Budget Crunch

So our wallets just got a bit tighter. I'm sure everyone is feeling the pinch these days, but we got hit pretty good today. My work had their third round of layoffs, and while I am still very very lucky to have my job, other cost cutting measures were necessary to help keep the company afloat. The biggest one affecting our pocketbook is that we are now 100% responsible for our health care premium. For most people in our office its not too bad, for us its a little different since I'm fairly certain having a special needs child has a negative affect on your rates. I'll now have $560 taken out per month (pre tax at least). We can offset it somewhat with eliminating my 401K contribution temporarily, but there's still almost a $350 difference in income. Plus Rachel will probably be off her long term disability very soon which means the old wallet will take another hit. We're okay for now, but long term it doesn't look that great if something doesn't turn around in the next few months. The Disney trip wouldn't be possible if my Mom wasn't partially funding it, and while I know we should probably cut it, we really need the vacation for ourselves and our sanity right now, plus its always good to see my family since they're not close by. Overall I'm just happy I still have a job, just bummed about seeing many of my friends go, and the drama of the ever tightening budget.