4. Smile at your neighbor. A smile lifts everybody's spirits, but most of all your own.

5. Remember Great Depression. It sucked, but people survived. It's amazing how many non-essentials we take for granted. Rent a movie about 1930s, sit back, and laugh about how much better our depression is going to be.

6. Learn a new skill. In hard times, it pays to be very, very employable. And you may even be lucky enough to have two jobs. Oh, wait. That's our problem now.

7. Start saving now. Then when bottom falls out, at least you'll have something to live on for three-and-a-half weeks.

8. Start spending now. It's folks like you, saving all your money instead of spending it, that are killing economy.

9. Stop listening to people telling you to save or to spend. In fact, stop listening to news about markets. It's just too depressing.

10. Ignore top ten lists. They are way too gimmicky and seldom give any truly useful information (except for this one, of course!)

There you have it. The Happy Guy's Top Ten Tips for Staying Sane While Wall Street Crashes Around You. All advice your mother didn't tell you about financial markets, and more importantly, about keeping happy while others suffer. The bottom line is don't panic, don't invest all your emotions where your money is invested, and focus on what really matters.

Online Loan Shopping Tips: 1. Keep up with current mortgage rate news updates

2. Apply for competitive offers at online loan marketplaces such those features at http://www.mortgageloansearch.cc or http://www.refinanceloanrates.com

3. Don't accept first or second loan offer.

4. Let lenders know if someone gave you a better offer and let them WIN YOU OVER.

5. Next, check rate trends and calculate loan rates and payments according to lowest rates offered. Firmly hold to lowest rates within your reach.

6. Don't give impression that you absolutely must have this loan now. Your greatest bargaining position is not desperately needing loan offered.

7. Ask about fees up front. Use amortization calculator to figure in fees, insurance and tax payments.

8. Take advantage of free quotes, calculation tools and financial resources.

Rate Comparison It pays to check with several lenders for lowest rate. Compare annual percentage rate (APR), which indicates cost of credit on a yearly basis. Be aware that advertised APR for home equity credit lines is based on interest alone. For a true comparison of credit costs, compare other charges, such as points and closing costs, which will add to cost of your home equity loan.

In review search for a lower loan amount with payments you can live with. Shop for a low rates. Carefully examine various loan programs offered and don't be afraid to ask questions. When you consider that there are hundreds of loan programs out there, rest assured that you're bound to find a lender with a financial program that works best for you.