Barb, the economic news isn't any better here in GA. The unemployment rate just keeps getting higher and higher.

People who lived based on a salary of $50,000 cannot keep up on a job making $8.50 an hour. The news tries to present the "bright side" but you just cannot replace a job that you've worked your way up in to a decent salary with one that pays minimum wage.

The bankruptcy filing rate has skyrocketed here. Seems like it should be better by now but the news just seems to keep going downhill. One of the sales people that used to work where I did got laid off last year and still hasn't found a job. He's just waiting for his car to get repossessed now.......he has no income. Unemployment doesn't even cover his rent. It's better than nothing but it's far from adequate.

I hope things improve for you. I know you're so close to being able to retire.