KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- It seems like the economy is all anyone talks about these days.

And for good reason—things aren't good. But financial experts say that while people everywhere are struggling, the Heartland is holding its own.

Dr. Jeff Romine is a CPA and financial planner. He says part of the reason Kirksville avoids serious economic crisis comes from the two universities in town.

"There's a certain stability that comes to Kirksville due to the industries that are here. And so it never gets as wonderful as it gets in other places, but it never gets as bad as it gets in other places,” said Romine.

Because of that, Romine says Heartland residents have been making tough decisions and operating on tight budgets longer than people in other areas. But he does have a few suggestions for getting a better grasp on your current financial position.

"I think the most important thing everyone should do is reprioritize how they're spending their money. And they should think a little bit about their wants versus their needs,” he said.

Romine says the key is to change your perspective; what worked for you previously, might not work for you today. He suggests putting what you spend down on paper and re-evaluating what you really need.

"Bottom line is you can either expand what you're taking in or reduce what you're sending out," said Romine.

And finally, after you have your needs paid for, make sure to pay yourself, even if you can't spare very much. He says it’s important to understand that everyone should be trying to save something.