Yesterday and COVID-19

Yet Another Cover of a Beatles Classic

Try singing this to the tune of "YESTERDAY":

Yesterday, all our viruses seemed far away,
Now it looks as though they’re here to stay,
Co-vid-19 please go away!

Suddenly, our disease centers can’t protect me,
And that’s not the way it’s meant to be
What happened to the CDC?


Why, it, was so slow I don’t know they just won’t say,
I sense something wrong since the last election day-ay-ay-ay.


Yesterday, our  immune system was very strong,
Now for all of us there’s something wrong,
Pray some vaccine will come along.

Please-be-kind, help another not your own behind,
That’s the way to win I think you’ll find,
We have the strength within our mind.


There, are, those who will need-a-hand to see this through,
And, the one in need well it might be me or you-ou-ou-ou.


Yesterday …. 

#the brewsterblock

Time to Implement Rationing During Corona Fever

It Was Necessary in Previous Wars. How About This One?

People are going nuts. Supermarket shelves are more empty than I have ever seen due to panic and selfish buying. So much for all of us pulling together.

My parents used to tell me about rationing during the war. Metals and certain food basics were simply not available. They all went to soldiers and the war machine. I don't know for sure but if there were black markets, those caught were no doubt punished and treated with disgust.

That is what I now feel when I see people at the cashier with an entire cart full of something like hand sanitizer, toilet paper, bread or even meat - every man and woman for themselves apparently. Children be damned. Meanwhile ten people behind them have nothing. It is not quite at the Boxing Day level with fighting yet but I expect it soon will be.

Perhaps now the governments should quickly legislate against this and direct the stores to support and enforce the rules. Place a limit on these vital items like 2 packages each or even one in some cases. Cashiers should be instructed not to cash out any more than that. Today, POS devices (electronic cash registers) could be programmed to enforce this. Some will try to come back for more or send family members but it would be an improvement over the current situation.

Sometimes when people act like children that is how you have to treat them. Logic, reason, and sharing are not working.

Sad but true.


#thebrewsterblock

Wise Advice for Corona or Any Other Crisis

Did You Listen to Your Financial Advisor?

I know it might be a bit late for this current crisis in your life but when the #COVID-19 subsides I strongly advise everyone to look at this as just another unforeseen happening. Then think about and do something about the advice that banks and advisors have been giving for decades. Create an emergency fund for the possibility of six months or better with no income.

This was usually a guard against potential job loss but it applies equally here. With all the shutdowns yet to occur, you might be laid off. If not then for sure you must have seen people stocking up on - in some cases hoarding - certain things from the supermarket. Stocking up means buying extra - with what? If you immediately thought about your credit card you are in trouble.

Many years ago I was a financial advisor and for sure gave the same advice. Most people ignored it. Thank goodness I followed it myself. As just mentioned, this does not mean increasing your credit or credit card debt. That way lays disaster. You are adding to the first crisis or problem with a second one - throwing fat onto the fire.

The usual excuse was that nobody could afford it. I once wrote an article pointing out places most people could find extra cash if they had the willpower, not the means.
 

There are lots of lists out there of what things to stock up on for an emergency - essentially the basics of life so I won't repeat them here. Cash or available funds however are also one of them.

So here are some of those items I once wrote about. Just remember your #CORONA experience when you ask yourself if any of the following are VITAL and CRITICAL to your life. 

Can you at least cut down on (and put into your emergency fund):

1. Beer, wine, or other beverage?
2. Your monthly TV or entertainment package?
3. The need to have the newest, biggest TV to watch nightly?
4. Meat - one of the most costly forms of food. Buy cheaper cuts and learn how to cook them.
5. Going to movies?
6. The latest and greatest phones for both you and your kids?
7. New clothes or fashions?
8. A new car? Buy smaller and pre-owned for a couple of years. I always do this.
9. Vacations? Do a staycation once or twice and add a bundle to your fund.
10. Reno's and furnishings. This is very rarely vital. The same applies to the size of your home.

While you are at it, involve your kids in the discussions. It will be a great life lesson and a good test for your parenting ability.

#thebrewsterblock