I Could Be Wrong.

There was a time when all was bartered.  Think back to Jack and the Beanstalk.
Such is becoming less and less the case.
When you buy a Nickelback album today, you can't trade it for your friend's Serj Tankien album, though I applaud you for trying.  Digital downloads don't come on discs.  There is no getting a couple bucks back when you clear out the oldies at the garage sale, unless you're selling your MP3 player.
Its too bad about MP3s too, if you're a hardcore audiophile, but that's a different topic altogether.
My biggest question of the day though, is "when did we become consumers?"
The word implies that we take what we can get.  We are like pigs at the trough.  A trip to Walmart might convince you there is truth to this, but I like to think we're above that.
Let's be more critical of our transaction dialogue.  Let's be methodical and intelligent in selecting the products we wish to procure, and how we are willing to be sold those items.
Are you aware of the advertising and marketing directed your way every day?  Are you aware of the influence that sales makes in your entertainment?  It is worth acknowledging.
I hope you, dear reader, can achieve those debt-reduction and savings goals you've surely set this year, just as I must.
If we can all take more responsibility for our own finances, I should think that mindset would help heal the world economic situation.