If you think economics is dry, buckle up because this is about to get as juicy as your morning coffee debate about who left the RV awning out in a windstorm. I’ve been diving into Basic Economics by Thomas Sowell—yes, I know, the title alone sounds like it might put you to sleep faster than a slow day at the campground office. But here’s the thing: Sowell has this magical ability to make economic concepts as relatable as deciding between upgrading your campground’s fire pits or installing Wi-Fi that actually works.
Let’s talk rent control. Picture New York City: high-rises, pizza slices bigger than your face, and a government with a “brilliant” plan to keep housing affordable. It goes something like this: “Landlords, you can’t charge more than $1,000 for an apartment.” Sounds great, right? Except now the landlord has no reason to fix the leaky roof, replace the ancient HVAC, or—let’s be honest—bother vacuuming the lobby. Because why spend money on improvements when they can’t raise the rent?
The ripple effect? Investors stop buying or renovating nearby properties, entire buildings fall into disrepair, and the city’s skyline starts to look like it needs a tetanus shot.
Now, apply that same government mindset to milk. Set the price at $3, and suddenly no one’s bothering to make organic or lactose-free options because, well, where’s the profit in that? (And for those of us living on coffee and cereal, that’s a big deal.)
Here’s the kicker: Government intervention rarely stops at one rule. Sowell calls it the snowball effect—one regulation triggers another, and before you know it, the free market is buried in red tape, innovation takes a back seat, and everyone’s left wondering why their “affordable housing” smells like it hasn’t been affordable to clean in years.
Everything. Whether it’s pricing, investments, or creating experiences that make campers rave about your RV park, government meddling in one part of the economy can set off dominoes that affect us all.
At Campground Accounting, we specialize in helping you navigate decisions that keep your campground thriving without getting bogged down in operations overwhelm or fear of surprises. After all, there’s more to life than spreadsheets, and there’s definitely more to your campground than worrying about electrical pedestals and propane prices.
Sowell’s message is clear: Let the free market do its thing. Our message is, let us help you breathe life back into your campground ownership. Whether you’re building a legacy, making bold upgrades, or just dreaming about pressing play on your bigger ideas, we’re here to ensure you never miss an opportunity—or an adventure.
Now, go grab your favorite beverage (bonus points if it’s milk priced above $3) and check out Basic Economics by Thomas Sowell. It’s a game-changer, and it might just inspire your next big move—whether that’s in your campground, your business, or the market at large.
Because as much as we love the open road, we love a good economic debate even more. 🚐💡
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Donna Bordeaux, CPA with Campground Accounting
Creativity and CPAs don’t generally go together. Most people think of CPAs as nerdy accountants who can’t talk with people. Well, it’s time to break that stereotype. Lively, friendly, and knowledgeable can be a part of your relationship with your CPA, as demonstrated by Donna and Chad Bordeaux. They have over 50 years of combined experience as entrepreneurial CPAs. They’ve owned businesses and helped business owners exceed their wildest dreams. They have been able to help businesses earn many times more profit than the average business in the same industry and are passionate about helping industries that help families build great memories.