We are not in a recession

[nana2boys]

And then there are people like my dd, her dh and their 3 sons. Work, don't smoke, drink, eat out or blow their money. They make just enough to not qualify for any assistance or aid, but still have trouble making ends meet. They are not living above their means, but it takes all they make to stay afloat and sometimes dh and I lend a hand to help them.

It's people like this who do everything they are suppose to and still have problems that I feel sorry for. My hearts go out to our older people as well who are having such a hard time with things.

This may not be a recession, but it sure is edging towards one.

[jdl8062001]

I have to think there is more to their story than 'they have 5 jobs and can't pay their mortgage." If they have 5 jobs between them and it's just the 2 of them their money is going somewhere. Did they buy more house than they should have? Do they have other debt they can't keep up with?

they are having a hard time keeping up with the cost of everything going up. When they bought their house they were paying 720 dollars a half now they are paying 4500 a half. Plus with the cost of utilities going up. cost for schooling going up, gas prices, food prices.

i just think that it is crazy that in the end we are all americans and we are all suppose to fight for each other, rather we believe the same things or not. I for one do not mind helping out people that need help if they are going to use the help and grow from it. I think most people agree with this

[Apennysaved]

Are we there yet?

[extechy]

And then there are people like my dd, her dh and their 3 sons. Work, don't smoke, drink, eat out or blow their money. They make just enough to not qualify for any assistance or aid, but still have trouble making ends meet. They are not living above their means, but it takes all they make to stay afloat and sometimes dh and I lend a hand to help them.

It's people like this who do everything they are suppose to and still have problems that I feel sorry for. My hearts go out to our older people as well who are having such a hard time with things.

This may not be a recession, but it sure is edging towards one.

I have to agree with you here. Right now, we are okay in my household. I'm doing all that I can, including reading and researching current events, to make sure we remain okay.

But hard times are just that - hard times. Who cares about a textbook definition of the word recession? Try telling that to a family who just lost their homes because they lost their jobs and can't afford gasoline to look for another....

I highly recommend one of the 2 food rationing threads for those who are interested.

[manders13]

alright, i gotta say something here....

My grandma and grandpa worked there asses off ther entire lives. My grandma will be 83 in July and is not in the best of health. My grandpa has alzheimers and is in a home because he cant do anything himself and recently has stopped eating. My grandma is having to work 2 days a week just to put food in her fridge. they NEVER spent above there means. She won't even leave the house because of gas prices and struggles month to month... it cost her over 3000 dollars this winter to keep warm because of oil!

So yea maybe people live above there means but what about the people who don't that went from living comfertably to struggling the past 8 years?

[derketchup]

Yeah, I hate to be miss negativity but if things don't change I wouldn't be surprised at all by a full-blown depression.

[manders13]

* might want to add the medicare/medicaid plan keeps going up in costs....
and they don't cover a dang thing. Work all your life.. and pay 1000 a month to be in a nursing home... She would be paying more then that but god bless my grandpa he was in the Korean war or Vietnam i can't remember. It just sickens me this is happening to her. I wish i had the extra cash to send her every month but i just dont right now. I pay almost 60$ a week for gas to get back and forth to work! and i drive a NEON mind you!!! if it wasnt for coupons, i really don't think we would be eating the way we do! I rather struggle day to day I can handle it. Its my grandma that i am worried sick about. I pay into social security, i won't see it when i retire i am sure of it.

What is a person really to do? I am glad most of you are fine. Thats great. But what about the elderly? I agree that alot of the younger crowds to live way above what they should. Heck i did up untill a year ago then i realize i was an idiot and now am turning that around. I lost my job in November because of the economy. Bussinesses don't make money, they have to cut employees. Especially when your sell business to business! I went from making about 1600 a month to 93 dollars a week. HOW IN THE HECK ARE YOU TO LIVE ON THAT!?!?!?! Its not like i could just run out and find another job either. It took me 3 months to find one. Thankfully i have one now, and it is a long drive and i hate the gas prices but what are you to do? Don't work= getting evicted, but won't have to pay 60+ a week for gas.... or complain and put up with it.

Thankfully i don't have kids, because i really dont think we would make it.

Gallon of milk almost 6 dollars!!!!!!!!!! Why? FUEL PRICES

I guess its back to the powder stuff for me!

[derketchup]

or maybe buy a goat

[darkwing932]

alright, i gotta say something here....

My grandma and grandpa worked there asses off ther entire lives. My grandma will be 83 in July and is not in the best of health. My grandpa has alzheimers and is in a home because he cant do anything himself and recently has stopped eating. My grandma is having to work 2 days a week just to put food in her fridge. they NEVER spent above there means. She won't even leave the house because of gas prices and struggles month to month... it cost her over 3000 dollars this winter to keep warm because of oil!

So yea maybe people live above there means but what about the people who don't that went from living comfertably to struggling the past 8 years?

I have to agree with you. Just because your struggling does not automatically mean you live beyond your means. When the cost of the gas you put in your car and the oil that heats your home doubles but your pay check doesn't of course that is going to hurt people financially.

[hotcouponmama]

Sorry - I am one of the ones who believes we're in a recession. I don't think that the textbook definition really fits. I believe that we've been hurting for a long time and that it was masked by the housing market and available credit, and but for the fact that people tapped into their homes beyond bellief, we would had been there long before now on the official definition.

Don't even get me started on the food thing...I have to take a break of that or my head is going to explode.