Recession 2.0: Do You Feel It?

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I was laid-off a few months ago from my part-time job of 2 years. Sadly, this is what kept my head above water. I've really had to tighten the financial belt SEVERAL notches...

Todd of SC 6:39AM November 30, 2008

To be honest, I haven't really felt it at all with the exception of grocery and gas prices. Sure, I hear a lot of panic which everyone is talking about and the stock market is crashing, but so far I haven't changed anything from what I had planned before 'the crisis' hit. I don't know if it's because there hasn't been a huge affect other than the media or because I live within my means.

Slinky of WI 3:56PM November 10, 2008

Like everyone else, I'm definitely feeling the recession. Headlines of the crisis, overhearing lunch room talks just doesn't make you feel good these days. However, there are some good points though:

1. Gas prices are back to times of 2006! I never imagined seeing $2.50 a gallon gas prices but this economic crisis has brought the price of oil (and gasoline) way down! This is a couple hundred bucks back in my pockets!

2. No lines! I go to retailers like Costco and there are no more lines (or at least less people waiting). I get so much of my time back!

3. It forced me to think about my finances much more. This is always a good thing!

Like everything else, it's not always bad! The fact that it's recession 2.0 means that we got out of recession 1.0! The United States will prosper again!

MoneyNing of CA 3:28PM November 06, 2008

Thanks, Johanna - I'll have to check out that novel, it sounds great.

Kimberly Palmer of 1:09PM November 06, 2008

Excellent post. I've just finished reading a historical novel ("London" by Edwrad Rutherfurd - long, but highly recommended) and it made me feel much the same way: It reminded me what real poverty could be like, and also how marginalized women were until really fairly recently in the grand scheme of things. Compared to that, the stock market falling off a cliff doesn't seem like nearly as big a deal.

Another thing I try to do is learn about the lives of people in real poverty around the world today. And then donate some money to organizations that can help them.

Johanna of MD 12:56PM November 06, 2008

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Alpha Consumer

Alpha Consumer

Kimberly Palmer, senior editor for U.S. News & World Report, is the author of Generation Earn: The Young Professional's Guide to Spending, Investing, and Giving Back. Send her your personal finance questions.


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