hard times and what is changing

**nadine64** · 03-03-2009, 05:35 AM

Our Tribune job section is down to 4-6 pgs on Sundays, used to be easily 4-6 pgs just for healthcare.

3 layoffs at my job in past year. Down to forced lay-off days and 10% pay cut. My Aunt got a 20% pay cut.

Everyone I know is eating out less, buying less. Worried about keeping the house. The Aldi's foodstores in our area have seen a 25% increase in the past few months.

**rosey7415** · 03-03-2009, 08:28 AM

my city and the next city over have gotten rid of a large number of police officers and firemen. here in new bedford we have already closed one firestation.....

the town of pawtucket, rhode island was in the news the other day discussing that they are possibly going to file bankruptcy on the town. is that even possible?

**Trishagirl** · 03-03-2009, 08:40 AM

Yes everyday we hear scarey stories on the news about companies closing for one reason or another. I hear that Sears was closing 24 stores the other day due to lack of sales. So Sad. It's a buyers market for sure but no ones buying anything, they're holding on to their money for who knows what the future holds.

I'm with you Rosey about Spring!!!

**rosey7415** · 03-03-2009, 08:51 AM

trishagirl....re: spring........i am about to go mad. i have cabin fever sooooo bad! we got more snow yesterday....waaaaahhhhhh!!!

**StartingOver** · 03-03-2009, 09:15 AM

A few months back my dryer quit working, My dryer needed a new motor (YIKES), but in talking w/this young man, I asked how business was. His response was "I've been busier that I've every been...I've been working from sun up to sun down...more people are opting to fix their appliances rather than buy new.

The zipper on my dd winter coat broke...I brought it in to be fixed, which normally I can get clothing back the very next day....they informed me it would be a week! Again..I guess people are opting to fix clothing rather that running out to get something new.

My dh works in the restaurant business...the lunch time is pretty slow, but the dinner hour is crazy busy. I think people are forgoing the lunches in order to eat out at night w the family.

**UUMomof3** · 03-03-2009, 04:37 PM

The church is having it's annual "service auction". People donate their services or the use of their vacation home, or something cool. Then the church auctions it as a fund raiser.

The listings this year are quite scanty, and I know I'm not attending the auction.

The grocery shelves run out of the sort of staples people would be using in home cooking, rather than convenience foods. Store brands are regularly sold out!

LONG waiting lists for library books!

**Guest57** · 03-03-2009, 05:28 PM

I just noticed today that our thrift stores have lots of people in them, but nothing in there to buy!! I needed a couple of long sleeve t-shirts to get me buy until summer and in going to two stores, only came home with 2 shirts, luckily they were both 1/2 off, so it cost me a whopping $3.00.
Our mall owner has filed bankruptcy, and now stores are closing left and right. Best deals are at Hallmart...they still have Christmas merchandise knocked down to 90% off and the stuff just sits there...and its things you could give as gifts, such as cookie platters, and the like!!

**Missourimom** · 03-03-2009, 11:08 PM

I know so many people without work right now and my husband is one of them. He's trying hard to find something though. The St.Louis Post Dispatch is getting smaller all the time and the help wanted section is pathetic.

Funny thing though, my daughter works at the Olive Garden and business is booming for them.