I had left my teaching job when my youngest was born. When my husband left us, my youngest child was not yet three years old.I was only able to get part=time work as a supplemental instructor. My parents helped me achieve a master's degree in Psychology by babysitting and by lending me money, which I had a monthly obligation to repay. I found a job as a member of the school based support team in a nearby school system.
I dropped the children off at their schools, drove to my work, picked them up, took them to religious education, to swim and dance classes, and we survived.
What saved me all those lean years, was the ability to shop sales.
By waiting until after Columbus Day, we were able to purchase school clothing and winter coats on sale.
In January, I was able to stock up on sheets and towels and to replenish what my husband had removed from our home.
By the end of the decade, I was earning enough money to live our lives more comfortably, but we always shopped the sales.
Now I see that option is greatly reduced.
Stores no longer have large amounts of stock to sell off-season. Technology helps predict how much of a product they will need. If they need more, they order it as needed. Shipment is almost immediate. No storage issues, no need for sales.
Consumers pay what is asked by Amazon, charge cards increase their balances again and families cannot save for future needs.
