What tips could you give on surviving in this struggling economy?

1. 61

   Understanding Youposted 14 years ago

   What tips could you give on surviving in this struggling economy?

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2. 82

   K9keystrokesposted 14 years ago

   Don't allow yourself to be taken-in by those who pose as financial helpers. They can easily turn out to be someone who takes more of your hard earned income by promising to fix credit, or lower interest rates. You have to decide where your money is going to get you the best results. Just remember, everbody gets paid one way or another.

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3. 58

   onceuponatime66posted 14 years ago

   I struggled and made it: I lost everything.   I lived in a hotel for three months.  I barely ate.  I was jobless for over 6 months.  I prayed and had faith.  I finally got a job and I appreciate it more.
   I have no debts, no credit cards.  I don't have much.  I shop only if I need something and I shop smart and save money.  In the past I bought store shampoo like Nexxus and now I buy 1.00 store brand.  I never gave up.  I stopped buying.  I never go shopping ever.  Just for what I need.  I will have to write about this as it's so hard.  So many are struggling.  I wish to help through my own experiences.  PS I have a Paralegal degree: cannot find work.  I do other jobs but gave up on the Paralegal thing.  So sad to waste such a great education and mind that I have for the topic of law.

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4. 80

   Wayne Brownposted 14 years ago

   Your plan must be much more long range than the cyclic nature of our economy. Far too many people in this country ride the economic wave of success, benefit by it, and then do nothing in terms of investing or placing funds in reserve for when things enter a downturn. They spend it all and live the high life. Thus, when things go bad, they quickly hit the low life.  Find a balance, strike a plan, and stick with it. If you work in an industry that is sensitive to the economic cycle, look at alternate means of employment. Obviously, this is not the best time in history to be in the home loan mortgage business but when things were good, folks made money there...too many spent it all at the time. Self-restraint is a good trait that will serve you well in tough times. WB

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5. 0

   Old Empresarioposted 14 years ago

   Pay off your loans and mortgage. Cut down on anything you don't need.

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6. 0

   Butch Newsposted 14 years ago

   Spend wisely and try to save some money.  Don't increase your debt load while paying down your debts you now have.
   
   Look at your spending habits and cut out unnecessary expenses.  Cook food from ingredients rather than buying processed foods.
   
   Watch for sales in clothing and other goods.

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7. 50

   Andy the Greatposted 14 years ago

   Eat what you need and not what you want. Buy what you need and not what you want. It's quite possible to live on about $5 a day legally as an individual, and it's not even that hard, but you'll wear out your welcome with some friends or family eventually. There are people called Freegans that attempt to live their life without money at all in some extreme cases.

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