Just before the whole economc down turn I decided to quit a well paying job and go back to school. In order to do this my wife and I had to move into my parents basement. This was not a problem for my parents because they only have 2 out of 10 children left at home so there is plenty of space. In return we do chores around the house and keep them company.

I have taken a part time job at school and after 2 months of searching my wife found a full time job just a mile from the University I attend. We just sold one of our cars and we carpool every day together. I will also be selling my motorcycle in a month or so.

In order to keep sane we find ourselves camping a lot. It's cheap and lots of fun. This year we have planed a camping/surfing trip up the California coast. We have also invited friends to come to reduce the cost of campsites and gas. This just might actually be the cheapest but funnest trip we've ever had.

In just half a year we will have payed off all of our $7500.00 of credit card debt. Since I am in school I currently do not have to pay on my studdent loans. I do not enjoy living in Utah because of the winter weather but it does have the 4th lowest unemployment rate in the nation.

I think staying close to family is the most important thing to do durring hard economic times. There is nothing wrong with living with your parents to get back on your feet. Just don't ask for handouts from the government. Work fast food if you have to make an honest living. I've done it and it's not that bad. I would work the lowest of the low jobs before I applied for wellfare. It's the American way.