The 2009-201? Depression has hit EVERYBODY...
I told my two employees today to thank the Good Lord I have a savings account or they wouldn't have gotten paid. Then the mail came and blessings came in BUT, seriously, if I hadn't had extra in savings last Thursday, I wouldn't have made payroll. At least at present, I have no debts.
And I do more than my share of charity work too... but that's for another thread.
DW said we need to "save up" for new carpet in the family room and all I could ask was, "Sweetheart, when we are dipping in to savings to make payroll, explain to me how we are going to 'save up'". I still don't think she gets it. I'm going to hand the check books over to her this year and let her take care of the $ and we'll see where we are at in December.
I had an entire half day cancel last week, because the family learned that they would need to pay a deductible for their cleanings and exams. At least 3 clients changed to insurance that pays less today and it's a daily occurrence.
Over 200 dentists in the Phoenix Metro area have closed their doors and walked away in the past two years.
One friend in Mesa used to work 5 days a week and had 10 employees. He now works 2 days a week and has ONE employee. Another friend in Glendale used to work 4 days a week by choice and had 5 employees. He now works two days a week and has one full time and one part time employees.
We used to work five days a week and are now down to three. My employees are only part time workers now and can barely make ends meet... but it's the same with their employer, thank goodness for a savings account. Kids will probably have to start paying for their own tuition in a year or two.
If Obama care actually doesn't get knocked out by the Supreme Court and moves forward, we will see unemployment truly skyrocket in this country... I'm guessing it could go over 25%. If it does go through, since I only have two PART TIME employees I won't be required to purchase health insurance for them. BUT even if I were required, I would only have to cover half the cost and the other half would be taken out of their salary and they can't even make ends meet now. I've been carrying the car loan for one employee. She used to pay 15% interest and $500 a month payments. She's now paying me 5% with a $400 a month payment that I'm certain she'll soon ask to be reduced to $300 a month... her car will probably be dead before she ever pays me off.
All we can do is smile, thank the Good Lord we are still alive, try and help one another as best we can and move forward, one day at a time.
The recession continues to get worse and get ready for the stock market to make another big dip down by the end of February when the second wave of foreclosures hit banks again.
Not fun.
