Barely Making It

Well, "Leo" isn't a very smart contractor.

Any GOOD contractor knows that business is very unpredictable. Even in what may be a strong market at times. When business is overflowing, you SAVE MONEY AWAY so that when it's not, you're not in a hole.

It says that Leo had to seek help after only 1 month of slow business, and this after he's been here for decades during the very long building boom. Leo should have had enough money saved up to keep his family floating for YEARS by now. To run out after one month shows that he's been blowing it as soon as he made it this whole time.

People who don't know how to manage their money are not worthy of news.

Any GOOD contractor knows that business is very unpredictable. Even in what may be a strong market at times. When business is overflowing, you SAVE MONEY AWAY so that when it's not, you're not in **** It says that Leo had to seek help after only 1 month of slow business, and this after he's been here for decades during the very long building boom. Leo should have had enough money saved up to keep his family floating for YEARS by now. To run out after one month shows that he's been blowing it as soon as he made it this whole time.
People who don't know how to manage their money are not worthy of news.
**Very well said, I totally agree. Not a very smart business man.

These posts are right on target!! What a nice story this makes for a liberal audience-now why not tell a story about the 95% of people that ARE doing okay because they put aside money in good times instead of blowing it..FED UP OF HEARING stories about stupid people!!!

Good story, sadly it happening everywhere.

Save money when you can and don't live on credit. Why don't more people live this way.

Most of are parents and grandparents lived this way and did not execpt the government to pay their house notes, their medical bills, or their food bills.

This is what happens when people wait for someone else to fix their problems. Suck it up and get to work, pay your bills, stop buying lotto tickets and stop whining.

That little tag about 'waiting for economist to tell us what we already know....' From what i have read, we are not in a recesion. The only reason most people are really struggling is because of rising gas and food prices.

I feel for the guy, I do. But he should have been putting money aside for the rainy day. My dad works in the steel business. Even they know they have to keep money put aside for when times get slow!

Actually the article states things starting slowing in November... it wasn't until April that he asked for help. It is unfair to criticize someone else's affairs. We don't have all the facts. It is what it is... a man whose business is suffering. I have seen numerous business close up due to the economy of rising gas prices and food prices. He may have used his savings to cover the past five to six months. Until we have walked in his shoes we can not judge him. The ones who are not feeling the crush of the economy are few and far between... blue collar/white collar... everyone is feeling the brunt. Thank you Jaye for your informative and emotional story! Keep up the good work.

I'm not in a recession. I'm paying a little more for a gallon of gas, but that's it. I have money saved up in case I suddenly lose my job and have no fear of losing my house.

A gallon of bottled water costs more at gas stations than the gas, but people are always buying bottled water. I suspect if wenwere in a recession, they would give up the bottled water. Then again, people do some funny things.

I thought I saw a story on 11 alive about investors buying all the foreclosures being auctioned off on the courthouse steps. They are not in good shape and need someone to fix them up. Perhaps Leo could find some work in that market.

He moved from New York to Atlanta for the building boom, then move on to New Orleans, they are still rebuilding from Katrina. You go where the work is. Re-invent your self change with the times. When new construction goes slack then get into damage repair, fire, water, wind etc.

Not me wrote:

I'm not in a recession. I'm paying a little more for a gallon of gas, but that's it. I have money saved up in case I suddenly lose my job and have no fear of losing my house.
A gallon of bottled water costs more at gas stations than the gas, but people are always buying bottled water. I suspect if wenwere in a recession, they would give up the bottled water. Then again, people do some funny things.

you had better thank god for that also with money saved up could you pay everything for one year with no money comming in?all your moey going out on bills etc after while you will be going broke so do not knock people they may not make money like you do so they can survive one year or even one month

I think this article is a clear example of a liberal journalist trying to stir up emotions by spinning his story a certain way.
The same story could have been written from many different angles: "Americans who live beyond their means, suffering during lean times" or "People who choose not to save for the future find the present difficult"
There are millions of people that are struggling right now, at the same time many more are flourishing. What's the difference between them? Drive, Determination, Dedication maybe? And let's not forget, a little common sense goes a long way. Take this as a good lesson for anyone. Save liberally, Spend conservatively

oakman girl wrote:

<quoted text>you had better thank god for that also with money saved up could you pay everything for one year with no money comming in?all your moey going out on bills etc after while you will be going broke so do not knock people they may not make money like you do so they can survive one year or even one month

Actually I go to church every week. I have given money to the Salvation Army which is helping to pay Leo's mortgage. There is no question I could quit my job and survive for a year without any problems. I have plenty of investments to keep me afloat. Worst case scenario I sell my house and move into an apartment.

I never knocked Leo. I was just telling you my current situation. Why does this make you angry?

Sounds like a classic example from the book, Who Moved My Cheese?

Concerned wrote:

Actually the article states things starting slowing in November... it wasn't until April that he asked for help. It is unfair to criticize someone else's affairs. We don't have all the facts. It is what it is... a man whose business is suffering. I have seen numerous business close up due to the economy of rising gas prices and food prices. He may have used his savings to cover the past five to six months. Until we have walked in his shoes we can not judge him. The ones who are not feeling the crush of the economy are few and far between... blue collar/white collar... everyone is feeling the brunt. Thank you Jaye for your informative and emotional story! Keep up the good work.

Diddo -- On another note, what about the few that live off of Welfare and taxpayers money and have been doing this for most of their lives. Those are the people we should be hitting hard.

Not me wrote:

<quoted text>
Actually I go to church every week. I have given money to the Salvation Army which is helping to pay Leo's mortgage. There is no question I could quit my job and survive for a year without any problems. I have plenty of investments to keep me afloat. Worst case scenario I sell my house and move into an apartment.
I never knocked Leo. I was just telling you my current situation. Why does this make you angry?

You must not know the same God I know. My God doesn't think boasting is good for the soul. Humble yourself -- it's good for the soul. I am glad you were one of the few who earns a good living and able to save. There are a lot of single mothers out here who live hand to mouth and we do not and/or can not live beyond our means. We have to live each day as it is and these high gas prices are killing us. You need to rethink your boasting.

I'm not boasting. Just stating some facts. I am not in a recession. I grew up poor. Yes, I had a single mother who found odd jobs to make ends meet. She got a job at my school cafeteria and worked her way up from there. She taught me the value of a dollar and how to save and how to work hard. She taught me that I am responsible for my life and I can make it as good or as bad as I'd like. I put myself through school and couldn't find a job when I graduated because of a previous recession. But I didn't let that stop me from working hard and getting where I am today. I don't depend on the government to house me, feed me, pay my heating bill, or buy me gas. That's not boasting because I don't feel I am better than anyone else. There are millions and millions of Americans with the same story. I actually feel very blessed. Praise the Lord!

Happy Mother's Day Mom!

ng_speaking wrote:

<quoted text>
You must not know the same God I know. My God doesn't think boasting is good for the soul. Humble yourself -- it's good for the soul. I am glad you were one of the few who earns a good living and able to save. There are a lot of single mothers out here who live hand to mouth and we do not and/or can not live beyond our means. We have to live each day as it is and these high gas prices are killing us. You need to rethink your boasting.

I dont think he was boasting. I think he was just saying this is what God has given me. There is nothing wrong with telling others how God has blessed you. Remember David brought the Ark back to Jeruselem and he was dancing in the street when his wife cursed him, and in turn God cursed her. I think there is a BIG difference in someone who is just saying, "this is what God has afforded me to have" and someone saying "HAHAHA Look at all I have!"