You know the economy is bad when you see....

[KiwiJo09]

More people have been asking for gas money at gas stations, that I've noticed.

[UnknownXV]

I helped put a new roof on my Dad's house a few years back, and we reshingled my cousin's house around the same time. Last summer I also helped my Dad's friend reshingle his roof.

It's something that I know how to do, so why not do it and save some money? It's ALOT cheaper to buy materials and do that kind of work yourself than to pay a contractor.

I've also helped build decks recently.

Currently, I'm helping my Dad instal new windows in his house.

If your neighbor has the know-how to do his own roof, then good for him. It may not have anything to do with the economy at all.

I've been interested in learning some basic home maintenance stuff and home construction, just to be able to handle minor stuff that happens. where did you go to learn it at? Or was it your dad who taught you?

[My English Castle]

The Grocery Store

On double coupon days, I see lots of older folks shopping together very very very compulsive about their bargains and coupons. Are they just frugal--or on that tight of a budget?

[laurend1985]

When getting to the store and just realizing that you forgot your coupon at home seems like the end of the world.

[kellogg9]

My parent's neighbors are fixing their own roof. I'm not kidding, the husband and wife are on their roof trying to repair it. I hope they don't fall off. What have you noticed?

Maybe they enjoy the challenge. I remember my brother and I decided one day to learn how to do fix the cars engine not because we were cheap but because it was interesting to undertstand how to do it. That was like 5 years ago and i dont remember all the inner workings anymore but it was a fun time.

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

Well, the economy is bad where I live, but I don't necessarily think of doing your own roofing as a sign of a bad economy, not even of a bad household economy. It could just be a sign of know-how, confidence, and willingness to do some manual labor to save a some money and to know the job is done well. I've seen neighbors doing their own work, too.

But sometimes, yes, it means there is not enough money to hire a pro. It's so important to keep the roof doing its job. It's worth at least trying to repair/replace it yourself if you cannot afford to pay.

[laurend1985]

Maybe they enjoy the challenge. I remember my brother and I decided one day to learn how to do fix the cars engine not because we were cheap but because it was interesting to undertstand how to do it. That was like 5 years ago and i dont remember all the inner workings anymore but it was a fun time.

@Kellogg9
You didn't read the whole thread. They have been working on it for a year almost and it still isn't finished.