tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post5889872118137657263..comments2024-03-29T15:54:20.230+10:00Comments on down to earth: The economic crisis - has it changed you?Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-75785472274376117682011-02-14T01:07:06.625+10:002011-02-14T01:07:06.625+10:00You could have surprised me there was any crisis.....You could have surprised me there was any crisis...yesterday, I took my children to a local mall to get their pictures taken (because I had an $18 coupon) and you would have that Nordstrom's was having a 50% off sale. There were people literally coming out of the woodwork...and they were very rude to boot. Here I'm pinching my nickels and dimes (didn't buy anything else in the mall), yet credit cards were flying. It was the same way with Christmas...ugh...For me, I'm on a strict budget and extravagants would be like my $18 coupon, but for everyone else it seems they were saying - Recession...what recession?katy wnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-49538549964295195272011-02-13T23:38:45.106+10:002011-02-13T23:38:45.106+10:00I have always tried to live a frugal life, and nev...I have always tried to live a frugal life, and never been a spendthrift, but my daughter and now sadly ex son in law have lived the life of Riley and run up debts which partially caused their break up. Now my daughter is alone with the grandchildren I am delighted to see her changing her ways, she has become much more Old Style, cooks from scratch, buys secondhand etc. I know some of this is due to income changes, but now she asks me about things, and is reducing her carbon footprint as well as her debts. Hard times indeed, but what a result!Ann in Paradisehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07035152437312483280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-18135509693959175012011-02-13T18:42:24.747+10:002011-02-13T18:42:24.747+10:00It had no impact on us whatsoever. We were already...It had no impact on us whatsoever. We were already at the bottom of the feeding chain financially at the time anyway, lol! We were already scrimping on our spending. We're always trying to learn new ways to save more money, be more frugal, green, etc, anyway, so that hasn't changed. <br /><br />My parents though? They've been big spenders and risk takers. They lost $800,000 from their managed fund, which was intended for their retirement. They've been cutting back a lot, being more frugal, and they're proud of it, but I think that loss of money will always sting. <br /><br />I think they do miss their spending they used to do. On the up side, I think they are a bit more compassionate and understanding of others who are in this situation all the timeHear Mum Roarhttp://hearmumroar.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-31579389988045431942011-02-12T06:08:46.789+10:002011-02-12T06:08:46.789+10:00We have been affected but we have done fairly well...We have been affected but we have done fairly well, while living on a smaller income. We've always been frugal, have lived with less material things, and don't live above our means. We had common sense to get out of debt before the economy started to tank. I'm thankful we worked so hard to do that. I'm always amazed to hear people who make 2, 3, or more times what we do and still yet, have a ton of debt. <br /><br />Through the news I have heard that many Americans are saving more and living less on credit cards. There are people who have changed, but no matter what, there will always be people who won't really change, no matter where they live.<br /><br />It's annoying when people here complain about our present leadership, when the former administration was a huge part of the problem and put us in such a hole. Things are very slowly changing, but it's not going to get better overnight, no matter what. Instead of putting the blame on the government all the time, people need to also take personal responsibility for the choices they make. <br /><br />In the end, I'll continue to live my life frugally, be the best steward I can be of what I have been given, and stay positive.<br /><br />Lyn, U.S.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-5340576044224492422011-02-12T00:27:26.839+10:002011-02-12T00:27:26.839+10:00It was fun reading all of your comments.
For us, ...It was fun reading all of your comments. <br />For us, we've done frugal things for years (here & there) more of to see if I could do it. Like can & make soaps. Now, it is done out of necessity. <br />I'm very thankful for sites like this they have taught me so much.Mahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03170389735098847562noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-86682113755364696882011-02-11T06:11:16.694+10:002011-02-11T06:11:16.694+10:00I don't know in other parts of the USA, but he...I don't know in other parts of the USA, but here in the mountains, the crisis is beginning with no sigh of stopping.<br /><br />My cottage is right under the Marcellus Shale, which if anyone hasn't been following the US news, it is filled with natural gas. The pumping of this resource has created a very hard economy in little towns like mine, since the housing prices have sky-rocketed where the locals are leaving, too expensive to live here. Land is not found at all, due to the wells that are been erected there.<br /><br />All of this to say, that the food prices here in this farming town are very high. And is forcing many farmers to raise their prices and the supermarkets to raise them also.<br /><br />The crisis is probably not happening all over the US, but here in the northern part of the country, it is. <br /><br />I stay at home. So my job is to do everything, and I mean everything from scratch. We have to. Due to all the changes, my husband's salary has not had an increase in over 2 yrs...but the prices do rise.<br /><br />I know that the worst is just around the corner. How wonderful, that I have been stockpiling, canning, gardening, and sewing our own clothes. <br /><br />Great post as always, Rhonda!<br /><br />Be blessed,<br /><br />Maria.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-4549161959661915962011-02-10T17:10:45.961+10:002011-02-10T17:10:45.961+10:00Like so many others we were raised frugally and li...Like so many others we were raised frugally and live so still. We always have our thinking caps on to learn new ways of doing and improving on our skills. Therefor we make a bee line to your site Rhonda to see what is new!! :) We never think of it as a chore but as fun. Life is what you make of it. This downturn has not affected us that much. We just pull in our belts a bit if needed and go on. We are all in this together and so we try to help our neighbors and teach the younger ones ways they can help themselfs. Keep the information going to the next generation. This is a legacy money can not buy...yet it is worth so much! :) Sarah in AmericaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-18802673562386681622011-02-10T07:36:36.142+10:002011-02-10T07:36:36.142+10:00I had just finished my PhD, and was starting on a ...I had just finished my PhD, and was starting on a 3 year research contract when the EC hit. I was lucky, in that I had already managed to get my financial house in order, and continued to live on my 'student' budget while paying my study debts. I was also lucky enough to be promoted within a few months of starting the new job. By staying on the same budget, and banking the extra, I was able to save a large deposit for a house. My partner and I have now bought the house we hope will be our home for quite some time, and we are continuing to live very frugally. I try to gently share what I have learned with friends & family - some are more receptive than others.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-61820549789590923502011-02-10T04:50:06.488+10:002011-02-10T04:50:06.488+10:00When the EC hit, my husband lost his extremely wel...When the EC hit, my husband lost his extremely well paying job, and I kept my part time job.....because we had been mindful with spending for years (we're in our early 50's)(and we homeschooled and raised six children)we were not in too bad of shape. What we have done is return to my husband's roots of farming, and we tip-toed back into organic farming....we now offer fresh, raw milk (in Ohio, US) and grassfed beef to families in the local area. We are growing our business, and with my job, savings, etc. we're able to wait it out while the business grows. I would encourage everyone to evaluate their skills and abilities and see what each can do to create their own paycheck, and not have to rely on a business or the government to survive. We are enjoying this new adventure and thankful that we decided to live on less than we made years ago.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-16612000784195338102011-02-09T23:24:50.828+10:002011-02-09T23:24:50.828+10:00At the beginning of the economic crisis I had a go...At the beginning of the economic crisis I had a good job, and although I have always been a bit thrifty, I did not feel the need to really be frugal. Then, I got pregnant, got laid off my job, and my husband lost his all within 2 months. He did find another job, but the pay was not as good and the benefits were non-existent(we are in the southeast US, so we don't have the same benefits from the government you do there). All of the sudden we were living off of less than 25% of what we had been bringing in, and we had a baby on the way. <br />After some time of me not being able to find any work, and the fact that no one wants to hire the obviously pregnant woman, my husband and I decided I would stay home with her. I believe in a weird way that the crisis helped our family even in the midst of all that strife. I love staying home with my girl, and we have all made material sacrifices, but learning to find happiness without all that extra stuff has been wonderful. I think many of the things we have implemented will continue to be a part of our lives even after this all blows over. I can't see myself going back to paying full price when I now know where to find things used, or make them myself.Lizhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12063320943843906750noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-64716071838313015902011-02-09T23:17:58.073+10:002011-02-09T23:17:58.073+10:00I don't see things as changing permanently her...I don't see things as changing permanently here in the US. I have been through at least three major economic downturns, and while everyone promised they learned, this was it, and all of that, as soon as the economy recovered so did the spending. Our lives didn't change much, we are careful with our money in some areas so we can splurge in those where it matters to us. Money is a tool afterall.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-76534370296081681242011-02-09T19:06:57.631+10:002011-02-09T19:06:57.631+10:00Living in South Africa the past 20 years has seeme...Living in South Africa the past 20 years has seemed like a version of the recent EC! With high unemployment rates (24% in 2010 regardless of the EC....similar rates before the EC), I feel very privileged compared to many others in this country. I do try to incorporate many simple living aspects into our own lives and keep some sort of balance between saving for our futures and giving away to those in much greater need than us.Beccahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18122656833028913453noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-37813889789322010772011-02-09T14:47:29.851+10:002011-02-09T14:47:29.851+10:00A truly thought provoking post.
Here in the Weste...A truly thought provoking post. <br />Here in the Western USA we don't feel the economic crisis as much as they do in other areas.<br />We were able to buy a house in the town where my husband works and avoid a 60 mile per day commute due to very low interest rates on new mortgages in our country. <br />Increased food prices have brought me back to the drawing board to consider new and more ways of stretching our food dollar. <br />I hunted with my husband this fall and shot my first deer. I will practice with bow and rifle during the summer to hopefully increase my odds in the fall. <br />I will continue to garden and can lots of produce, increasing a bit each year. <br />My son and I may get some composting worms to help produce fertilizer for our garden.<br />I appreciate the many ideas I have gleaned from your posts!<br /> DeniseRocky Mountain Homemakerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03953810454269758775noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-80436649379605114362011-02-09T14:41:54.396+10:002011-02-09T14:41:54.396+10:00The EC has changed my husband to my way of living ...The EC has changed my husband to my way of living frugal while running our home...That in itself is a blessing he now thanks me for everyday..Before he just thought I was a tightwad...We will never turn back to the days of debt!!!<br />~~HUGS~~Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-41808836939960981892011-02-09T13:30:31.892+10:002011-02-09T13:30:31.892+10:00The EC has not changed us. We have always been a ...The EC has not changed us. We have always been a frugal household. I am grateful that we are doing well on just one wage as it is a gift to be able to be at home while my babies are so young.Beckyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02695755192071530022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-73728920004089016702011-02-09T12:50:24.028+10:002011-02-09T12:50:24.028+10:00I sort of chuckled at the beginning of all of this...I sort of chuckled at the beginning of all of this. Everyone I talked to was scrambling around in a panic of sorts, because they didn't know what to do. I on the other hand have been living close to the bone my whole adult life and had nothing to cut back on. I wasn't affected much by the economy at the time. But now prices are rising for gasoline and food and anything tied to being transported...everything. I am starting to feel some of the pinch. It still doesn't hurt too much, I always have tricks up my sleeve to survive by.<br />In a few months I will have my vegetable garden in and growing. (hoping!) That will help me some!claudiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16572555442321120647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-57893787183822123602011-02-09T12:41:30.622+10:002011-02-09T12:41:30.622+10:00In a simply word....YES! I recycle everything now...In a simply word....YES! I recycle everything now, cook at home more and watch what I spend much more closely.<br /><br />JoMy Grama's Soulhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10114089036939629527noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-64870980613473187272011-02-09T10:40:04.884+10:002011-02-09T10:40:04.884+10:00The ec has changed my lifestyle for the better bec...The ec has changed my lifestyle for the better because I no longer spend money for whatever, I now think long and hard before I buy. Blessings janeJanehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08535490386634385929noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-29830951347218251692011-02-09T10:11:42.105+10:002011-02-09T10:11:42.105+10:00Hello Rhonda I think we are lucky we have always l...Hello Rhonda I think we are lucky we have always lived frugally but my children coming out of University and College at this downturn has been awful for them. They cannot get a job in there field, or even a decent paying job. I worry about them trying to pay student loans. We have been trying to help them so it is good we know how to live on less. I think it is hard on the young people under 30.Buttons Thoughtshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05029439906543077861noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-43891622371112549992011-02-09T09:44:02.333+10:002011-02-09T09:44:02.333+10:00The EC has helped me grow up and realize I alone a...The EC has helped me grow up and realize I alone am responsible for my actions and decisions, regardless of the decisions of others.<br />I'm so thankful for all I've learned in the EC, and I'm still learning. There is no way I'm going back to consuming- even if my DH gets a promotion or a bigger paycheck, because this way of life is so much more vibrant, exciting, challenging and...well, alive! There is truly so much to discover, so many different ways to do things, and so many tasks and hobbies to learn. Take today for instance- I finally figured out how to crochet a dishcloth without turning it into a triangle. Knitting is my thing, so crochet was a little tough, but I learned. It was so rewarding to see it. <br />Your blog has been one of my biggest influences in simple living Rhonda. You showed me all I have just described, and helped me step back and use my head to say "No, I don't need or want that. I don't have to buy that to be happy. I'll make it myself." <br />One of my favorite posts here is the one on soapmaking, because when I first read it, I thought "You can make your own soap? That's amazing!" That is where it all started.<br />The Girl in the Pink DressThe Girl in the Pink Dresshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00250837836714463827noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-17138507882141125042011-02-09T09:16:42.664+10:002011-02-09T09:16:42.664+10:00I live in the Detroit, Michigan area where the eco...I live in the Detroit, Michigan area where the economy relied heavily on autos and steel and was a good place to live for my parents generation in the 40's and 50's and 60's. However, that all started changing around the 80's and steadily got worse. Up until 2000 I held steady, decent jobs and there were plenty of jobs to be had. But the auto industry started falling apart about 2000 and will never be the same again, along with all the other jobs that go with auto-making. And so the entire region has been in a decline for 20 years already. I have been living frugally for many years now, at age 60 I don't expect it to ever be any different, and this region is learning some hard lessons now. I am just glad that I never was much of a spender. We did have a credit card problem for awhile but we got that fixed before I lost my last full-time job. Good thing...Terryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07251442165883627229noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-1487213224444695422011-02-09T08:41:00.242+10:002011-02-09T08:41:00.242+10:00Thanks for your post. Yes, changes need to happen...Thanks for your post. Yes, changes need to happen to benefit many things. We are renters on 1 irregular income with 2 little children so the EC actually didn't affect us- we were already with tight belts! But we have benefitted from all the new hints and advice for coping and living through tough times. Thanks for keeping it fresh as some people may be drifting back to credit card habits for the temporary pick-me-up of spending. And I thoroughly enjoyed reading all the comments from around the world. The blogging community really is an extended family. xxFiona @ Brave New Vintagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15937176849489523768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-48381883835599374022011-02-09T08:24:50.747+10:002011-02-09T08:24:50.747+10:00My dh and I think the economic crises is not over ...My dh and I think the economic crises is not over but the things we have learnt so far is: wait before making a purchase, waste nothing in the food line, grow enough vegies to feed you, your neighbours and preserve some, be content with what you have,pay your debts but do not stress if you can not get them all paid is a short period of time due to limited finance. Be thankful for the job you have at the moment if you have a good employer and do not think the grass is greener on the other side.<br />Throwing junk mail in the trash stops the " I want" syndrome as does staying at home as much as possible. Looking for free entertainment such as a day at the beach compared to going to the movies for a 2 hour film. Having a camping holiday in a conservation camping ground rather than one with all the mod cons...... and we keep learning :-)<br />Karen - NZAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-29718036416667624692011-02-09T08:05:27.693+10:002011-02-09T08:05:27.693+10:00Sadly, I think anyone who thinks the "economi...Sadly, I think anyone who thinks the "economic crisis" is over is in for a rude awakening. Things are not going back to the overshoot we had a few years ago. On the contrary, the economy will continue to collapse and shrink until it reaches a stable point. We're far from reaching it.Annienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-67364189918856724412011-02-09T07:57:10.882+10:002011-02-09T07:57:10.882+10:00I don't think it has changed me, but rather br...I don't think it has changed me, but rather brought me full circle. I am back to were I was some time ago - it's a familiar way of life being frugal, using what I have, making do, enjoying what I have, and I think it suits me much better.Linda Foleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16875718412873470143noreply@blogger.com