Although I am somewhat sympathetic to all of these peoples' plights, I am a believer in creating your own destiny. Some of the comments are practical, albeit rude, and there is some truth in how to manage in this economic crisis. Scaling back on a lot of things and planning for the future is paramount. We all saw this coming a year ago, they should've planned better.

I am curious, however, as to why Mr. Safer hasn't been compensated more for his workers' comp injury. Just having the surgery and then subsequently being "let go" from his job isn't legal, for one. And if he did get a nice sum for his future losses due to the injury, did he squander it? It wasn't that long ago, but I suspect it's what he bought his bedroom set and big screen TV with?

As for the small business owners, well, what can I say other than they poorly mismanaged their profits (mostly in the case of the carpet cleaner).

But the financial advisor, of all people, should have known better. Don't they follow trends? Wouldn't they have that nest egg in which to lie comfortably in in times of woe?

I'm confused. I'm a single mother of 3, making $60,000 a year yet I manage to live in a beautiful home in Summerlin, drive a nice car (which I obtained while married), pay all of my bills on time and still live comfortably AND have a savings.

I think it's about time people realize that this economy is one to be reckoned with. Play your cards right and you can do anything you set your mind to - even if it means having to lower your standards in order to make ends meet. I suspect it's only temporary----relatively speaking.