Posted on 09/12/2024 6:47:04 AM PDT by mikelets456
I didn't know how to post without having a link so I apologize. I have to be honest, for most of my life (in sales), the harder I worked, generally the more money I made....more on that later. We are savers---putting in 401K, stocks, mutual funds, some precious metals, have property. We had no debt (except our mortgage----2.3% and under $100K). Recently we had a few things---our son's wedding, property taxes (up another $800 this year) car tires needing to be replaced, air conditioner crapped out, cost of food, gas, utilities, etc. We ALWAYS pay off any debt immediately but now finding it harder and harder....I actually got a credit card with 0% interest for 15 months just to give us some breathing room.
Back to work---I have been at this company for 38 years. Have been in the top 3 in sales every single year. The past several years we had layoffs, are on 4 day work weeks (20% less pay) and our sales are off literally 50%.
We have had some rough times in the past but this is, by far, the worst----and it gets even darker---I see no end to this downward spiral. In past times, there was always a light at the end of the tunnel. However, I don't even see a tunnel to find the light.
I know our entire industry (manufacturing---Chemical, plastics and oils companies) are all complaining and not spending any money. I don't get political with customers but they're all stating "They're waiting for the elections before initiating projects".
My question is---are any of you, or people you know going through this as well? If Kamala gets in there I don't know how we can survive if we continue in this direction....
(Excerpt) Read more at sheridanmedia.com ...
To me step 1 would be talking to a financial advisor about whether you want to change how your funds are invested. You might want to go for lower risk options that are more likely to generate a lower but steady income when you retire.
Review your property evaluation and if changes to it are the reason for your tax increase and you disagree with that finding consider making an appeal to the tax office.
If there are no lien holders on your vehicles you can probably do away with collision but check with your agent.
I won’t tell you to “learn to code” but if you have a community college near you they may have courses for degrees in different fields that may be a good option for you should your current employment really dry up.
Update your resume.
Absolutely. Everyone is going through it. My kids are especially.
No-—my wife is about as much as a free market person that I am-—we vote (R) even though they are to blame for just “letting this happen”. We despise the Rs but have NEVER voted for a Democrat (commie) ever!
Numbers 1&2 will lead to more headaches than not.
As to the C.C. debt. This may be contrary to what experts tell you but here goes. It is a great goal to pay down that debt. But it should not be a priority when you have more urgent financial matters to deal with.
In your situation I think the more urgent matter is building up an emergency savings fund. I get that it stinks to just pay the bare minimum on C.C. and see that interest accrue. But you sure need money now more than the C.C. companies do.
It would be worthwhile to look for a card with lower rate and transfer your balance. If you belong to a bank or credit union ask them about opening a line of credit account and see if they’ll accept balance transfers.
Regarding finishing your basement. See if Habitat for Humanity has “Restore” store near you. You may be able find the materials you need at a much cheaper cost
“Use it up. Wear it out. Make it do or do without.”
Precious Metals
My tag line.
It’s a secret I learned later on life
I work 3 jobs, but don’t do anything I don’t wanna do.
Trimming the 9 foot hedges today, so I’ll be late ...
Yes.
Thanks-—it’s interest free for 15 months....just got it and the other cards are paid off.
More significantly IMO, people are coasting instead of living the values of civillization.
I’ll check into that, thank you FRiend!
You are welcome.
You are welcome.
Is anybody growing their own veg/fruits? If not there are several chats on telegram to explain simply how to, grow potatoes in 5 gal buckets, start strawberries from the ones you buy at the store, etc.
1-Useful tips
2-Gardening tips
3-Farmer Lucy
We all know the answer, because cows pass gas and belch when they chew their cud, burped up from one of their four stomachs as all ruminants do.
You know, they need to kill our food to stop climate change. smh
Good reminder. I think we will also see more bartering.
I am sorry to hear that-—BTW, on one hand it ticks me off because we do the right thing and are punished but on the other hand, you know you did the right thing even though society rewards the bad things——The latter I couldn’t live with myself!
A-hole.
“I’ve considered selling my AR-15”
There is no normal AR 15 that will get you any significant money, and you will probably never be able to replace it. Everybody I’ve known who sold guns during bad times regretted it.
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