[reformedliberal]

There was no real way to plan. Taxes, price increases, added fees on everything, uncertain markets, non-existent savings interest, and the widespread death of the business that either employed people or at least earned a decent living for the owner all hit at once and quickly.

At least this survey shows that no one is alone in the pain and sacrifice, except, of course, those benefiting at the expense of the majority.

We cut back drastically 2 years ago and within 9 months or so, we saw rises in taxes, fees and core consumer goods take back over 1/3 of what we had *saved*. It increased over the next year and a half and we are now on a second wave of cutbacks. There is very little left to cut.

I have felt for months that everyone is suffering, if only from frugality fatigue. This survey confirms it. It isn't only about what is being done to future generations, it is here and now.

Americans usually don't complain. We figure we are going through a rough patch, but the system is ok and we will come through it. Now, people just aren't so sure.

It will get worse before November.

[Republic]

Bummer. But I believe you are absolutely correct.

[Republic]

Bummer. But I believe you are absolutely correct.

[Fu-fu2]

Obama told us what he was going to do when he told Joe the Plumber that he was going to “spread the wealth around.” Unfortunately too many middle class bought the story that only the “super rich” were going to pay. Saw way too many Obama bumper stickers in upper middle class neighborhoods in Nov. 08. Wonder how they feel now about their vote....