As you might know, my wife and I just moved. It’s a wonderful home just outside the Anderson city limits in a quiet little neighborhood.
In discussions of a new home there were several “musts,” which although small were pretty important to us. No, I’m not talking about HGTV kinda things with granite counter tops and views of the ocean. Angie wanted a home with an attached garage and i wanted a storage barn, either existing or room for one.
The new house has the room, but no barn. After several months of researching, we’ve picked the company, the design, and place in the yard. We’ve decided on the color, how many windows, and if the roof should have black or “Estate Grey” shingles. The barn has to fit with the existing home, have shingles which will match a planned new home roof in 5-8 years, and fit building codes for the neighborhood.
We’ve decided on the barn, but won’t buy it…yet. It’s the economy.
The economy, I believe, is as much psychological as it is real. You can put your hands on the great new cars made in Detroit, Japan, or Korea…but, it’s the psychology that makes you buy one. How many 50-something’s NEED a Corvette? Probably none…but, it makes them feel good….either younger, thinner, richer, or with flowing wavy hair.
Consumer confidence is the belief that things will be “ok.” That we’ll all have jobs next week, the banks will stay open, and the next president will ‘know what to do.” It’s when that faith is shaken we begin to get worried.
Everyone has parents who had disagreements. I can remember the few times my parents would argue and you’d have the feeling of insecurity. There wasn’t anything you could DO about it and it wasn’t your fault…but, it still made you feel worried and a bit alone.
There really isn’t anything I can DO as an individual about the economy. Like a parent’s argument, it’s really out of my hands. At some point, late that night, one or both of them will come into my room and tell me ‘it’s ok.” Things will feel secure again.
With the economy, at some point, someone in an expensive suit will be on television saying, “it’s ok.” And we’ll all feel secure again. Until then, I’m going to have a really crowded garage.
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