paS2K

LB started a Great Thread about the economy almost 5 months ago...predicting THAT was the bottom

As we get ready to go into 2010 in another week, how are you feeling about our PERSONAL economic situation?

Lakersfan

I had taken a bearish position on spending until last month..I bought the S2K. Now if I get stressed due to finances, I can just drive the car and relieve some of that stress (that's the plan, at least). As for my job, increases have been reinstated for 2010 ( if you are deserving) and my medical insurance benefits remain the same without an increase in P/R deduction so things appear to be trending up (or at least not backwards).

gomarlins3

Even though we took a pay cut this school year, I am actually bringing home more money per paycheck due to working over time. That will end on the 1st of March though.

NNY S2k

Taxes go up. Pay stays the same.

RC - Ryder

We continue to buy whatever we need. There are no social security or pension "cost of living increases" this year because apparently costs have gone down. That's not true for things like food, utilities, insurances, licensures, etc. though. Investment wise, we are modestly leaning forward; have not yet fully recovered previous losses; and thus are certainly not better off.

kellyvu

Not everybody thinks that the bottom is in. They compare it to other great bear mkts and say that, to this point, it only ranks as a mediocre bear mkt rally. The S&P 500 has regained about 50% of it's drop from late 2007. Somewhere I read that the majority of the public is still afraid to get back in the market and are parked in bonds. Who knows, but you have to actively manage your stocks these days..buy and hold is dangerous. I think the least you can do is put a stop-loss order in when you buy a stock so your loss is only what you can stand. Just my 2 cents.

jukngene

My net worth, which includes all income and expenditures, has increased by 20% since March. Though not quite where I was a couple years ago, I am pleased, as I have been retired since the end of 2007, with no income other than social security and a few consulting $'s. Again, I must thank my financial adviser for her wise decisions on my behalf.

zzziippyyy

Im very happy things are going great here

paS2K

Aw, you always look at things thru ROSE- colored glasses :suprised: