How is your outlook for 2009?

[sahd2one]

So how is it?

 

[ntsammy5]

No big change - coasting downhill towards retirement

 

[lillygator]

on a personal level I am optimistic...I plan on cutting back and doing my best to save $$, spend lots of time with my family and enjoy each day as it comes.

 

[KelNottAt]

I'm cautiously optimistic.

 

[EthansMom]

From a personal standpoint, I think DH and I will be fine next year. The value of our house, retirement, and college funds for the kids have all taken a hit, but we're not planning to move, retire or send the kids to college anytime soon. DH needs some major surgery in 2009. But DH has a fairly stable job and we have good insurance and some emergency money set aside. So we're weathering the economic downturn okay. So, I guess cautiously optimistic.

From a U.S. and worldwide standpoint, I expect things to get worse before they get better... more foreclosures, more bailouts, and many more job losses. I think a lot of companies are just hoping to make it through the holidays. I didn't vote for him, but so far, I think Obama is making some good decisions to help turn the economy. I especially like his plans to create jobs by investing in infrastructure and his plans to trim pork spending. So, I think things will be a mixed bag for the government next year... probably get worse in the earlier part of the year but hopefully start to make the turn towards more economic stability by the end of 2009, though any real recovery may be further off... say, late 2010 or into 2011. So, I guess about the same or slightly worse for the U.S. overall in 2009.

I'm hoping this recession helps both governments and individuals to be more realistic. People need to stay within their budget and live within their means. They should be realistic about returns on investment and should invest within their tolerance for risk. The government needs to encourage long-term growth in the overall economy and oversee/regulate financial investments better. Politicians need to be more concerned about doing the best thing for the country and it's citizens than they are about their ratings and numbers.

 

[Laura]

Optimistic. I'm going to have a baby!

 

[Stitchfans]

I'm cautiously optimistic.

Same here.

 

[mrsltg]

Optimistic. I'm going to have a baby!

Congrats! A great reason to look ahead!

I'm optimistic by nature so I'm optimistic about next year. DH and I are celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary and we've got our girls. As long as we've got that we're doing just fine.

 

[PaulaSB12]

Hopeful got away from the toxic person at work. Starting nvq (national vocational qualification) to become a technical operator at work. Mortgage very small but might look to buy an older house (pre second world war but preferably pre 1900) going to disney in september.

 

[sahd2one]

bump

 

[Piecey]

Cautiously Optimistic.

I'm due early June and this will be a first for me.
I'm sure it will be a wonderful adventure, though it scares me a little now.

 

[Kathi OD]

We're somewhat pessimistic, but only because DH has been unemployed since June and cannot find even a part-time job. Forget that his 401K dropped over 30% in value this year, I'm concerned about his mental health and feeling of self-worth. He needs to get back to work, and soon!

The rest of the negatives in our life have a positive to balance them out. So while I have concerns going forward, they are not anything we won't be able to weather, at least short-term. I have a good job, with good benefits, so as long as DH can collect unemployment, we won't have to touch our savings to meet our bills.

 

[sahd2one]

I am very optimistic for 2009. I see so many opportunities that were not there last year. While people see 7% unemployment, I see 93% employment.

I see so many deals and chances to get more for less. This truly is going to be a good Christmas in this household. I am spending more than last year because I can get more for less.

I see fuel at 50-60% less than I was paying this time last year and that is like money in my pocket.

 

[Cool-Beans]

We'll be okay.

The country is going to hell and while I do try to look on the bright side, it is a sorrowful thing.

 

[kmp1191]

I'm optimistic for 2009.
I'm going to really start saving $$$....DH is on track with me to do so, so that helps. Kids are healthy, bratty and ornery, so that's all normal.
I could be out of a job by the end of 2009 if the big 3 don't get something together, but I'm still optimistic. I'm healthy, my kids are healthy, my DH is healthy....everything will work out in the end.

 

[Planogirl]

I'm a bit pessimistic but then I work in a job where people come to us when they are having problems so I hear it all day long. Plus I'm by nature a little pessimistic so it's hard to stay positive.

In spite of that, I expect things to improve but I expect it to take a while.

 

[C.Ann]

I'm cautiously optimistic.

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

Same here.. I think it's a good idea to hope for the best - while still preparing for the worst.. It's no fun getting caught "off guard".. Been there, done that..

 

[GeorgeG]

I'm optimistic.

I'm retired and manage to keep busy enough with my music. I'm happy and I don't need much and don't really want much that I don't already have... well, that's not counting the yacht.

I should be getting a new knee soon so that will make getting around easier.

My grandson will be spending the year back in Iraq, but I'm confident he will be okay. This will be his second tour (he reenlisted last time over) and loves what he does.

My wife and I have decided to spend more time at WDW this year. This past year was so busy we didn't get down as often as we'd like. With our annual passes all we really need is lunch money to go for the day. Life is good!

 

[minniecarousel]

We'll do OK. DH just started a job today after being unemployed for the past 5 months.

 

[HelenePA]

Can only get better than 2007 and 2008... I said that before and it got worse.. so who knows what 2009 will bring