Who here is affected by the global crunch?

Well, not really. Of course 401k values are down. That affects us. And so many employers are heavily invested in the stock market. In order to make up for their losses they don't increase wages and salaries. That affected us, too. And they raise the prices of their products, which also has an effect on us. I can understand that they want to still make a profit but it's on our backs. I would say anybody in or near retirement is most definitely is affected the most as their nesteggs have taken an enormous hit. And people who relied solely on stock income.