How is the downturn in the economy affecting you?

[goombay]

I'm curious if the economic woes are affecting you and how. Are you changing the way you do jazzfest? How long you stay...where you stay...are you cutting back on other things to be able to do jazzfest....or are you having to skip jazzfest altogether (bummer). Also, what other areas in your life is it affecting. Just curious. I myself will have to put some of jazzfest on the credit card and pay off over the next few months.

[mightyradgumbo]

I am working a part time job to keep down my debt (and to finance my JF trip and pending move to NOLA ;) ).

[almarco]

Im buying less olives...oh the agony.

[water angel]

I've been working for 2 years without a salary (a labor of love). Have $0. Not sure when I'll have some. I live in Detroit where the economy is really getting slammed. BUT, no lack of $$ can keep me from Fest. It's what keeps me whole. I don't need cable, a cellphone/bluetooth/blackberry, ipod, flat screen tv, new car, new clothes, etc. By living creatively, I can make it alot farther than most can imagine.....specifically, on to Fest.

I've learned over many years of festing that there are some people who are just supposed to be there & the planets will align in a way that'll make it happen as it should.

[Muffaletta Diver]

It's been great! My house staff asks for fewer days off for fear of angering me. In addition, I am able to pay them even lower wages since there are fewer menial labor jobs available.

I'm investing heavily in stocks, bonds and olive futures...it's like buying on sale!

Note: The above is dripping with sarcasm. While comfortable, we are feeling it like everyone else. It's like many tiny pinches...the cumulative effect eventually becoming a fairly sore butt. It's not one thing we are feeling...its the combination of a lot of little things.

[nolanatalie]

Selling our house in Cali was no picnic, but now that that's behind us, we're enjoying looking around here in a buyer's market . . . As for fest, that's an automatic, no matter what is going on!

[ohio]

I'm a telecomm contractor and although it's somewhat of a market resistant industry, stagnant new home construction and the cost of fuel is definitely taking a bite out of th bottom line. My company saw growth and increasing profits until end of '06. In '07 during the rapid decline of new home sales, it leveled off. I expect that to be the trend for this year as well. Hopefully.

[Frosty]

Simple, no more domestic escorts for me.

[nolanatalie]

Bad times are good times for lawyers though, mama's keeping busy . . .

[Zydekitten]

Im buying less olives...oh the agony.
I'm not buying any - an easy thing to do to save $ ;)

[Mexi]

I work in commercial advertising, as a Food Stylist, and I am feeling it big-time! Usually, this time of year business is hoppin. I typically work on average of 1 photo shoot a week, which last from 1-3 days. Since the beggining of Dec. I've worked only 3 days- total! Shoots got cancelled or cut to 1-day instead of 3.

We are managing to come to JF but have opted to fly into Baton Rouge instead of MSY and stay in Metairie to save $$$. Also, we are sharing our hotel room & rental car , and, decided to skip Thursday's Fest and instead spend some time in the qtr. and catch a night show. I don't know about anyone else, but it seemed to me that prices on hotel & air were much higher this year than last...supply & demand? My husband also booked us an extended stay type of hotel with a kitchenette, so we could have some food & bevs handy and spend less out. lol. We gave ourselves a pre-determined budget for pretty much Everything, so we don't miss anything, yet don't go completely out of control. lol. The last time my husband accompanied me to JF was on our honeymoon, so we will have SOME fun this trip ;)

[ohio]

Good that you're still able to make the Fest! I spent my honeymoon at Fest too, 24 years ago (omg!).

[almarco]

Good that you're still able to make the Fest! I spent my honeymoon at Fest too, 24 years ago (omg!).

Mental note , never use ohio and fest virgin in the same sentence.

[marignygreg]

Well....my business relies on new housing and is on its deathbed. We invested our money in real estate and are watching our net worth shrink by the week. And as of last month we are down to one car as I cannot afford to fix my Caddie, much less insure it. The good news is we are coming to fest, though we may skip a day to save $$$. I may be selling one of my New Orleans houses this year (if I can) to reduce some debt:( Still loving life.....

[Lester_leaps_in]

I'm ok for this year. I paid for everything last year when I booked it, and I've accumulated enough spending money (I hope).

JF09, however, will be a challenge for me if this downward economic spiral continues.

Fiddle dee dee, I'll worry about that tomorrow.

[Mexi]

Locals, what are you currently paying at the pump? We have already hit $4 in my neck of tha woods.

[swampwoman]

Locals, what are you currently paying at the pump? We have already hit $4 in my neck of tha woods.

$3.13 for regular - on average

[stlbarb]

I'm not buying any - an easy thing to do to save $ ;)

having the family jewels cleaned less often.

[mamaroux]

I'm curious if the economic woes are affecting you and how. Are you changing the way you do jazzfest? How long you stay...where you stay...are you cutting back on other things to be able to do jazzfest....or are you having to skip jazzfest altogether (bummer). Also, what other areas in your life is it affecting. Just curious. I myself will have to put some of jazzfest on the credit card and pay off over the next few months.

We're thinking of driving down... because of some medical crap of mine, I have delayed in purchasing plane tickets. What used to cost 180 to 220 for a RT ticket from PHL to MSY is now more than double that! The price of heating oil has put a big dent in our pockets this winter, too... suddenly it's $600+ a month to heat the house, and on top of that Papa's car decided to die, so he's been using my Grand Marquis, which gets relatively good gas milage... about 22 to 24 mpg but still, it's $45.00 to get it filled. Yeah, this economy sucks, and I'm waiting to find out if the County governing board will decide to move me up from the local library to the county library pay scale... but I'm not going to hold my breath on that one...sigh.

This is the first time we're staying at a hotel, we normally stay with friends, so there's a difference, because I won't have a kitchen to cook in, even though we normally would go out quite a bit, we certainly didn't go out for dinner every night, and we'd spend some evenings at home with Nick and the dog.

[denideadhead]

NOW THAT U MENTIONED IT!!

March 2008

Hi Family and Friends

If you can help! The YMCA where I work here in Naugatuck is in some need of your support. Due to the current economy our operating costs as an agency are increasing !!
At the same time the YMCA has lost some major donors as Peter Paul, Risdon and Uniroyal have closed thier plants here.
More people than ever in our community are affected by rising prices and the layoffs, many are trying to support families on minimum wage jobs.
The YMCA also installed an elevator in December making the facility more accessible to the disabled and elderly. The Y does not deny service to anyone and our requests for subsidized membersips and programs are increasing!!
We are in a bit of crunch. We have taken aggressive measures to limit spending and maximize revenue through new programs. We have cut staff and facility hours and still need to raise $40,000 additional dollars over last years contributuons to avoid a deficit.

I am trying to raise $2,500 for the cause!
AND TRUST ME EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS!

If you can contribute anything it would be greatly appreciated. I have started a chipin so you can donate with a credit card or paypal.
CLICK ON THIS LINK

http://friendoftheymca.chipin.com/naugatuck-ymca-circle-of-giving (http://friendoftheymca.chipin.com/naugatuck-ymca-circle-of-giving)


or You can send a check to the YMCA by printing out the form below and mailing it to the YMCA!

The Y Website if you want to check us out is www.naugatuckymca.org (http://www.naugatuckymca.org/) or CALL ME if you have a question 203 729-9622 ext 25
If you would like to pass this message on please feel free to do so.
Thanks!! I appreciate it even if all you can send are good thoughts!!
Peace
Denise


The Naugatuck YMCA Friends of the Y Circle of Giving
"Gifts That Grow Strong Kids, Strong Families, Strong Communities"

Your support helps in benefiting over 600 people annually who without your help would not be able to partake in the programs made available to them by the Naugatuck YMCA’s Friends of the Y Campaign.
It is through the generosity of people like you that the Y can continue to fulfill its purpose of being open and accessible to everyone in the community. This includes but is not limited to:

Preschool and Nursery School programs
Family programs
Activities for individuals with special needs
Free swim hours for seniors
Programs for young people to enrich their lives
Afterschool & Day Camp programs
Youth Sports & Recreational programsWe hope you will consider a tax-deductible donation to
The Y’s Circle of Giving.


Sincerely,
Chuck Beebe and Jeanine Le Vasseur
Campaign Chairs

[mamaroux]

Locals, what are you currently paying at the pump? We have already hit $4 in my neck of tha woods.

Yikes! really? Regular is just hitting $3 here. When I filled up on thur it was 2.97.9 a gallon here in SOUTHERN NJ

[denideadhead]

$3.37 here ...and unlike Jersey We pump our own :mad:

[denideadhead]

I work in commercial advertising, as a Food Stylist, and I am feeling it big-time! Usually, this time of year business is hoppin. I typically work on average of 1 photo shoot a week, which last from 1-3 days. Since the beggining of Dec. I've worked only 3 days- total! Shoots got cancelled or cut to 1-day instead of 3.

We are managing to come to JF but have opted to fly into Baton Rouge instead of MSY and stay in Metairie to save $$$. Also, we are sharing our hotel room & rental car , and, decided to skip Thursday's Fest and instead spend some time in the qtr. and catch a night show. I don't know about anyone else, but it seemed to me that prices on hotel & air were much higher this year than last...supply & demand? My husband also booked us an extended stay type of hotel with a kitchenette, so we could have some food & bevs handy and spend less out. lol. We gave ourselves a pre-determined budget for pretty much Everything, so we don't miss anything, yet don't go completely out of control. lol. The last time my husband accompanied me to JF was on our honeymoon, so we will have SOME fun this trip ;)
Here's to Romance on a budget Let us know !!

[saturn]

I'm curious if the economic woes are affecting you and how. Are you changing the way you do jazzfest? How long you stay...where you stay...are you cutting back on other things to be able to do jazzfest....or are you having to skip jazzfest altogether (bummer). Also, what other areas in your life is it affecting. Just curious. I myself will have to put some of jazzfest on the credit card and pay off over the next few months.

In regards to attending Jazzfest, we are in a different situation than the rest -- it is actually easier for us. The first years we attended, the Canadian dollar was worth less than 70¢ US, so it was really expensive. Now, the Canadian dollar sits at par (and somedays, better), New Orleans is a bargain, relatively speaking. :)

My job is stable. I teach nursing and with the nursing shortage and the fact that people tend to enrol in school during an economic slowdown, I am working harder than ever. Hubby is retired and doing OK.

But, gas prices -- that's another story. Gas is over $1 per litre -- and that works out to about $4 a gallon. :(

[stlbarb]

I work in commercial advertising, as a Food Stylist, and I am feeling it big-time! Usually, this time of year business is hoppin. I typically work on average of 1 photo shoot a week, which last from 1-3 days. Since the beggining of Dec. I've worked only 3 days- total! Shoots got cancelled or cut to 1-day instead of 3.

We are managing to come to JF but have opted to fly into Baton Rouge instead of MSY and stay in Metairie to save $$$. Also, we are sharing our hotel room & rental car , and, decided to skip Thursday's Fest and instead spend some time in the qtr. and catch a night show. I don't know about anyone else, but it seemed to me that prices on hotel & air were much higher this year than last...supply & demand? My husband also booked us an extended stay type of hotel with a kitchenette, so we could have some food & bevs handy and spend less out. lol. We gave ourselves a pre-determined budget for pretty much Everything, so we don't miss anything, yet don't go completely out of control. lol. The last time my husband accompanied me to JF was on our honeymoon, so we will have SOME fun this trip ;)

What a cool job, too bad gigs are slow.
we love staying in metairie for fest. not only is it cheaper, but its really quite convenient for the places we go. we drive to NOLA, no need to rent cars and overnite parking in the city is pricey.
we're at the Residence Inn (nice) again this year, did the Sunsuites (cheap) last year. love having a full fridge, we freeze water bottles for festival.
under 15 minutes to fest (610 to racetrack exit). 8 minutes to Rock n Bowl, but its trickey, you have to use the exit before carrolton. its not far to Southport, Mapleleaf & Carrolton Station. about 20 minutes to Frenchmen (park on cheap lots off Elysian Fields - good for day trips to 1/4 also).
plenty of cheap eats in the 'burbs'. we do a Popeyes night to help the budget. try the RiverShack for cheap eats and free music. take the causeway to the River Road and turn right. its on the corner at Shrewsberry. menu: http://www.therivershacktavern.com/rivershack/index.htm

[Mexi]

What a cool job, too bad gigs are slow.
we love staying in metairie for fest. not only is it cheaper, but its really quite convenient for the places we go. we drive to NOLA, no need to rent cars and overnite parking in the city is pricey.
we're at the Residence Inn (nice) again this year, did the Sunsuites (cheap) last year. love having a full fridge, we freeze water bottles for festival.
under 15 minutes to fest (610 to racetrack exit). 8 minutes to Rock n Bowl, but its trickey, you have to use the exit before carrolton. its not far to Southport, Mapleleaf & Carrolton Station. about 20 minutes to Frenchmen (park on cheap lots off Elysian Fields - good for day trips to 1/4 also).
plenty of cheap eats in the 'burbs'. we do a Popeyes night to help the budget. try the RiverShack for cheap eats and free music. take the causeway to the River Road and turn right. its on the corner at Shrewsberry. menu: http://www.therivershacktavern.com/rivershack/index.htm


Thanks STLBARB for the info & reccomendations! We are booked @ Days Inn in Metairie, but some of our friends are @ the Residence ( was sold-out when we tried to book). Where do you usually park for fest? ( I won't tell anyone ;) ) If you park at Marconi Meadows, is it too far to walk to the fairgrounds from there? Is that just crazy? Maybe I'll see you @ the Residence or at Popeyes. lol ;)

[Mexi]

Here's to Romance on a budget Let us know !!

LOL! Yeah, boy! Romance on a Budget...I like that....because it's true. We are sharing our room with another couple so we may have to use the ol' towel-on-the-doorknob signal.

[festivalgirl]

Unemployment at 8 months and unfortunately counting. :( Unemployment Extended Benefits were taken off the Stimulus Package table so I'm scrambling to pick-up a day's work where I can .... with thousands of other people.

I'm not sure LA will ever really recover from the strike because it's really changed the industry. $50 million a day loss put a lot of people & businesses into debt. Steve's company does trailers & effects solely for film so they've been working but there were layoffs. We've always lived within our means so we've pretty much only had to cut back on the extras so far.

Gas here is anywhere from $3.40 - $4.00+ per gallon. I'm taking public transpo when I can.

All that being said ..... bought our JF train tickets with my severance pay, got in on the HI deal, Jazzfestchic bought us our tickets at the arena early price to avoid TM charges and the rebate check in May or June should cover the NOLA credit card charges. This bored has really, really helped make this trip possible!!! :)

Big hugs & kisses to all of you!!

[Phatpapa]

having the family jewels cleaned less often.

They might get a little smelly, huh?

As far as the economy, I am in the travel and tourism industry in the mountains. We have had a banner year as far as snowfall which is what drives my business. The more we have the more guests we take care of. The economy has'nt seemed to hurt the guest wallet either.

So, JF for me is not too painful to my wallet. I am saving a bundle on lodging because it's a freebie. Air and car are already paid for, so now it's just tickets to the night shows, a couple of fest tickets and food/beverages

Is it Jazz Fest yet???

Gas here is $3.09

[KateMW]

Bad times are good times for lawyers though, mama's keeping busy . . .
I was just about to post the same thing. Husband is super busy right now.

[mightyradgumbo]

Gas prices here run anywhere from 3.09 to 3.20 depending on the day :confused: One place even has different prices at night than they do during the day..WTF? I drive a Chevy Blazer and it gets about 20 miles/gal so I cannot complain as it its an 8 year old truck and I have had it for 2.5 years of it. I am hoping for a break in prices as I am making the big move to NOLA and will be towing a u-haul trailer in June. Might have to use that stimulus check to cover gas costs lol

[ozzie]

Sorry for those of you doing it tough.

We're in the same boat as Saturn... last year we were getting something like 74 US cents for our dollar and now it's about 93 cents. Spread over airfares, accomm, brass passes, show tickets, raffle, poster, Fest4Kidz, etc... that is an enormous saving.

Our economy is still strong but mortgage interest rates have gone up several times in the last couple of months and a lot of folk are starting to worry. Paid $1.48 a litre at the pump yesterday.

As an aside, one of our politicians is flagging a programme to bring in construction industry workers from the US. Our unemployment is at a record low and folk simply can't get workers.... just about anywhere in the country.

Roll on Jazz Fest!

[Mexi]

Sorry for those of you doing it tough.

We're in the same boat as Saturn... last year we were getting something like 74 US cents for our dollar and now it's about 93 cents. Spread over airfares, accomm, brass passes, show tickets, raffle, poster, Fest4Kidz, etc... that is an enormous saving.

Roll on Jazz Fest!

Now that's good news! Especially since you're traveling so far. On the plane ride home from our very 1st fest, I told my husband that "now that I've been, I couldn't imagine ever missing it". It's like mandatory...or the Mob...once you're in, you're in for life! LOL :D

[bobatude]

i dont want to suggest that the metro detroit economy is any worse than any other part of the country but we have been on the economic decline for a while now, my remodliong bussiness normally starts to get some steam in march and traditionaly gets rolling in late april, that being said i booked this trip on a leap of faith, the group i taravel w/ and my self have scaled back to where are room and air fare cost less than we noramlly spend for just our lodging, i look forward to the new experience, and will continiue to keep my nose to the grind stone and beleive all will be good, i am excited about helping new orleans economy

[glinda]

Haven't planned on changing my fest spending much. But I need to. I'm self-employed and business is definitely slower than the past few years. Working from my home office, I drive very little so the gas prices have little direct impact. But since I have no paid "sick leave" or "vacation" and have to fund 100% of my own retirement... well, the economic news just makes me tense and nervous.

Maybe I should move to Australia.

[stlbarb]

Thanks STLBARB for the info & reccomendations! We are booked @ Days Inn in Metairie, but some of our friends are @ the Residence ( was sold-out when we tried to book). Where do you usually park for fest? ( I won't tell anyone ;) ) If you park at Marconi Meadows, is it too far to walk to the fairgrounds from there? Is that just crazy? Maybe I'll see you @ the Residence or at Popeyes. lol ;)

we park in the neighborhood irght outside the pedestrian entrance (sauvage).
we have arranged parking, but there are always folks trying to flag us in to their yard, etc for parking. that close, expect to pay $20-35.
i know lots of people walk from MM. i guess it depends upon how much stuff you're hauling.
what are your travel dates? you cant get the RI for less than 5 nights on JF weekends.

[sophisticated sissy]

I've noticed price changes in nearly everything. I've cut back on personal luxury items, for example, I see my massage therapist about 1 time per month instead of twice; don't pay for manicure/pedicure/facials @ the salon- do it myself; when purchasing new clothing, I make sure it doesn't have to be dry cleaned; a 2nd property with an ARM was refinanced to secure a fixed rate mortgage; holding back on buying a new car. Just gonna sit tight for a while.

Of course, my cutting back on the things above affects the people at the dry cleaners, salon, etc. Right now, it's mostly about anxiety because we don't know how deep this economic downturn will go. I hope things will look up soon. I know it won't change anything, but I probably will grow more vegetables in the garden this year than in the recent past.

[Mexi]

what are your travel dates? you cant get the RI for less than 5 nights on JF weekends.

Ooh... that's probably what it was then. We are only staying 4-nights. Oh well...we are booked at the Days which has gotten really good reviews recently on Trip Advisor. We can use our friends freezer at Residence for freezing our water bottles.

[Carolina Beadhead]

... Paid $1.48 a litre at the pump yesterday....

So that means you're paying around $5.68/gal.

:eek:

[stlbarb]

So that means you're paying around $5.68/gal.

:eek:

hope she got kissed first

[stlbarb]

...and unlike Jersey We pump our own

hehehehe

[Lester_leaps_in]

How is the downturn in the economy affecting me??? It's pissing me off, that's how!

[ohio]

Haven't planned on changing my fest spending much. But I need to. I'm self-employed and business is definitely slower than the past few years. Working from my home office, I drive very little so the gas prices have little direct impact. But since I have no paid "sick leave" or "vacation" and have to fund 100% of my own retirement... well, the economic news just makes me tense and nervous.

Maybe I should move to Australia.
Very similar situation to mine, but I have to pay my subcontracters a surcharge for fuel--- it's only fair. Hurts my bottom line, but I think we need to share the burden whenever possible.

[ohio]

I've noticed price changes in nearly everything. I've cut back on personal luxury items, for example, I see my massage therapist about 1 time per month instead of twice; don't pay for manicure/pedicure/facials @ the salon- do it myself; when purchasing new clothing, I make sure it doesn't have to be dry cleaned; a 2nd property with an ARM was refinanced to secure a fixed rate mortgage; holding back on buying a new car. Just gonna sit tight for a while.

Of course, my cutting back on the things above affects the people at the dry cleaners, salon, etc. Right now, it's mostly about anxiety because we don't know how deep this economic downturn will go. I hope things will look up soon. I know it won't change anything, but I probably will grow more vegetables in the garden this year than in the recent past.
And that's the rub- some small businesses will be hurt severely...

[rosetree]

That's so true Bryan...:(
My business takes a big hit when discretionary spending slows down. People don't spend money on extras when they see and hear that we are going to enter a "R". It is a "self-fulfilling prophecy" at some point. The more the news is reporting it, the less people spend and like you said, the small businesses suffer.
I saw it at my big wholesale show last month. People are taking a "circle the wagons" attitude. They are waiting to see what happens in November. Hopefully, whoever is elected will put the economy on the fast track and make the decisions to strengthen it.
As for now, I am looking for new opportunities to market my work. I am looking at doing more corporate awards and gifts. Hopefully I can offer companies and people who buy gifts a much nicer option than buying a cookie-cutter piece of trash from China.

[ohio]

YYR. Sorry that we all have to go through this. Time to pay the piper I'd say. The appetite for cheap goods that has been cultivated in this country over the last decade or more, is now rearing it's ugly head. In my part of the country, funding & planning for mass transit has been ignored. Now that fuel prices are quickly rising, most blue collar workers will be scrambling just to pay for transportation to their jobs. "Luxury" items will be just that.


Death to Walmart!

[jazzfestchic]

I am going to Toys R Us tomorrow to buy 2 big wheels... No more time for the cars!!! If you c us on I10, we would luv a ride!! :)

[festivalgirl]

I am going to Toys R Us tomorrow to buy 2 big wheels... No more time for the cars!!! If you c us on I10, we would luv a ride!! :)

Hahahahahah!!!! Do they have battery operated ones? ;) BTW, what are you doing up so late?

[NeenAtlanta]

That's so true Bryan...:(
My business takes a big hit when discretionary spending slows down. People don't spend money on extras when they see and hear that we are going to enter a "R". It is a "self-fulfilling prophecy" at some point. The more the news is reporting it, the less people spend and like you said, the small businesses suffer.


YYR Rosie! My husband Joe is a musician and his gigs have fallen off dramatically. People aren't spending money to go out and hear live music when they have to watch every penny.

Now that Spring is here, the festival season is starting and his gigs are starting to pick up. The festivals are free, so they still draw big crowds.

Unfortunately though, any form of Art suffers first when times get tight.

[Belle]

While lots of stuff is costing more...the food is killing me. Got two big football playing boys with tons of friends that call our house home. The food bill has always been high around here but it is really going up.

Oh and college tuition increases are a concern but my oldest is getting a pretty good ride but I feel sorry for them trying to feed him on the meal ticket.;)

We are owners of a home building and remodeling business. Mostly remodeling these days. But it still pretty good.

[stlbarb]

While lots of stuff is costing more...the food is killing me. Got two big football playing boys with tons of friends that call our house home. The food bill has always been high around here but it is really going up.

Oh and college tuition increases are a concern but my oldest is getting a pretty good ride but I feel sorry for them trying to feed him on the meal ticket.;)

We are owners of a home building and remodeling business. Mostly remodeling these days. But it still pretty good.


over the weekend, we were discussing that its cheaper to pay room & board on campus than it costs to feed a 19 year old boy.
i dont know how families afford to eat healthy.

with the housing market, some folks choose to remodel/add on, rather than try to sell and rebuy. hopefully business will continue to be good.

[Mexi]

While lots of stuff is costing more...the food is killing me. Got two big football playing boys with tons of friends that call our house home. The food bill has always been high around here but it is really going up.

Same here! My husband & our 8-year old boy are string-beans but eat like horses. My husband has this "food budget" all planned out for JF, but I know he will blow it on his appetite alone. Our hotel will have a fridge, so I plan on stocking it and filling him up on bananas and baloney sandwiches. lol..that way I can eat at Fest.

[dank_bass]

One place even has different prices at night than they do during the day..WTF?

I remember my father telling me of something similar from the gas crunch in the 70's ... the explainantion was that fuel shrinks and expands with fluctuations in temperature, so It was beneficial to purchase the fuel when it was in its shrunken state ... i thought this was all accounted for by the dept of weights and measures these days ... who knows? Not Me! ... something to think about for ya

[stlbarb]

That's so true Bryan...:(
My business takes a big hit when discretionary spending slows down. People don't spend money on extras when they see and hear that we are going to enter a "R". It is a "self-fulfilling prophecy" at some point. The more the news is reporting it, the less people spend and like you said, the small businesses suffer.
I saw it at my big wholesale show last month. People are taking a "circle the wagons" attitude. They are waiting to see what happens in November. Hopefully, whoever is elected will put the economy on the fast track and make the decisions to strengthen it.
As for now, I am looking for new opportunities to market my work. I am looking at doing more corporate awards and gifts. Hopefully I can offer companies and people who buy gifts a much nicer option than buying a cookie-cutter piece of trash from China.

for the past 2 years, our office xmas bonus has been a hand blown ornament from a local artist. mine must have been made by his apprentice, its not exactly round. :o but they are very pretty.

[Blitzzzzz]

I remember my father telling me of something similar from the gas crunch in the 70's ... the explainantion was that fuel shrinks and expands with fluctuations in temperature, so It was beneficial to purchase the fuel when it was in its shrunken state ... i thought this was all accounted for by the dept of weights and measures these days ... who knows? Not Me! ... something to think about for ya

This was sent to me by a friend. Seems to make sense, but who's up that early unless you're headed home!:cool:

TIPS ON PUMPING GAS (Good information)
I don't know what you guys are paying for gasoline.... but here in
California we are also paying higher, up to $3.50 per gallon. But my
line of work is in petroleum for about 31 years now, so here are some
tricks to get more of your money's worth for every gallon.

Here at the Kinder Morgan Pipeline where I work in San Jose, CA we
deliver about 4 million gallons in a 24-hour period thru the
pipeline.One day is diesel the next day is jet fuel, and gasoline,
regular and premium grades. We have 34-storage tanks here with a total
capacity of 16,800,000 gallons.

Only buy or fill up your car or truck in the early morning when the
ground temperature is still cold. Remember that all service stations
have their storage tanks buried below ground. The colder the ground the
more dense the gasoline, when it gets warmer gasoline expands, so buying in the afternoon or in the evening....your gallon is not exactly a
gallon. In the petroleum business, the specific gravity and the
temperature of the gasoline, diesel and jet fuel, ethanol and other
petroleum products plays an important role.

A 1-degree rise in temperature is a big deal for this business. But the
service stations do not have temperature compensation at the pumps. When you're filling up do not squeeze the trigger of the nozzle to a fast
mode. If you look you will see that the trigger has three (3) stages:
low, middle, and high. In slow mode you should be pumping on low speed, thereby minimizing the vapors that are created while you are pumping.
All hoses at the pump have a vapor return. If you are pumping on the
fast rate, some of the liquid that goes to your tank becomes vapor.
Those vapors are being sucked up and back into the underground storage tank so you're getting less worth for your money.

One of the most important tips is to fill up when your gas tank is HALF
FULL or HALF EMPTY. The reason for this is, the more gas you have in
your tank the less air occupying its empty space. Gasoline evaporates
faster than you can imagine. Gasoline storage tanks have an internal
floating roof. This roof serves as zero clearance between the gas and
the atmosphere, so it minimizes the evaporation. Unlike service
stations, here where I work, every truck that we load is temperature
compensated so that every gallon is actually the exact amount.

Another reminder, if there is a gasoline truck pumping into the storage
tanks when you stop to buy gas, DO NOT fill up--most likely the gasoline
is being stirred up as the gas is being delivered, and you might pick up
some of the dirt that normally settles on the bottom.

[stlbarb]

Same here! My husband & our 8-year old boy are string-beans but eat like horses. My husband has this "food budget" all planned out for JF, but I know he will blow it on his appetite alone. Our hotel will have a fridge, so I plan on stocking it and filling him up on bananas and baloney sandwiches. lol..that way I can eat at Fest.

join your friends for breakfast at the residence inn. they never ask what room we're in. (evil grin)

[Mexi]

join your friends for breakfast at the residence inn. they never ask what room we're in. (evil grin)

I'll eat fast & leave a tip.. (evil laugh)

[mamaroux]

Gas prices here run anywhere from 3.09 to 3.20 depending on the day :confused: One place even has different prices at night than they do during the day..WTF? I drive a Chevy Blazer and it gets about 20 miles/gal so I cannot complain as it its an 8 year old truck and I have had it for 2.5 years of it. I am hoping for a break in prices as I am making the big move to NOLA and will be towing a u-haul trailer in June. Might have to use that stimulus check to cover gas costs lol

last night, for the first time ever, our gas prices went over $3 a gallon, well for regular. WTF is right! Here the prices go up around 11pm, after they get their deliveries, and any more it sure does vary from day to day or night to night. I'm thinking that we better not worry about Papa getting a new vehicle just yet, anyway.

[mamaroux]

<snip> Paid $1.48 a litre at the pump yesterday.

As an aside, one of our politicians is flagging a programme to bring in construction industry workers from the US. Our unemployment is at a record low and folk simply can't get workers.... just about anywhere in the country.

Roll on Jazz Fest!

YIKES!! that's what... like times 4 to get around a gallon, right? So close to $6 a gallon?? OMG!:eek:

[Mexi]

join your friends for breakfast at the residence inn. they never ask what room we're in. (evil grin)

Can you imagine?
Wave Hi to me if you see me!
I'll be the one in handcuffs with a mouthfull of eggs

[Mexi]

I work in commercial advertising, as a Food Stylist, and I am feeling it big-time! Usually, this time of year business is hoppin. I typically work on average of 1 photo shoot a week, which last from 1-3 days. Since the beggining of Dec. I've worked only 3 days- total! Shoots got cancelled or cut to 1-day instead of 3.


Ok~ since I first posted on this particular thread last week, I have booked 7 days of work! You all are GOOD LUCK!!:D

[Frosty]

This was sent to me by a friend. Seems to make sense, but who's up that early unless you're headed home!:cool:

TIPS ON PUMPING GAS (Good information)
I don't know what you guys are paying for gasoline.... but here in
California we are also paying higher, up to $3.50 per gallon. But my
line of work is in petroleum for about 31 years now, so here are some
tricks to get more of your money's worth for every gallon.

Here at the Kinder Morgan Pipeline where I work in San Jose, CA we
deliver about 4 million gallons in a 24-hour period thru the
pipeline.One day is diesel the next day is jet fuel, and gasoline,
regular and premium grades. We have 34-storage tanks here with a total
capacity of 16,800,000 gallons.

Only buy or fill up your car or truck in the early morning when the
ground temperature is still cold. Remember that all service stations
have their storage tanks buried below ground. The colder the ground the
more dense the gasoline, when it gets warmer gasoline expands, so buying in the afternoon or in the evening....your gallon is not exactly a
gallon. In the petroleum business, the specific gravity and the
temperature of the gasoline, diesel and jet fuel, ethanol and other
petroleum products plays an important role.

A 1-degree rise in temperature is a big deal for this business. But the
service stations do not have temperature compensation at the pumps. When you're filling up do not squeeze the trigger of the nozzle to a fast
mode. If you look you will see that the trigger has three (3) stages:
low, middle, and high. In slow mode you should be pumping on low speed, thereby minimizing the vapors that are created while you are pumping.
All hoses at the pump have a vapor return. If you are pumping on the
fast rate, some of the liquid that goes to your tank becomes vapor.
Those vapors are being sucked up and back into the underground storage tank so you're getting less worth for your money.

One of the most important tips is to fill up when your gas tank is HALF
FULL or HALF EMPTY. The reason for this is, the more gas you have in
your tank the less air occupying its empty space. Gasoline evaporates
faster than you can imagine. Gasoline storage tanks have an internal
floating roof. This roof serves as zero clearance between the gas and
the atmosphere, so it minimizes the evaporation. Unlike service
stations, here where I work, every truck that we load is temperature
compensated so that every gallon is actually the exact amount.

Another reminder, if there is a gasoline truck pumping into the storage
tanks when you stop to buy gas, DO NOT fill up--most likely the gasoline
is being stirred up as the gas is being delivered, and you might pick up
some of the dirt that normally settles on the bottom.


I have to question any information that discusses fluctuations in temperatures in the below ground tanks in the matter of hours, instead of days or weeks. Even the less insulated lake temperatures do not fluctuate below the surface as rapidly and they are affected by the sun's rays, unlike underground storage tanks.

[swag]

http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/household/gastips.asp

Their take: partly true, but probably the savings are not worth the effort.

[Belle]

I remember my father telling me of something similar from the gas crunch in the 70's ...

Go ahead and TRY to make me feel old will ya? I could be your mother and I dance all night.

I remember the even/odd days with the 10 buck max. That is when I bought my motorcycle. Hubby thought I had lost my mind. Never really miss the old days except for the bike. Gonna blow him away again real soon.

[rosetree]

Go ahead and TRY to make me feel old will ya? I could be your mother and I dance all night.

I remember the even/odd days with the 10 buck max. That is when I bought my motorcycle. Hubby thought I had lost my mind. Never really miss the old days except for the bike. Gonna blow him away again real soon.

Gonna be taking my bike out of mothballs and gettin' her goin real soon!;) :eek: :D

[ozzie]

Ok~ since I first posted on this particular thread last week, I have booked 7 days of work! You all are GOOD LUCK!!:D

Good onya Mex!

[almarco]

Good onya Mex!

I have sold one of my lungs on ebay since my last post, getting woozy over here.

[linza22]

Go ahead and TRY to make me feel old will ya? I could be your mother and I dance all night.

I remember the even/odd days with the 10 buck max. That is when I bought my motorcycle. Hubby thought I had lost my mind. Never really miss the old days except for the bike. Gonna blow him away again real soon.

i so remember odd and even days! me and my sister's mavrick!

[Mexi]

I have sold one of my lungs on ebay since my last post, getting woozy over here.

Sweet! How much you get? Just in case these jobs fall through....:eek:

[stlbarb]

I have sold one of my lungs on ebay since my last post, getting woozy over here.

do you think i can get anything for one of my extra chins?

[Mexi]

do you think i can get anything for one of my extra chins?

How bout my fatback...I'll throw in my hump

[Blitzzzzz]

I have sold one of my lungs on ebay since my last post, getting woozy over here.

Just hold on to that rolleboard, man!:cool:

[funkkjunkie]

3.05-3.20 in central Arkansas. 3.11-3.20 in nola this past weekend.

Gas prices and food prices are noticeably higher.

[marignygreg]

They just raised the price of Ramen Noodles at my grocer. Now I'm screwed...

[Azeater]

i listed my penis on Ebay. Serious bids are welcomed. I need to fill up my Honda.

www.Ebay.Penis.Slightlyusedbutmeticulouslymaintain ed.com (www.Ebay.Penis.Slightlyusedbutmeticuoslymaintaine d.com)

[ohio]

i listed my penis on Ebay. Serious bids are welcomed. I need to fill up my Honda.

www.Ebay.Penis.Slightlyusedbutmeticulouslymaintain ed.com (http://www.Ebay.Penis.Slightlyusedbutmeticuoslymaintained .com)
We know you be a manly man, but it wouldn't fill up your Honda, Bob....

[Lostcajun]

Bwhahahahoohoohohhoohoooohhhh, that's funny

[Azeater]

Cut me some slack Bry. It is just a tiny tank.

[Lostcajun]

subcompact

[ozzie]

lawnmower?

[Lostcajun]

weedwacker?

[Lester_leaps_in]

Give the man a break. Ozzie told me that size doesn't matter.

(I'm not sure why she was telling me that?!?)

[ohio]

Cut me some slack Bry. It is just a tiny tank.
Oh...the tank :D

[ozzie]

Give the man a break. Ozzie told me that size doesn't matter.

(I'm not sure why she was telling me that?!?)

I did? :o You know what they say... you can always believe drunks and lil' kids!

[Lester_leaps_in]

I did? :o You know what they say... you can always believe drunks and lil' kids!


Actually, you told me that size DID matter. But, I'm trying to help someone out here.

[stlbarb]

Cut me some slack Bry. It is just a tiny tank.

honda motorcycle?

[stlbarb]

They just raised the price of Ramen Noodles at my grocer. Now I'm screwed...

we always tease that ramen has been 10 cents a pack for 30 years.
i noticed it had gone up at walmart the other day. its like 15 cents now.
that's 50%. yikes.

[Muffaletta Diver]

i listed my penis on Ebay. Serious bids are welcomed. I need to fill up my Honda.

www.Ebay.Penis.Slightlyusedbutmeticulouslymaintain ed.com (www.Ebay.Penis.Slightlyusedbutmeticuoslymaintaine d.com)

Az...Rossvegas wants to know if you're willing to overnight it...

:p

[Lostcajun]

but what size envelope?

[marignygreg]

but what size envelope?

Depends on how 'excited' it is to get there:)

[Lostcajun]

FedX or UPs, or is that dependent on how excited he is too?

[revjimk]

Denideadhead
Naugatuck? I live in Denver, but used to live in Oxford. I spend a good chunk of the summer visiting with my Mom there since my father passed away.
We should try to get meet up sometime this summer. Going to any of the Ct. zydeco fests? Jersey Crawfish fest?
I'm a jazzfest nut since 1978.
rev

[glinda]

this thread is making me think about the Bobbits, yuck.

[rosetree]

Stock market had it's best day today in 5 years....up 480 points...is this the lead story on the news tonight...NO!!!! Pisses me off :mad: Why not give good stories a chance, maybe it will change things......

[glinda]

Stock market had it's best day today in 5 years....up 480 points...is this the lead story on the news tonight...NO!!!! Pisses me off :mad: Why not give good stories a chance, maybe it will change things......
I agree, rosie, the economy status is all about emotion - fear, pessimism, optimism etc.... good news builds.

[mamaroux]

Stock market had it's best day today in 5 years....up 480 points...is this the lead story on the news tonight...NO!!!! Pisses me off :mad: Why not give good stories a chance, maybe it will change things......

does that mean we might be able to retire in 20 years???? :rolleyes: :eek:

[ohio]

good news to me! I lost 7% on my retirement acct last month.

[Frosty]

Stock market had it's best day today in 5 years....up 480 points...is this the lead story on the news tonight...NO!!!! Pisses me off :mad: Why not give good stories a chance, maybe it will change things......

Thing is, this was not the result of a strengthening fundamentals in the economy but of manipulation of the interest rate by the Fed. In the long run, this could simply be as beneficial as somebody throwing an ice cube into Hades and wondering why nobody got too excited.

[rosetree]

Thing is, this was not the result of a strengthening fundamentals in the economy but of manipulation of the interest rate by the Fed. In the long run, this could simply be as beneficial as somebody throwing an ice cube into Hades and wondering why nobody got too excited.

It's all just smoke and mirrors. Stats can be manipulated in any way. Hopefully the new administration can make it look good and people will follow...stimulation is stimulation!
I would vote for someone with that slogan!

[ohio]

It's all just smoke and mirrors. Stats can be manipulated in any way. Hopefully the new administration can make it look good and people will follow...stimulation is stimulation!
I would vote for someone with that slogan!
I just got a notice in the mail about my 'Economic Stimulation" check. Said if I file a tax return, it would be sent to me automatically. Wonder how much this mailing cost us taxpayers?

[pokerchick66]

It's all just smoke and mirrors. Stats can be manipulated in any way. Hopefully the new administration can make it look good and people will follow...stimulation is stimulation!
I would vote for someone with that slogan!

How stimulating.

[dank_bass]

I just got a notice in the mail about my 'Economic Stimulation" check. Said if I file a tax return, it would be sent to me automatically. Wonder how much this mailing cost us taxpayers?

42 Million dollars

[Michelino]

It's all just smoke and mirrors. Stats can be manipulated in any way. Hopefully the new administration can make it look good and people will follow...stimulation is stimulation!
I would vote for someone with that slogan!

Sorry man, some stats are more equal than others.

You can't spend half a trillion on a war you said would pay for itself, increase the national debt so much that our great grandchildren will already be born $200K in hock, and then in the godforsaken name of '"free" markets chase production of everything anyone wants to buy off shore**, and also spend eight years gutting every beneficial protection, statute or policy in the name of givebacks to the super-rich and predatory lenders and not expect to do damage.

And all at the same time, damaging the reputation of the Great Nation. Maybe the Xenophobes love it, but the rest of us who want to remain on this small planet without having to join a militia, can't wait until 01-20-09 (http://www.bushslastday.com/)

**Ok, we still do produce three things the rest of the earth is willing to buy:

Cigarettes, Garbage (http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/14/business/14norris.html?_r=1&oref=slogin)and...debt.

[pokerchick66]

42 Million dollars

"Any time you do something as a government tens of millions of times, there is ample room for people to get confused. And so if you're going to have tens of millions of taxpayers getting checks, you want to get the information out so that you have as few people as possible confused about what's happening, they understand what's coming, and it reduces the number of incoming requests that IRS and Treasury have to figure out how to deal with it," said Hennessey.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080307/ap_on_go_ot/dear_taxpayer

[Michelino]

"Any time you do something as a government tens of millions of times, there is ample room for people to get confused. And so if you're going to have tens of millions of taxpayers getting checks, you want to get the information out so that you have as few people as possible confused about what's happening, they understand what's coming, and it reduces the number of incoming requests that IRS and Treasury have to figure out how to deal with it," said Hennessey.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080307/ap_on_go_ot/dear_taxpayer

By that reasoning, spending tens of millions of dollars, sending tens of millions of letters will just add to the confusion.

Why didn't they just post it on the bored? Word will get out.

[Frosty]

stimulation is stimulation!


But, as the former governor of NY can attest to, some will cost you bit more.

[ohio]

"Any time you do something as a government tens of millions of times, there is ample room for people to get confused. And so if you're going to have tens of millions of taxpayers getting checks, you want to get the information out so that you have as few people as possible confused about what's happening, they understand what's coming, and it reduces the number of incoming requests that IRS and Treasury have to figure out how to deal with it," said Hennessey.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080307/ap_on_go_ot/dear_taxpayer
I'd think it would cost way less to respond to those inquiries than 42 mil

[ohio]

By that reasoning, spending tens of millions of dollars, sending tens of millions of letters will just add to the confusion.

Why didn't they just post it on the bored? Word will get out.
xactly!

[PaulC]

Sorry man, some stats are more equal than others.

You can't spend half a trillion on a war you said would pay for itself, increase the national debt so much that our great grandchildren will already be born $200K in hock, and then in the godforsaken name of '"free" markets chase production of everything anyone wants to buy off shore**, and also spend eight years gutting every beneficial protection, statute or policy in the name of givebacks to the super-rich and predatory lenders and not expect to do damage.

And all at the same time, damaging the reputation of the Great Nation. Maybe the Xenophobes love it, but the rest of us who want to remain on this small planet without having to join a militia, can't wait until 01-20-09 (http://www.bushslastday.com/)

**Ok, we still do produce three things the rest of the earth is willing to buy:

Cigarettes, Garbage (http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/14/business/14norris.html?_r=1&oref=slogin)and...debt.

amen......

the "real" numbers are leanin' towards this disgustin' and immoral war costin' some three trillion before the curtain drops... but hey,.. the rich got much richer along the way.... tax cuts for the top 1% in a time of war,.. real neat trick,.. neva' before done....

and while the bushies were "spendin'" all their time not plannin' this war,.. or findin' that osama guy,.. the white collar crooks on wall street were left alone and cookin' up the books but good....

"Angelo Mozilo, head of Countrywide Financial the nation’s biggest mortgage lender, E. Stanley O’Neal, former chief executive officer of Merrill Lynch, and Charles Prince, Citigroup’s former chief executive came before the House to answer questions about their rich pay at a time when investors have lost billions in their firms due to massive writedowns from the housing and credit crunch.

Overall, some $180bn in total writedowns have been taken to date at dozens of financials. A Congressional report is loaded with stunning, embarrassing emails about decisions the boards made to increase pay for these executives, plus the footstamping Mozilo did behind the scenes to get more pay.

The three were paid $460mn over five years, says the congressional report from the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. The three companies lost more than $20bn in the last two quarters of 2007 due to their mishandling of the looming subprime mess.

Merrill Lynch gave a $161.5mn pay package to O’Neal after the firm’s subprime losses led to his ouster in October. Prince, who resigned in November from New York-based Citigroup, was to receive roughly $30mn in exit pay."

nice work if ya' don't mind steppin' on millions of heads.........

[sophisticated sissy]

Wonder how much this mailing cost us taxpayers?



Oh, well ...what the hay ...At least it gave someone a paying job! :)

[sophisticated sissy]

Why didn't they just post it on the bored? Word will get out.
:D

Good thinking, Mich. You should run for public office!

Then , with $42 mil you saved, you could take us all to Jazz Fest for free!

[NeenAtlanta]

I just got a notice in the mail about my 'Economic Stimulation" check. Said if I file a tax return, it would be sent to me automatically. Wonder how much this mailing cost us taxpayers?

If you use direct deposit for your normal tax refund, they will also direct deposit your rebate, and it will happen two weeks before the big mailout. Just a heads-up.

[pokerchick66]

:D

Good thinking, Mich. You should run for public office!

Then , with $42 mil you saved, you could take us all to Jazz Fest for free!

WOOHOO! Jazzfest on Mich. :D

[pokerchick66]

If you use direct deposit for your normal tax refund, they will also direct deposit your rebate, and it will happen two weeks before the big mailout. Just a heads-up.

WOOHOO! Thank you, hunni! Direct deposit rules. :p

[Michelino]

WOOHOO! Jazzfest on Mich. :D

That's my campaign. A pokerchick at every Jazz Fest.

[pokerchick66]

That's my campaign. A pokerchick at every Jazz Fest.

ROFLMAO! You just made my day. :p :D

[sophisticated sissy]

I'm beginning to see the birth of a button!

[ohio]

If you use direct deposit for your normal tax refund, they will also direct deposit your rebate, and it will happen two weeks before the big mailout. Just a heads-up.I think will do somethjing sensible with the $1200, like put it into a CD. Just think, if I live to be 226, it might be worth one milllllllllion dollars!

[ohio]

That's my campaign. A pokerchick at every Jazz Fest.
heeheehee!

[goombay]

WOO HOO for the stimulis check. My letter said I should receive my check around early May. Since I have direct deposit my $600 should arrive somewhere around a week before I arrive at Fest. Or maybe even while I'm at Jazzfest.

I know how to stimulate the New Orleans economy.

JAZZFEST ON THE GOVERNMENT!!!! Thanks George.

[festivalgirl]

WOOHOO! Thank you, hunni! Direct deposit rules. :p

We had our refund in 2 weeks due to direct deposit. :eek: Didn't think it was possible for the government to move that fast ;).

$1200 budget for JF!! If I'm supposed to stimulate the economy, where better than NOLA!

[nolanatalie]

We got the notice too. Anyone know if eligibility is determined based on gross or net income?

[mightyradgumbo]

We got the notice too. Anyone know if eligibility is determined based on gross or net income?

Gross Income, Nat...are you even old enough to pay taxes yet?

[nolanatalie]

No, but I do have my social security card and am going to be getting a passport! I was born just 8 days too late to get Mommy & Daddy a tax break this year . . .

[festivalgirl]

We got the notice too. Anyone know if eligibility is determined based on gross or net income?

It's based on AGI - Adjusted Gross Income (last line of the front of the 1040 form). From the IRS. There is an online calculator to determine you rebate - the link is at the bottom of this post:

Stimulus Payment Schedule for Tax Returns Processed by April 15

Economic stimulus payments will be issued according to the last two-digits of the main filer's Social Security number. People who use direct deposit also will be among the first to receive the payments starting May 2. Paper checks will be put in the mail starting May 16.
DIRECT DEPOSIT

Last two SSN digits: Payment will be transmitted:
00 through 20 May 2
21 through 75 May 9
76 through 99 May 16



PAPER CHECK

Last two SSN digits: Payments will be mailed by:
00 through 09 May 16
10 through 18 May 23
19 through 25 May 30
26 through 38 June 6
39 through 51 June 13
52 through 63 June 20
64 through 75 June 27
76 through 87 July 4
88 through 99 July 11


People who file a return after April 15 will receive their economic stimulus
payment, but probably about two weeks later than the schedule shows. A
return must be filed by October 15 in order to receive a stimulus payment
this year. See the online calculator for an estimate of the amount you will
receive.

Related Item: IR-2008-44, IRS Announces Economic Stimulus Payment Schedules, Provides Online Payment Calculator http://www.irs.gov/app/espc/

[rosetree]

Crap!!! July11th....:mad:

[festivalgirl]

Crap!!! July11th....:mad:

They save the best for last?!?! Better late than never?!?!

[marignygreg]

No, but I do have my social security card and am going to be getting a passport! I was born just 8 days too late to get Mommy & Daddy a tax break this year . . .

Your Mom and Dad could have had you earlier if they would have hit French Quarter Fest instead of Jazzfest in 07;)

[rosetree]

They save the best for last?!?! Better late than never?!?!

YYR! It'll be here just in time to help pay for Rosebud's room and board in college.:eek:

[festivalgirl]

YYR! It'll be here just in time to help pay for Rosebud's room and board in college.:eek:

Ours'll be in just in time to pay the JF credit card bill! I'm guessing now there'll be a charge from a certain glass studio. :rolleyes:

[pokerchick66]

YYR! It'll be here just in time to help pay for Rosebud's room and board in college.:eek:

That's the spirit. ;)

[festbabe]

..
DIRECT DEPOSIT

Last two SSN digits: Payment will be transmitted:
00 through 20 May 2
21 through 75 May 9
76 through 99 May 16



..[/COLOR][/B]

Woo-hoo - second-lining (how appropriate).

[Phatpapa]

My tax guy told me that they were supposed to have an "opt out" for this because it is technically an advance on next years refund and some folks might not want it. Sweet, an interest free loan. Thanks G-dub

[stlbarb]

We got the notice too. Anyone know if eligibility is determined based on gross or net income?

there is a max at which it starts reducing how much you get. and another figure at which you get nuttin. i dont know if you're parents will get the extra 300 for you, since you were born in 2008. let me find the website and you can read it to your mom.

http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=177937,00.html
In most cases, payments will range from $300 to $600 for individuals and $600 to $1200 for joint filers. Taxpayers may receive $300 for each qualifying child. Payments could be less, depending on tax liabilty and Adjusted Gross Income. Phaseout reduction begins at $75,000 for single filers and $150,000 for joint filers.

Q. Will the payment I receive in 2008 reduce my 2008 refund or increase the amount I owe for 2008?

A. No, the stimulus payment will not reduce your refund or increase the amount you owe when you file your 2008 return.

[pokerchick66]

Okay, do I need to be worried? I haven't gotten my rebate letter yet!

[festivalgirl]

My tax guy told me that they were supposed to have an "opt out" for this because it is technically an advance on next years refund and some folks might not want it. Sweet, an interest free loan. Thanks G-dub

Hmmm, I never heard that. I knew he'd find a way to screw us especially since he'll be very gainfully unemployed next year.

[stlbarb]

My tax guy told me that they were supposed to have an "opt out" for this because it is technically an advance on next years refund and some folks might not want it. Sweet, an interest free loan. Thanks G-dub

i dont know where he gets his info.
http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=179181,00.html
Q. Will the payment I receive in 2008 reduce my 2008 refund or increase the amount I owe for 2008?
A. No, the stimulus payment will not reduce your refund or increase the amount you owe when you file your 2008 return.

and there's not way all the payroll systems are going to magically be updated to take it back from you.

[Orleansnj]

i dont know where he gets his info.
http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=179181,00.html
Q. Will the payment I receive in 2008 reduce my 2008 refund or increase the amount I owe for 2008?
A. No, the stimulus payment will not reduce your refund or increase the amount you owe when you file your 2008 return.

and there's not way all the payroll systems are going to magically be updated to take it back from you.

I like your answer better - and it is correct according to the irs website - so I'm stickin' with that one. :)

[Phatpapa]

Hey Barb, I got my "info" from H&R Block. I dunno, maybe he was lying to me or trying to pull the wool over my eyes??????

[stlbarb]

Hey Barb, I got my "info" from H&R Block. I dunno, maybe he was lying to me or trying to pull the wool over my eyes??????

it doesnt make any sense.
how are they going to make you pay it back?
it cant be in payments, and the IRS states its not at tax time. it cant be a change in the tax rate - that would be a percentage not a flat rate.
and if they were making people pay it back, why would there be a max on the 2007 income for eligibility?

the HRB guy probably read it on the internet in a blog, on a post, via an email. its in print, it must be true.

i dont think the irs would print that and then do the opposite. but i havent read the letter.

[Phatpapa]

From what he said, we don't have to pay it back. It will just be less the amount we get back next year. Gawd, I hope my tax professional is not getting his info from a blog. And to be honest, I don't trust the IRS any farther than I can throw them. IMHO

[Orleansnj]

From what he said, we don't have to pay it back. It will just be less the amount we get back next year. Gawd, I hope my tax professional is not getting his info from a blog. And to be honest, I don't trust the IRS any farther than I can throw them. IMHO

no - it doesn't affect your 2008 taxes either...so it won't affect your return next year.

[Michelino]

it doesnt make any sense.
how are they going to make you pay it back?
it cant be in payments, and the IRS states its not at tax time. it cant be a change in the tax rate - that would be a percentage not a flat rate.
and if they were making people pay it back, why would there be a max on the 2007 income for eligibility?

the HRB guy probably read it on the internet in a blog, on a post, via an email. its in print, it must be true.

i dont think the irs would print that and then do the opposite. but i havent read the letter.

I think it is technically a credit towards your 2008 income tax and that's how it impacts next year's return. You can wait until you file that return to get it. For example, if you do not file a 2007 return but do file a 2008, it will be processed and sent next year. It not an advance against the return you would have had if the stimulis package did not exist, but you could wait to get it in addition to your normal return when you do the paper work on tax year 2008. Your eligibility for the credit is based on filing either a 2007 or 2008 return. The long and the short is that, being a credit, it something in addition regardless as to when you get it.

[stlbarb]

From what he said, we don't have to pay it back. It will just be less the amount we get back next year. Gawd, I hope my tax professional is not getting his info from a blog. And to be honest, I don't trust the IRS any farther than I can throw them. IMHO

the IRS deals with rules. when they try to make public new rules they just get a bunch of grief about wasting 42 million.

what we pay in taxes is based on the tax codes. its not a secret. most people just dont bother to look into it. then there all the people who make a living applying the codes advantageously for their clients. it can be very complex. and rich people can afford to find the loop holes. personally, i favor a single tax rate with limited deductions. you make more - you pay more - but not a higher percentage.

my finacial profile is pretty simple. i believe the tax software i use is sufficient to determine the minimum that belongs to the governments.
if i dont like how my tax contribution is spent, that's not the IRS's fault.
but that's a whole 'nother thread.

[Frosty]

First off, the tax code is not just about revenue, but about social engineering. That is why there are "loopholes". To influence behaviors.

Second, the pay it back for any kind of stimulus check comes when holders of government treasuries call in their investments. So, it is not the US Government that needs to be paid back but China, the SS Administration, and other holders of US debt.

[jonnygospeltent]

Up until now my job with The Post Office was pretty much recession proof. In the past few slowdowns in the economy we were busier than usual because businesses were forced to advertise more. I've pretty much been working 56 hours a week for the last 20 years and while I know you shouldn't base your budget on overtime you kind of get used to the extra few bucks coming in. This whole year the mail volume has been really slow.We are working 40 hrs. for the first time in my career and having to look busy to make that.
Looks like I'll be switching from PBR to Milwaukee's Beast as Fest Time.

[marignygreg]

Up until now my job with The Post Office was pretty much recession proof. In the past few slowdowns in the economy we were busier than usual because businesses were forced to advertise more. I've pretty much been working 56 hours a week for the last 20 years and while I know you shouldn't base your budget on overtime you kind of get used to the extra few bucks coming in. This whole year the mail volume has been really slow.We are working 40 hrs. for the first time in my career and having to look busy to make that.
Looks like I'll be switching from PBR to Milwaukee's Beast as Fest Time.

Icehouse is a good brew and cheap. I draw the line at O'douls.

[mdfest]

I hope the PBR at Maspero's is still $1. Still reeling from the Otounes price increase last year.

[marignygreg]

My Fireplace Biz is down 70% as I rely on new housing for most of my business, so no Voodoo, no Jazzfest ( unless I move to N.O. ) and I am going to empty my mutual fund account, which I started to pay for my sons college, to pay my property taxes. Next on the chopping block is our health insurance. At least I have the Cubs and White Sox to cheer me up.

[Moon]

This is why it's always a good idea to have at the very least minimal government regulation over certain industries. Capitalism, when left unchecked, will often be undermined by greed and avarice. See:1920-1929. We are seeing the results of that in the financial industry today.We are quickly reaching a point where people will have to chose between groceries or gasoline. I'm just glad I can walk to work.

As for cheap beer, I've rediscovered the clear, clean taste of Pabst Blue Ribbon. That's a low as I'll go however. You're not even suppose to drink 'The Beast"(Milwaukee's Best). You pour that shit on your feet.

[i wanna be in NOLA]

My Fireplace Biz is down 70% as I rely on new housing for most of my business, so no Voodoo, no Jazzfest ( unless I move to N.O. ) and I am going to empty my mutual fund account, which I started to pay for my sons college, to pay my property taxes. Next on the chopping block is our health insurance. At least I have the Cubs and White Sox to cheer me up.

Sorry to hear you're being hit so hard, greg.

[festivalgirl]

Being added to our economic woes out here is the real threat of another strike.

SAG's overpaid leadership is calling for a strike. We haven't recovered from the Writers. I don't know how this City is going to survive. We have a Mayor who is only interested in being Governor & we have a Governor who is a member of the Union in question.

Unemployment is already nearing 8%, houses being lost, jobs going over seas.

Kinda pathetic - we're actually happy we don't own anything or have a lot of money. I never thought I'd be happy to have nothing to lose (or fall back on).

[Amy Winette]

Another strike? Oh no Chrissa! Hoping for you guys that doesn't happen. Real estate is in the toilet here, it's been hard on everyone . . .

[festivalgirl]

Another strike? Oh no Chrissa! Hoping for you guys that doesn't happen. Real estate is in the toilet here, it's been hard on everyone . . .

SAG leadership asked their members to vote for a strike. It's just so irresponsible right now. I'm hoping the majority of the membership is in the same boat as the rest of us and can't afford a strike.

If they don't either approve a contract or strike, the producers could call for a lock out. It's really just a cluster f@*k.

[mamaroux]

I know seeing our retirement investments going down, down, down has my hubby rather blue and quite pissed off, after all, he's 62... with our youngest daughter's wedding in just less than a year, seeing all the bills for gasoline, heating oil, and seeing food prices rise... it seems each time you think you can tuck something away, something goes wrong... no plans for any travel or fests in our future, unless it's cheap and nearby. With Papa being a civil/structural engineer, that industry gets hit early on when the housing market goes...