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Post by Amber Rigby Grosjean on Jul 4, 2009 10:17:29 GMT -5
None of us are alone in these times with the economy dragging us down. Many are losing their jobs, homes, transportation, and more. Factories are closing down, car lots are shutting their doors, and more is coming soon.
We're looking at the depression from the 40s in its early stages. Pretty soon even the rich will be affected by this new series of events. It may not hit them as hard as us but they will pay the price of being rich too.
How is the economy affecting you? Let's talk and see if we can lend a shoulder.
Amber
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Post by Barbara on Jul 4, 2009 14:48:54 GMT -5
The economy really hasn't hit my husband and I hard at this time. However, we aren't spending either. I suppose that has something to do with the fact that we are older and retired. Things that younger family need, we already have. I worry about my son. So far he's been holding his own with his job, but that could change in a moments notice. My DIL is a nurse and they always have openings in that field. Even she says it's hard now to pick up a weekend job. If there is any overtime, it's taken from within. She has two girls in college so she trys to pick up extra jobs at the local nursing homes on the weekend, or will even work a double shift. I retired from a State job and have a rather nice pension and as of next week I will be old enough to collect social security. I had rather mixed feelings about signing up for social security as I just could not believe I was old enough. Now the girls (step-grandchildren) have both gotten apartments this year instead of living in the dorm. (hard to believe but it's cheaper) So I figure my SS will be available to help them. Our home has been paid for for several years and we have a decent vehicle at the present, so we should be able to hold our own for a while.
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Post by Amber Rigby Grosjean on Jul 5, 2009 5:17:12 GMT -5
I'm really glad to hear that, Barbara. You're one of the lucky ones. I've seen men and women who are retired lose their homes due to everything rising in prices including mortgages. I'm glad that's not occuring there with you two.
You'd think prices would go down to help everyone out but instead, everything's going up. We had to buy new windshield wipers for our van and they cost us nearly $30 just because the store had to pay more to put them on the shelf. Its really sad.
People are saying this will take several years so I really hope Obama is doing whatever it takes to help us out of this rut.
Amber
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william
Loves to Make Friends
Posts: 146
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Post by william on Jul 5, 2009 6:17:50 GMT -5
For sure the economy is not great! As far as I am concerned I have always had to struggle to keep afloat. We have a small social security check each month. But like Barb says, we have all we really need. Our son Billy lucked out as far as a job goes. He had a job before he was even out of college. But then he was laid off for a few months. Then another opportunity came along and he grabbed it.
He had several offers that would have meant traveling many miles to work. He chose the one closest....only about 5 miles from home. He has had at least three increases in pay since he started working there. He is paying off his college loan and supporting his own three year old son. (An iffy relationship with his woman)
He was approved for a loan to build himself a home or rather buy a double wide to live in. Papers and permits were all approved. But he opted not to go through with the deal at that time. He was the "new man" at his second job when the economy started to fall apart. There was the possibility that he would lose his new job and be stuck with payments. However that did not happen. As it turns out, it would have worked.
The two sets of grandparents babysit for little "Will." Both his Daddy (Billy) and his Mommy, ( Jamie) are working steadily.
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Post by Amber Rigby Grosjean on Jul 5, 2009 13:35:49 GMT -5
Glad to hear that.
Yeah there are many jobs that are secure, no matter what the economy holds for us tomorrow. The medical field I think is the biggest one because there will always be people getting sick, either mentally or physically so doctors in different fields are 110% needed.
I used to think firemen and police officers were secure but the mayor in Muncie, Indiana (next city over) has shut down a few major fire stations (the one downtown being one of them) and is laying off police officers left and right so crime has gone up. So those jobs aren't as secure as people think but it also depends on the area too. Smaller cities, no. Places like New York City, maybe, don't know (I don't live there so hard to tell lol).
Can't say acting either way. It just depends on the talent so that's a hit or miss. Same goes for writers although the market is growing for both. Because everything is getting more expensive, people are staying home and watching TV and reading books so the demand for both may be rising! We will know more in the long run lol.
What other fields have more security right now? Let's see if we can make a list for our guests....They may be looking for work so let's help a little.
We have medical field like doctors, nurses, RNs, psyciatrsists, even vetinarians, ect. Even massage therepy would be a good trade to learn which is something I'm considering.
Amber
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william
Loves to Make Friends
Posts: 146
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Post by william on Jul 5, 2009 15:07:04 GMT -5
Just being a friend to other folks who are having a tougher time then you are should help too Amber. Being able able to give encouragement always helps to make things look brighter. It gives a reason for living another day.
I suspect that many folks who are on the internet are simply lonely and can use the boost that they can find from other folks who are also looking for a person to visit with.
Bummy74
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Post by Amber Rigby Grosjean on Jul 6, 2009 10:43:08 GMT -5
That was why I wanted to start this thread. Talking about bad situations help us heal a lot better than holding it in and trying to forget about it. This isn't something that's affecting one person or one family, its affecting everyone on one form or another.
Some people are being forced to take on two jobs or maybe even three just to make ends meet. I have a couple friends like that. And when there's only a handful of jobs that a person is capable of doing then it makes job searching even harder. That's when picking up a new trade really helps. When we come out of this rut, a new trade is something that will stay with us and may even help a lot more!
Amber
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william
Loves to Make Friends
Posts: 146
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Post by william on Jul 6, 2009 12:25:51 GMT -5
The biggest problem we have since the economy started failing was fuel prices going up. Lu Ann and I like to explore our back roads and eat at Pudgies or other fast food places. We'd go about two times a month. But now it has been pretty much curtailed. The nearest shopping area of any real size is about thirty miles away. We now have to find the shortest route to and from there. Before, we could find alternate routes that were new to us.
We go to the fair when our (adopted) kids show their animals. Actually the kids belong to our neighbor. But Lu Ann and I usually try to help the kids grow up. Kids often wont listen to their parents. But they will absorb some of what a outsider might say to them. We try to point out to the kids that their parents are having a tough time of it too! And that they should try to lighten their parents load as much as they can. It seems to be working too, at least in a partial way.
Bummy74
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Post by Amber Rigby Grosjean on Jul 6, 2009 14:18:16 GMT -5
That's good, about the kids anyway.
I miss living out in the country sometimes. Its so private. No neighbors to bug the hell out of you.
Amber
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