Warning: Rant enclosed.

[Irving]

Coraline is going on my top 25 movies of all time list, in large part because of the soundtrack. I think it is more Henry Seilick than Tim Burton. I thought it was a better movie than Nightmare Before Christmas, but others might disagree.

[iamhunter]

Sorry to hear about the rough times. I hope things get better for you.

The only advice I can give, and probably the best advice that many people never hear:

Get out of your debt, and never touch another loan in your life. A house, a car, these things are not "investments". You are better off renting and apt. and riding the bus before you take out a loan. Biblical speaking (for those to whom it is applicable) we're not supposed to live beyond our means, and our definately not supposed to be debtors.

My wifes parents rented until their mid-40s and just bought their first house amidst this chaotic economy. But you know what? They now own their cars, and own their house. No payments. No stress. They're very happy.

Take my parents on the other hand, they took a loan out on a $400,000 house around 05 and are now upside down and owe $350,000 on a house worth $220,000 in the current market. Luckily I talked them into short selling it and renting. Atleast they won't be a slave to some banker.


Many of us had to learn the debt lesson the hard way. Take my advice and the above examples.


Live debt free. Be no one's slave.

BigBear, it seems like you have your head on straight early enough in life.
I'm sure everything will turn out just fine for you.

Lastly, if you are so inclined, check out Matthew 6:25-34. Great words of encouragement in hard times.

[Irving]

Some of that is terrible advice. Renting is just throwing away money. As long as you can afford your mortgage, it doesn't matter what your house is worth (well there are a few exceptions to that, like the value it is insured for).

[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!

[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.