Dear recession:

[minnie61650]

<SNIP>We never had a housing bubble to burst here, and my home is valued 17K higher than 3 years ago.

The average sale price in my county increased 11% year to year from 07 to 08, although about 100 less units sold. <SNIP>


Unemployment actually dropped in Nov to the low 4% range in the Lexington area. <SNIP>

Thanks for the very useful info you have posted.

The info you have posted may be very useful for those who are seeking
new employment opportunities unlike the location info the OP has NOT been giving.

 

[wall*e2008]

Some maps that show the recession and what areas are hurt the worst and the least.

From 3/2008
http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/2008-03-04-local-differences_N.htm

From late 10/2008
http://www.recessionmap.com/



If gas stays down then TX will tumble very soon.

 

[tar heel]

Those maps are very interesting. North Carolina has moved from being "expansion" in March to "in recession" in October.

We still get a thread on the DIS about moving to North Carolina every few months, though. Lots of those people are dealing with old information when the banking jobs were plentiful and the government/universities wasn't cutting back/freezing positions.

 

[MrsPete]

I never said any such thing. I have said that I am refusing to participate in this recession. I have said that I see signs that things are not as DIRE as many in the media and in this thread would have you believe.

You may believe the recession's not real, but you're wrong.

Sure, people are still out spending money, but keep in mind, IT'S CHRISTMAS! For the last 40 years or so, Americans have lost interest in delayed gratification. Sure, people are spending right now, BUT they're spending less than they have in previous years, and with stagnant wages and increasing prices on necessities like groceries, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that people are doing this ON CREDIT. I'd wager a guess that a great number of people are banking on getting through the holiday season however they can, and they're planning to worry about the bills in January. I'd predict that January's going to be sobering.

Things I've seen in my own area -- and I'm in one of the least-hit areas:
Higher prices at the grocery store, though gas is down.
Smaller crowds at the mall and expensive restaurants, though inexpensive restaurants seem to be busy.
Lots of good sale prices on after-Christmas things, but few people are buying.

 

[Colleen27]

Those maps are very interesting. North Carolina has moved from being "expansion" in March to "in recession" in October.

We still get a thread on the DIS about moving to North Carolina every few months, though. Lots of those people are dealing with old information when the banking jobs were plentiful and the government/universities wasn't cutting back/freezing positions.

I think we'll see the next update go in the same direction for TX, maybe not directly to recession but definitely out of expansion. Every winter we talk about whether or not DH should go down there for work, and this is the first year his uncle (who lives in Houston) hasn't been calling to try to talk him into it. According to his cousin they aren't busy enough to be sure that DH could get full time hours if he did come, and they know that part time work isn't nearly enough to make it worth him being away from me & the kids for months.

 

[sahd2one]

As stated over and over and over and over again, because it is bad in your backyard doesn't mean it is bad in mine.

I think that is such a good point it bears repeating. Housing starts have slowed to a crawl and there have been foreclosures in my own neighborhood. However new housing has sold in my neighborhood and in the development next to mine.

There are areas where I live that have had difficulties, but they also have one of the highest areas of mortgage fraud in the area. Guess 2 and 2 go together, huh.

Since people like to stalk the DISboards it is not necessary to give my location, but this is not about location it is about the fact that things are not as DIRE in every area of the country as those on the DIS and in the media would have you believe!

 

[eliza61]

Some maps that show the recession and what areas are hurt the worst and the least.

From 3/2008
http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/2008-03-04-local-differences_N.htm

From late 10/2008
http://www.recessionmap.com/



If gas stays down then TX will tumble very soon.

Thanks Wall*E
Very interesting map.
41 out of the 48 contiguous states in or near a recession. I'd say the media has it a lot more realistic view on the economy than a lot of dissers. I expect to hear the old "The economy is fundamentally sound" argument next.

 

[sahd2one]

You may believe the recession's not real, but you're wrong.

Tell me where I have said the recession is not real.

I have always said and the title of this thread is that we refuse to participate! Do you think ALL spending stops during a recession? Do you think ALL travel stops during a recession?

Did you know that even during times of layoff companies have been hiring? Do you know that there are airlines adding new routes even as they have been reducing flights to others?

I cannot believe all of the people who think all the news has to be bad 100% of the time. I cannot believe all of the people who think that because someone cannot be doing ok because they only see what is going on in their backyard. I have never said that things are not going bad elsewhere, it is just there should be some positive news out there and that is the purpose of this thread.

I go back to what I said before, I am convinced that there are some on this thread who will not be happy unless everyone is miserable or having bad time befall them.

 

[wvjules]

I think that is such a good point it bears repeating. Housing starts have slowed to a crawl and there have been foreclosures in my own neighborhood. However new housing has sold in my neighborhood and in the development next to mine.

There are areas where I live that have had difficulties, but they also have one of the highest areas of mortgage fraud in the area. Guess 2 and 2 go together, huh.

Since people like to stalk the DISboards it is not necessary to give my location, but this is not about location it is about the fact that things are not as DIRE in every area of the country as those on the DIS and in the media would have you believe!

So you think that by putting in the city/state you live in someone will actually come find you? Talk about paranoid!

 

[GoldieSaysMeep]

Sure, people are still out spending money, but keep in mind, IT'S CHRISTMAS! For the last 40 years or so, Americans have lost interest in delayed gratification. Sure, people are spending right now, BUT they're spending less than they have in previous years, and with stagnant wages and increasing prices on necessities like groceries, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that people are doing this ON CREDIT. I'd wager a guess that a great number of people are banking on getting through the holiday season however they can, and they're planning to worry about the bills in January. I'd predict that January's going to be sobering.

I don't think everyone is spending on credit. I can't speak for everyone, obviously, but I know of the gifts I bought, I only used a CC for one, and that was because I'd left my ATM/DEBIT card in another purse so had to use what was on me. I actually felt silly charging a $12 action figure toy but oh well.

At my local grocery store, I see people paying cash often for their groceries.

 

[sahd2one]

I don't think everyone is spending on credit. I can't speak for everyone, obviously, but I know of the gifts I bought, I only used a CC for one, and that was because I'd left my ATM/DEBIT card in another purse so had to use what was on me. I actually felt silly charging a $12 action figure toy but oh well.

At my local grocery store, I see people paying cash often for their groceries.

We didn't spend anything on Christmas shopping on credit. We are one of those folks who use Cash or Debit for everything.

 

[Pinnie]

Do you think ALL travel stops during a recession?

Do you know that there are airlines adding new routes even as they have been reducing flights to others?

I cannot believe all of the people who think all the news has to be bad 100%

Cancelling a route and adding another is NOT growth. Maybe you missed this AP article on Christmas day:

For the airlines, the bag fees, on top of charges for other once-free amenities, add up to much-needed revenue. The industry is expected to lose $4 billion for 2008, excluding one-time items, despite the plunge in the price of a barrel of oil from $147 in July to around $40 this week, said Calyon Securities airline analyst Ray Neidl.

Airlines now say they are being hurt by the recession, which has caused demand for seats to drop. The International Air Transport Association said global passenger traffic declined 1.3 percent in October from a year earlier.

We have a friend who is an ATC at a large center and reports traffic is down and hasn't rebounded.

I suggest you start putting up your references, stay at home dad.

Here is the whole article:

http://www.standard.net/live/business/159729


pinnie

 

[chicagodisneyfan]

I think that is such a good point it bears repeating. Housing starts have slowed to a crawl and there have been foreclosures in my own neighborhood. However new housing has sold in my neighborhood and in the development next to mine.

There are areas where I live that have had difficulties, but they also have one of the highest areas of mortgage fraud in the area. Guess 2 and 2 go together, huh.

Since people like to stalk the DISboards it is not necessary to give my location, but this is not about location it is about the fact that things are not as DIRE in every area of the country as those on the DIS and in the media would have you believe!

It is so hard to respond when you do not answer basic questions - what state do you live in, approximate ages of your children etc.

Maybe I would be interested in moving to the area, relocating a firm.

Please tell me about being "stalked" on the Disboards - was unaware that there was an epidemic.

 

[IDoDis]

Yes, OP please share! A friend's family needs to find work badly! He was just laid off from Eclipse Aviation. The employees were told without notice. A few weeks ago there wasn't even enough money for their paychecks and the company has filed bankruptcy. He has a MA in Engineering, but can't find work. He's been applying all over the country.

I'd love to give my friend some options on where they could look for work. Where all of the high paying jobs are.

 

[VickiVM]

Happy New Year to you all - done with this thread.

 

[edwardsfire]

Yeah, im done with it also (this thread).
There is no need to continue. Folks have thier opinions and thats fine.
It all boils down to this:
There are two types of people when it comes to economics and this whole issue.
1. Folks that take control of their lives and simply succeed at all costs. We dont make excuses or complain, we just do what we need to do (with no help form anyone or thing) and keep our family secure and financially sound. We are individualists. Typically we are optimists through and through. We dont put too much stock on the leader of our nation, We have our preference but either way we love life.. we remain optimistic and happy.

2. Then there will be folks that sit back and wait for someone or uncle sam to "help" them. They feel something is owed to them. They are doom and gloomers and never see the glass half full. They are pessimists. they are only happy when misery is "equally distributed"

I have to say: YES, there are folks that have it bad. And many times they did nothing wrong but play by the rules. But now, they have only one real choice. They can either stay pessimistic and "wait" for help.
OR, they can get back on the horse and get back in the game.
EVERYTHING in life is a choice..Good or bad. (within reason) obviously i dont consider a bad health diagnosis a choice. or ETC.
Anyways, This thread has been interesting.
Either folks are happy and secure (due to their own personal abilities) or folks ar enot happy and not secure. Either way, i wish everyone the best. And, if someone on here did just lose their job, then i say this: dont EVER give up and continue being optimistic.
No one can stop you from being successful in life. but it may take time, you musnt ever stop trying. And stay an individual, dont ever make comprimises in your values and i DO wish you the best of luck.
Happy New Year.

 

[Quiksilvr]

We put stuff on credit cards for Christmas... but I've already paid them off. I just like to get the points. Actually, we put pretty much everything on credit cards, but we pay it off every month.

As far as "refusing to participate" in the recession goes... I don't really know how to answer that. We haven't changed how we spend too much. We didn't spend as much this year on Christmas presents as we did last year. We're not "hurting" from the recession; we're actually doing quite well. However, we are generally frugal people and we like to be prepared for a 'rainy day' in the event that one occurs. We've been plowing money into an emergency fund (in addition to our other investments) "just in case". Still, we're going to WDW for two weeks in a couple of months, so it's not like we're hunkering down.

We're not letting the recession dictate what we should and should not do with our money. However, in this economy, everyone is on notice that things could change at any time. Even people with good, stable jobs. So, we have renewed our commitment to not being ridiculous with our money. But, since we weren't ridiculous with it in the first place, it hasn't required us to change our habits.

 

[minnie61650]

Yeah, im done with it also (this thread).
There is no need to continue. Folks have thier opinions and thats fine.
It all boils down to this:
There are two types of people when it comes to economics and this whole issue.
1. Folks that take control of their lives and simply succeed at all costs. We dont make excuses or complain, we just do what we need to do (with no help form anyone or thing) and keep our family secure and financially sound. We are individualists. Typically we are optimists through and through. We dont put too much stock on the leader of our nation, We have our preference but either way we love life.. we remain optimistic and happy.

2. Then there will be folks that sit back and wait for someone or uncle sam to "help" them. They feel something is owed to them. They are doom and gloomers and never see the glass half full. They are pessimists. they are only happy when misery is "equally distributed"

Wow ....

2 types of people?

I think you are so wrong since I do not fall into either category.

My DH has kept my family secure and financially sound.

But I am also able to see a recession for what is .......a recession.

I am also able to have empathy for those who are going through tough times.


The recession has not hit us personally.

We have no credit card debt. Our home is paid for, as are our cars. Our snowbird home has a small low interest, low payment morgage.

My husband is self employed. He has owned his company for just over 40 years.
We have been married for 40 years and have weathered other recessions.
If DH did lose his business which is higly doubtful since his business often does better during bad times we have enough saved to last many years.

I not worried for myself or my family but I am
a caring person and I know these times are hard for many families .My own home state of Michigan has been lossing jobs for 8 staight years and I have seen friends and neighbors who have experienced lost jobs due to the economy. Yes, the economy is not in good shape in many of our states.

I hope things will get better soon.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[madge]

Yes, OP please share! A friend's family needs to find work badly! He was just laid off from Eclipse Aviation. The employees were told without notice. A few weeks ago there wasn't even enough money for their paychecks and the company has filed bankruptcy. He has a MA in Engineering, but can't find work. He's been applying all over the country.

I'd love to give my friend some options on where they could look for work. Where all of the high paying jobs are.

if you're willing to move, Fort Knox is going to be hiring thousands over the next 18 months. The Army is relocating their entire Human Resources department (not sure what it's called ) here.

http://www.oneknox.com/brac_update.php

I live not far from kydisneyfans. And my part of Kentucky has seen some unemployment because of the connection to Ford - the factories that have ties to the automotive industry have cut back and had some layoffs. Housing prices did not rise dramatically the way they did in other parts of the country, my house is worth more than I bought it in 2000 .. but a normal amount more. Not 3 times what I paid for it, KWIM?

People in this area (and this part of the state) are really putting their faith into Fort Knox's growth. There's been a lot of investment in schools, housing, roads, etc. The trickle down effect is supposed to be significant in the community, too. We'll see.

 

[MrsPete]

Tell me where I have said the recession is not real.

I have always said and the title of this thread is that we refuse to participate! Do you think ALL spending stops during a recession? Do you think ALL travel stops during a recession?

Um, you said several times that you are going to refuse to participate. Essentially you're saying that you don't believe it's real. Would you say, "The house is on fire, but I refuse to let it burn me."? Would you say, "Oh, it's raining, but I choose not to let the raindrops hit me."? Of course not. But that's what you're saying about the recession. By saying you're going to ignore it, you're saying you don't believe it's happening.

I go back to what I said before, I am convinced that there are some on this thread who will not be happy unless everyone is miserable or having bad time befall them.

Nope, but pretending it isn't happening isn't going to make it true. It's better -- and more realistic -- to understand what's going on and make wise decisions for your finances. It's foolish to pretend that nothing's happening. The reality is that our economy has grown to false proportions over the last couple decades -- largely upon credit and banking deregulations -- and there are going to be changes. Those changes will sort themselves out into a new reality -- one that'll be better in some ways, worse in other ways -- but it won't happen overnight. Paying attention and rolling with those changes doesn't mean you're miserable; it means you're aware of what's going on and are planning for your future.

I'll give you a concrete example: My 401K is way down right now (and I can't "choose" to pretend otherwise). I'm not pulling out the money that's there because those mutual funds will recover -- it'll probably take a couple years, but they'll come back. However, it would be foolish to continue to put new contributions into those same aggressive funds; I've switched my new contributions over to a safer fund. By being aware that "the rules" have changed, I'm preventing myself from putting more money in a dangerous spot.