Are you feeling squeezed lately? Finding it a little hard to make ends meet? You're not alone, my friend. This economic downturn is of historical proportions and has caught many a good citizen by surprise.
I, myself, had been thinking that I was the only one having a hard time. My colleges appeared to be doing well with no outward signs of hardship. However, after talking with them a little more in depth, it turns out most everyone has had to tighten their belt and hunker down for the duration.
Although these are scary times, we can all bring away something from this. Personally, this situation has gotten me to keep tighter track of my money- I'm actually bugeting, which money managers have been urging people to do forever. I'm diversifying and trying to bring in different sorts of business. I'm networking more and taking classes to increase my knowledge and skill base. (Now that I have more time on my hands!) I'm living within my means and paying down my debts.
I think we will be in this mess for a couple of years. For some reason I think 2010 will be the turning point- it's just an intuitive hunch. Although real estate and the stock market have taken big hits, in the long run, this is where to put money. I read somewhere that there have been 31 recessions since the turn of the century, along with 31 recoveries. There is no reason to believe this will be any different.
Stay strong, think positively, and do the best you can. This, too, shall pass. I firmly believe that if we learn the lessons this has taught us, we will be stronger for it.
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