New Member Intro

**RecessionWidow** · 06-11-2011, 05:20 PM

I found Frugal Village by doing a search for Recession Widows. I actually thought I was the only one calling myself that! (No offense intended for true widows, for they have my sincere sympathies.) In my day to day real life, I know people who have been "grazed" by the economic situation, but I don't come in contact with anyone who has been so nearly destroyed by it!

Thankfully, I was raised by a mother and grandmother who knew how to thrift shop and otherwise live on less, for now that training is really coming in handy!

Having a spouse in residential subcontracting, the "recession" happened for us when the housing market crashed in spring of 2006...(not even three months after spending my inheritance on a down payment for a land "investment.") Almost overnight, a 15-year brisk business went down the toilet. We spent the next 3 - 4 years downsizing, seeing bankruptcy lawyers, nearly killing each other, and...racking up a monumental amount of debt to keep BOTH the household AND business on "life support."

We are in one of the worst states for bankruptcy, so we didn't go that route, although it is a constant fear. My H has managed to re-invent himself into the commercial market, but sadly, there is no work in our state. He leaves for weeks/months at a time. He often sleeps in his vehicle and has poor cell service and/or no internet access. He cannot possibly come home on weekends or even close to that often.

Since there is no way we can afford health insurance, (even under the new law,) it's a good thing that I have not yet gone mad to the point of being committed!

Maybe with support I can keep insanity at bay, and, hopefully contribute something at the same time...?

**mauimagic** · 06-11-2011, 05:23 PM

Aloha and welcome from Hawaii - I think you've found the right place for support and ideas.

**pollypurebred39** · 06-11-2011, 05:33 PM

I agree with Maui, you're in the right place. Welcome to the village.

**frugalwarrior2** · 06-11-2011, 05:38 PM

I imagine we're in the same state. I was a recession widow all last year w/ DH flying back and forth for weekends from the Bermuda Is. Only because of labor laws.
He got into a govt. acct and could quit traveling for awhile but then the section closed. He found a new section but now has 2 trips again this month.
We find a lot of friends here. Good thing too because my youngest will be 10 hours away at school come end of Aug.

So welcome. This is a super great group.

**Daisygirl** · 06-11-2011, 06:28 PM

Welcome - I've dealt with some life-changing financial events too. I think you will truly enjoy spending time here - I look forward to exchanging ideas with you!

**Imarachne** · 06-11-2011, 07:05 PM

Hi and welcome from Virginia!!

**gapeach** · 06-11-2011, 07:33 PM

Welcome from Georgia!!

**dinah** · 06-11-2011, 07:42 PM

welcome from canada! this is a great place for support and ideas.

**piney** · 06-11-2011, 07:43 PM

from Ar. glad you joined us.

**oheoh's momma** · 06-11-2011, 07:53 PM

hi welcome from Ky. I understand when the recession first hit hubby was unemployed for a year. kids did not understand going ok, to can't afford ****. We are not on our feet yet and he is underpaid. Anywho WELCOME

**nkotbjrkgirl** · 06-11-2011, 08:00 PM

welcome from Minnesota!

**frugalfriend** · 06-11-2011, 11:19 PM

You have found just the right place! Welcome!

**frugalfranny** · 06-11-2011, 11:24 PM

Glad you have joined us.

**greekislandgirl** · 06-12-2011, 01:37 AM

Welcome from Greece! My DH has been hit pretty hard by the crisis here (he works for the gov't and has had his pay slashed multiple times) but I'm so thankful that he still has his job. Unemployment is over 16% here and we have so many friends who have lost their jobs or can't find one at all. Big hugs! This is a great "village" of people with fantastic ideas and experience.