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KCAL 9's PAT HARVEY DEAD WRONG
Published On 03-22-2009 , 11:24 AM
Nowadays, with the economy tanking, lots of folk are providing the public with suggestions on how to stay afloat. Turn on television news and on just about every local channel there is a segment on watching your money with investments, car repairs, real estate, credit cards, grocery shopping and meal planning.
I haven't learned much from tuning in because most of what they yack about has either nothing to do with me, I've been there and done that or they are dead wrong on the advice.
It's strange watching the country turn to the life I've lived for more than the number of decades I'm going to put into print.
Investments? Human capital is what I learned growing up and have incorporated into my life style. What's that, and who is my broker? Putting time and deeds into helping others has no monthly tally sheet, but it's what everyone can do whether they have money to set aside or have income that just covers necessities.
I have, as yet, to hear this one on the evening news.
On the car-repair plan, I think they've actually provided viewers with conversation on how to park the money guzzler and ride public transpiration. But what these on-the-spot segments are missing, because the camera and reporter only followed the script, is the personality adjustment that is required when encountering so many of the unsavory characters that inhabit the rails and street routes.
What I've seen tends to cover real estate (as if I'd know) fairly well.
If you've found snags in the coverage, let me know. Conversation about credit cards has told viewers the basics such as paying in full, the charges that have now been put to the consumer and where to go for help. (I'd ask where were these reports over the years when consumers were using plastic as if they had the cash to back their purchases?)
But here's the kicker. Pat Harvey on KCAL 9 News and her giggling co-anchor informed viewers that taking the children grocery shopping with you was a bad idea because the kiddies caused us to spend more money due to their asking for things or putting things into the basket.
Taking the children on the grocery-shopping expedition is one of the best ways to bring the youngsters, no matter what age, into the conversation about money. And what better time for them, if you haven't already introduced them to budgets, menus and shopping list, than now?
What nonsense to perpetuate the concept that "the children would cause you to spend more money!"
Such bad information being given to the public. Here's something useful to say: "We're not going to buy that." Here's another useful one: " Did you bring your own money for that?"
But neither of the phrases will be needed, and of course this depends on the children's age, if you all sit together, plan out the budget, the menus and make a list that follows what's going to be eaten - snack included - and each child can have a list for specific areas of the store.
Does it work? You betcha. Remember, I spent many years raising five kids on food stamps and welfare. None of this is new to me. The grocery store plan teaches many money-management skills, and the best part of the plan means the kids will soon be begging not to go grocery shopping because, as I've heard over the years, "It's no fun!"
Knowing what I know about the bad parenting advice from KCAL 9, I'm now suspicious about the rest of the survival info the news channels are so busy peddling.
This blog can be found in our columns section where you can print a copy or e-mail to someone
http://talkaboutparenting.org/pages/articles.php
 Tune-in Wednesdays Noon to 1:00 p.m. Talk Abut Parenting with Shirlee Smith LIVE Call-in at 626- 794-2116 or 794-2551. PCAC Charter Channel 56 in Pasadena. Return to our home page and click the red television for streaming. See our calendar listing for further details
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Comment
| | 1. | Right On!
April
- by April Kelcy, 03-23-2009, 11:30 AM
| | 2. | Dear Shirlee, I read your blog every week and look forward to it very much. I especially liked this one, since you talked about all the cost-saving articles and TV news presentations we are hearing so much these days. I am 79 today and am quite amused to read and hear all of these helpful hints. Almost all are things my husband and I have been doing for our 58-plus years of marriage. We had five sons in four and a half years and it was a real struggle at times. My husband was in the Navy when we got married, but we were separated so much that he %28not I%29 made the decision to get out. He went to night school for eleven years to become a Registered Civil Engineer. We, of course, are now retired and looking back contentedly on a very good, fulfilling and happy life. Our sons are all in their fifties and all have had long one-time marriages, about which we feel very proud. We seldom could buy sodas or eat out. Going to McDonald's was a rare event. And yet, we had fun--lots of it. When we all get together they reminisce about their happy childhoods. They don't feel deprived of a thing and they are mature, responsible husbands and fathers and, in one case, grandfather. They are all good citizens, leading productive lives and teaching our ten grandchildren to do the same. The added bonus is that none have weight problems or dental problems, because of the diet we had to follow. I'm not calling myself a health freak. We simply didn't have the money to buy those foods that weren't good for them. The only time they had candy was Easter and Halloween. My husband and I are involved in an organization that does marriage preparation weekend retreats for engaged couples. We have been doing this once a month for ten years and really believe that it makes a difference in the way young couples approach marriage. The one thing that bothers us is the huge expense of the wedding receptions they seem to think they are required to have. Weddings are a huge industry and young couples are convinced that they should spend huge amounts on them. This is pure marketing. The average cost of a wedding and reception these days is $27,000. That is obscene! When we got married in 1950 we had wedding cake, punch, flowers and a photographer--and we are just as married as anyone else. In those days, though, no one did much more than that and it was quite acceptable. We need to get back to basics and I appreciate your trying to get that message across. Anyway, I just had to write and commend you on your column. I love it and I agree with you MOST of the time.
Much love,
Marilyn Scott
- by Marilyn Scott, 00-00-0000, 12:00 AM
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