Save Money ---Uncertain Economic Times

How to Feel Secure About Your Money
Our financial news isn't good lately. Economic growth is slowing, credit is tighter, home prices keep falling, and the stock market is erratic. No wonder a recent national survey shows 65% of Americans think we're heading into a recession. Maybe we are, maybe not. but it never hurts to be prepared. Here's how experts say you can protect your-self from the consequences of an economic turn down.
Stay Job-Ready
"Your biggest single asset is your ability to earn money," says Sheryl Barrett, a financial adviser in Shawnee Mission, Kansas. "In a weaker economy, you want to strengthen your marketability." Bring your resume up to date. Consider taking courses online or at a community college to improve your skills. Keep in touch with professional contacts--and make new ones by attending business events and/or by working as a volunteer.
Find out what resources you'd have if you were laid off. Are you entitled to severance pay, for example? What about unemployment insurance? The size and duration of unemployment benefits depend on state law. (Go to the Department of Labor's website, http://www.workforcesecurity.doleta.gov/, for links to state unemployment agencies to find out your rights.)
If you have health benefits, use them now. "Staying healthy is much less expensive than being sick," says Loretta Nolan, a financial adviser in Old Greenwich, Conn., so make sure the whole family gets medical and dental check-ups.

Check Your Mortgage
About 2 million adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) will reset in 2008. If you have an ARM, ask the lender when your rate is scheduled to reset and get a ballpark estimate of the new rate. Plug that into an online mortgage calculator to see what the new payment will be. If you can't afford it, don't wait till the loan resets-address the problem now. The sooner you act, the greater your options.
If your credit has improved since you bought your house, you should be scouring the market for another loan," says Keith Gumbinger, vice president of HSH Associates, a mortgage-research firm. With good credit, you probably can get a new fixed-rate mortgage lower than your ARM's reset rate.
If you can't refinance, call your lender, explain your situation and ask if he can help by modifying your loan. "Document every contact with the lender--and keep the paperwork," advises Gumbinger. "If you end up in bankruptcy or a legal action, it helps to show you were proactive and responsible." For advice, contact the Home-ownership Preservation Foundation, a no-fee HUD-approved credit-counseling service.
Hope these ideas by Lynn Brenner of Parade magazine help. More on this later.
Personal Note:
Did no shopping or eating out either Saturday or Sunday. Sometimes the best way to save money is, just stay home.
Target Deal
Target has a deal on 4 items. Buy any 2 (two of them are Bounty Paper Towels and Charmin Bathroom Tissue) at a pretty good savings, and get a five dollar gift card. Now if you happen to have coupons for the items ...more the better.
Happy Savings!!!!!!