Some support and a big thank you

Kmac_Edin

I have to agree.

I work in the FS sector and everyday we are updated with stock situations and market "views". But there is nothing that can take away the fact that it is sheer human nature to take risks to extort financial gain.

Throughout history this has happened, in the 1930s was the last time the UK was so badly affected, but what happened? The country and economy pulled through and came back stronger. There has to be a down period after a high point, the problem is that many people are
a) panicing
b) uneducated about the actual impact of the markets on them
c) Reading too much media hype.

The bottom line is that many of the younger investors and property owners have been blinkered and brainwashed into beliving this boom we've have would last forever. I read in the Guardian 2 years ago an article written by a top economist who predicted a massive market shift in late 2008/2009 and everyone pooh-poohed it.

Well...

We will be in this situation for at least a year yet and this board has proved invaluable to myself to help me change my lifestyle and adapt my spending to that within my means. More people need to do this and stop worrying.

Huge thanks to Martin and the team for what truely is a life changing website/forum. Huge thanks to everyone on here who is contributing on a daily basis, offering advice and help to those here who need it and a huge welcome to everyone who is just findout about this amazing place.

I have been here about 8 weeks and my finances changed around. My economical stauts is still the same and my salary is the same, however my debt is very nearly paid off. Its about choices and being rational.

Thanks! xx

lunar

Kmac, thats a really good post. It makes me think of watching Titanic and everybody calling it the unsinkable ship. Lets just hope that our country learns from this and measures are taken to stabilise the economy for the long haul, not just a quick fix. Hopefully they will start by increasing the financial education given in schools. I will definatly be making sure my son understands money and living within his means.

Kmac_Edin

Lunar

I agree 100% with the financial education in schools. I had none of it when I was a young un, the only education I got was from my dad and I was lucky because he was an engineer by trade and laterly an economist so made sure that all his children knew about money.

What doesnt help, and what gets me really angry is when you go into shops and they are using slogans like " crunch busting" to try to get you to buy a new car or a pair of £80 shoes!!

The upside to all of this is that for people like me who were totally priced out the market to buy a property, come next year I will be in a better position to buy because I'll be saving more, spending less and the overinflated house prices will have fallen...

I dont like talking house prices because I know so many people on here and elsewhere who were very excited as the housing market grew, but it was always an artificial hike. The hike was caused by an interest in buy to let, which was caused by an increase in those pesky home shows on C4 and BBC 1

xx

fatpiggy

I can't believe how people have been saying really awful and insulting statements about Martin, particularly regarding HiSave. He has merely brought things to our attention. No-one has had their arm behind their backs, being forced to move their money into a particular account. As with all things, there are pros and cons, risks and benefits. It is up to us to read the small print and decide for ourselves. Some people have been saying how as they have £100K in particular b/s or bank, they are going to lose half of it or more, depending on how much is guaranteed - but for several days now Martin has been advising people to not have their eggs in one basket, and to move stuff about in order to protect their savings. If you haven't taken any notice of that, then whose fault is that. Martin's. Being money savvy takes a little time and effort, and above all some thought. If people aren't prepared to "invest" some of that , then they have only their laziness to blame. If it wasn't for this website, I wouldn't have earned £138 in the last 4 months from Quidco simply for clicking my mouse. More power to MSE's elbow I say!

lunar

Im waiting until next year to try buying a house again as well, desperatly hoping interest rates will have improved on mortgages by then.

lunar

I have just watched the full interview on you tube from C4, only got a clip of it last night. I cant believe how rediculus it was. If that passed for news and a balanced discussion there is no wonder the country is in such a mess. I dont know about anyone else but i prefer to listen to answers when questions are asked not just stupid uninformed remarks by the interviewer. He sounded more like he wanted to be jonathan ross than a journalist. well done martin for answering as best you could!

hypno06

An excellent thread, Lunar - thank you :T

In_Search_Of_Me

Just wanted to say hugs/thanks/support from me too - not just to Martin but to the team at mse towers and all that contribute. The site has been life changig for many of us and I know had it not been for mse my life woud have been very different. By now I would have lost my house, possibly my job and definately any self respect I had. With the site and support from forumites my life is very different but in a good way. I can say hand on heart that I couldnt do without it.
While some will always want to lay blame one of the things the site has taught me is to take responsibility for me. The forum is the map but I choose which route to take...only I am responsible for that but when people get lost theres usually someone happy to say "told you you should have turned left" ...and this is no different.
As always it saddens me that people fail to see the commitment and energy with which Martin does his job and they instead just want to get the boot in which I know he will be upset by because he does have such passion and genuinely does care...
So from me a big hug with the reminder that you can only do your best and some of us know that you do...
For those who are happy to get the boot in I would simply ask what have you contributed to society today? Can you honestly say that you have been responsible for changing lifes for the better and lead a huge shift in thinking of thousands of people? Doubtful me thinks and possibly your time would be better spent trying to make a positive change to society rather than slating those who already DO.

lunar

In_Search_Of_Me wrote: »

As always it saddens me that people fail to see the commitment and energy with which Martin does his job and they instead just want to get the boot in which I know he will be upset by because he does have such passion and genuinely does care...
So from me a big hug with the reminder that you can only do your best and some of us know that you do...
For those who are happy to get the boot in I would simply ask what have you contributed to society today? Can you honestly say that you have been responsible for changing lifes for the better and lead a huge shift in thinking of thousands of people? Doubtful me thinks and possibly your time would be better spent trying to make a positive change to society rather than slating those who already DO.

You could tell how much this bothered him by his face at the start of the interview last night, he looked gutted. as you said ISOM you can tell he really does care about people.

In_Search_Of_Me

I know- I just wanted to get in the telly and give him a hug...he looked close to tears...