What should individuals do to survive the present economic crisis? In addition to staying close to God through daily prayer, Bible study and paying His tithes, here are a few recommendations that will be helpful. Jerrold Mundis, former business editor of The New York Times, outlines ways to prevent and deal with financial crisis in his book How to Get Out of Debt, Stay Out of Debt and Live Prosperously. "There are approximately 30 million Americans who are overwhelmed by personal unsecured debt to the level that they are never going to get out and another 30 million who are living in some level of daily stress or discomfort because of it. This is an epidemic condition," Mundis states. He has several suggestions in his book for dealing with financial crisis. Start by evaluating your income and expenditures. Are you spending more than your income? If so, then it's time to trim back as much as possible. Prioritize Your Expenditures After tithes, pay your mortgage or rent, car, utilities and food payments first. Cut out or reduce unnecessary expenditures. For example, if you eat out three times a week, then eat out only once a week. Be sure to watch for coupons like two-for-one meals, etc. Pay your bills on time and avoid the late charges. Exercise at home instead of paying for a gym membership. Does your family really need four cell phones? Buying a new lawn mower or washing machine because your neighbor bought a new one isn't spending your money wisely. Plan your shopping trips, and only shop once or twice a week. The more often you shop, the more money you will spend. Exercise Control Over Your Credit Cards The best advice is to get rid of them and pay as you go with cash. If living without that credit card is impossible, then consolidate all of them and use only one. Try to find a credit card with low interest rates. Don't charge what you can't pay off when the bill comes due at the end of the month. If you have a large balance, try to pay more than the minimum payment each month. Many times the interest charged is more than the minimum payment, so you'll only be getting deeper in the hole. Save! Save! Save! Hopefully, at the end of the month your expenditures will be less than your income, and you can save the difference. Put this money in an emergency fund and let it build. Start a savings account with your next paycheck (or as soon as possible—paying bills and paying off credit cards comes first in your emergency plan) and continue to save until you have an amount equal to six months' income or more. An amount that equals two years' salary would be a good goal. Withdraw and spend money from this account only for emergencies. Try these ideas and see how much you can save. Hebrews 13:5-8 tells us: "For He Himself has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you'...Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." God will keep His promises. Let's do our part too. UN