There’s been a lot of talk recently about this economic financial crisis. Many comparisons to The Great Depression have been made. We have to stop spending like we did in the 80′s and 90′s and start spending like our grandparents did when there was a real depression in this country. So when you’re thinking of making a purchase, ask yourself, what would Grandma do?

Can I help to answer the question? First, I can tell you what Grandma would most certainly not do. She would not have maxed out half a dozen credit cards getting frivolous things that she would probably end up selling for less on eBay. She would never spend more than she had. But here’s what she would do. She would look for coupons for all the purchases she knew she was going to have to make. She would really shop around for the best deal on items she needed. In essence, she was a smart shopper.

So why aren’t we smart shoppers today? Credit cards, buy now spend later mentalities, increased wages and a higher standar of living have certainly contributed to “dumb” shopping. Of course, our government hasn’t exactly been the best role model lately. George Bush nearly doubled the entire national debt to astronomical amounts. Everything the government purchases they buy with borrowed Chinese money. We have largely mirrored our government in fiscal irresponsibility.

So it’s time for a return to fiscal responsibility. It’s time to think, “What would Grandma do?” Let’s start being smart about our money. Let’s stay up to date on the news that could affect us and our finances. Let’s be smart and get serious about our finances. We just can’t afford not to.