must 12/5

If You Read The Papers And Listen To TV…

WILTON, CONN. — You’re pretty depressed right now. You’re wondering if you should spend any money. You’re worried about the value of your stock portfolio. If you listen to the gloom and doom of the media and the politicians, you’re really depressed. Is it 1929 or 1932? It certainly isn’t 1979 when inflation was 13 percent, interest rates were 20 percent and unemployment was more than twice what it is today. So, are we worse off now than then, or is the political and media hype affecting the psychology of the economy and the nation?

You may be leery of the stock market and bank interest rates are pretty low and putting money under the mattress just makes it lumpy and affects your sleep. And the holidays are coming. What should you do?

May I suggest that turning off the TV, taking two aspirin, and going to the Wilton Holiday Antiques Show on December 7 may brighten your mood? It also may present some very good investment opportunities.

For centuries, in times of economic uncertainty, people have turned cash into objects — gold, silver, jewelry, art furniture and collectibles. Over time, these may accrue in value and turn out to be better investments than stocks or bank deposits. In addition, you can enjoy living with them, beautifying your environment and brightening your spirits.

Antiques also make great gifts, things of character and value far exceeding all that “stuff” from the Orient. And isn’t it nice to encourage our sons and daughters to acquire the collecting “bug,” too, while showing them an alternative to Ikea and Pottery Barn. I like to think that we’re also teaching the value of our history and heritage. There seems to be too little appreciation for that today in our body politic and educational system. Without a love for our cultural heritage, we may lose our democracy and that may be closer than we realize.

So, while I don’t advocate profligacy, I do remind you that there are some good buys in the antiques and art market right now. Sensible investments will revive the market, help to stimulate the economy and improve your frame of mind. The economy is much affected by confidence; let’s build trust in the future by continuing to venerate the past.

So… get out of the house. Come to an antiques show in Wilton on December 7, where you’ll see a wide variety of well-priced art and antiques, offered by experienced, knowledgeable and reputable dealers. Enjoy what you see, take home a bit of history and don’t let the naysayers get you down!

Marilyn Gould

Show Manager