We just got our statements and had a similar shocker. The year we made a bunch of expensive decisions coincided with the year we both made the most. Last year's earnings, as we are trying to cope, were down about $20,000. No wonder I feel like we don't have any money!!
Our income has steadily gone up, but it's b/c we've made it go up. I know not everyone has the means that DH has (I certainly don't - I'm working, but he's almost doubling his "real" income with his "gazelle intensity"). My aha moment was finding one of his old paychecks we never cashed. It was for 36 or 39 CENTS. Even at the gas prices 14 years ago we were losing more money in fuel to take that one to the bank than we were to sit on it, LOL. Plus it was just SO ridiculous that we had to keep it. He worked a farm then (no overtime - laws are different for farmers) and worked 18-20 hour days. They'd bring him breakfast, lunch, and dinner and CHARGE for each meal. They took it out of his check so his check turned into nothing. Needless to say, he literally makes more per HOUR now than he used to bring home in a week. (Most of his checks were under $100/wk).
They're hiring around here - actually, even DH is hiring - but the candidates are not what he's looking for. They either want WAY too much money or they don't know the front end of the truck from the back, and I'm not exaggerating by much. He doesn't mind training them, but he's not going to train someone fresh out of school for $30 an hour in pay when a man who has been there 20 years is only making $25/hr. And these guys apparently would rather have no job than one at a more-than-respectable $15-$18/hr, which is what he's hiring at for guys who need training.
That is the issue with unemployment right now. They are getting so much in the checks and the extension is up to 99 weeks, so they don't want to take a job that would pay the same or less.
DD's dad (my Ex) gets $1600 a month in unemployment from Michigan. If he took a job for $12 an hour, it would net less than that when you figure in transportation costs, so he figures he might as well not take a job unless it pays at least $20. In some states unemployment comp is even higher.
I agree with unemployment for 6 months, but after 6 months, I think those who are able should do some charity work for at least 2-4 hours a week to help and possibly get some connections and develop some skills.
No one wants to work hard anymore it seems. (BTW Dh and I make NOTHING from our business and put in at least 30+ hours a week last year. The amount we learned in one year for both of us was worth a Master's degree. But those skills will never be lost no matter what happens.)
On the jobs front, we talked to some home contractors recently, and they are afraid to hire.
I work for a contractor that specializes in Insurance repairs and renovations.
Norma
"Patience is the best remedy for every trouble"- Plautus
Sobering, isn't it?
Our income has steadily gone up, but it's b/c we've made it go up. I know not everyone has the means that DH has (I certainly don't - I'm working, but he's almost doubling his "real" income with his "gazelle intensity"). My aha moment was finding one of his old paychecks we never cashed. It was for 36 or 39 CENTS. Even at the gas prices 14 years ago we were losing more money in fuel to take that one to the bank than we were to sit on it, LOL. Plus it was just SO ridiculous that we had to keep it. He worked a farm then (no overtime - laws are different for farmers) and worked 18-20 hour days. They'd bring him breakfast, lunch, and dinner and CHARGE for each meal. They took it out of his check so his check turned into nothing. Needless to say, he literally makes more per HOUR now than he used to bring home in a week. (Most of his checks were under $100/wk).
They're hiring around here - actually, even DH is hiring - but the candidates are not what he's looking for. They either want WAY too much money or they don't know the front end of the truck from the back, and I'm not exaggerating by much. He doesn't mind training them, but he's not going to train someone fresh out of school for $30 an hour in pay when a man who has been there 20 years is only making $25/hr. And these guys apparently would rather have no job than one at a more-than-respectable $15-$18/hr, which is what he's hiring at for guys who need training.
FLINGING DEBT:
Sarah -
That is the issue with unemployment right now. They are getting so much in the checks and the extension is up to 99 weeks, so they don't want to take a job that would pay the same or less.
DD's dad (my Ex) gets $1600 a month in unemployment from Michigan. If he took a job for $12 an hour, it would net less than that when you figure in transportation costs, so he figures he might as well not take a job unless it pays at least $20.
In some states unemployment comp is even higher.
I agree with unemployment for 6 months, but after 6 months, I think those who are able should do some charity work for at least 2-4 hours a week to help and possibly get some connections and develop some skills.
No one wants to work hard anymore it seems. (BTW Dh and I make NOTHING from our business and put in at least 30+ hours a week last year. The amount we learned in one year for both of us was worth a Master's degree. But those skills will never be lost no matter what happens.)
-Marie