How is the economy affecting your life?

United States
June 16, 2008 3:50pm CST
As I sat here this morning, my husband and I were discussing the economy and how we can make our finances streatch just a bit further...the rising cost of everything is overwhelming...the rise in gas is creating huge problems for everyone...and with all of the rain and floods...suffered this year in the US...many fields remain flooded and unable to be planted this year...so the price of crops is also rising....meat prices are also being inflated because of the cost to feed them...and then to deliver them has gotten to the point where there is no profit in this market either...and as a consumer...it is out of hand! We already have cut out alot of unnecessary running in the vehicles...we have chickens for eggs and are discussing the possibility of building a greenhouse....I have tried gardening here and it is a huge problem with all of the wildlife that roams freely here...they eat my crops... Also, we are discussing installing a wood-burning water heater and furnace...as he explains to me...it has the capability to heat our water and can be tied into our central heat/air and using just the fan of the blower...it will provide heat to our home...I am doing some research on this now.... With milk costing over $4 a gallon now...we are also discussing the possibility of buying a milk cow... One of the main manufacturuers here builds Ranger Boats...which has now closed down to 3 days a week and done completely away with second and third shifts...it is having a large impact on the local economy... I wondered how others were coping with the present day ecomony? Please do share... Thanks in advance! Tina
2 people like this
5 responses
wahm805
@wahm805 (76)
• United States
16 Jun 08
The scary outlook on the economy has actually encouraged my fiance and I to save more. We figure if things get worse, we will have some money to fall back on. I currently at home and preparing for our first child to be born. She's due on the 28th. I've been looking for different venues that will allow me to be home with her and also not have to worry about the high costs of a good daycare. We've stopped eating out as much and have become a lot stricter with our "free" money and what we spend it on. Honestly for the last 4 or 5 months, all of our "free" money has gone to our baby anyway. These higher prices have also gotten our butts in gear to get the car tuned up and running better. The last thing we need is another bill like a new car payment.
2 people like this
tinamwhite
@tinamwhite (3252)
• United States
17 Jun 08
Congratulations on your impending birth of your new daughter! Thanks so much for sharing with me... Good point about the car running properly being a gas saver...and taking care of it as you can is much easier than "right now" because it is broken down.. Tina
snowy
@snowy22315 (180452)
• United States
17 Jun 08
i am expanding my garden so that i can grow more vegetables instead of having to buy everything in the store. I am also taking fewer trips. i do not run my ac unless absolutely necessary. I alos try to combine trips as much as possible.
2 people like this
34momma
@34momma (13882)
• United States
16 Jun 08
I really don't think it is affecting me as much as most, rather I don't let it do so. I mean rather chicken is $1.99 a pound or $3 per pound, my children have to eat so I have to buy it. for me, complaining or pondering the cost of this and that only makes it bigger. So, i go food shopping like i always do. pay my money and bring home the food. things are going to continue to raise and we are going to continue to pay for what we need for our families
1 person likes this
tinamwhite
@tinamwhite (3252)
• United States
16 Jun 08
That is true...it seems that our needs also continue... Nice to see you, 34Momma
2 people like this
34momma
@34momma (13882)
• United States
17 Jun 08
good to be seen tina
kenzie45230
@kenzie45230 (3560)
• United States
17 Jun 08
We're eating less (which won't hurt either hubby or me) and eating much less meat. We're eating whole grains and fresh fruits and veggie and have noticed that although they cost a bit more than canned or frozen, we seem to feel better. And when we feel better it's easier to eat less. Does that make sense? Hubby drives about 32 miles each way to work and back. Thankfully, his car gets about 35 mpg on the highway. I only take my car out about 2-3 times a week, making sure that I do all of my errands at once, and if I can shop at only one store, all the better. We've really been in a pickle lately, frankly. We've been married for just over 3 years. I cannot work because of my fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue (and everything that goes along with them!). About a year before we got married, hubby (foolishly) refinanced the house with an adjustable rate mortgage. The first 3 years were great, but not the mortgage payment has gone up about $300 a month. Now, the mortgage and utilities take one entire paycheck and we're left to pay for groceries, those 20% of doc bills not covered, cable, phone, internet accesss, his car payment and our car and house insurance out of the other pay check. Boy are things tight. While I used to have about $400-600 I could spend on groceries, I now have $200. Big difference!
bonnie
@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
17 Jun 08
as for myself, im on total disability and am widowed. my daughters family is the only ones i have now and they have helped me with doing things, etc, but also helped me spend my retirement fund, the money from my house, etc. but, i also have a 28yr old son that has bummed from me to. now, im just living on my monthly income and am scared to pieces over it.