This article summarizes the financial management panel discussion at the 2003 Ohio City/County Management Association Conference. Provides advice from three veteran managers in the cities of Springfield, Kettering, and West Carrollton, with respective populations of 65,000, 57,500, and 14,000. Offers a variety of strategies for planning and surviving tough financial times: keep the council and community informed, avoid quick fixes, stick to the basics, employ long–term revenue planning, diversify revenue sources, engage in partnerships, and stay personally optimistic.