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Stop all spending on non-essentials and build your war chest. It will help you when you most need it and it denies it from the moochers.

In 2008 I went into Fiscal Hibernation Mode^TM. Since then, my checking account alone has climbed from 15k to 90k (I'm pouring huge amounts into my 401(k)). I'm not getting any interest on it, but I can do without the whole hundred dollars I might get from that. My savings will happily stay asleep and grow quietly.

I know that at least one hand-wringer will say, "Obama will confiscate it." No he won't. I'll withdraw and bury it first, or burn it at Wyatt's torch. That's not a realistic danger.

My vacation will continue to be at home and my shopping will remain at a halt to the largest extent possible. I will do for myself rather than pay a low-income "service industry" Obamabot to do for me.

Stop all spending on non-essentials and build your war chest. It will help you when you most need it and it denies it from the moochers.

We did this starting in 2007. We built a $30K savings nest egg and had only the mortgage for debt. After losing two jobs to downsizing and a 50% paycut for 8 months in the middle, I am now back to fully employed 33% off my income levels from 2009. Our War Chest is gone and our debt is heavy.

We have significantly reduced our lifestyle and are paycheck to paycheck on Rommin Noodles trying to slowly (very very slowly) claw our way back out of debt. We have two vehicles paid for that have a combined 345,000 miles on them. We don't eat out and go on no vacations. No movies, no concerts, no fairs, no amusement parks, no museums, etc. Fishing, reading, working, and recreation league sports for the kids is about it. We tythe time at church these days while we work to re-build our lives. Dave Ramsey is my friend these days.

Dude, Me and my family is screwed. We have our faith, great kids and our health. That is what is most important to us now. I have given up on any sort of retirement or wealth to share. And I'm at peace with it. My focus is on the kids now.

For the record, I am not complaining, placing blame, looking for handouts, etc. But I am fine with the country collapsing now. I have nothing to lose as long as my family is healthy and safe.