Economic Insanity

So far, 2008 has been a big financial disappointment for just about everyone. Every small business is making budget cuts. So much effort is being put into controlling costs, that there won't be anything left to cut back on in 2009.

I think this all started way before the home loan crisis. Back in the 90's, when corporations started outsourcing all those jobs to "low cost geographies", they didn't leave any good paying jobs for the working class in this country. Now with health care costs out of control, and our investments decimated, we have no money left to expand the economy.

I was laid off from my job in the electronics industry five years ago. I make 50% less now and my personal budget is very tight. When everyone starts to complain about the economy, you know it's bad out there. I wish I had some great advice for those just starting to cut back on expenses. There are lots of books and web sites for that. My only hope is that Obama and his team can turn this thing around. I hope that someday I will be able to retire like my father and grandfather. But as it looks right now, that isn't going to be an option for my generation.