Americans are suffering from financial stress in record numbers, according to a report Friday in USA TODAY. I'm glad to know I'm not the only one!
The newspaper quotes a national employee counseling center saying calls for help are the highest ever, as people fret over the shaky state of Wall Street and the U.S. economy. Some people are cashing out of the stock market, and even children are feeling anxious due to overheard conversations about money.
Now, I'm not about to stop saving for retirement or my kids' college education. (What little we can set aside.) I realize the importance of a long-term view and I certainly don't want to get out of the stock market at what may be a low point.
But I have started rethinking some big purchases and gotten more serious about saving money through small ways that add up.
Working moms, what's your reaction to the mess in the financial sector?
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I’m not exactly counting every penny, but I am far more conscious of my spending habits today than I was a year ago. We’re pulling back on Christmas spending this year, and any vacations we take will also be low key. Less is more is becoming the family motto.
I can’t change my spending for the kids-its too hard. Its not just for them; I really enjoy buying them stuff. Instead I dont go shopping for me. Anything for the house can also wait.
I’m not a mom, but my wife and I are finding that getting a little more physical exercise during the day does wonders to help our mindset. Does it help our bank account? No, but it does make us feel a little better about everything.