Quick numbers

Some poll data on how Economics are effecting our daily lives:

70% of people think the down turn will last well into 2010

Increase in 'in-sourcing' (doing it yourself)

More people are buying seeds to grow their own vegetables
More people are calling Proctor & Gamble to get advice on dyeing their own hair
Rise in car parts & oil changing supplies, indicating more people are doing it themselves instead of going to the shop.

Beginning sewing kits? Up 30% from previous years.
Sewing machine sales are up as well.
Shoe repair is up, indicating that people would rather fix what they have.

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If you have gotten used to taking a deduction from your mortgage interest -- forget it. The new budget will cut out a significant amount of the deduction.

Worry is that if people can't take the interest off their taxes then it will give one more reason why people shouldn't/won't buy a home.