I was laid-off a few months ago from my part-time job of 2 years. Sadly, this is what kept my head above water. I've really had to tighten the financial belt SEVERAL notches...
Todd
of SC
@
Nov 30, 2008 06:39:12 AM
Nope, not feeling it yet.
To be honest, I haven't really felt it at all with the exception of grocery and gas prices. Sure, I hear a lot of panic which everyone is talking about and the stock market is crashing, but so far I haven't changed anything from what I had planned before 'the crisis' hit. I don't know if it's because there hasn't been a huge affect other than the media or because I live within my means.
Slinky
of WI
@
Nov 10, 2008 15:56:42 PM
Definitely Feeling It
Like everyone else, I'm definitely feeling the recession. Headlines of the crisis, overhearing lunch room talks just doesn't make you feel good these days. However, there are some good points though:
1. Gas prices are back to times of 2006! I never imagined seeing $2.50 a gallon gas prices but this economic crisis has brought the price of oil (and gasoline) way down! This is a couple hundred bucks back in my pockets!
2. No lines! I go to retailers like Costco and there are no more lines (or at least less people waiting). I get so much of my time back!
3. It forced me to think about my finances much more. This is always a good thing!
Like everything else, it's not always bad! The fact that it's recession 2.0 means that we got out of recession 1.0! The United States will prosper again!
MoneyNing
of CA
@
Nov 06, 2008 15:28:21 PM
Thanks, Johanna - I'll have to check out that novel, it sounds great.
Kimberly Palmer
of
@
Nov 06, 2008 13:09:50 PM
Excellent post. I've just finished reading a historical novel ("London" by Edwrad Rutherfurd - long, but highly recommended) and it made me feel much the same way: It reminded me what real poverty could be like, and also how marginalized women were until really fairly recently in the grand scheme of things. Compared to that, the stock market falling off a cliff doesn't seem like nearly as big a deal.
Another thing I try to do is learn about the lives of people in real poverty around the world today. And then donate some money to organizations that can help them.
Kimberly Palmer, senior editor for U.S. News & World Report, writes about how to save money, avoid scams, manage debt, and be a savvy shopper. Send your personal finance questions to her for expert money advice.
Todd of SC @ Nov 30, 2008 06:39:12 AM
Slinky of WI @ Nov 10, 2008 15:56:42 PM
MoneyNing of CA @ Nov 06, 2008 15:28:21 PM
Kimberly Palmer of @ Nov 06, 2008 13:09:50 PM
Johanna of MD @ Nov 06, 2008 12:56:00 PM
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