| Ideally, what comes in does not necessary all go out to | | | | know. What a yukky idea. But look on the bright side, |
| creditors. Unfortunately, most of us know, that is one | | | | it's just until the crisis is over. |
| of our better dreams. Sometimes we find all our | | | | - Sell that extra car.Ways to reduce your expenses: |
| dreams shattered completely. Would you be | | | | - Refinance your home at a lower rate to reduce |
| prepared?Once upon a time, I was living the ideal life. I | | | | your mortgage payment. But do it now because the |
| had an excellent paying job. Who had to worry about | | | | word on the street is that the Fed is going to increase |
| finances or budgets? Ha! Not me. In fact, I never really | | | | the interest rate again! |
| paid much attention to price tags. I just knew I wanted | | | | - Increase your insurance deductibles. Then shop |
| it so I bought it. I had money in the bank, a nice car and | | | | around for better rates for your homeowners, auto, life |
| a swell cushy condo.But, in a blink of an eye, my | | | | and health insurances. |
| dream life turned into a nightmare and I was totally | | | | - Stop eating out and prepare your dinners at home. |
| unprepared. It was very frightening and intimidating to | | | | - Start taking your lunch to work instead of buying it. |
| realize I had to do something drastic. Consequently, I | | | | - Shop with a grocery list and stick to it. Make your list |
| had to learn quick, fast and in a hurry how to reduce | | | | using your grocery flyer and prepare your meals |
| my debts and budget my money or I would literally be | | | | based on the specials. Take advantage of buy one, |
| out in the street.Health problems forced me to give up | | | | get one free offers. Be diligent and don't buy what you |
| my wonderful job and every luxury that went with it. | | | | really don't need. Use coupons - most stores offer |
| My savings dwindled and I went from riches to rags | | | | double the value. Buy store brands. Hey, don't shake |
| faster than greased lightning. The shame of it all, what | | | | your head. I save plenty that way! If I, the once upon a |
| would my family and friends think? Oh poor me. What | | | | time little princess, can do it so can you. |
| did I ever do to deserve this? This is so not fair!Turns | | | | - Cancel your memberships and magazine |
| out, I was my own worse enemy. My family still loves | | | | subscriptions. Instead of going to the gym, take walks, |
| and supports me and my friends are still my friends. | | | | exercise at home. Take trips to your local library for |
| As soon as I stopped feeling sorry for myself, I | | | | magazines, newspapers and books. |
| resigned myself to the fact that this is the way it was | | | | - Stay home instead of going out for entertainment. |
| going to be, nothing in the world was going to change it | | | | Curl up with a good book from the library and rent |
| and I had better learn to live with it. Don't | | | | movies instead of going out to the movie theatre. |
| misunderstand me, it took quite awhile to get to that | | | | Take trips to your local museums and free places of |
| point, but the point is I'm there and I didn't fall off the | | | | interest. |
| face of the earth. I still enjoy life, my illness is not | | | | - Cancel that cell phone or reduce your monthly bill by |
| terminal, I'm just on a darn ol budget. Grumble, | | | | lowering your peak hour minutes to the minimum and |
| grumble.Sound familiar? You see my friends, you are | | | | only use your cell phone in an emergency. |
| not alone. Hopefully you will accept the fact, sooner | | | | - Become a do-it yourselfer. Do your own home |
| than I; you have absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. | | | | repair and change your own oil in your vehicles. Visit |
| Many, many families find themselves in the same boat. | | | | your local library for "how to" books. |
| So come on, put on your life jackets and let's row, | | | | - Take a look at your utilities. Do you have any water |
| row, row!If you've lost your job, there is, of course, | | | | leaks? Lower your thermostat a few degrees and |
| unemployment. And, depending on your circumstances, | | | | inquire if your electric and gas company has a budget |
| there are state and county agencies that offer | | | | plan. |
| additional benefits especially if you have children. It | | | | - Shop at garage sales, thrift stores, flea markets and |
| would be advantageous for you to investigate the | | | | browse over the classified ads. |
| possibilities. You may qualify for assistance such as; | | | | - Shop at your dollar store for cleaning products, |
| locating a job, temporary financial assistance, health | | | | paper goods, and toiletries. Oh now, now be nice ... my |
| care, food stamps, clothing banks, shelter and | | | | dishes and clothes don't know the difference and my |
| transportation.Perhaps you've been spending more | | | | teeth and hair haven't fallen out yet.There are so many |
| than you make and you find yourself in a serious | | | | other ways to reduce your expenses. Just exercise |
| financial situation. Let me share with you some of the | | | | your common sense.Most of the time money |
| ways you may be able to achieve some financial | | | | problems originate from our lifestyle choices. Before |
| stability.Obviously, you need to set up a spending plan | | | | you buy something, ask yourself if you really need |
| or budget. But at this point, it will be of no value if you | | | | it.Establish a realistic budget and make those sacrifices |
| are robbing Peter to pay Paul.First and foremost you | | | | to live within your limits. To me, peace of mind costs a |
| need to reduce your debt and establish ways to save | | | | lot less than that new car I dream of owning. Who |
| money. Once you've gotten your expenses inline, then | | | | knows tomorrow I could meet Mr. Right or Mr. Down |
| develop a viable budget. You must discipline yourself to | | | | Right Filthy Rich *wink*Lex lives in Ohio and is originally |
| stick to it or you will find yourself without that life | | | | from NJ. She has three children and four grandchildren. |
| jacket and no boat to row, row, row.You'll need to do | | | | Her hobbies include reading, crafting and writing.She |
| two things. Find some extra cash and reduce your | | | | has been inducted into the TSWBA Bowling Hall of |
| debts. Here are some suggestions to help you achieve | | | | Fame and is a two time TSWBA Bowler of the Year. |
| both. At the same time, you will be setting the ground | | | | She is also a NJ Doubles and Women's All Star |
| work for your new budget.Ways to obtain cash: | | | | Association Champion. Although she does not bowl |
| - Have a garage or yard sale. I was amazed at the | | | | now, she enjoys coaching young bowlers.Currently, |
| amount of money I pulled in. | | | | Lex is the financial advisor for a frugal living and |
| - You might want to look for a second job. I know, I | | | | sweepstakes group called "Our Winning Circle". |