Are you better off now than you were 8 years ago?

[wordsmythe]

That's the question that McCain was asked recently and I'm curious as to everyone else's response.

Remember this isn't a question of do you think the COUNTRY is better off but you and your individual situations.

[88-31-10]

No! Without a doubt. I am keeping less of my income for myself (savings).
The cost of living is accelerating at a rate that wages are not.
Food, fuel, utilities, insurance. You get the idea........

[88-31-10]

Don't wanna sidetrack the thread, but I think this is related.
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President Bush said tax rebates will start going out Monday, earlier than previously announced, and should help Americans cope with rising gasoline and food prices, as well as aid a slumping economy..........................

Bush says rebates going out Monday should help economy - Yahoo! News

[hugz]

Finacially, yes because eight years ago i was a poor college student working a few hours a week. Now i actually have money in my pocket due to a full time job. And i can afford what i need.

[357 mag]

I agree with hugz, although I was not a college student, I was only 19 and working part time jobs to get by. I now have money to pay all my bills and don't have to rely on my parents to help me.

[Craigb]

NO, in one word! Not even close! After becoming disabled and unable to work things have gone straight down the tubers! The cost of living is just out of control. I am not talking anything but exsisting. No frills at all! Lord everything has just kept going up and up. All except the money you have in your pockets, which is NONE! lolo

[Justoo]

The meager raises that I get each year in my current profession do not keep up with inflation. And the higher paying job that I had 8 yrs ago is no longer available to anyone.

[Flying Dutchman]

I am making over twice what I did 8 years ago. I also have twice the bills it seems, but I am more financially stable. I am better off, though, not because of the government or economy but because of my wife who is a serious miser and got my credit completely repaired.

[ksgrainman]

YES I am 'better off' than I was 8 yrs ago. Some have nothing to do with the current Administration, some does. With the lower interest rates and the stock market we have paid off all our debts. With lower Federal tax rates ( but higher She'llBillUs and local rates) we have mantained.
6 yrs ago I lost my best friend EVER to pancriatic cancer, his family and mine have farmed together for 3 generations, and he was my BROTHER, When he died is hit me like a rock. I decided(and told my family ) that I was going to start giving instead of bithching and thinking others owed me. So I have. It's what I call Paying Forward, things one can do to make others lives better or at least feel better. It doesn't take money to do, it takes commitment. Find something, or things, that you feel will help others. Too much time is spent complaining about what and why,(blaming others for the situation we are in) instead of getting off our asses and doing something about it. The fuel prices controlled by Muslims, the food cost(4% increase), health care, and so on. WAKE UP. YOU control you own destiny!
I joined the Patriot Guard Rides because it was the RIGHT THING to do, I welcome you to do the same. It has nothing to do if you believe in being in IRAQ or not. It is about honoring those the served the USA and us. Come join us.
My vehicles all run on Ethanol, farm equip on bio fuel, because it is OURS. And it has been for the best! Less problems and on vehicles better mileage.
I could give a rats azz if you are Republican, or democrat, I know what works for me.
So my feeling is(my opinon only) when we bitch about what is and what might be and what should be, just STOP, go look in the mirrror, and ask yourselves What Have I Done,

Sorry for the loooooooooooooong post!


This short video might make you think things over,www.TheDashMovie.com

Grainman

[dustinwadams5]

Me personally i'd have to say no lol. My marriage of 7 years is going down the drain and financially i'm struggling to go back to school and make ends meet for my family. Add to that the fact that my wife and kids were recently evicted for falsified reasons to fit the landlord's needs. It's been one hell of a year so far lol.