With all of the terrible financial news lately, it’s been getting harder and harder to stay upbeat. I’m taking all of the steps I can to ensure our financial security (we eliminated our credit card debt, we’re spending as little as we can, and we’re saving as much as possible). I also have no reason to believe that my job is in jeopardy (as far as I know, my company is doing great compared to other recession-strapped businesses).

I still can’t help but think about the worst case scenario. I guess that’s for the best. If we’re always prepared for the worst, then we’ll be prepared to weather it. I just hate this feeling of instability.

All I can do is keep on keeping on. Pay down our debt, save as much as we can, and hope for the best. I just feel like the recession anxiety hit me late, but it’s hitting hard.

On the bright side, there were a lot of great posts in the blogosphere this week! Here are my favorites:

• This post from Sense to Save is actually from last week, but I didn’t do a round up then so I’m sharing it now. Kacie shares so great tools for figuring out your tax liability for this year so you can get your deductions right. I never can figure out those W-4 forms.
• Cash Money Life shares some helpful information on how last year’s economic stimulus check affects your taxes. (He also just announced that he and his wife are expecting their first baby. Yay!)
• Northern Cheapskate reminds us that there’s no such thing as “recession-proof.” Don’t I know it. All you can do is spend less than you make, save as much as possible, and hope for the best.
• Not Made of Money offers some tips for beating recession depression.
• Paid Twice made the decision to wipe the slate clean at the start of February and move on after a month of emergency spending in January. Sometimes the best thing to do is start over again.

I’m hoping to have some frugal fun this weekend to cheer myself up! I hope you do the same. Happy Friday!