Ducks In A Row by Dr. Juan Harrison

The next time you go to Memphis to see all things Elvis, run by the Peabody Hotel, if you haven’t already done it, by 11 a.m. The duckmaster leads his entourage of five mallard ducks down the runway to Sousa’s “King Cotton March.” At 5 p.m. he marches them back to their room for the night.

That brings a whole new meaning of getting your ducks in a row. Right now it seems the ducks are all trying to head off in different directions with no relief in sight. I was listening to a list of things on the news that people were starting to do to help cut back on expenses as they struggle to make ends meet. I’ve jokingly said a lot of Americans have given up on getting both ends meeting in the middle; they don’t expect to get the loose ends tied; they hope they wave at each other.

Sometimes we almost feel as if we’re living in suspended animation. As individuals we make what adjustments we can in our daily lives, but we can only limit so far the miles we drive, the lights we turn off, the kind of meat we buy. I offered to cut back on taking baths and shaving, but my wife vetoed it.

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I don’t know that it will make much difference, but it’s been a while since I’ve had to once again make sure I’ve done all I can to help get my ducks in a row. Many of us have built in a few little cushions or treats in our daily living. I’ve consciously started trying to eat a cheaper burger or just make a baloney sandwich at the house. Those cokes, shakes, and coffee at the drive thru can add up. You and I have worked hard and feel we might need a little treat or pick-me-up to brighten a less than stellar day.

Take this to the next level, whether it be a desired home renovation, a new fence, or a short vacation. Before, we might be able to slap it on the card and pay later. Looming interest rate increases may not mean much now, but start paying 15-20% interest on larger balances as companies start getting more of your money in interest and fees and “later” becomes now.

America is a great place when all your ducks are in a row; not so much when you start feeling pressure from all this successful living we’ve been doing. Throw in all the issues for people on fixed incomes or those who can’t keep up with rising prices even with a couple of good jobs in the household and you’re looking at some tough choices. Count your blessings. You’ve still got a lot to be thankful for. Don’t let these increasingly challenging times steal all your joy. We may find ourselves poorer, but we can probably still find food to eat. It just might not be the giant burger.