deposits and depositors".
for all we know, he might crash the banks and force us all to trade in our dollars at $1k per trump bitcoin.
Same. I live with my 70+ mom after my dad passed. She can’t afford to live on her own without me. We had a long discussion and she’s keeping her PT job because of threats to SS, 😢. NO unneeded expenditures. Fix, not replace if cost/benefit makes sense. Yes, we’d love a different stove but it’s $44 usd for part to fix a burner vs $$$ for new stove. Ordered part direct from Canadian supplier before tariff, thank goodness.
Us too. I used from Nov 6 to Jan 19 to get inventory in order. Figuring that this was coming. We're also eating less expensive food.
As a Canadian in a tiny eastern province, I’m not too happy right now. By June we will be in recession.
Prayers to all
US consumers are about to take a self-imposed hit from their president on Tuesday. Ironic that His Majesty's Loyal Subjects of Canada are fighting against import taxes in the US similar to the Tea Tax of 1773 which affected what are now American states and Canadian provinces alike. The founding fathers of the US must be turning in their graves.
I wish we could get him out of office, but then we would have Vance as President and Speaker Mike Johnson as VP. Either way it’s a lose - lose scenario. 😢
@@Erin-Thorso sorry. I guess we’re all in the same boat 😞
Canadian as well, don't panic we are starting to come together as a nation, historically when our backs are against the wall we stand strong. We also have the ability to sell our products to other countries and we will. There maybe a bit of pain in the beginning but over the long term we will be strong
As an American, neither are we.
One person US retailer here. I laid in supplies and stock (of the non perishable kind) before it took office. I also stocked up on non-perishables in my home pantry, from toilet paper to rice to canned goods. I will be purchasing as little as possible - perishable foods, gasoline and medicines - for the next four years, or however long it takes to excise the cancer that is T****ism. I can weather a qurantine-like pause in my business.
anecdotal, but some have described how shortly after the election, people in business meetings went from being glad Trump had won to being told that Christmas bonuses were cancelled because the company had to stock up before the new year.
Before it took office🤣🤣🤣In near tears
Yep I’ve done the same and encouraged everyone I know who’s willing to listen.
Sherrie: All of Canada is doing the same, except for the toilet paper and gasoline. Drop by, we'll have extra.
I have a full pantry and freezer. I started stocking Nov. 6th. I also am cutting all spending except the household, food, and gas. I am also planning to rarely go to restaurants. I am now SAVING at a fever pitch.
I took care of every big purchase I might need for the next four years back in November and December. Since I work remotely and don't need to worry about gas for 6-9 months, my biggest expense will be my monthly grocery run -- and even that I plan to limit as much as possible. I have zero confidence in the economy, because I saw how badly mismanaged it was the last time Trump had his way with it.
why do you think the party of big oil wants to ban working remotely.
@@kenbrown2808Obviously you don't know some people work on REMOTE islands for months at a time. My husband did for 12 years in Alaska.
If you have the space, it can help a lot to get an additional large chest freezer. Use it for deep freezer storage for large amounts of whatever it is you eat.
For example, if you are a meat eater, you can get a whole quarter of a cow and just freeze it. Then, instead of using it for pure beef meals like steak, cook it up into stews and such. That helps spread it out quite a bit. Do that, and the 1/4 cow can last most of a year or possibly more than a year.
You would obviously still need to buy the veggies and stuff to go with it, but often times the protein is the more expensive (and vulnerable to disease/unsafe practices) while also being the easier to keep for extended periods through freezing.
Of course, most of the ways to store/grow food long-term are impossible for those of lower incomes. I live in a small, shared apartment. I can't really have a chest freezer or home garden. It would also stress the monthly expenses a bit to invest in that much meat at once. But for those who have a bit more flexibility in space and finances, you can save a lot of money doing it that way. Yet another example of how much more expensive it is to be poor...
@@Jedi_Vigilante The sad thing it’s even more expensive to be homeless.
Same here. I'm a freelance translator so I work from home and don't really need anything but groceries. There are plenty of farmer's markets I can go to as well. But I feel bad for anyone who doesn't have these options.
it will take years to undo the damage from just two weeks.
Decades, if wee even get a chance. I am still waiting for the EO that makes DonOLD President For Life And Beyond.
And America will blame democrats for not fixing it all in one day.
I stockpiled as much of what I think I'll need, for the next 4 years. In anticipation of Trump tariffs. My consumer confidence dropped to 0, on November 6, 2024.
just bought 4 more solar panels to hold in reserve 2 days ago- right after i read about the felon imposing big new tariffs on china, canada, and mexico starting as early as today.
gonna divert funds planned for use on projects like a covered deck on our recently purchased tract of raw land to use to build the infrastructure for longterm food and water storage instead.
@@nonya.bizness I also bought solar before the tariffs. They get installed next month.
Same. Got a closet full of coffee, my favorite import. Thousands of canned goods, and 2 freezers packed full. All I need to buy for 3 years is milk and gasoline.
Dry milk is available.@@Sonofspam64
Wow, my post about also buying solar panels before the tariffs are enacted was censored. Just wow.
Could you imagine what the right wing media, and politicians would do if any democrat president had a czar like Musk in the White House
For one thing, MTG'd be screaming Communist!
Hair on fire!
It’s like there’s a voyeur looking at our data, sizing us up for taking everything. One unelected rich arrogant POS put there by the illegitimate felon POOPTUS. How anybody can think he is up to good is just unfathomable. A soon-to-be trillionaire looking at our data, deciding what to cut. He’s going to sell it the other billionaires so they can run our lives even more. This isn’t freedom. Trump has sold us out. Musk bought and paid for the presidency. He’s not even a native American. Have you noticed that he keeps hopping from bedroom to bedroom making more and more Musk babies?
They'd lose their minds very publicly on Fox, etc.
They'd be Jan 6ing again. It's legitimately disheartening that we are doing nothing.
Nobody asked me what I think of the state of affairs. I stopped shopping only buying necessities like food and gas. Already had my cable and internet shut off and went with a much cheaper company. Just hoping to keep my medical. I'm not confident at all in any part of this country.
I'm counting down to my vacation in Niagara Falls, Ontario!!!
I like your quick and direct programs. You get to the point and get your message out.
When the supposed commander in chief IS the cause of anxiety, there's little hope for positivity.
I'm in "hold onto your hat" mode. Zero significant purchases for the next four years for this household.
Every federal employee I know is cutting their spending because of the lack of certainty surrounding our jobs. And I work for the VA which is generally hands off. But we got the threatening "offer to resign" email and the "public sector employee suck" follow up.
Jesus said: In this world, you will have trouble; but, take heart, for I have overcome the world!!! Jesus will have the last word on Trump!!! Because no lie can live forever!!!
@@HenriettaHudson-we4wvYeah cause He's done such a bang up job stopping oppression over the last 2000 years... 😂😂😂
Well, I've already curtailed my spending. Friday night I made the last of my discretionary though immensely useful purchases. From now on it's strictly Great Depression tactics: use it up, wear it out, make do or do w/o.
I learned how to sew up holes in my socks instead of buying new ones.
Thrift stores will be really, really busy busier than they already have been. And businesses like grocery outlet.
Same here. Not getting an extra dime from me on any discretionary spending. BACK TO BASICS.
Not many people are familiar with that saying, unfortunately.
@ - I know. And they've been taught to turn up their sweet nose as technically expired canned goods to the point where I'm sure they'd rather starve than do 'poor stuff'. The average wedding today (for a marriage 50% likely to fail) costs $30K and is loaded on a card by people w/o a pot to piss in much less the down payment on a *starter* home. I mentioned that on a public thread one time and got scolded roundly for 'not understanding money'! By people no doubt in hock up to their eyeballs. Yes, I'm fortunate to have been taught by people who survived the Great Depression - but I've also taken care to always live below my means and not to waste resources. So - once again, not all my own doing but - I'm retired in a nice home that's paid for and I don't owe a single dime. .... But supposedly *I* am the one who 'doesn't understand money."
I see rice and beans being on the menu more than I would like.
My discretionary spending is going to spices for those beans and rice
with homemade tortillas, for me.
Facing a layoff when my kids were young, my Mexican co-worker gave me good advice.
"Don't worry. Buy tortillas and patotas. You can live on patota tacos for months if you have to." sic
I still love potato tacos.
Always a good option! And I'm now hungry.
@@hiphoppingalonghopefully it’s Penzeys spices!
Living in a very cold part of the country I’m worried about disruptions to electricity and propane. I know companies are trying to maximize profits for their boards and share holders by cutting maintenance costs and raising prices. When they cut resources, and raise prices people are going to suffer…which seems to be the whole point. I’m Just glad I’m not responsible for any little ones, except my myself and my dog….who wouldn’t screw me over for a buck.
Thank you!!!
Our economy isn’t only based on faith. It’s definitely consumer driven and when so many consumers are maxed out on credit cards and have very little savings the economy can’t go anywhere but down. So many of our neighbors have had their heads buried in the sand for so long it’s taking longer than it would if they were like, sane.
Canadian here- since he got voted in I only spend on necessities. Since many women are the driving force in spending, him passing drastic laws affecting women/ other minorities affects confidence
Thank you!!!
I'm living on rice, beans, and vegetables that I grow and preserve and I have nothing left to lose so I guess I'm finally free.
Yep. I’d say my confidence in the economy for the near future is not good.
Can NATO come in + remove these CLOWNS?
I was thinking the same. Pondering which global organization would come in help, since the dems aren't doing anything. I'm wondering if dems are waiting to see how much pressure the old R can take from the citizens, before they write up impeachment. 🤷♀️
WHY IS THIS BEING ALLOWED?
THAT'S BEEN MY QUESTION FOR MONTHS?
NATO has NO military without the U.S.
Maybe!!! The International Criminal Court and Amnesty International should investigate the Trump Administration!!! And Musk, too!!!!
@@71suns Because not enough people were allowed to vote against it. A democracy that allows fascists to be voted in is not a functional form of government.
Once you decide to cut most (or all) of discretionary spending, it’s amazing how little you actually need.
Thank you!!! I'm buying essentials only!!!
i’m glad i made an edible landscape and huge veggie garden during the pandemic. it was one of the best things i have ever done for my family.
Good for you, here in desert SW that's impossible.
This is so true. I've cancelled all my subscription, Amazon, ect. And cut out most of the "extras" in grocery shopping.
I’m canceling Amazon next year. I already paid for my annual subscription.
@@marysinclair1214 FYI Amazon will refund unused months.
I already lost confidence in the future of the economy once he was elected. I have shut down spending on anything extra, stockpiled frozen and dry foods, and pulled my stock investments. I was already convinced that a downturn was inevitable due to the chaos he causes.
Same.
Yeah... We're completely effed.
But how can that be when my relatives are all abuzz about how wonderful Trump is doing⁉️🤣
@Erin-Thor it looks like some will never see. After he's long gone, some will think he did good, but they will have to be willfully blind to all the damage he will blame on people that tried to help us.
Certainly seems so.
I am frightened. I am on SSDI + Medicaid. I have SNAP.
@@WayneScank🫂🌹🫂
Honestly, anyone who isn't actively hording as many resources as they can right now, simply isn't staying up with current events. Things are going to go straight to hell if Trump does only half of what he's been saying he's going to do.
If I could afford to stockpile, I would. But SS and Medicare is what's keeping me alive and believe me, there's not a penny to spare.
Exactly! BE ready so you don’t have to GET ready.
Part of the problem is that for many of the people at risk, as many resources as they can is still nothing.
Jesus Christ is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!!! I don't care how many billions Trump has, Trump will never, ever be king!!!!
Belle o'clock! Thanks for all your work, Belle and team!
Good evening Angelika! I hope you're having a great weekend!
My discretionary spending is going to spices for those beans and rice I’ve stocked up on
They're BOGO at my Sprouts this week. score!
I can give you a recipe for bean chili. You just need the beans, chilies, an onion, and spices.
It's a good time to be a veg head. There's lots of different grains. Rice Millet quinoa, oats. Lots of different beans, You can make rice milk. You can make oat milk. Never use eggs. I haven't used them for 30 years. Another thought and this sounds really weird but one of the best things I ever bought was a bidet. I might one package of toilet paper every 4 or 5 months. Indispensable!
I’ve been watching my spending since the store I worked at closed its doors in October.
So many comments from people who are WEALTHY enough to stockpile and weather the storm, and there are so many of us living moment to moment on next to nothing who will be ending up on the streets. This is what I hate about our country ' I've got me and mine taken care of and screw those others.' Good for you. Have a blessed day.
Some of us worked more than 40 years to save enough to retire/live on (maybe we're just further along the road of life?). And some of us still donate to help others, not just because of felon-1, but in _spite_ of him (excuse me, her).
I don’t have excess money. I understand what you are sharing. I am scouring the sale flyers, buying what is on a real sale, buying one or two items extra at a time. Starting small is making a difference for me. All the best to you.
I have no income. I'm waiting on an SSDI decision. I was homeless for 6 weeks before getting a project apartment in October, living in my barely running car with my cats. My grown sons struggle to help me pay my $25 rent (the rest is paid by Section 8 HUD voucher), to put a little gas in the car and buy non-food necessities like cat food, toilet paper and the one prescription Medicaid won't pay for. Food stamps and food pantries do the rest. All those programs are looking at being cut, which means I'm probably looking at homelessness and eating once a day at the Salvation Army, maybe twice a day if I can make it to other charity meal sites, while going without meds. I cry when I think about having to give up my kitties, which I most likely will. I, like you, CAN'T stock up on anything.
@@sharonrose295I am so sorry.
@@sharonrose295 I know that feeling. On SSDI myself and living with a relative until my son comes home from being stationed overseas. I even have a cat. Whatever happens, try to look up rather than down. God bless and keep you safe.
Now he is threatening the EU with tariffs😱
Consumer confidence played a big part of what drove the economy in the '90s. Happy days.
„the economy will start to circle“
the drain, specifically
It's not just prices. The items we buy are shoddy.
Actually isn't he doing it on purpose the rich get richer in a depression
It will also go a long way to help America’s adversaries; his paymasters.
Yes. Put Americans back into those "black" jobs he kept yelping about during his campaign, everybody who isn't at least a millionaire working in the fields folks. Get ready for it. When the depression hits, what will your choices be if you have a family you need to feed and 200 million Americans have lost their jobs.
@@jannibal9273 Bastille Day. That’s one choice.
@@jannibal9273 To be fair, he is now back in the "black job" he stole in 2016.
Of course, Trump is!!!
Yeah, in addition to being more careful in our spending now, we're going to have conversations about preparing for disruptions to Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. Retirement's gonna look different than spouse always assumed.
Starting Somewhere: Community Organizing For Socially Awkward People Who've Had Enough, by Roderick Douglass.
Sounds like that was written for me.
Flaxseeds snd egg substitutes.
Learning to be even more resourceful and grow/make my own.
Happy to help the learning curve.
So there's a solution to all of this. Every financial issue we have. Raise the minimum wage. Seriously all our problems stem from people not making enough money. If workers make more money problems go away. Life's good. Crime goes down.
Actually I'm going to make a prediction. Crime will go up during Trump's term. Follow the money to figure out crime.
We need to make the billionaires pay the same 12% on ALL OF THEIR INCOME that I, at 73, have to pay on mine!
@jannibal9273 I think Billionaires can afford to pay more.
Best wishes, Belle, Beau, kids, dogs , horses and the rest of the team.
My confidence is in the toilet and gets worse every time tRump opens his mouth. Discretionary spending ceased in this household the first of the year. Tripling the size of the garden this year.
Love that smug little smile you know damn well where this is headed thanks for keeping us informed lots of love
Thank you, Belle, for explaining this important economic situation.
Consumer spending represents around 70% of the GDP. A dip of this size in confidence is significant.
Adding this to my day drinking playlist
I have already limited my spending. Eliminated my auto ships, scrutinizing purchases to necessary items.
Thanks Belle for the information.
Thank you Belle. You are helping to keep me sane. 🥰
I'll take, Things We Saw Coming From a Mile Away, for $500, Alex.
🤠
Howdy, Ranch Hands! Hope you're having a good afternoon !👋
👋🏻💓😀 Have a good afternoon Donald
Not yet Donald. Think I need a new horn for my saddle.
@@tombrown4683- Dude, what did you do to break a saddle horn? Those things will literally tow a car! LOL!
Howdy Don, MBMC and Tom! Giddy up now!
Good afternoon good Donald! I hope it's a lovely day for you today!
Love your show. Relevant, brief and right to the point. A required watch in my books.
Consumer confidence is a great indicator because it is garnered democratically from a wide spectrum of front line consumers, not government officials or academic eggheads.
I did my spending during the Black Friday sales in anticipation of the DJT reign of terror, including food that could be prepared and frozen and canned goods.. With growing a lot of my own vegetables and the local farmer's market, I should be good for quite some time. PS I also bought wash clothes for when toilet paper leaves the shelves.
Already stopped my discretionary spending. Now, it's just hoard up every bit of money I can put back.
I was ready to launch a coaching business to help people micro start-ups, but I have completely scrapped the project. I can not, in good conscience, recommend that any one take such a risk in this chaos that trump has unleashed. FFS!
I think launching a startup would be wider than joining one for a while. But I think there's going to be gaps that will need filling in the economy and that some someones are going to do very well for themselves until they're bought out or crushed by the multi nationals.
Wiser, not wider.
I’m anxious about what this means for housing prices. We went on a weekend trip and after talking it over decided to put our house on the market. When we got home, three other houses in our neighborhood had For Sale signs in the yard. Im not sure if that’s a good thing or not.
I hear that housing inventory is very low, but selling is hard because few people can afford to buy.
2x4's (mostly from CA) are going to cost 25+% more. That should add at least 20% to the cost of a house by itself. Add electrical wires, pipes, vents, heat/A-C/washer/dryer/fridge/range/dishwasher, floor finishes, etc., all with tariffs, and do the math.
I received an email today from Pulte (a builder in central Ohio.) They are increasing their prices in February due to “material costs and consumer demand in the rise.” My guess is it’s more because of the former than the latter.
I don't have a lot of money for extra stuff, so I'm going to try to spend as little as possible during this... administration's reign of incompetence. That's assuming I don't lose my job.
Yeah or have a medical emergency. That's what concerns me as a senior. 🙁
Whenever it is wherever you are, I hope it's a good time for you!
👋🏻💓😀, afternoon V! Enjoy your day.
Wonderful here, how is it in your neck of the woods?
Hi Victoria 👋. Woke this morning to find my WiFi is out. Not my area - just mine. Service guy just got here , explaining my lateness.
Hi Victoria, it's boil-the-kettle time. The wind is blowing again and a thermos might come in handy.
Good afternoon. ✌
With all the uncertainty markets are falling tanking 401k's, who in their right minds would feel confident
I'm spending as little as possible during the trump administration. Saving is the best way for me to survive this clown.
Me, too!!! Thank you!!! My priorities are: Rent, Food and Bills!!!!
All this chaos is not going to help with consumer confidence because part of that is government confidence
Thank you!!1
I honestly don’t think he cares about consumer confidence. Narcissistic people like him and his rich boy toys only care about themselves
We feel it in the real estate industry.
We are confident that there is going to be turmoil, curflufence, and fervent.
I retired into this. In the late fall I got my senior lifetime pass for the national parks and I renewed my passport and I had plans of going on a cruise and traveling the country and then Trump got elected. I had a new car fund and a new (to me) boat fund and my first year expenses for retirement all set aside. That is all being divided up to four years of living expenses and all traveling is canceled. The only thing I’m buying is groceries and I’m stocking up on canned goods if I get a good price on it.
You had an amazing year lined up! I’m sorry the cult leader ruined it for you. Take care.
I'm shopping for the dented cans at half price and only purchasing from thrift stores.
Stop supporting corporation! Buy local and B coporations vote with your dollar. Say no to the coup.
Thank you Belle and Team.
As I said before, you all know what to do when the midterms arrive. Hell, I'll be happy with a split Congress.
Me, too, at this point!!!!
Thank You Belle and Team for the News Highlights and Observations of our NOW Chaotic life in the ERA of the🙋♂ Reich-trump Regime.
We went shopping for most things we thought we'd want and need before trump.
👋🏽🤠💙 Consumer Confidence vs. Trump sounds like a great legal show! 📺 🍿 I’d watch it! 😊
Howdy Erin !
👋🏻💓😀 Have a good afternoon Erin!
Sounds more like Survivor to me.
@victoriajohnson-parratt6975 must be lone survivor !
All of your points are valid. The only thing we could be sure of is the not funny chaos that would ensue.
Thank you, Belle.💙💙💙💙
I never really stopped “prepping” after the pandemic. I’d actually started prior to so we’re in pretty good shape at my house. No unnecessary expenditures. Only “major” purchase planned is a 1/4 cow from a friend next month 😉. Almost all in ground beef because that’s the biggest bang for the…cow, lol. Everyone take care. 🙏🔵
I know Trumps moves have sure stopped Mexico and Canada from spending on America a lot! LOL
Oh my goodness, now I feel old because I was 33 years old when 9/11 happened. Well old enough to remember.
I was over 40, about 200 feet across the street and 40 floors below the first plane impact. And I still have survivor's guilt.
@WBS001 I'm so sorry. I can't imagine what that must have felt like.
Egg prices in VT are $7.99/dozen. SO MUCH WINNING /s
This is intentionally folks. More chaos.
My June 2025 this country will be will on it's way to a 3rd World Ranking
(That's not a thing)
Please refer to Beau's video explaining what third world actually refers to. With that in mind I can't quite see how the US could complete that manoeuvre.
America will be divided. Poor people will be in No-man's land, dying. Rich trumpers will be laughing at dying poor people.
@@nalou6933 SOLENT GREEN
America is becoming a 3rd world country.
@angelikalindenau943 You're missing the point.
So you like what the gop and trump are Doing?
Go study Zimbawa and Venezuela, the comparison is scary.
I'm a VA employee who's about to lose my job because there's simply no office fir me to report to. I signed on to be 100% remote. Though I live close to another regional office, I can't get transferred because they simply don't have the desk space as we've been doing telework since 2010. There are 3-5 employees to a desk. So a quarter of VA staff is going to disappear so it'll take even more time to process veteran claims even though we have a 6 month backlog. There's also buzzing tuat they'll take the contact centers overseas, so imagine an 80 year old widow trying to understand an Indian accent. Veterans will suffer and never understand it's Nero's doing.
Thank you for your service to the VA!!!
I do business with customers in 70% of the world. Everyone everywhere is broke. And now Americans are following the trend.
It depends on how you define "broke", but I don't consider my country (debt: 45% of GDP), the people in my country or myself broke.
Over the last 30 years, there has been the most massive transfer of wealth to the rich and super-rich in history. (In the Gilded Age, a lot of money the plutocrats had came from actually building a powerful industrial economy...which would eventually 'trickle down' to the workers. Today's super-rich are mostly just looters.)
So if consumer confidence was that high, why did they then vote for promised unrealistic change ? Yep, it's a hell of a big postcard to write the answers on, suffice to say, human nature to protect and preserve oneself against adversity has not kept up with the times and the ideals of Star Trek and are still a long way in the future.
Belle O'clock Ranchhands 💗 good afternoon 💓👋🏻😀
Hello there coworker! Do we get overtime for the late 9pm shift? 😎😁👋🏽
Good afternoon Mary Beth! I hope you're doing well today!
@@Erin-Thor ( 10 pm my time) you deserve it! I leave after 5 hours ...
Hang in there. Work is tough sometimes times. You deserve double pay for those shifts.
Wow, I went shopping earlier today and spent less on my weekly wants. I was thinking about the pending potential tariff fiasco. 🤷♂️🤔🙄
I remember that Bush Jr. thing, as well as something written on a white board “in country” during the war…
“America is not at war. The Marines are at war; America is at the mall.”
Consumer spending powers 70% of the entire economy. Not the ultra-wealthy so-called "job creators." BTW, today while grocery shopping at Meijer, I had about 7-8 items on my list that I simply went without because I looked at the price and decided it wasn't worth it, due to obvious price-gouging. So, Meijer, that's some $40 you lost on sales from me today. Let's multiply that, shall we, and see what kind of roar we can raise.
I stopped spending money on non-essentials several months ago. The essentials are already expensive enough anyway.
We live in a finite world, so economies dependent upon infinite growth are not sustainable. Maybe this is a god time to consider other options.
Thank you,Belle.😎🇺🇸💙
Consumers weary when the administration is promising higher prices? I'm shocked!
THANK YOU BELLE
I can't wait to see what they screw up next week
There is no reason for optimism. Do what you can to help your family prepare for the worst possible outcomes. Be fiscally conservative, and say so loudly*. Reduce debt (this means you won't be paying exorbitant interest payments to big banks). Eliminate subscriptions (this will defund media corporations). Minimize purchases and try to spend locally (this defunds big retailers). Even if you are comfortable this is wise: you will have money to help those in need.
*The MAGAhats and oligarchs need to wake up. They only understand one language: US$. If you make it clear you are being fiscally conservative you are helping them come to terms with things. Any discussion they can twist into "woke" gives their talking heads fodder for a narrative that will keep them from coming to terms.
Jesus Christ is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!!! Trump will never, ever be king!!! Jesus Christ will always have the Kingdome, the Power and the Glory!!! All Trump will ever have is power!!! But, Trump's power is empty, false and temporary!!!
It's why I bought a new PC a month ago. Before inflation is going to hit hard and the economy burns to the ground.
Belle, I appreciate the calm way that you bring the news in these scary and uncertain times. With that being said, at this time, I'm just buying essentials, only!!! This whole thing would never have happened if Kamala Harris was president!!! America chose a different way with Trump!!! This is America: Adolescent, Arrogant, Belligerent, Uneducated and Ignorant!!! My vacation to Niagara Falls, Ontario can't come soon enough!!!
I have no choice but to stop spending disgressionary income bc I'll need it for groceries and basic necessities. Im just grateful I replaced my car and electronics in the last two years.
I haven't been a "big spender" in years. Life just seems to keep taking downturns when it comes to my personal economy. I eat cheap, get the big bags of cat food for the cats, even though they're harder to carry, buy any clothing I need at thrift stores, Goodwill, and yard sales, and am on the lookout for bargains on the groceries I need, and at the bin store. If you go on dollar day and don't mind digging, you can get some good bargains.
That's what I do, too!!! Although I'm not a pet owner!!!
My purchasing over the next 4 years will be null!
Thank you Belle again from Sterling Heights Michigan
Hoping that those who get paid less see this increase over time....
I have no confidence. I laid in a few supplies but I live in social security so didn’t have much extra money. But I’ll be shopping WinCo (employee owned) and eating a little if beans and peanut butter. Hard to trust food that isn’t inspected.
That worries me as well...that the safety of food and other products is going to be unreliable at best.
Thank you!!!
Hello again, Belle!