My parents, sister and I are starting to talk about what we might need to do and consider if the whole economic ball of wax does melt. Not in an alarmist way, but just a general discussion of our options as a family. My parents both grew up during the Depression, and their experience has largely informed the budding dialogue among us.

We are a small, but close family that gets along quite well. If need be, we could combine resources and households - not seamlessly or without bumps - but with good grace and optimism that among us, we could take care of ourselves and each other. So, while we are all concerned, we are not frightened or excessively worried about our ability to keep a roof over our collective heads and food on the table, in the event worse comes to worst.

We ARE concerned about our collective ability to insure adequate health care for all of us if the bottom falls out, but especially for my elderly parents, who are already finding it a challenge to afford the medical care and medications they need.

We recognize we are fortunate to have the functional, resourceful, close-knit family that we do, and are mindful that our experience is not universal.

I'm curious to know if others are having similar conversations.

Janie