Economic uncertainty has become a crisis of global proportions. People who went about business as usual in comfort and security only months ago are now dreading the prospect of financial collapse. Experts have lost their boldness in predicting the length or depth of the present financial crisis, as well as their confidence in pointing the way out of it. Prudence now calls for careful assessment of personal and social realities; wise stewardship of current resources; and proactive planning for future possibilities.