Everywhere you go you hear about the crisis on Wall Street. It doesn't stop at Wall Street, in fact it is coming home with us; like it or not this is going to "trickle down" to us. Perhaps the most vulnerable group in a recession is the Baby Boomer generation. They have two dependency burdens since they are old enough to have children but young enough to having living parents who they are responsible for (financially and physically).
Most of the Baby Boomers have lost a lot of money in stocks, retirement funds, and other investment varieties. Many have had to foreclose on their dream homes. So how do we get through this to see the light at the end of the tunnel? First you have to go through the grief.

Kubler-Ross described 5 stages of grief:

* Denial : this isn't happening
* Anger: The damn government (blaming is common)
* Bargaining: maybe if we give them some money the problem will go away (the bail-out).
* Depression: I feel so let down by my country's government.
* Acceptance: this is the reality. We are here, and now we have to work to solve it.

Ways to live with the economy and maintain control:

1. Do not panic. If you take your money out there will be a penalty and it will worsen the situation.

2. Sit down with your family and come up with at least three expenses you can cut back on as a family (this will build family cohesion).

3. As a family or couple try to engage in a healthy life style. One way we can all cut back and become healthier is if we eat more dinners together at home. It is expensive to go out and eat...and never as healthy.

4. Set small realistic goals. For example everyone can begin saving now for a vacation planned in the spring or summer. You can begin now to set up college funds, or guide your child with applying for scholarships.

5. Manage your anxiety or depression with medications from your doctor if necessary. If you don't have medical insurance there are programs that can help you find resources to assist you with your emotional needs. Ignoring that you have a problem is a problem.

6. It is never too late to learn new coping skills. The great thing about a crisis of any kind is it forces us to make changes. 10 minutes of meditation and prayer is a great place to start.

7. Be creative with entertaining at home. A big family expense is going out. It may be cheaper to have friends over for dinner, or creating pot-lucks with families. Everyone relaxes, talks, and shares how they feel about issues. This is healing and inexpensive.

Most healing happens when we work together. People need other people. Reach out and invite someone to share the experience; it will make it less scary if you know others feel like you do.