[mitchntx]

Since about 30, I've been saving, scrimping and hoarding pennies, working 2 jobs, 3 sometimes, all so that I could retire at 55.

Everything ... mortgage, debt, housing amenities, shop, tools ... everything was set up on this idea that I could retire with reasonable comfort and then work as I wanted, when I needed and do what I liked.

The last year has seen that dream slowly dwindle into the reality that I will have to work at this stinking job till I'm a hundred and 55. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

My job is great ... been there since March of 1982. I really like what I do. Unfortunately it comes with it's share of migraine headaches, mostly with the title of Manager attached somewhere.

I was talking with a very good friend yesterday and he made some really good sense. Might as well pull all the money from market accounts and buy a new car. The drop in value couldn't be any worse.

Oh well, just thought I'd rant a while ... kind of feeling sorry for myself. So I want all of you to feel bad, too. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/drink.gif)

[sgarnett]

Oh, I am buying a little stock now, as I can, and the 401K contributions are maxed out. I'm contemplating Ramen noodles, Ebay, and a reduced competition budget to free up more cash for investment.

I hope nobody here owns much GM stock, though I suspect many of us have some exposure through the 401K funds.

This post has been edited by sgarnett: Oct 10 2008, 02:43 AM

[Rob Hood]

Oh, I am buying a little stock now, as I can, and the 401K contributions are maxed out. I'm contemplating Ramen noodles, Ebay, and a reduced competition budget to free up more cash for investment.

I hope nobody here owns much GM stock, though I suspect many of us have some exposure through the 401K funds.

GM may not survive - heard today that one in three car loans in Indiana were turned down. If that keeps up, it will at a minimum cripple Detroit. Car dealers are closing all around the country - approximately 600 will close is what I heard.

My brother lives and works in Iceland, at least until it is no longer Iceland. His business is still surviving, but he doesn't know for how much longer. All three banks there were nationalized and the hemorraging is still going on.