Coping with the U.S. Financial Crisis

No doubt about it, the current economic situation in­ the US Financial Crisis is scary. But there are things each of us can do to protect o­urselves and keep things from getting worse.H­ere are a few tips to consider for coping with the U.S. Financial Crisis

Forget the mattress: keep your cash in a bank so they can lend it out – but get a high and safe interest rate for doing so:

Instead of Treasury Bills delivering less than 1% per year in interest, look into a government-insured CD which can deliver well over 3% for 6 months to 1 year. [Up to $250,000 per bank account though 12/31/09).Learn more here. http://www.bankrate.com

Or get over 3% per year on your money market account http://www.discoverbank.com/

Save gas and other energy costs

Cutting back on energy consumption makes good sense, both for your pocketbook and for the environment. Find ways to keep more of your “green” by going green here.

Look to the future by investing in green companies: like the Internet boom of the 90s, many of these companies will provide the hot technologies and revenue in the coming years.

Unplug from Information Overload

Take time away from the constant stream of information, doom and gloom news and media chatter.Get outside, do something active, reconnect with nature or friends.The news will still be there tomorrow.And you’ll be more clear-headed to sift through it all and have a healthier perspective.

Remember what matters.

It won’t make you any money, but focusing on what you STILL have can make the pain and uncertainty a little less traumatic.It can also keep you grounded at a time when the risk of making panic-based decisions is high.Think about the positives that still remain: your health, your family, your friends, your talents and abilities.E-mail or call someone and touch base.As Wall Street Week’s Louis Rukeyeser recently commented, “Remember that the people who loved you yesterday still love you today; and that’s what matters.”