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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region Forums8 Ways to De-Corporatize Your Money
http://www.yesmagazine.org/issues/9-strategies-to-end-corporate-rule/8-ways-to-de-corporatize-your-money1. Ditch the Cards
All electronic transactions siphon money out of your community to some extent, so try the human approach and bank in person. Pay in cash or, second best, write a check. If you have to use plastic, choose debit. Your local merchants lose some of their profit any time you use a card, but they pay up to seven times more in fees when its a credit card. And studies show people spend 12 to 18 percent more when they use cards instead of cash.
2. Move Your Debt
Already broke up with your mega-bank? From credit card balances to car loans to mortgages, mega-banks make far more money off your debt than your savings. Refinance your debt with a credit union or local bank and let your fees support your community. Be wary of affinity credit cards, which donate a certain amount per purchase to good-hearted organizations but often are connected with a mega-bank.
3. Spend Deliberately
Forget Internet deals; shop local and independent. Support second-hand markets by buying used, and barter and trade services when you can. Look for goods grown and made nearby.Research your purchases carefully: That organic Dagoba chocolate bar is owned by industry bad-boy Hershey. Want to give money to Coca-Cola? Buy Odwalla juice. Easy company screening at Green Americas Responsible Shopper website.
4. Shorten Loan Lengths
To get as much interest from you as possible, banks offer to stretch out terms. Avoid the 30-year mortgage or the seven-year car loan. If youre stuck with one, change it yourself: Decide the length of term thats best for you and pay down your principal. Calculators at sites like mtgprofessor.com can be used for any loans, not just mortgages.
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8 Ways to De-Corporatize Your Money (Original Post)
xchrom
May 2012
OP
NYC_SKP
(68,644 posts)1. Cool. Generally, resist consumerism, live like it's 1962 (sustainably).
Thanks for the post, xchrom.
melm00se
(4,993 posts)4. Rose colored glasses
Consumerism was well on it's way during the 60's. The US had exited a pair of recessions during the 1950's (1953-1954 and 1957-1958) and one just prior to 1962 (1960-61). This created a lot of pent up consumer demand and then couple that with the beginnings of the culture of disposablity and your assertion begins to falter.
NYC_SKP
(68,644 posts)5. The US home was half the size, number of vehicles 1/2, energy use per capita much lower.
Arbitrary date... still true.
Zalatix
(8,994 posts)2. Good post. We can talk about hating corporatism or we can act on it.
underpants
(182,829 posts)3. Very cool. I like that magazine.
thanks x