How to thrive and have fun in this economy.

Happy New Year to you too! To make the most of the year, I have a few pieces of advice.

If we are in a depression, go against the grain.

1. When people are panicking and selling - BUY - That goes for homes and stocks.

2. Use up what you already have and own before you buy new things - they will be cheaper the longer you wait.

3. Turn off the news, cancel the newspaper, and get rid of any financial subscriptions that you have. They are full of bad advice.

4. Spend time with family - the best and cheapest way to spend time.

5. Enjoy the downturn in the economy. It is now hip to be frugal. No need to buy the latest and greatest things. Even Bloomingdales is going back to their brown paper bag.

6. If you are married and have a 2 wage earning household and one of you loses your job because of the economy, why not try living on one wage for a while. In the meantime, the non-working person can fix up the house, make gourmet meals, go back to school to get a better job, take care of the kids, etc. There will never be a better time to live on one wage, because costs are dropping for everything right now.

7. Plant that vegetable garden in your backyard or on your apartment patio. Tomatoes, radishes, fancy lettuces, and beans grow well on patios.

8. Besides the veggie garden, get rid of all water hogging shrubbery. There are plenty of succulents that thrive without ever needing water from a hose.

9. Only buy new items for the things that would make you squeemish if you were to buy used - underwear, bras, swimsuits, workout wear, and things that baby's pee on.

10. Embrace the savings game. Coupons are back in style.