Cutting Back...What about you?

[Andy]

The economy has definately played a small part in what I am purchasing these days. Fortunately, both mine and my wife's jobs are stable and should continue to be so (I sell booze and she works for the State - how much more secure can you get there). But, due to a hail storm and my vehicle being totaled out by the insurance company, things have actually gotten a little better for us. My Jeep is now paid off in full (17 months early). The bad thing about Texas can be the weather, but the good thing about Texas can also be the weather. In this case, that infamous 100+ heat has already begun to pop out some of the smaller dents so my vehicle is coming along fine. But I digress....

I still have a couple of kilts on The List, but right now, I'm kinda in a "pay down the bills" kinda groove....and it feels pretty damn good!

[Kilt_Noob]

Ya, I feel ya. I work for gulfstream at their service center and due to bad media and big companies not wanting to fly their aircraft we are hit pretty hard. Dallas site is shutting down, Appleton, WI site is shutting down and we have been put on 32hr weeks for about a month and actually have been working between 32 hours and 24. That's half our pay. And now we are in the middle of a R.I.F. Yikes. But there are signs that the economy is picking up, we are getting some aircraft coming in, but it's still slow. But keep your heads up, we are a strong resilient people! We'll get through this together! Just have to make wise spending choices, cut out the extras, keep an eye out for deals (including used kilts if need be) and hunker down.

[The Kilted Reverend]

You have my prayers.

Slainte,
Rev.

[Bob C]

Sounds like your head is on straight. This kilt stuff is a luxury, not a necessity.

Best wishes.

[JolyStNicholas]

I know where your coming from, keep your chin up! family first! Your the man!

[PiobBear]

I haven't been paid by my "real" job since mid-December, and my wife will be laid off on Monday. My bagpiping gigs are now our only source of income, and the spring wedding season has now past. There's really nothing left to cut back on that hasn't already been thoroughly eviscerated to the bone, and there's nothing encouraging for either of us upon the horizon.
To old to get hired, too young for Social Security. What the hell are we supposed to do!?

[Zardoz]

Well, Texas in general, and Houston in particular, has been riding out this economy thing pretty well. Mrs.Z and I were pretty flush till I got canned last week! I have my X-Marks kilt already paid for and in the pipeline with Rocky. We were planning to order my long awaited Bluebonnet tartan kilt from him with our tax refund, but I guess thats on hold for the time being.
On the good side; the only thing we owe on is the house, and my wife has a good paying "real job" with a defense contractor, so it's gonna be tight, but we'll get by till I can find a better gig.

[cessna152towser]

My kilt buying will be on hold also. I gave up my business at the end of last October as it would have gone into loss-making if I had renewed my professional indemnity insurance for another year, and currently I am spending money re-training for a new line of work. I did buy a new kilt last week, but it was a budget lightweight wool black watch at just £25 and I am hoping to raise that by selling my lightweight wool Dress Gordon Modern and my acrylic Black Watch. When I receive my new Maple Leaf from Freedom Kilts that will be the last one for the foreseeable future.

Remember though, the gift from God of a new baby is worth more than a MILLION KILTS.

[CameronTaylor]

Be patient and don't lose faith. I have a bunch of friends who are within months of losing their jobs and it's difficult to watch (I work construction so I'm used to it).
Tough times call for tough choices.

Fortunately my local kiltmaker discounts for his regular customers.


CT - my sewing aspirations look best on a hangar

[Rob Wright]

HAving gone back to school 2 1/2 tears ago my spending went to zero. Spent that time putting aside money, for accessories, a new kilt, etc. I have some of that fund left which will be used to purchase a freelander sporran and towards the material for a kilt in Douglas Red Ancient.

Been able to stay relatively debt free while I am back in school but boy does it suck not having fundage.

Rob