Home : Blogs : Jason Sardi, Mortgage Banker : Real Estate Financing, The Insider's Insight On Mortgage

Blood, Bruises, & Real Estate.....

I had a coined saying years ago, actually it was a self-inflicted nickname of sorts. That name was, "Master of the Obvious." It reminds me of what I'm seeing, hearing, and feeling. Is it getting brutal yet? Are you ready to quit something you once thought of as a career? Before you do, I think you may want to read further...

The Economy is something I am by no means an expert on. But I do have what some may call a, 'Birds Eye View'...of the system it works for and under. That said, more money won't solve this...WE will. And I mean that collectively.

In kindergarten I learned to share. Shortly thereafter, I learned to work together. I don't always like those concepts, but it seems they can be an awesome team. When utilizing those things, it's hard to go wrong. I don't care about the media, I don't care about perceived predictions of where the market is going or even where it is at. Survival belongs to the fittest. I just hope the 'fittest' happens to be looking out for everybody else. And I hope the good ones survive and thrive.

Yet, if you want my version....which if you are still reading you deserve just that. I read what I thought was a very cool post by Brett Young the other day. Brett was so on the mark and made me think of how WE can help change a whole heck of a lot of what is going on.

While I'd love to see the prices of homes in certain areas drop, I'd love to see the wage paid to workers go up even remotely close to the increasing cost of housing & the Real Estate Taxes associated with being a homeowner.
It would be very nice if it didn't cost me more to drive to and from work than I could make in a day. Maybe I should make more money, though there is nothing wrong with Gas Prices going down a bit. God forbid those that have to heat their homes via Oil......
Bottom line, the cost of living has gone up sooooo much more than the income earned to deal with it. Think about it, I'm not one to over-explain the obvious.....if it costs so much more to live but the income doesn't follow...it becomes a bit of problem. That doesn't take an Economic Degree to figure out, it takes a Common Sense way of thinking.

So, our role is very simple in my mind. This is a brilliantly thought of idea and I truly want everyone to be prepared in trying to implement it....it's all about one word. EDUCATION!!! It starts, but doesn't end with our schools. The basics are born in Kindergarten & Elementary School and evolve into High-School....after-all, when did you first receive your first credit card offer? It's worth repeating, you want to claim to teach us about the Real-World.....DO IT! I pay school taxes and don't have any kids, I don't mind though. It's my civil duty to do so, and their (Those with our tax dollars in their unmoisturized little hands) duty to listen....I want to make sure the taxes I'm paying are going to the right places...it is our earned money after-all. So, to all you politicians and parents and capitalistic predators, I ask you simply one question. Do for us now what makes sense for the future, teach us about living Capitalism, since that is the world in which we live here in America...please? Life & Real Estate is all about learning, all about blood....all about bruises. It's time to deal with pain by preventing it in the first place. I don't mind paying dues but there is no virtue in ignorant poverty. Prevention is akin to Education, it's a way to make sure the bumps and bruises are held to a staunch minimum, while we travel the way of the next phase of how to make this Mad World make some semblance of sense.

It's time to ignore the B.S. of this life and party like there is no tomorrow. If you've read this far, here you freaking go!!!

Posted by Jason Sardi, Mortgage Banker on 11/21/2007 01:15 PM

Comments (73)

pennsylvania, mortgage information, real estate advice, allentown

Originally posted at: Real Estate Financing...: Blood, Bruises, & Real Estate.....

73 Comments on Blood, Bruises, & Real Estate.....

NOV

2007

Wow DUDE! Let me introduce you to Lola Audu have a good turkey day!

Isn't she freaking AWESOME Ken! I just read her moments ago. You have a good turkey day as well Ken, just don't over-cook:-)

Education is everything... thanks to you, I am a Socialist now :-)

[so much less $$ than paying 25k/yr to put a kid through private school - after all, I need that money for gas!!]

Jason,

You are right on the scary truth of it all, it has to start somewhere and education is the key. Awesome post, Jason!

Great hun, I hear that only works on paper:-)

By the way Jennifer, Education is everything...too bad I didn't catch onto to that years ago.

Feeling Lonely Jason??

....not THAT lonely....Mike.

Jason,

So you're "Master of the Obvious." personally I've been blessed with 20/20 hindsight. Believe me it gets better with age.

Regarding life, partying like there is no tomorrow is a waste of time. Find yourself a good mate and work at celebrating life!

Concern for your friends and a few good deeds along the way, also help. I don't know Mike, but if thinks that woman is good for him, he needs help.

Now before you thik I so thoughtful and caring, you should know this comment puts me over 60,000 points.

Bill

NOV

2007

Saving the world is a losing battle and a fight you should not undertake. It will drain you of time and energy and in the end leave you with nothing. As Bill said... Create you own world and enjoy life, it goes by fast enough but if you need a cause go for it.....

Jason,

Educate the mind and soul..not necessarily the body:)

Jason,

The most important part was, Wages going up. I can't tell you how many people can't even afford to Sneeze, without bouncing a check, enough is enough.

Hey Sardi, if you don't want that sheet. then i'll take it :0) my wife won't mind.

Tom Weiss

Jason, I like the softer side. Great graphic and good post. We are living a ridiculous life!

Bill - LMAO! Congrats on getting over the 60,000 point mark, you should write a post about it:-))

Dan - I see your point and you may be right....but I wouldn't be me if I totally agreed with that.

Neal - Hmmmmm, I thought education does the body good.

Tom - It's all yours bubba!

Jeanean - At times, yes we do.

I don't want to change the world, just my little piece of it. And if I can leave this world just a little bit better than I found it, then my life will be complete.

Totally agree with you on this and have gotten on my soapbox about education & that each and every day we are locking more and more people out of entering the ranks of homeownership. And yes, it appears more and more that our money is being so misused and it's up to us to do something about it.

Sandra - Very well put, I read a quote once that reflected similiar to just that and thought to myself, "Man, that's probably one of the keys to life."

Marc - We have more power than we may think in my opinion.

So much of education starts in the home.

Perhaps much of the misuse of $$ is right there, next to the Wii and Air Jordans (or are they LeBron's now?).

Nice post compadre. I like your softer side also :^)

Jason - wish you still had the quote...would love to read it.

Jason: Great job! I firmly believe we all have a duty to make those changes you were talking about. What is scary is that the market may be going through correcton that nobody can see. The wage correction. Right now more people are living on credit than ever before. The reason may specifically be because with all of the increses in gas, cost of living, cost of goods, etc. This coupled with wages not increasing accordingly and the only way to fill that gap is with credit. This is a scary thought!

So true! Salaries are not going up while prices on everything else is. How is anybody supposed to make ends meet? I agree with Rey in that this is why credit cards are so big. What I don't understand is that this being the case, then why are people building and buying huge homes that cost an arm and a leg and are paying a fortune to heat and maintain.

Rob - Very good point Rob, it does start at home...as does most things. I do think though that is incumbent upon our educational system to also teach about 'Real World' things such as credit and money.

Sandra - If I find it, I'll pass it along.

Rey - Talk about a credit crunch, it is our job to step up and help the best we can. Thanks!

Brigita - I think one of the first lessons of money is not to live above your means...

Jason, You're on target. All of our nation's economic gains are based upon worker productivity. We're squeezing the labor force; we're not paying them anymore.

Now that we're competing head-to-head with India, China and other developing nations ... maybe this is how it's going to be in the new world order?

Jason, I wish I could spend all of my time trying to improve the world, darn if real estate doesn't get in the way. It's hard to see my kids looking at job and housing options that when put together = debt and depression. We need to change a lot in this world for our kids. And, yes, party too. But my parents are due to arrive any minute:) Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and thanks for your friendship and for being you and sharing it with all of us.

Let's start the Robin Hood Revolution Andrew:-) We really need to take an honest look at things and make the appropriate changes.

Diane - Being in Real Estate, we have the opportunity to make a dent in changing the world. You have a wonderful Thanksgiving as well Diane and thank you for all your support.

I'd LOVE to see the HONEST percentages on AR that voted in each local, state and federal election over the past "X" years (since one was able, 18 yrs old).

We love to discuss politics, tax expenditures, and why there is no stop sign on Main St... but we just hate to actually research a candidate like we do a loan or a house... then spend the '1/2 hr.' voting..... THEN spend whatever it takes to follow-up with the person representing that vote.

Way to simplistic for me to just blame government and the schools. We ARE the government and the schools... heck, don't most municipalities vote in their school board, or at least the person that picks the school board? Isn't that where much of the curriculum is driven?

So much silence ... when everyone is busy in the mall buying their kid a new cell phone because... THEY NEED IT. After all, how are they going to develop those thumbs?

I am guilty as charged in some areas. But admitting it is at least a beginning.

Wow! Congratulations on the Feature Jason! I definitely give you a Gold Star!!!

Rob - You want honesty? You came to the right guy. Up until I moved to Allentown, I always voted in the local, state and federal elections. Then, when I came to Allentown...I registerd to vote 2 weeks prior to the elections, but it was too late to count. You make AWESOME points though, because I have been guilty in not doing enough research, not voting in EVERY election, and not using the voice our freedom alots us. I am guilty as charged in some areas as well, change starts with us. Very astute comment my friend.

Jennifer - Hmmmm, kind of surprised but I appreciate the star. You get a gold star as well, for being you;-)

No matter where we are or what we do ...in life or business....the good ones will always survive. I believe that. All I can do is My Part...and I believe my purpose in life is to support people for the greater good. (and I know even that statement means something different) I educate and take all to heart. Even from you :)

TEACH YOUR CHILDREN

Sis - What a wonderful song! Believe me, I've learned a lot from you.....many have.

You hit the nail with this one. There will always be the scum of every industry that preys on the nieve and uneducated. And with the scum promising them the American dream. So many are in over their heads in mortgages there were crap from the get go.

It is because of this epidemic that we find ourselves in the situation we are in. People trusted lenders and other professionals and never realized what they were truly getting into.

<sigh> on a lighter note... congrats on the "star" and Have a great Holiday!

Jason Excellent post. I married into a very academic family and love the conversations we have when we all get together. Sadly our education system isn't what it should be for such a "big world player" I mean gosh, we can barely speak English here let alone a second language???? We should take a cue for the Europeans on that one.... being multilingual is a good thing. And it's hard to change the "system" when there is a good population of young and older people with voting power who don't pay attention.

Keep driving the point home Jason.... we need to stay informed to make a difference. Thanks for your voice and words of wisdom.

Sardi - I enjoyed this post, and the music, too. It's interesting that you mentioned the schools and the asssociated taxes. My wife and I homeschool our kids, yet we still pay the same school taxes as everybody else. Clearly, homeschooling is not an inexpensive option (since you have to purchase curricula and materials and you lose one income in most cases), but we feel that education is incredibly important. Well done, my friend!

ZZ top is cool!!!!! - Great post

Dez - You too my dear! I tried to add in the lighter note at the end with Z.Z. Top, I love that song:-)

Linda - Good point, a second language (whatever it may be) should be a requirement, along with math, reading, writing, credit & money courses. Thank you for your contribution Linda!

Crouch - Thank you amigo, have a great holiday! And when I finally am able to visit Austin, we are on for lunch. Maybe I'll even buy the first time around;-)

Michael - That they are, that they are. That's one of my favorites by them.

Jason - It you find it I would appreciate it...On another note - congratulations on the gold star.

Jason, where do I start...

If we were to increase wages, that would lead to an increase in prices... or a decrease in profits. If you vote decrease in profits, that is going to affect the 70% of people that are directly (through stock and/or mutual funds in retirement accounts) invested in the stock market. In short, it would mean that their retirement income would suffer. So, we could have any combination of further escalation of prices, or erosion of buying power among the vast majority of the residents of the country. It also wouldn't do anything to combat the reasons for the rising prices of housing.

On the contrary, it would probably indirectly cause a further increase in the cost of housing. Of course, it might serve to help end current slow market.

This would happen because of the increase in the influx of illegal immigrants. Despite the fact that we have THE MOST OPEN legal immigration policies on the planet, almost 7% of the population of this country are not here legally. Removal of those that are illegally here would ease the housing crunch (less demand) while increasing wages through even more competition for employees (like the 4.5% unemployment isn't amazing enough).

A better way would be to increase the economic efficiency of the country and adopt a consumption based taxation system that actually rewards people for living within their means. Think www.FairTax.org.

Also, keep in mind that there is little reason people can't buy homes... but there is a reason people can't buy the h omes they want. I don't know about you, but I deal with people all of the time that want to buy WAY more house than they should. It isn't that they can't afford to buy a house, it's more that they can't afford to buy a $350,000 house... and that is what they want.

Finally, I would like to tell you that this was a good post. It helps to get the conversation started.

Jason,

Great post!!! More emphasis needs to be placed on education. The sad reality is that I see kids today who probably could not point out India on a globe. The schools need to teach our kids (and adults) about economics and fiscal responsibility. People are purchasing more via credit than they have income coming in. Stop living beyond your means, people!!

PS Love the ZZ Top!!

My agents laugh at me because I tell so many 1st time buyers they will be living on macaroni & dried beans for the next thirty years if they buy as much house as they can get approved for! I am all for comprehesive education in all aspects of business!

Thank you Sandra!

Lane - In my mind, you just entered the 'Comment Hall of Fame'. EXCELLENT points and you laid out some pretty sound advice for anyone who may be reading. Thank you very much for sharing your insight on this! (I will check out www.FairTax.org.)

Harold - Right on, it's essential for individuals to be able to have a pulse on what they can afford and what they can't and on how to live within their realm of affordability.

Michelle - They may laugh, but there is truth to what you are saying. Though if cooked and seasoned properly, macaroni & dried beans can be tasty:-)

Jason, this is an excellent post. Education is a great starting point. I have to admit though, it's tough to afford, and this comes from a parent who has one in college and one starting next year. Why am I sitting here typing -- I need to go out and sell houses!!

Jason,

I was actually thinking about this same thing the other day when I had to stop filling the Jeep up when the pump hit $40. It wasn't even 3/4 full and it made me think of the times when I would just pump $5 worth of gas to get me through the next few days. Now, it'd get me to the next gas station.

I try to get the education point across to my kids, but coming from someone without a college education, it's a hard sell sometimes. Fortunately for me I have one who isdoing very well in school and will most likely get a great scholarship. The other just doesn't see the value in college and it's going to be tough to get him through any higher education.

Great post, but that's what we have come to expect from you. Thanks.

I come from a long line of teachers--was one myself for several years--and before education can become a priority in this country, our teachers must be well-educated and well-compensated. Too many of the good teachers leave after a few years because it is impossible to support a family on a teacher's salary. It stands to reason if we only keep the mediocre teachers the level of education they provide will be at the level they teach. Our children will perform at a higher level when our teachers do. There are many great teachers (my daughter is one of them), but there are too many who are just putting in their time.

Jason, Jason, Jason.....

Which river did you want to go to? Unless it's way down south, probably too cold at this point anyway.

So, a gold star for you on this one - congrats!

Ann

I do chuckle, as I'm an old guy..... I remember days when gas was RATIONED.... EVERY OTHER DAY - BASED ON YOUR LICENSE PLATE NUMBER....

Now that was under president Carter.... 1973? ........was a long time ago (perspective).... and I worked 40 MILES from home. 80 miles round trip in a gas guzzler....

Fill up was regulated to every other day. (See word - regulated).

And I read the people today complaining about prices.... VERSUS..... the 2-3 hour gasolines, JUST so a person could GET to work the next day.

It's amazing how far we have not come.

(Relating to my parents time in the Depression)...:^)

With the current state of events and my current pipeline it's difficult to picture, but it never hurts to daydream.

Happy Thanksgiving lil bro. I really am grateful for the few here that have come into my life and made me smile :)

When I quit my job in the leisure and tourism sector I was making around the same amount of money, more consistent anyways.

Gas was below $2 a gallon. Our summer electric bill was $150 a month tops. That was 2005. Now, in 2007, we are paying over $3 a gallon (at least it is a write off for me!) and our summer electric bills topped $400 a month. I just paid the last one in Oct where the A/C was off for a week and it was only $374.

Some coal mining lobby is running commercials here saying they keep our electricity inexpensive. Huh?

Then they wonder where the money is being sucked out of the economy and why people can no longer afford it when their adjustable adjusts. Or just plain afford anything period. Choice between eating and air conditioning (when it's like 115 out, ok?) and housing hmmmmmmmmm. What would you choose?

At least we have our property taxes capped :LOL:

I will party like a rock star every now and then but gotta keep a roof over the kiddies heads, the A/C set at 85 and mac and cheese on the table.

Sardi..... awesome post. And I agree with both Dan's comment and your comment to Dan. I work the middle of both of your statements and that in itself can still be draining.... A good job here.

Party like there is no tomorrow? My sig. other is offering hand signals to get me back out there...Nah. He can do the "family" thing for a half an hour- I've escaped. And, nice post!

Hey Jason,

Congratulations on your gold star and happy thanks giving, I just want to say hello and hope that everything is fine with you>

Ray Saenz

Great Post Jason. Happy Thanksgiving.

Hi Jason, Instead of just commenting I would say we have so much to be thankful for and by the New Year, we will hopefully see some of the changes Congress promised that night make things a bit easier for all of us. As to the income, if we can get the Buyers to buy we will be OK. What I do fear as you stated, is that there is no real fix to the imbalance that now exists. I think what we are seeing is going to be our new reality and we will all have to adapt. Thinking there is a magic bullet will likely leave us in ever worse shape than we are now in. I have no answer but to keep trying and hope things ease in the new year.

Here is wishing and your family a wonderful and Happy Thanksgiving. I did read the post and Congratulations on being featured. Been working on getting all my Christmas decorations underway and I am doing cooking. Been at it for about 4 hours, turkey will be in at 6AM but I wanted to get on here and send you my sincerest best wishes for a Wonderful Thanksgiving Jason.

Interesting post. Thanks for sharing it.

NOV

2007

Jason,

I just stopped to wish you and our mutual friends a Happy Thanksgiving. If you're not with family, I hope the waitress is friendly.

Bill

Jason, you aren't fighting a loosing battle unless no one stops to listen. It looks like this post was at least listened to and someone took it to heart. Causing one person to stop and think can sometimes have the desired effect. Happy Thanksgiving

the deal is that everyone knows these things and still we as a race do nothing about it!

Happy Thanksgiving -- It looks like you have gotten some of the people to think and discuss this important topic. Education is key -- balance is also important. Nice dicussion.

A couple of comments:

1. JASON!!! Wow! GREAT POST!!! And there are some people stopping to listen. Trouble is that might be the same people who were working against the tide to begin with.

2. I've taught at the undergraduate level...in one of those areas where we are supposedly deficient. I used to be a scientist. Complete with three post-graduate degrees including a Ph.D. The trouble with science and engineering isn't so much desire to learn. Contrary to popular opinion you don't NEED that many scientists or engineers in raw numbers. However, we NEED a critical mass of AMERICAN nationals...and we aren't getting them. Why? Weeeeelll....why am I selling real estate??? Simple. I can't support myself on a scientist's salary. With the influx of H1B's and J1 visas we created a GLUT of scientists/engineers/programmers etc. Salaries tanked and instead of no jobs - there are plenty of jobs (at least in bioscience) but they amount to life in a glorified sweat-shop with abuses that would rivel 19th century child labor abuses - and I'm NOT exaggerating. So Americans are forced to abandon ship. Lou Dobbs has a pretty good handle on this particular issue - although I don't agree with him on everything - on this he is on the money. Salaries in my field for a newly minted Ph.D. are in the low $30k range - with 70-80 hour work week expected. I simply refused to work like that for so little. After all, who is going to take care of ME if I get laid off, sick, or become infirm - NO ONE. So I have to make the $$$.

3. For the general population - education in science and math are poor. This is something that needs to be remedied - however, it does not mean that a good education means a good salary! There is a disconnect now between salary and education - and THAT is a problem.

4. Fairtax.org - IMO is crap. There is no other way to put it. It is wishful thinking for conservatives who just don't want the wealthy to finally pony up. But pony up they must because our nation is sitting on a mountain of debt and the middle and working classes are in NO CONDITION to pay up. Fairtax is a regressive consumption tax that will hit the poor and lower middle class far harder than the well-heeled. Why? Because it taxes consumption. However, consumption among the poor is far less discretionary. They spend because the must, not because they want to. Their money isn't going to flat-screens and ipods - its going to survival.

5. Yes, 70% of the nation has some investment interest in the markets....but at what percentage...Most middle class and working class people would benefit more from a BETTER SALARY than a soaring market because they are simply more dependent on SALARY for survival. Most of that stuff is the same right-wing nonsense that got us into this mess to begin with.

Jason, I spent too many years earning a wage instead of striking out on my own. In all my schooling I can't ever remember being encouraged to start my own business.

Ruthmarie, I have my Ph.D. as well in a field that is no longer viable. I wonder how many of us on AR have our Ph.D.'s?

NOV

2007

I'll be back....but I must say the commentary is much better than the post.

The insomniac is burning midnight oil again. Gail - I think there are A LOT OF US!!!! The point is that the Ph.D. itself isn't all that viable for earning a living. My degrees were in molecular biology, immunology, microbiology and genetics....areas crucial to biotech - yet getting a job out of academia that offered over $40k a year require 10 YEARS postdoctoral training....After a 7 year -full-time doctorate????Heeeellllooooo!!!

When people say the solution is "education" I just laugh. Yes, we need the general public to have a better understanding of science, engineering, math and computers...but we don't need this massive influx of foreign talent. We have a core intellectual mass that is needed - no one wants to PAY US - so we move on. To parents who are worried that their kids won't survive a higher degree - I say - STOP WORRYING...it may not be that financially useful over the long term.

The visa influx suppresses wages and destroys our brain trust. I never did it for the money - most people don't - but I also never expected that it was a vow of poverty. In the past the "deal" was that those who could make it through the degree program (not at ALL easy) would be able to find work and live a middle to almost upper-middle class life. Given the many years of training with no or little pay - such assurances are essential - within reason. No one should support someone who is incompetent. But very, very, very few incompetents would survive the qualifying exams and thesis, and thesis defense...

To deliberately create a glut so that BASIC RESEARCH LABS can be STUFFED to the max (factory style) with slave labor is indefensible. Academia and biotech are equally to blame. Worse still, are the biotech firms who know these labs are stuffed with Americans frantic for a decent job and they insist that they need the "special skill" of someone from China - who probably trained here to begin with. You've now got Ph.D.'s with degrees in genetics doing genetic engineer work 80 hours a week for $35k a year...what kind of nonsense is that?

Sorry, don't get me started, but this is such a WASTE of talent that our society might actually NEED. It's insane. I mean the anthrax scare of 2001 should tell us we need a critical mass of AMERICANS doing this sort of work.

Education is important. IMO, it's the education about choices that should be focused on at home. You have a choice, and with each choice there is a consequence. Whatever the choice, it yours, live with it. This is something that needs to start at home. Did you know that many experts (yes, I do use that term lightly) say a persons personality is formed by the age of 5? How many parents is out society are willing/able to make the choice to take the time to teach their children? It's not always easy as black and white, I know. However, I am somehow managing with my toddler. I teach him that he has a choice every day. I figure if I start simple ("do you want to wear this shirt today or that shirt....you choose")he will get the basic foundation.

Yes, there are many times when that choice is difficult. If you have a job that does not pay you enough to support your lifestyle you can choose to change you lifestyle or change you job. Can't afford gas? Get a mo-ped or get a job within walking distance.

I ave made my choice and I am living with the consequence.

Ok, I'll hop off my soap box now.

Hope you have a nice Thanksgiving!

Jeannie - Education is tough to afford, oh the irony.....Thank you!

Andrew - Thank you amigo, much appreciated. Sounds like you have more than one soul under your roof with whom I can identify with.

Rolling Hills Homes and Palos Verdes Property - Well-educated and well-compensated teachers....AMEN!

Ann - Do you not know that I am a proud member of the Polar Bear Club:-)

Rob - Boy man, you are old:-))

Ryan - Hmmmm, that's another post in of itself.

Sis - YOU make me smile.

Renee - You are a riot and bring up some interesting/quasi-depressing points. None the less, throw in stewed tomatoes in that mac & cheese and you have yourself a Semi-Fine Dining meal:-)

Jeff - Thank you sir, that's the most diplomatic thing I've ever read from you:-)

Laurie- Lol, thank you.

Ray - Thanks man, hope all is well with you as well.

Christi - I hope you enjoyed yours as well!

William - I hope the turkey turned out wonderful and that you had a great day.

Bob & Carolin - Thank you for reading!

Bill - LMAO, you aren't only a wise soul....but you are a funny one as wel!

Chris - That's a good point and I hope people also take the time to read some of this commentary, which is even more telling/intriguing.

Trevor - Hopefully the mood is about to change.

Joan - Yes, it is a valuable discussion to have. Thank you for stopping by.

Ruthmarie - All I can say is, WOW! Your comment alone, both of them, are more worthy of a feature than this post.

Gail - That's a good question Gail, I have a B.S. (no pun intended:-) in psychology.......

Sardi - Nice to see you:-)

Ruthmarie - You are wearing me out girl! I think you have 2 very solid posts in the 2 comments you wrote above. As a matter of fact, you've peeked my interest. Subscribing to you right about........now!

Ann - My Father owned a Moped once, my brouther & I refused to ride it because he looked like an idiot on the thing. None the less, sometimes a lifestyle change is absolutely necessary to adapt to what is going on. Happy Belated Thanksgiving my dear!

NOV

2007

Sorry Jason, wont' find much like that on my blog. And sorry I wore you out. I type too fast!

But you type rather well Ruthmarie.....

NOV

2007

Ok Jason, I just did my own blog on the mortgage meltdown.....you were part of the influence.....Enjoy.

Ruthmarie - All I can say is wow! Hopping over to read your post....

Jason - wonderful topic and I loved the discussion that ensued. Some of the best comments I have read in a while.

NOV

2007

Ruthmarie, I just got a chance to read your post now. Your story is amazing! I had my Master's degree in Counseling Psychology and ended up in divorce that left me reliant upon my income, which at $12,000 a year, wasn't even poverty level. After carefully checking out salaries for my next field, I embarked upon a Ph.D. (took ten years) and had a good run with it for a while until the large consulting firms decided to throw in the type of work I do as a freebie. How do you compete against "free"?

I don't regret my education as it has enriched my life, but I do think I got fooled into thinking that a good education means you can make a decent living and that is not necessarily the case.

Ruthmarie - I'm going to read it in its entirety momentarily.

Sandra - The discussion was much better than the posts, I loved it!

Gail - Your last sentence is dead-on in my opinion.

Jason, i like your idea much better; get the median wage up god knows we need that here. Much better than focusing on lowering prices; I'm not discounting the need to do that but omg how can people live on such low wages? It's baffling.

Loved reading Ruth Marie's comments. I'm btw of the opinion that not everyone needs to go to college; at least not a liberal arts college. Technical skills could be so much more useful and a four yr degree for some of these things is ridiculous. It's like a high school degree used to be. Expected but not necessarily a help. Good stuff here Jason

NOV

2007

Carole - Like I've said, I'm no ecomonmist but it doesn't take a custodial engineer to figure out the robust inflation of prices of pretty much EVERYTHING haven't spurred an even remotely steady increase in wages. I loved Ruthmarie's comment as well.

Leave a response…

Name:

Email:
(optional)

Comment:

What does the graphic say?