My 5 Predictions for 2010

We have started a new decade and are beginning our journey into the New Year of 2010. What does this year hold in store? Last year was a very hard year for many people with our economy the way it is. Many people have no jobs, lost their jobs and possibly have lost their homes. What will happen in 2010? My focus is our economy and what I think may or may not happen, as a result of it. Everything that I will talk about below is my personal opinions of what I think will happen in 2010.

Jobs Unfortunately, I do not see a huge change in our economy and job availability in 2010. There isn't a day that goes by that you don't hear about more and more people out of work. When a new job does seem to open there is such an overwhelming response that your odds of actually getting the job are very slim. I think more people may have to take jobs they do not like in order to survive the coming year. There might even be a slightly higher college registration increase as more people may go back to school to learn new trades or further their eduction.

Money In 2010 I believe money will continue to be a struggle for most. Learning good money management for your family will be a major plus for the coming year. Many people may have to learn to be on a budget for the first time in their life. Many may have to take from IRA's or other funds in order to continue to survive. Watching for sales and not buying unnecessary items would be a smart choice for all to follow. If you have children make sure they understand the new financial situation as this could help to prevent some future problems. Try to cut down on spending pack lunches, limit restaurants and take-out foods.

Divorce I think in 2010 the divorce rate may go higher than it was in the previous year. This will be due to the continued stresses on family's to make it with no jobs and money. Money issues are one of the top reasons for divorce and with the continued bad economy, and the money not stretching as far as it used to more money fights will ensue. Many families that maybe survived on one salary will now need two salaries to make it work. Keeping the lines of communication open with your spouse, setting up goals and budgets together may help to prevent problems and keep the divorce rate down.

Family Time In 2010 family time will probably decrease even more than it has already. With parents working outside the home, sometimes both because of financial situations family time will become more limited. When parents do finally get home, make the meals and finally get to relax, it is time for most children to go to sleep. Whereas in the past families had time to eat together and maybe play games, now it is filled with struggles of how to make ends meet and working. There doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day to do all that you want to and unfortunately family time is something that gets cut out.

Teen Trouble I think teenagers in 2010 are going to get into a lot more trouble. With all the aforementioned problems, parents may not be as on top of things with their teenagers as they maybe once were. Problems they are facing and experiencing may be overlooked and trouble may walk in your house and you not even realize it. If parents are not on top of where their teens are, who they are with and what they are doing trouble will most definitely follow in the path. Making sure their homework is done and what grades they are getting is also very important. In the hustle bustle that today's families are going through asking our teens can somehow get forgotten. In high school there is no more signing tests so not asking may result in a report card that shocks you. Allowing them too much freedom because times are very hard is something every family should work hard to avoid.

In closing on my predictions for 2010, I once again want to stress these are all personal opinions. Each of these 5 things I mentioned I feel indirectly could be affected by our bad economy. With smart choices, communication and making time, even though it can be very hard this may prevent a lot of what I think may happen in 2010 from happening. I certainly hope I am wrong and next year I will post on whether any of these issues really did happen. Happy 2010 everyone, love a lot, share a lot, grow a lot and lets all move through this year with strength, health and happiness.