I think sectors of the economy may decline or collapse, but other areas will stay afloat. The economy is so vast, and there is so much restless money around that needs a home, that any downward spiral will be buffered by investments in other areas. The cheap dollar, although hindering our spending power, turns US goods into irrestible bargains for overseas consumers.

The credit meltdown is probably overblown. House prices went up for only one reason - supply vs demand. The demand is still there. The population is still growing and people still need places to live. Those abandoned houses won't be empty for long.

There will be some great buying opportunities available soon, if you can look past the panic.

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1985 380SE Blue/Blue - 230,000 miles
2012 Subaru Forester 5-speed
2005 Toyota Sienna
2004 Chrysler Sebring convertible
1999 Toyota Tacoma