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The Real Victims of this Mess

By Eric McGowan

Mortgage and Lending

November 19, 2008 09:53 AM

Look in the mirror! Now, What do you see?

Whether you want to admit it or not you can even see it in your child's face! 2008 can and most definitely will be one for the record books.

We have had

Gas prices at all time highs
Layoffs
Bank failures
Stock Market rollercoaster rides
Automakers reducing production
The virtual death of home equity products
Stores closing

What kind of Christmas and Holiday season will this be for you? How are you and your family planning to celebrate?

This year I am personally cutting back. I won't be buying that "big family gift" as I normally do.

If nothing else be thankful for what is there---your family.

I am extremely grateful to be here and to have what I do. Life is a journey and I am just riding along with it.

*Image complements of flickr.com

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Tammy Lankford,

Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA

Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

I feel your pain, so to speak. We have three kids, two in college, 5 pets, my husband just had surgery that will prevent him from working for 6 months and I sell vacation homes. The savings is low. But on Christmas morning at our house there will be gifts for the kids to open. We adults have decided to forgo "things".

For the past 8 years my favorite gift has been a love letter from my husband. I'm still expecting that one and I think I'll write him one this year as well.

Nov 19, 2008 10:14 AM

Eric McGowan

Moody, AL

Tammy, I can emphathise with your situation. This year has been a roller coaster ride for almost everyone. With work, the economy, and everyday one thing that remains is family. Sounds like you have a great and special gift already too--each other.

Nov 19, 2008 10:21 AM

Lou Ludwig

Ludwig & Associates - Boca Raton, FL

Designations Earned CRB, CRS, CIPS, GRI, SRES, TRC

Hi Eric

Just about everyone in the real estate and the new home industry have feel the pain of the market and some more then others. "All we can do is all we can do can all we can do is enough." Quote by A. L. Williams

Good luck and success

Nov 19, 2008 10:32 AM

Lou, we all can feel it in some form or fashion. This is the unfortunate reality of our economy. I am grateful as this year has been a good year overall for it to be a slower year.

Nov 19, 2008 10:36 AM

Going out on a limb, maybe it's God's way of making us all step back and figure out what is REALLY important to each of us. And Eric, you are right on when you say that my husband is my greatest gift. EVERY DAY.

Nov 19, 2008 01:59 PM

Cherimie Crane

Cherimie Crane & Associates - Beaufort, SC

Eric,

I like you, and I don't even know you! Great perspective.

Nov 20, 2008 12:58 AM

Gita Bantwal

RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA

REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Nice post. We should appreciate what we have .

Nov 20, 2008 02:49 AM

Gita & Cherimie this year is one to be thankful. I think the shape of our economy is helping up to realize that.

Nov 20, 2008 04:18 AM

Danny Thornton

R & D Art - Knoxville, TN

WordPress Guru

Eric, these are tough times and it will get tougher. Thanks for being real. I am reblogging this.

Nov 20, 2008 07:42 AM

Danny, Thanks.

Nov 20, 2008 09:30 AM

Kate Elim

Dockside Realty - Spotsylvania, VA

Realtor 540-226-1964, Selling Homes & Land a

Hi Eric...Several years ago we realized how much we enjoyed Thanksgiving when we would all be together without the gift giving. It changed our view of Christmas.

Now we donate even more to charities and give personal gifts to one another. Mine are generally framed 8x10 family photos or pictures I've taken in my travels.

I'm hoping others find similar pleasure with a more personal holiday this year.

Kte

Nov 20, 2008 02:26 PM

Kate, that is a wonderful tradition. The holidays are "expected" to be so commercial now. Goodness toy manufacturers and retailers hit the public hard. I received some catalogs in August this year.

Nov 20, 2008 11:49 PM

Carol Smith

Casmi Photography - Mebane, NC

Eric - your perspective on Christmas is refreshing. Over the years the true reason for the season has been replaced with the commercial greed of "gotta have it" junk that we really don't need in the first place.

The loss of a full understanding of the true meaning of Christmas has caused us, in general, to be a greedy and materialistic society. And that is a shame.

Our time on earth is never certain, so we really need to focus on family and friends first - just like Jesus did.

God bless you, Eric. And may all your holidays be special.

Nov 21, 2008 12:31 AM

Rich Dansereau

Positive Real Estate Professionals - Knoxville, TN

This has been a wild ride for the past year and a half. I know that the mainstream media and lots of economists and politicians (big surprise there) are telling us all to go out and spend and while toys for the kids here and there are one thing, that big family gift or luxury gift will not be bought this year. Leaner times require more family fiscal restraint. Just my

Nov 21, 2008 12:37 AM

Carol & Rich, I appreciate your stopping by. The holidays are so commercial and most of us have forgotten what truly matters.

Nov 21, 2008 03:56 AM

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