The Economy and Your Lifestyle

[TigerCoach]

Just curious about how the economy is affecting you. Please answer honestly to the question.......How are you doing financially?

At the end of the poll, I'll give you some thoughts and reasoning behind the poll.

[Mass6]

Just have to be smart with your money. Don't live beyond your means and know that fuel is up, so you better cut something frivolous that you really don't need. Pretty easy when you think about it!

[thebili]

While what is going on hasn’t affected me financially, it has affected me socially. I had a whole group of friends who couldn’t find decent paying jobs in this area and moved to Columbus in search of "Greener pastures".
They have jobs down there now, but we don’t get to hang out with them anymore.
Gas prices deter us from taking weekend road trips to Columbus.

I agree with not living beyond your means, but if you have a skill, and no job you can’t just adjust your budget and change your lifestyle, you have to move.
So I am very grateful that my industry is doing very well despite the state of the economy. :thanx: Keep the couch potatoes watchin' TV and surfing the net and I'll be fine!

[DAWGH8R]

If your friends had to leave Massillon to find work , why would they stay in Ohio ??

If you can't be in Massillon, you may as well leave Ohio and find any of a number of states that are pure PARADISE compared to th economical and weather challenged Ohio.

[obie7661]

Because Ohio is a great place to live.

[TigerLily]

Just have to be smart with your money. Don't live beyond your means and know that fuel is up, so you better cut something frivolous that you really don't need. Pretty easy when you think about it!

Not necessarily easy for everyone. Those who have lost jobs, are facing a foreclosure, choosing between buying gas for the car or the medicine they need, etc.

There are some people hurting a lot more than others and have cut out things already to the max or almost.

Count your blessings and help those around you facing a crisis.

[Mass6]

Not necessarily easy for everyone. Those who have lost jobs, are facing a foreclosure, choosing between buying gas for the car or the medicine they need, etc.

There are some people hurting a lot more than others and have cut out things already to the max or almost.

Count your blessings and help those around you facing a crisis.

The medicine idea is about the only one that I really feel very bad about. While I feel bad about those losing jobs and foreclosure, there are always other jobs and your not living within your means if your house is being foreclosed on. Sorry, I won't agree with that. Family of mine have lost jobs because of this and instead of feeling sorry, they hit the road, resume in hand and found other employment to make it work.

[pnthrfan]

Mass6....Do you mind me asking how old you are, and if you are married and have children? I am just wondering.

[TigerLily]

The medicine idea is about the only one that I really feel very bad about. While I feel bad about those losing jobs and foreclosure, there are always other jobs and your not living within your means if your house is being foreclosed on. Sorry, I won't agree with that. Family of mine have lost jobs because of this and instead of feeling sorry, they hit the road, resume in hand and found other employment to make it work.

That’s true about the job. But, many times the new job doesn’t equal the pay of the old one. As far a foreclosure, I agree some people have bought way beyond their means. But, some just can’t keep up with the payments with so many other things going up. Lots of different circumstances.

I know that a lot of us can cut out things that are not necessary.
JUST NOT TIGER FOOTBALL!

[austinsm11]

The medicine idea is about the only one that I really feel very bad about. While I feel bad about those losing jobs and foreclosure, there are always other jobs and your not living within your means if your house is being foreclosed on. Sorry, I won't agree with that. Family of mine have lost jobs because of this and instead of feeling sorry, they hit the road, resume in hand and found other employment to make it work.

Good points. I've also seen many who refuse to leave the state to get a good job. I realize it is tough to leave family, friends, etc., but sometimes you have to in order to get by.

[austinsm11]

At the end of the poll, I'll give you some thoughts and reasoning behind the poll.

I have a feeling I know what your point will be.

[thebili]

If your friends had to leave Massillon to find work , why would they stay in Ohio ??

If you can't be in Massillon, you may as well leave Ohio and find any of a number of states that are pure PARADISE compared to th economical and weather challenged Ohio.

Well these friends didnt want to be impossibly far away from friends and family and closest place for opportunity was Colombus. Besides there are huge differences between there and here. Some good, some bad. I am glad I get to stay. Massillon is slowly becoming a pretty cool town.

[PurpleArmy]

I've had to cut back on things like groceries, cable (had to get rid of some of our movie channels), clothing (stopped buying retail for some of the kids' clothes (since they outgrow them so quickly anyways), and have been going to consignment shops instead, and we rarely go out anymore. I also now work from home to save on buying so much gas.

All in all, we are always at home, and we watch what we spend when we are out. And my oldest child got a job so she doesn't have to ask for spending money from me.

[Paul Brown]

Hasn't affected too much. I notice I don't have as much left over as I used to before gas got crazy, but not having a wife or kids makes it pretty easy to get by comfortably.
Now, if you ask my 401k how it likes the economy... shes seen better days.

[pnthrfan]

We as a family are not going "out" to eat anymore. We are also sticking closer to home because of the gas prices.

We put a woodburner in our house about 5 years ago and are contemplating putting another one in so we won't have to run our furnace at all, or very little. I have to say...... that is what I am more worried about.... how we, and others like all of you will be able to heat our homes this winter with the natural gas prices going up like we know they will.

It is scary to think of what people will be going through this winter. My Aunt didn't have a gas bill below $400.00 a month all last winter. I can only imagine how much they will be this winter. :scratchchin:

[SternRulz]

Hasn't affected me yet and I haven't changed anything, but I'm starting to look at ways I could cut back just in case. I'm starting to get nervous.

[DAWGH8R]

Because Ohio is a great place to live.


Sounds like you've convinced yourself !! I would bet that most people that have moved out of state, think in a VASTLY different way !!

Ohio is looked at in a whole different perspective when you're on the outside looking in.

I LOVE MASSILLON, and miss my football, but when it comes to blue collar job market & weather, Ohio is circling the toilet.

I hope I NEVER see snow again !! Unless of course, we play for a STATE TITLE game. I would travel in the snow for that !!:TIG2:

[Mass6]

Mass6....Do you mind me asking how old you are, and if you are married and have children? I am just wondering.

Check your pm's.

[dataintsmiff]

I've changed a few things. I don't eat out like I used to. The wife and I are staying at home and cooking. The food is way better and I'm saving money and experiencing some dishes that I might not have tried before.

[Red50Go]

Yes, a few things. Smaller vacation this year. Cheaper groceries. Skipped the county fair. And alot more arguing, like a new chainsaw vs. replacing the sweeper, lol. Probably the biggest thing is I work for a manufacturer who is struggling and had another round of salary layoffs, so I stress ALOT about if we go under. I'd have to uproot the family.

[Indiana95]

Those of you who have stated that the economy has not affected you are:

1. Not telling the truth

or

2. Never did anything more than work and sleep

The truth is.....the economy has impacted most individuals in some shape or form. Multi-millionaires are not immune either. I know some people who are choosing to pay over $500 a day to keep their boats docked instead of spending $10,000 in gas to travel over to the Bahamas every other week. They instead are flying over more often. The point is, if these people have been impacted, it's hard to believe all of us here on MP.com aren't.

But then again, I'm assuming that we have no billionaires posting here, which could be wrong.:rolleyes:

[Mass6]

Those of you who have stated that the economy has not affected you are:

1. Not telling the truth

or

2. Never did anything more than work and sleep

The truth is.....the economy has impacted most individuals in some shape or form. Multi-millionaires are not immune either. I know some people who are choosing to pay over $500 a day to keep their boats docked instead of spending $10,000 in gas to travel over to the Bahamas every other week. They instead are flying over more often. The point is, if these people have been impacted, it's hard to believe all of us here on MP.com aren't.

But then again, I'm assuming that we have no billionaires posting here, which could be wrong.:rolleyes:

I would be #2, that's why I don't know any better!:oh:

[Seeker]

But then again, I'm assuming that we have no billionaires posting here, which could be wrong.:rolleyes:

Perhaps our resident billionaire(s) didn't vote in the poll yet.

Side note-some that were millionaires last month, aren't now. :blush:

[Al.]

Perhaps our resident billionaire(s) didn't vote in the poll yet.

Side note-some that were millionaires last month, aren't now. :blush:

Just remember that when investing in the stock market the bulls make money and the bears make money. It is all about knowing what to do and when. :thumbsup:

[sis2turftiger]

Those of you who have stated that the economy has not affected you are:

1. Not telling the truth

or

2. Never did anything more than work and sleep

The truth is.....the economy has impacted most individuals in some shape or form. Multi-millionaires are not immune either. I know some people who are choosing to pay over $500 a day to keep their boats docked instead of spending $10,000 in gas to travel over to the Bahamas every other week. They instead are flying over more often. The point is, if these people have been impacted, it's hard to believe all of us here on MP.com aren't.

But then again, I'm assuming that we have no billionaires posting here, which could be wrong.:rolleyes:

Sadly, I could be classified under #2. :zzz:

[monte81]

Great thread TC!!!

I live in Columbus and I have had to cut back on trips to Massillon this summer for the kids. I have been in the bed battling MRSA since March with 4 surgeries thus far. I am on medical leave right now and the economy is killing me with my wage losses over the past 4 months. It helps abit that I cannot drive right now but I should be OK once the military finishes my paperwork. Lucky I am in C-bus so the Tiger/renoldsburg scrimage is only 20 minutes away from my NE Columbus house. If anyone is coming and wants to party (tailgate) let me know---I hope to be well by then!

I wish the job market was better in Massillon---I hate paying double for meat t the grocery store compared to Meat Packers Outlet!

[TigerCoach]

Just remember that when investing in the stock market the bulls make money and the bears make money. It is all about knowing what to do and when. :thumbsup:


The official saying is, "You can make money being a bear, you can make money being a bull, but when your a pig, you'll get slaughtered!"

Moral of the story........Don't Get Greedy!

[austinsm11]

. I have been in the bed battling MRSA since March with 4 surgeries thus far.

Sorry to hear that. How did you get it? The wife of one of the radio guys down here was bitten by a brown recluse spider. Then it got infected and she got MRSA at the hospital. It really doesn't look fun.

[TigerCoach]

Sorry to hear that. How did you get it? The wife of one of the radio guys down here was bitten by a brown recluse spider. Then it got infected and she got MRSA at the hospital. It really doesn't look fun.

Monte hangs out at some shady places! LOL! Just kidding Monte, that's nothing to take lightly, hope you get rid of it soon so I can knock you around some more at a tailgate.

[Swissie]

I voted no change, but maybe I shouldn't have voted at all. On this side of the pond (as my dad calls it), we have been used to paying, at the least, 3 times as much for gas and diesel as what you guys have been paying in the US. Heck, a happy meal at McDonald's will set you back more than 7 bucks here. The cost of living in Swissieland is pretty unbelievable. Our only worry (at this moment!) is air travel and how much it will go up (no pun intended). Flying a family of 4 transatlantic ain't going to be so easy in the future. Thank goodness for skymiles!

[monte81]

Sorry to hear that. How did you get it? The wife of one of the radio guys down here was bitten by a brown recluse spider. Then it got infected and she got MRSA at the hospital. It really doesn't look fun.

I had an ACL tear and needed a reconstruction. The previous screws got infected and spreaded throughout my leg. It is not fun at all but I am doing OK now. I have been coaching my 8th grade team from the chair during conditioning. My team has responded and came up big thus far learning my offense. I hope to take most of them to the Tigers scrimmage on Aug 15th to watch what I always tell them about our great team!!!

The economy plus my lost wages has had my family struggling abit but I am a true winner and will manage!

Thanks for the concern!!!


TigerCoach----- I will be at the 1st tailgate this year if all goes well! Also, my son plays on Wednesdays up at Glenoak Middle School so my assts. are preparing to conduct my prac tice so I can also support Jabron!!! Tiger fans do not worry--- my son will not be an GO Eagle next year because he is determined to be a TIGER!!!!

[TigerCoach]

I voted no change, but maybe I shouldn't have voted at all. On this side of the pond (as my dad calls it), we have been used to paying, at the least, 3 times as much for gas and diesel as what you guys have been paying in the US. Heck, a happy meal at McDonald's will set you back more than 7 bucks here. The cost of living in Swissieland is pretty unbelievable. Our only worry (at this moment!) is air travel and how much it will go up (no pun intended). Flying a family of 4 transatlantic ain't going to be so easy in the future. Thank goodness for skymiles!

Yes, but think of the value of your money in the U.S. The Euro is about $1.58 to the dollar. You should be over here with your Euros "stimulating our economy".

[Swissie]

Yes, but think of the value of your money in the U.S. The Euro is about $1.58 to the dollar. You should be over here with your Euros "stimulating our economy".

No worries! We are headed to the US on Sunday for a week. Can guarantee that you will see a jump next week when I hit Nordstoms! :2thumbsup: And then we will be back again in the fall to "stimulate" some more! Probably see a fall in the Swiss chocolate sales here while we are travelling abroad. My 5 year old wants to know when she can get her hands on some smiley faced cookies and Dunkin Donuts! Yep, I am bringing them up right!

[SternRulz]

Those of you who have stated that the economy has not affected you are:

1. Not telling the truth

or

2. Never did anything more than work and sleep

The truth is.....the economy has impacted most individuals in some shape or form. Multi-millionaires are not immune either. I know some people who are choosing to pay over $500 a day to keep their boats docked instead of spending $10,000 in gas to travel over to the Bahamas every other week. They instead are flying over more often. The point is, if these people have been impacted, it's hard to believe all of us here on MP.com aren't.

But then again, I'm assuming that we have no billionaires posting here, which could be wrong.:rolleyes:

Not true. Although it has affected everybody because we're all paying higher prices, some choose to continue to pay the higher prices and not change their ways.

I have not changed a thing. Not yet, at least.

[Indiana95]

Not true. Although it has affected everybody because we're all paying higher prices, some choose to continue to pay the higher prices and not change their ways.

I have not changed a thing. Not yet, at least.

The impact can be mental as well. You may continue to keep spending, which is cool. So have I. I just got back from spending the afternoon in Miami Beach. Dinner for 2 set me back over $150, and even though I'm still fortunate to afford this, it still hurt mentally when I saw the bill. So, I would say I've been impacted by the economy.

[Kamd50]

LOL! What kind of dinner for two do you get for over $150, Indiana? I am curious. I was just sitting here thinking how many meals for 4 I could make out of that:Oo:

Anyhow, here's to all of you who can afford such things. Somebody's gotta keep the economy going:drinkem:

[DAWGH8R]

LOL! What kind of dinner for two do you get for over $150, Indiana? I am curious. I was just sitting here thinking how many meals for 4 I could make out of that:Oo:

Anyhow, here's to all of you who can afford such things. Somebody's gotta keep the economy going:drinkem:


A meal for $150 for 2 people out here , at a fine restaurant, is an impossiblity. If his dinner included ANY appetizers or drinks, he got off WAY cheap.

Fine dining in Vegas is EASILY over $125 per person.

I'm sure he was in a fantastic environment too !!

Sometimes, you gotta pay a LOT for ambiance !!

[pnthrfan]

A meal for $150 for 2 people out here , at a fine restaurant, is an impossiblity. If his dinner included ANY appetizers or drinks, he got off WAY cheap.

Fine dining in Vegas is EASILY over $125 per person.

I'm sure he was in a fantastic environment too !!

Sometimes, you gotta pay a LOT for ambiance !!

For ambience?.......If i'm going to pay $125.00 just for MY meal. There better be a person sitting next to me, cutting my steak, feeding it to me, wiping my mouth after every bite, holding my glass so I can sip from it, oh yeah and foot massages after each course.

I couldn't justify spending that much. Even if I had the money. NOPE, I'd rather stay here in Ohio.....forgo the ambience and go to a restaurant where I can take MY FAMILY of FOUR out for steak for the same amount of money, or even less. :grinning:

[DAWGH8R]

For ambience?.......If i'm going to pay $125.00 just for MY meal. There better be a person sitting next to me, cutting my steak, feeding it to me, whiping my mouth after every bite, holding my glass so I can sip from it, oh yeah and foot massages after each course.
:

I'm sorry , but S&M will cost a LOT more than that !!!

[Kamd50]

Or......... Send the kids to bed,turn off the lights, light some candles, and put on some Luther Vandross or other romantic crooner of your choice = free ambiance:wink:

[DAWGH8R]

Or......... Send the kids to bed,turn off the lights, light some candles, and put on some Luther Vandross or other romantic crooner of your choice = free ambiance:wink:

crank it up KamD (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A31u-dIMT-4)

[Kamd50]

crank it up KamD (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A31u-dIMT-4)

Now that's what I'm talking about, Dawgh8tr! That's my kind of music:thanx:

[pnthrfan]

I'm sorry , but S&M will cost a LOT more than that !!!

LOL.....I meant to say "wiping"!! You got me!!

[02teleprograd]

The impact can be mental as well. You may continue to keep spending, which is cool. So have I. I just got back from spending the afternoon in Miami Beach. Dinner for 2 set me back over $150, and even though I'm still fortunate to afford this, it still hurt mentally when I saw the bill. So, I would say I've been impacted by the economy.

I am confused... You spend $150 & the bill "hurt you mentally"? I would think you would of "mentally" thought to your self & then made the decision to pay that much. So why would you not expect it?

It's like saying I went out & got an Hummer H2 but I was hurt by my first car payment. Like I would not expect it to be so high....

[Indiana95]

LOL! What kind of dinner for two do you get for over $150, Indiana? I am curious. I was just sitting here thinking how many meals for 4 I could make out of that:Oo:

Anyhow, here's to all of you who can afford such things. Somebody's gotta keep the economy going:drinkem:

It can add up fast. I had steak and my wife had fish, but after you throw in an appetizer, a couple glasses of wine, and 20% you'd be surprised. Prime One Twelve is one of my favorite restaurants in South Beach.

Next time you're in South Beach, check it out. I know this is a relative statement, but as a special treat...it's worth the money.

http://www.prime112.com/

[Indiana95]

I am confused... You spend $150 & the bill "hurt you mentally"? I would think you would of "mentally" thought to your self & then made the decision to pay that much. So why would you not expect it?

It's like saying I went out & got an Hummer H2 but I was hurt by my first car payment. Like I would not expect it to be so high....

HUH? I'll clarify....Even though the economy has not impacted the spending habits of some people, many are becoming more conscious and strategic in their descretionary spending.

[02teleprograd]

HUH? I'll clarify....Even though the economy has not impacted the spending habits of some people, many are becoming more conscious and strategic in their descretionary spending.

I understand that people are spending less but if you knew that check was going to hurt you then why would you spend it?

Is like like a once in a while treat for your self?

[Indiana95]

I understand that people are spending less but if you knew that check was going to hurt you then why would you spend it?

Is like like a once in a while treat for your self?

The check didn't hurt me and I never said that it did. All I'm saying is that I am looking closer than I used to (mental impact). One becomes a little more sensitive when his portfolio value drops over $10K in one day.

[TigerCoach]

I understand that people are spending less but if you knew that check was going to hurt you then why would you spend it?

Is like like a once in a while treat for your self?

What's with the disclaimer at the end of your posts?

[02teleprograd]

The impact can be mental as well. You may continue to keep spending, which is cool. So have I. I just got back from spending the afternoon in Miami Beach. Dinner for 2 set me back over $150, and even though I'm still fortunate to afford this, it still hurt mentally when I saw the bill. So, I would say I've been impacted by the economy.

it still hurt mentally when I saw the bill.

What's with the disclaimer at the end of your posts?

To be funny?? Is it funny?

[TigerCoach]

OK, since everyone has pretty much responded to the poll, I'll give you my point for it.

The main point is that in our world, the media should be ignored and scrutinized! No mater what subject, politics, the economy, the war on terror, you name it, they have the most negative, fear-feeding reports that they can come up with.

As I expected, about 80% of respondents said they have had no or little change to their everyday lifestyle. It follows the typical 80/20 rule that you learn about in school. I, like the majority of you, have concerns over higher food costs, gas prices, etc., but it hasn't greatly altered my lifestyle. Sure, I'm not going to drive across country very often, but I am taking the family to Hilton Head in August. We don't go out to eat as often, but we still do once a week or so. I'm concerned, but not threatened. Things will get better economically.

If you listen to the media (CNBC, CNN, MSNBC, any newspaper, or a variety of radio talkshows) the end of the world is coming by the end of October. That date corresponds directly with the Presidential election, when most media experts feel that Obama will take over our country.

I saw a story on CNN recently that interviewed a lady and her dog who lost their house to foreclosure and they were living out of her Chevy Tahoe. I also heard about investors on CNBC who talk about another "Great Depression" in the economy due to high and uncontrollable oil prices. China is going to take over the world, foreign investors will own most assets in the U.S. and terrorists will easily move in and take over our government. Anything negative that they can think of, they report.

What people think & say is usually TOTALLY DIFFERENT than what they actually do. My poll proves that (unscientifically).

Enjoy your life, be positive, work hard and do something good for someone!

[Submariner]

My wife and I notice at Giant Eagle, Aldi's, Wal*Mart, our grocery bill gets higher, as we buy even less. We have some sticker shock when we walk out and look at the bill versus looking in the basket at what we purchased. The problem is, everything is passed on to the consumer as a final resort. Nowhere else absorbs the impact. So, now that society is cutting back on former luxuries, those employed at those luxury places will be laid off making this problem cyclical. I for one am interested in what this T. Boone Pickens has to say on our energy crisis and oil dependency.

If or when we get out of this mess, people no matter their income, better remember this period in time, and not just remember for 2 weeks then forget what just happened. The days are soon gone for extra large SUV's. Tahoes, Suburbans, Expeditions, Armadas etc. Were they really needed in the first place, or a status symbol to show what you have? Mid-size SUV's will now be the largest made, and cars will be better. This energy crisis smacks at the notion that the global economy for America is not good, but at the same time reigns us in for getting "TO BIG" on luxury items such as oversized Hummers and Tahoes.

[TigerCoach]

I for one am interested in what this T. Boone Pickens has to say on our energy crisis and oil dependency.

I'd be out there saying these things about wind power too if i had invested Billions in a new wind farm in Texas. Check this out:

http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/05/19/pickens.qa/

[CarlE]

I'd be out there saying these things about wind power too if i had invested Billions in a new wind farm in Texas. Check this out:

http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/05/19/pickens.qa/

Why did he invest that? He made BILLIONS in oil. He's getting a conscious over this.

[thebili]

My wife and I notice at Giant Eagle, Aldi's, Wal*Mart, our grocery bill gets higher, as we buy even less. We have some sticker shock when we walk out and look at the bill versus looking in the basket at what we purchased. The problem is, everything is passed on to the consumer as a final resort. Nowhere else absorbs the impact. So, now that society is cutting back on former luxuries, those employed at those luxury places will be laid off making this problem cyclical. I for one am interested in what this T. Boone Pickens has to say on our energy crisis and oil dependency.

If or when we get out of this mess, people no matter their income, better remember this period in time, and not just remember for 2 weeks then forget what just happened. The days are soon gone for extra large SUV's. Tahoes, Suburbans, Expeditions, Armadas etc. Were they really needed in the first place, or a status symbol to show what you have? Mid-size SUV's will now be the largest made, and cars will be better. This energy crisis smacks at the notion that the global economy for America is not good, but at the same time reigns us in for getting "TO BIG" on luxury items such as oversized Hummers and Tahoes.


Americans have a long road ahead before the abandon all their luxuries.
I earn my entire living based on a luxury service, yet we continue grow, and profits keep pooring in! Strange how when the economy gets bad, people stay home and watch TV and buy more TV services.
I guess people figure its a cheap form of entertainment. Americans(at least Massillon) have themselves programed to believe that TV is necassary and not a luxuray. Guess that good for me, but scary for society.

[thebili]

I'd be out there saying these things about wind power too if i had invested Billions in a new wind farm in Texas. Check this out:

http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/05/19/pickens.qa/


Looks like ol' Mr. Dylan was right: one of the answers really IS blowing in the wind.
http://www.inkcinct.com.au/Web/CARTOONS/2007/2007-324-blowing-in-the-wind.jpg