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Who should we turn to in this economic roller coaster? Our new president? Our friends? Our mother? Forget that. I'm turning to the best source of advice I had growing up: Mr. Feeny.

The Mr. Feeny Guide to Surviving a Recession

Forget what others think

You know “The Joneses”? Yeah, their home is in foreclosure because they had to keep up with themselves. It just got to be too much. Forget what people think about what you wear (Goodwill has great clothes), or what you drive (the bus can be more relaxing than driving), or where you live (have a roof? You're wealthy).

“Unfortunately we live in a society where they tell us we have to look a certain way, so we're all under pressure to live up to unrealistic expectations.” - Mr. Feeny

Spend quality time with family and friends

You don't need to spend a cent to have a good time with friends or family. Go to a bookstore and just browse for an hour. Stay home and play board games and watch old movies you already own. Play a cribbage tournament. Discuss politics. Or Religion. Or money. Building relationships is free, and yet the payoff can be tremendous. What relationships can you invest in?

"Friendship for example, is a real gift. It's given with no expectations and no gratitude is needed, not between real friends." - Mr. George Feeny

Believe in yourself. If you can't, No one else will.

Do you remember your favorite teacher? Did they believe in you 100%? Or did they teach you to believe in yourself 100%? Great teachers (like Mr. Feeney) not only believe in you, but more importantly they teach you to believe in yourself. If you are unemployed, there is nothing attractive to an employer about a potential candidate wallowing in self-pity. Believe in yourself, and be humble enough to ask for help if you need it.

“Believe in yourselves. Dream. Try. Do good” - Mr. George Feeny

Let go of what you can't control

Sometimes we screw up and the consequences of our mistakes are completely justified. But sometimes, bad stuff happens, and there is just nothing you can do. You can't control the stock market. You can control however how much you spend each month on fast food. Control what you can. Let go what you cannot.

"Something bad happened, Mr. Hunter, but for the very first time you're not responsible." - Mr. George Feeny

Pull yourself away from the 24/7 news cycle

There is a whole wide world out there waiting for you to explore it. You just need to get off the computer first. Check out your local library, visit that free tourist trap in your home town you've never been too. Tell a random beautiful woman (or man) they look great. It seems like every day we are bombarded with more bad news. Yet, flowers keep blooming. Rabbits keep making more rabbits, and the world keeps on going even in the midst of a recession. Take a day off from the computer and TV. Unplug everything.

"Gutenberg's generation thirsted for a new book every six months! Your generation gets a new web page every 6 seconds. And how do you use this technology? To try and beat King Koopa, and rescue the princess. Shame on you. You deserve what you get." - Mr. George Feeny

Cut out destructive influences and draining expenses

Even Mr. Feeny knew when enough was enough. During difficult times, the last thing you need are bad influences on your health and finances. Cut. Cut. Cut. Cut out draining relationships and don't feel bad about it. You'll have more of yourself to give to others. Cut out unnecessary expenditures. This cutback tool from Wesabe makes it easy and almost automatic. Don't let silly purchases add up and cause even more stress in a difficult time.

"Sit down. Stay where you are. For the first time, I choose to walk out on you." - Mr. George Feeny

Keep your ears perked for opportunities

The reality is that during difficult times, a handful of companies and people make an absolute killing because they take calculated risks when everyone else is sitting on the sidelines. Polish that resume. Even if you feel safe in your job, it's never a bad idea to freshen up your resume. Update your profile on LinkedIn while you're at it. You are on LinkedIn, right?

"Come along, Mr. Matthews. Don't dawdle." - Mr. George Feeny

Give back when you are doing well and others are suffering

Things going really for you? That's great. Now is the perfect time to give back. Volunteer. Do some pro bono work. Fund an entrepreneur. The reality of life is that we all need help sometimes. Never be afraid to ask for help, or too high and mighty too offer it to someone in need.

"There is no greater aspiration than to have love in our lives, Mr. Matthews... If one of you fails you all fail. Your friend’s success is your success!" - Mr. George Feeny

What else would Feeny say?

What else would Mr. Feeny recommend we do or say to survive this recession? Share your best Feeny insight in the comments below.

Did you know that being unselfish can actually be selfish?

Before I confuse myself and you, let me explain. I used to think that by never spending money on myself or taking time for myself, I was being unselfish. I thought that because I have family that depends on me financially, anything I spent for "me" would be a waste.

I was completely wrong.

Do you know your most important asset? Your home? Nope. Your car? Nope. Your most important asset is you. Yes, you.

Without you, you don't have an income. Without you, your parents don't have a child. You are a producer, and if you're not 100% then how can you produce at 100%? Assets support cash flow. You are your most important asset. You need cash flow to prosper and pay your bills. But are you taking the time to nurture and protect your most valuable asset? If you're like I used to be, probably not.

Here are seven practical ways to protect and grow your most valuable asset: You.

1. Get more sleep. Tonight.

This is hands-down the fastest and simplest way to improve your productivity. With enough sleep each night, you won't need to down those 3 cups of coffee just to get going in the morning. With the right amount of sleep your body property handles food processing. You're less cranky. You're more creative. Take a look here and here for great sleep tips.

2. Cut draining relationships

Relationships are a two-way street. Sometimes they are life-giving and refreshing, other times they are life-draining and depressing. Good healthy relationships go both ways. If you're constantly dealing with relationships that are life-draining and you're not a counselor by trade, it's time to cull your list of friends.

Is dropping friends harsh? Yes, but again, taking care of yourself is not selfish. If you're worn down by numerous draining relationships, what will happen when one of your healthy relationships actually needs you? You'll be too drained to help. Cultivate healthy relationships and cut back on the draining ones.

3. Never skimp on insurance

To be able to produce at a high level, you cannot be concerned with factors outside your control. Insurance may be costly, but the peace of mind it provides (Automotive, Health, Life, Property) can provide you with a huge return on your money.

While the cost of insurance is important, your focus should be “how will this improve my ability to produce more income?” Insurance is about transferring risk. The more risk you can transfer away from yourself, the better you will sleep at night and the more productive you will be.

4. Fuel yourself properly

The biggest problem for many hard workers is fuel. It's not that we don't eat. It’s that we don't eat well. We stock up on coffee, Red Bull and fast food to make it through the day. Eating balanced and healthy meals will not only make you feel better, you'll live longer as well.

Lifehack has a fantastic list of over 100 quick and healthy meals. Now you have no excuse. Fueling yourself properly is both a short and long term investment in your MVA (most valuable asset).

5. ABL. Always Be Learnin'

When you begin to view yourself as your most valuable asset, your mindset changes dramatically. One area that changed dramatically for me personally was in the area of education. I used to feel guilty about buying a fantastic new business book, or wanting to go to a thousand dollar conference. No more.

Investing in yourself through education is nearly always a good investment. I'm not just talking traditional schooling here, education could be reading that marketing book you've been wanting for years, or attending a free online class or webinar.

6. Do 25 Pushups. Right Now.

I'm serious. Get down and do them right now.

Did you do them? If you did, I'll bet you feel better now. Exercise makes everything better. You'll live longer. You'll feel better. You'll look hotter. Just take a look at these Lending Clubbers...

7. Schedule time to do nothing

Put “nothing” on your schedule. Of course, you'll not actually end up doing “nothing”, but you need to schedule that time in if you're not getting enough of it. Maybe you read a book, or go for a jog, or spend time with your kids. Just put it on the schedule.

It may sound selfish to think of yourself as your most important asset. It isn't. In fact, protecting your ability to produce and grow is one of the most unselfish things you can do for your family and your future.

What are you doing to improve and protect yourself?

Are you vital to your employer?

If your answer is, "absolutely!" then congratulations, your job is probably safe. If you hesitated, it may be time to look at how to layoff-proof your position. With companies laying off workers across a broad spectrum of industries, if you're not vital you just might be expendable.

Make yourself absolutely vital to the success of your company… or, at least their survival during these difficult economic times.

1. Be a Da Vinci

Leonardo wasn't just a great painter. He could sculpt, sketch, and if you're a ninja turtle fan, clean up with swords as well.

The point is that knowing how to just do your job isn't enough. To truly layoff-proof yourself you need to know how to do other positions within your company. Take the initiative and start learning the daily tasks you would handle if you had other job titles.

2. Take on a new project

If you have to create a new project to take on one, do it. If a new project needs volunteers, volunteer. Heck, volunteer to lead the search for volunteers.

If there is anything new happening at your company, you want to make sure you are an important part of it. This may mean taking on responsibilities beyond your normal routine or job description.

3. Generate revenue

Often when a company is looking at cutting jobs, the absolute last cuts happen to the sales department. Why? Because without them, the company wouldn't bring in any money!

If you're a secretary, find a salesperson to help out. Can you help manage or optimize their leads? If you can't be generating revenue directly, become absolutely essential to someone who is!

4. Embrace change

Instead of complaining of the "good ole days", embrace any change that your workplace is going through. Not only will it be good for your mental health, you'll be seen as a good team player as well.

Note: This does not mean be a suck-up. This just means roll with the punches. Change happens. You might as well go with it.

5. Share your 100% commitment

Have a serious conversation with your boss (or higher up if possible) about your commitment to your company. Don't do this in an email or over the phone. Even if it's just stopping their office for a few minutes one afternoon, have this conversation in person.

When it comes to making cuts, they will remember the personal conversation that you initiated. It may not sound like much, but little details like this can make all the difference.

Share your best tip

How are you layoff-proofing yourself?

For equity investors, the good news is that the year is almost over. The bad news is that the future is still quite uncertain. So how do you handle a bear market, especially a bear market that's more angry Grizzly bear than tame Winnie the Pooh? You get creative. You think outside the normal "buy and hold" box. There are plenty of alternatives to equities that can survive and even thrive in a bear market.

1. Build a Website Portfolio

Just like with traditional real estate, online websites are all about cash flow. If you're good on the web, consider purchasing a website or two to add to your asset base. Just like a home, websites require maintenance and love to add value to them. Most websites under $25,000 will sell anywhere from 1 to 3 years earnings. In Stock-Talk, that's an insanely low 1-3 P/E ratio. Find quality established websites at Sitepoint.

2. Real Estate

Where is "buy and hold" really a good strategy right now? It's real estate. If you have cash right now or can free some up, you can pick up rental properties at incredible discounts right now. There is even a government tax credit for buying foreclosed properties.

This isn't for the weak of heart. The future of real estate is as uncertain as the stock market, but at least your purchase is something tangible. Plus, while housing prices may have fallen through the floor, rents haven't followed suit. You have a much better chance today of owning cash flow positive rentals than any time in the last few years.

3. You

Do you know the single greatest asset you own? It's you! As Dr. Phil as that might sound, it’s true. Consider investing in your own education. Get that MBA you've always wanted. Investing in yourself and growing your knowledge will always produce a positive return. Where else do you get that kind of guarantee?

4. Peer to Peer Lending

Peer lending is a relatively new investment option in the last few years. It's an attractive option, with rates on borrower notes from 6.69-18.63%. Peer to peer lending works as a win-win for both borrowers and lenders. Borrowers get a lower rate than they would from a traditional loan or credit card, and lenders get a higher return than a CD or savings account.

Lending Club recently got SEC approval for its investment notes with stated interest rates from 6.69-18.63%. With that approval, it also paved the way for a secondary market for the notes. That means your cash isn't tied up for the duration of the 3 year loan, as you can resell it on the secondary market.

Talk Back

What other non-traditional investments are you considering right now?

Sometimes it pays to be a little crazy. I went through a period of extreme frugality in my life (living in my office, showering at a gym, no bank account, etc). It's not something I want to repeat again. Group showers aren't exactly my thing. That being said, for the truly ambitious penny pincher, these 7 tips could come in handy.

Oh, a note to single guys: this list could also be titled, "7 ways to make sure you never get a date". So, you've been warned.

1. The 60 second shower

It's just like being in the military again, only you get to now shower in the comfort of your own home! Lather up, rinse, enjoy the last 10 seconds. Done! Not only do you save on hot water, you just freed up 9 more minutes in your morning routine.

2. Flush less

"If it's brown, flush it down. If it’s yellow, let it mellow" - I think I first saw this phrase in an episode of "Six Feet Under". If you haven't gotten what I'm talking about here... just keep thinking about it. Or not. Let’s move on...

3. Become a "freegan"

The freegan movement has become more and more popular in the last decade. The word itself comes from "free" (duh) and "vegan". It's like a super hard core really cheap vegan. Basically, living as a freegan, you try to consume what other people waste. Dumpster diving, um, er, I mean "Waste Reclamation" is popular among freegans. Wedding crashing (for the food) or attending a lecture at your local college where food is served (for free) could work as well.

4. Live in your car

Want a truly mobile lifestyle? Ditch your overpriced apartment and live in your car. Make sure to move your car at least every few nights to a different part of town. Staying too long in one place will arouse suspicion and perhaps a call from a not so happy home-dweller to the police

5. Unplug everything

Not using the fridge? Unplug it. TV? Unplug. Computer? Unplug. Nearly all electronic devices drain small amounts of electricity even when plugged in. So go unplug everything.

6. Move off the grid

Do you think Adam and Eve had to buy groceries? Of course not. Living off the grid could eliminate your housing bill, electricity, cell phone, internet, cable, Netflix, gas, car... the list goes on and on. You can even pick up a home for your off-grid lifestyle for $500. And that's the nicer version.

7. Sell your car

Do you really need it? Really? No car equals no insurance bill, no more complaining about gas prices. And plus, the bus can be a fun (aka, crazy) way to meet new people. Note, if you're living in your car, unless you want to go off grid, don't do this one!

As I said, these are all slightly crazy ways to be frugal. There are plenty of more practical ways to save money, but they aren't nearly as fun. When you have grandkids, don't you want to tell them your crazy stories about how you saved money?