So, I’ve decided to modify the scope of my gift giving this year. I’ve been focusing more on individuals and their potential likes and dislikes, rather than setting a dollar amount on how much I should spend. Seriously, who expects the world of others around this time of year when the country is in a recession and everyone is trying their damnedest to get through it. Considering that I don’t know many people who are literally hard up for dough, I’m feeling less like pity giving and more like giving them something that will better them and not cost a lot. Books, cooking utensils and useful electronics are along the lines of what I’m contemplating.

I have been thinking so much lately, not just about gifting, but about saving, investing and buying a home. I feel like even though we’re in a recession, there are even more reasons to live agressively, especially for a person at my age and of my circumstances.

I feel like if I play it safe, I lose. How are you feeling in the recession right now? Are you thinking big, or just thinking how to survive?

To all my personal finance blogging peeps, I set up two separate accounts with ING. One is a house fund for the down payment I will surely need for any decent mortgage when it comes to buy a house or condo. The second account is a Europe vacation fund. I feel like I’m becoming one of those workers who will never take a vacation unless I am either forced or unless I make it a point. So I’ve decided to save a bit of money so I can go back to Europe sometime in the next few years and see the things I missed while studying abroad. I’m pretty good about saving money when I put my mind to it. With my expenses dropping considerably at my new apartment I feel that money saved will go to good use in these savings accounts.

I also invested a little money in the stock market as well. That may be a less wise move, but I really have faith in this stock. I still think there is money to be made in the market, even when it’s down! Keep and eye on Evergreen Solar (stock symbol: ESLR). It’s a local solar panel manufacturer and if they’re plans flesh out as they’re planning, they’re going to be huge. I’ve also got a couple financials on deck for investment that have performed well for me as well. They didn’t buy that poison bad mortgage paper like banks like Lehman and insurers like AIG. I believe in their fundamentals. They’re names are ING Group (ING) and Anally Mortgage (NLY).