37 suggestions to get thru rough times.

Tips on living good in hard times…
“A penny saved is a penny earned”- Benjamin Franklin

1. Redefine your definition of “rich”. To sum things up, my definition of being rich is having enough money to meet my family’s basic needs, a few of our wants, and to be able to give some away to others.”
2. Borrow and share. Everyone wins! – borrow a DVD from a friend instead of renting or buying and have a little snack from your own fridge!” Check the local library DVDs and books
3. Avoid the mall. – “Going to the mall is not entertainment! We used to go when we were bored. Of course, we usually ended up spending money while we were there. If you need clothes, then shop sales or go to stores that offer name-brands at a discount. You can save a ton on these items if you are a smart shopper. Dave Ramsey says, “Never pay retail!” We probably save $15 to $30 per month by staying away from the mall.”
4. Limit your intake of advertisements. It’s engineered to make you feel like you’re incomplete, that you have an unfulfilled need, that you’re not good enough.”
5. Buy with cash. – “You can’t spend money you don’t have.
6. Switch up your services. Find a better deal and actually SAVE the difference. – “Regardless of what they sell, if you’ve switched companies for price reasons, save the difference. Think of phone companies, internet access, cell phones, credit cards, and others.”
7. Adhere to a long-term investment strategy.
8. Curb your consumerism! – “Have you ever watched how a child can play with a cardboard box for hours, and leave the toy that came in it by the wayside? How is it that children can enjoy themselves without a lot of “stuff”, but we as adults feel the need to reward ourselves by buying more stuff?”
9. Stay Healthy! Medical problems drain bank accounts. By increasing your fitness level, you can actually roll back your biological clock.” Get an annual flu shot.
10. Stay in and relax. – “So, think about it the next time you go out. Are you going for with a purpose? Maybe the solution is to not go out at all. Stay home and save! Save up for something you really want or need.”
11. Gradually prepare yourself for a rainy day. – “Even when things are going great, and you feel on top of the world, you must always be prepared for a change. If you take the time and patience to set yourself up properly, then when things to take a turn for the worse, you will be prepared to handle it. If you live above your means, then when the slightest change occurs, you will not be prepared to adapt. Financial flexibility is more important then keeping up with the Jones’.”
12. Stop competing. Forget about the Jones’ altogether. – “If getting rich makes us happy, then why don’t countries as a whole get happier as they grow wealthier?
13. Get out of the “easy street” mentality. – “I think there is too much emphasis on the quick fix or the easy option in today’s society. For example taking diet pills to lose weight instead of the “hard option” - exercising and eating well
14. Avoid impulse buying. Buy things you truly need. Think twice before you buy stuff
15. Time is money. Properly manage your time.
16. Find ways to give without spending. – “Want a quick, easy and (almost) free way to be guaranteed that you’ll make someone’s day special?
17. Don’t let greed and deceit get the best of you. It is fine to aspire to wealth, but don’t lose sight of the means to accomplishing it.”
18. Never ever pay retail. – “You can easily save hundreds of dollars a year on clothing purchases by waiting for sales or shopping at discount retailers like Marshalls. Better yet, avoid name brand clothing all together.”

19. Look for a second income Many job earners are in a situation when they don't know whether they still have a job tomorrow. Think real estate, the banking sector, local small businesses. Many of these are especially endangered due to a slow economy. It may mean working two jobs or doing some freelancing on the side, and regardless, it will mean more time on the job than off. Even if this means you will be uncomfortable for some time, you rather be that than broke and without a home.

20. Cut up your credit card If you find it hard to deal with credit and feel that you cannot pay off your credit card bills in full every month, you are better off without credit cards.
21. Consolidate your loans Many times this will reduce your monthly payments so you have a better cash position each month allowing you to apply money to other, more important things, like food and clothes.
22. Recycle One man's rubbish is another man's treasure. Before you throw these unwanted goods into the bin, sell them in a garage sale or on ebay to make some additional money.
23. Insulate your home for winter. plastic over the windows is like a second pain of glass. Use the rope caulk on cracks by windows. Keep the thermostat at 68 and 64 at night. More tips go to :http://www.centerpointenergy.com/services/naturalgas/residential/saveenergyandmoney/managingenergycosts/492407f23d82c110VgnVCM1000005a1a0d0aRCRD/MN/
24 Consider second hand goods, clothes etc: Second-hand stores, yard sales, and eBay
25. Repair what you have; fix it instead of buying new.
26. Use low-flow showerhead, check plumbing for leaking valves.
27. USE COUPONS in the grocery store. Purchase non brand name goods.
28. Look at the cost per ounce comparison: Think can I make this cheaper??
29. Consider your appliances. Old appliance: seals on refrigerators & freezers, cleaning coils.
30. Look at your lights/ energy efficient turn off when not in use.
31. Think about watering your lawn/ fertilizers etc. Can I make it get it from run-off water barrel?
32. Replacing air filters on furnaces monthly during heating season.
33. Basic auto maintenance.
34. Create cooking clubs.
35. Plan to grow some of your own food either in a backyard or container garden. Visit the local farmers market for fresh produce but be savvy about prices.
36. Avoid buying groceries at the convenience store.
37. Look at your services, do you really need cable? Do you need a cell phone?
Remember the difference between the want and the need…