The world is in a very tricky place right now. Through the persistent and aggregate efforts of a very small group of individuals, the world economy has been broken and funneled into serving the interests of a few billionaires.
This broken economy isn’t just unfair, it’s leading to a consolidation that hurts consumers, hurts the nation and puts a strain on the wider economy.
In the spirit of a positive way forward, here are five practical ways you can help yourself and others to survive the billionaire’s economy:
1. Shop Local
Buy locally produced and grown goods. Even if they cost a little more, every cent supports a small business instead of going into the profits of predators. The higher costs from local operators often reflect their willingness to uphold quality, while seemingly cheaper goods may have cut corners in ways you would never have agreed to. For example, using wet paper to recreate the texture of orange juice pulp.
2. Hire Local Experts
Support your local tradesmen and home based services like dog groomers. These businesses need every lifeline they can get right now. Small businesses and independent operators need your repeat business and have a stronger incentive to look after you than a big company that just wants you to pay them a lot.
3. Eat Locally
Eat and drink at local establishments that are owned by your fellow locals. If you need food delivered, see if they have their own driver instead of using an app. Most pizza shops still have a good old fashioned driver who knows your area better than any app or GPS.
4. Fix, Don’t Replace
Repair, reuse and maintain your own equipment instead of automatically replacing it. Many products on shelves today are of a lower quality, if you’re replacing an old washing machine that’s over a decade old you may want to hold off and call a local repairman instead.
5. Save Strategically
Ensure your money isn’t flowing into giant corporate buckets. This means diversifying your investments, spending and how you save money. Maybe your bank doesn’t have the best interest rates for long term savings, consider shopping around. Don’t be afraid to store some cash at home, just make sure it’s secure.
Small business used to have strong political protection, but that has not been the case for a number of years. Small business is still a vital part of our economy and yet is neglected by governments, chambers of commerce and the media. This trend has left everyone in the working class and small business on the outside of this new economy, while those who are only focused on profit are the only insiders.
Hope this survival guide was helpful!