I had to move my four kids into a hotel. We are staying there until I can afford to find another home. I told the kids we were taking a vacation. They have no idea this is not a choice for me. I don't want them to worry. I sit in silence watching them play in the small pool. I don't know what to tell them. If gas doesn't get cheaper I will have to tell them walking 8 miles to their school is healthier for them too. Please help us!

I run my own business. Although my income and collections have been the same, I find it difficult to increase my rates / fees. This despite the fact that I have to contend with rising prices, for my supplies and utilities, and increases in my personnel's salaries. Also, I have taken on another part-time job just to make sure that I have some extra money in case of emergencies and in case I lose a client because of the economic crisis.

I live in Lexington, Ky and I was laid off in November of last year. I have had a hard time finding work.

I try to spend a bit less, just in case my job is in jeopardy. This means eating out less, buying more store-brand products, etc. I also try and make a bit of extra money selling things I do not need. So far not a huge impact, but I am taking precautions.

Well, I live in Houston Texas and everything here seems the same to me and everyone else I talk to. So i guess it has not effected us down here too bad yet. I'll keep yaw updated!

The current economy has completed turned my life upside down. I was working a full-time and a part-time job, when I was outsourced from the full-time job. The part-time job did not provide enough support, so I had to move to another state to live with my parents. Unemployment benefits were denied to me because I had to quit the p/t job. I'm almost at 6 months unemployment with no income, no real prospects, and defaulted bills.

The economic downturn has affected my way of thinking. I think twice before spending money. I need a new car, but with the auto industry the way it is, I have to wait. I also clip coupons and sign up for every free sample I can find. I try to shop for grocery items that are on sale and plan meals accordingly.

With an uncertain job status, I do what I can to live frugally. I shop for clothing at Goodwill. I clip coupons for groceries, paper & cleaning products, health products and toiletries, and I use them religiously. I visit my public library more often, and check out books, magazines, DVDs and CDs. I think twice about spending money on nearly everything. I seldom eat out and I never go to the movies.

Unlike a lot of people, the economic downturn has not effected my family at all. Being in the military, there is always a demand for jobs and with all of the benefits the the military provides, while the economy is falling, our standard of living is going up. For those people who are struggling with these hard economic times, joining the military is a great way to get your financial freedom back and under control.

The current state of the economy has caused me to lose hours at my job,lose my car,and fall behind on bills. Up until the last 6 months I have not had financial problems. I hear so many people that are saying "Oh it's not that bad, just find a better job". People, have YOU tried finding a job in the hard times that are upon us? If you say it's not that bad then you should be more than happy to help me feed my family.

The present economic crisis has affected me very badly. I was working in Kuwait as Asst. Sales Manager for a Shipping Co. Due to the crisis, first reduction in salary came out, even though my lifestyle was simple, the prices for items are costly there. So it really turned out to be a total mess. Finally due to lack of business, I lost my job as no profit is there for the Company.

Because of the economic downturn, we have stopped eating out as much, I combine errands into one trip as much as possible, and I've started clipping coupons. We've also started moving money in our 401(k) into safer investments instead of the stock market.

I bartend for a living and haven't really felt an impact on how much money I'm making. It seems that no matter how bad things get, people still find the money to come out to drink. I don't live beyond my means and I don't really have much to lose so I don't think about it too much. My clientele consists of lawyers and stock brokers and I hear them commiserate all the time about how the economy is affecting them.

Because I live simply my lifestyle has not changed. However, I have noticed that some of my friends, those whose values are based on money, are becoming more depressed and less pleasant to be around.

very good economy soon.

The economic downturn has been pretty rough on me and my family. Both my husband and I were let go from our jobs within one month of each other and because of that I hadnt been able to pay my car payments. My vehicle has since been repossessed and I have had to result to filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy to release myself from the debts I am now unable to pay.

I am fortunate not to have lost my main job, but I lost 2 of my part time jobs that I needed to help pay for college. Without these two jobs I was unable to meet the payments so I had to think of a way to make money quick, so I started selling books on Amazon.com. It is a fun way to make money. I go to book sales. library sales and buy books and then put them on Amazon.com and so far I have made enough to make all the college payments.

What a clever idea to turn your love of photography into something that you can make money from! I've just registered with Dreamstime, because I feel inspired =OD

Your photos are so beautiful! What a cool way to deal with the economy being down. My family has been having some tough times lately.

Photography work has been around as long as we've been able to take photographs. Other than hiring out to take pictures for others, what websites let you list your photos and get paid for copyrighting or use of them?

Sounds like you have got it made. I had a look at the site but cant see how much they pay you for using your photos or if you retain copyright.

I think that it is a great idea starting your own photography business. In these times at least you know that you are your own boss, and that way you don't have to worry about losing your job.

That is an awesome idea. I'm glad that someone is doing well in this economy. It is a good thing that you are doing something you love as well. Keep up the good work!

During this recession period, many are out of jobs. So people who are somewhat good in photography can do this as a part time job.

You are so smart!I should learn from you. I like pictures.

That's such a great idea, I have been looking for a way to make extra money and I am always taking pictures. Thanks for sharing the information!

I am interested in selling my photos, but I don't now if is worth the try. Have you made some money yet from dreamstime?

I think that is important and interesting to do something you like and also won money for it.

congratz on turning your love in in to a job. like photography i am shure it was tought to make the call to go in to busnisse your self. and i wish you all the best of luck.

BRo that is good ideas.
In this world there is no more free stuff.
You need money to go in WC :P.

The pictures you took are wonderful. Photography has been trade in my family for generations. However, I don't know much about photography and I thought about taking classes several times. After reading your blog and viewing your porfolio, I am now very interested in pursuing photography as a hobby. Do you use any special photo editing software? The colors of the photos are great. So how your business comming along? Do you make a lot of money from selling your photos?

You are quite talented! I think you are on to something because you are turning something you truly love, photography, into a career. Thanks for the idea!

I definitely thought that those photos were well taken.I liked
the fact that you are taking pictures of every day stuff.All of your pictures were great!!!! You are really a great photographer.

Hey Steve,

I've been doing photography for some time now too. But as you now it's an expensive hobby so this would be great! Thanks so much for suggesting it.

*sarah*

You have some really cool photos. I really the candy fish and the lamp. Sounds like a great a way to supplement your income and it sounds like fun too.

I've become very involved with photography for the past 2 years, and it had driven me into the virtual world. I think your idea of photography business could really help me improve my new hobby. Good with your business though and more power!!!

I am getting interested in photography now. I think that what you are doing is great and I hope that I can one day be good enough to do that. My son is already into photography and does some wonderful wildlife photos.

i never heard of stock photos before but it is something i am gonna look into now, i think its a cool idea. i am also a photographer.

I love Photography. I actually want to take classes so I can learn how to make a living out of it. I think that it is great that you are doing something you love, and not only that, but now you can get paid for it. I can not think of anything better than that! Keep up the good photos. I saw your pictures and they are really nice.

I have never heard of selling photos as stock photography! I saw your portfolio and think you do great work. Keep doing what you're doing!

I'd been thinking for a while that I might delve into the world of Photography. While I don't think it is easy, I believe it is something I might like.

I hope you enjoy it also.

Paul

What a fabulous way to get paid to do what you love! I never knew something like this was available. There is a huge variety for the customer as well.

How professional of a photographer do you need to be to do this? I like photography, but only do so in my spare time. I wonder?

Stock photography is a GREAT way to make a few extra bucks on stacks and stacks of prints and digital images that you may have thought were "boring" or unusable. Great for experienced photographers or newbies!

Nice way to make a buck off something you like doing anyway. I loved the picture of the picnic table with the log laying next to it. It reminds me of a campground I used to go to.

It's really interesting to think of "stock photography" as a career option for a photographer. I'm sure plenty of people think stock or clip art images just magically appear from thin air!