How has this economy affected you?

I have no money, was laid off, my parents may lose their jobs, my boyfriend lost his company and has to work offshore now.

My apartments seem to have a bit higher occupancy rate, my husband’s contracting business has ground to a slow hum, the value of my house is probably 1/2 of what it was 2 years ago, I can’t sell it and get a smaller one, and my 401k is a joke. Thank goodness I won’t need it for 20 years.
My problems are very minor compared to most though and I know it. I am beefing up my gifts to charity this year and instead of getting my grand kids expensive presents I got them a lot of little presents. They are all 3 and under so they play with the boxes more than the gifts anyway.

My clients have cut their marketing budgets and staff.

My wife works as a loan officer – it’s been a hell of year.

I was forced not to buy my 14th yacht.

poor raw :-(

I teach at a small liberal arts college with a 20% budget cut. Students are anticipating an increase in tuition, faculty are bracing for furloughs, all hiring and travel are frozen.

@Judi

Life can be challenging. I already had to layoff 22 of my 1800 maids/servants.

@raw, yeah, I hate when that happens

So far I haven’t really been effected. My wife is a teacher so her job in stable. Since I got out of social services I am making more money now then ever. I’m trying to keep the economy going for you guys. I spend a lot of money. =)

I am having second thoughts about starting a business. Getting to know my credit card better. Thinking of going back to school.

I just recently found out that my entire college fund and and all the money my mom has is tied up completely in stocks and bonds. If the economy tanks any further, I may not be able to continue college because I already have only half of what I had before.

I do residential remodeling and home additions. Projects are harder to come by and now. People are more reluctant to get into bigger projects that would provide steady work. I do what I can. Yesterday I worked laying blocks. Normally my dad the contractor calls his masonry guy. Dad and I laid the blocks though because we need the job. Im glad I got to work but masonry work sucks.

my 401k went down from about 54 , to about 37 k. other than that, honestly, not affected yet. i work for the government, so i am safe that way. i rent a house from my parents, so i am safe that way. i still spend, go out to dinner, but i do watch my spending (but i always did – i tell people i like to shop but i like to buy things on sale. if it’s not on sale or what i think is a good price i don’t buy it.).

After being a stay-at-home mom for 14 years, I was planning to start a small design and writing business in January. Not gonna’ happen. My husband is a Landscape Manager. The company he works for provides services primarily to home builders, and is going under as I type. Today – December 5th – may very well be his last paycheck. Even in a good year, landscaping companies do not hire in the winter. This year, there is zero chance that he’ll get a job in his field right now. He will not only be losing his job, but his vehicle (company truck) and our health insurance.

I’ll have to get a job ASAP (if I can find one) just for some income and health insurance. Catch 22: The medical conditions I have make it darn near impossible to work full time…but the medical conditions I have make it essential that I have health insurance! The medications I take cost over $500.00 per month alone.

The timing of all this could not be worse. Christmas looms large. It’s going to be interesting, to say the least.

gas for $1.80 and I’m having raise Jan 5th, so I think I’m good :)