How to Enjoy a Recession

So many people, and rightfully so, are now worried about the financial disaster that has started in our country. Whenever the government passes a "rescue" bill, and whatever the bill becomes, the pain of our current financial predicament will not be over soon. Here are a few ideas to help you in this unsettling time.

1. Trust God - God is still on the throne. He still knows the hairs on your head. His eye is still on the sparrow. (Matthew 6) Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.

2. Work at relationships - Continue to spend time with like minded people who encourage you and make you laugh. No matter how much money you have, these are the kinds of people who make life meaningful.

3. Making sure your financial dreams and goals are realistic. Part of the problem we are experiencing is that people (for whatever reason) bought into the idea that home ownership brings happiness, whatever it costs. On a personal and governmental level, we must all make sure we are not living beyond our means.

4. Give to others - Those of us who still have some extra should look for ways we can encourage and minister to those who are struggling at this time. We should not encourage continued waste and mismanagement, but help those who are seeking to make good and godly decisions.

5. Don't try to guess what the Stock Market will do - If you are struggling with worrying about the Stock Market, then slowly begin taking out some money and put it in some form of cash. The younger you are, and the longer you plan to have your money in the stock market, the more risk you can take. In many ways, you should never have money in the stock market (especially specific stocks) which you cannot afford to lose. It could take ten years for our economy to turn around. Unless we are really leading to "the" Armageddon, the market will recover somewhat, but the closer you are to retirement and beyond, the less money you should have in the market. If you are currently retired, you should probably not have no more than 50% in the Market. Be sure to talk to a financial planner if you have any questions.

These are just a few ideas of how to live a good life in the midst of finacial difficulties.