I live in Texas also, and while the oil industry is experiencing a boom the space industry (here in Houston) has been dealt a huge blow. It depends on which industry you look at to determine whether or not there is a downturn. My husband and I are both looking for work. My husband has been looking since last August w...more

Gee, my husband and I would be grateful to have jobs to retire from. And by the way, you can't pay for a house, kid in college, food, gas, etc., on what unemployment pays either. Believe me. We are spending money we saved for retirement now in order to not lose our house. I am 51 and he is 50 and it is tough to just ge...more

I did not see any comments about watching to make sure your property is not stolen when contractors work on your house. Every time I have had workers in or around my house something has gotten stolen. Usually the house is in such a mess during construction that the items are not missed until clean up is happening. I ha...more

Lots of contractors on this thread. I am in the industry and am positive that you have to watch them like a hawk. I have had some great subcontractors that took pride in their work and I have had those that didn't know what they were doing. I have had a $2000 violin and a miter saw stolen from me by workers. I have a ...more

Maybe I shouldn't have had so many kids, they're expensive!

Well played Salvatore.  P.S  LOVE the godfather.

@Salvatore Leone,  Wow. By the way, my comment was tongue in cheek.

Sometimes I think maybe you can have too much wealth.

I LOVE it.  We're supposed to wait until 67 to retire, but if you get laid off at 50, try getting another job.  And assuming you are employed and your employer actually offers a 401k, many do not match until you have worked in the company for five years.  In my industry, hiring and firing are commonplace.  You are luck...more