Warning: Rant enclosed.

[BigBear]

Iamhunter - Thank you for the words and Bible verses. I am aware of the Christian principles. I wish more people would listen to them regardless of their personal religious beliefs; the world would truly be a better place.

I do not feel like we are living outside of our means. On the contrary we try to cut every excess we can (Steak dinners, cable, etc). I've sold off all the "unneeded" (blasephmous/sacriledge!) firearms. Heck, I don't even have ammo for them except for 50 rnds for my home defense firearm!

It's not living outside of our means... both our cars are paid off. Her's needs minor repairs while mine is a limping deathtrap. But they both work and get us from A to B. We don't have a 40 inch flatscreen TV etc. The problem is that everything is coming due (such as student loans) and things breaking (the car) etc. The apartment we live in will be raising the rent if we re-sign, which is iffy due to the job market.

We want to live debt free and are trying hard to get there, but with a combined debt of around $45K and barely making $30K combined a year... it gets hard sometimes, lol.

I do agree with Stuart though about renting is throwing money away. One day I will own my OWM 15 acres or so and have a self sustaining "farm". But until I know where I'll be, if we'll have kids (we want too but until finances get better and not knowing if we can even concieve, etc) .... I rent.

[Irving]

For the record, I rent as well. I F'ing hate it!

[GunTroll]

Haha, I used to play that song on my guitar when I was in high school.

Hippy! Did you go and change your name?

[Troublco]

I hear you, BigBear. I've dealt with the same things, and it's no fun. Good on you for keeping your focus on what's important. This is a hard time of year to be dealing with this stuff. But I'll pray for you, and hope that 2010 brings you better fortune. And everyone else here who's dealing with the same issues.

Stick to your guns (pun intended!) on the land thing. That was what my wife and I planned, but for various reasons it wound up not happening. I regret not having it, but I've done what I needed to. I've heard both sides on the renting thing, but I preferred to buy. Each to their own. But the land gives you a freedom that no house in the city will, no matter how big your backyard is. It also gives you a goal to focus on. Keep your eyes on it, and don't give up!

Rant anytime! All of us need somewhere to get it out of our systems sometimes. One thing I have learned in the military - when you have a group of like-minded folks with a common interest and/or focus that stick together, even virtually like this, it creates an environment that is like a family. My military years have given me an appreciation of close friends AND family that I doubt I'd have had otherwise, and that's where I've gotten most of my close friends. My non-military friends are ex-military or gun people. Common interest or background and generally a common mindset. It gives you something like Basic gives military folks - a common experience from which to build.

[ryanek9freak]

I hear you, BigBear. I've dealt with the same things, and it's no fun. Good on you for keeping your focus on what's important. This is a hard time of year to be dealing with this stuff. But I'll pray for you, and hope that 2010 brings you better fortune. And everyone else here who's dealing with the same issues.

Stick to your guns (pun intended!) on the land thing. That was what my wife and I planned, but for various reasons it wound up not happening. I regret not having it, but I've done what I needed to. I've heard both sides on the renting thing, but I preferred to buy. Each to their own. But the land gives you a freedom that no house in the city will, no matter how big your backyard is. It also gives you a goal to focus on. Keep your eyes on it, and don't give up!

Rant anytime! All of us need somewhere to get it out of our systems sometimes. One thing I have learned in the military - when you have a group of like-minded folks with a common interest and/or focus that stick together, even virtually like this, it creates an environment that is like a family. My military years have given me an appreciation of close friends AND family that I doubt I'd have had otherwise, and that's where I've gotten most of my close friends. My non-military friends are ex-military or gun people. Common interest or background and generally a common mindset. It gives you something like Basic gives military folks - a common experience from which to build.

I work for the army now, and although sometimes I bitch about my job, I have to remember to be thankful, and to remember what's going on outside that gate. Thankfully I have friends and family as well that will help my family out if we really need it.

[MrPrena]

We want to live debt free and are trying hard to get there, but with a combined debt of around $45K and barely making $30K combined a year... it gets hard sometimes, lol.

Economy and job markets are rough right now. People even tons of professional experience are having rough time finding a job. That include myself at this time.

I am on a same boat. My wife is collecting unemployment, and I barely make around what you quoted. Our investment early this year went down to 90% (i kid u not). We were so unhappy about our investment, but it picked up a lot after 2-3Q this year. Now, we are about 25% down.

One of my church member is trying real hard to get me a full time position. Sadly, it is an entry level position for fraction of what I use to get paid. However, I probably need that job to pay our bills.
Funny part is, she is a wife of president of that company, but having hard time taking me into their company. It is just sad.... It is sad, because even with the full support from a president of the company, it is hard to get an entry level position.
Whereas his son is about same age as I am. He has an EXE VP position at his parents' company, and manages about 150-160 employees (incl 2 VPs, and about ~15PhD's).

I struggle and worry every day about my future. I sometimes wish my parents had a huge huge trust fund or a huge Russel2000 level company that I can take over...

[Blubyue]

This should help explain

[BigBear]

Blubyue, that's hilarious. Hope he never has to move too quickly, he'll trip.

Mr Prena, hope things work out.

[two shoes]

This should help explain

Thanks! It all makes sense now.... That is some funny stuff!

[Troublco]

This should help explain

I'm not sure what to think of clothes like this. I'm sure they probably cost more than regular jeans, and equally sure they almost don't qualify as clothes.

Personally, I'd love to see the guy get tossed in to the running of the bulls, just to see how fast he really could run if he needed to.