Summer 2009 | Volume 107 | Number 652

Survival Guide for Challenging Times

Not all that long ago, it was reasonable to assume that if you worked hard and put away some money each month, your financial future would be secure. Not anymore. Today's economy is a whole new game, with rules that are still in flux. During times of change and uncertainty, it is especially important – and especially challenging – to maintain perspective so that you can focus on the things that really matter. And it is helpful to have some guidance along the way. With that in mind, we have filled the following pages with information, advice, insights and wisdom from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans representatives and members, career counselors, pastors and other experts to help you make sense of these challenging times.

By Naomi Wax, with reporting by Karin Price Mueller and Denise Schipani

• Keeping the Faith – Turn worry to hope.
• Getting a Break – Seek compromise with creditors.
  • How to do it – Tips to negotiate based on the debt you have.
• Survivor's Guilt – Recession complicates feelings.
  • Recession Etiquette – Navigate the minefield.
• Balancing Act – Dos and don'ts of credit cards.
• Taking Stock – Review your portfolio now.
• Now Hiring – Find pockets of job growth.
  • Prepare for Change – Focus on your job hunt.
  • The Career Switch – Your skills are employers' assets.
• Address the Stress – Ideas to reduce stress.
  • Laughter Rx – Don't let pessimism take over.
• Budget Basics – Tips to tweak your budget or create one .
• Family Plan – Budgeting? Include the family.
• Lessons in Perspective – Members share words of wisdom.
• Age-old Challenges – Turn your age at either end of the spectrum into an asset.
• Put Yourself in Business – Layoffs can awaken the entrepeneurial spirit.
• Go Online for Job Opportunities – Post resumes, find jobs.
• Keep the Job You Have – Tips to hold on to your job.
• Jobless But Not Hopeless – Strategies to help with the stress.
• Job Outlook – Check out the prospects.
• Job Transition – Series of resources can help you prepare for your next career move.