Since I have only been out of school for 1 1/2 years I have not really been to affected by the economy. In fact I have seemed to almost benefit. We sold my wifes house for a sizeable profit when we were told not to expect anywhere near asking price (that was just right place,right time). But we then upgraded into a much bigger home at ~ 15,000 below asking price and got a phenomenal mortgage rate. And now with as low as the market is I am buying up as much as I can( Max 401K and employee stock purchase plan) in hopes the market will turn. But yes I have friends and family who have been seriously effected by the economy, some with large families to feed. It is a sad state of affairs right now, but I know it will come back. Just have to weather the storm.