The Year in Review

Well here we are facing 2010. There have been many changes in our world. Most notably on the policical front, is watching the new administration take over the running of our country. Then there are the many people out of work. Some have worked for many years at the same company and now find themselves out of work. Then there are those, who like me have gone back to work after being retired for a few years. I found the need to return to the workforce. I feel very blessed to have found a position doing what I know best. There are many people working entry level positions who formerly where managers, depatment heads, even professionals. I have also seen many people who have come back to work entry level who ran their own company. They are doing this for two main reasons I see. One is for their retirement. That includes me. The other is for health insurance.
I find it sad that as Americans we are working for health insurance. I wonder if the new proposed health bill will do what they say. Is it impossible to reach a consensus that the American people are worth enough to take the policital side out of it. What ever happened to the health care workers who want to take care of paitents? How in the world did this get so out of hand? Is it because insurance companies got involved and then they wanted to make a profit too? I don't want to leave out the pharmaceutical companies either. I am saddened that these companies have become so large that there are people who cannot afford medications or they are dropped by their health insurance company. Or worse, people cannot afford the premium and a doctor won't take them as patients without insurance. Some doctors won't even take medicare. Where is the compassion in that? Shame on them I say. Shame on them all.

by Watheleen
missefarley@bellsouth.net
vwathe@yahoo.com

What in the World is Happening?

Wow, a lot has happened since I last made an entry here. Back in October we were thinking of the Christmas season and shopping for all those wonderful friends and family. The Christmas season has come and gone and we are now facing the new year with a more cautious eye than any time before in my life at least. I for one might be looking for a job, when I should be looking toward a comfortable retirement.
One sure thing I do know is that GOD is in control of all. My trust is solely and completely in Him.

Watheleen Farley
352-428-8386
vwathe@yahoo.com

$700,000,000,000 bailout. WHAT?

When I started this blog I had no idea we'd be here today. The economy in this country is in its worst financial crisis, maybe ever. I just want to get out how we are feeling about what is going on in the world today.

First we are retired and live on a fixed income. We were very frugal during our working years to be able to have what we do now. We also feel the pain of our children and grandchildren who are working and many do not know if their jobs are secure or not let alone their retirement.

Second I have a sister and brother in law who just had to move to another state to take a job because, "They couldn't afford him anymore." This is the kind of thing that will be happening for many Americans.

Third we also have in our subdivision in our community about 15+/- empty, forclosed or houses that have just not been completed for lack of funds. The American people are hurting and they want to use our tax dollars to bail them out.
Who are they?
AIG
Lehman Brothers
Freddie Mac
Fanny Mae
and the like whose CEOs still get their big salaries while the average American gets shafted! And the government won't interfere with their income, but they don't care that we are homeless, hungry or jobless. Shame on American polititians, the president, Congress and others who are doing this to the American people. It feels like rape and pillaging.



We are against the bailout. This is wrong. There is criminal activity at work here and the powers that be want us the taxpayer to pay for this. It is wrong. Let the market take care of itself. Those who are in control of the market should be held accountable for what has happened there.

We are retired Americans who are tired of being the people who bail out America as the rich get wealthier and we get taxed.

I would like to know why the media is not reporting what the American people are saying and what we want. Instead the media is reporting what the benefits of the bailout is or is not. This is irrelevant to us. We don't want our tax dollars used to go to something that we don't know will work. And we don't think it will.

Watheleen Farley
www.TripleLx.org
352.428.8386


Responses welcome.

Everyday Connection: Beginnings

Everyday Connection: Beginnings

Beginnings

When young people are beginning to set up their own first apartment or home, they are excited and full of anticipation. Furnishing the new digs takes money. Paying the utilities takes money. Buying groceries, clothes, and gasoline to get back and forth to work takes money, not to mention the car payment and insurance. It usually doesn't take long to realize that there is no cushion. The responsiblity for all the monthly rent and utilities falls on you.

Here are some tips that can help:


1. Create a reasonable budget. Realizing that you must live within your means.

2. Don't rely on credit cards to buy things you cannot afford. Instead learn to live without some things and buy others at second hand stores, thrift shops and garage sales.

3. Learn to pay yourself first. The very first day of employment is the day you should begin to manage your retirement funds. If your company has a retirement, 401K, annuity or other pension plan make sure you sign up.

4. Save for a rainy day. It is important to have some money that you can fall back on. Health plans do not cover 100% of medical bills as they did when I was raising my children. Today you need to save for the 20% or so that it will cost for the medical bills. Also there will be other emergencies that need to be taken care of. Saving the money on the front end will prevent a credit card bill with high interest later.

All of these things are important to living in the economy of our world today. The present economy is going to give all of us time to pause and rethink just what we think is important. Should we continue to purchase things we want on credit just because we want them? I think not. Can we tighten out belts and live within our means? I hope so. Now is the time for all of us to recognize that there is a better way to live, shop and save. It starts with the three points above. Live within your means, pay yourself first and owe no man (eliminate credit card debt)

Wathe
vwathe@yahoo.com