Small Business Owners Cut Their Paychecks

This story from Friday's Wall Street Journal about small business owners cutting their own paychecks gives me mixed feelings about the economy.

On one hand, it's horrible that it's come to this. The article says in past recessions small business owners would have turned to an equity line or credit card, but with those options drying up, cutting their own paychecks is all they can do to stay afloat. On the other hand, though, it goes to show that this economy is in good hands—those of small business owners who will make huge sacrifices to turn things around.

The article cites a survey from American Express' small business division, which found that 30 percent of owners or managers were currently forgoing paychecks.