The Economy - your take

[The Doctor]

Well more than 1/2 of my business is with investors who have been nearly non-existent for the past four years but they are getting sick and tired of less than 1% interest in the bank, stock markets that rise and crash like waves on the beach and unstable commodities that they are venturing back into undervalued real estate which is still plentiful. Those of us who were capable of riding the storm through have the potential to do well as a result of staying that course.

My summary is this:
We have figured out how to survive IN SPITE OF national economic distress. There's always ways for the hard working and intelligent folks to make an honest buck.

[HB Vic]

My summary is this:
We have figured out how to survive IN SPITE OF national economic distress. There's always ways for the hard working and intelligent folks to make an honest buck.

Without getting political, I totally agree. I don't care who's "steering" the ship, I'm not along for the ride. I'll make my own waves thank you very much

[CarolynandBob]

Kinda tough to answer. I have been kinda of a saver most of my life. I have been a big believer in balance and common sense. We do what ever we want to do and enjoy life but with common sense. We have desert toys. A few quads, jeep and a flat bed trailer. We have a blast when we go and have a big group we hang with. I would like to have a big enclosed trailer to keep it all in, but do not think it is a wise purchase. You get the idea.

I guess the biggest change we have made is going out to eat. We use to go 3-4 times a week to nice restaurants. Not fast food. Now we go once a week or so. It is not that we can't afford it, but just figured I can cook the steak just as good at home. We also tip less when we go. Use to ALWAYS tip 20% or more and now never more than 15%. The extra taxes I have to pay must come from somewhere.

My mentality is to stockpile as much cash as possible without altering our lifestyle to much. I plan to be prepared for anything our effed up government throws at us.

[rschap1]

I feel like statistics and reports are constantly being sugar coated and there is some level impending doom lurking inside the REAL numbers.
Personally things are doing well for me and my family, the local area seems to be picking up slowly, very slowly.
I think an again, VERY slow turn around is just starting to happen IN SPITE of policies and tactics being placed upon us.