Dear recession:

[kydisneyfans]

Previous poster here.

I have been through both good and bad. My family left NE Ohio 5 years ago as the economy stunk, I was bought out from my job and my wife was making 9.00 and hour, not enough to support a family. I applied for jobs, and when I would follow up, the hiring manager would state that they received 500+ applications for 1 job. This was 2003 when the economy was strong elsewhere.

We made a decision that we would leave NE Ohio and look elsewhere, I had a job within 2 weeks making more money than ever, my wife interviewed for 3 jobs and had 3 offers within days. One place wanted her to start on the spot, as they were afraid that if she left, she wouldn't accept the offer.

Just because the media is telling you that things are bad, it does not mean that it really is that bad everywhere. Just because some people are losing jobs does not mean that everyone is losing their job. Many on this thread are observing what is going on locally, the economy in Michigan is alot worse than Texas, and most states are somewhere in the middle. Our recent trip to Disney showed that there are more people on vacation at the World the 2nd week in October than we have seen in 5 October trips. On the flip side, the traffic on I75 to get to Disney was light. The job market is tightening here, but there is work if you want it. The mall is jammed on Saturdays, sports tickets are hard to find, restaurants are full, and more are opening weekly here. I can see 6 houses under current contstruction and hear hammers working daily just out my back window.

We struggled when "the country" was doing well. We are doing well when "the country" struggles. What is wrong with that?

 

[crcormier]

I agree! I was in Vegas last week, and it was amazing how many people were on the strip and filling up the casinos! It was during the weekday too.

Hey, I was in Vegas last week, too!

 

[Laurabearz]

I still would like to know where you can buy gas for $1.50

Please OP Fess up to where abouts you live.

 

[Peter Pirate 2]

I think the term "busy" is very misleading and totally dependant on what you're looking for.

Anyway, we went to Fantasy Fest, the big halloween event in Key West, last night. It was great and we had a lot of fun BUT it was the smallest crowd I have EVER seen. Smaller than the crowds after Hurricane's Georges and Wilma, smaller than the Fest after 9/11, just small. Nearly Every hotel had vacancy (which has never happened before).

Generally The FF parade on Saturday attracts well over 100,000 people. This year estimates were 40,000!!! Is the economy really good?

 

[Scurvy]

I don't think anyone is saying that the economy is really good everywhere, but I think that many of us are saying that it is not nearly as bad everywhere as someone might think it is from watching the news or listening to some people online. Some places are bad, some places are good. I would never argue that just because things are good here that things must also be good in Michigan. It seems like some people think that because things are bad in Michigan that those of us who say things are good in our towns must be in denial.

We have a music festival in our town in September every year and this year it had record crowds. More businesses are opening here every day and very few are closing. Most unemployment is no worse than it has been for the past few years and though gas prices are higher than the national average they are still going down. Does all that mean that other places in the US are not hurting? Of course not. But just because those other places are hurting doesn't mean we aren't still doing well here.

A stagnant economy is not healthy - money needs to keep moving for the economy to thrive. It's good that some areas of the country are doing well - hopefully that will spread to the areas that aren't doing so well right now.

ETA - Also, in my experience the media does tend to focus on the negative. My husband works on a project that makes the news fairly often. If you rely on what you hear on the news, you would think his project is a dismal failure because you constantly hear every time it has a problem. What they don't report is that for each "failure" they mention (and often those aren't even failures, they are just tests that have different outcomes than were expected) there are many successes. I've never seen the news mention one of the successful outcomes, even though they happen far more often. I think it's similar with the economy - not that the problems exist purely because of the media, but the media focuses on the negative far more than anything positive and with the economy that can contribute to the problem as it encourages people to panic.

 

[dvcgirl]

----------------------

Actually it's the general "attitude" on both threads that is "insensitive"..

Having an optimisitc attitude - based on what is happening in your corner of the country is fine - totally ignoring what is happening in other sections of the country (or insisting that it "isn't" happening) is burying your head in the sand..

For some reason, I just have a hard time believing that people would lie about losing their jobs; health insurance; etc..

Completely agree with you C.Ann. *Personally*....we're fine. We have a great emergency fund, no debt and live well beneath our means. I'm a small business owner and business is good......DH is a software engineer and his job appears solid for now.

*BUT*....is everyone doing well? Um, no. We lived in Orlando for a few years (2004-2007) during the housing booms and were lucky enough to get out with a 100K profit. Now, anyone who bought 2004 or later is well underwater......and businesses there are really hurting.

DH lost his job in 2003 due to the tech bubble bursting....he was one of the last employees to go. So we know what it feels like....it's not fun.

And this recession will be a nasty one, whether people want to believe it or not.....it's going to be like the 73-75 recession or the 82-83 recession.....not fun. Much worse than the mini-recession in 2001 that affected mostly businesses and not consumers. There has been a ton of news about the economy, but what people need to understand is that most of that was about the financial markets....not the "real economy" that we all live in. It takes time for the real economy to actually get hit. The financial markets have been so damaged......and now we'll see just how bad as we are just beginning to see the effects in the real economy.

So, yay for all who are doing well, but this idea that this recession is completely media driven and everything is fine.....well, it's just not true.

 

[sahd2one]

I don't think anyone is saying that the economy is really good everywhere, but I think that many of us are saying that it is not nearly as bad everywhere as someone might think it is from watching the news or listening to some people online. Some places are bad, some places are good. I would never argue that just because things are good here that things must also be good in Michigan. It seems like some people think that because things are bad in Michigan that those of us who say things are good in our towns must be in denial.

Absolutely agree!

We are apparently not allowed to celebrate how well we are doing. It is not like there has NEVER been adversity through our nation's history. This thread should be for people who see opportunity when others are seeing adversity. I see a great time for those wanting to start a new business or purchase a home. Rents are far more reasonable and home values are far more in line with what they should be. Yes some people are going to experience "pain", but not anything like we haven't triumphed over before.

For those wishing to get into the market, now is a great time. I see people out there consuming, restaurants are full, stores are filled with shoppers. I see local banks offering up credit for those who wish to use it. I see cheaper gas than just four weeks ago.

It is not all just doom and gloom out here as the media would have us believe. I know there are three economies, federal, local and personal. There are some of us out here whose local and personal economies are doing just fine thank you.

Take that "recession"!!!

 

[disneynutt1225]

As long as the media keeps talking the economy down, people will be convinced that the sky is falling and "Wall street" is burning!!! Gosh I have more money than I know what to do with in the past three weeks with gas now at $1.50 less per gallon.

It will be an awesome Christmas around these parts!

I still would like to know where you can buy gas for $1.50

Please OP Fess up to where abouts you live.

The OP stated gas was $1.50 less per gallon.

Over the summer, gas here was anywhere between $4 and $4.99 but yesterday I purchased gas for $2.83. That's around a $2 drop and it makes me quite happy. I'm cherishing the little things, I suppose.

 

[C.Ann]

Completely agree with you C.Ann. *Personally*....we're fine. We have a great emergency fund, no debt and live well beneath our means. I'm a small business owner and business is good......DH is a software engineer and his job appears solid for now.

*BUT*....is everyone doing well? Um, no. We lived in Orlando for a few years (2004-2007) during the housing booms and were lucky enough to get out with a 100K profit. Now, anyone who bought 2004 or later is well underwater......and businesses there are really hurting.

DH lost his job in 2003 due to the tech bubble bursting....he was one of the last employees to go. So we know what it feels like....it's not fun.

And this recession will be a nasty one, whether people want to believe it or not.....it's going to be like the 73-75 recession or the 82-83 recession.....not fun. Much worse than the mini-recession in 2001 that affected mostly businesses and not consumers. There has been a ton of news about the economy, but what people need to understand is that most of that was about the financial markets....not the "real economy" that we all live in. It takes time for the real economy to actually get hit. The financial markets have been so damaged......and now we'll see just how bad as we are just beginning to see the effects in the real economy.

So, yay for all who are doing well, but this idea that this recession is completely media driven and everything is fine.....well, it's just not true.

I am very familiar with your posts from the BB board and I know how well educated you are in these matters.. Not one to just spout off nonsense for the sake of typing away.. So if anyone would like to educate themselves on what is really in store for this country, listen to dvcgirl - not the person burying his or her head in the sand and gloating in an extremely rude manner over other areas of the country where there is a lot of suffering going on..

How mean of those worried people to ruin your thread! I'm doing OK too but I am aware that others aren't. Sorry for being insensitive by pointing that out.

I'll leave you to your thread now.

I agree - 100%.. I don't do well with "arrogance" being covered up with statements such as "raining on ones parade" - or "wallowing in misery.. I too will be leaving this thread - and will watch for a future one down the road when someones "glee" turns to - "Oh my gosh! I should have prepared a little better - just in case.. What am I going to do now??????

 

[Laurabearz]

The OP stated gas was $1.50 less per gallon.
.

Your right. Thank you for pointing that out to me.

 

[ntsammy5]

The point here is if you can do something about it, do it!

 

[Tikitoi]

Just hoping I don't lose my job, as my Co, just laid off.

 

[gina2000]

If you are truly interested in economic conditions around the country, read the Fed's Beige Book, either district by district (there are 12) or in summary form.

"Commonly known as the Beige Book, this report is published eight times per year. Each Federal Reserve Bank gathers anecdotal information on current economic conditions in its District through reports from Bank and Branch directors and interviews with key business contacts, economists, market experts, and other sources. The Beige Book summarizes this information by District and sector. An overall summary of the twelve district reports is prepared by a designated Federal Reserve Bank on a rotating basis."

http://www.federalreserve.gov/FOMC/BeigeBook/2008/20081015/default.htm


You can argue all you want that your area is doing great but the Beige Book indicates mixed or deteriorating economic conditions across the 12 Federal Reserve Districts.

 

[Peter Pirate 2]

I am very familiar with your posts from the BB board and I know how well educated you are in these matters.. Not one to just spout off nonsense for the sake of typing away.. So if anyone would like to educate themselves on what is really in store for this country, listen to dvcgirl - not the person burying his or her head in the sand and gloating in an extremely rude manner over other areas of the country where there is a lot of suffering going on..



I agree - 100%.. I don't do well with "arrogance" being covered up with statements such as "raining on ones parade" - or "wallowing in misery.. I too will be leaving this thread - and will watch for a future one down the road when someones "glee" turns to - "Oh my gosh! I should have prepared a little better - just in case.. What am I going to do now??????

Nice post.

I too am doing quite well personally ( though not as good as say 10 years ago).

The problem is that I see a house of cards that could come tumbling down in my direction at any moment, maybe it won't and I'll be THRILLED to admit that it "didn't get worse" when that time comes. But I prepeare for the worst and hope for the best.

The decrease in gas prices are great but I don't trust anything that happens where the oil industry is involved so let's just see what happens after the election, fair enough?

I just posted earlier about Fantasy Fest and this is a huge festival vital to the City of Key West's financial well being and a drop off in attendance from highs well over 100,000 people to 40,000 or so has to be troubling to tourist destinations everywhere.

Also there were posts about "busy" Las Vegas and this makes me laugh as I am daily getting offers from Mandalay Bay, Golden Nugget, Luxor, Monte Carlo and Bellagio with UNBELIEVABLE offers. Offers I, a very LOW roller, have NEVER, EVER received before. So as i said "looks busy" isn't always an accurate indicator. Same with WDW. They are NOT doing well despite decent crowds on the weekends. Halloween Horror Nights at Universal were crowded on weekends, during the week, not so much.

This isn't just media reporting and while I agree that negative media coverage is a factor in the short term situation this recession isn't a condition the media is controlling with lights and mirrors...

 

[tinker&belle]

Completely agree with you C.Ann. *Personally*....we're fine. We have a great emergency fund, no debt and live well beneath our means. I'm a small business owner and business is good......DH is a software engineer and his job appears solid for now.

*BUT*....is everyone doing well? Um, no. We lived in Orlando for a few years (2004-2007) during the housing booms and were lucky enough to get out with a 100K profit. Now, anyone who bought 2004 or later is well underwater......and businesses there are really hurting.

DH lost his job in 2003 due to the tech bubble bursting....he was one of the last employees to go. So we know what it feels like....it's not fun.

And this recession will be a nasty one, whether people want to believe it or not.....it's going to be like the 73-75 recession or the 82-83 recession.....not fun. Much worse than the mini-recession in 2001 that affected mostly businesses and not consumers. There has been a ton of news about the economy, but what people need to understand is that most of that was about the financial markets....not the "real economy" that we all live in. It takes time for the real economy to actually get hit. The financial markets have been so damaged......and now we'll see just how bad as we are just beginning to see the effects in the real economy.

So, yay for all who are doing well, but this idea that this recession is completely media driven and everything is fine.....well, it's just not true.

Extremely insightful dvcgirl...for those of you who don't hang out on the BB, dvcgirl tends to be right about economic matters. I'm glad there are lots of shoppers in your area OP, but you don't know why they are there. Are they building more CC debt? Maybe they are buying a birthday present that they usually spend $50 on, but this year they are spending $20. You can't always tell by apperances. I know many people who are getting laid off, but the malls are full as ever. I don't see as many shopping bags though.

 

[John VN]

I am SO HAPPY, really, that your area shows no sign of a recession.

Our malls are FULL of shoppers with no bags in hand and restaurants with far fewer patrons than a year ago.

Our streets have for sale signs that have been up for YEARS. Our streets also have beautiful houses with grass 16 inches high.

Our county wide unemployment rate is almost at the top of the list in the state, where just a few years ago we were at the bottom.

NO ROSE COLORED GLASSES in my neck of the country.

 

[wall*e2008]

The UK had it's first quarter (3rd) of a retracting GNP. One more and they are officially in a recession.

I think we are unofficially in a recession and may soon officially be in a recession.

That does not mean that some are not in a great position. If I was 25 had a nice bank account (downpayment) and I was looking to buy a home, now is a great time for me. If I was retired, without a pension and only SS to live on, then my life is about the same as it was a month ago. If I was retired and only had my investments for my retirement, I am really worried.

I also believe that the media is making people who are not effect and will not be effected more negative. These are the people who we need to keep the basic ecomony going.

I just wanted to point out I only read page 5 and 6.

 

[sahd2one]

The point here is if you can do something about it, do it!

Very well said. There are those of us like me and others outside of the Disboards quite educated about these matters who do not see doom in gloom and see silver linings in every day life. There are those of us not waiting for outside forces to arrive or change our lifestyle.

There are those of us who do see hope and great signs of growth that flies in the face of the constant barrage of negativity out there. Don't cheer about it lest you be labeled "insensitive"! I see this thread as a great beacon of hope for what is within reach. It will take hard work and sacrifice, but it always has and always will. We know that living within your means and saving can also mean you are out there spending and consuming which is what makes this great nation work.

Watch the news every day and you will believe there can be no sectors of the country that are thriving. Well I and some of the others here in this thread are proof positive that that is not true at all. Thankfully those naysayers won't be visiting this thread anymore or so they claim!

 

[C.Ann]

------------------------------------

Couldn't resist - just had to come back one more time to see how you were going to respond.. I agree with what you have said above - people should listen to people who are educated in these matters - and that would be dvcgirl...

 

[sahd2one]

I don't think anyone is saying that the economy is really good everywhere, but I think that many of us are saying that it is not nearly as bad everywhere as someone might think it is from watching the news or listening to some people online. Some places are bad, some places are good. I would never argue that just because things are good here that things must also be good in Michigan. It seems like some people think that because things are bad in Michigan that those of us who say things are good in our towns must be in denial.

We have a music festival in our town in September every year and this year it had record crowds. More businesses are opening here every day and very few are closing. Most unemployment is no worse than it has been for the past few years and though gas prices are higher than the national average they are still going down. Does all that mean that other places in the US are not hurting? Of course not. But just because those other places are hurting doesn't mean we aren't still doing well here.

A stagnant economy is not healthy - money needs to keep moving for the economy to thrive. It's good that some areas of the country are doing well - hopefully that will spread to the areas that aren't doing so well right now.

ETA - Also, in my experience the media does tend to focus on the negative. My husband works on a project that makes the news fairly often. If you rely on what you hear on the news, you would think his project is a dismal failure because you constantly hear every time it has a problem. What they don't report is that for each "failure" they mention (and often those aren't even failures, they are just tests that have different outcomes than were expected) there are many successes. I've never seen the news mention one of the successful outcomes, even though they happen far more often. I think it's similar with the economy - not that the problems exist purely because of the media, but the media focuses on the negative far more than anything positive and with the economy that can contribute to the problem as it encourages people to panic.

Yep let's keep stories of hope like this going and tell the recession we have decided not to join its pity party!