^[2]Is it just me or is anyone else getting a little recession news weary? The truth is, no one really knows when it will finally be over, though many economists predict a rough 2009 and a full recovery in 2010. But after the crash of 1929, most of the talking heads also predicted a full recovery in 1931. I think I’ll let someone else figure out all the details that make things more depressing ^[3] while I look for the silver lining.

1. In a down economy, I can negotiate for almost anything.
Many businesses people are hurting for business and when the economy ^[4] slides, negotiation rules the day. You can literally negotiate ^[5] for almost anything. Here’s a list of businesses you may not think of as negotiators, but they’re probably willing to haggle ^[6] for your business:

• Windshield Repair
• House Painters
• Tire Dealers
• Karate Instructors
• Security System Dealers
• Optometrists
• Mattress Dealers
• Real Estate Agents
• Carpet Cleaners
• Tour Group Operators
• Veterinarians
• Tool Rental Companies

2. Being cheap is actually in vogue.
When my wife and I order water at restaurants and then split the entree, the waitress understands why rather than rolling her eyes.

3. I’ve been able to clear some clutter.
I’ve been able to make extra money ^[7] by selling a lot of “stuff” in yard sales and I’ve given away a lot of books on this blog! (More book giveaways to come!)

^[8]

4. I’ve learned to be more appreciative of my job.
Hearing about the hundreds of thousands of people who are losing their jobs every month has an uncanny way of making my own job seem quite a lot sweeter.

5. Purchases are not a given anymore.
The recession has forced me to thing and re-think about each and every purchase. It’s funny how my thinking has become much more crystallized since the economy ^[4] tightened.

How has your thinking changed? What are the positives that you see?

photo ^[9] credit: papalars ^[2]

This article was included in the Carnival of Personal Finance ^[10] at Free Money Finance.

About the author

Ron has written 1080 articles on The Wisdom Journal.

The founder and editor of The Wisdom Journal ^[11] in 2007, Ron has worked in banking, distribution, retail, and upper management for companies ranging in size from small startups to multi-billion dollar corporations. He graduated Suma Cum Laude from a top MBA program and currently is a partner in a national building materials company.

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