I grew up in a long line of people who felt they needed to save things. I’m fairly sure the concept of saving was created by my grandparents, who survived the Great Depression along with many of you and your ancestors. It affected many folks in many ways. For us, it meant we would never run short of anything ever again.

That’s right ... my grandparents gathered things they might need if ever the Great Depression repeated itself. What that means is that we usually had at least two of everything — often even more than two. My mom, who was a child during those years, still abides by that practice. Never can she buy just one can of green beans or one box of elbow macaroni. After all ... you just never know ... which translates to the concept of buying one can of green beans for now and one for later — just in case.

OK ... let me set you straight right away. We are not hoarders. I’ve watched those hoarding shows too, and trust me, we’re not even close. But we are savers, gatherers. We gather things for safe-keeping ... for the unknown ... for a rainy day ... for tomorrow ... for whenever the world changes and we might not be able to have what we need. It’s ingrained in us.