Has the crap economy put a crimp in your thrifting?

[Chickybaby]

I think it really depends on what area and what type of business, Atari5200.

 

The cost of gas is definitely affecting Thrifting and yard sales and pretty much everything in general at this point especially with public transportation not being an option for his work commute.

I go only where is necessary and if something is along the way then I'll stop. Before, I used to make 2 days a week sale days. There aren't any good thrifts close by anyway. They seem to think that Genesis sports game is worth at least $5 loose. I've even seen one boxed for $10. It sucks too because yard sales are great places to pick up kids stuff and in really nice condition many times because I think there's an unwritten rule that everyone must have baby/kids stuff and books at sales.

[Atari5200]

i don't really thrift in general because #1. There's rarely anything good. #2. if there is something, it's too expensive and common.

 

The economy is not affecting me personally and so far hasn't really affect the area, or at least from what I see, so it doesn't affect my game buying...my wife on the other hand....I can usually ebay and time the shipping so I can get home before she gets home to open up the pack and throw away the packaging before she gets home...lol, it's like Crack to me.

Edited July 3, 2008 by Atari5200

[Warriorisabouttodie]

Indirectly my video game collecting has been effected by the economy in the sense that in the past I would drive all over to get used games, systems etc... now I pass on a lot of good deals because it is just not worth it when I take into account the gas. Gas is 4.35 a gallon right now and if it keeps going up (which it undoubtly will until it reaches around 8 dollars a gallon in a couple years) then this will play more of a factor in my buying habits.

[Atari5200]

gas has not affected my driving...yet...I had a great Craigslist deal going on, but had to cancel not because I didn't want to pay gas, it was too far away and there wasn't any good time for me to get there, coupled by the guy not wanting to meet me anywhere half way or even down the road on the main road. I went out of state to get my MVS. Granted, I'm not going to drive super far out of my way for a single game or even a handful unless there's something to justify my spending the gas.

[jetset]

I'm north of Pittsburgh PA.

 

I keep hearing of the "terrible" economy, but yet to see any of this doom and gloom, other than gas prices. Especially with the business I'm in that is extremely dependent on other companies making money, we are having a record sales year, which should be the opposite if the economy was as bad as the main stream media would let you believe. Maybe is just area by area?? When I first started at my job, the economy was in worse shape than it is now.

Record gas prices

Housing market bust, millions out of homes and/or filing bankruptcy

Rising Inflation

Rising unemployment

Record high food prices

Stock market down over 20% (Bear market)

Corporate profits plummeting

Did I miss anything? You sure must be in a bubble. Many economists are in agreement this is THE worst the economy has been since the great depression. The early 80's, as bad as that was doesn't even come close.

I admire your positive outlook, unless you're one of those head in the sand types. Not sure how when you started your job, but even if it was in the last 8 years it hasn't been THIS bad! Prior to that you'd have to go back to 91 to find hard times.

[gdement]

Gas prices make a big difference in people's shopping habits. But the overall economy? Old games aren't that expensive, it's really just the gas that's a problem.

 

Many economists are in agreement this is THE worst the economy has been since the great depression.

Every economic downturn has had psychos on TV racing to be the first to call it the "worst since the great depression". We haven't even officially entered into a recession yet, but it's generally predicted that we're moving that way. Anybody that's already calling it the worst economy since WW2 is desperate for attention and not worth taking seriously.

[jetset]

Gas prices make a big difference in people's shopping habits. But the overall economy? Old games aren't that expensive, it's really just the gas that's a problem.

 

Many economists are in agreement this is THE worst the economy has been since the great depression.

Every economic downturn has had psychos on TV racing to be the first to call it the "worst since the great depression". We haven't even officially entered into a recession yet, but it's generally predicted that we're moving that way. Anybody that's already calling it the worst economy since WW2 is desperate for attention and not worth taking seriously.

 

Please tell me when it's been worse. I'm not desperate for attention, just stating fact.

Even major economists are stating this, including one of the biggest Republican money mongers of them all...

http://money.cnn.com/2008/03/17/news/econo...nspan/index.htm

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=206...id=aAZwgRY7yikM

 

No worries. Change is coming. January '09.

Edited July 6, 2008 by jetset

[gdement]

Please tell me when it's been worse. I'm not desperate for attention, just stating fact.

Even major economists are stating this, including one of the biggest Republican money mongers of them all...

http://money.cnn.com/2008/03/17/news/econo...nspan/index.htm

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=206...id=aAZwgRY7yikM

 

No worries. Change is coming. January '09.

 

 

I wasn't referring to you as desperate for attention. I'm talking about the people on TV.

The great depression line is an easy sound bite. Everybody does it with every downturn.

 

It sounds like you're going at this in the spirit of an upcoming Presidential election. That's what the activists are doing as well. There's going to be so much hyperbole by November people are going to think they're dead.

 

Off the top of my head, inflation and unemployment were practically catastrophic in the late 70's/early 80's. Nothing like today. Gas wasn't cheap either, over $3/gallon in today's dollars. Home prices became unaffordable for many people, which was followed by sky high interest rates.

 

I doubt the current economy is as bad as early 90's either, but I'm not particularly motivated to go finding a bunch of figures for it. Maybe it will get there. As it stands we haven't even lost GDP yet.

 

This topic's connection to video games seems pretty artificial, ought to be in P&R.

[Atari5200]

of course you're going to be doom and gloom when you listen to the main stream media. and the housing bubble is NOT all of the US, trust me I know, I've bought my own house, and have since been looking to buy another. From Realtors I've spoke to, both independent and family friends, state that Florida and California are the worst states while many are truly not affected.

 

I'm very much into politics, the economy, local and national, I manage my own 401k, I understand the stock market, economics, so I tend to think I have a pretty good idea of what is going on. I'm not going to deny that things are getting bad, but they are not as bad as the main stream media would want you to believe, especially in my area.

 

This is why I have the outlook I do and I don't believe a lot of what the main stream says to be true.

 

My job deals with the selling of promotions, corporate stores, conventions, gatherings, awards, etc. Companies will come to me looking for give aways, promotions, etc, to give to their employees or whatever, or to stock stores that they have within their company. Right now this year...2008...is the largest growth year that I've seen in the last 5 years. Now tell me how that is possible with the economy so bad. You would think these companies would be saving their money, not buying more stuff to give away, or setting up more stores, or having more promotions and conventions, and other events. When I started in my work, the stock market was below 10,000.

 

And the economy in the last quarter, I believe grew, it was very small, but it still grew, despite what is currently going on.

 

You want to see the economy in turmoil. Elect Obama. When he raises every bodies income tax and capital gains taxes, you wait and see what happens. If you're going to buy stuff, buy it now, because if he gets in, nobody will be able to afford anything for 4 years, unless he gets booted out early. There's no way he'll last more than 4 years with the policy he wants to implement.

Edited July 7, 2008 by Atari5200

[jetset]

So, 4 more years of Bush-o-nomics (tax cuts for the wealthy, incentives for mega corporations to move overseas, and a continued expansion of government) is the shot in the arm we need? Hmmm...

I'm not sure which mainstream media you're watching...sounds like the same one we all see based on what you are stating about Obama. He's actually planning on LOWERING income tax for the middle class. The media as always spins WAY right, and they're not even past the tip of the iceberg as to just how bad it is right now.

I'm not sure what you do for a living....but I work as an adviser for a major bank. I manage OTHER PEOPLES 401k's, and have a damn good idea of what is going on. And believe me it's not good.

But again if you feel that McCain (who btw on several occasions himself said he was no expert on finance!) is the answer to the economic woes then by all means support him. If you're impressed with the recent "growth" which almost got us close to where Clinton left the economy in 2000, then great. TO me, 8 years of stagnation with worse times in the near future to look forward to is not my idea of growth.

Your cries about Obama sound very identical to those about Clinton in 91. Eight years of unprecedented growth and prosperity later, most realized they were wrong about him. Again it's the "mainstream media" that has peoples' opinions about the Deomcrats wrong. guess who LOWERED the capital gains taxed in the 90's? Bush Sr.? Nope. Clinton did. Guess who balanced the budget and ran with a surplus? Yep...Clinton again. Guess who annihilated that surplus and turned it to a deficit? Here's a hint...its the same guy who EXPANDED the size of government. Need another hint? He also lied us into a war that's costing billions....

Look believe what you want. Obama WILL be president come January, and his economic policies will restore positive growth. And I'm sure the righties will jump in and take credit for the growth as being GW Bushs' policies not Obamas, much like Clinton haters said he benefited from Reaganomics and GHBush1.

[joeybastard]

I think it's problem of perspective. Somebody making more than middle income probably has paid less in taxes and the rising gas/food/medical prices doesn't have much effect on them as a whole so it looks OK to them. The majority of people in the middle and lower incomes are feeling the tighter squeeze of those high prices, companies downsizing, unemployment, etc. so they are more aware of it.

Edited July 7, 2008 by joeybastard

[Atari5200]

how is raising the taxes going to benefit, go ahead lower middle class, fine, but define middle class, middle class tax cuts = you don't get one. You manage peoples money, you should know more than anybody that corporations don't pay taxes, YOU PAY THEIR TAXES.

 

Who is going to pay for socialized medicine? you and me as higher taxes. I could care less for either guy, but McCain is infinitely better than Obama once you know and understand what Obama wants to do. Bush's tax cuts spurred the economy and it flourished until Dems took control of the house and senate, unemployment was at an all time low, that is fact. Gas prices didn't start to raise out of control until dems took the house and senate, that is fact. The housing market didn't go haywire until the government made the lending companies give loans to people that couldn't pay them...that is fact, then they try to back pedal and put the blame back on companies like CountryWide, it's ridiculous.

 

If it were up to me, there'd be no corporate tax. The fair tax would be inacted and you would see growth in this country like never before. Raising taxes is never the answer, but nobody gets it, it's simple economics and simple understanding of business. if a business gets taxed you pass that through in the price of goods. The evil gas companies make up to 8% profit on a gallon of gas, while the government makes 14%, that's fair right? But all you ever hear of is price gouging oil companies, what about the price gouging government??? That 14% doesn't even include state and local taxes so it's even more. But the oil companies are the ones taking their money and trying to develop new technology, increase exploration, do all this other stuff to make our lives better, and what does the government do with sometimes over 2x the profit on a gallon of gas????

Taxes get raised, the economy slows down even more and then when someone comes along and lowers taxes, the economy flourishes.

 

The companies in the US deserve a tax break, they provide the goods and services that you and I use everyday, they provide the jobs that feed our families, they allow us the opportunity to provide for our family, to be productive, to spend on whatever we want, to grow, and to even break off on our own ventures. Last time I checked we lived in the USA and people DO NOT GET PUNISHED for making money, but we punish these people every day and then wonder why they move their business out of the country.

 

This is fun.

Edited July 7, 2008 by Atari5200

[joeybastard]

Here's an interesting article on what McCain and Obama's tax plans mean for the various income levels.

What they'll do to your tax bill

[Atari5200]

The first flaw in the article is that tax cuts INCREASE revenue, they don't decrease revenue. What needs to happen is the pork spending in Washington needs to be cut, taxes don't need to be raised to account for the extra spending.

 

The other major flaw is the extreme tax hike for the higher tiers, that's crazy. Socialism doesn't work, how many times do people have to watch it fail before they get it through their heads, re-distribution doesn't work, name me one example that it does. The people in the higher tiers are going to get taxed to death, they will not spend the money they once had to spend, they won't invest it, they won't do anything but hoard it and that will hurt the economy more. They won't spend the money to buy the new car that keeps the car makers and employees working, or build the new house that keeps the contractors working, or grow their business, would you want to spend or save knowing you are going to be taxed into oblivion???

 

McCain "In addition to making the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts permanent, McCain says he would double the exemption for dependents, lower the corporate tax rate, make expensing rules more generous for small businesses and lessen the bite of the estate tax and Alternative Minimum tax." LOWER THE CORP TAX RATE: that is HUUUGGGEEE, that will boost the economy, not hike the corp tax rate. What is so hard to understand?

 

That's what this country needs. What you need to look at is the capital gains taxes. Obama wants to raise them to, I believe 39%, back to what it was during the Clinton years that caused the problems to begin with. Income tax is not going to make that large of an impact, what is it, the top 2% pay the most taxes to begin with. It's the capital gains that is going to make the difference and is going to take a huge hit with Obama.

 

If the article is true, which I have no doubt to believe, there is some conflicting issues, but for the most part it seems solid. That's fine, for individual incomes, Obama's plan will supposedly lower taxes for what is considered lower class with EXTREME increases for the upper tiers, I am against this and trust me, will not be good for the economy.

 

We all need to push for the fair tax.

 

Capital gains.

1. The taxable part of a gain from qualified small business stock is taxed at a maximum 28% rate.

2. Net capital gain from selling collectibles (such as coins or art) is taxed at a maximum 28% rate.

3. The part of any net capital gain from selling Section 1250 real property that is required to be recaptured in excess of straight-line depreciation is taxed at a maximum 25% rate.

 

I would think someone that manages peoples 401ks would be highly against raising the capital gains tax.

Edited July 7, 2008 by Atari5200

[RJ]

Actually it seems lately I'm buying MORE games than before. I dont make special trips to stores though- I usu. only go as part of another trip. This past week we drove up north & when we stopped for gas there was a GameStop literally right next door . I got Katamari Damacy & Outrun 2006 C2C for $20 total.

 

& the week before, on a trip to plan the vacation, I got ChoroQ & AquaAqua at another GS for $6 total. GS seems to be closing out their PS2 stock, Im seeing lots of games for good prices.

Edited July 8, 2008 by RJ

[fiddlepaddle]

Atari5200 has it exactly right... more government (more regulation) only slows the economy, and taking money from the wealthier (who have been, by definition, more productive) and putting it in the hands of the poorer (who have been, by definition, less productive) will only slow the economy. We need to be happy when companies (and the people who invest in them) make lots of profits. Envy aside, it's good for everyone.

 

Who will want to invest their energy developing fun, creative games if all their royalty profits are taxed away? Atari created great wealth, and inspired much more. Rich people are good for you.

 

By the way, the food, oil, commodities price increases we've seen recently in the US are directly related to our government pumping money into the economy to alleviate the banking liquidity crisis, which was itself created by government incentives to increase homeownership along with many borrowers who did not read or understand what they were signing ("your payment will increase").

[shadow460]

I wonder who's more interested in classic gaming...Barack Obama, John McCain, or Brutal Howell (wait, Bru lived in the 30's so he didn't have video games), or Tim LaHaye?

[Atarifever]

The first flaw in the article is that tax cuts INCREASE revenue, they don't decrease revenue. What needs to happen is the pork spending in Washington needs to be cut, taxes don't need to be raised to account for the extra spending.

 

The other major flaw is the extreme tax hike for the higher tiers, that's crazy. Socialism doesn't work, how many times do people have to watch it fail before they get it through their heads, re-distribution doesn't work, name me one example that it does. The people in the higher tiers are going to get taxed to death, they will not spend the money they once had to spend, they won't invest it, they won't do anything but hoard it and that will hurt the economy more. They won't spend the money to buy the new car that keeps the car makers and employees working, or build the new house that keeps the contractors working, or grow their business, would you want to spend or save knowing you are going to be taxed into oblivion???

 

McCain "In addition to making the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts permanent, McCain says he would double the exemption for dependents, lower the corporate tax rate, make expensing rules more generous for small businesses and lessen the bite of the estate tax and Alternative Minimum tax." LOWER THE CORP TAX RATE: that is HUUUGGGEEE, that will boost the economy, not hike the corp tax rate. What is so hard to understand?

 

That's what this country needs. What you need to look at is the capital gains taxes. Obama wants to raise them to, I believe 39%, back to what it was during the Clinton years that caused the problems to begin with. Income tax is not going to make that large of an impact, what is it, the top 2% pay the most taxes to begin with. It's the capital gains that is going to make the difference and is going to take a huge hit with Obama.

 

If the article is true, which I have no doubt to believe, there is some conflicting issues, but for the most part it seems solid. That's fine, for individual incomes, Obama's plan will supposedly lower taxes for what is considered lower class with EXTREME increases for the upper tiers, I am against this and trust me, will not be good for the economy.

 

We all need to push for the fair tax.

 

Capital gains.

1. The taxable part of a gain from qualified small business stock is taxed at a maximum 28% rate.

2. Net capital gain from selling collectibles (such as coins or art) is taxed at a maximum 28% rate.

3. The part of any net capital gain from selling Section 1250 real property that is required to be recaptured in excess of straight-line depreciation is taxed at a maximum 25% rate.

 

I would think someone that manages peoples 401ks would be highly against raising the capital gains tax.

I hope the Republicans win again. Once they completely obliterate the economy, the U.S. might finally get a third party option led by some Libertarians. I honestly can't believe people down there still believe either party is good for the economy. The whole rest of the planet can see how terrible both parties are, and you guys keep voting for the giant douche or turd sandwich options. We've got giant douche, turd sandwich, flag burner, eco-nuts, and reds up here.

 

http://www.lp.org/

[stirrell]

The first flaw in the article is that tax cuts INCREASE revenue, they don't decrease revenue.

 

So you're saying that if we lower the tax rate on every American to 0.0000000001%, that would increase revenues? You've been listening to too much Rush and Hannity.

 

Too much of either side is a bad thing. First off, power corrupts and those in power tend to abuse it. This is both Republicans and Democrats and, dare I say, Libertarians, were they to be swept into office in a landslide. That is why democracy is an ongoing, messy process and people need to be vigilant.

 

Secondly, totally laissez faire capitalism, with no restrictions, would be bad. Witness the savings and loan debacle and the Great Depression and Enron's collapse. Without oversight, people will do shady things (much like my first point suggests). However, too much regulation also stifles innovation and growth, in my opinion. You need to find a balance.

 

It is too bad, in my opinion, that people are so polarized and so finding compromise becomes so difficult.

[zach1845]

As a advisor for a major bank you should no better as to what a huge tax increase to everybody would do. If you really believe that he is only going to cut taxes on the rich then you will be in for quite a surprise. Who is going to pay for free medical insurance? There is not enough rich people in the world to pay for all his "free" stuff. A obama Presidency is the worst thing that could happen to the United Stated during this time, People need to save their money and keep what they earn no pay for people on welfare who have 10 kids and are to lazy to work.

 

 

So, 4 more years of Bush-o-nomics (tax cuts for the wealthy, incentives for mega corporations to move overseas, and a continued expansion of government) is the shot in the arm we need? Hmmm...

I'm not sure which mainstream media you're watching...sounds like the same one we all see based on what you are stating about Obama. He's actually planning on LOWERING income tax for the middle class. The media as always spins WAY right, and they're not even past the tip of the iceberg as to just how bad it is right now.

I'm not sure what you do for a living....but I work as an adviser for a major bank. I manage OTHER PEOPLES 401k's, and have a damn good idea of what is going on. And believe me it's not good.

But again if you feel that McCain (who btw on several occasions himself said he was no expert on finance!) is the answer to the economic woes then by all means support him. If you're impressed with the recent "growth" which almost got us close to where Clinton left the economy in 2000, then great. TO me, 8 years of stagnation with worse times in the near future to look forward to is not my idea of growth.

Your cries about Obama sound very identical to those about Clinton in 91. Eight years of unprecedented growth and prosperity later, most realized they were wrong about him. Again it's the "mainstream media" that has peoples' opinions about the Deomcrats wrong. guess who LOWERED the capital gains taxed in the 90's? Bush Sr.? Nope. Clinton did. Guess who balanced the budget and ran with a surplus? Yep...Clinton again. Guess who annihilated that surplus and turned it to a deficit? Here's a hint...its the same guy who EXPANDED the size of government. Need another hint? He also lied us into a war that's costing billions....

Look believe what you want. Obama WILL be president come January, and his economic policies will restore positive growth. And I'm sure the righties will jump in and take credit for the growth as being GW Bushs' policies not Obamas, much like Clinton haters said he benefited from Reaganomics and GHBush1.

[classicgamer24]

oh my goodness check this out guys i called my local goodwill today and they told me they

have a nintendo 64 with a bunch of games for 80 bucks

and a game gear w/ games

 

and the games are 5.99 each what is that?

[Atarifever]

Too much of either side is a bad thing. First off, power corrupts and those in power tend to abuse it. This is both Republicans and Democrats and, dare I say, Libertarians, were they to be swept into office in a landslide.

As I brought them up, I feel the need to point out I'm not personally a Libertarian. I am quite the opposite. I'm pretty much a communist. However, I like libertarians, because every one I have ever talked to has been much more well informed, and much more concerned with human rights than any "party" voter. I have a lot of friends who vote based on "being" NDP, liberal, Green, or conservative. No matter what their party changes to believing, over years and years of different issues, they somehow always vote for them. No party can possibly always be right. Especially any party that has proven so many times that they are not good choices (Republicans or Democrats, or Conservatives and Liberals for example). I'd rather argue with a well informed Liberatarian or Anarchist (both very opposite opinions to mine) anyday than talk politics with someone who votes based on who their Father and Mother used to vote for.

[jetset]

As a advisor for a major bank you should no better as to what a huge tax increase to everybody would do. If you really believe that he is only going to cut taxes on the rich then you will be in for quite a surprise. Who is going to pay for free medical insurance? There is not enough rich people in the world to pay for all his "free" stuff. A obama Presidency is the worst thing that could happen to the United Stated during this time, People need to save their money and keep what they earn no pay for people on welfare who have 10 kids and are to lazy to work.

 

 

So, 4 more years of Bush-o-nomics (tax cuts for the wealthy, incentives for mega corporations to move overseas, and a continued expansion of government) is the shot in the arm we need? Hmmm...

I'm not sure which mainstream media you're watching...sounds like the same one we all see based on what you are stating about Obama. He's actually planning on LOWERING income tax for the middle class. The media as always spins WAY right, and they're not even past the tip of the iceberg as to just how bad it is right now.

I'm not sure what you do for a living....but I work as an adviser for a major bank. I manage OTHER PEOPLES 401k's, and have a damn good idea of what is going on. And believe me it's not good.

But again if you feel that McCain (who btw on several occasions himself said he was no expert on finance!) is the answer to the economic woes then by all means support him. If you're impressed with the recent "growth" which almost got us close to where Clinton left the economy in 2000, then great. TO me, 8 years of stagnation with worse times in the near future to look forward to is not my idea of growth.

Your cries about Obama sound very identical to those about Clinton in 91. Eight years of unprecedented growth and prosperity later, most realized they were wrong about him. Again it's the "mainstream media" that has peoples' opinions about the Deomcrats wrong. guess who LOWERED the capital gains taxed in the 90's? Bush Sr.? Nope. Clinton did. Guess who balanced the budget and ran with a surplus? Yep...Clinton again. Guess who annihilated that surplus and turned it to a deficit? Here's a hint...its the same guy who EXPANDED the size of government. Need another hint? He also lied us into a war that's costing billions....

Look believe what you want. Obama WILL be president come January, and his economic policies will restore positive growth. And I'm sure the righties will jump in and take credit for the growth as being GW Bushs' policies not Obamas, much like Clinton haters said he benefited from Reaganomics and GHBush1.

 

Another paying attention to the right-wing media machine. Obama is going to CUT taxes, not raise them. And at any rate, once he gets us out of GW's abortion of an invasion and takeover of Iraq, the billions spent over there could be spent here instead.

And yet another misconception about welfare. It was HUGELY reduced under Clinton. Just because Obama is a Dem doesn't mean he's going to do all that rush Limbaugh tells you all Democrats do.

But it is refreshing to see the fear in righties knowing Obama is going to crush McCain in November. I really don't get how people are so afraid of a democrat back in the white house. In 16 years, we had one from each party. The democrat gave us unprecedented growth like this country has never seen, and in less than four a Republican drove the country into the shitter. Do you people *like* hard times and being the ridiculed ass-end of the world?

[christianscott27]

It could be that wealthiest interests bought and paid for an administration that would turn the other way while they went hog wild... Nah thats too obvious. Everybody knows our system is free from such flaws and regulation is essentially socialism.

 

 

Part of me hopes the neo-depression will be a time where we get back to being families and friends instead of consumers and trend chasers. When you look at some of the material excesses we've worshiped, shit like Cribs and Hummers with head rest DVD players or $800 baby strollers you cant help but think we need a kick upside the head. This week my $150 dollar espresso maker died and I went out and bought its equal for $10 at Savers Thrift Store, I felt like it meant something, eh either way I saved a lot.

[JamesD]

Everyone is complaining about the "crap economy" but I'm better off than I've been in years.

I've bought more on ebay in the last year than for a long time.

Haven't really found a good local thrift.

Edited July 9, 2008 by JamesD