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Contributed by William McCalmon 2008-12-03

Portland — Who among us is not aware that there have been massive bank failures, that the big three auto makers are near bankrupt, that mortgage foreclosures are rampant, that unemployment is high, that the stock market values have crippled most retirement plans, and that Christmas shoppers spent at record levels on black Friday (up 7%). It reminds me of the legendary Tom Sawyer who advised Huck Finn to paint faster before the paint ran out.

Here are Ten ways to find out that you are completely unaware of economic conditions here and abroad, or that you are in denial about your financial condition, or that you are flush with cash.

1o. Your children are getting new cell phones for Christmas.

9. You have just replaced all the outdoor Christmas lights.

8. You are still eating out for breakfast.

7. Your SUV is less than 3 months old.

6. You have just purchased Sarah Palin style eye glasses.

5. You have reservations at the White Barn Inn for Christmas and New Year dinners.

4. You can't decide between LCD and Plasma, iphone or blackberry, tall or grande, or the Bellagio or Ceasar's.

3. You are stocking up on 2005 French Bordeaux.

2. You just renewed your subscription to Fortune and ten or more fashion magazines.

1. You are planning to ask President elect Obama for a bailout.

If, however, you are either not in denial or not flush with cash, consider some of the following money saving ideas that may go a long way to improving your physical, mental, and financial health; improve family relationships and community; and do something good for the environment:

1. Eat more at home.

2. Draw names for Christmas gifts and set a limit.

3. Spend Christmas with some family members doing volunteer work.

4. Reunite the family around one modest TV and go to bed earlier to save heating fuel.

5. Drink more water, less soda, and little or no alcohol.

6. Quit smoking.

7. Consume less snacks and desserts.

8. Car pool.

9. Exercise for entertainment. Walk with your spouse and children. Take public transportation.

10. Spend more on what you need rather than on what you want.

"Brother, can you spare a dime."

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