How are you coping with the current financial crises?
By mipen2006
@mipen2006 (5528)
Australia
March 2, 2009 6:45pm CST
Many people have lost their jobs and houses, many more are in danger of this happening to them. Personally, I haven't been effected yet, nor have either of my children or their families. However, I'm about to feel the crunch when I return to Australia for two years, with rents and the cost of living there much greater than Thailand, living will be difficult. How has the meltdown changed your situation?
2 people like this
7 responses
@shamsta19 (3224)
• United States
3 Mar 09
The thing is I run my own business. I have taken some serious losses the last two years but 2008 was the worst for me. I am currently doing a lot to stay on my feet. I still sell music and promote my albums. I sell movies to friends and I am planning on opening a restaurant, an idea I have had to postpone several times as of late. In the meantime I am also looking for another job and praying for the best.
@mipen2006 (5528)
• Australia
3 Mar 09
Your situation is very difficult. Small business people don't get the same kind of help the large conglomorates get. I believe letting large corporations merge and take over small rival companies never helped the community as a hole and contributed to the current crises.
1 person likes this
@shamsta19 (3224)
• United States
4 Mar 09
You aint lying. I am what you'd consider a really small business owner. We have had some financial difficulties the past year that have stifled my music. I am hoping for things to get better but at the least I want to be able to maintain my business.
@zed_k4 (17589)
• Singapore
4 May 09
I have felt that economic crisis in my country definitely but thankfully, nothing is happening to me like losing my job, personal security and all that. The crisis reminds me to start saving more and spending less. I feel that the economy all these years should not be taken for granted and it doesn't mean that as comfortable as we are right now, nothing won't happen. I suppose the word for me is to stay focus and vigilant at all times. Thanks for this awareness discussion. It certainly keeps me going. 
1 person likes this
@mipen2006 (5528)
• Australia
4 May 09
Thanks for your thoughts. You make a lot of sense, and best wishes for the future.
1 person likes this
@polachicago (18716)
• United States
3 Mar 09
I am OK now, but overall it is not easy. I make less money that I used to make.
Yes, housing crisis has a huge impact on my life. I wanted to sell the house and move to Europe, but now I would be able to sell my house.
1 person likes this
@mipen2006 (5528)
• Australia
4 Mar 09
Thanks polachicago. Good to hear you're Ok, maybe your plans to move to Europe could just be put on hold for a year or two. Best wishes.
@danrunsfast614 (1396)
• United States
3 Mar 09
It hasn't changed my situation at all. I am doing better than before and am getting a raide next month. It's a little surreal for me to hear about all these problems and be better off financially myself.
1 person likes this
@mipen2006 (5528)
• Australia
3 Mar 09
There are many in the same situation as you. Morgtage rates are lower, and as long as your income remains the same you will be better off. Thanks for responding.
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
3 Mar 09
I don't bring in much money to the household as I am trying to establish a writing career. I am very fortunate that I have had the opportunity to stay at home with my daughter. It has been touch and go lately as our money has been barely covering the bills, fortunately interest rates have come down here in Australia and that has given us a little breathing space. I do miss going out to dinner, movies and holidays, I really miss holidays!
@mipen2006 (5528)
• Australia
4 Mar 09
I stayed with my daughter in Australia, and she and her family are actually better off with the cut in interest rates. Also, last June the dance studio she taught for had financial difficulties, and she lost her job. Fortunately, she has just started three part time teaching jobs, so they are better off by far, and as long as her husband continues to work they will finish their mortgage early. Sure, the value of their home has reduced, but they have no intention of moving. They have been in the same house for over ten years now.
@masata (408)
• Indonesia
3 Mar 09
It has not affected me much. But, ya I feel the wave of the crises. In any situation, the worst scenario is difficult to get food (because the price is so high or anything else). Therefore, our family is investing in agriculture. So, we can have our land to be planted with vegetable or anything so that we can minimize the expense for the food.
1 person likes this
@mipen2006 (5528)
• Australia
3 Mar 09
That sounds like a good positive idea. Good luck with your home-grown vegetables, the quality freshness will be better than imported ones, that's for sure!
@syankee525 (6249)
• United States
3 Mar 09
well we're disable and i had to go back to work. but i am bless my older brother has his own company and we keep busy when the weather is nice, and since spring is almost here we will be really busy.
but we had to cut back on lot of things. but we still get our checks so it's not to bad.
1 person likes this
@mipen2006 (5528)
• Australia
3 Mar 09
It must be very difficult for you. I hope you can stick it through, you seem to have the right spirit. Good luck!
