It’s nearly impossible to avoid talk of the dismal economy, massive layoffs and plummeting housing prices. But even if you can’t help but hear about the recession, you do have a choice in whether you’ll be participating in it. I’ve seen a lot of talk lately from business owners and regular Americans choosing NOT to participate in the recession. But how do we do that? Here are five ways:
1. Live Life: It CAN be that simple! Live your life as you normally would– whether there’s a recession or not. Don’t worry about things you can’t control (economy included!) and just go about your business as if life was all blue skies and sunshine. This doesn’t mean ignoring your finances. It means getting them under control and living within your budget.
I would also add that this is a great time to evaluate all you expenditures; making sure there is no excess. Keeping a spending diary is a great way to do this.
2. Keep Buying: As long as you’ve got a budget and you’re sticking to it, it’s OK to buy things. After all, we are consumers. Just make sure you are living well within your means, not racking up credit card debt and setting aside some savings.
This is a great time to start doing some comparison shopping. Checking sites like ebay and amazon for purchases along with your local craigslist are online resources I use when making certain purchases.
3. Support Local Businesses: The money you spend in local businesses is more likely to stick around your community. When you can, support them.
Be sure to purchase (and use) a local entertainment book. There are terrific values within there from everything from fast foods to golf.
4. Stay Positive: There’s enough negativity on the news, Internet and radio. Stay positive by keeping your focus on the good news in your life. Don’t freak out when you look at your 401K or stock portfolio. Instead, focus on the things that really matter: family, friends and God. Share your positive outlook with others and your positive attitude will spread.
Here is an idea: Start your day, not with Fox News or CNN but check out Happy News site and read some uplifting news for a change.
5. Trust in Your Lord and Savior: Remember, He is not affected or changed by the economy. He is the same now and forever. Put your trust in Him– not the stock market, Washington lawmakers or the housing market. He loves you and will take care of all of your needs.
Philippians 4:11-13 11. Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. 12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. 13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
Thanks for the post from Out of Debt Christian
3 comments:
This is a great post! You've got to trust that God is in control, and live life abundently!
Thanks for the encouragement!
Thanks for the tips Bob.
If we always remember the things that are truly important, this recession will affect us less & less!
Matt aka DebtFREEk!
I listened to the Dave Ramsey show yesterday on my way home. It was a replay of his Friday show and so cool and encouraging to hear people call up and they are also not being part of the recession now but are debt-free.
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