I was about three years ahead of the curve on the economic crisis. (Haven't had a full-time job since May 23, 2006! I had a short consulting job last year, but wasn't renewed. )

I have been fortunate that I had a sizable savings, a couple of modest inheritances (I wish I didn't get those - I'd rather have the person who left them to me), and have been extremely frugal in my spending habits. (Fix/replace what's broken, don't get anything you don't HAVE to have.)

However, the money's getting even tighter now, and I still don't see any hope of finding a local full-time position in my line of work - Business Systems Analysis/QA - any time soon. Don't wanna move - family, friends and activities are here.