Gabe,
I really hate to write that I am thriving because I do not want to jinx myself. I have managed to keep my job and still have pretty high reserves through investments and cash. The economy did allow me to buy a nice SUV at a really low price that as well as playing in stocks that have dropped majorly low and are starting to pick up at pennies a day.

I am still watching daily expenses and not buying whatever I want anymore because I have to think of my parents that might be needing some monetary help with medical and looming layoffs.

We have not participated in the Recession, but have just kept living the same frugal lifestyle we had before. I have always liked to pay with cash, and use coupons no matter our household income.....just because I can't stand paying full price for anything. To me I consider finances a personal challenge to get themost for my buck.

By the way, I love Dave Ramsay....he just rocks my frugal socks!

Not thriving, but survival is the mode I am in. I have lived through numerous economical recessions. And I learned from my past errors, during the last economical turndowns to start making changes early in the game. Going back to the basics as quick as possible and being dedicated to the basics of good rational purchasing--sticking to purchasing only needs not wants—and know the difference. A well-cared vegetable garden has saved hundreds in grocery cost.
I purchase store brands when they are cheaper and of reasonable quality. Purchasing of meat products can be tricky; those on sale often have a lot of waste product in them.

Also, I have eliminated premium television channels, magazine subscriptions, fast food purchases, eating out, unnecessary travel, movie rentals and etc. I read more and have one unnecessary purchase—the Internet. I do as many of my own auto repairs and maintence as possible. I have lowered the thermostat in winter to 69, and raised it summer months to 75. Iced tea is the major drinks in our household soft drinks are rare.

mikespace, both fields require degrees & some require licensing. I'm sure if the people who are looking for work had them, they wouldn't be looking for work.

LOL First mistake you guys make in life is NEVER let how someone acts, types, or looks fool you. Second I don't hate cops or anything of that nature. If your a cop I wanna thank the honest ones for protecting us and society.

... preparing for dustin's anti police ranting...

police and medical fields seem to always be hiring

Hub and I have chosen not to participate in this recession. My family (as a whole) is doing fine. We have always taken care of each other as necessary, and because of this, the recession is just a topic of conversation. One of my relatives has always been on SSI, and mom bought her a house, just a small house, but it is a roof over her head. One relative is covered by medical disability through a union in California. My other relative works so that her retired husband doesn't drive her nuts. Mom still pitches in financially whenever the mood strikes her, and on this note, we disagree completely. Her heart is in the right place, but she is an enabler through and through. I always have a hard time listening to griping when there is always cigarette money. CVS had a sale on 1 pack of smokes for 5.19. I about tripped while walking past the sign. I sympathize with people who are out of work, but as one who worked 3 jobs as a single mom, I have a hard time handling the attitude. I didn't have to do this, but I was young and energetic and always had an ant attitude verses the grasshopper. Over the years many coupons were clipped and the cupboards absolutely emptied before going to the store. Saving while young insures an easier time of it during recessions. If my hub had been forced to retire, we would have moved to a cheaper life somewhere. No, I wouldn't have gone back to work. I would have adjusted my lifestyle according to retirement funds. We know how to roll with the punches, and this economy is putting everyone to the test. How many days left for this administration???2010, I will be a complete independent at the voting booths.

Thankfully I have not been laid off or anything like that. I work as a financial advisor/investment banking here locally and I'll admit its been tough. People are afraid to invest there money or even pay for someone to help them invest it. Its very understandable we are in difficult times right now. but we as Americans will wheather the storm and come through as a team.

For anyone that has lost there job good luck to you. I have been layed off before from a job its not fun. Especially if you have a family. Just keep staying positive.

This is a great website for people who are looking for work or who need resume help or just general job hunting help.

http://www.twc.state.tx.us/

Thnks - Gabe.....

We have had to be tighter with our money...no vacation in the near future - etc.....but thats OK...we have each other and thats all that matters. I just pray for all the others who have it way worse than ourselves.

I try my hardest to do the little things I can to help the community. Because I know that just because our hardships are hard for us to cope with I know that there are many others that have it harder.

We will get through this. I just hope we can all come together as the community that I know we can be and do what it takes to keep us strong as a whole.

I'm sorry to hear about your situations, Aubrey and jhnsn283. Hopefully my story will help us to find ways big and small to stave off bad times.
Thanks -- Gabe

Aubrey- It's going to strike lighting on this one...BUT...for once I have to concur.....Although my husband hasn't lost his job...the cost of things like fruit...veggies...bread..milk...and so many more things have become a dent in our monthly allowances. The only thing that has eased up is the gas costs for the 2 vehicles that we unfortunately have to have given our daily routines. God Bless that!!!!!!! ;)

The One thing that drives me crazy about allllll this rise in costs is the professionals etc. out there that tell you its soooo important to eat healthy and you should have a balanced diet.....>WELLLL you tell me how an average American can feed a family of 4 healthy meals throughout the day with what it COSTS just to eat healthy....It seems a little contradicting. If people are so desperate to get America healthy...maybe it would help to bring down the costs of HEALTHY FOOD.....ya think?!!!!!!!!!!