While there are many — innumerous, actually — terrible things going on because of the recent economic downturn of the US, its important stay positive about the economy. The silver lining among all the bad news, is shopping has never been better!

And I’m not just talking about the extra Wal-Mart clearances – can you say four pairs of gym shorts for twelve dollars? Everywhere seems to be sending out extra coupons, having extra clearance sales and extending sales. It’s a bargain shoppers’ paradise.

Am I enjoying other people’s misery? Probably a little, but this is a slippery slope anyway. Hear me out on this. If I were to stop spending completely and save all my money by disciplining my spending habits and if everyone started to do the same, the economy would slow down further.

Businesses across the country, which depend on consumer dollars would close, laying off workers and reducing salaries. However, if I and others continue to purchase during these opportunistic times, we could help to stimulate what is left of the economy, avoiding a complete meltdown.

Companies that can successfully reduce prices will continue to attract customers. This will help people save more money during these hard times, but will help the economy because companies will have to come up with innovate ways to reduce costs.

I realize the importance of saving and being prudent, but that’s what I want my government to do. Let me enjoy the sales, and thrill of the find. I literally have spent almost every Sunday since January at the Smithaven mall, and I have made a killing. I am in stores that I never before could have afforded, and walking out with armfuls of things.

However, I also realize that the economy needs a lot more to be done than my purchasing another pair of jeans — originally $80 on sale for $17 — but I cannot help but feel that in some small way I am doing my part.

I am in college, I have no children to support, my bills are minimal — credit cards for other shopping excursions — and I am lucky enough not to have to worry about my own tuition. I feel it’s up to me and others like me to get the retail economy back on track. That, and when else could I have ever afforded that Guess skirt from Macy*s- on sale for $9.99.