Is the era of easy credit over for the long haul?

AP ^ | 10/12/08 | Adam Geller

[Wilhelm Tell]

...escape a menial dead-end job...etc.. = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = What are you considering menial? If it puts a roof over your head and food in your belly it isnt menial and/or degrading.... There is work out there just maybe NOT quite what you are used to or willing to do.... Look around a local Walmart. Just who ARENT they hiring?...

Um, I was trying give the young man general advice about what to look for in a car. Everyone seemed to be telling him to buy a $200 junker and rebuild it like new in a weekend or else pull himself up by the bootstraps and pay cash for a brand new car. I was trying to suggest he look into an older but mechanically sound car and forget about the $200 junker or the new Mercedes. I am not sure how that morphed into a discussion about the relative merits of McDonald's or WalMart.

As for how one can escape a menial job, I have no advice. I think, however, that good reading comprehension would surely be a helpful skill to have. Perhaps being able to have a civil discussion without ranting and shouting would also be an asset.

[Wilhelm Tell]

Um, I was trying give the young man general advice about what to look for in a car.

I forgot that the person needing a car and a job was an older person and not a young person starting out. Maybe I need to work on my reading comprehension some. Nevertheless, I think a moderately used, not abused, car is the best option. If you buy a $200 junker you are in real danger of getting something that will need constant repairs just to keep running. Or you might have to replace the $200 car with another one every few months. You can find a used car that will be reliable if you know what to look for, but it will cost more than $200.

[Can i say that here?]

Hello Judsonlegacy,

I've noticed you referring to Dave Ramsey several times through this thread. In reading your posts, I get the impression that you may have missed the majority of his points.

I am a Dave Ramsey Certified Counselor (non-profit/ministry focus). I'd like to attempt to answer the question you've asked.

So how do you escape a menial dead-end job when you are older and have no marketable skills?

1. "Dave says" five years from now, you will be exactly the same person you are today, except for the books you read and the people you meet.

There is no logical reason (barring mental/physical disability) that an adult in America today can't learn a new and marketable skill. Period. Find something you want to do. Go talk to people who make a living in that job field. You will likely find that most folks will gladly tell you the secret their success.

2. Living like no one else doesn't mean self imposed poverty. You mentioned that phrase in one of your posts.

Are you living on a budget? Do you have a defined goal that you are working to achieve? Are you sacrificing short term pleasure for long term gain?

If not, you've missed the point of that phrase. You may be doing the exact opposite in fact.

3. Are you single? None of your posts mentions a spouse. If you're single, why just one job? Other than spending time on line, what else is going on in your world that prohibits you from working more than 40 hrs? Income is your most important wealth building tool.

4. Are you in a good church? One of the blessings of a Christian fellowship are the amazing number of people who can and will help you advance your life. There are Godly people out there praying for God to put someone in their path that they can help. I know this is true, because I practice it.

I'll stop now, I'm sure I'm boring you.