500 Newport Center Drive, Suite 500
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Phone: (949) 721-2330
Fax: (949) 721-0734
February 2009 
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"What are some of the things you've done to adjust to the current economic environment?"
This quarter we asked the team to note some of the things they've done personally in light of the current economic environment:
Laura Tarbox
As far as the business, we have eliminated our receptionist position, and reduced all non-essential expenses, such as our weekly flower deliveries and staff lunches. (We've found we can buy a pretty decent-looking blooming plant from Trader Joe's that costs less then $10 and lasts for weeks!)
Personally, I have been shopping for more deep sale items and at outlet stores. There are some amazing bargains out there! I am making sure to keep up my exercise routine - more important than ever in times of stress.
Estelle Robinson
We have adjusted to the current economic market by cutting back on some expenses, as many have. We prioritize expenses and decide what to eliminate or reduce. Our family has almost completely eliminated eating out. New clothes purchased are scrutinized for value, usefulness, and need. Our vacations have been downsized and minimized. We are also more careful on our use of gasoline, water, and electricity. We have held steady on our investments and continue to dollar cost average into our retirement funds and college savings plans. At these levels, we are reaping the benefit of getting a lot more shares for our dollars.
Mark Wilson
While I am generally pretty optimistic about the economy and stock markets going forward, there is good reason to be rethinking spending items both at work and at home. At work, we have been cutting unnecessary research publications (1 out of 15 that we receive) and software. It's interesting how much we get used to reading materials and annually renewed software just because we've had it for years. I can tell you these materials have not been missed and all can be "re-upped" if the need arises. We have also been able to receive more flexible pricing from some of our software vendors.
At home, my family has reasonable spending habits and has not had to cut much from our day-to-day lives. We expect to take a local Summer trip and we are taking advantage of sales prices wherever possible. We are also taking advantage of the stock market "sale" that is going on with our monthly savings!
Mike Nozzarella
Nothing much has changed in my life. If anything, I am more thoughtful of cash gifts and where I drop off charitable donations. For example, I take the time to drive to the Orange County Rescue Mission when donating some of Dominic's rarely worn clothes or disregarded toys instead of dropping them off at the most convenient location.
My personal life has remained unchanged as a result of the current economic environment. I have made a couple changes this year that do happen to save me money. I bring my lunch to work more often, but that is because it saves time and I'm tired of the options at Fashion Island. I eat more fruits and veggies and less meat now, but that's because it's healthier.