Economy

So, most of you have heard about job loses rising throughout the US. I get the feeling that those in the unemployment environment will fail to find work before their benefits run out. What does that mean to you? It means the worst has yet to come. Although most people are holding on to a fine thread when it comes their financial security, many have not been able to concrete themselves. Whether that means to spend less, save more, or find work, their problems are going to affect everyone's life.

Just how securities collapsed, people will collapse. When securities failed and the bailed out fleshed out, the people that caused this; that had not paid their mortgages were not affected the slightest. Their eviction likely meant a handful of rent free months and time to look for a place to rent. That's all well and good; this was the norm, but the institutions that had been affected would now unemphatically tighten their belts.

To those that could not afford to make payments on mortgages, or had re-financed, or lost their job, savings must be a low priority. With the unemployment at an all time high and with so many people still not forced out of their comfort zone, I fear people are not properly prepared for job loss or loss of unemployment benefits.

Aside from savings, violence will soon become an issue. Having never been a victim of a crime, I have this general assumption that many people have been willing to live in bad neighborhoods. With crime levels at all time lows, although obviously on the rise, people generally feel safe. Crime will get worse and will get out of hand to the point that it will affect society in a more mainstream way. Whether that be by way of more abandoned buildings, general lose of safety anywhere, public protests or general defiance of government, it does not matter. We will see it.

After years of positive growth, were due for something bad. When you get a sense of the greed and ignorance behind a lot of the recent growth, it makes me think we're due something I'd view along the lines of hell.

*After writing this, I've realized that this is extremely negative and probably accurately reflects my recent attitude, I'd like to make clear my message for the writing: Love your family and your neighbors, share advice and stories with them, save as much as you can and if possible, help those around you get out of debt. Mind your actions, mind your words, and enjoy your time with those you love.

Economic Woes

I'm a subscriber to NPR's Economy podcast. I just finished listening to it and its tone was slightly more depressing than usual. It's segment on the new job environment, full of professionals battling for the same jobs was what bothered me. Although this is nothing new, the twist was the type of job that's on the table: seasonal positions. I don't usually imagine my collegial peers on the sales floor when stopping in Best Buy. But if it was the case that they'd be working there, I'd assume they'd be working for some extra money, trying to make a little ends meat, but according to NPR, that term doesn't apply. They're working there to make a living, competing with other seasonal workers.

Ever since my mother was laid off, I haven't felt secure about my future. Recent talks had always involved plans of me moving out and going to live with my girlfriend someplace in the city. I currently live out in the West Suburbs. But the more I thinking about it, the worse of an idea becomes. This was the plan, leave home and pay someone else money that could be going towards my family's well being. Although the perk is I'd be living somewhere of choosing as opposed to necessity, the sentiment is this is not the right time. I move like that, at this point in time would be selfish.

But, is now the right time? I suppose this is the age old question people in my position have asked themselves. I'd be willing to bet most people aren't at the age of 25 so maybe it is time that's driving my motivation.