This economy has affected everyone. Being retired, I try to save money in little ways. I no longer have a land line, watch my electric use much closer, read the paper on line, wash only full loads, eat out much less often, drink tea instead of sodas, do my own nails and try to prethink car trips to include all I can, to save gas.
Your sweet Brandi will prob. adjust pretty quickly. Please Don't feel guilty over something you Did Not choose to do. Like you said, at least you still have a job. I like your attitude of looking for the blessings, I try to do that too.