Good Morning Middle America, it’s a fine day to start planning the rest of our lives.

The slate of presidential candidates that have even the slightest prayer of getting the nod to attend the big show, give this writer pause; albeit a short pause.

None of them are capable of helping us do anything but go broke, so it’s time to make our own plans and take control of our own lives.

American’s have too much stuff, which requires them to have too much debt, which requires them to have to work too many hours, which in turn, doesn’t’ leave enough time for life. Let’s change that.

Debt of course is the culprit that has made most American’s slaves to the repayment of the same. Debt steals your life away with the promise that the plunder acquired by all that debt will create a great and lasting happiness. Didn’t work did it?

Over the coming weeks I will continue to plug in some ways to change our lives to a more sustainable and enjoyable format.

The following is the final part of Barbara Peterson’s, “Surviving the Middle Class Crash.”

When the Money is Gone

By Barbara H. Peterson

Okay, now let’s say that you have woken up with that sinking feeling that you have just been had by your government’s strategy for economic warfare on the middle class. Don’t expect a kiss or a cup of coffee. When you realize the money is gone and most likely not coming back, I could say don’t panic, but let’s face it, that is simply not reasonable. So after you’ve had a good panic attack, set it aside and clear your mind. Remember, now is not the time to whine. It is self-destructive and no one wants to hear it. Focus instead.

It is time to break through the delusions of what you think you need, and what you actually do need. Take stock of your assets such as your abilities, the material possessions you have that you actually need, and the things you don’t really use that you can sell. It is also time to connect with others who may be willing to barter. Now is the time when you find out who your true friends are. If they disappear at the first sign of distress, and most will, they were never your friends to begin with. Get over it.

Hopefully, you still have some money coming in, or have some stashed. If you don’t, and one is available, be prepared to accept a job that pays considerably less than you are used to. EBay is a good resource for an online garage sale to get some extra money while you sort things out. If you do have some money left, use it wisely. In either case, it is time to set your priorities and draft a budget. This budget should be realistic, and not include any income you think might be coming in, just what is on hand. Remember, the best budget in the world will not be helpful if you do not stick to it.

The first step in drafting a workable budget is to set your priorities. Food, shelter, and heat should be on the top of the list. If you have not already gotten rid of your credit card debt, be prepared for harassing phone calls. Remember, once you give the collection agencies written notice that you do not want to hear from them, they are legally obligated to stop calling you. They may use written communication methods, but cannot constantly call you to make your life miserable once they have received written notice to cease and desist.

If you don’t know how to cook from scratch, learn quickly. Make payment arrangements with the power company if necessary, turn your thermostat down, and bundle up.

When the money that you are used to having coming in stops, or is drastically reduced, it is easy to succumb to depression and just give up. Don’t do it! If you’ve ever needed to dig into your reserves of inner strength and character, now is the time. Others are experiencing the same things that you are. Hold your head up high, vow to overcome, and look at the bright side. If you are a bit chunky, count your blessings. When you lose weight because you cannot afford the junk food, your friends will tell you that you look wonderful. You can smile and thank them for the compliment.

You can view Barb’s site by clicking the address below for and ongoing discussion of capturing a more simple lifestyle.

 http://spktruth2power.wordpress.com