You know when Moe in The Three Stooges walks into a room and slaps every one in the face with just one motion? That’s the way it feels for many with this bad economy. High unemployment rate, taxes, gas prices, food costs, heating and electric bills, it’s just a shame that it has to be with way for millions of hard-working, decent Americans with strong values and ethics that did absolutely nothing wrong to be burdened with all this. It is indeed a slap in the face!

I’d like to take a break from cheap travel tips in this post and focus on what you do to get by in this economy. This isn’t a forum to blame anyone for the bad economy but to hear your solutions on what it takes to rise above these tough economic times.

This forum is yours, but here are some general thoughts and questions that you can answer in the “Leave a Reply Box” at the end of this post…

1. Some families we know — even with those that have jobs — have a tough time putting food on the table.  What measures do you take to cut down on food bills?

2. Last winter in New England, we had a mild winter which saved us on our heating bills. If we get a typical winter this time around, how do you anticipate dealing with your $400, $600 or even $800 a fill-up heating bill?

3. Seems like putting $20 in the car gas tank barely moves the gauge. Do you find yourself cutting down on driving? Do you have any tips or tricks to cut down on fuel consumption?

4. Some people we know are working three or four jobs just to get by. In the Boston area, it seems like even earning $100K doesn’t get you very far.  If you live in a high expense area, are you considering moving to a lower expensive part of the country. If so, where?  If not, why stay in an area that is killing you financially?

5. In general, how do you cut costs in your home to come up with a surplus of money at the end of the month?

Your comments might very well help others in weathering the economic storm. We look forward to your money saving ideas!