2009's Top 10 Financial Survival Fads: Lifestyle Lessons to Carry into 2010

2009 has been a very difficult year for a lot of Americans. Jobs were lost, homes repossessed, and bankruptcies filed. People who could never have imagined that they would need help were driven to seek assistance from relatives, government services, and social and religious sources. Even in dark days, things can always be found to bring hope. Maybe these aren't the kind of fun fads we normally think of, but like any craze, "everybody's doing it." As the economy gets better, we will be able to look back and remember the good times and personal strengths this year has given us. That's something no Pet Rock could ever do.

1. Rediscovering Cash

There's a certain thrill to having cash in your hand, and an equal and opposite discomfort to letting it go. Plastic can never create the same psychological drama, so if you want to get more money and spend less, cash is the way to go. Plus, if you only have cash, you can't spend more than you have.

2. Rediscovering Saving

As credit card companies laid down impossible fees and penalties to countless cardholders this year, lots of people have stopped using them altogether. Over the years, many of us have gradually come to think of our credit cards as our savings accounts. Without them to fall back on, we have begun to realize that we better have some back-up cash. Every coin counts.

3. Getting a New Fuel-Efficient Car

The government's Cash-For-Clunkers Program was hotter than wildfire this summer, and it seemed like everyone was taking part in it. If you wanted a new car, this was the year to get one.

3. Getting Rid of Unnecessary Things

Why is it so easy for stuff to pile up around us? It seems we are so busy sometimes that we don't know what to do with all of our time-saving devices. How many times have you actually used that juicer you needed so badly, or that bread machine? It's easy to pick on kitchen appliances, but the same can be said for all of those premium cable channels or DVDs. Are they worth more than money in the bank, retirement, or food? When you put it into perspective the choice is clear.

4. Learning How to Budget

The "b" word may send shivers down your back, but a little intestinal fortitude in facing this subject can bring great rewards. If you make a very thorough list of all of the things that you spend your money on, there will actually be very few surprise expenses. You already know that things such as Christmas come every December 25th, and with a little forethought you can anticipate other things like car repairs and health expenses to some degree. Beyond that is where your savings kicks in.

5. Bargain Hunting

Here's your chance to channel your inner hunter-gatherer, which can be very satisfying. Clipping coupons, comparing prices, and doing the math on ounce-for-ounce comparisons can save enough to buy something else you've been wanting. That is the sweet taste of victory.

6. Cooking Meals at Home

Oh, the joys of the many nutritious ways in which to prepare beans and rice! Wether we're talking about root vegetables, cheap cuts of meat, or lowly beans and rice, people worldwide create amazingly delicious regional cuisines out of little more than necessity. Plus, if you cook your meals yourself, you will know exactly what is in them. There will be no more hidden additives, or excessive fats and sugars for your family.

7. Spending Time With Family

From dinner conversations, to board games, to just sitting around with a few good books, not having money to go to the movies has brought us together in ways that we had all but forgotten.

8. Walking

Even though gas prices have settled, it still costs $30 or more to fill up a tank. We've embraced car-pooling like never before, and we try to combine our trips, but what better way to save gas than to walk? "Let's walk to the library to get a book" is a phrase that I thought died long before the birth of the new millennium. Learn something, get some fresh air, and get fit all in one action. Now that's multitasking.

8. Being Thankful
We hear this refrain in every Christmas story; it's not the presents that matter, it's appreciating your family, friends, and the good things in your life. After all we've been through this year, if we've learned anything, I hope that counting our blessings is the one fad that sticks.