Luckily for my husband and I, we still have our jobs… but the companies that we work for have seen their fair share of layoffs. So to prepare for the worse we have implemented a frugal living plan. We have cut back on our spending and increased our savings; this includes using coupons, purchasing sale items and getting rid of extras like HBO. We have also taken advantage of low finance rates and refinanced our house. Just taking little steps saves a lot.

Turn off the news, keep up with Tory and be inspired by her job fairs! Always think twice before buying. Bargains are out there and quit complaining. This is America, get busy and make it happen. We are all so spoiled.

I FALL BETWEEN THE CRACKS AND NEITHER THE LOCAL NOR THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENTS ARE WILLING TO HELP PEOPLE LIKE ME.
TERM OF ART FOR US WHO LIVE IN MANHATTAN, NYC IS = DEADBEAT. WE RENT, OWN NO HOME NOR CAR.
I can think of NO cuts to make. The only ones left are cancelling my cable tv account and if I do that, I will have no broadcast transmission whatsoever, and to stop eating. I have already stopped taking my medications and keep my apartment very dark, using lights only when necessary (I’ve already changed to the watt saving light bulbs). My apartment looks like someone’s building basement, no overhead fixtures, just those horrible looking squiggle bulbs.
My only “debts” are con edison, telephone (basic), rent and food. I no longer have medical insurance nor my medications. Can’t get them from the pharmaceutical companies. Unemployment extension has run out. Out of work for more than 1-1/2 years.
Don’t qualify for medicaid, welfare or food stamps. Can’t get voucher for food pantry.
I don’t have an ipod, a DVD, a car. Nor do I own a property. I rent an apartment which I can no longer afford and am living off my savings which is dwindling quickly. Have approximately enough money for 3 more months.
There is NO help for Americans like us. Educated, experienced, mature workers who cannot get hired to even sell bread in a bakery, if you could find one.
Marion Hapeset, NYC

Hello,
I’m not certain that you would use my story, but here it goes…
My career has been changed because of our personal economy more than what is going on all around us.
Last year my husband retired from the Navy after 22 years and we moved to Houston because it would be easier for him to find work. So yet again I left my job so we moved to where he is working.
When we bought this house I didn’t realize how far away we are from the city center of Houston. I love it here, but feel isolated.
Thanks for your time and attention,
Jean Hubbartt
12321 Sagittarius Drive East
Willis, TX 77318
936-228-0181

Would like to comment on two postings.
First: Marion in Hapeset NYC, I know how you feel. I ran out of unemployment funds, just ran out of savings (down to $2.00 in account) even emptied my retirement funds (now zero). Am single parent with no job, no money, and no one to help. Am preparing to loose home, car, and everything. Had cut back, no TV, cell phone went to pre-paid at $10.00 a month, no movies, no going out, and lost most of my friends due to they don’t know what to say or do. Most of them are in same boat. Your in my prayers.
Second: Lavada as for the statement that we are spoiled. Honey you need to open your eyes. Not all of us are spoiled. I had an open door policy to help anyone in my community both with clothing, food, shelter, or money. Have personally bailed out 2 friends (not any longer) when they were in financial difficulties. I have given to others and gone without and been very happy God gave me the ability to help others. I have been applying for somewhere between 10 to 20 jobs a week for a little over a year willing to travel anywhere and drive between 5 minutes to 3 hours one way to work but there is nothing. How do you tell your daughter we may be living on the street in two months? I worked anywhere from 8 hour days to 14 hour days 6 to 7 days a week. Now nothing. If that is spoiled than please forgive me but really wish someone would spoil me again with a job. As for turning off the news, the news will let you know when job fairs are and where to go as well as any new businesses opening in your area no matter how small the business is. It also tells you where the economy is going and if you need to update your credentials by telling you what types of jobs are opening in the near future. The news keeps me connected with the world, and that sometimes our problems are small compared to others. I would rather deal with my problems than to be the spouse of a soldier finding out that he/she will not be coming home but you have to plan your life without them. Items can be replaced, Lives cannot..

I had worked for twenty eight and half years for the same company. I used their programs and its all I have known. I am layed off and I am 52 years old and have no confindent in working for another large company. I need to work and its been hard out there looking for work.