Can you get comfy with it?

[rebel]

I think we're all in agreement about living within your budget. The point of the post was so see if folks were ready for a financial hardship and what kind of back-up they had in mind.

Pal: The 65% came from a Glen Beck show during this months elections in NJ. I don't know the formula used for the percentage. I was in Rah Way, NJ a few months ago and noticed the real estate taxes for homes were about a thousand a month. Yikes!

[Rick]

Sarky - You guys are really in a weird place. I don't mean the state just the way it operates. The state needs a re-look at Prop 13. If the state were still taxing corporations they way they did 20 years ago then they could wipe out about 1/3 of the deficit. Then there was the whole derivatives brouhaha that will likely tag along for a very long time. States are like people. They can only increase income or decrease debt load. The difference is they CAN increase income by raising taxes.

Don't let your view of the state's finances skew the overall economic picture. We're seeing solid signs of recovery. It ain't over but I think we've started back up. At least the worst is over.

[Rick]

Rebel - I had a co-worker that accepted a promotion in mid-state New York around 1995-ish. Because of the way his property was set up the area he lived in was taxed by two districts. His real estate taxes, in 1995, were $1100 a month. Crazy stuff.

[Rick]

I probably took your post off target. If I did, I apologize. My whole point was the financial hardships, for the most part, have probably peaked. We're moving into a time of healing and recovery.

[NightShade]

I'd like to start with Term Limits for all elected offices, the president is limited, the people who really make the decission are there for life.

I hear what your sayin' and used to feel the same way. But, my opinion has evolved over the years and now I think the biggest problem facing our way of life is the apathy of your everyday Joe Public... I believe term limits would only increase this as many people would say, "(so and so) sux, but he'll be outta there in a few years anyways.. So who cares"

The people need to pay attention and take back their government from the Corrupt politicians.... Just my opinion and I certainly could be wrong

[Pal334]

I think we're all in agreement about living within your budget. The point of the post was so see if folks were ready for a financial hardship and what kind of back-up they had in mind.

Pal: The 65% came from a Glen Beck show during this months elections in NJ. I don't know the formula used for the percentage. I was in Rah Way, NJ a few months ago and noticed the real estate taxes for homes were about a thousand a month. Yikes!

No problems, Glen Beck is not noted for his veracity anyways. I have friends paying that and more in property taxes. Yes it is very steep here as far as taxes. I stick it out because the wages are high also and I have myself in a good place financially/budget wise. While I am here I make it one of my favorite sports to "sweat" the piggy politicians. In a couple years will walk away to a no mortgage place in upstate NY and let this place go the way it will.

We can wring our hands an moan and groan,or get involved!!! EVERY SINGLE "Little" vote does count!!!!

[rebel]

I probably took your post off target. If I did, I apologize. My whole point was the financial hardships, for the most part, have probably peaked. We're moving into a time of healing and recovery.

No apology necessary and I hope you're right about the recovery.

[Pal334]

I hear what your sayin' and used to feel the same way. But, my opinion has evolved over the years and now I think the biggest problem facing our way of life is the apathy of your everyday Joe Public... I believe term limits would only increase this as many people would say, "(so and so) sux, but he'll be outta there in a few years anyways.. So who cares"

The people need to pay attention and take back their government from the Corrupt politicians.... Just my opinion and I certainly could be wrong

There you go. Right on the spot. Apathy is our worst enemy. If I get into a conversation along these lines in person, and the other person indicates that they do not vote, I terminate my part of the conversation and make sure they know how little value I place on the opinion of a whiner who does nothing. Yes, I know it is brutish, rude and perhaps even not nice, but as the kids would say "thats the way I roll" (sheesh, I love that kind of talk )

[rebel]

upstate NY

Have you eaten at the biker bar Dinosaur BBQ? It's excellent.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/dinosaur-bar-b-que-syracuse

[pocomoonskyeyes]

There you go. Right on the spot. Apathy is our worst enemy. If I get into a conversation along these lines in person, and the other person indicates that they do not vote, I terminate my part of the conversation and make sure they know how little value I place on the opinion of a whiner who does nothing. Yes, I know it is brutish, rude and perhaps even not nice, but as the kids would say "thats the way I roll" (sheesh, I love that kind of talk )

You know Pal I was one of those that wouldn't vote and complained about all that junk.... Then I found myself arguing something from your point of view and realized how hypocritical I was being. (BTW it had nothing to do with politics, but the line of argument was still the same) So I have had to "check" myself and do some rethinking on where I really stand. I just "heard your voice" saying the same things I was saying. Time to get off my duff, I guess.

[Pal334]

Have you eaten at the biker bar Dinosaur BBQ? It's excellent.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/dinosaur-bar-b-que-syracuse

No , I haven't. But I will put it on my "to do" list. Mmm,, is it really a biker bar?

[Pal334]

You know Pal I was one of those that wouldn't vote and complained about all that junk.... Then I found myself arguing something from your point of view and realized how hypocritical I was being. (BTW it had nothing to do with politics, but the line of argument was still the same) So I have had to "check" myself and do some rethinking on where I really stand. I just "heard your voice" saying the same things I was saying. Time to get off my duff, I guess.

aaah,, I have been able to touch someone who was in the wilderness I also mention to folks "Your children and Grand children are depending on you"

[Rick]

I think the biggest problem facing our way of life is the apathy of your everyday Joe Public

You, my friend, are squarely on target. I agree 100%.

So I have had to "check" myself and do some rethinking on where I really stand.

Actually, an excellent and beneficial exercise for everyone. Re-examining your own position and the position of your dissenters is an excellent way to benchmark your core beliefs.

[SARKY]

Rick, one of the local talk shows requested from the state a list of all the bueracracies in the state govt. The redundancy is criminal! As is the BS retirement plan for the state workers. They also treat prison inmates better than our military is treated. Hell, a death row inmate got a heart transplant to the tune of about 1 millon dollars!!!???? WHY?????
These idiots can't balance the budget of the 8th largest economy in the WORLD!!!!! It is not a matter of money comming in, it's a matter of these morons spending it like drunken sailors!

[Rick]

I believe everything you just said. I've read a number of reports about the prison health care situation. Frankly, I don't understand it. On the outside it's okay to die from a heart ailment but not on the inside. Weird.

[Sarge47]

Gas will continue to climb and so will everything else. Nothing is being done for it not to increase in price. Food prices will also climb.

Here's the thing that's being overlooked here: The law of "Supply & Demand." It wasn't that long ago that we were paying over $4 a gallon for gas, yet, today we're far below that; why? because people QUIT BUYING WHEN THE PRICES GO UP! Then the sellers will either have to warehouse their goods or sell it at a lower price. Let's look at food, just because something goes up in price doesn't guarantee that Americans will go along with it. Recently the State of Illinois enacted a "Sin Tax" on any food product with sugar, including Twinkies! I recently bought a whole box of Twinkies & made like Rick, stuffing my face with them...cost? $1! It was from the "day-old" bread store; seems like folks weren't buying them near as much as they used to! 2 litre bottles of Pepsi Cola...$.69 each. When prices go up, sales go down, and the merchants have to do something to keep their products moving.

[Boker]

Prison will provide all that, plus free cable if you can afford the TV.

I mentioned prison as a valid retirement option on the first page.

[crashdive123]

Since you've mentioned it, and quoted yourself twice now, is that in your future plans?

[rebel]

No , I haven't. But I will put it on my "to do" list. Mmm,, is it really a biker bar?

It used to be more of a biker place. With the popularity, it's a mixed crowd.

[owl_girl]

pocomoonskyeyes did you have a vehicle when you were homeless?