Has the economy affected you yet?

[demorgan]

Has the economy affected you yet?

[FlakeNoir]

Has the economy affected you yet?

Very much so, but we're hanging in there.

[Ri The Lousy Translator]

All the way down here in Argentina, my BF is increasing the list of unemployed starting next Monday :sad: (well, today is his last day at work as a matter of fact). So YES. Globalization, fellows... :sad:

[SKfan2006]

it's affected my dad to the point that he couldn't pay for his truck. now he has to use a borrowed one just to make shipments. not sure how my sisters doing since she lives in Cali.

[dragafari]

I think Spain is bankrupted since long time ago. But what really affects me is that police is acting like headhunters towards immigrants (they always need someone to blame). I can stand being poor, but I can't stand being jailed.

[PatInTheHat]

What economy?
Just when you thought you couldn't get any broker than broke, you find out there's a such thing as brokerer:oo:!
Now if that aint a fifty cent word, then I surely don't know what is:eyebrow:.
Now pay me!!!
:biggrin2:

[O'Hara]

Thankfully no, both since I'm only 18 and in college on a scholarship, and because my mother, who I live with, still has a healthy job in home health care, and we've finally got a good bit of debt paid off. However, I know the economy has hit my job. I wok for a vet, both large and small animal, and the number of people coming in with animals (especially horses), has slowed down. This summer was awful; you know, when diesel hit $4.00 a gallon? All the people that normally would have been in (our drive was usually packed with trailers), never came, and I was bored all summer with nothing to clean but cobwebs. Thankfully its picked up some, but there's still nowhere near the horses coming in like there were in Fall of '07.

[Spideyman]

Indeed. With a fixed income am finding myself dipping into savings, and cutting back wherever I can. Just thankful for all I do have in life.

[poisonbat]

Oh it has hit hard. My husband who used to work 55+ hours a week has been cut back to a 4 day week and 40 hours or less. I find myself searching the market for the best buys of the week. I used to have a food budget of about $120 a week, but now I am feeding 4 people for about $75. We have cut out name brands except when I have coupons for them. I have started walking to the store instead of driving my car when I only need a few things. No more renting movies on the weekend etc. Yeah, it really does hurt. Many of our luxuries have been put on the back burner and we are in survival mode.:sad: :bat:

[mojomofo]

Yep yep. We have cut back on all the non-essentials, and there is no such thing as a night out anymore. Our savings (hah!) were depleted a while back, so it is definitely a case of "if it's not on hand, do we need it?"

[demorgan]

The only advice that ive heard of late to help with anything is that PRODUCE THE NOTE as far as delaying losing your home.

[Kim L.]

Yes, my brother & his wife are both out of work, as are 2 of my sisters and another brother. My daughter can only get 10 hours/week at her job (she's in college, too).

[CorbinKale]

Yes, I have been able to convince many 'fence-sitters' that my dire warnings are not some survivalist fantasy, but a very dangerous reality. They are now buying cattle, arms, non-perishable foods, medical supplies, etc. There has even been talk of 'militia' activities. Freedom has replaced greed as the primary concern of many citizens.

As a wake up call, the economy has had a positive effect.

[meadhbh]

right now im sitting with three blankets wrapped around me as we cant afford the oil for heating until next month - i think that says it all

[coolambindang]

We have been lucky so far, both the wife and I have jobs that keep us busy but she is about to have a baby so she will be off for awhile that has been keeping me up nights, but I think we will ride it out, we are in our 30's and thankfully do not have any credit card debt or a mortgage to pay(home owner!) so I feel for those that do!

[abacus]

Most other countries on the planet are making end game moves. We aren't. It's kind of funny. The economy isn't only bad in America, and I have a good understanding of the underlying mechanisms and why we are in a downturn. I wouldn't call it a crisis, but it is inevitable. It hasn't affected me at all. My skills are highly valuable in the present market.

[JohnK]

Don't let the press fool you. Healthcare is not a good industry to get into right now. I work in the cutting edge doing cardiac ct angiography, and my hours are cut severely. It is difficult to find part time work in healthcare too--most facilities are relying on short core staffs to do the work of double and even triple their size. That means that it is also a dangerous time to go into the hospital. The chances of a mistake being made are terribly high. It will get better eventually, just don't believe the rosy picture being painted.

[ConstantReader817]

So far, I'm doing all right. My job is pretty secure. I am being a little more careful at the grocery store. I have a very fuel efficient car, so I'm okay on that front. So far so good. Must admit, though, I am a little bit worried.

Debbie

[Lizard slushie]

Yeah, my husband lost his health insurance through work because they were trying to save money. It used to be great, it was about $80 a month, then they switched plans and it was going to cost us $380 a month - no payraise to help cover the difference. We wound up finding private insurance for less, but it is still pretty expensive. He hasn't had his hours cut yet and I'm sure it'll happen this summer. I'm going to do an internship next year that used to be paid + I'd get a full tuition waiver, now they don't have money in the budget for that so I'll still have to pay my tuition and I might get work study money for the internship, maybe not, it's up in the air right now. I swear I hear our budget squeaking every time I pay bills.

[arista]

Just trying to watch the pennies and the way I spend the pennies.

[JohnDalglish]

Hi,

Yes, just like everyone else has said.

In the last year my pension has halved and my outgoings on food. fuel etc have doubled.

I'm coming more and more around to CorbinKales way of thinking.

Long days and pleasant nights

[staropeace]

Alot of my family has lost their jobs in the oilpatch...more layoffs to follow.
Our medical care is a total screw up....with that,I could be the Poster Child....what a mess.

[brownmouse]

Well, thank-goodness my husband and I decided to forgo the "keeping up with the Jones" house and have a small but manageable house with a small but manageable loan. But , as my husband is in sales our income has been hit pretty hard. We are definitely feeling the burn. No vacation this year, hang on to our old (paid off ) cars, Santa shopped at Goodwill this year for Christmas :oops: but I refuse to buy much cheaper food at the grocer-at least just yet. Sophie is on a gluten free diet (for behavior) -and we try to give her organic food- for her health I won't skimp-(her rice noodle mac-n- cheese costs about $2.50 a box compared to, what- .39cents:eek2:), and plenty of healthy meat and fresh vegies. Why is it that the UN-healthy foods are so much cheaper? I mean look at chicken breast compared to chicken legs? And long grain rice to white rice. Crazy.

My husband is really stressed out about work. The company he works for has had to lay people off and he takes it to heart as he is the sales guy. He thinks it is his fault. I am trying to be there for him but I worry that he is getting himself sick with worry. He works so hard but companies are just not buying. I'm worried about him.

[Haunted]

The only advice that ive heard of late to help with anything is that PRODUCE THE NOTE as far as delaying losing your home.

I think this is a very good one as loans have been sold and re-sold so many times it takes 'em forever to find the people who actually have the note. Meantime you can re-group and be ready for 'em when they come at you again.:biggrin2::biggrin2::biggrin2:

[aussiewonder]

Yes, as many others have already stated, I have been looking for a job, but as of yet nothing. My husband works at a steel mill, and his hrs were cut to 36 a week some time before Christmas.
Hanging in though, and thankful, there are so many others who have it far worse.

[Wylde06]

Thankfully no, both since I'm only 18 and in college on a scholarship

The college I go to is going to start cutting some of the scholarship money because of their earnings in the Stock Market. Some of the scholarships as funded this way...and we know how thats been lately...hopefully my scholarship wont be affected (although Im not even sure if I will have it next year based on my grades)


As for me, yes I have been affected. I used to work for a car dealership, and because the main cars just so happen to be Jeep and Chrysler (they sell 6 different car lines, but Jeep and Chrysler are the big sellers)...they had to make some cuts, and I was one of them. Luckily though, my family has been fine.

[Wendybird]

I was laid off at the end of last year due to the recession. Luckily my other half has his own company that has not been affected so I started working for him until I found another job. Now I am working more for him than ever so haven't really looked for anything else. We don't have a huge mortgage, we both have cars (paid off) and because we work away a lot our overheads are relatively low. We are lucky. My friend called me this morning to say that she is being laid off at the end of this week and she has no idea what she is going to do. Her hubby has a low paid job so she was the main income. She is so depressed.

I feel so bad for people in this situation and just wish I could help! But what can you do?

Hopefully my other half's company can carry on the way it has been. We have had only 2 clients go bust on us and neither owed us more than a few hundred pounds so it won't kill us. I guess we are in a minority at the moment but I am aware that things can change so quickly and we may not be so lucky in future. Fingers crossed X

[Haunted]

My thoughts and prayers are with all of us here in this place. We must have faith and hope that things will get better.

[mylife4usk]

Been playing the lottery each week HOPING like hell we'd get lucky... man, it's been tough for the last 2 years here. Living paycheck to paycheck, looking at all the bills that come in, trying to pay the ones that make the most sense, car, mortgage, electricity,....the credit card debt has gotten WAY out of hand, :eek2: but it's the only way my husband can get gas, course he ''needs coffee and cigarettes(even though I quit):glare: when he gasses up.

Anyway, I am SO thankful we still have a house and jobs. Hope everyone in here hangs in there.

[Sundrop]

It's hitting us pretty hard as well. We've had to cut our employee hours in half and we, as owners, have gone without cutting ourselves a paycheck in order to keep the lights on at the store.

[arista]

The economic times are tough and the jobs are slim. If you have a job you can tolerate stay with it. Keep thinking positive.

[CorbinKale]

Barter is becoming much more common. With money being of questionable value, goods and services are being traded, instead of purchased with cash.

I have helped plant several crops, in exchange for a share of the expected yield, which I will help harvest. I did a format/reinstall on a neighbor's Dell last week and was gifted with some .223 brass. My assistance with a building restoration was rewarded with all the lumber I needed to build a chicken coop. No money is changing hands. We are just trading favors for what we need. Neighbors are starting to become friendlier, too. Everyone senses that we will need to band together for mutual survival.

An older gentleman complained that he was too old at 74 to have much to offer. I explained to him that he would have to be pretty far gone to be worthless. If he could keep watch, he would free another person up to do manual labor, for example. Everyone has something to offer. The trick is to have someone bring all the pieces together. It is not too late to start networking in your neighborhoods.

[tillyn]

So far so good. My husband still has his job, but a parent company chopped 600 jobs. I'm struggling not to fall apart. 20 years in the Healthcare field has taken it toll on my body. Retirement is still a ways away. I remember stuff like this happening before. We all have to hang tight and pray, and hopefully it doesn't last long.

[LadyLyn]

Yep, unfortunately it has begun to affect my family as well. Hubby used to work anywhere between 45-55 hours a week, but now has been cut back to 32 hours.

We're still hanging in there but it is tough with two rapidly growing boys to feed.

[scratchesass]

Your Personal Rate of Return

This Period -46.1%

Your Personal Rate of Return is calculated with a time-weighted formula, widely used by financial analysts to calculate investment earnings. It reflects the results of your investment selections as well as any activity in the plan account(s) shown. There are other Personal Rate of Return formulas used that may yield different results. Remember that past performance is no guarantee of future results.




This was copied from my 401K statement for the last 15 months. And I thought it was bad when it was at a minus 30%.....

[Kim L.]

Losing employment means losing health insurance, at least in the US, unless you can afford the COBRA coverage, which many can't. Even people who have jobs are going without needed visits to their doctors to cut costs. It may end up costing them more in the long run. On the other hand, if the choice is between buying groceries and a doctor visit, it's hard to fault someone for choosing to put food on the table.

[scratchesass]

Barter is becoming much more common. With money being of questionable value, goods and services are being traded, instead of purchased with cash.

I have helped plant several crops, in exchange for a share of the expected yield, which I will help harvest. I did a format/reinstall on a neighbor's Dell last week and was gifted with some .223 brass. My assistance with a building restoration was rewarded with all the lumber I needed to build a chicken coop. No money is changing hands. We are just trading favors for what we need. Neighbors are starting to become friendlier, too. Everyone senses that we will need to band together for mutual survival.

An older gentleman complained that he was too old at 74 to have much to offer. I explained to him that he would have to be pretty far gone to be worthless. If he could keep watch, he would free another person up to do manual labor, for example. Everyone has something to offer. The trick is to have someone bring all the pieces together. It is not too late to start networking in your neighborhoods.


Hey Corbin, switch over to something .30 cal. Them .223's (assuming you have an AR) tumble to much and just ain't worth a snot after about 100 yds! An AR-15 is neat looking and all, but, them there .30's reach out and stop something in a survival situation!

[Liselle]

We had to close our business a year after we had opened it, orders just dried up over night.

Hubby who has worked in the window industry for over 30 years and has been Managing Director of some big companies now finds he can't even get an interview despite all his experience, finding it hard to keep his spirits up.

Also cutting down on non essentials, just keep telling myself it can't last forever and least we have our health.

[arista]

I heard the stock market opened at it lowest rate in a over a decade...I don't know much about the stock market...but I know it affects our economy in a big way.

[Cowboy]

Very much affected our lives here. Had to change several things...anyone looking to buy a horse?

[sugarcane]

Yup, my man has been on lay off since last August (Auto industry). I've dipped into my RRSP's. He's gone back to school to learn a new trade that dosen't involve factories. Our spending is much more frugal these days. Thankfully I have a good job & can support the family. The only positive thing about all this is that we are forced to be financially responsible.

[arista]

I know that Goodwill has been busier than ever..

[tempest]

It started to affect my life much earlier then others but there are some circumstances.
Some think it is Karma baby, but logically the US economy was built on a facade which few could see. Not really anyones fault. Bottom line is that commericialism/materialism really numbs people out (com⋅pla⋅cen⋅cy) and we will survive this.

[JohnDalglish]

I know that Goodwill has been busier than ever..

Hi,

Yes, and there's a kind of strange paradox too.

My daughter was made unemployed in October and started a new job fund raising for the Red Cross at the beginning of February and it's going really well.

Apparently, the more an economy is depressed, the more is donated to charities and it's always been that way.

I think that says something rather noble about humanity, don't you?

Long days and pleasant nights

[Tery]

I am so sorry to hear these tales. :(

In the short term, we're okay. But the retirement fund has taken quite a hit, as well as our stock fund. We're trying not to panic but it's scary.

[abacus]

So I lied that yes the economy has affected me, because my brother is unskilled and, along with having personal problems and issues, the downturn makes it even harder for him to keep employment. I must admit that a lot of these stories remind me of how our grandparents lived normally, and the change in conventions is something that is tied in with the economy, if not a major player in our downturn. Anyway, so I sit with a few job offers on my table, that I rejected each in turn for reasons, reasons such as not enough pay or not enough stability..etc etc...and then I turned them all down because I got accepted into a competitive program overseas. The only problem, except it's not really a problem, is that I would have to pay for it. I also admit that I do not think often of my family's interests, mainly because of my independence, and that is why I originally said that the economic downturn did not affect me. My mother wonders, of course, how she will retire. I hate to think that, though I separated myself from her because of her negativity, that I would not support her when she is elderly; I have every intention of it. Yet it seems like, if I separate myself from her now, she will feel like I am holding my future support as ransom, and will pander to me in ways which will make me feel sorry for her. She sent me a check to help me pay for my school overseas, which because of the economic downturn, I will never cash. So I'm calling back the last employer I rejected to take their offer.

[CorbinKale]

Hey Corbin, switch over to something .30 cal. Them .223's (assuming you have an AR) tumble to much and just ain't worth a snot after about 100 yds! An AR-15 is neat looking and all, but, them there .30's reach out and stop something in a survival situation!

The tumbling was a problem with the old 1:12 twist barrels in the M16A1. I have an M4 with a 1:9 twist. The decision to go with the M4 was never a question for me. I have carried one for many years, and know it inside and out. I trust it. It is my MBR because, since it is like a part of me, I will always have it with me. Using the standard caliber that the military and police use will ensure an availability of ammo. With a 55gr bullet, I am consistent at 250 meters on an E silhouette. In my area, the terrain is heavily forested rolling hills. A shot of more than 200 meters would be rare. That is just my personal preference. I agree with you that for range and stopping power, .30+ caliber is much better. The other people in my group have that covered, since I am the only person with a .223 MBR.

In my travels today, I came across a supply of 75gr JHP bullets. I bought 200 of them, since they were out of the 55gr I hoped to find. I haven't looked up the reloading specs on those, yet, but I will dive into it tomorrow. If I can configure a load to get good accuracy and range with those 75gr bullets, I will go buy the rest they had on hand. That will give me options if I am operating in more open terrain at some point.

[Dana]

Yeah, it has. :( Just found out the health insurance premium is going up AGAIN(it does every year). It's already almost $150 a week out of Bobby's check and it still costs us a small fortune to go to the doctor or get prescriptions filled. He hasn't seen a 40 hour check in a long time either. We are thankful that his job can't be sent overseas, at least(he does heating and air), but things are still pretty slow. The only thing that saves us is the fact that he can get out and do side jobs here and there.

[PatInTheHat]

Hi,

Yes, and there's a kind of strange paradox too.

My daughter was made unemployed in October and started a new job fund raising for the Red Cross at the beginning of February and it's going really well.

Apparently, the more an economy is depressed, the more is donated to charities and it's always been that way.

I think that says something rather noble about humanity, don't you?

Long days and pleasant nights

It's been my own personal observation, and I believe there may be real numbers to back me up on this, that it is the folks who have the least, that tend to give the most.
Of course that's proportionally, but I'm much more impressed with those on fixed incomes or living paycheck to paycheck, who tend to give what they can, when they can, and maybe do without something little, than one who is invested, hedgefunded and tax breaked, that simply figures a percentage (with a money handling dude/dudette's sound fiscal advice possibly), and doesn't have to look back.

I've known so many retired folk, who've lived on at, near or below the poverty index, who caughed up a full ten percent and over, for various charities & pet causes.
Someone living on divededs and interest doing the same thing, while very nobel, generous and great, just doesn't give me the same kind of warm & fuzzy's.

I guess it's just a simple matter of being connected to whatever kind of reality you know, have known, or have taken an active interest in getting to at least understand to the best of ones ability and/or maybe even social standing.
But the bigger the bank account & lifestyle, should I would think, cause one to just maybe crank that percentage up just a tad bit, yet sadly it doesn't seem to be the case...proportionally that is.

[Srbo]

The worse it gets in the US, the worse it gets in Canada too.

The grocery prices have skyrocketed, I am really having issues with how high the grocery bills are lately...

About lay-offs...phewwww...I dont` even want to talk about that...:sad:

[staropeace]

Pat I think you are right. Running programs for street people,I noticed this also. They tend to share everything (dont much wanna share alcohol). There is a certain honor where you all try to give a help. That is the only way to survival. Not much different than the barter system....which would be a great idea during the recession,btw.

[CorbinKale]

Some financial advice based on the market's reaction to real world conditions.

Spam, guns and gold. Solid analysis.

http://www.howestreet.com/articles/index.php?article_id=8806

[ms.darkside]

Yea, extremely hard. I work in healthcare and my hours have been cut to 4 days a week, at the end of March, I will lose my health insurance. I have been a model employee so that I may get a raise when due one and I was told that there are now wage freezes in place. We stay at home a lot lately!!

[CorbinKale]

One more market analysis to mull over. Think how nice it would be to stay warm and have some food next winter. Arrange your life so that is possible without relying on any banking infrastructure. You won't be able to say you didn't see it coming. If this guy is wrong, you won't lose anything by being prepared. If he is right and you don't take heed, you may lose your life, and the lives of those who depend on you. The time to prepare is now.

http://market-ticker.org/archives/852-Whats-Dead-Short-Answer-All-Of-It.html

[JRLauer]

Not really, if anything, I'm busier now than I was this time last year.

[JayneH]

I am still busy at work but the state is definately suffering.
I work in Oil & Gas which has slowed down but our Mining industry has been badly affected as our major supplier - China has slowed down its importing of Iron Ore.
100's being laid off every day. So far we have avoided the "Recession" but I think it is only a matter of time before we join the rest of the world. China announced a huge infrastructure spend so hopefully that means they will want more ore !!!!

[pepino]

I guess I'm fortunate to be employed by a thriving company. This recession has actually increased business since many of our competitors have went under. Been working 6 days/wk (sometimes 12-hr days) for over 6 months now. I really need a break though and secretly yearn for a few weeks shutdown (which isn't going to happen).

[Laura6]

Basically since I clean houses for people who are well off...I have pretty much stayed the same..most people that pay some one to clean their house REALLY do not want to clean it themselves..no matter what

[LadyHitchhiker]

Absolutely. We barely make it from month to month and we don't have hardly any savings at all. Gan forbid my husband's car die, because mine died a few months ago and we haven't had money to get it fixed.

[BlackThorn]

Yeah, I might buy a new house. They're real cheap right now.

[Haunted]

Yea, extremely hard. I work in healthcare and my hours have been cut to 4 days a week, at the end of March, I will lose my health insurance. I have been a model employee so that I may get a raise when due one and I was told that there are now wage freezes in place. We stay at home a lot lately!!

Hang in and take care.

[brownmouse]

I guess I'm fortunate to be employed by a thriving company. This recession has actually increased business since many of our competitors have went under. Been working 6 days/wk (sometimes 12-hr days) for over 6 months now. I really need a break though and secretly yearn for a few weeks shutdown (which isn't going to happen).

So, are you hiring? :oops: :wink2: :oo:

[Shasta]

It's been affecting me for a long time. I started my job as an intern while in college 2 years ago. Now, I am the world's oldest intern and I work harder than anyone else in my department but they can't hire me becuase they are on a hiring freeze. And I can't get another job because the market is too saturated.

[CorbinKale]

This is a great, yet simple, explanation of how we got into this mess.

http://vimeo.com/3261363

[scotts_girl]

my work as a hairstylist is dead:sad: actually today im telling my boss i cant afford to sign another years contract theirs no way but luckily my husband does have a good job unlike a lot off people we know his dad got laid off and he in in late 50s not good for him and lots off our friends have been laid off,we were on a budget before this now its even tighter if you don't plant a garden i would be this year i know ours is going to be bigger

[busy91]

Yes, especially since I work in one of the troubled Investment banks. But outside of that, my financial life is not that great. I have little debt, but just getting by is still hard.

[LadyHitchhiker]

I went from working four days a week at the book store and 2-4 days at holiday to now 1-2 days at the gas station and 2-3 days at the bookstore. I know that doesn't sound like a bunch but heck, some weeks I'm only working 3-4 days and that's NOT what I'm used to.

[AmandaRose]

its inspirational, written by a friend of mine.....


I was riding along today, beneath one of those beautiful
iron-gray, tufty skies that mark the last half of winter
here in the Southern Appalachians, and "Lucy in the
Sky with Diamonds" came on the radio. During the
song, a complete rainbow appeared, with a second echo
rainbow behind it. Farther on, another rainbow arced, and
Girl and I could see where it fuzzed into the ground on a
nearby wooded knoll. I thought, "This is better than
any drug I've ever taken." I've been very busy with
a number of projects and changes in my life, and I takes
signs like these as proof that I am on the right track.
It's simple: follow your heart, trust your mind, and be
considerate of the world and its creatures.


I know
so many people stressed out by the economy, and I do
sympathize with anyone who has lost a job, because I've
been there before. But it's also a time of great
opportunity. Do more with less, enjoy simple things, open
up to the wonder around you. If you can't afford to eat,
be glad you can breathe. No matter what some subjective
bean-counting gizmo says you are "worth," the
truth is there is exactly as much beauty, abundance, and
joy as there was before the Recession.

[pepino]

So, are you hiring? :oops: :wink2: :oo:

I always tell people to put in a resume', but don't blame me later.:smile2:

[mudpuppy]

At my job there will be no raises this year and that stinks. But my job seems stable at this point. At home we are cutting our food costs by eating at home and making from scratch. I don't shop for fun now.

[kingricefan]

I have been out of work for 9 months, after quitting my job and relocating to a new town. My plan was to take two months off during the summer, then get a job. I've worked in the retail sector for over 25 years so didn't think it would be a problem finding something in retail. The entire crash of the economy was NOT in my plans. It's been tough on me mentally the last 4 months, my self-esteem has certainly taken a large hit, but I just took a drug test for a large chain store here, and knowing I won't flunk that, I will start working next week. The position is listed as part-time, only guaranteed 20 hours a week, but it's a start and it will get me out of the house and amongst people again. It's been a very humbling experience. I was passed over for more jobs than I can remember in the last 8 months, and all of them I was over-qualified for at the least. But, things are looking up finally!!

[Autumnlyn]

Actually trying to cut back on my smoking because of the DRASTIC rise in cigarette taxes in Cali. My one vice/pleasure. Darn it that one hurt!!

As for all the other things in life; gas, food, electricity, etc. Just doing my best to cut back and be careful.

[pandora]

I was worried when the economy started to slip because I'm self employed, but I am still in the game thank goodness!

[CorbinKale]

If you have not sat down and truly pondered the reality that is about to come crashing down around the world, this article gives a glimpse of the whole situation, by focusing on AIG.

If you despair easily, or have trouble with long, in-depth analysis, just skip this. If you can add 2+2, then you will see the wisdom of making sure you have food and fuel to get you through this next winter stocked away before the end of summer. You won't be able to say you didn't see it coming.

This is Rolling Stone, so be forewarned of foul language.

http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/story/26793903/the_big_takeover/print

[scotts_girl]

on the up side:biggrin2:theres never been a better time to buy stocks for people our generation,we started taking a little out our check every mnth and put it in, just got to do a little reseach

[Haunted]

I have been out of work for 9 months, after quitting my job and relocating to a new town. My plan was to take two months off during the summer, then get a job. I've worked in the retail sector for over 25 years so didn't think it would be a problem finding something in retail. The entire crash of the economy was NOT in my plans. It's been tough on me mentally the last 4 months, my self-esteem has certainly taken a large hit, but I just took a drug test for a large chain store here, and knowing I won't flunk that, I will start working next week. The position is listed as part-time, only guaranteed 20 hours a week, but it's a start and it will get me out of the house and amongst people again. It's been a very humbling experience. I was passed over for more jobs than I can remember in the last 8 months, and all of them I was over-qualified for at the least. But, things are looking up finally!!


You are so right!! Get your foot in the door and let them see that they have hired an awesome employee and that a better position is better be found for you in order to retain you. It is easier to look for a job when you have one, eh? The very best to you.:biggrin2:

[finalfantasyVII]

Yeah this mess is really bad in Chesapeake VA. I've been out of work for 2 months and nobody is hiring...they say maybe by April...while I almost starve to death, but I haven't given up yet.

[Haunted]

Yeah this mess is really bad in Chesapeake VA. I've been out of work for 2 months and nobody is hiring...they say maybe by April...while I almost starve to death, but I haven't given up yet.

Chesapeake still on the slow and quiet side by the Bay???

[demorgan]

This seems obvious to me, but it seems that the economy is also affecting peoples attitudes and it seems that alot of people that i know are on edge and at times not as easy to get along with.

[mudpuppy]

Don't know if I posted this on Friday, but 8 people were layed-off here at my work last Friday. Its terrible. I feel so bad for them. Plus there is just no sense of comfort of security at work anymore.

I just think its time to whip out the Poor Richard's and follow it.

[bookworm101]

No, I've always been poor as dirt.:sad:

[Autumnlyn]

No, I've always been poor as dirt.:sad:

:rofl:

[pandora]

The economy.... I think we should all extend a hand, even an empty one.

http://dailyfusion.blogspot.com/2009/03/is-anyone-listening.html

[Luxmaximus]

I've lived low-budget since college. Being a bachelor is a flexible life, so I guess I've been recession proof for a while.

But I work for a friend of mine who owns a lawn service small business, and we're beginning to lose some customers. Thankfully we haven't lost any of his reliable customers yet. But I have faith we'll start to come out of this recession in the coming year or so. I hope there will be preventive measures in place so that greed won't rape the greater good of the economy, or at least not legally.

[CorbinKale]

http://www.pagetutor.com/trillion/index.html

If you are like me, and have had a tough time envisioning what a billion dollars looks like, this site is for you. Wrapping my head around a trillion dollars just makes me want to give up. At least, it is all going to good use... right? Now I'm depressed.

[finalfantasyVII]

Yes it is but as of yesterday the 23rd 2 resturaunts and Target are starting to hire..YEAH:biggrin2:

Hey don't FEEL ALONE !! The only time I had money was from inheritence that took me a yr and a half to blow..but I got to see SK's house in Bangor..later Mark FFVII

[pandora]

The economy.... I think we should all extend a hand, even an empty one.

http://dailyfusion.blogspot.com/2009/03/is-anyone-listening.html

Once you click the link,
look for the video (scroll down)
" Is Anyone Listening"

[elevelyn]

Yep, i had to quit my job just before xmas because my boss kept threatening to fire me because of the recession even though work has never been so busy there, my wages cheques were bouncing and i was losing about 20 hours a week. I cant go to the doctors because they cost about €50 just to speak to one here never mind the cost of medication, my boyfriends hours have been cut, we can bearly afford food let alone our bills, we have to move in somewhere cheaper because the rent is too high where we are. i wish i could save money so that i would have something to fall back on! But its not all bad, got a beautiful new puppy this week and i feel people are talking to each other alot more in these scary times and even though i never have money i was still able to find something to contribute to charities for Red Nose Day, there is always someone worse off than we are and we should help if we can imo

[staropeace]

Some folks have absolutely nothing left....but that aint stopping them from trying to survive.....this Edmonton couple gets my salute today.

http://www.edmontonsun.com/News/Edmonton/2009/04/02/8973161-sun.html

[Sundrop]

It has gotten worse for us. Today, we let 6 people go. That is honestly the hardest decision that I've had to make in a long time.

[staropeace]

Update on my earlier post.....:biggrin2:

The homeless couple had a taste of good hearted Edmontonian generosity....in spite of the high crime with gangs and the murders....the ordinary everyday folks of Edmonton are the friendliest I have ever met in Canada...and Newfoundlanders are very friendly.........but Edmonton is best.........

A case of pay it forward.....:smile2:

http://www.edmontonsun.com/News/Edmonton/2009/04/05/9017326.html

[Sawney Beane]

It has never stopped affecting me.I can´t recall a month in which me or my parents didn´t struggle to reach the end of it.(we get paid monthly over here).It has gotten worse for us. Today, we let 6 people go. That is honestly the hardest decision that I've had to make in a long time. Maybe you will be able to re-admit them when things are back in shape.no?

[Terry B]

Has the economy affected me yet? Oh yeah! We've tried twice in 2 1/2 years to sell our house. Not that we NEED to but want to. We took it off the market again last month. May or may not try again next year. Cost of living goes up much faster than the pensions and my pension never goes up (thank you Ronald Reagan). It seems that just walking into grocery store costs you a hundred dollar bill even for 2 people. The neighborhood is turning into a haven for renters (not that I have anything against renters) and property values have nose-dived. I can't justify buying books and needlework supplies like I used to. I guess I could go on but I won't. It's tough on all of us.

[marew1]

No, fortunately. My husband and I are both retired and are managing. My prayers and thoughts to all who are struggling. Hope the economy straightens out soon.

[PatInTheHat]

Heres is a friendly reminder for anyone that uses plastic.
CHECK YOUR STATEMENTS CAREFULLY!

I'm in the precarious position of watching my Mama's meager finances (keeping a watch while making her feel she has the autonomy), and have recently done an accounting of her credit card statements after finding a bogus charge on a bill.

She was billed 129.99 for some "Shoppers" club...she never signed up for it, nor gave any verbal permission.
I went through the run around calling various important and knowdegable sounding bushwackers.
I asked for proof, in the form of a copy of any signed contract, or I wanted to hear the recording of her agreement...hmmm, oddly none are available.

This caused me to go over ALL of her past statements on this card and her couple of others.
I'M LIVID!!!
This outfit has been billing her once a year for four years now for a shopping club she never knew she was in.
Another has recently started charging her for insurance, in case she gets hurt or is too ill to work, and can't make payments...she's 86 and has been retired for about ten years, & on a fixed income.
One more has been charging her for another credit insurance.
None of these, I repeat NONE of these, has she ever agreed to in writing or verbally...yet they say she must have, afterall, "we're billing her so she must have agreed"...Bull*%&#!!!
A mighty bold statement, especially when they won't show proof...because it simply does not exist.

I've been pouring over her last few years (since just before she moved with me...and she's an excellent paper keeper) worth of bills and have found (so far) almost 2000.00 worth of bogus billings over the years.
She's with me constantly...I know what she buy's, and how she spends her dough.
To me, this isn't any better than a pickpocket, or a burglar...common thievery is what it is!
Actually this is worse, because these are companies she has trusted and has always been a great loyal customer, and extremely prompt on her payments, with nary a single late one.
I simply hate a thief that has no reason to steal, Les Miserable these guy's ain't!

These greedy weasels keep this low life greasy crap up (stealing from MY MAMA!), and I'm going on an institutonal crime spree that'll make Dillinger look like a french piker boostin' bread crust:glare:!
Talk about some holier than thou nerve by those pieces of human garbage, this is my MAMA they're rippin' off...payback can certainly be a sumbitch...and that would be me!

The phone company recently tried to pull a fast one too.
I had a charge for 11.97 for an information call to Las Vegas at 3:30 in the morning through another company.
No one here has ever called Vegas information...especially at 3:30 in the morning!
They said that they had to bill me because this company said to...actually it was through a billing company that sent Ma Bell the charge for another company, and there was nothing they could do, that I would have to contact those other companies...even though it was Cincinnati Bell who billed me.
They said they had to bill me, because this company said so.

I told them fine, but I was sending a friend of mine, with a copy of the local white pages to their billing department, with the instructions that they were to bill everyone in it for $5.00, and they could just cut me a check next month.
They seemed rather confused.
I explained that their logic dictated that, if I say it's so, then it's so, & that should be good enough for them, since they said they had to bill me for this other company on behalf of another company, on their say so, and thusly just like them, anyone disputing this charge could simply call me.
I wonder how many actually would, like I did?
Even if 90% did (I bet it would be less than 50%), that would still bank a tidy profit for a bogus charge for nothing...and billed through my co-conspirator, Cincinnati Bell...SWEET!

CHECK YOUR STATEMENTS!!!

These greedy greasy bastards ain't done by a long shot, flat out stealing anything that's not nailed down or buried in a Mason Jar in your back yard if you'll let them...and I'd start keeping a better eye on them X's marking the spots!
(beware of beady eyed weasely creeps in suits carrying shovels...it's might be the next finance/investment industry "bubble")
Take it for what it's worth.

[kingricefan]

Heres is a friendly reminder for anyone that uses plastic.
CHECK YOUR STATEMENTS CAREFULLY!

I'm in the precarious position of watching my Mama's meager finances (keeping a watch while making her feel she has the autonomy), and have recently done an accounting of her credit card statements after finding a bogus charge on a bill.

She was billed 129.99 for some "Shoppers" club...she never signed up for it, nor gave any verbal permission.
I went through the run around calling various important and knowdegable sounding bushwackers.
I asked for proof, in the form of a copy of any signed contract, or I wanted to hear the recording of her agreement...hmmm, oddly none are available.

This caused me to go over ALL of her past statements on this card and her couple of others.
I'M LIVID!!!
This outfit has been billing her once a year for four years now for a shopping club she never knew she was in.
Another has recently started charging her for insurance, in case she gets hurt or is too ill to work, and can't make payments...she's 86 and has been retired for about ten years, & on a fixed income.
One more has been charging her for another credit insurance.
None of these, I repeat NONE of these, has she ever agreed to in writing or verbally...yet they say she must have, afterall, "we're billing her so she must have agreed"...Bull*%&#!!!
A mighty bold statement, especially when they won't show proof...because it simply does not exist.

I've been pouring over her last few years (since just before she moved with me...and she's an excellent paper keeper) worth of bills and have found (so far) almost 2000.00 worth of bogus billings over the years.
She's with me constantly...I know what she buy's, and how she spends her dough.
To me, this isn't any better than a pickpocket, or a burglar...common thievery is what it is!
Actually this is worse, because these are companies she has trusted and has always been a great loyal customer, and extremely prompt on her payments, with nary a single late one.
I simply hate a thief that has no reason to steal, Les Miserable these guy's ain't!

These greedy weasels keep this low life greasy crap up (stealing from MY MAMA!), and I'm going on an institutonal crime spree that'll make Dillinger look like a french piker boostin' bread crust:glare:!
Talk about some holier than thou nerve by those pieces of human garbage, this is my MAMA they're rippin' off...payback can certainly be a sumbitch...and that would be me!

The phone company recently tried to pull a fast one too.
I had a charge for 11.97 for an information call to Las Vegas at 3:30 in the morning through another company.
No one here has ever called Vegas information...especially at 3:30 in the morning!
They said that they had to bill me because this company said to...actually it was through a billing company that sent Ma Bell the charge for another company, and there was nothing they could do, that I would have to contact those other companies...even though it was Cincinnati Bell who billed me.
They said they had to bill me, because this company said so.

I told them fine, but I was sending a friend of mine, with a copy of the local white pages to their billing department, with the instructions that they were to bill everyone in it for $5.00, and they could just cut me a check next month.
They seemed rather confused.
I explained that their logic dictated that, if I say it's so, then it's so, & that should be good enough for them, since they said they had to bill me for this other company on behalf of another company, on their say so, and thusly just like them, anyone disputing this charge could simply call me.
I wonder how many actually would, like I did?
Even if 90% did (I bet it would be less than 50%), that would still bank a tidy profit for a bogus charge for nothing...and billed through my co-conspirator, Cincinnati Bell...SWEET!

CHECK YOUR STATEMENTS!!!

These greedy greasy bastards ain't done by a long shot, flat out stealing anything that's not nailed down or buried in a Mason Jar in your back yard if you'll let them...and I'd start keeping a better eye on them X's marking the spots!
(beware of beady eyed weasely creeps in suits carrying shovels...it's might be the next finance/investment industry "bubble")
Take it for what it's worth.
Thanks for the heads up!! I always check over my statements carefully each month. Nothing found on the credit cards but I did find charges on my phone/cable/internet bill and promptly took them to task for it!!

[Patricia A]

Yes, me and everyone I know.

[Anton177]

I thought this whole economic crisis was bullshit to be quite honest since if you look on the television and the youth agenda of degenerate culture; it's a ****ing wonder it's taken this long for anyone to think "Hm, maybe it's about time the **** hit the fan for these devolving locusts". That and the fact that nobody seems to be able to say 'Maybe I can't afford this' when they're looking at buying at £300,000 house.

Like I said, that is what I thought, and lately I've learned that my father has been put on a redundancy list and will be unemployed soon.

I'm 18 and my sister is 13 so they need the money and my father needs his job. I think when things are that extreme then something is royally getting ballsed up somewhere down the line and it's a little more serious than I thought. It's easy to criticise from a distance but there is a lot of blame to be passed around and we're going to be crumbling in a lot more than money worries if you ask me. This has been said before since the common folk lives on fear but this could be the start of a big downfall. That being said, if people start being careful with their money then it's even worse, since the situation is not being regenerated with steady cash flow.

I don't know what to make of it and I shouldn't really care since none of this is in our hands anyway; we're completely in the dark. As a consolation we've seen worse times (almost identical times) and we're not dead yet.