Cutting corners, making ends meet

4 of 11

Susan Mallon - Not what I envisioned

• How is the economy affecting you?
• Recession realities: Up close

Mallon, 53, opened Lumana Café in Pawtucket last February. Business is very slow and she's pulling out $3,000 a month from her 401(k) to keep Lumana alive and to cover the mortgage payments on her house.

You're hoping every day it will turn a corner. Before you hoped for a good week. Now you just hope for a good day.

My issue is this has not been what I envisioned.

We don't have the money to advertise, so I'm basically going door to door, passing out menus.

NEXT: Dario Lopez - Fewer fares

Last updated April 14 2009: 11:21 AM ET

Email | Print |

Digg this story |

RSS

Recession realities: Up close

What it really feels like

The people of Rhode Island are feeling the pain and finding solutions. Here's what the recession looks like up close. More

Saving America's neighborhoods

Local leaders are struggling to keep revitalized areas from going bad as the housing crisis claims one block at a time. More

Where does your state rank?

Americans everywhere are feeling the recession's pain - some more than others. Find out where you are with our interactive map. More

Special Offer