Some other changes you are likely to see at work are the reduction of business travel, freezing of wage freezes and cancellation of bonuses. Business perks that you currently take for granted can have a significant impact on your budget if you don't take their possible elimination into account. Look at what perks you do take advantage of that your company offers and consider what changes you'll need to make to your own personal finances if these are eliminated in 2009.
Deals will abound for those with cash. For those without debt and with a healthy savings account, there should be plenty of great deals to choose from. With most people severely cutting back on their spending, businesses will be forced to offer great deals to get customers in the door.
If you have been thinking about making a major purchase, this could be the perfect year to do so. If you have been planning a dream vacation, chances are that you can schedule it for a fraction of the price you would have had to pay in years past. If you have been planning a home remodeling, you should be able to find top-quality contractors charging much less than what they were during the housing bubble.
It may be that 2009 will be a fantastic time to get great bargains on virtually anything that you have been saving up for and a time to start taking advantage of the savings that you have accumulated.
Bargaining will become easier. One of the greatest money-saving skills you can develop will become even more valuable in 2009. Being able to negotiate is no longer limited to car dealerships and flea markets. The ability to ask for and receive a better price than that marked on the item's price tag should be easier as more places should be willing to do so to get the sale.
