Photo: Anthony Devlin/AP

We’ve done a series of features on the recession that aim to tackle the concerns that ordinary people are having in a climate of layoffs, foreclosures, scrimping and saving. One of the most popular, “What Are the 5 Things You Can't Live Without—Even During the Recession?” had our friends opining to us about their own five things. What about hair care? What about entertainment, travel and hobbies?

So we asked our friends and family to join us on a Facebook group, where many are now sharing their five things. But our curiosity has taken us well beyond Facebook. We want to know what all our readers are spending money on in the recession, even if they’re not on Facebook!

So we’re asking you and everyone you know to tell us your five things. You’ll find a question in the middle of the article. Answer it, then list your five things. Chat with other users about their list using the Qwidget, our comment tool, and stay tuned for next week’s follow-up article: “People’s Choice: 5 Things Worth Spending Money on During the Recession.”

In the meantime, for more tips and sites to better your career, bank balance and overall well-being during the recession, head to our special section, “The Way to Work,” where you’ll find articles like our latest, “The Way to Keep Working: Networking During the Recession.”

Liz Colville

Senior Writer

Audience Development