When the economy’s rocky, you’re on pins and needles about your job (or perhaps have already been laid off) and money’s too tight to mention, it can be hard to feel good about yourself -- much less, like you’re operating from position of strength to make the best decisions for your life. If you’re like most people, you’re beating back feelings of vulnerability -- if not downright panic -- and feel, at best, like your options are limited. When you -- and your friends are caught up in this mindset, it can be hard to see a way out.