Money: A big challenge during 2021

SALISBURY, Md.- Time is ticking- as a New Year is approaching. But, when we look back at 2021 there were many hurdles that came with it.

One of those challenges is the economy.

“It’s been an interesting year to say the least, in terms of things that are out there,” Bill Christopher, President of Dorchester Chamber of Commerce, said.

Bill Christopher said this year has been different than years past, with an added stresser on local businesses.

“We’ve seen closure of some fairly, well-known established restaurants on the shore that have been around for a long time that have actually said hey just can’t do it anymore,” Christopher said.

And, inflation isn’t making things easier. Experts predict things are only going to get worse.

“I have heard plenty of articles talk about what’s going to happen, especially the food industry in terms of what people are going to say, which is you can’t go without food right,” Christopher said. “I mean gasoline and food are two things that are not luxuries and so as those prices go up people are going to feel the pinch.”

Troy Gale, a Princess Anne resident we spoke with said he can feel that “pinch.”

“Every person, at least $200 spending more a month that’s a low end number,” Gale said. “Getting to and from work is a challenge, I think to anyone don’t realize when you’re doubling that price every couple of days that you use a tank of gas that adds up quickly.”

But, although people are struggling, Gale said it’s understandable with everything at hand.

“Distribution is a problem, with staffing and, and paying the gas prices for a trucker, all that matters so they take the hit and it has to come from somewhere, things keep shuffling going to the next person,” Gale said.

But, as issues with our economy seem like they won’t go away anytime soon, people we spoke with said as we head into the New Year we need a new mindset.

“As dark as it may seem, there are ways to get through it and work positively,” Christopher said.

“What I would like to see for the coming year is for people to stop thinking about me, me, me, I, I, I and realize this is all about all of us, that’s what needs to happen,” Dereke Doane, a Salisbury resident said.