One of the most talked-about topics is the economy.

Worry of economic hard times walks the land in the United States and abroad. Almost daily come reports of people losing their jobs, their possessions and their homes, and of increased demands on food banks and other humanitarian organizations that struggle to provide meals not only for the usual clientele of the homeless but also for families. Added to daily jargon is a relatively new phrase: "the working poor."

While financial experts debate whether all the earmarks are in place to declare a recession, one fact remains: difficult economic times wait at our doorstep.

This is no time to point fingers. Some, in reference to lifestyles and choices of those who have fallen on hard times, might say, "They brought it upon themselves." The Savior, however, taught that God "maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust" (Matthew 5:45).

Financial woes can strike anyone at any time for any number of reasons, including: natural disasters that destroy homes and livelihoods, accidents and illnesses that bring unforeseen medical bills, jobs that vanish amid downsizing or outsourcing, the loss of income when a family's breadwinner becomes unable to work or dies, or paychecks that don't keep pace with inflation.

When faced with financial problems, reducing expenses is one of the first common-sense actions to take. When asked how some people in a small farming community in southern Utah got by on their meager cash income, a man said, "They lived on the absence of expense" (Elder James E. Faust, October 1982 general conference, Ensign, November 1982, p. 87).

Television programs, newspaper and magazine articles, and the Worldwide Web give tips on how to survive economic downturns. Their lists contain hundreds of suggestions on how to cut back on spending, save on necessities and make money go further. In vogue again is the adage, "Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without."

These suggestions are all well and good. However, there are more things to deal with during economic hard times than just money. While coping with financial stress, one ought not ignore other elements of daily life, especially that which is spiritual.

A highly respected financial expert might give practical tips on how to weather economic storms; however, what is needed most is the spiritual strength that comes with retaining or gaining faith in God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. In times of difficulty — whether financial or otherwise — the first place to turn is to Heavenly Father.

When individuals or families have spiritual strength, they are better prepared to deal with life's challenges and put their priorities in order.

One priority might seem too obvious to even mention: avoid debt. Throughout this dispensation, Church leaders have counseled members to get out — and stay out — of debt.

During an address at the October 2002 general conference, President Thomas S. Monson cautioned, "Enticements to embrace the demon of debt are thrust upon us many times each day."

Reiterating counsel from earlier Church leaders, he cautioned against the lure of advertising that entices people to borrow money to pay for things they cannot afford. He then quoted President Gordon B. Hinckley, who said, "I recognize that it may be necessary to borrow to get a home, of course. But let us buy a home that we can afford and thus ease the payments which will constantly hang over our heads without mercy or respite for as long as 30 years" (Ensign, November 1998, 53).

Then, President Monson added: "We must not allow our yearnings to exceed our earnings" (Ensign, November 2002, p. 53).

May we always remember President Monson's wise counsel during these economically challenging times.