Feeling The Pinch?

When was the last time you went out to dinner?
Did you notice how empty the stores are lately?
How about those giant "For Lease" signs everywhere?
Where did everyone go?
Is everyone holding on to what little money we have?
How did you spend your stimulous check? If you are like me, it went into my gas tank!

I guess I will be the first to say it out loud ....... "It's a recession!" And in my opinion it is going to get a lot worse. BUT ...... there is hope for those of you that are smart with your finances.

1. If you like to eat out - great.. go for it. Just limit what you purchase or even share a meal. My wife and I have been doing this for almost 15 years!
2. Need some new clothes? Hit Target ..... or even Sears .... that's right Sears. LL Cool J has a smokin' new line out at Sears - Buy his clothes and you too can be hip!

In times like these, if you panic YOU WILL LOSE! Be smart and spend wisely. If all Americans stop consumer spending, then you will see a depression and not a recession .... sad but true. Consumer spending in the USA is the "life blood" of our economy.

At AB&R Plumbing we have really felt the pinch. Our entire crew is still busy BUT .... all of our clients -commercial plumbing and residential plumbing - in cities like;

• Mission Viejo
• Lake Forest
• Newport Beach
• Laguna Beach

are all watching how much they are spending on improvements or repairs. "If it ain't broke ... don't fix it" we are hearing.

This has forced our management team to really buckle down and reinvent ourselves. What do I mean by this? Look at Madonna for instance, it is easy to become #1 in something but it is harder to stay #1 for any length of time. For the last 20+ years, Madonna has reinvented herself year after year staying in the spotlight without fading ..... a little misguided - perhaps .. but I think you get my point!

I am not saying you should "Reinvent the wheel", but you may need to seriously alter some of your daily spending or rituals to make it through this recession without damaging your image, credit, relationships or employment.

Any comments out there?