Life During A Recession Isn't All Bad

Nothing like a recession to bring prices down.

When we bought our house in New Jersey last year, the home inspector told us that the towering ash tree in front was rotting. So, before closing on the house, we got a couple of bids to remove it. We figured it would cost $4,000 or so.

Wrong.

Read the whole story here.

Comments

[NWBrunette]

Wow, I'm glad you're finding deals. Prices are actually going up for many products at area stores around me. Just regular old grocery stores and Target and the like. Sure there's bargains on cheap merchandise that didn't sell over the last couple years, but your regular everyday stuff isn't going for cheaper. Often the prices keep marching up and up, as though as there wasn't a recession. Even the resale shops (like Goodwill) have raised their prices lately.

[AZBunny]

Being in a recession ain't so bad as long as you manage to hold onto your job. BUT you may be the only one in your family who does manage that and your funds will be going to help out.

In a few months you might no be feeling so swell about spending that money to get that tree removed.

We are NOT taking a vacation this year and we've cut back on everything stashing as much money as possible.

[getoffthecross]

Did anyone read this tripe?

"Hey, I'm getting more work done for less! The half-mil house I wanted to buy might only be $400k! The grocery has more discounts! Being in a recession isn't all that bad!"

How does this guy make a living? And by that I mean, how has he even mastered putting on his clothes in the morning?

Dude, the new price for tree removal involves a loss to the tree service that desparately needs the money. The person selling the home for less is probably underwater on the mortgage. And the grocery store is laying people off while slashing prices. Your conveniences come at the cost of other's livlihoods. WAKE THE F UP!

[sandiegoconservative]

So, if someone is not suffereing, they should not take advantage of a deal they can possibly get?

I have never seen lower prices at the supermarket then I have seen recently. As such, I have been able to replenish my emergency food supply for over a month for my family at a cost of about $100.00. Am I a bad person for buying bulk now?

[getoffthecross]

Taking advantage of something is different than crowing about it ignorantly.

[Nyk]

Hey, I've been living like I was in a recession all my life, if I want to take advantage now that everyone has to live the way I've lived for 44 years I will. Why? Because now I have the money and you don't. If people hadn't bought things they couldn't afford we wouldn't be in this situation in the first place. And the price of lots of groceries has gone up, like bread and beef, its not all roses, but I'll take what roses I can get right now as it may not last long.

[getoffthecross]

Quite the humanitarian, aren't you? Are you really sure the tree specialist was living above his means BEFORE having to cut his prices due to deflated business this year? Do you continue to pat yourself on the back while the elderly bag your groceries?

I live in South Florida, where it's usually impossible to drive around during rush hour or get a table at a restaurant during the season (Jan-Mar). No such problems this year. And I've heard more people say, "I'd rather have to deal with the traffic than see so many businesses boarded up," than I've heard say, "At least the traffic's lite and I can get a table at Outback without waiting an hour!" Why? Because that Outback might not be there much longer.

"Because I have the money and you don't." If that doesn't sum up what's infuriating about the article, I don't know what will. Personally, the downturn hasn't hit me yet. But it's effected a LOT of friends and family. Be as you will, but I don't think I'll attempt to cheer them up the next time I hear about 500 applicants going for the same job as them or how much less their home is worth now by saying, "but I'm getting such a great deal on landscaping! And that McMansion I've been waiting for is just about in sight!"

[nomoredead]

I'm with you Nyk......g­ood travel bargains out there too.... Bought a small farm 4 months ago, great price.. Like you,. I have been living like I'm in a recession for the past 20 years. Driving the same little 1990 car for the past 17 years and I share my apartment with 2 great roommates. Now ...if you bought two SUVs and a Mc Mansion to keep up with the Jones, too bad.

[nomoredead]

NOOOO ! Not the ' recession hot dog ' picture again.