A day in the life of . . .

How is Everyone Doing?

I wish I could say that everything is okay and that I’m not concerned about the financial future of the US.  Unfortunately, it seems that there are so many things working against us that I would be lying.

The powers that be have already given over $700 BILLION of our dollars for the “bailout” plan.  It seems that’s not enough as they’ve been asked a couple of times to increase the handouts they’re giving to big banks and financial institutions.  This would be all fine and dandy if these businesses were being responsible with the money they’ve been given.  It seems that’s not the case as some of them are spending OUR money on things that aren’t necessary as well as giving their CEOs and other higher officials HUGE bonuses.

Does anyone else see a problem with this?  This doesn’t make sense to me.  The officials are the ones that have driven their companies to near bankruptcy, but we’re going to reward them for their stupidity and give them millions of dollars in bonuses.  Sorry, that doesn’t cut it.  When I was growing up you were were disciplined for misbehavior, NOT rewarded.

So, first it was the banks, financial industry, and now the auto industry wants their own bailout package.  While I’m all for doing what we can to help, that’ll be even more money that will be added to the already over-inflated deficit.  Where are they getting the money from?  And what industry will be next?

Has this begun to affect you personally?  It will us, very shortly.

My hubby told me Friday after he got home that he’ll have off the entire week of Thanksgiving.  They don’t normally get off a whole week.  They get two days just like most other companies.  But a whole week?  That doesn’t usually happen until Christmas.

Here’s what he told me:  As part of the housing industry (he works for a mobile home company), the number of people receiving financing has been reduced dramatically.  Apparently the company isn’t sure what’s going to happen after Thanksgiving, either.  Hubby told me that they’ll have to “play it by ear” as to whether they’ll have work or not.

Now, I have to admit that things usually slow down around the holidays and into the first month of a new year, but the slow down doesn’t start THIS early.  Sure, he’ll be able to draw unemployment, but it won’t be nearly as much as what he normally receives on his paycheck. We’ll be short about $125 or more per week while he’s on unemployment, if this should last more than a week or so.

Thankfully we own our home, which is a mobile home.  It’s ours, completely paid for.  And we don’t have credit cards that we have to worry about falling behind on.  So in a lot of ways we’re much better off than many others.  However, we just get by with what my hubby makes as it is.

I wonder if we’ll have food on the table and be able to keep the utilities going.  I’m prepared to let our non-essentials (satellite, telephone, and cell phones) go.  If things don’t pick up soon, it may be necessary.  I don’t think my hubby or kids will be too happy, but it may be something we have to consider.

Has the economic situation affected you and your family yet?  If so, how?  What are you doing to combat it?  Have you had to cut back?  What does that mean about holiday spending?

I’m so thankful that I have faith in God.  I can’t imagine not knowing HIM and trying to make heads or tails out of this mess.  I know that HE is in control and that I can trust HIM to lead us.  We may not always like what He tells us (what child does?) but I know we can trust HIM.

I’m also thankful that I have work that I can do from home.  There may come a time when that dries up, but for the time being I’m thankful that I can help provide some income which will keep us going a little longer.

Speaking of work, I have a ton of it to do this week.  Have a great week, and don’t be a stranger!  I’d love to hear what’s going on in your neck of the woods.  Be blessed!