During hard times we mostly think of financial difficulties.  It seems that everything revolves around money.  Since money is Bibllicaly called the root of all evil, families need to be vigilant to keep things under control.

Families facing job cuts will have salaries great and small  affected.  When families with two incomes face a job loss it creates a major problem.  Salary cuts are bad enough, but for an income to be eliminated is even worse.

There are ways for families to deal logically with less.  They reorganize and hold family councils to decide and prioritize.  Together families allow all members to contribute.  This will help individual members to feel important and determined to lend a hand, corporate and even sacrifice. 

One of the first things a family council will do is list and choose the items that can be cut.  Extras are indeed extras and if each member chooses something to forfeit that shows they have a cooperative spirit.  Sometimes this is just reducing your “wanter” or turning it off.

Many families will apply and receive food stamps or children will participate in a school meals program.  This helps keep the food budget under control.  The family that is accustomed to eating out regularly will probably start eating meals at home.

Sometime children want to participate in programs that requires a membership. Moms or Dads can offer to coach or help in ways to receive compensation to provide for the membership.

Families get comfortable with cell phones, TV and extra services of all kinds.  The fees for these services will eat you up.  Mom and Dad may need to give up smokes or beer.  Families with multiple cars may park one temporarily. 

Many communities and programs are funded by philanthropic donations and because of the current economic conditions the programs are cut or reduced in how far they reach.  As businesses cut jobs this may lead to a drop in the population of a city or town.  This results in less tax money and the non-essential programs are the first to go.  When hard times hit they can be brutal.