How We're Living Now - Economic Woes

I'm curious how you all are faring in the slower economy. Has it caught up to you and your (Six Minute) lifestyle? Or, are you floating above it, immune to the perils and pitfalls faced by many?  Here at Six Minute Style, the weakened economy is reflected in less frequent videos (it's expensive to shoot our little show, even if only six minutes) and more blogging. On the home front, we're eating out less often and holding tight with our blurry, old television. My husband's work - he owns a hardwood flooring business - has slowed significantly. My full-time job in public relations is holding steady, but who knows what tomorrow will - or won't - bring.  

Here's some of what I'm hearing:

A friend called the other day saying she hasn't felt this "poor" since the early 90s (back then she was young in her career and not yet a mother, so could better roll with the punches). When her long-time employer was bought out by another company, this now mom-of-two saw her benefits shrink and their costs soar. Her husband, a builder, is without work.

A freelance writer friend says there are far fewer assignments - and paychecks - right now.

A waiter friend has seen her hours and tips drastically cut. 

One friend hopes the college savings accounts she's faithfully built for her kids bounce back and fast.

Yet another friend is an advertising executive ... in the auto industry. Ouch. 

Lay-offs, salary freezes, reduced benefits. Where do you fall on the job security scale? What steps have you taken to protect yourself and your family? Are you feeling the economic squeeze? Have you made any major or minor lifestyle changes? Please share your thoughts with us!