The Daily Oklahoman Charles Crumpley Column.

Byline: Charles Crumpley

Oct. 7--The word of the moment is "war."

The thought of war has migrated from the back toward the front of our minds. It affects our everyday decisions. People naturally ask such questions as: With a war apparently looming, is now a good time to buy stocks? Should I buy a car? Board an airplane and go on vacation?

Unfortunately, most people answer with a thunderous "no." Of course, it's natural and understandable for us to conserve money when we're living with the prospect of war. After all, the future seems uncertain.

It's unfortunate because it's bad for our economy when consumers become cautious. Consumer …