Advice from the Lower Upper Middle Class
Dear LUMCG,
Can Washington, D.C. really expect us to cough up $700 billion dollars to bail out Wall Street? I’ve foregone meals just to make ends meet. I’m behind on my bills because I have to fill up my tank. My social life has taken a back seat and I’m missing out on some great parties. Is there any end in sight?
Hunter, Bucktown
Hunter,
The economic downturn has taken its toll on all of us. For instance, yours truly has also missed out on some pretty good parties lately. I try to go to as many as I can but there better be a girl to guy ratio of at least three to one and the venue better offer valet parking. With fewer people leaving their condos, fewer neighborhood parking spots are available. Fewer parking spots results in my driving endlessly around the block looking for a spot. Let’s see you try to find a spot in Lincoln Park for an RS4 that won’t lead to a scraped bumper.
Dear LUMCG,
Can you recommend some alternatives to putting money in the market? I’m going to have to put off retirement for 8 years at the rate things are going.
Larry, Edgewater
Larry,
Another rule I have is if you’re going to make me pay a cover to get into your party you better offer more than Bud Light and generic spirits. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to order off the “selected menu.” How the hell can I get my game on if I’m working off of that swill?
Dear LUMCG,
I have an issue. Due to the rising cost of food, I have begun clipping coupons from our local newspaper. However, when it comes time to present the coupon at the market, I get embarrassed. Yesterday, I lied to the person in line behind me that I was doing some shopping for my mom and that she insists that I use coupons. I made a face and went on and on at how crazy my mom is. What if instead of a stranger seeing me use a coupon, it was my neighbor? How could I ever show my face around town? On the other hand, if I can save 25 cents off of 12 rolls of Charmin, then I feel like it is worth it.
Sincerely,
Carefully Clipping Coupons in Bainbridge Island, WA
Dear CCCIBIW,
You hear more and more stories about what people will do in desperate times. The degrading choices people make just to keep afloat. But this is a defining time in our history – a time for all of us to reevaluate not just how we spend our money but a chance to look at who we are. For it is how we as individuals, and as society, deal with our problems that helps define us. Even I must make sacrifices. For example, I’m writing this on a flight from London to Chicago . . . sitting in business class.
Dear LUMCG,
The price of gas is going down but I’ve just gotten acclimated to taking public transportation. Do I let my car sit on the street or sell it?
Marie, Bucktown
Getting back to CCIBIW, I may fly business class but I don’t think I could ever bring myself to use coupons. Embarrass myself in front of neighbors just to save $.50 on toilet paper? Sorry. Not going to happen.
Dear LUMCG,
Not sure if you’re a handy guy, but I’m looking for ways to save money on my energy bill. Any recommendations?
Tyler, Lincoln Square
Tyler,
How about those people that cash-in their coins at the grocery store for store credit? You do that CCIBIW? Do you team that up with the coupons, or will you get laughed out of the PTA? How much could you possibly have in that zip lock bag that makes it worth the time to dump it all in that machine? I’d rather buy a Streewise from the homeless. Not that I do. No sport section.
Dear LUMCG,
I was laid off a couple months ago and my severance is about to run out. I’ve had an offer but I just know it’s not right for me. Is it ethical to take the job knowing I’ll still be looking for the right fit?
Anna, Lakeview
I don’t mean to pick on you CCIBIW, but it just makes me sad that you’re so desperate. I’ll bet your husband doesn’t even know or care for that matter. I’ll bet he’s the type to drop a ton of money on something like an expensive bike while you’re out there degrading yourself at the grocery store. Yeah, I bet you’re bike riders. People like you are always trying to mask their poverty with “green” lifestyle choices. Typical.
