We just sent out a new QBQ! QuickNote (subscribe today!) which basically said more personal accountability is needed and consumers in debt should not be blaming the gov’t, the lenders, the banks, the politicians, etc. Well, most responded with Amen! – and a few disagreed. That desire to blame is just so strong. Here’s one response from a real estate person in Texas:
Hallelujah! We are all responsible for the decisions we make. My husband and I chose to buy a very nice house; we knew when we made this choice that it would affect our other choices such as eating out less and going on smaller vacations. We have been in our home for two years now and I wouldn’t change a thing. We pay our mortgage each month and eat at home most nights except date night. We are not perfect people but we made a choice and we take our responsibilities very seriously. To hear people say that it is not their fault, blame the government, Wall Street, the bill collectors, etc, it just makes me wonder what kind of responsibility they are teaching their kids. Thank you for your periodic emails – sometimes they make me laugh, sometimes they make me cry and sometimes, like today, they make me stand up and cheer! Keep it up Mr. QBQ! T.H.
Thank you for a terrific QuickNote….it is great to have a right-hearted reminder of how those of us who haven’t behaved in the most responsible manner can find the quickest way back to the right path. Face it, own it, stop it, and do what I can, right now, to make the situation better. With rare exception, our situations are not as bad as we’ve built them up to be in our own minds, and the fear and anxiety are dissipated by ownership of the problem. Then we can solve it, instead of passing it around like a moldy hot potato.
Solutions aren’t found in bailouts, but in creative ideas – our own, those of the people who love us, and who are more experienced in dealing with the issues we face. What a huge relief. There are a lot worse things than moving (actually, renting from an angel of a landlord has saved our family, and our ability to work with uncluttered minds and the fatigue of worry). As Dave Ramsey says, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and it’s NOT an oncoming train!
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