Financial Times

I'm officially freaked out by the economy. I have been for awhile but it is starting to sink in more and more each day.  Everyday, I read about more layoffs.  I see local businesses shut their doors, including the place where I get my haircut (damn!).  Businesses that I have always grown up with are declaring bankruptcy or have already disappeared.  My retirement money is evaporating.  I have less money with each paycheck because my debt is just increasing.  I have no safety net.

I have cut back on groceries, going out to dinner, and going out with friends.  Living expenses and debt....that is what I am working for these days.   I think about how much I am cutting back and how many other millions of people there like me who are doing the same - how will our economy improve?  I don't know what I would do right now if I lost my job.  The economy has definitely altered many of my life plans for at least the next year.

I read somewhere that someone recommended bailing out taxpayers by helping us pay our debts.  If we had less debt, we could start buying more things.  Granted, we would probably just head down the consumer path until we started accruing debt again.  But, I know that if I had at least one debt paid off, I would be able to pour more money into the local economy.  I would also work on paying off the rest of my debts.  Wishful thinking.

I think we've all had a wake-up call about living closer to our means.  Meanwhile, I have some major bills coming up - a huge car repair bill and a looming vet bill.  I'm relieved that I have a job but I feel zero financial security.