The Memorial Day weekend traditionally has been the first getaway weekend of the summer. A chance to kick back, take a road trip or hop or plane and to visit relatives. Not this year.
It 2008, when the price of gasoline began to approach $4 a gallon, the Smiths complained that they had to take out a second mortgage on the old homestead just to fill up the family car. In 2011, as gasoline prices topped $4 a gallon, the Smiths are upside down on their mortgage(s). Dad is working two part-time jobs and still doesn’t make what he did at the full-time job he lost when his company was downsized. There is no more wiggle room. The Smiths, like millions of other Americans, will be staying home this Memorial Day weekend. Continue reading “Who is Raining on Your Memorial Day Parade?”