The economy hasn't affected me personally at all. I started a new job a year ago after a long drought of not working full time. The new job seems relatively secure but that can change at anytime as we all know. I think the thing is to keep debt manageable and SAVE at least the FIRST 10% of your income at all times, like they say "Pay yourself FIRST." Those two simple things can make things much easier for ya in the long run. Oh, and don't pi$$ away unexpected cash windfalls like too many people do, bank it and/or safely invest it.
I'm not very extravagant, I've never bought a new car in my life which is fine, I actually enjoy the challenge of trying to keep my cars running as long as possible, LOL! I'm also lucky in that my dad encouraged my brother and I to learn how to fix things around the house (and our cars) ever since we were kids.