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* Yesterday, I asked how the recession was affecting you. Today, I’d like to know how you’re doing your bit, if anything, to help the country get itself out of this situation. For instance, large purchases, new charitable work or donations, etc. Please explain.

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Feb 19, 09 @ 11:30 am

Comments

I am contributing with some large purchases, but not altogether willingly. In the last few months, we have had to replace our carpeting, TV and refrigerator. Only the first of the three was planned. I am also trying to keep charitable contributions at least at the same level as previously.

Comment by Ron Burgundy Thursday, Feb 19, 09 @ 11:33 am
We didn’t cut back on my Christmas shopping. We spoiled our kids rotten. We’re also getting ready to buy a new car and we bought a new home in addition to the one we already own last May.

Comment by I'mTellingYou Thursday, Feb 19, 09 @ 11:36 am
I’ll cheerfully and optimistically keep working, paying my taxes and support extraordinary federal borrowing to put people to work, invest in the infrastructure and keep families from being thrown into the street.

Don’t buy anything unless I have to, but I do the other stuff already. Helped my daughter’s girl scout troop put on a couple of extra drives for food pantries at Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Feb 19, 09 @ 11:42 am
Paying my mortgage

Comment by Dudeman Thursday, Feb 19, 09 @ 11:50 am
donations of household items have increased. gets rid of clutter, applies to taxes and someone else will buy it. recycle. also certain to go through cabinets and make food donations to the local pantry. if we don’t use it quickly, we should make sure someone else uses it. we are not making large purchases. we do decide that instead of stopping an activity we may find a less expensive way to do it. so, it’s less, but not zero.

Comment by Amy Thursday, Feb 19, 09 @ 11:51 am
I got a new job in January (unbelievable fortune, I know), and I am not socking away every penny, on purpose. I really never buy new clothing, but I bought 3 suits and a new coat this month. On Valentine’s Day, my sweetheart and I splurged on brunch AND dinner out, as well as expensive tickets for a dance show.

Comment by happy to help Thursday, Feb 19, 09 @ 11:52 am
I am trying to spend as normal. Leaving a little extra on tips, may have to buy another car, took a vacation in Dec, bought a tv. Wumpus thinks his and Mrs. Wumpus’ jobs are relatively safe, so not going into a shell.

Sorry Rich, no money for a Cap Fax subscription in the budget.

Comment by Wumpus Thursday, Feb 19, 09 @ 12:00 pm
Paying my mortgage, donating to charity, turning stimulus dollars into projects.

Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Thursday, Feb 19, 09 @ 12:04 pm
When I do buy, I try to buy locally, eat in local Oak Park restaurants and coffee shops.

I am also saving and prepared to step in and help 3 adult kids, all still working but who knows, with whatever they need to maintain their homes,
food, health insurance and so on for an extended period That has pretty much taken the place of charitable giving since we already provide them
with money so that maximize ira contributions.

Comment by Cassandra Thursday, Feb 19, 09 @ 12:14 pm
Try to tip a little better than normal at restaurants. I figure they’ve got fewer customers. And waitstaff are probably the kind of people to spend the money quickly, not put it into investments or saving.

Comment by Carl Nyberg Thursday, Feb 19, 09 @ 12:17 pm
I’ve upped my contributions to animal shelters as foreclosures have resulted in more homeless animals. I’d adopt another but Berwyn limits me to 3 at a time.

Comment by cermak_rd Thursday, Feb 19, 09 @ 12:18 pm
We do not have a high burn rate. Our mortgage consumes less than 5% of our monthly income. Our property tax is approaching 75% of our mortgage payment. Yechhhh.

Have increased donations to two poor educational systems we support in Illinois and WI.

Otherwise all remains at a standard level. We have a large proportion of income going into savings an that remains constant.

Comment by Plutocrat03 Thursday, Feb 19, 09 @ 12:21 pm
I find that trying to pay my outrageously high student loans, while also trying to feed myself while being unemployed and in my mid 20’s is about all the “contribution” I can afford at this time. It would be great to be working a good job, or to be double dipping like a lot of the state employee’s are. Hell, I wish I could get a job, be a total failure like the State Legislature is year after year and STILL get a raise continually. Here in the real world, I will continue to be a poor college graduate.

Comment by Sold a rotten bill of goods Thursday, Feb 19, 09 @ 12:24 pm
Spent some money last weekend at the local community Radio Station fundraiser. As the manager of a small business I have taken less pay for myself in order to keep an employee on board. I also havent raised any rates yet, however I have a feeling that is coming.

Comment by Speaking at Will Thursday, Feb 19, 09 @ 12:24 pm
I did and continue to do my part. I didn’t over-extend on buying a McMansion, I live within my means, I have and will continue to make my mortgage payments on time….what you want me to do more???….oh I forgot folks like me are the ones who will have to pay for it…

Are responsible homeowners getting to refinance at the lower rate with little or no fees…I think not(a number have alreay been refused and told the money is for those in trouble to re-finance)….why not find out about those irrresponsible folks and what they are doing about it…perhaps they should move out of their bigger home into one they can afford

At the end of the day does this mortgage bailout help anything…but empower folks who already go themselves into trouble…

Comment by Responsible Homeowner Thursday, Feb 19, 09 @ 12:29 pm
leaving our money in the stock market. call us crazy.

Comment by been there Thursday, Feb 19, 09 @ 12:39 pm
Trying to tip more, especially at the low end of the wage scale–the woman who helps us take care of my mother-in-law (who will lose her job if my MIL loses her pension in a GM bankruptcy), cabbies, diner waitresses. Increasing my own charitable contributions. Hiring at the office, even though it might be more rational to leave the position vacant. Being very very grateful that we sold our house in 2006 and no longer have a mortgage!

Comment by Ann Thursday, Feb 19, 09 @ 12:44 pm
Instead of giving Christmas gifts to our adult children and siblings, we gave charity donations in their names. The donations were for the same amount we normally spend on gifts. Everyone was touched by the gift since we picked charities that they support.

Comment by sneaker Thursday, Feb 19, 09 @ 12:49 pm
$$$ to NPR & PBS

Pushing my Congessperson & Senator(s) to increase funding for education as an important (and, unfortunately, cut) piece of the long term solution to the economic problems. Out-of-work people need retraining and HS grads need to go to college. If we don’t reducate/educate the work force they will be doomed to joblessness.

Comment by Pot calling kettle Thursday, Feb 19, 09 @ 12:49 pm
Is four hospital visits, four pairs of eye glasses, car repairs, replacement of a dead dryer, a dead toaster and a dead coffemaker all since November enough? There was more but my mind has gone on a well deserved vacation.

Comment by Chanson Thursday, Feb 19, 09 @ 12:49 pm
When we moved 3 years ago we decided to rent for a while instead of buying…looks like a stroke of genius now as home prices have dropped 15-25% in our town since then. Still not biting…I don’t think we’re through with the recession yet. With two young kids we’re still not able to eat out often at restaurants with actual plates, but when we do I have found myself tipping more than in the past.
In the ‘call me crazy’ category, we are actually starting a small business as we have found a nice niche where we think we can make some money and, at the same time, help our local economy.

Comment by Vote Quimby! Thursday, Feb 19, 09 @ 12:50 pm
like cermak_rd i take in stray cats.

fortunately (or not), we don’t have a limiting local ordinance.

anybody need, or, no, willing to have, a cat?

Comment by been there Thursday, Feb 19, 09 @ 12:54 pm
I’ve been pretty lucky with my job…no reductions as of yet (I’m in the healthcare field, so we are relatively recession proof). Bought a new (American made) car. Increased my donation to my church and our monthly community service project. As a Human Resources professional, I am donating time helping people who are out of work with redoing their resume and polishing their interviewing skills through a program at our church.

Comment by Mountain Man Thursday, Feb 19, 09 @ 1:09 pm
Bought a Durango in December, adopted a 3rd cat, replaced snowblower, tv and dishwasher in last 2 months (last 2 were upgrades before the old ones totally blew), diverting work to my younger associates to keep their positions secure, decided to take spring break vacation in the U.S., keeping charitable donations to education/homeless/animal charities at same or higher level, taking the CTA more often

Comment by corvax Thursday, Feb 19, 09 @ 1:09 pm
We’ve increased our charitable giving by 50%, am involved in a charitable fundraiser next weekend, and continuing to give locally to local shelters and food pantries.

We are giving more since there is more need.

Finally, fighting the governments from taking more wages from me in order to give to their connected trough-buddies and lobbyists. The more they take from me, the less I have and the less free choice I have in supporting local charities.

God loves a cheerful giver, not one forced by penalty of law to give to the government playing cheerful giver.

Comment by VanillaMan Thursday, Feb 19, 09 @ 1:22 pm
I still have a good job with a good company (THank God). I go to work, pay the mortgage, buy gas, groceries, contribute to our Church with $$$ and time and keeping contibuting to my 200 1/2K I mean 401K.

Comment by Dan S, a Voter, Taxpayer and Cubs Fan Thursday, Feb 19, 09 @ 1:22 pm
Im waiting for that extra 8 to 10 bucks in my paycheck, then im going hog wild.

Comment by anon Thursday, Feb 19, 09 @ 1:34 pm
Dropped a big chunk on a new super efficient HVAC system and following it up with tankless water heater this month.

Comment by sparky Thursday, Feb 19, 09 @ 1:46 pm
Our church goes down to a church in Washington Park and takes lunch, stuffed animals, clothes for winter, and last time, two deer (the ground meat). When I ask for help, no one complains about tough times, because no matter how bad it is in our little community, Washington Park has it a whole lot worse. And the people, especially the children, are so grateful. It makes me forget my house problems, etc.

Comment by bored on 1 Thursday, Feb 19, 09 @ 1:49 pm
I am going to buy a Rolex with my stimulus check.

Comment by Anon Thursday, Feb 19, 09 @ 2:09 pm
Started doing an automatic monthly donation to the Greater Chicago Food Depository, but other than that have just tried to keep all my spending the same.

Comment by Lakefront Liberal Thursday, Feb 19, 09 @ 2:20 pm
I’m so broke I can’t even pay attention!

Comment by crazy times Thursday, Feb 19, 09 @ 2:35 pm
We donate our extra pennies. I give canned food to the local church. I also started a special religious education program at our local church. We are still looking for people to donate some time to help us.

Comment by Deeda Thursday, Feb 19, 09 @ 2:40 pm
We have increased our donations to the Salvation Army. They are there when the cameras aren’t. Am involved in pushing for alternative sources of energy, i.e. solar and wind. Try and buy products made in the US….and that is much tougher than you might think. Helping friends and relatives plan gardens and teaching then how to can and preserve food grown by local farms. Continue to teach others how to save money through common sense ideas. Buying flowers on sale at the grocery stores and giving to the elderly in the neighborhood to help brighten their day. Offering encouragement, hope, and a smile to those I meet. Trying my best to run over politicians who are liars. That alone keeps my spirits up!

Comment by Justice Thursday, Feb 19, 09 @ 3:27 pm
I’m doing lots of volunteer work. I’m a volunteer firefighter, Girl Scout leader, and Sunday School teacher. Instead of asking to be reimbursed for expenses I incur during my volunteer work, I include those expenses as part of my donation to those organizations so they have more money for other things. Also, our renter at our other home lost her job. We are being extremely lenient with the rent as she looks for work. Still saving up $$ for a Cap Fax subscription.

Comment by Cinho Thursday, Feb 19, 09 @ 3:34 pm
We had a daughter in December so I’ve been spending money like never before.

Comment by Niles Township Thursday, Feb 19, 09 @ 3:34 pm
I live in downstate Illinois and work in St. Louis. A group of local writers here recently started the Resume Dictionary, a free resource to help job hunters develop their resume for success, and I’ve been volunteering my time to help create entries and articles for the site. We even hosted a series of free resume writing workshops to help unemployed workers in the area.

Comment by Resume Writer Thursday, Feb 19, 09 @ 3:51 pm
Four kids in private schools and I’ve cut back on my donations to the Catholic Church.

Comment by Hair today, gone.... Thursday, Feb 19, 09 @ 3:55 pm
been there,

Actually, in my case it’s stray dogs. I’d go with cats, too (I don’t think Berwyn limits them), but my partner’s allergic.

Comment by cermak_rd Thursday, Feb 19, 09 @ 4:13 pm
Because of very tight times, I too may take in stray cats or dogs for variuos uses

Comment by Restaurant Owner Thursday, Feb 19, 09 @ 4:32 pm
RO–where in the world is your restaurant? I’ll be sticking to the wings when I go.

Comment by Cinho Thursday, Feb 19, 09 @ 4:56 pm
Me never tell

Comment by Restaurant Owner Thursday, Feb 19, 09 @ 5:21 pm
Doubled our tithes at church, bought a new car at the end of August, volunteered more at church - know we’re much more fortunate than others & very thankful.

Comment by Southern Illinois Voter Thursday, Feb 19, 09 @ 5:38 pm
Vacationing in Florida….

Comment by Jechislo Thursday, Feb 19, 09 @ 6:16 pm
Saving up money for a Capitol Fax subscription.

Comment by HoBoSkillet Thursday, Feb 19, 09 @ 7:33 pm
Recession or not, I volunteer for a number of community organizations and legal groups dedicated to helping those less fortuante them me, participating in pro bono services, mentorship programs, soup kitchens, etc.

Also, I try to welcome family, friends, and perfect strangers (come on, are strangers every really perfect?!?!) with a smile regardless of my worries.

I’ll live and die by my mother’s mantras -
CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME.

AND THIS TOO SHALL PASS.

Comment by Black Ivy Thursday, Feb 19, 09 @ 8:21 pm
I work for the welfare department. ‘Nuff said.

Comment by Marianne North Thursday, Feb 19, 09 @ 8:47 pm
I’m no longer paying the governor for my board appointment.

Comment by Quizzical Friday, Feb 20, 09 @ 1:20 am
Doubling down on gifts and food donations to the food pantries.

Taking $$ that used to go to political campaigns and sending it to “high impact” charities (Sojourn, St John’s Breadline, Foodbank)

Tipping more in restaurants.

Patronizing local businesses wherever possible.

Hoping to replace the Swedish Tank with an American car.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Friday, Feb 20, 09 @ 1:38 am
We are empty nesters who still work, so we still eat at restaurants a few times a week, but have changed where. Have started going early on Saturday for the breakfast special that only costs $1.49 each instead of a dinner on Friday. We also found a great chinese place (No MSG) that serves a huge lunch for only $4.99. There is enough left over to take home for the next day. We are eating leftovers much more now.

We have purchased a house ($160,000 less than what realtor told us we could afford), a car, leased a van, bought a clothes washer, a dishwasher, new bed, new sofa, and have hired contractors who are out of work to do work for us at the house. We pay the contractors more than they ask (they are really cutting prices to get the jobs) We donate to our church whose only expense at the moment is benevolence (no Pastor’s salary or overhead). We help our son and his family (they have 4 children) with shoes for the kids, clothing, coats, whatever they need.

Comment by Say WHAT? Friday, Feb 20, 09 @ 11:41 am