by Charla Bear

Over the past couple of weeks, we've asked you to write and tell us how the economy is affecting your life. One listener, Donna Giannola, of Frederick, Colorado, told us about drastic changes in her financial situation. She used to have a comfortable, middle-class lifestyle. Now, the graphic designer says the economy has made it nearly impossible for her to find a job in her field. So, she became a substitute teacher. The career change meant her income plummeted so low that she says she qualifies for food stamps and will have to cash out the mutual funds in her retirement account to stay afloat. She worries that she might even lose her home.

If you'd like to share your story about how the economic downturn is affecting you, post it below.

Thanks and good luck out there.