Are You Being Served???

One of our all time favorite Brit Coms was "Are You Being Served" and "Are You Being Served, Again." The initial show centered on a group of employees at a upscale British clothing store. In the second series the group had retired and were living all together in a home left to them by the owner of the store when he died. It required this group of people to learn new skills, like cooking and farming.

I was thinking about this show after reading an article in today's paper titled, "$300,000 a year, but a precarious position." It was chronicling the hardship of the rich in the current economic climate. $500 a month for a gardener, nanny cost $40,000/yr and $75,000 a year in property tax...It seems everyone is feeling it and it is no less distressing for the wealthy than it is for the middle class. It is causing a change in choices, living outside the box so you won't have to live in a box. I have said it before, this downturn was a gift. In all it's stress and difficult choices, if you keep a open outlook you can recognize that the state you are in...is really of your own choice and making.

It has been a time where I have recognized my own...not so smart choices...and have been able to make better ones. I am glad that we did not have to keep up with the Jones' because our children have a better chance of living their lives by their own rules not what society thinks you should have. I was raised a Jones, lol but we lived within, if not below our means. Which has allowed us to weather these times.

I am no longer getting my hair done at my favorite place...because when it comes down to it...do I want to work more to have my hair done there...or do I want more time. Saving has become a religion and my collection box is secure.