It's a funny thing this crypto economy, and with the dropping of the price of Steem it's creating all sorts of real world headaches.

Liquid Steem

One of those headaches is caused by a lack of liquid Steem. Most people did the right thing and powered up most of their Steem, which is excellent. However, it's meant that if you want to sell Steem, you have to either earn a whole lot more or power down the amount you want. That's a 13 week wait, and no one wants to reduce their stake on the platform at these prices.

Currency Exchanges

These are a great way to buy and sell Steem, however they come with hefty associated costs and also the prying eyes of the government and captial gains tax.

Meeting Steemians Offline

If you're lucky, you might know some Steemians locally and can meet them offline and pay for Steem with FIAT 'under the counter' so to speak, avoiding all sorts of fees but also any protections you may have. Where's the evidence of the trade though? (With trades on the block-chain, there is a digital trail so people can lose their reputations if they are not trustworthy). This requires a lot of trust, and isn't recommended with strangers.

Demand and Supply

So, you've got a situation where there is a demand for cheap Steem, the supply is there but it's locked away as SP, or yet to be earned, because there is a psychological barrier of the idea of selling below US$0.50. Many businesses have to cut their prices in lean times when they need liquid cash. If the power down time was faster, this is what a business would do.
However, Steem Power is your stake on the platform and your future earning potential.

It's the FOMO, or the fear of missing out or possibly the guilt of knowing that you powered down at a time when Steem has the potential to boom again. It's like pawning your wedding ring and that is never recommended. There was even a song about it.

NELS

Non Exchange Liquid Steem or NELS for short is just a phrase I coined to refer to Steem transactions outside of the exchanges. If you hear anyone using the term, you heard it here first.

Disclaimer: I am not a financial advisor. I am not suggesting or recommending any particular method. Trade Steem at your own risk and please seek legit financial advice where possible.