Banks in trouble triggered an economic crisis. Jobs are lost. Job security is a thing of the past. How do you know for sure that you will get your next paycheck?

The smart thing to do right now is to cut cost. Yet we big women know how to live. Our love for life is not easily quelled.

If you love good food and indulge in beauty treats, do you have to forgo them?

How about your wardrobe? What if you need new clothes, so as not to look dated?

What if your clothes don't fit or flatter you so well now. Do you have to wait for months, or even years, before you can get clothes that look good on you?

No. But you do need to prioritize.

What is most important to you know? Make a list and buy only the things you need.

A recession can work to your advantage. After all, during a recession, there is an increase in second hand stuff as everyone tries to save. Take advantage of that by turning the stuff you no longer need into cash.

Go through your entire wardrobe and mercilessly weed out anything that does not make you look great. Set these aside and sell them or eBay at a garage sale.

While you are at it, go through your store room and take out all the junk. One man's junk is another man's treasure. Find a way to make your junk look appealing. Then sell your junk on ebay or at the garage sale.

Now with the proceeds of the sales, you can buy new clothes and beauty treats.

During the recession, store prices are better than ever in order to attract customers. You are now in the position to take full advantage of these sales.

Replace the clothes that no longer fit you with new, versatile basics you will wear all the time.

Wrap dresses are fabulous on your curvy, plus size figure. Get at least one wrap dress for day to night, or parties, or dates, or when you just want to dress up.

Jeans, flattering tops and curvy pencil skirts are other basics that every plus size woman should own.

As for beauty treats, you can look to the kitchen for natural spa treatments. An avocadao can be used as an all over spa treat.

Mash the avocado pulp.

Take a shower, pat dry and then apply the mashed up avocado pulp over your face and body.

Use the stone of the avocado to gently massage your face, then your body, then the soles of your feet.

Finish off by rinsing off the avocado completely in the shower.