Government aid need rising, as slump widens

Agreed!

I agree. I am sick and tired of hearing about all these people crying about foreclosures and companies wanting hand outs. I took the 'high' road with a fixed mortgage, but now can't qualify for refinancing because the market value has declined.

The government should be working on producing new jobs and putting Americans to work, instead of giving handouts and making further credit easier to obtain.

I would love to see how you hypacrits would do if you had a life at one time and due to some rich turkeys who decided they wanted to get richer tweeked the right buttons on you to make your life a living hell. I have a heart condition myself (or did you not read that part) which does add up to massive amounts of cash when you have two open heart surgeries (which I have) and your left out in the cold by an employer you thought would not let you go because of you hard work. It is people like you that make me wonder if man really does have compassion for his fellow man. I guess this answers my question on the low-lifes out here that would rather take candy from a baby than tough it or having to do something embarressing.

Good for you for speaking out, Don, and I do wish you luck!

You're absolutely right these freakin' neocons have not one ounce of any kind of feeling other than greed and selfishness. If there is a God, someday these jerks will get to experience the fact that bad things can happen to good people with that person having done anything wrong.

There is a difference in what we're talking about here.  There are obviously people out there who lived by the rules and are now suffering because of the greed in the business world.  We are talking about those people who lived beyond their means for a while and did not save for a rainy day.  Not that they had a catastrophe and could not.  If you're living paycheck to paycheck, you make sacrifices then, not when things really go downhill. A cell phone for a teenager is not a requirement; it's a privilege.  Same with cable.  Our mentality has gotten over the top when we think og these things as something we're entitled to. 

"More families turning to government for help"

Whatever happened to "Don't ask what your country can do for you but ask what you can do for your country"?

The more people turn to the government the quicker this nation will become a socialist nation. We can't always depend on the government to bail us out even though they may be responsible for it.

As a citizen of this great nation, I hope that as President Elect Obama begins his new term that he will keep in mind "What do the people want for this country" and not "what I want for this country".

As citizens of this nation we have a right to vote on what new policies should be implemented rather then standing by while one man makes all the rules. FYI Obama will be the most powerful president in the history of the united states since the senate and house are a majority Democrap. He will have his way with most things and no one will put up stink.

What ever happened to personal responsibility?

They guy in this article was spending money on cable TV and cell phones...for teenagers.  Teenagers don't need cell phones, and Americans watch way too much TV as it is.  Books at the library are free.  And they'll make you smarter than TV.

If you take that $200/month you were spending on electronics & TV entertainment and put it into a savings account at 3% interest, after six years, you would have almost $15,700.  That's enough to weather a downturn for the better part of a year, or longer.  Drive a used car & clip coupons, and you'll save thousands more dollars.

If your teenager wants to spend money on entertainment and gadgets, she can bag groceries & flip burgers in her spare time...I did.

There are people in other countries whose worries are far worse than their teenagers not being able to text-message.

Here's a thought...layoffs are a reality, sometimes you'll have a job and sometimse you won't...so SAVE YOUR MONEY so that you don't need to be a sad-sack news story during hard times.

...but I suppose it's always easier to charge up the credit cards and blame somebody else for your problems and take a bailout from your fellow taxpayer.

I dont know the man in the articles situation but a plumber has marketable skills, I would think he could keep himself busy in his chosen profession, there is a need for his skill.  Maybe this is an opportunity for him to go into business for himself.  Just a thought.  I am probably wrong. 

I was reading up on assistance for medication about a couple weeks ago and read that if you go to the manufacturer of the medication you can have your doctor send your prescrption to them and they will fill it for free if you qualify for assistance.  I know it gets hard sometimes, but there is always a way.  You just have to have faith.  Good luck.

It is relatively easy to condemn these people as looking for a handout and ask "what about personal responsibility?"  Granted, many of those who are in trouble are those who were "flipping" homes they couldn't really afford and hoping to sell them for massive profits before the payments came due.  Those people have made their own mess and should have to deal with it. Some were motivated by greed, others were victims of their own ignorance of financial (mortgage)products.  But many were the victims of shady realtors, bad practices by banks, and even those who had "done the right thing" and took out fixed mortgages that they could afford, have lost jobs and income, had healthcare costs that bankrupted them, or were needing to sell homes that they bought on the "up and up" but have to sell to move for jobs or whatever, and are now worth less than they owe on them, through no fault of their own.  It is unfair and frankly, ignorant, to lump all people in financial trouble into the same boat as irresponsible or looking for a handout.  Congratulations on your ability to have avoided financial problems by your astute management of personal finances and insight into the pending economic mess.  Not everyone was as fortunate or all-seeing as yourself and through no fault of their own, have found themselves in a nightmare of someone else's making.  Compassion and understanding are called for here, as is the careful investigation of the facts before deciding someone is "undeserving" of help from the government that they have supported all their lives and should be able to count on for help.  Just sayin'

I like this guy Birk...read below...he has an awesome concept that would actually, I belive work.  WHAT A CONCEPT….EVEN THOSE IN WASHINGTON WOULD PUT SOME MONEY IN THEIR POCKET.  THOSE THAT LOST THEIR JOBS WOULD NOW HAVE MONEY IN THEIR POCKET….AND SO FORTH AND SO ON….JUST IMAGINE !!!!!!   I would be willing to with signing the back of that check….sign that I would pay off my house….and even buy a new Hybrid vehicle and if I didn’t put me in Jail / Prison….fine me even more money……Here’s an idea….we all heard about “Ear Marks”, Ear Mark my $297,500.00 check for any of the above and everything is solved.  But let me guess….this is too easy and would only make sense right?  So I am guessing NO ONE in Washington will listen.  It would be nice if Washington would listen and Bail us out so We could bail ourselves out.  {Granted the below was about the AIG Bail Out...but could still be applied now since we are looking at spending more on bailing out the auto makers etc.

Hi All,

I’m against the $85,000,000,000.00 bailout of AIG. I'm also against the $700,000,000,000++ bailout being proposed in Congress right now!

Instead, I’m in favor of giving $85,000,000,000 to America in a We Deserve It Dividend.

To make the math simple, let’s assume there are 200,000,000 bonafide U.S. Citizens 18+.

Our population is about 301,000,000 counting every man, woman and child. So 200,000,000 might be a fair stab at adults 18 and up..

So divide 200 million adults 18+ into $85 billon -- that equals $425,000.00.

My plan is to give $425,000 to every person 18+ as a We Deserve It Dividend.

Of course, it would NOT be tax free. So let’s assume a tax rate of 30%. Every individual 18+ has to pay $127,500.00 in taxes. That sends $25,500,000,000 right back to Uncle Sam.

But it means that every adult 18+ has $297,500.00 in their pocket. A husband and wife has $595,000.00.

What would you do with $297,500.00 to $595,000.00 in your family?
Pay off your mortgage – housing crisis solved.
Pay off credit card debt.
Repay college loans – what a great boost to new grads
Put away money for college – It’ll be there for Junior.
Save in a bank – create money to loan to entrepreneurs.
Buy a new car – create jobs
Invest in the market – capital drives growth
Pay for your parent’s medical insurance – health care improves
Enable Deadbeat Dads to come clean – or else

Remember this is for every adult U S Citizen 18+ including the folks who lost their jobs at Lehman Brothers and every other company that is cutting back. And of course, for those serving in our Armed Forces.

If we’re going to re-distribute wealth let’s really do it...instead of trickling out a puny $1000.00 ( “vote buy” ) economic incentive that is being proposed by one of our candidates for President.

If we’re going to do an $85 billion bailout, let’s bail out every adult U S Citizen 18+!

As for AIG – liquidate it.
Sell off its parts.
Let American General go back to being American General.
Sell off the real estate.
Let the private sector bargain hunters cut it up and clean it up.

Here’s my rationale. We deserve it and AIG doesn’t.

Sure it’s a crazy idea that can “never work.”

But can you imagine the Coast-To-Coast Block Party!

How do you spell Economic Boom?

I trust my fellow adult Americans to know how to use the $85 Billion We Deserve It Dividend more than I do the geniuses at AIG or in Washington DC.

And remember, The Birk plan only really costs $59.5 Billion because $25.5 Billion is returned
instantly in taxes to Uncle Sam.

Ahhh...I feel so much better getting that off my chest.
Kindest personal regards,
Birk

T. J. Birkenmeier, A Creative Guy & Citizen of the Republic

Unless mortgage and credit card companies allow their customers to
restructure their debt like they get to, our economy will continue to
slide and it's not because of Obama.  It's because of the greed ridden
policies instituted behind closed doors with VP Cheney.

Fazool-  Well said

Last time I checked - cell phones and cable are wants not needs - I am so tired of americans whining - all of you morons behaved your way into your individual mess - now step up and behave your way out of it - oh of course - I forgot - Sacrifice, accoutability, and work  are negative terms in our society today - so go right ahead and get your hand out and sit around and wait for Mr Handout Obama Your Savior to save all of you - what a bunch of sheep 

Quest For Life,

Seen your copy/paste response and it brings to light more the problem of today...people just take a blurb without researching it for fact.

Take 85,000,000,000.00 / 200,000,000 and you get 425.00, NOT 425,000.  If you would have checked the facts before copying some insane and wildly erroneous message around, you would see that we've already received more than 425 (first incentive) which blipped on the radar for about...a month before coming down.

Face it folks, this is going to be painful but you can't step up to the table playing craps with your future and building your foundation on sand and expect to be fruitfall.  To those that have honestly (and I mean, looking in the mirror, into your soul honestly) tried and are having hard times...my heart goes out to you.  But a person that's whining because he can't get cable and his teenager can't have a cell phone...I have no sympathy - sorry.

We've enjoyed the fruits of our "buy now pay later" lifestyle that we've opted for and it's time to pay the price.

I agree in general w/ cutting down on non-essentials, and I mean *non* essentials, like cell phone and cable. I grew up w/o either (did not even have a TV set, much less cable), and I lived.

The only thing that worries me, and can get anybody flat on their back, is medical care, and medical costs. Oftentimes, just living healthy, and eating healthy, will not prevent illness, or injury. At that point, you can really get into trouble, thru no fault of your own.

Shawn,

Thanks, I had to laugh myself.

There's a huge difference between people who are abusing the system, and those truly in need.  To lump everyone into the same category makes a broad generalization.  There are many hard-working Americans who have played by the rules, didn't overspend or run up enormous debt, only to find themselves out of work because of this economic nightmare.  As for the plumber interviewed in the story, I'm sorry about his situation, but in part, he doesn't have his priorities in order.  Teens don't have a "right" to cell phones and if they're embarassed by the lack of one, time to get over it.  Same for cable television.  Time to re-prioritize for many!  But be careful in judging those with true need, as in this economy your job may be the next to go! 

I somehow have managed to live, intentionally, without cable tv, without a cell phone, without an internet connection at home, without a car.  I cook at home, very rarely eating any prepared food and never eating in a restaurant. And I'm a happy person. I don't feel the least bit like I'm suffering or missing out.  The fact that I'm saving all the money I would otherwise be spending if I chose to mindlessly follow an urge that I must have these "modern comforts" - - -  makes it all seem a no-brainer. 

No cable: I watch over-the-air broadcasts or DVD / VHS that I borrow from the local library. Sure, they never have the latest hits, but they get them eventually.  In the end, which is more important: being up on the latest television and movies or having the feeling of security that comes with knowing I have the savings to weather even a long period of unemployment should it happen (as it has in the past and will again in the future I'm sure)?  I do more radio listening than television watching anyway.

No cellphone:  How did people get by in the days before cell phones? Just fine, thank you.  If someone really needs to call me, they can just wait until I'm near a landline. I'm really not an important enough person that I need to be reachable at all times.

No internet at home:  Like I said, I'm really not such an important person that I need to be contactable at the drop of a dime (or a keystroke).  There's internet access at the public library and a nearby college's library. Yep, I wait my turn and have my 30-minute limited use; once every few days.  I'm fortunate to have internet at work should I ever really need to get online urgently; but it never happens; I can always wait to send or reply to email, or occasionally surf as I'm doing now, in my limited access.

No car: To tell the truth, I really have never enjoyed driving a car, so this one really has been easy for me to follow.  No matter where I have worked  - -  and I've worked all over the U.S. and in several countries  - - I've always lived within walking / biking distance of my workplace, or at least a short commute by bus or train. Saves time, save frustration, is good for my health, and saves money:  no car payment, no insurance, no maintenance, no gasoline.  And because my world is usually anything within about five miles, the number of things I might go and do and spend money on are limited. I've never had these things and so I don't miss them and I am as happy as any of those who do have them.

The thing is, I could, by most people's standards, easily afford these "modern comforts"  . . . making an income that is "upper middle income" and having plenty in savings already.  But in my mind, I can't actually afford them because if I did have these, I would be spending my full salary each month and putting away little if any money.  If I can't save enough money to build up a safety net for myself, then I am not actually living within my means.  If I somehow started getting paid, . . oh,  . . say another $10K a year, I would probably allow myself some of these things because I could then actually afford them.  It would probably be "nice" but  . .  right now, what is "nice" and actual is that I live within my means,  . . . which includes saving for eventualities.

People in this country need to learn what "living within your means" actually involves and stop expecting a bailout.  The possibility of bailouts only extends the threshold to those with lackful self-control of what "within your means" means !  And bailout money doesn't just fall from the heavens; it money that represents ( or should ) the efforts of others. I can understand sometimes people need help to get by, to get through a difficult patch; but a person who has been living within an inflated sense of their "means"  - - spending money on unnecessary "necessities" for years should not be "bailed out" so readily. A little pain might give them a lot of gain in their grip on reality.

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If there ever was a legacy the Republicans could be proud of;

it's throwing families out into the streets!

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I like the part of the story with Bill Davis.  I think we can all agree that food is a necessity, if you can't afford it you might deserve food stamps.  But I love the part of the story that discusses the lack of funds for cable tv and cell phones.  I think many families are in there same shoes, maybe if they would learn to manage their money and spend their money on things they actually need, and not on luxury items.  If they would cancel their cable and have one home phone line, they could save hundreds of dollars a month.  Last time I checked, a couple hundred dollars buys a whole bunch of food.  I think that some families do need help and deserve the help, but I also think that there are tons of families that abuse the system and could avoid needing help if they would control their spending.

The thing that struck me the most about the article was the daughters cell phones. Give me a break, cell phones are not a necessity, and should be the first thing to go. The girs will survive without them. It is sad that this country is in such a state. I too remember living from paycheck to paycheck, and have had some tough times in my life paying the bills, and making tough choices. Hopefully things will turn around as our new president re-prioritizes things (less money spent on a senseless war will go to good use here in the US, and some form of national healthcare will take some of the burden off families), but it looks like for now, we will all have to tighten our belts and help each other out. And if that means more people needing assistence, then so be it.

Let's all remember the difference between a "need" and a "want".

Cell phones are not a need.  Food is a need.

That was my first reaction!

"Davis got to the point where he could hardly afford food, let alone pay for the cable, cell phone and utility bills."

Um well you get rid of the cell and cable. Period.  Hanging on to it until you get shut off will do nothing but affect your credit badly. And you don't wait until you can't afford food to get rid of them.  If you are living paycheck to paycheck to start you should have gotten rid of them a long time ago.

Yes there are some people who have little control over where they have ended up financially.  However I am a firm believer that a good many of people in 'dire' cicumstances have dug their own hole.  Live outside your means, don't read the fine print, don't understand the difference between needs and wants and yeah you are going to end up in financial trouble.

I didn't buy a house when they were throwing loans at people because I knew I wasn't financially ready.  Where's my bailout? I'm excluded because I used my brain and didn't get over my head?

This is a capitalist society (supposed to be anyway). Which means it will self-correct...IF businesses, banks, people and industry are allowed to fail! The government bailout is just delaying the inevitable. 

I agree with Lyras. Since when is it a prerequisite to have a cell phone? One of the many problems families face is not being able to tell their children, NO! Kids now days have this "entitled" attitude as a result of being over indulged by their parents. I have seen first hand, many parents willing to give their last penny to their child in order to pacify him/her. The arguement of trying to "give children what they never had" doesn't wash! How rediculous! Lets get real here people. The economy is OUR problem. Those who have over extended their credit, defaulted on mortgages they couldn't afford, had cars repossed are the ones who need to accept responsibility. It sickens me when I see people who purchase things they can't afford. It's the old "live for the moment and worry about later......later". How stupid is that? Not to mention the need to have what others have and sometimes bigger and better. Never mind that many have worked their whole lives to get where they are, the idiots who haven't don't care. They want what others have and when they default and are filing bankrupcy, it's you and I who have to pay. Wake up people, we're doing all this to ourselves!

I personally have had to move around the country to stay employed. I have never been able to settle down and buy a house. 

Why do some people feel that once they buy that house, then for some reason the world owes them the ability to pay for that house?  That doesn't make sense.  Any psychiartist would say that this is simply "magical thinking."

My TV is 20 years old.  My car is 10 years old.  I rent a conservative apartment.  I know that the government isn't there to get me through life.

My life is my own.  My struggles are my own.  It's hard sometimes.  That's just the way it is.

goldfish, lol, so sorry to be setting a bad example.

Can anyone tell me how to apply for foodstamps?

Greg, you said it best.... Your life is your own. Thus, I can assume you have never had a family to care for. Life is much tougher when you "support" a family, not just "yourself"!

Oh the Humanity!

God forbid the girls have to go without cell phones.

God forbid, you know those are essentials, unlike the heart meds he stopped taking that keep his serious heart condition in check. Nice responsible choice "Dad" has made there! But don't worry when Dad drops dead from not taking his meds and letting his life long heart problems get out of control, they will be able to text their friends for sympathy.

Have to admit I had the same reaction with the cell phone bit. As someone above said, cell phones are not a necessity, food is, not whether someone can text a friend or not.

I'm sympathic to real need. Cell phones don't fit in that category.

There will be a difference when someone runs into hardship now.  And it won't depend on what their work ethics is.   First, most likely there will not be an 'extra job' than can be picked up until a full time comes along.  Second, utility and other necessary bills will continue to rise.  Third, if it's medical related, the bills will be higher and more difficult to manage.  There won't be a chance to tighten our belts, they will already be cutting us off at the waist.

I've wondered, if so many people are losing their homes thru foreclosure, where are they going???  Is the rental market able to absorb them?  Or are we going to find people on the street?

I was taken a back also reading about the daughters cell phones....and the worry of paying for college since they have stellar GPAs....well with stellar GPAs they should be able to get scholarships.

Proirities people! If you dont have a roof over your head, theres no need to worry about college education for your kids a few years down the road. One thing at a time.

But, his medical issues and so on...I still feel bad that he has to struggle like that in this economy. But if I were him, the cell phones, cable, ect would be gone. Bare bones...only the NEEDs would be met. Everythign else could fall to the wayside.

Kids today have too much stuff these days. They will survive without having all the perks that the other kids have. Mine did just fine.

Good question daisy. Since a forclosure effects your credit score and rental places/prospective jobs check credit.....hmmmmm

Greg, Iam shocked to hear your story, haven't you learned anything yet?  Move to a warm climate, pull your sofa out on the front porch grab a cold one and relax, easy street is right around the corner and you sir are setting a bad example for the future leaders of the country. 

Diane, I understand full well that I can't afford to have a family.

If only other people would understand the same, instead of popping out a bunch of kids that they expect the government to educate, feed, etc.

I am disgusted that people who can't afford to have kids, do so, then whine about the cost of raising them.

Carlos, yea, I know, imagine that...me working hard and paying my own bills and realizing that I can't have a family because I don't make enough money.

Please, everyone, don't hate me because I am responsible for my own life.  

Dianne-500441,

I do support a family - 2 kids and a stay at home spouse (that is finishing her degree) and I'm taking care of it myself.  It has required that I move sometimes, coming home every other weekend, but we decide how we choose to live our lives early on (usually by examples we see).

I had a former friend that wanted to work for a specific school (teacher) and though she was getting offers from other schools for work, she turned them down b/c she wanted this one particular school - her mindset being, "I live at home and they can pay for it until this school says yes".  It's been 10 years now since I've spoken with her but have visions of her still living at home, still living off mom and dad waiting for "just that one job".

My guess is she'll be shooting for food stamps and welfare as soon as her parents boot her out b/c she just doesn't get it.

I was always taught that when you have responsibilities you own up to them.  If it means two jobs, then you "man up", get your two jobs, and stop complaining.  While I'll admit it does make life a bit hard sometimes, you won't find me on a board complaining about how the government isn't taking care of me or my family...that's my job.

I think what amazes me with stories such as this is that people just do not understand something such as bargain hunting, don't spend too much just for the name brand, and if you cannot afford it, don't buy it.

Frankly - I could give you the same sob story. I lived in a town where I was never paid equitable to the cost of living. It got to the point that eating at Burger King once a month and when I had a $125 gift card to a mall, I felt like a millionaire.

And - I had a boss who wanted me out of there (BTW a capable worker who really knew their  job) to hire his own cronies. (Postlude to this was he found out that I knew more about the town I lived in, and was much more capable than my successor. He also was gone within two months of my leaving - due to high turnover on jobs in his care).

But you know what? - I sucked it up, and survived. Now, I'm at a place where I am paid where I can pay all my bills and still be able to splurge once in a while. That said, I still remain frugal to this day. If I don't really need it - I don't buy it, and if I really want something - save up for it, don't buy on credit.

Now, I'll admit, I'd love to have something like a piece of fine jewelry or be able to eat something like a $1,000 sundae one time in my life. But, I know that those are out of my reach unless I say won the lottery or something (which I have better odds getting run over than I do winning that.

So, instead of spending to get that indulgence, I do what I need to do - save, don't buy brand name unless it's necessary (i.e. my contacts - which I have to order every six months, and if push came to shove would just wear my glasses), and make sure I have the money to pay the necessities over the wants first. And - by doing this, I have money in savings (for emergencies only - otherwise it's a "No touch" area), have my bills covered and still can at least eat out once a week or other week or go treat myself.

Heck, that $125 gift card? - I made that last through four trips to the mall, and made quite a few bargains by waiting for the best deals. Even my $25 Harry and David card I wound up getting about $50-$70 dollars worth of items because I'd buy on sale or find good deals in the clearance items. Most people today would just spend that $125 for a pair of designer holey jeans (which you can make for less than a buck if you go to a thrift store for the jeans and cut them yourself) just for the name itself.

Yes, I live on my own right now, but at the same time - I'd instill this on my husband and children as needed.

I think a lot  of people need to realize we need more of a Great Depression/WWII mindset. By this I mean the following:

* Bargain shop, trade if possible, don't extend yourself on debt

* Pay off your debts if you are in debt - doesn't have to be all at once, but damn it, just pay it. I am disgusted to know that I am going to be bailing out people who don't pay their COLLEGE loans when I will have paid mine off in two years - and yes, some of this on a very tight, very limited budget.

* Don't just be begging the government for handouts - actually go out there, try to find a job, and do something for yourself.

There are some people who truly have trouble finding jobs, but there are those who just want them and not do a damn thing. This is why THREE years later, we have Hurricane Katrina "victims" SUING the government to stay in the housing. A lot of them are capable to work, but just don't want to and fell owed by the governmetn for their suffering.

*And definitely - WORK if you can. No job as long as it's legal, is a bad job. It might pay little, but it's better than not doing a job because you can use it in your resume for a bigger job. Employers want to see that you actually made something of yourself and did jobs to stay afloat (even if your head bobs up and down under water at times). They tend to frown on those who have large gaps between jobs, and you don't want to say "Well, I was getting handouts, so I said 'Who cares'" Trust me - that prospective employer will and don't expect to get a callback if there is someone who has the same qualifications but actually went out there and did something to help themselves is applying.

*******************************

Diane, good for you! 

Mel, amen, a job well-done is a good job. 

And, yes, work is hard.  That's why they call it work.  If it was easy, they could get people to do it free.

I mentioned this later down but Franklin, TN is an affluent neighborhood where a lot of country singers live.  It's an expensive small town to live in.  The dad mentions worrying about his kids being embarrassed because they don't have text-messaging and the other kids will want to know why.  Good grief.  This would be a good opportunity to teach your kids responsibility.  So what if the other kids wonder about the family's problems financially. 

Why is it so hard to see that sometimes, many times things happen that are outside of ones control. It is impossible for me to beliefthat some people are asso uncopassionate (if the shoe fits wear it). I am certain if the plumber above had known he was going to end up in this situation he would have done things differently.That is hind sight which is easy. Stagnant wages and higher prices have made it impossible for many to save. I could go on forever.........cold, cold and cold.

A few years ago I decided to buy an american made car, after a lot of looking I didn't find one I could afford or that met my needs(a plain car without all the bells and whistles. A  few years later I did break down and buy american. I bought a Dodge pick up and a buick centry. Opened the door on both, check the label, both were assembled in Mexico. Should have a toyota made in Tenn.

Never owned an American car, never will!!! Will buy anything else American, but you can never find one.

The Detroit automakers were not complaining 5 years ago when they couldn't keep Hummers in stock! Management of these companies have chosen to ignore the American public's need for efficient and reliable cars.

Unions have destroyed the true spirit of hard work and self responsibility in this industry. Tell me how one person is given one job to do and can't do another? The whole "It's not my job", mentality of the unions has to go. It's eroded the hard work ethic Americans were once known for.

The American car I bought in 1989 (pontiac sunbird), after veiwing the build sheet I realized the engine was made in Brazil and the body was made in Italy. That was almost 20 years ago. Long before NAFTA....so tell me, what cars are made solely in America?

Puck, I started with domestic iron in 1969, it was the only way to go.  Bought into the they only last for 50k miles and was a good consumer, didn't complain about the rattles and leaks and the close relationship I had with various mechanics.  In the late 70's bought imports drove them to death sold them still running and with all the guilt my patrotism could muster bought a domestic in 1990, my turd with wheels reminded me of why I loved my imports, I reestablished my relationship with the mechanic's and drove a lot of loaners.  One time the owner of the dealership drove me personally to my office from the service department.  He asked me what it would take to get me into another domestic car a repalcement for the turd with wheels,  I told him i wouldnt buy another one if he put my balls in a vice, we had a quiet ride the rest of the way.  I  admire your devotion to the domestic producers, I just dont understand it. 

Foreign cars can have their problems too.  The Honda civic I purchase new was the biggest piece of *&% I ever owned. The dash smoked shortly after it reach 50,000 miles and some of the controls failed to work after that. The cruise control stuck on 3 times forcing me to turn off the ignition to disengage the cruise while I was moving. I would never buy a honda vehicle again.

Lerianis

Trouble is not coming fast. My family is doing just fine in this economy, in fact we have money LEFT OVER after paying our bills and my parents just took a 1 thousand dollar trip with my aunt and uncle.

It is only the people who were BARELY getting by in the first place before all this trouble hit who are having severe problems, them and the people who kept high balances on their credit cards and now, those companies like IDIOTS are driving them towards bankruptcy by raising their interest rates from 7% to 30% or MORE!

And your point is what ???

M. White Bear

You took the words from my mouth.

sneilarreal

M. White Bear

You took the words from my mouth.

It is very apparent this person is either very young, or living is a fantasy world. I am NOT in dire straits personally because of the economy (lucky me). But I sure as heck see the collapse of others around me, sad, sad. As to her' families vacation trip, for $1,000, it was not a big trip, or if she is that young, she has no clue as to the value of money. Michael

The point...... is personal responsibility!!! 

Leriana,

What are you driving at? That you are better then anyone else? Let me tell you something, we are not in dept up to our eyeballs. We have one credit card, $700.00 limit, for emergencies only!

We live in a not expensive home, do not drive new cars and we live from week to week. My husband works 40+ hours a week. A good job. Our 401k is being sucked dry. We pay taxes just like you do.

We are even struggling, no cell phones. My husband had an heart attack back in the spring and we have extra bills now thanks to our lousy insurance, which is not our choice.

Not all people live above their means.
I am so glad that you are one of the lucky ones. Makes me wonder what kind of work you do.

I am watching people lose everything , not because of their greed, but higher cost of living lost jobs, sickness and so on.

Lerianas.  There are a heck of a lot more people starting to hurt that had very good jobs, I have a son-in-law that was making over 100,000 a year, and then his company downsized.  Now he is looking for any kind of job.  So there are a lot of people out there that are hurting besides the lower pay people.

verno:

What has me really puzzled is how you go from 100K a year to poverty!!!!! If I were making that much I can't see how I could not save at least 30K each year. If I had that job for 2 years then lost it, I'd have enough liquid savings for at least a year not counting unemployment.

I admit I don't know enough about his situation to judge but I have heard that from so many execs and I just don't get it.

Voltiqeur, amen! 

Lerianis Where did you parents, aunt and uncle go on vacation for $1,000?
 
Across town?

"All these people that do 'computers' as a job, are going to fail"

Maybe you just don't understand computers.  If you're a good programmer, it's an extremely valuable skill, and always will be.  Do you think we're going to switch everything back to pen-and-paper?  That would be MORE expensive, not LESS.  If the economy fell apart, the tech-savvy would be the last to go.

It's really easy to make $100,000/yr and then be broke. The more money you make, the more you spend. I understand that's not always the case, but it's usually the norm. People who make "good" money, tend to buy the "finer things in life", they spend more.

If you base what you get as a home on your income, even a modest home, then you loe your job as all your utilities triple...its really easy to be in a hole. It can happen to ANYONE....even the frugal who have a large nestegg to protect them.

I agree with you M white bear.....people need to prioritize between needs and wants. A true depression in this country would be staggering. I have pondered over what it would look like. This is a much different country than it was in the 20's, it would be really bad.

i have to agree with people above about verno's post, if you were making $100k a year, you could have saved almost half of that and have enough money to be unemployed, its more likely he was living the $100k a year lifestyle, people need to be thinking about that all the time - try your hardest to save money when things are going well then if something happens you will have something to fall back on

Then there's the old saying "you cant take it with you". If a person works hard and makes $100,000/yr, why shouldn't they live in a $100,000/yr lifestyle?

Carl W

"All these people that do 'computers' as a job, are going to fail"

Maybe you just don't understand computers.  If you're a good programmer, it's an extremely valuable skill, and always will be.  Do you think we're going to switch everything back to pen-and-paper?  That would be MORE expensive, not LESS.  If the economy fell apart, the tech-savvy would be the last to go.

Carl, I think you misunderstood the gist of my comment. I do NOT mean actual computer programers. I meant people in general that are white collared bank, finance, insurance, computer, type jobs. People that do not 'produce' an actual product. I truly believe these people are going to be hung out to dry if the economy tanks as bad as it did in the 30's. Michael

Then there's the old saying "you cant take it with you". If a person works hard and makes $100,000/yr, why shouldn't they live in a $100,000/yr lifestyle?

That thinking is exactly what got us in this mess to begin with.  In generations before us they tried to keep a cushion and keep debts to a level that they could get out from under it without losing their homes and major possessions.

The majority of people in this society don't look more than an inch in front of their nose.

exactly that mentality is the exact reason we are in this problem, people living outside their means or at least maxing out their income every month, i am all for spending my retirement money but you have to get their first, we need to get back in the mentality of saving for a rainy day

 The only reason they aren't already is security reasons keeps parents footing the bill for them.

Excellent point!

The former plumber with the heart condition is really the only one I feel any sympathy for. It's completely likely that he CAN'T get insurance due to his condition (the article said he'd had it since childhood).

As for his girls losing their cell phones: There are worse things in life than not being popular (for example, losing your dad whose heart condition got worse). And if that's the criteria for being popular these days, even more evidence that this nation has some seriously flawed priorities.

I do agree with the cell phone thing. WOW, if that is what the kids have to worry about, and the parents, maybe they need to learn what priorities are.

I agree.  The people in this article may not have been the best example.  Franklin is on the southern outskirts of Nashville, TN (I live here also) and is a wealthier side of the area.  There are a lot of jobs in this area, not high paying, but enough to get by.  I may have missed it, but did the article mention the wife or teenagers getting jobs?  There are 4 malls in the Nasville area begging people to work for the holiday season.  I am a single mom that lives in the northern suburbs of Nashville and have learned to budget, prioritize and make ends meet with my job, and only one person bringing in income - and i don't qualify for state benefits so I do it on my own.  4 healthy individuals can too.  I feel more sorry for those in poorer areas, trying to make it work who get laid off from factory or warehouse jobs, people without skills or who are disabled.

I feel bad about the medical condition, but there are programs for free medication. 

kids today want to "work" for their money....they want their money handed to them.  I blame the parents these days.  I had to work...all through high school to pay for my car, my car insurance and whatever my parents "deemed" wasn't necessary.  If I wanted something I had to wait until I got paid...then when I had the money..if I still wanted it...I bought it...most of the time...after having to wait...I realized I didn't need it after all.  Kids today are in a "demand and received" society.  Sad fact but so true.

Cable isn't really a need either. I don't have cable.

Herstal

You just made Desertgirl's point... duh...

As for the parents, they are just genuinely concerned about how they're daughters would be judged by their peers in school. High school is not always a joyful 4 years and sometimes kids can be rough. Of course when we all come out of it and reflect back to those years, we realize how petty some of that stuff really was, but as a teenager, you can feel like your whole world is right then and now.

So I think the parents are realistic about how they are concerned about their children. As a parent you always want what is best for your children and to provide them with things you were never able to afford as a kid. That's just parenting!

Cell pones, interent, cable would all be gone in a flash if we started having financial difficulties.

I work in the medical field and yes you can get SOME medications for free or a reduced rate but not ALL and unfortunatley some of these medications are VERY expensive and by the way you might be suprised at the amount of income it takes to qualify for these free rx programs. Just thought you might want to know this.

I agree family1st. My husband is a Type 1 diabetic on a pump. Despite a good diet and exercize his body is not efficient in absorbing insulin. He uses an abnormally high dose and is on a pump requiring that he change infusion sets every two days. He really needs a CGM system if he wants to be here long term, but insurance won't cover it and there is NO help for infusion sets/reservoirs at any income bracket.  Despite a healthy a1c, we cannot afford life insurance because of his condition. If he dies, my children will not only be without a father, we'll likely lose our home.

We have insurance through a high risk pool but our copays are prescription, non-formulary.(expensive) I cannot tell you how many times my husband's pump was almost relegated to a $7,000 paperweight.(insurance pays for the pump and then makes the supplies unaffordable.)

We are only about 100% of the FPL, own our own business, do jobs on the side, don't have cable, cars are 10 years old(bought used, one with 240K on them!), 0 credit card debt.(that is hardly living beyond one's means, its just living.) 

We are not on government assistance. My husband was hospitalized 2x last year, once with appendicitis and once for an entire month with Que fever(talk about luck, he gets diabetes and then weird diseases no one has ever heard of and loses an entire month of income while accruing medical bills!) Those medical bills are paid, but it took nearly all our savings to do it. Times are hard and getting harder especially for those who have chronic medical conditions.

You pretty much summed it up.  :(

He could get insurance but it would cost him far more than getting it through his employer. So It is more of an economic thing why this really bits. All the rich jerks that wanted to get more from the those who yes did not read the fine print. I would have loved to serve my country Herstal, but I have a heart condition like the dude in the artical. It was because of my health why I was kept from entering in and why i won't get the benefits that come from serving your country like you will. There are a few items that you will get over the course of your life from the government that others like me won't so don't start getting to high on that soap box. My Dad was in the military and there were things he benefited from which I won't and will not even be able to get. You did not take anything from me, but there are others out there (talking big business leaders and bankers) who did and it is those who need to stop and smell the cow manur they are trying to get us to eat.

I agree Scared! And as to Lerianis I am glad you have not yet felt any effects of the economy and I hope you don't. For the rest of us serfs, well, we're just eating day old cake during our candle light dinners because the electric is off.

No parent wants their child to know how difficult times are for them. Nor do they want them to feel ostracized or different from their peers.  The whole cell phone debate is just foolish. These parents KNOW the cell phones will be disconnected. They are simply lamenting that despite making personal parental sacrifices in an effort to stay afloat, now the kids will be making sacrifices as well.

I am with you SickNTired.

We are going to have to learn to live like our parents did.

 They knew how to save a dollar. We don't. Yes as a parent, I want to give my child everything, but we don't. Never had a cell phone, no 150.00 shoes. We try to teach her that money just don't grow on trees.

But because of the greed and the thiefs, we all are paying for it, except, Lerianis.

Jojo 50, I agree with you, but we really can live the way our parents did.  Our parents could cut back on things and medical bills weren't out of sight then.  There are a lot of people who are working full time have medical insurance and get some type of medical emergency, which the so called health insurance doesn't cover or covers  only part of it, and they have to file bankruptcy to get rid of the huge medical bills.  That is just wrong.  You can save all you want, but you can not save enough to pay for these huge medical bills.  It has to stop somewhere.

Our total medical bill was over one hundred thousand dollars, and their bill said payment in full is expected by a certain date. Well they did get a nice phone call, and I was nice about it.

verno,

I think back to where when I was growing up we raised a garden, a big garden. We from the time I was a little girl would help can and freeze the vegetables and fruit. Dad always raised a beef, pig and we did chickens. I know that would be hard to do , and if you live in the city, it would be difficult.

But when we had to move to town we still raised a garden, and dad would find someone to go in with for the beef, pig and chicken.

I know some here are laughing, but we knew what we were eating back then. No fast food, when we would go out to eat which was maybe once a month, WE enjoyed it.

But I remember we did not leave a light on in a room that we were not in.

I still can and freeze food, but you know we think that we need this and that, and we really don't.

We live near a big Amish Community, and boy could we learn a thing or two from them.They will survive this problem, and I would say, pretty well!

Thomas Jefferson,

 you  must be real uninformed about the Republican party.

I myself am a Republican. While i do believe in working hard to achieve what you want, there is a time where is OK to ask for help. There is nothing wrong with asking for a bit of help when you need it.

 I had a house fire back in April, and i lost everything i own. Did i go and ask for help? yes i did. Did i also support myself? again yes i did, i have renters insurance.

 I thank the red cross, the people and the city of Norwich (ct) for helping me out. They stepped up and supported me and my wife until my renters insurance was paid out.

Now if we can only get the people who LIVE off of state aid, that would be a miracle. The states and the Fed are there to  HELP people, not support a way of life.

I thought the 3 basics of life were food, shelter and clothing, when did cell phones get added ?

Excellent post. And I hope you never get laid off or ill and need to find a new equally well paying job before your money is gone.

I tend to agree with you, but we are unable to save. My husbands company 5 years ago, changed our insurance and we now have to pay a little over 200.00 a pay period for insurance. The insurance is crap, but we have to have it. We checked into going on our own but not any good deals out there.

 So what we would be able to save, we buy our so called insurance with it.

I pay $215 in health insurance for a family of five (wife/me/three kids) a pay period as well as $215 a pay period in child support.  We all know it's hard, but it's never too late to start saving.  The fed government will most likely give another rebate check next spring.  Don't spend it all and don't pay of all your bills.  Save 10% of it...We got lucky because we started saving three years ago and now have reached 6 months of savings (to live in our house and pay bills only).  But trust me it is never too late to start saving.

We have been trying, but this year has been a nightmare for us.

My husband has been in the hospital three times since his heart attack, and we have just not been able to catch up. Now we have a monthly medicine bill, and we just feel overwhelmed at times.

Papa bear.  You may think you are prepared for hard times.  With a 6 month savings you will go no where if you have a huge medical problem that your insurance company will only part of.  And that is the norm.  So don't get too comfortable in your situation.  I know a lot of people who were in your situation and now they are on poor street.  It can happen to anyone.  And Medical is the problem to most of it.

26?

Sorry, but you don't have any idea what hardship is..................yet!

pappa bear, 6 months won't be enough. Unfortunately my wife and I became early casualties. I was laid off due to lack of work last April and my wife in June. We thought we had enough to tough it out for at least a year. Raised 3 children. My oldest was diagnosed with diabetes few years ago. Cost to save his life and not have both of his feet amputated was $350K. Cashed in stocks and bonds to cover the expense. He's doing well now, but, the money is gone. One year later my youngest was attacked and her face was brutely injured by a gang banger. $125K in medical expense. Insurance company wouldn't cover injuries. Cashed in balance of stocks and tapped 401K. She's doing well now, but, the money is gone and the gang banger was only ordered to pay $2K in restitution and served 1 month in jail. I guess that's why they call it criminal justice. My wife and I figured, hey, what the heck. We both grew up in poor families. We know what it's like. We worked hard for over 30 years. We have savings and was able to cash in my 401K before the stock market tanked. We're both professionals and will be back to work soon. Well, here we are 8 months later. We have sent out over 100 resumes between the two of us and only had 7 interviews. The excuses have been, " Well, we think your over qualified. " or "Sorry to waste your time,but, we're experiencing difficulties at this time and we'll have to get back to you when things get better." I suggest you start saving 30% and hope your job is safe. Because, even after 40 years of saving and investing, all it takes is a couple of expensive medical bills and the industry you work in to take an extended dive for things to go to hell in a hand basket.

Well I read that 3 months savings was good.  We doubled that and it is still not enough?

Your right, right now we don't have much to worry about and hopefully some of the ailments that you have described won't approach our family.  But we have to be somewhat prepared.  My whole thing is for the families that never saved any money or lived paycheck to paycheck before the economy turned sour.  That is where I don't agree with their personal fiscal policies.

3 months saving is good, but it is impossible to say what's good enough. A big unknown is medical care - what if you are in an accident and cannot work any more? Or a serious medical problem w/ your child that insurance won't cover? How long do you think your savings are going to last?

Clint, I'm 27 years old, I've had a job since I was 13 and I paid utilities and rent from that job at that age because my mother was a disabled single parent. I've put 85 cents worth of gas in an empty tank and eaten nothing for dinner. Age has NOTHING to do with knowing anything about hardship. 

Papa bear, 6 months worth of savings is practically NOTHING if you are struck by a severe illness or accident.  We live paycheck to paycheck in my family, do NOT have a credit card (if we can't pay cash we don't get it) and live very very modestly.  My husband and I both worked and raised 3 children.  We had 5 months worth saved back,  had salary protection, extra insurance...you name it.  THEN my husband was hurt on the job.  The salary protection he took out for 18 years DENIED him, BECAUSE he was hurt on the job.  Some of the insurance paid out but he was through with working.  We ALMOST lost EVERYTHING.  We scraped by and even had to get on food stamps for a very short while.  We have managed to barely scrape by.  We had to hire an attorney because a)his job tried to screw him out of his workmans compensation and b)when it was obvious he would no longer be able to work at all it took 2 YEARS to get him on social security disability.  And that was ONLY because we had hired an attorney.  They got huge chunks but we were able to barely stay solvent.  NOW my 401K that I have contributed to for years is down the tubes a good 30 percent.  It was the ONLY retirement that my employer offered.  They had dumped the old retirement and no one in the company (hospital) had any choice.  So please don't think that people just THROW their money away.  A lot of us were raised with good values and have used that for years only to have, WHATEVER you want to blame it on, it go down the tubes.  And we were doing EVERYTHING we were always taught and was told was good use in saving our money and living thriftily.  Bad stuff does happen to good people.  Unfortunately some people just don't believe it and never will.  The rich get richer and the poor (the middle class now) keep getting poorer. 

I too have a cell phone, but it is prepaid and pay per minute only.  That way I only have it in my car with me for emergencies.  My car is 16 years young and you never know when something will go wrong with it.  Paying a monthly cell phone bill to text or talk to people is not a necessity. 

A great deal of people like myself have cut out the land line completly on ONLY have a cell phone. Do I think a phone is a neccessity....yes, especially if you have children and there is an emergency.

You leave them alone with no adult supervision?? Just another excuse to spoil kids. I have four children (18-9 years old) and am a doctor. I can afford for them all to have cell phones but don't.  The oldest pays for his own. WHY?? Because they aren't necessities! They are used mostly to text and play with. If they are not with me, they should be with a responsible adult or near a phone!!

BRAVO!!!

Laurie,

You leave them alone with no adult supervision??

Where on earth did I say that? Of course they are supervised! I'm not sure what type of "Doctor" you are but frankly your whole comment seems a bit over the top and ill informed to me.

Who said these people were Republicans?? Are you that smart that you can tell from the article??  Please explain to me why the state color makes a diference?? Sorry but you just add to justification that democrats are morons....

  Hertel: Having watched their station cover election and people like C. mathews... My suggestion would be to get a few different I.P. addresses. just think within a year or so, you will not have options to listen to conservative radio to seek a both sides of issues to form an educated opinion as they are going to do away with any conservative radio. I think the old term was brain washing. Now it is called liberalism. They talk we obey. I am sure even the liberalist of liberals will soon have a problem with that. LOL!

We, as a family, have never been "well off". The area we moved to, the parents buy thier kids cars, pay for the insurance, give them gas cards...the whole nine yards. We didn't do that, and wouldn't even if we could afford it becasue imo, it doesn't teach financial responsibility. I was always honest to my kids about money when they were growing up. And I feel they are better for it now as they are working adn figuring it out on their own.

Exactly how much is a "Bajillion"?  And when we talk squander how about going back 70 years in time to FDR and his Welfare/SSA that is now and always will be the backbone of our bankruptcy.  You see, once you give someone something for free they will always expect it. 

On Bajillion equals six Brazilians.  Very creative, by the way, blaming our current troubles on FDR.  This all goes on GWB's head, however.  Some legacy.

Who mentioned W?  The ills of this country need to be traced back to their original roots.  If I live by your standard then we can trace 911 to Bill Clinton when we should actually go back in time to the Afgan-Russian war when we really started irritating the current Al-Qaeda members.  Talk facts and have a clue before you post you're spew against the right-wing or left-wing. 

I mentioned him because his incompetence led us into this abyss.  You can go back in history as far as you want.  Hell, why not blame George Washington?  After all, he started the whole president gig in the first place.  Fact is we have been without competent leadership for eight years and are now paying the price.  Deal.

It is anger and bitterness like yours that will keep this country down.  So pull yourself and others around you into that sad little hole of a life that you reared your ugly head out of this morning if you want but spew somewhere else.  History has a way of repeatng itself and if that is true I feel very sorry for you and those like you.  Move on with your sad little pathetic life and deal with it yourself.

Yes its all GWB fault. Hey I got hemorrhoids Dam that Bush.

I totally agree with you!!  When I read that I could not believe what he was saying.  Cable bill and cell phones.  Those are not essentials to daily living.  Kids nowadays think they HAVE to have a cell phone.  My son didn't get a cell phone until he was 18 and he got it himself working his job.  My daughter is 14 and doesn't even ask for a cell phone.  She knows if she has one she has to pay for it, and that is not where she wants her money to go.  We have to teach our kids these things.  Cable and cell phones are not a priority in life, they are pleasures, luxuries.  I am a single parent and my kids do without and don't complain.  They know that is how it is.  We pay cash for everything.  If we don't have the cash for it, we don't need it.  The utilities and rent get paid paid first.  We have just learned to get by and we are happy.  If you still have cell phones and cable you do not need public assistance.  Grow up. 

I always think back to a conversation I had with someone telling me that they couldn't afford to pay their water bill.  But at the same time this person was smoking and I know for a fact that cigarettes were $4.00 a pack.  It's just so much easier to blame "the government" for your condition than it is to get off your butt and do something about it.

I've heard over a million mexicans went back to Mexico. You know its bad when the Mexicans are running away!! So you can now get a job picking fruit for $2/bushel....lol

As unemployment rises, just think of all the jobs people claim that "Americans won't do".   American jobs need to be given to American citizens.  Illegals need to go back to their own country.

But, in all of that time did you have any huge medical problem?  That would have been a little harder to work your way out of.  This is what is causing a lot of peoples problems.

No real major medical problems,but we did have medical bills and no insurance.Even if we did have major medical problems I`am sure we would of worked throught it.My wife and I havn`t changed our life style even though we have a 6 figure income,still no cable or tv,and yes we still heat with wood.