Economy - Framingham,MA

My husband's business is unable to expand because banks aren't making small business loans. So, he's had to cut his salary considerably to keep his business on track. Thank goodness we both work, since my income is the same and we can manage. I am completely confident things are getting better. Temporary employment #s are rising and that's always the first indicator of an economic recovery. Reigning in healthcare costs through reform will also bolster the recovery. But the big thing that awaits change is getting banks to make business loans again ... once that starts, I expect the economy will shift into expansion mode again. And we won't have to use personal funds for business reasons anymore -- big happy dance the day that happens!

I've been laid off twice, and I got tired of the insecurity. I also hated the cattle call at the job fairs - too many people and too few jobs. I even went to one that was canceled because not enough employers signed up to participate! A big waste of time.

So I started my own business as an independent rep for a terrific company, and I help people do the same. I spent a long time in non-profit organizations and community service organizations, helping others. So I'm doing it in a different way now, giving myself control over my income and giving others control and security in the same way. There are some terrific companies out there - you just have to learn how to sort them out and evaluate them for ethics and opportunity. There are some great resources with which to do that. For example, if you're in direct sales, is it a product that people NEED in a depressed economy? Is it something they will order and re-order every month to guarantee you some income? Or is it a luxury item that people will cut back on, even if it's high quality?

I also joined "The Grocery Game" to get free coupons, and to learn how to shop on the right days of the week to save the most money. There are some other websites like GG too - I saw several recommended on TV by economists.

We also cook more as a family, making 2 meals out of ingredients, having one to freeze for later. It maximizes the yield for the same effort. Rachael Ray has some simple economical ideas, as do others.

We also don't subscribe to magazines or buy books - we use the public library. Our library also has passes to museums and other attractions that we can go to without paying high admission costs. We've gotten creative as a family, and that's fun as well as economical.

My husband has a commission based job and we have had to live with less for the past couple of years. We have always been very frugal, so it has not been too hard. I do believe that things are turning around. At least in his industry anyway. I have started working part-time to bring in a little extra and learned how to really stretch that dollar at the grocery store. I have always enjoyed cooking and have gotten really creative in the kitchen lately. We eat whatever is on sale! I have just recently started to learn how to make my own bread too. As a bonus, our meals have been healthier which is nice. My grocery bill for a family of 4 is usually around $80 for the week.

The biggest thing that's effected me is a reduction in hours, especially since I was working some OT. In addition, no raises this year, and last year was just a minimal cost of living raise. Luckily we were ahead of the game before, so it means less money being saved. In addition we've made a few cutbacks, smarter grocery shopping and going out to dinner less.

Hi S., I own an insurance company and my husband sells Aflac. We are both comission only and have no idea month to month how much our checks will be. We have both taken a hit in this economy. We have learned to shop better, only buy what we need and really cut back on everything. I think already things have gotten better after the holidays. I am hopeful that things will be better and regardless, we are still here helping people and much as we can since both of our businesses help people when they need it the most.

I guess the most difficult would be the money. I am blessed to have a wonderful hard working husband who wants me to be happy, even it that means me staying home. I am one who doesn't like the full time job schedule and have always been self employed. I am a realtor and when market is great, it is awesome. Last year was the worst I ever had, only closing one transaction. So the money definitely was missed, but we learned to cut back! I started paying attention to sale items, coupon cutting, cooking at home, not spending on just anything. I of course, stayed busy! I watched kids for extra money, I sell Arbonne and Scentsy products, which all have been a blessing! I definitely think things will be a whole lot better this year, I pray over my finances everyday and I know my God will supply all my needs!! Sometimes it looked like we wouldn't make it, but God made sure we did. I always had enough!! So, yes I remain positive and I know things will only get better!! Blessings to you!

C. Bell

My husband was let go from his job a few weeks ago due to the economy. I do think things will improve but it will take longer in some areas of the country.
The hardest thing has been losing our health insurance, my home business does not provide it, however on the bright side, my income has tripled during this recession. The company I work with helps avg. families save time and money so it is a great fit in a down economy.
I do not know how other people manage job loss with families, it would be so stressful without the security my income provides. No layoffs or pay cuts. We can sleep easy at night with hope knowing that my work at home job income continues to grow because it is residual and people need what we have to offer, time and money savings.
If you know of someone stuggling financially I can work with them on a very part time basis and help them save and earn extra income right away. WorkAtHomeUnited.com/JOBS to request info.
This company has blessed my family for five years and counting. We love helping others with the peace of mind it provides for us.

We own two businesses and have been hit hard this year. We laid off all employees & I moved back into my home to work & took kids out of private pre K. I handle all the books & hubby is an hvac contractor & has a gun shop that he sells by appointment. I buy groceries smarter, try to take leftovers & use them in lunch next day etc.. use coupons.......use the library weekly for entertainment.........I plan trips or errands for one day, so my driving is cut down........I use natural cleaners like lemon juice, peroxide, & baking soda.........I emailed friends & asked for any good conditioned hand me downs in children's clothes & let them know what i had available.......I made a set of friends that are in the same kinda boat and we trade things around. I gave a box full of books to one friend & she gave me some farm fresh eggs. I gave some deer sausage to another & I got some fresh garden veggies. Gave my old cell phones to another friend which were upgrades for them & they in turn gave me a watermelon & a fresh pineapple, huge box of Cheerios. I am a movie addict, so when I rent, I watch the movie then pass it to my friend & she can watch too all for $1.00! She is on assistance & appreciates getting to see a movie every now & again. She usually gives me a big thing of cheese, or cereal too. Hubby did some a/c work for some friends of the family & they have a restaurant & instead of paying for his services, he accepted "store credit" So now we have $200 in credit at our local BBQ place. It has made me & my husband think & look outside of the box to get what we need. I feel closer to my friends cuz instead of hiding in my house, we do lots of playdates & everbody brings a snack so no one person has to foot the bill. I am getting new beds fo my kids & I have already found new owners for my kid's toddler beds same for car seats & instead of selling, I have bartered. Not paying for a mower guy this summer.....me & a friend have decided to trade baby sitting so we each can mow our own yards......hope this is what you were looking for.

We're facing my husband's salary cut and possible job loss due to a corporate takeover, and we're coping with the tight times by cutting back on food expenses and entertainment purchases of all types, plus we're not starting our 3-year-old in preschool next year (hopefully we'll figure out how to afford it the year after next!) We do think the economy will improve -- it already is in some ways -- and as for preschool, I'm going to take advantage of every free and really inexpensive program I can find to fill in some preschool-like experiences for my little guy. Thank goodness some libraries are still well funded!

Good luck to everyone!