This time of year, to-do lists fill up and it can feel like we are being bombarded with things to do, remember, and attend. It can be overwhelming - but, I take a deep breath and remind myself to embrace this busy season.

Back in 2008, the Fall and early Winter was a tense time. I had a newborn, was unemployed, and the economy was in free-fall. There were no job prospects in sight.

I had been fired when I was 5 1/2 months pregnant. I’d decided that I would wait until after I gave birth to my daughter and had a short maternity period before looking for another job.

My daughter was born in late August 2008. Within a month the markets started to plummet. As did my husband’s graphic design business - his income dropped by 90%! UGH!

Even though it was really tight and REALLY scary, what saved us was the real estate we had previously acquired.

We were far from financially independent.  Our two California properties barely cash-flowed. But, it did help keep a roof over our heads though, ...