Really, no matter where we are for lunch, the next table over is discussing the housing dilemma! There have been a few times that I wanted to put in my “two cents” but at the risk of being called an eavesdropper….
Here in the Inland Empire, we are all painfully aware of the economic stress that has hit. Just look around the neighborhoods you live in and the nearby shopping malls. There empty! I counted 9 empty store fronts just in the Home Depot center near my house. On the way home at least 20 for sale signs in yards, and some that had no signs yet….but were obviously empty.
It’s not just affecting a few families, it’s widespread to all areas and walks of life.
In our own family, we will soon be merging homes to help one of our children that was hit by unemployment, then loss of a home. So, what’s the answer at the lunch table? The business man, the investor, the laborer all seem to agree it’s a cycle and we will recover…eventually.
I’ve heard many people with more money than I will ever have say that real estate is a good investment. Even though they have been hit hard with losses themselves.
Most of us are having to live differently now, and you know, I don’t think it’s all together a bad thing. With not as much extra money we have been finding things to do that are “cheap” and “free”. We have really had a wonderful time re-learning what the important things are to us in life. Spending time with family, going bike riding, renting videos with the neighbors and having fun playing board games!
We’ve been creative with our dinners… Less red meat, more chicken, vegetables and pasta at our house. It seems we are eating healthier and it’s costing us a lot less. When we changed our shopping habits it was out of necessity, but the healthier advantages are showing!
Kris and I are taking time every morning to make sure we work out, it really helps with the stress the day can bring.
Just remember, your not alone….and things will get better.
