Here are excerpts of the views of four bloggers. Go to www.stomp.com.sg for the full version
Go on, enjoy life
By Leow Ju-Len
IT'S not nice waking up and finding out you're a few thousand dollars poorer, but that's exactly what's been happening to me lately.
Plenty of my net worth is tied up in the stock markets, so when they have yet another lousy day, my account statement looks more and more like something resembling used toilet paper.
The bad news has been relentless too. Every so often, a new headline brings a touch of gloom that hits you until you think you might go crazy.
But it's only bad news, isn't it?
Bad news in itself cannot harm you if you don't let it. For now, I've been just fine, and the things that are important to me - my family, my friends, my health - have not been taken away from me. And they cannot be taken away by a gloomy headline.
It's depressing to think that we are in for hard times for years to come. But there is nothing you can do about it, really. The only thing to worry about is your reaction to the doom and gloom.
My advice? Smile.
Go on and enjoy your life. Stop once in a while and remember that you are still breathing, which makes you the recipient of a marvellous gift.
Hang out with fun people. Tell jokes, play pranks, do the things you enjoy. Make it a point to enjoy your life, because if you don't, who will?
To be thrifty, go online
By Maia Lee
OVER the past two days, I had to make several trips to the shops because my son finished 600g of bak kwa (Chinese dried meat) and wanted more.
Yes, my lean six-year-old eats three adult-sized meals a day, and snacks like a couch potato.
That works out to about $28.50 spent daily on food for my boy alone.
But, as I believe we live to eat, I looked for other areas where I could save money, such as leisure activities.
I "meet" my friends online, via e-mail and Facebook. That saves me time and money on travelling expenses.
All my banking needs are met online too. And if I need to sell something, there's eBay. Shopping? eBay too.
There are also endless sports activities and games available online, such as bowling, fishing, poker and mahjong.
Movies? No problem, there are loads of free movies online.
Say we really need some fresh air - just head to the parks. That's how I rediscovered Bedok Reservoir Park and Bedok Town Park recently.
Oh, community swimming pools are also getting better. The new ones have slides and playgrounds, and entrance fees are affordable.
I also practise conservation whenever I can: I let rain water wash my windows; I use my baby's bath water to flush the toilet or clean the bathroom floor; and I water my plants with reused water from washing rice.
Money is overrated
By Dylan Tan
EVERYONE'S been moaning about the recession the past few weeks, which we should have seen coming from a mile.
Thing is, I don't really care that much for money. Don't get me wrong - I wasn't born rich and neither am I loaded, by anyone's standards. I live with my mum in a four-room HDB flat and share a three-year-old Japanese hatchback with my sister ? if you must know.
I just think money's a little overrated because, as the cliche goes, it can never buy happiness or health.
So why sweat over money? Just live within your means. Don't buy the car or house and work yourself to death just to keep it.
I tend to spend like a dying man ? I buy whatever I like but only when I can afford it, so I know I'll always have cash to fall back on if I live another day.
So far, I've managed to keep myself almost debt-free. Sure, I could lose my job any day but, if that happens, I'd probably just take the break I've always been dreaming of.
Besides, life has its own way of unfurling, and I'm not one to fret endlessly about things beyond my control.
Worrying about the recession isn't going to make it go away anytime soon, and the key to surviving this or any financial crisis is to be always ready for it.
So, for now, I'm still eating three meals a day ? although I know I could do with just two ? recession notwithstanding.
Get fresh air, not wrinkles
By Dawn Yang
THE most important thing is not to let the doom and gloom get you down. Stay strong and cheerful in spirit. Slap on some good ol' optimism.
Life is too short to be spent wading in misery. So, yes, I'm still smiling every day, and counting my blessings.
I'm thankful that my family is doing okay; I still have a roof over my head and food on the table.
Get some fresh air and get yourself out of the constant "chaos, financial turmoil, market crash" talk that is everywhere these days.
When you live, breathe and speak crises, you are just going to get all the more frightened and panicky.
Sure, I have worries, such as whether I would be able to find a job once I graduate ? much less land a dream job.
But what's the point of adding wrinkles to my face? Don't dwell on fear, but cultivate power and control.
And I say forget the spilt milk, go milk the cow - it's time to look at your stock portfolio and make smart moves.
Survival is not only about making it out alive, but making it out good.
