How has the shutdown affected you so far?

[mnhtnbb]

62. We have a trip to Europe planned end of October

for 3 weeks.

Decided to buy euros on Wednesday and take cash with us to Europe rather than risk a huge
decline in the $ if the Repubs dig in their heels and take the country
to the edge of--or over the edge of--default. Of course, if they cave, the dollar could
strengthen and then we'd lose money on buying so many euros up front.

When we first started booking this trip (flights, hotels, etc.) the exchange rate last June was
1 euro = $1.28 It now stands at 1 euro = $1.36 and as DFW said upthread, the euro
jumped 2 cents in just a couple of days after this started.

So far, we're actually ahead a few bucks.


If the Repubs take it past default, hubby and I will see both our SS deposits delayed, as well as
his federal pension benefit. We are fortunate to not be dependent upon that income--although we live off it--
since we have some savings. But a big chunk of savings is going to be used to pay our property taxes
which are due by Jan. 1 and I usually pay them in December (setting aside money every month) which means
the savings balance takes a big hit in December.