Financially Forward: Gerald Harris

By some important measures, the economy is booming. The unemployment rate is at a record low, the number of new jobs that have been created is at a record high, and the stock market remains strong. But don’t try to convince the millions of Americans up against the financial ropes how good things are. They’ve formed very rigid opinions about this, not by studying statistics or analyzing charts, but from their real-life experiences. And optimistic is the last thing they’re feeling.

Erik H. had just gotten his first job and was anxious to make a good start at it. But the fact that he didn’t tell his employer about his difficulty to read nearly cost him not only his job but his life.

Driving a cab is high-pressure work. Then why does anyone do it? One driver gave this answer: “I leave every morning with empty pockets and come back with a wallet full of money.” Others expressed a similar sentiment. After driving a taxi for a few years, people from all kinds of backgrounds were able to save enough to make a down payment on a house or to start a small business. Either way, they enjoyed a taste of the American dream.

Most of us work hard for our money and we sweat plenty until pay day finally rolls around. But there are some people who never even lift a finger for their kopeks and don’t even bother to say thank you when they get them.

So many bizarre and unsettling things are happening out there that it’s understandable if someone starts going crazy. That said, let me tell you about the onset of my paranoia and why it’s been increasing.

My cousin Simon was niftar. Although not exactly young, he certainly was too young to die. The news was shocking, sobering, and sad.