Financial crisis affects residents in different ways during holiday season

By Lynda Menard

The nation’s economy has affected everything from politics to the costs of groceries and other necessary goods. And while Christmas ‘tis the season to be jolly, ‘tis also the season to spend a lot of money on family and friends.

But even with the economy in a tailspin, some residents say they have not been affected by the financial crisis and will spend just as much on gifts this year as they did last year.
Others are having to cut back on their Christmas shopping due to increased costs.

“I’m spending less this Christmas because of the rising prices,” Sidonia Ledet said.

Rick Brooks has a similar outlook.

“Everything costs more, so I’m spending less,” he said.

Elizabeth Pablo is looking for deals this holiday season by shopping at places like Wal-Mart.

“I’m looking for cheaper prices,” she said.

Liza Verda is keeping a look out for sales as well, as is Mindy Foret.

“I’m spending less this year than I did last year,” Verda said. “My husband does air conditioning work, which is always slow in the winter months. I’m always looking for sale prices anyway.”

“I’m only shopping for bargains and trying to find gifts on sale,” Foret said.

However, some residents, like Darby Fonseca, aren’t as worried.

“I’m spending about the same as I did last year,” he said. “The economic crisis hasn’t really affected me.”

Rochelle Williams isn’t affected by the economy either, but she’s cutting back this year due to other factors.

“My kids are in a wedding the day after Christmas, so I’m cutting back a little because I have to spend money on the wedding,” she said.

And while Christmas may be tough on some residents this year, Dale Koontz has a feeling that things will soon return to normal.

“This is a trend,” he said. “Prices always go up and come back down, just like the gas prices have done. People shouldn’t worry about saving every nickel.”