The recent economic roller coaster has left everyone-- from Wall Street hot-shots to blue collar workers-- feeling queasy. While the hefty $700 billion dollar buyout may be on the horizon, the effects of the Wall Street slide are hitting the homes of Americans everywhere now. Follow these tips to ensure your financially secure now and throughout the next fiscal year.

Check the Piggy Bank

Be sure that your hard-earned money or savings is FDIC-insured. This means that up to $100,000 per person on your account will be insured by your bank. If you're not sure whether you're covered, use this tool to determine who's insured and who isn't.

Hibernate for the Winter

Who knows what the winter could bring besides the usual freezing cold temperatures and snowflakes. Create a winter emergency fund in case of, well, emergencies. Calculate your anticipated monthly expense for one winter month, multiply by 3 (or 6 if you're really ambitious) and start saving!

Not sure where to get the extra dough? Cut back spending on dining out, gourmet coffees and movies; opt for brown-bagged lunches or outdoor picnics, grocery store coffee and $1  movie rentals from redbox.

Be Indispensable

The financial crisis at hand has had everyone worried- including your employers. Some companies are facing major cut-backs, and your job might be at risk. If you're seeing signs of the pink slip, make yourself an integral part of the company (if you are already, then congratulations!). Evaluate the company and brainstorm a few ideas to decrease spending and increase productivity, such as four day work weeks or telecommuting options.

If you think your company might be downsizing, prepare yourself both emotionally and on paper. Re-read your resume, add new accomplishments and bolster your successes with documents that prove it (ie: 'Nice work, Bill' emails). Also, assess your skills. Is there an area you should receive more training? Consider enrolling in an online continuing education course to expand your range of capabilities; you'll look like a go-getter with a positive outlook despite the dismal economic circumstances.

For those that are waiting for the hammer to drop, don't wait to find your next job. Browse freelancing sites such as iFreelance and SoloGigs to start earning now.

With these tips in mind, no matter what the outcome of the bailout, you'll be secure financially. If you have additional tips or suggestions on how to weather this rough ride, please let us know in the comments!

Thermometers aren’t the only things rising this summer. With the ever-increasing cost of daily essentials like gas and dairy products, Americans across the nation are looking to cut their summer spending habits. Check out these tips to keeping cash in your wallet.

Turn It Up

Investing in a programmable thermostat can equate to over $180 in savings per year. By bumping temperatures higher in summer and lower during the winter months, not only will your wallet thank you, but so will the environment! According to Energy Star, changing settings during a typical 10-hour workday to 8 degrees lower in the winter and 7 degrees higher in the summer can help save energy, lower your energy bill and maintain a comfortable temperature in your home at all times.

Bonus: If you tend to be more cold-blooded, layer up! Invest in thermal sweaters and blankets in case you’re chilly.

Cut the Caffeine

If you’re a caffeine junky, you probably find yourself running to the nearest Starbucks or local coffee joint once or twice a day “because you need it”. Look at your spending long-term. That tall caramel macchiato runs at $3.45 a pop and is packed with 120 calories. Over a typical 50-week year, that means $862 of your salary was spent on coffee alone, as well as 30,000 extra calories sipped.

Bonus: Can’t kick the habit? Purchase coffee for your office in bulk; add caramel drizzle for that extra sweet flavor.

Write it Down

Have you ever just “had to have” the adorable skirt or perfect shoe you hadn’t intended on buying? Don’t worry, most of us fall prey to wandering eyes while shopping; whether it’s the grocery store or the tres-chic shop around the corner, we’ve purchased things we don’t need. In order to beat temptation, write a list before you leave for the store. If your list is too long, try eliminating things you simply want, instead of need. Also, be sure to shop on a full stomach; shopping while hungry encourages more spontaneous purchases (candy bars, chips and other junk food items).

 

Bonus: If you’re still having trouble sticking to a list, try walking to the store; you’ll only be able to buy what you can carry and its good exercise.

Re-imagine Renovation

By now, you’re probably recycling your canned and paper goods, but have you ever considered saving what you’re ditching? Instead of buying a plastic shelving unit, old coffee tins make perfect storage units for all small garage parts. Plastic grocery bags make great make-shift trash bags and paint tray liners.

 

 

 

 

Bonus: Can’t keep all those plastic bags contained? Re-use tissue  boxes and store plastic bags in this convenient, portable box.