The lead story in the Big O today is shocking: Nearly one out of every eight Oregonians is now unemployed. In fact, Oregon’s unemployment numbers are among the worst in the nation (Washington numbers are closer to the national average).
That’s it for BAD news. From here on out, we’re going to bring you GOOD news. And – here’s the best part – YOU are going to provide it.
We’re asking readers to give us their best cost-cutting, downscaling, getting-through-the-recession tips. It goes without saying that, if you’ve lost your job or you might lose your home, you should be looking for assistance. We detail some of those resources on page 6 of our April issue.
What we’re looking for here are budget-stretching tips, actions that any of us (pretty much) can take. Maybe you’ve started a babysitting exchange or you’ve converted your parking strip to a vegetable garden. We want to hear about it! If you need a bit of inspiration, read our April feature “Keeping It Simple: Why (and How) Local Families are Embracing Simplicity”. Click here and go to page 14.
You will be rewarded for your efforts! Those readers submitting the best ideas will receive a copy of Living Simply with Children by Metro Parent editor Marie Sherlock. (Living Simply with Children is all about downscaling – getting more out of life on less – for families. Click here for more information about this book.)
E-mail your ideas to editor@metro-parent.com. We’ll post some online (we may also publish some in the June issue of Metro Parent). Please tell us your name and which city/neighborhood you live in (and whether you want your last name published or not).
And – this is important – EXTRA POINTS will be awarded for those ideas that not only save money but are also 1) environmentally friendly; and 2) have benefits for the local economy.
And, whether or not you send us your best cost-cutting tips, consider bringing food to your local emergency assistance agency or food/cash to the Oregon Food Bank. The need is great.

April 14th, 2009 | Category: Metro Parent