Tough times ahead?

I'm getting sick of the "doom-and-gloom" of most people through the media. The media likes to sensationalize anything bad and there are several things that have caused some concern in the economy. Instead of "Oh, no... We can't survive...." we need to start looking at different ways to adapt. This, like every trouble this country has suffered is a phase. We can get out of it but the biggest thing is to NOT PANIC!!!!

Panic makes something mildly bad into a catastrophe. Why? People like to have a knee-jerk reaction to any bad news and then it compounds it. BTW, if you heard of the IndyMac bank failure, this is why it failed... Knee-jerk reaction to an idiot politician.

So, what can we do to not panic? Well, while our lifestyles may change a bit, it only takes a clear head to find direction in uncertain times.

First, pay off bills. Get out of debt as much as possible. The less you owe, the less they take away if you can't make payments. Pay off the credit cards (tear 'em up, destroy them... They are evil.)

Next, make a few changes to your lifestyle. There are certain things you can live without. Decide what those are and make those changes. For example, if you eat out a lot, DON'T. Make dinner at home. Learning to cook can also help fill time while you learn a new skill.

Other things that most people can cut back on is cable television or satellite TV. Prices continue to go up because people pay it. To some, they act as though its a necessity. I usually get movies from Redbox (which is $1 per movie per night) or from the local library. You already pay for library services in your taxes, you may as well use them. It doesn't cost you any more as long as you get the stuff in on time.

Clipping coupons, watching the ads for sales, shopping at discount or "previously owned item" stores, yard sales, etc. Also check into Yahoo Groups for a group called "Freecycle" which is people who have things they don't want/use that are willing to give away for free.

Anyway, I've watched as people panic thinking that the end of the world is here but it isn't. Just some tough times and if we keep our wits, we can survive and come out better on the other side.