Eat, Drink and Be Merry for Tomorrow We Die
The result is that many are living beyond their incomes and have become literally slaves, with the automobile companies, clothes shops and others owning their salaries for months ahead. The first of the month, with its flood of unpaid bills among which a pay check all too small must be divided, is an ordeal that is creating wrinkles and gray hairs.
Even the purchases cannot be fully enjoyed for worrying about how they are to be paid for. After the late installment is finally sent in, the articles are usually worn or "Mrs. Jones" has a late model that one must have in order to keep up. What an existence!
Yet, the system of spending ahead is continually growing in favor. For instance, in the automobile field and current analysis shows there to be an increase in 12% in the number of motorists purchasing automobiles on the installment plan. This increase would probably be shown in all industries whose products may be used for pleasure and purchased on the installment plan.
No doubt, many families are denying themselves the necessities of life that they may obtain the luxuries.
Too few people look ahead and provide for the future. The nest that once retained the nest egg has been discarded for lack of use. The probability of of a rainy day has been forgotten. Because today the hen is laying and the sun is shining, the eggs are eaten and umbrella thrown away.
What is to be the ultimate result if this or the succeeding generation does not adopt a saner, sounder basis of living? It should be recalled that all pleasure is not gained by obtaining luxuries. They often are a source of grief rather than joy when one cannot in reality afford them. They give only an artificial pleasure at the most and one should pause occasionally and plan for the future. Look ahead and avoid a possible wreck.
from The White City Register, G.W. Musgrave Publisher, The White City, Kansas Thursday May 22, 1930
