I was at a brake repair place a couple of weeks ago. (When I got new tires, Costco cross-threaded two of the wheel nuts so I had to get the bolts replaced -- at Costco's expense. Over $100 for two bolts.)
While I was waiting, a young woman came in for an estimate on an AC problem. She said she couldn't actually get it fixed because she didn't have the money, but she wanted to know how much it would cost when she did. The repair guy offered her a credit application, but then she told him she was going through bankruptcy.
The repair guy said, "Yeah, my mom's going through bankruptcy, too." And suggested she fill out the credit application anyway.
Supposedly only 1 in 1000 people file for bankruptcy each year, so either that was a 1 in a million situation, or the economy is worse than they're letting on.
People are really getting broke. Around here, stores don’t have many people, even Grocery Outlet! Hub and a friend who sell firewood every year can’t sell any. It’s just sitting there. Never had that happen. Fewer people on the road. Hub’s looking at cars, talking with dealers, online or phone so far. Car salesmen are desperate to sell, no one around here is buying.