Sad Economic Indicators

We were out running errands Saturday and also stopped by the salon so that I could get my hair trimmed. I had an appointment and when I walked into the salon there was only one other customer there. This time of year, down here in Florida, that place should have been buzzing with customers.

I asked the cosmeticians who work there, what was going on? Why so few patrons? The told me that due to the economy, a lot of people were putting the cost of going to a salon on their luxury list rather than their routine list.

This beauty salon is in financial trouble. Also, two of the ladies who work there are doing battle with Countrywide regarding their homes. One of the ladies is smart but Countrywide is messing with her head to try to justify a huge increase in her fixed monthly mortgage payment. The other lady made a stupid mistake and as a result, her home is in foreclosure.

This is so depressing. Two upscale well know furniture stores here have gone out of business. There are houses for sale, houses in foreclosure, and abandoned houses on every street. Small businesses are dropping like flies. Something is happening and it’s not good. When large businesses and small ones are closing, you have to wonder, where do we go from here?

I’m curious, besides the glut of empty homes, have you noticed anything in your area or town like what I’m seeing here?

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(I’m posting this Monday post on Sunday night because my computer has been acting a little freaky when I wake it up in the mornings. Rather than screw with it in the morning, I’m posting now, Sunday night, while it’s wide awake and not a bit freaky.)