Everyone’s out of a job, underemployed, given up, or just broke.
Of course they’re not spending.
And....it’s incredible to me....the plan is to RAISE TAXES.
Take away more of the little bit of money that they have left over after paying expenses.
Those first round tax increases hit in January, DinWisc, so I’d plan for a small Christmas rush and then a deadly slow winter.
Yep no job here. We just cut cable and several other items to try and make it. Won’t be buying much of anything and continuing to clip coupons while looking for better deals.
Even if you're working, you're looking at increased health care costs, higher taxes, increased fuel and electricity rates, etc. All thanks to the Democrats in DC. Everybody's hanging onto their money because there doesn't appear to be any end to it.
People don't know what to expect because they keep lying to us about how much it's going to cost, and they've hunkering down, preparing for the worst, and hoping it's enough.
“...so I’d plan for a small Christmas rush and then a deadly slow winter.”
We are. We changed up Christmas last year; we cut out all of the artificial stuff and ornaments and baubles and concentrated on gift ideas and pretty holiday plants and nice pottery, all in holiday displays. It worked well. I mean, name a gardener among us that wouldn’t want an EarthWay Seeder or a gardening book or a new pair of leather gloves or a quality spade as a gift? If nothing else we’re practical people, LOL!
We still do a great business in locally grown fresh-cut trees, living (potted) Christmas trees and garland, wreaths, etc. People weren’t willing to give those up last year, and most are clueless as to what’s going to hit them come January, so Turkey Day going into Christmas should follow suit THIS year, anyway.
The Socialist EneMedia in these here parts keeps the local Aging Hippies under-informed and in the dark as much as possible. I truly DO live in ‘40 Square Miles Surrounded by Reality...’
But...it’s coming. Big time. I think we can make it through the Christmas season without losing a dime, but you’re right; winter is going to be long. And cold. And dark. And I don’t doubt that ‘they who must be obeyed’ at Corpoarte insist upon a skeleton crew through January. It makes total business sense.
I can live with that, if it means I still have a job come Spring, 2011.