Tough financial times. How are you coping ?

Rating: 5 after 2 votes

We all have been affected in some way or know of someone that has been affected by the financial slump that the world faces today. My brother lost his job 4 months ago. He had everything a huge house, 3 cars and a wonderful wife and 3 kids but suddenly all came crashing down. He worked at a law firm for 20 yrs and truly believed that he would be employed until he reached the age of retirement. His wife did not work for they both decided that he made enough money so she committed to stay home and raise the kids When he got notice that he was being let go from the company my brother lost it. He went into total depression and even had thoughts of suicide. His marriage started to fall apart for my sister in law couldn't take the stress. He was imbarrible to live with. He turned on the kids and started to mistreat her. Days I spent with him until my husband told me that it was causing a strain on our marriage. I felt caught between my husband and my brother who i love dearly. We both grew up close as kids and always stood up for one another. To make a long story short they are now separated and the house is up for foreclosure. My brother went to live with my other sister and is taking it one day at a time. For myself I live each day thanking God for my loving husband and son and I do not take a minute for granted. What I learned is that one minute you can have it all and the next minute loose everything you worked so hard for. Since all this had happened my husband and I have a backup plan for we don't no what lies ahead. Communication is the key in a relationship especially in times like today. I would like to know how you all are coping or someone close to you? I hope we all find comport in each others stories and hope for a better tomorrow. Paula

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Permalink Reply by Ly Syin on April 7, 2009 at 7:25pm: Than you for sharing I liked all the comments. So days are better than others. Last year I lost three jobs, my apartment and my car. Some day I am full of hope other days I struggle. Sometime I read Job in the the bible and then I think at least it's not that bad for me. I realize that a lot of Americans are going through tough times now. I just hope this period in time will change our governments policy's. I would really like to see people stop being pro-life and pro-choice and be pro-children. There are too many children in this country with out health insurance.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Queen Bee on April 7, 2009 at 8:26pm: I learned long ago , to make do with what you have and be glad that you are alive. You could have no legs, couldnt see, couldnt hear ,then you would have a problen. Do what you can and ask for help, there may be some one out there to help you. We all have faced bad times, maybe in time things will get better. we just have to help each other; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Christy on April 8, 2009 at 4:44am: I have always been grateful for the people in my life and what we DO have. I try not to focus too much on what we don't. My husband's job is stable right now, and I have worked as a counselor at a mental health agency for 13 years. You wouldn't believe how that humbles you. I see people whose lives have fallen apart. Last week, I talked a woman who was a successful teacher, but lost everything and is now living in a residential mental health home, out of commiting suicide. Thing was, I could understand why she felt the way that she did....losing everything is awful. SInce then, though, she has just come to me for a little pep talk and understanding...all she wanted was respect for she used to have it all. Truly sad stories. My husband does not share the way that I view the world and is very difficult to live with during hard times. I just focus on raising my three kids though and being happy, but I can tell you, it is hard to always maintain the optimistic, happy outlook when you are living with a person that is miserable. We have NOTHING to be miserable about, though. I don't know....I just wish you all the best. Life is hard, and there is alot of pain in it. I have seen it all, both in my personal life and work life, and what keeps me going is faith. I wish you all happy times to come....; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Paula Davis on April 8, 2009 at 6:25am: Thank you all for sharing. I find it very uplifting to know that others are willing to share their own personal experiences. We must all come together and support each other especially in times like today. After reading each of your replies i found a sense of belonging knowing that we are all facing somewhat of the same experience. Thank you all for sharing you made my day. Paula; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Jillian on April 9, 2009 at 1:14pm: My family really practices living below our means. When we bought our home in October, instead of maxing out what we were approved for, we went significantly less. Yes, it is a great time to buy, but with all the foreclosures out there, we felt that we had to be careful. I stay at home with my two boys and homeschool. I am a writer so it is easy for me to work at home. I have recently discovered a great site: couponmom.com. You can't print out your own coupons and get great tips on spending less. We are not wealthy by any means, but we enjoy a somewhat comfortable life because of our frugal efforts.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Queen Bee on April 14, 2009 at 3:04am: I think we are facing some hard times in our life right now. You just have to stay calm we can work our way out of this.Now it isn't going to be over for a while, It will be a tough and bumpy road to travel.
All I can say is when you get to the end of youre rope just tie a not and hang on,. Ask and you shall receive, we have got to help each other, to get out of this mess. I really feel sorry for the folks that lose their homes, the seniors, especially the family's with little children.
Some times I think we just have to try to start living more like the older generation. Cut back on things we dont need could help us a little. I am doing a garden this year in the back yard. And recycling everything I can. You could start swapping what you dont need to friends that have something you like and there wouldn't have to exchange money.
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Permalink Reply by Whitney on April 14, 2009 at 4:04am: Completely agree. We actually just started a FREE website for times like these for moms to trade, buy and sell mom stuff, kid stuff and maternity items. It is definitely possible to save money - esp. on children's items!! We all have things that have been gently used that we no longer need and we can work together to get the things we need for less. Make some money, save some money and/or swap for like-valued items. Please check it out: http://themotherlist.com; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Queen Bee on April 18, 2009 at 2:23pm: Queen Bee said:
I am ok right now, but I will share my life when I was younger . I lost my job more times than I got fingers and toes, I seen times I didn't have enough money to buy a jug of milk.
I started making my way to get a house. Then get something started so I would have money when I lost my job. I invested in land, I become a sales lady.I started buying junk and fixing it up and re-sell it, you would be surprised how much you can make over several years. I told my self I would not be stuck in that condition again . Unless I was sick and couldn't work at all. And I did apply to swap work with people when I was layed off a job. You would be surprised how many people will swap because they dont know how to fix any thing.I learned how to work on appliances, plum, garden , quilt and many more things. You can get the other person to do something for you in return. This really works.; ▶ Reply to This