>Recessionitis
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I’ve found this Christmas season that it literally hurts me to spend money. Each time I hit the “Submit Order” button on my computer, I cringe inwardly. Each time I hand over my debit card for a counter full of gifts, I wince. This despite the fact that with careful planning, I’m spending way less than what I usually spend during the season. Times are hard, I think to myself. This time next year, we could be living in a shantytown.
It’s called recessionitis. And I’ve got it bad.
At a Christmas party last weekend, I asked around and realized I wasn’t alone. So far, I don’t personally know of any neighbors who’ve lost jobs because of the economy, yet nearly all of us are affected by the constant media reports detailing the way our nation is financially going down the toilet.
In this week’s newspaper edition of Suburban Turmoil, find out my plan to save our family from rack and ruin. It involves deer, a farmer, and Nashville’s former vice mayor. What can I say? A woman will do anything to save her children.
And then come back here and tell me if you’re suffering from recessionitis. I joke about it, but seriously, it’s always in the back of my mind now as I go through the day. Cutting back is becoming commonplace, even for those of us who haven’t yet felt a hard pinch from the crisis. And maybe that part of this mess isn’t such a bad thing.
>Despite the shaky status of my employer, I went with the same Xmas for the family (parent, siblings, nieces/nephews) that I did in ’07. I reckon I’ll worry about ‘the worst’ if it comes, and spread a little Christmas cheer in the meantime.I don’t laugh at ‘recessionitis’, but I won’t let it dictate to me ;)Merry Christmas to you and yours, Lindsay, as well as to all of your readers!
>i just heard on the radio that spending in CAnada is UP this year. people are totally ignoring the economy. CRAZY!
>My husband was laid off last month after over 10 years with the same company. Our income has been cut by more than half. Yes, recessionitis has hit us.
>I’m sorry to hear that. That’s the kind of fear I think most of us have in the backs of our minds, because we’re seeing so many reports of it and hearing about it happening around us, even if it’s not affecting us directly.I don’t think it’s a bad thing for all of us to live as if we don’t know what’s around the corner, financially speaking.
>A few years ago, I cut back intensely on expenses to get out from under some debt. My finances have loosened up considerably since them, but I still watch it carefully.For me, it’s more a non-specific higher than usual anxiety level. On a rational level, losing my job (I work in the Finance office of a private university – we run pretty much the minimum staff we need anyway – almost impossible to make cuts) isn’t likely, my rent/utilities are reasonable, though increasing, and I generally can put food on the table.But I’m very reluctant to spend any extra – I quilt, and make many of my gifts from my substantial stash – and am not willing to commit to anything in the future that will require a financial outlay.It may suck a bit, but I’m counting my blessings.
>I’m having to come out of work at the end of the year. I wasn’t made redundant but my childcare provider increased their fees by more than £200 (around $330) a month and call me weird but I just don’t feel like working just to pay for childcare.I do know people who aren’t exactly cash poor even at the minute but they say they are made to almost feel guilty if they splash out, by everyone from the friends and family to the sales clerk behind the counter.
>Luckily, we both have jobs that are pretty much recession-proof but our 401k has been hit pretty hard.Also – I just had to tell you since I wrote a post on coincidences just the other day, when you used the word cul de sacs in your newspaper article, I just had to laugh. On “Gilmore Girls” last night (on DVD) one of the characters did a whole long riff on the fact that the plural is actually Culs de sac. Isn’t that strange??
>I totally get it. We were watching Kit Kitteridge (set in the Great Depression for those not yet indoctrinated into American Girl) and that movie about put me around the bend! I really wish there would be a media moritorium until after New Years so that we could relax a little during Christmas.
>My husband took a job driving a truck four years ago after his employer shut down the plant where he was working. Now the company he drives for is cutting costs and miles at the expense of the drivers, so yeah, we’re spending easy.
>My husband works for a great company. , but there stock is in the toilet (.40). It’s seems the wall street geniuses are making sure they take everyone down with them. We worry all the time about him losing his job because of the low stock and changing economy. I’m a registered nurse but stay home with my children due to hubby traveling alot for work. We are fortunate because I could work full-time if I had to. I really feel for the families that are going through a lay off. If the auto makers go under it’s going to be much, much worse!
>We have a fancy Christmas party to go to, paid for by my husband’s employer. I have to admit, it makes me nervous that they’re spending that kind of $ on a party right now. I intend to savor my filet mignon, and pray that there aren’t layoffs around the corner.
>I’m not participating in the Great Recession of ’08, except to pick up some amazing deals at the stores.As a single mom with an average income, I’ve ALWAYS had to think before I spent.Since gas prices came down, I’m actually living better than I was before. Freeing up that extra $40 to $80 a week from filling my gas tank has made it possible for me to be a little more generous this holiday season.I know that people are losing their jobs and I feel for them. I’ve been there, and when there is no other income to prop you up at all, then you truly know the meaning of scary.But if you’re still working, is it really a recession if the economy makes you stop, take a look at what you’re doing, and then you stop living beyond your means and spending like there’s no tomorrow?
>Like Skunkfeathers, we did the same Christmas as last year. We have, however, violently cut our other expenses (food, entertainment, etc). I am scared of what the future will bring. I worry about meeting our monthly bills and such and I am so SICK of hearing about it all on the news.Kristina
>Well, the recession has hit me pretty hard. My husband was unemployed from full time work for 13 months. He got a FEW part time gigs or temp gigs, but that’s it. Then just recently my company announced a mandatory 4 day work week. Meaning a 4 day pay, not 5 day. We did Secret Santa in my family to take the sting off, but really nothing compares. He’s finally got a job that begins on January 12th. It only pays a little bit of money, literally half of what I used to make before the pay cut. My boss says the pay cut will only be temporary for 3 months. I’ve lost my job several times in the last 3 years and I don’t believe it. I know how it begins. I try to stay positive, but it really doesn’t happen. I just feel lucky that my husband got a job finally. It will at least make up for the money we are losing from my pay check. And on top of everything due to my several job losses and his 13 month layoff we have fallen behind on bills and are filing bankruptcy. It’s real. It’s out there. Whether you realize it or not people are living sad horrible lives.
>What’s making this interesting to me is that with four kids here, ever since I started staying at home, Hubs and I have spent the last four years killing ourselves to make ends meet. For two years, we lived on one income only. Now, just as my writing “business” is turning into, well, a business, this recession hits and everyone is complaining about doing the things we’ve been doing all along!I worry, but it’s a worry I’m pretty used to at this point. And cutting back on things is old hat. I like being mindful of our money. I think it’s a good mindset to maintain and I hope that people will remember it once the economy gets back on track. I’ve always had the theory that our grandparents’ generation is one that lives frugally to this day specifically because they remember living through the Depression.
>Hey look at this e-mail I just got. Celebrities. I feel really sorry for them right now…Even celebrities are being hit hard by the current economic crisis. Hollywood.com asked the stars how they plan on getting creative during a Recession Christmas and this is what they told us:Kate Hudson: “It’s a really weird time, and everyone is feeling it. This year I’m doing these great big knitted gifts.”Jim Carrey: “I’m bailing out the economy. No one’s getting anything. Isn’t that enough, to bail out the economy?”Gabrielle Union: “I told my family, I said, ‘Look, I’m a black actress in a bad economic time. You’re getting my love.”
>A good friend’s husband recently found out he’s getting laid off- 3 weeks before Christmas! At first, I though, “how horrible, couldn’t they wait until after Christmas!”- but really- I suppose they would prefer to know NOW before they go out and spend a bunch of money on gifts to only wish they hadn’t a few weeks later- so they can be prepared and budget accordingly. Luckily- he gets 2 months severence and therefore few minutes to breath and figure out the next move.I’m definitely benefiting from the retailers desperation when it comes to shoppin though-
>We had planned to spend less this entire year, as I took a sabbatical from teaching to stay home this year after the birth of our second child. However, I feel guilty as I look at our tree and the abundance of gifts under it and can’t quite rationalize that I spent less to get more.
>My husband and I have been directly affected by the recession. My husband lost his job in August and just last month was only able to find a part-time job. I graduate from college in May and we struggle to just pay rent and buy food. Thank the Lord our parents are doing well and can and have helped us out. It sucks.
>Since I have no job and no income, I am safe from all the recession crapola. we started (sorta) cutting back on Christmas presents last year. there is nothing we need or really want, i mean how many diamonds can a girl wear???? anyway we replaced the massive spending spree with a trip south to see our oldest kid and youngest grandkid… much more fun and nothing to return.
>I’m sorry to I’m not “suffering from Recessionitis” because I have the real thing. Hubby was laid off 3 months ago, he’s still unable to find work in Atlanta and is now looking outside the state and our emergency fund is almost gone and we are expecting our first baby at the end of February.Thank God my job is stable and we have great support network of friends and family.
>Since I've never had much money to begin with, cutting back on my spending wasn't hard for me. I've always been the bargain queen of my family. But just to keep things interesting, the moronic jackass that we elected mayor is claming the city is facing financial catastrophe and insisting on budget cuts and/or layoffs. I work for the police department and he's going after us (civilians and officers) as hard as he can. At one point he has threatened to SELL THE POLICE CARS if we don't give in to every demand he's made. (so the officers can't get to your house without a car…who needs people to protect & serve?!?) NOW I'm a little worried about what the next year holds.
>Hubby is in a pretty good industry and actually just got a raise so I’m not really sweating it much. I’ve been broke before and I can do it again…lol. Thankfully most of our kids are older and understand what is going on economy wise so they know we might get tight and Christmas will be a little less than it normally is. Unfortunatly a little less is still a pretty good deal ’round here. Me thinks they might be spoiled a bit.
>I am totally feeling it. I even get it when shopping for groceries. Granted we have had to cut back, because we are in the middle of the beginnings of a couple of businesses. So we are not getting affected by the recession. However, when talking to our financial advisor today I was shocked to hear that he and his wife are cutting back so they can contribute more to their mutual funds. Never thought of that and I think we will be doing a little fo that, soon.
>I manage a retail store in Tennessee. It is really interesting to see how much people are cutting back. No store the state has made their sales numbers for the past 2 weeks. Everyone shopping is coupon, sale driven – doing almost anything logical (or illogical) to get the best deal. So yes the company is doing everything possible to make sales. I’m seeing far more sales and promotions this year than in past years. I know that we personally are cutting back, but we have been for a few years to get our bills under control. So this year it is actually easier to get more “good” gifts than in the past years.
>I’ve lived through several recessions, and been laid off twice as a result of them (most notable in ’91). Fortunately for me, it’s only me, so I don’t have to worry about dependents, if I have to tighten the belt or pull myself up by the bootstraps.But this country is amazingly resilient. Those of you suffering now will endure. Lindsay, you’ve got the right ‘tude, whatever the immediate future brings.So and again, whatever your situation, Merry Christmas and a hopeful eye to the New Year. Hang tough all…we’ll make it.
>Although we are both currently working, our employer has been “acquired” and we expect to be let go soon. So, yes, we are being VERY careful with our spending, including cutting back on gifts. Hubs was laid off a year ago, only got a new job about 4 months ago, and now is looking at lay off again. It is very scary.
>suffering from recessionitis????me????my hubs has been out of work and under foot for most of 2008.my #2 and #3 children are dreaming with visions of attending big league colleges in the next year or two dancing in their heads next to the new cars they wish we would help them buy rather than expect them to share my old commuter car.people just aren’t having very many babies so this NICU nurse isn’t as busy as she used to be.and I could go on….but me suffering from recessionitis….is it that obvious really?
>suffering from recessionitis????me????my hubs has been out of work and under foot for most of 2008.my #2 and #3 children are dreaming with visions of attending big league colleges in the next year or two dancing in their heads next to the new cars they wish we would help them buy rather than expect them to share my old commuter car.people just aren’t having very many babies so this NICU nurse isn’t as busy as she used to be.and I could go on….but me suffering from recessionitis….is it that obvious really?