Dealing with a Down Economy

Falling real estate prices coupled with rising costs at the pump and a jittery economic forecast make a lot of people uneasy. But what can you really do except worry?

I almost don't want to turn on the news anymore or read the paper. But I can't hide under a rock. We've got to face it. The economy looks bleak right now. You read all kinds of articles about how to recession-proof your spending habits, how to hold on to your job, and ways to save money. But what about how to relieve anxiety? Short of weekly therapy sessions, is there any way to stop worrying about what will or will not happen to the economy?

I've decided to simply stop worrying. I know; easier said than done. But I figure it's futile to agonize over something I can't do anything about. I'm cutting back on the amount of driving I do, clipping more coupons, and taking advantage of sales. Beyond that, I'm not going to take my money out of the bank and put it under a mattress. We've weathered recessions before, and we will again. So maybe it's time to go see a funny movie and forget about whether we are or are not in a recession. After all, it's only money.