The economy is falling apart...but that doesn't meanyouhave to!We're in the midst of some of the toughest times we've ever seen. But don't panic -- with some solid guidance, you can weather this recession and come out on top. Jill Keto, a self-made entrepreneur and mother of two, gives you the real scoop on personal finance, the markets, and how to spend and save wisely the way only a girlfriend can, in a down-to-earth and straightforward manner we haven't heard from any of the experts.You'll learn:- Where the economy is headed and what that means for you- How to create backup income-How to deal with your big fat mortgage- How to keep your job- Where to save your money- How to haggle like a pro- How to cut your food bill in half- How to have no car payment- How to look gorgeous without spending a fortune- And much more!

An entrepreneur since the age of nineteen and lifelong crusader of a “Practical Chic” lifestyle, artist, and jewelry designer Jill Keto is a stiletto-wearing, do-it-yourself zealot (from car repairs to pedicures), degreed mechanical engineer, organic mini-farmer, and jazz musician. Her husband, Dan Keto, is a graduate of the Harvard Business School and the United States Naval Academy. Together, they live in Seattle with their two young children.

1Don't Panic! ProsperRecessions Are Not Scary; Not Knowing What to Do About Them IsWhat the hell is going on? The housing market is in free fall. Grocery bills are through the roof. It costs me $70 to fill up my car's gas tank. I just witnessed a gas station attendant get bawled out by a caffeinejolted, stressed-out soccer dad. And is it me, or did the price of salmon just double?Welcome to our new economy! This is not a test, and no, it's not going to go away anytime soon. It's time to hunker down, get smart, and make some decisions about the bumpy road ahead. Leave your fear at the door and join me in meeting the challenges of this recession, thriving, and coming out ahead. After reading this book, you will be a full-fledged "Recessionista," capable of withstanding any challenge this recession throws your way.But Economics Is Boring!Yes, indeed, for most people, economics ranks up there with watching paint dry. But voluntary ignorance of it would be like not knowing how you get pregnant. Not smart. In either scenario, you end up frazzled and sleep deprived, with a crippling addiction to peanut butter.Why You Need to Brush Up on Boring Economics- We could be headed into a situation worse than the Great Depression.- Your expenses will be going up as inflation does. Don't like last week's $200 grocery bill? How about $1,000 per week? Yes, it can happen.- Those who are unaware or ignorant of the impending economic collapse will likely face a huge downgrade in lifestyle. Think SoHo to HoBo.- Those who inform themselves, plan, and adapt have an excellent chance of maintaining or improving their standard of living, avoiding loss of wealth, and even increasing their wealth.Your Man Is Not Your Financial PlanLadies, even if the man in your life (your husband, dad, boyfriend, brother, or boy toy) is rich, kind, and generous, you cannot assume that your financial destiny will be handled well. When it comes down to it, you are in charge of your money and your financial future. Nobody is going to take care of this for you.- Only 52% of married people will reach their fifteenth anniversary.- Only 61.4% of divorced single mothers are awarded child support.- Of the single mothers who are awarded child support, nearly 53% do not receive the full payments that are due to them.- Estimates vary, but women typically experience a 27% to 45% reduction in standard of living, and sometimes poverty, immediately following divorce; whereas men increase their standard of living by up to 15% following divorce.Now, before you start squawking about how you and Mr. Wonderful will be married forever, consider the following:- The average widow outlives her spouse by fourteen years.- 80% of women outlive their spouses.- The average age of a widow is 56.- Widows are three times more likely to live in poverty than married women of the same age. And most (80%) of the impoverished women were not living in poverty when their husband was alive.Make no mistake about it -- money is critical to your well-being. Cash might be cold comfort during tumultuous times, but it's certainly better than zero comfort. Money plays a crucial role in having a great life and achieving your goals.This Recession Is Hitting Women Harder than MenUnemployment since March 2007 has gone up more rapidly for women than for men. In the same period, women have seen a sixfold wage decrease as compared to men and are 32% more likely to have a subprime mortgage, thus putting women at a disproportionately higher risk of foreclosure. To add insult to injury, women still earn only 77 cents for every dollar a man makes, and have significantly less in sa