Has your income decreased? Are you as tired as I am? [View all]

[CoffeeCat]

I know that income and money are personal issues, but I need to vent. I'm feeling a bit exhausted by the feeling that I'm running faster than ever--and getting more and more behind.

I'm wondering if others feel the same. Anyone else dealing with income shrinkage?

I feel that this is happening on every economic level. The poor are remaining poor, with very little opportunity to make it out. The middle class, according to all accounts, is losing their battle to hold onto their standard of living.

The rich--well, they're doing just fine--thank you. I read the other day that luxury yacht orders vastly exceed what manufacturers can handle; and that NYC luxury property prices are soaring and selling at record rates. I'm not begruding the rich, but as I said--I'm just wondering why the rest of us seem to be working harder than ever, only to be falling farther behind.

Our situation…Since 2008, we've taken a 35 percent overall income cut. This is simply due to two layoffs during these years. Each time my husband has re-gained employment, his salary has dropped. He's in the IT/Network Engineering field--15 years of experience, excellent references and a college degree. His salary has decreased 35 percent!!!

Furthermore, food prices are astronomical--as are gas prices. We used to pay ZERO for healthcare; now we pay $500 per month--with higher copays/deductibles and no dental coverage.

I feel as if we are working hard and doing all of the right things--but that we keep getting tripped.

And please--I'm grateful for everything we have. I'm just---TIRED. We're no longer getting ahead or saving money.

I feel that everything has changed. The rules. The prices. The salaries. The cost of living. …and I don't like it.

Anyone else feel this way?