It seems like it's just doom and gloom as far as the markets. Here it is Monday, things were up and down, and when I checked my retirement accounts, I lost yet another $10,000. I know we all say to stay in it in the long run, but I'm not a youngster starting out. I've been fortunate that I haven't had to use any of this money so far. But it isn't like I'm going to make it up very quickly. I tend to worry about stuff and now I'm feeling stressed. I'm sure I'm not alone. I think we are all on edge.
Other than fretting, are there are things you are going to do to try to tighten your belt and spend less if prices go up? I seem like I do this anyway. I spent the money a year ago and bought a toaster oven. I use it when we want to heat something up or bake one item so we aren't heating up the oven and wasting electricity. When I do bake, I often will try and fill the oven and bake more than a couple of things. For example, I baked two loaves of brad and baked some dog treats too. I make many of our dog treats to help save money and give them healthy treats.
I'm sure all of you are doing this too. I've read what many of you are doing to not spend as much and save as much. I think the time has come for us to start emailing our congress people. Maybe if we all make a big enough fuss, they will listen.
April 8th, 2025 at 05:50 am 1744091440
April 8th, 2025 at 10:15 pm 1744150541
Look at your annual expenses, divided into ‘needs’ and ‘wants.’
If all you funded were your ‘needs’, is your current income sufficient to cover them without touching retirement money?
If not, what is the gap?
Is it possible that you could find employment that would bridge the gap?
(I am signed up for emails from Indeed about part time employment, and there are jobs I could physically do at 69 and I find that comforting even though I don’t plan to work)
Are there cheaper ways to meet your ‘needs?’
Food is one you already work on. Shopping insurance, phone, internet are common places to start.
We are all learning a lot about our tolerance for risk - many finding out that it is lower than we thought.
This is a good time to learn about fixed income investments like bonds and CDs, at annuities, and at different sectors and plan what you want to do at recovery.
I find it helpful to think of my grandparents - who lived through two World Wars and the Depression. They survived. I will too.
April 9th, 2025 at 05:24 am 1744176243
April 9th, 2025 at 02:03 pm 1744207433
Sadly, states like AL, LA, MS, TN, OK, MO, TX, SC, WV, WY, ID, ND, SD do not have enough non Republicans to sway the vote.
Anyone looking to get involved now can look at NJ and VA that are electing state wide - Governor, Lt. Gov, Attorney General - and State legislatures in 2025. You can write postcards to voters, phone, text bank and of course donate from any state.
April 9th, 2025 at 05:02 pm 1744218165