How is the Economy Affecting You?

[Jim]

I haven't heard much mention of the sorry state of the economy on socnet sites, but I know it's affecting countless people, so I thought I'd bring it up for discussion. For me personally, I generally try to rise above the ups and downs of finance and commerce, but the recent ones are hard to avoid. I'm feeling the stress of it in my work life, my budget, and even my marriage. My wife is dealing with very powerful fears about losing her business and ending up on the street. I'm much more optimistic than she, so the difference in our outlooks is causing some tension. But we've managed to reach some middle ground regarding preparing ourselves for hard times, so that's good. I'd like to know how all of you are faring in this economic downturn.

[BlancheNoE]

Well,...our company has an across the board pay freeze and they are encouraging associates to take unpaid leaves of absence. The way our company works, my potential to make money is directly tied to how good my boss is. After 10 years, I finally got a kick-ass boss,...and they enact a pay freeze, so now I'm making less than new hires and will be for the foreseeable future,....figures. Oh well, if the whole camel through the eye of a needle thing is true, I'm totally in. It has been especially challenging for us(John/pen and I/Blanch) because the government wants us to pay them thousands of dollars to
allow pen the privilege of searching for an amoeba in a muddy inlet (job), so, we're learning how to eat much differently and drink crappy coffee. We were both very low-maintenance and frugal before all of this, so the fact that we are feeling the squeeze tells me there are an awful lot of people out there dealing with huge life-style adjustments. I can't help but hope that many of the irresponsible and greedy are among those feeling the worst of it, but unfortunately, they probably are not.
Okay, I'm off to make home made doughnuts out of packing peanuts. The trick is you make the coffee so hot that it burns off all your taste buds and then you can imagine that the doughnut is really good, despite the odd texture,.....and intestinal blockage later.

[BlancheNoE]

You are a fricken genius. I'm going to start spiking pen's oatmeal with concrete.

[Jim]

In spite of your disappointments, long-term goal adjustments, and making do with what you've got, I'm happy to see that you still have your sense of humor, Amy. That, and a lot of love and understanding, will see us through most hard times.

[Jim]

My wife's a small business owner, so she would have to be the one to do the laying off, if it ever came to that. However, when you only have eight employees, there's only so much downsizing you can do.

You hang in there, too, Chig.

[Kat.Ballou]

check this out, if you've got the time.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7065205277695921912

my stupid over-simplified college kid solution to economic crisis? Cancel student loan debt and legalize marijuana to stimulate the economy.

[Jim]

That sounds like as good a plan as any, Kat!

I watched that vid, very trippy, even without herbal enhancement. ;)

[SydTheSkeptic]

It hasn't happened in my school district yet but the one right next door started asking for teachers to take unpaid leaves of absence. Many did and so they didn't have to lay off anyone.

In a recent newsletter from my superintendent, we were told to expect hard times (as if we haven't already when it comes to resources and pay...) So who knows what's ahead.

@Blanch- I'll bet thems are the best doughnuts made of pre-manufactured materials EVER!

@Chig- omigod- not ELIMINATION OF WASTE!! That's...That's...well, isn't that- like..normal? :oP

[Jim]

Syd, I hear ya. My son's school district is hurting, too. Many teachers and staff received pink slips recently, to warn them of possible layoffs being considered for next school year. In the past, the parents and general community could always raise enough funds to keep the great school programs going (libraries, art, music, PE, etc.), but I'm wondering if everyone might be feeling a little less generous in the current economic climate.

[photo2010]

We've been living on a fixed income for a long time, and the downturn and other factors are eating up the little savings we have. At least we own the condo we live in, but the condominium association has suddenly begun demanding large assessments (fees), supposedly to offset heating costs as well as loss of income from unrented or unsold units. The tenants/owners are questioning the money management here. It's all a little scary.

[Jim]

As more and more companies are tightening their belts, wages are decreasing, which in turn lowers consumer prices, and the cycle continues. It seems weird to me, Kevin, that your condo association is going against the flow by charging higher fees.

[photo2010]

This condo association has made many decisions without discussing them with condo owners. They are very secretive about the common charges and where the money goes. The owners are starting to fight back.

[Mango8260]

No bonus this year for me..5% paycut at husbands job, friends and family in California have had their houses decrease in value ALOT. Always been good with hamburger...need more ideas now though. Hope Hamburger Helper comes out with new flavors soon. Sorry to hear about your wifes business Jim...hope it works out. xoxo Mango xoxo