40% would suck. Mine is actually 8%, bu they're raising the cost for medical so it's actually more in line of 10. I can survive, but with the county state and every damn utility company coming after more money, eventually it gets to be people wanting more than you have. Why is it always the taxpayer that has to do without when the utilities and state can come to us for more? The "belt tightening" thing should apply to all.

if it gets bad, i know a few places i can cut--you should get a plan together too.

i guess i was hit hard because we made the once-in-3-years trip home for New Years (pricy)...then a 5-day hospital stay for an appendix (a couple of grand). and income down 15%. My wife is going back to her hometown tomorrow with what's left of the cash. as of wednesday, i had about $10 in the bank, and i put $52 in my wife's account, so she could have $55.

but, we are going to be ok. just a hard 3 months.

Move to California?

Hell, you're welcome to. The state government officials are in the process of raping every responsible citizen. You'd be just in time to line up for the experience.

Even thought the Dems have gotten the lion's share of the blame for the failure to meet the budget; the Repubs voted along with them to raise taxes to UNHEARD of levels. The Teacher's Union is like a black hole--every little bit they get is never enough. Our schools SUCK ASS--LAUSD graduation rate is 50%. 50%! How these son-of-bitches keep their jobs is beyond me.

I really could go on and on about where the blame lies. Truly, it is on the elected officials, both Dem and Repub, Schwarzenegger for not mitigating and resolving the problems long before they got to this level, the unions, the illegal immigrants sucking the resources of the state dry, etc, etc, etc.

Sure, come here and try to make a living.

I work in healthcare, and am grateful I have a decent job. Truly, I am blessed, and I try to give thanks every day. I am not facing imminent layoffs, and will hopefully get an increase in May. I am sorry for those of you who are experiencing the opposite. With prayers and luck, it is my hope that everyone remain healthy, safe and happy.

fret

Unemployment only pays out 60%.

I have spent the last 2 months looking for a job since I knew the layoff was coming--they gave me 60 days notice--next Friday 3/27 is my last day. But there are very few jobs out there and there are hundreds applying to each one. I haven't gotten any responses whatsoever. Not a single call or interview. I called 4 different temp agencies and none of them have any openings either. Luckily for me one of the agents here has agreed to pay me to work a little for her to help supplement. But then I have to deal with a 1099 and having to pay almost 30% taxes on it next year when I file my taxes.

It is one thing trying to live within your means but when your means includes a 40% drop in pay, an increase in utility bills, a big increase in health care costs and who knows what other increases there are, it is very hard to do that. Plus I have an ex who decided that paying child support is optional. Already it ends as of June when she graduates but he has spent 8 of the last 12 months in serious arrears. He pays just enough every now and then not to end up in jail for contempt. This time he is about 2 1/2 months behind. That puts a hurting on things especially when you have to pay for college applications, then the deposit to sucure your spot and the deposit for housing. Trust me, we have cut back--way back. But there are only so many places to cut. We have even considered selling the house. But who knows how much we could get and it isn't worth selling for a loss.

#23 I was being sarcastic ! LOL

You are in the right field of work my friend.

wow. lady hay...i had no idea it was THAT serious. selling the house is big. hope the cigar business picks up...it is getting warmer...

Start selling CIGARS !!!!! LadyHay !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We have been selling quite a few cigars lately. Orders have picked up a lot. I am guessing it is because of the tax coming soon and the warmer weather finally heading our way but that money goes right back into the business.

Hope sales continues, I think you are correct, I just bid on my 500th box of Reds last night and won.

What Ram & Topper said. Could be a LOT worse, bro.

Hang tough & cut back on the $20 smokes. LOL

In the midst of all this, our local school district managed to pass a $55 per $100k property tax bond issue.

Be happy you have a relatively secure job.

The rich must pay their fair share!

Ram - CA sales tax is 7.75%. Until April 1st, when they f***ing raise it to 8.75%.

Rotten bassards.

The government (satate and fed) is getting too big. We need a new revolution. I got my guns.

A little short on ammo, though...