I was once again reminded this weekend that I should not judge people unless I have the facts. And that other peoples’ lives and finances are very much a private affair.
Recently an acquaintance didn’t have a birthday party for their 4yr old and I remember thinking that that is really bad, all 4year olds like to have a party! We found out today that they are really struggling financially and when I started thinking about it I realised that they probably couldn’t afford to have a party. I’m such a bitch.
Then, tonight, my Mom called. Her friend’s Son-In-Law was retrenched a while ago and was earning a very good salary (he is a CA) and has 3 children and the Mom doesn’t work. He still hasn’t found a job and now they have to sell their house.
Everyone was saying how the economy is getting better, but I’m just not seeing it. Businesses are still scaling down, there are a lot of people that didn’t get increases and all my friends (and myself!) that work for themselves are really struggling. My parents have even had their house on the market for a while now as they also want to downscale, but no buyers. The property pages are getting thinner and thinner. (Don’t ask, I’m obsessed with looking at houses for sale)
I understand that nothing much will happen during WC for normal business, and I’m certainly no financial expert or political analyst, but is it just me or are we all still battling?
On a lighter note, we went to watch the soccer at a friend’s house earlier and my children had a ball with their vuvu’s. I have refused to buy them until now, but think I might have to give in..
Here is Daniel blowing a vuvu:
No you are right,people are still struggling and the prices of basics just keeps on going up.
Think we are lucky if we still have our heads above water for now
Those of us still managing to get by comfortably every month are very lucky people at this point.
Everyone that I know is still battling! It will always be like that as long as the cost of foodstuffs keeps going up and salaries either dont go up at all or go up by less than 10%. The sad thing to me is that so many make the right financial decisions and plans and other forces beyond our control rip the floor from under our feet! Daniel looks great with his “vuvu” xx
You are right, most South Africans are still struggling and I believe it will take a while before recovering and settling. For the economy to improve doesn’t mean all those thousands that lost their jobs, closed down their businessess, sold their houses and lost everything are suddenly “saved”, the damage is done.
I thing we will see the effects for some time still. Delayed. Daniel looks so cute blowing his vuvu, but I fear if you buy them, you will regret soon. lol.
Cute pic of D with his vuvu 🙂 Reminds me – I don’t think I have pics of my 2 blowing theirs…
As for recession – I think it’s going to take a while to recover! Personally, I didn’t get an increase the past 4 years, and took 10% decrease last yesr. I’m just lucky that I got a package to keep us going! (Until my business takes off and I’m rolling in money – LOL :D)
Yep, I agree!
Your ex-company really didn’t take care of you!
I’m mostly deaf after going to the soccer anyway!
We are very lucky to still have our houses etc!
Absolutely!
Thanks Shazzie 🙂
Exactly!
It is tough out there. I think we’re all trying to save where we can,actually I will blog about this soon, because I need some money saving tips!
go for it, great idea!
If there is a Dischem near you, please check if they also have Pampers on special. The one here has them on special for R119 a pack!
We are very much still struggling. Glad you mentioned the knock that self-employed people take in this economy – too true.
Love Daniel’s cool dude shades – are those reserved for cool activities like blowing a vuvu?
LOL!
Wish I could wave a magic wand for you!