21 Ways To Deal With Today's Economy

The economy has changed a great deal during the past year alone. Unemployment is up and people are changing their spending habits in order to adjust to today's economy. These factors are known to cause a lot of stress for us all individually and our society as a whole. Preparation and planning can be a great way to manage unexpected stressors such as these. Here are some ways to manage stressors effectively in order to adapt to today's economy.

1. Analyze your current living situation. This will help you take some time to think about your personal and professional issues; what steps to take in order to prevent your situation from becoming worse.

2. Be realistic with yourself. Try not to avoid or deny the reality of your current economic situation so that you can better prepare to handle things.

3. Be flexible & tolerant. Even though you never thought of having to leave your job or even changing your career, consider it if necessary. Depending on your situation you may need to get a job that can help you pay the bills even though it is not what you planned for. It does not have to be something you do forever and can be helpful in getting you back on your feet.

4. Save as much money as you can. This will be useful when you have an emergency come up like, losing a job or an unexpected increase in food and gas price.

5. Pay your bills on time. This will help you avoid accumulating debt. Which means you will have less money you owe and more to save.

6. Use extra money to pay your bills ahead of time. If you can pay a month in advance of as many of your bills as possible this will help you stay ahead and give you some time to get your finances back in order.

7. Talk to your friends and/or family. They may be able to help you with information on where to go and who to talk to about jobs available and/or programs that can help.

8. Create a daily budget. To avoid making unnecessary purchases and save more money.

9. Cut your daily expenses as much as possible. This will help you regulate your spending and save more money by cutting out small purchases throughout the day. (Coffee, Snacks, Gas, Fast food etc,)

10. Prepare your own meals. Avoid eating out as much as possible. It can be a lot healthier and less expensive for you and your family.

11. Cut costs and avoid alcohol and cigarettes. Take this opportunity to give up on bad and expensive habits. These expenses are also unnecessary and hazardous to one's health.

12. Cut down or avoid wasting energy. We have already used more than half of the world's oil supply and should be looking for more efficient and alternative sources of energy.

13. Avoid and get rid of unnecessary bills. If you do not need to have a home phone because you have a cell, cut electricity bill, avoid using your credit card, or can get a cheaper package with your cable company, then do so. Every penny you can save truly counts.

14. Look for sales online and in area you live in. There are always sales available throughout the year, especially during holidays, so take advantage of any deal you can save some money with.

15. Maintain a positive attitude. Nothing is more important than your mental and physical health despite all the problems one is having. This will help you to continue making good decisions regardless of all the stressors you have to deal with.

16. Research programs and or assistance available. This is a great way to become aware of the services available to you and what is needed to receive such assistance.

17. Seek professional advice. If you feel too overwhelmed with certain issues, seek help as there is always something or someone available and probably more experienced in dealing with such issues to help ease your stress.

18. Avoid letting your ego get in the way of you making good decisions. Sometimes we need a little help and this is not a bad thing. This can also be helpful for one to avoid future issues having to choose.

19. Do not give up. Especially when things look really bad, there is always something you can do to best deal with any situation presented. Even is if it is something you did not plan for.

10. Pay attention to extra charges on your bills. Most of the time these charges are incorrect or too high and could be avoided.

21. Educate yourself as much as you can. By doing this you will always be informed on new ways to save and make improvements with your spending habits. Listen to the radio, watch the news and/or read a book/magazine as they provide tips in saving.

Tamara Monell MS, LMHC, NCC 09/06/2008

Expert advice from a licensed mental health professional.