Reducing the cost of living in a recession (and afterward)

The economy this year has made some people realize how much money we've wasted in the past for things that seem kind of foolish now. Big box stores like Circuit City are going under, while thrift stores are thriving. Cobblers are seeing an increase in business as people try to make their shoes last another season or two. Gardening has exploded onto the scene again as people try to reduce their food costs by raising their own favorite fruits and vegetables in that unused portion of their yards. Coupon websites are proliferating all over the internet as we look for ways to reduce the cost of food we can't grow in the garden.

With signs that the recession may be leveling out, we need look to our future and ask ourselves if the changes we've made are temporary or life altering. Let's hope that people don't go back to the way they were.