Those of us who went through the recession of the 70's will be familiar with all of these strategies. It seems weird to think that in hard times you spend, but that's the way it works. 'Might as well buy it now (as best you can) because it will cost more later. The advice is presented in a little more sophisticated way this time, but it's deja vu all over again.

As for me, with little storage space and cash, every time I go to the grocery, I also throw in one "staple" (5# flour or sugar, a package of rice, beans or salt) and a couple of extra cans of whatever veggie or soup is on sale. It's surprising how quickly it builds up with little effort or at-the-time cash layout.

The government is sending us an "economic stimulus" check soon. What better way to spend it than to forgo the "made somewhere else" electronic toy, and invest it in American grown food?