Personal Benefits of a Recession

**forHISglory** · 12-11-2008, 02:46 PM

I was listening to a conversation today about the benefits of being in a recession. Some were talking about it being a great time to buy cheap stocks, or to buy a foreclosed home, or a car from a dealership that is close to going under.

As I was listening, I began to think about other benefits that don't require such an outlay of money. Things like learning to love simplicity. Discovering strengths in myself that I didn't know I had. Becoming more creative.

Can you add to this list? Have you found any personal benefits to this recession, whether or not they require money?

**Debbie-cat** · 12-11-2008, 03:42 PM

Getting in shape by chopping more wood for the fire!

QM · 12-11-2008, 04:01 PM

My personal benefits is 'changing my way of thinking when it comes to money'. By being less careful than I should have been about it in the past, I've learned that money doesn't grow on trees. I used to think that I was careful, but since joining this site I've realized that there are many more ways that I can cut back on. I'm not going to do it (because it's not in me!...lol!), but I'd never thought of making my soap, laundry detergent or even shampoo. The site (and then the recession) has opened my world to a whole new way of thinking.

**IntlMom** · 12-11-2008, 06:14 PM

I don't mind one bit slowing down, learning to "make do" and in general living more simply.
I realize that I am totally contradicting myslelf when I say this (drives hubby crazy) - but we also like being able to purchase things that we have had our eyes on for a while, but are now deeply discounted.......we are currently looking at a front loading washing machine and dryer.....we are just waiting for a deal we can't pass up!

**peanut** · 12-11-2008, 06:37 PM

I must admit my sense of charity and generosity has opened up quite a bit. I gave a lot more to charity this year than I normally do. I just sigh thinking of the children going without basic necessities this Christmas season.

But I also admit I am loving the great deals in the stores right now. Our appliances all seem to be breaking down, and being able to purchase things for 30-50% off is just the ticket right now!

Jean

**prftstrngr** · 12-11-2008, 08:56 PM

I travel for work and Im liking the falling gas prices. It will be easier on me for sure. I also think a simpler life will be nice...I dont mind staying home. And I want to have a better garden next year.

**fixer** · 12-11-2008, 08:59 PM

I really think there will be so good come from this recession. If you will allow me to digress from the personal aspect, this could be a transformation event for this country. We were going down a spending path that was not sustainable. The unfortunate part is the path created a lot of jobs. If people become more conservative with their money, less competitive retail shops, restaurants, and many other businesses will fail. Since seventy percent of our economy is consumer spending driven, it will have to change. I see no difference between now and other periods of economic change this country has seen. The industrial revolution took people from farms and put them into factories. We did not starve because agriculture became more labor efficient. When we lost much of our manufacturing base to cheaper offshore labor, we made up for it through service, medical and information technology jobs. I know it will not be easy and on some people it will be devastating, but where we are now is where we have been before.

**RetiredVeryEarly** · 12-11-2008, 11:55 PM

The recession is making more people have to live the way I choose to live, so it makes me seem less weird.

It makes flying easier and cheaper (I was in FL over Thanksgiving visiting my mom and siblings) since less people are travelling. My brother flew Milwaukee to Tampa roundtrip over Thanksgiving at the last minute for just $206. Normally it is hard and expensive to get tickets on short notice then. We are thinking about taking Mum on a cruise for her birthday next March and I am hoping we find good prices because of the recession.

**debmar** · 12-12-2008, 01:10 AM

Lessons learned -
- when you leave the heat on 62 during the day you will not freeze. You may have to put on a sweater but you won't freeze.
- public transportation really is a good way to get around. In my case my company will pay for the monthly pass.
- eating home cooked meals are not only less expensive but they are better for you.
- God is in charge.

**redhead68** · 12-12-2008, 01:22 AM

Simply gratitude for all my blessings.

**Momto2Boyz** · 12-12-2008, 07:09 AM

As odd as this sounds, the poor economy has been the best thing for us. This time last year, DH was working for a crappy, failing company with pay that didn't quite get us buy, no health insurance, horrible hours and was 45 minutes away which costs of tons in gas. Due to the bad economy, that company folded, and they had to fire DH. Which was (in hindsite) a good thing, because DH was too loyal to leave them. So while we were in a bind last year financially, DH was forced to search for a job.

AFter being on the interview list with Waste Management for 2 years, he made it to the top of the list, just as he lost his job. So, he came out of the deal with a job making twice as much, he gets bonus' and tips, we have awesome benefits, he works in town so our gas budget it tiny, and his hours are great and he loves his job.

We've been able to put our extra money away, and we are better off in this economy then we ever have been!

**forHISglory** · 12-12-2008, 09:27 AM

When I posed this question, I wasn't sure if there would be any takers or not. We hear so many negatives about the state of living in this economy. You are a breath of fresh air with your stories. Thank you!

**melodys** · 12-12-2008, 09:40 AM

This economy is making me really grateful for what I have. I have also become more giving. This year we participated in two giving trees (school and work) to share with those less fortunate and I also signed up to make donations next year directly out of my paycheck. Since we have been blessed, especially in these times, it seems especially important to share.

**perSue** · 12-12-2008, 09:49 AM

i may be repeating others here, but that's only because i can't disagree...

the public transport & cooking at home more definitely stand out.

learning to do MORE with LESS.

also, since i'm starting to skimp on groceries a little more... we're having more "one dish" meals... snacks that are veggies/fruits rather than pricier things like store bought granola bars (ok i could totally make my own too!).

not to mention that, but in leaner times we too can become leaner.
we tend to do more physically... walking to a nearby store, walking our kids to school, getting out with friends/family, doing chores that we may not do otherwise (that we'd hire ppl for or buy something for.)

Keeping a positive attitude can be super hard for many of us now... so taking heart that the things we have are in fact the things we want and use.

**wannabedebtfree** · 12-12-2008, 09:50 AM

My DH lost his job last month. The good thing about it was he disliked the people he worked for and with. He would have never quit and with this economy, jobs are scarce so it was hard finding another one. When I got home from work on the day he was laid off, I could just see the relief on his face. He (and I) knows we will be okay. We are trying to look at this as a positive experience because he was so unhappy...just hoping he finds something he likes..or maybe even loves.