Friday, February 27, 2009

FRIDAY FIVE: 5 Tips for Surviving Hard Times

Remember when we actually hung clothes and bedding on a washline? It saved money and the environment too!

I'm no financial expert - quite the opposite, actually. But I figure most of us aren't and we're still in this economy - together. That word "together" is so crucial, I think, for surviving (and maybe even thriving) as we go forward.

So I'm going to share my personal strategy for getting through.

1. Be optimistic. Do my part for the economy by spending as normally as possible while being willing to give up luxuries. (I live simply but compared to the rest of the world, most of what I have is luxury!)

2. Hire or buy from friends who provide goods and services or sell their own handicrafts.

3. Be willing to work for a little less. Negotiate!

4. Give more. Tip better. Initiate potlucks and community meals!

5. Buy more books - especially from my publisher and those by my writer friends! Because sharing stories is one way of thriving...

And speaking of being in this together, have you met Clara who shares her depression era recipes via YouTube? She's a hit! You get money-saving recipes and stories too - from an expert who remembers poor.

5 comments:

  1. I saw Clara on GMA today. She is so cute. I believe they said she is 93. Emeril said he tried some of her recipes. Too sweet.

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  2. Jeannie, I saw her on GMA too.

    BTW - How do you like the house pic?

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  3. Oops, she's 91.....I watched the video AFTER my first comment. Can you believe that little house we lived in?????

    Our mom was amazing too!!!! and Dad.

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  4. I'm right there with you, Joyce. Great tips. Beautiful slice of real life, too.

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  5. Thanks, Ghost Girl! Hope things are looking cheerier!

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