Within the last four days, I have learned that my rent will go up $50/month and that my health and dental insurance will increase a combined $24/month. Considering the increase of food and gas prices plus the fact that I did not get a raise this year, the power of my paycheck is probably at its lowest in the last 3 years. So please click here to donate to the Save Kevin from being homeless fund. No, my financial situation has not gotten to that point quite yet. In fact, I have decided that I am not going to let these increases in expenses negatively affect my life in any way. Instead of allowing external factors control my life, I am committing to my self that I will continue to be master of my domain (I’m not talking about any Seinfeld contest here) and control my financial destiny.
I will not cancel my hbo or showtime.
I will not turn to a life of crime.
I will not go on a “staycation”
I will not give up my Sports Illustrated subscription.
I will not turn down my A/C and sit in sweat
I will not plunge myself in credit card debt
I will not blame the government and Uncle Sam
I will not resort to eating green eggs and spam
Okay, so I am not exactly Dr. Seuss. Still, the point that I am trying to make (and have attempted to make in some of my previous posts) is that we should never dwell on what we have absolutely no control over. In addition, I would further argue that over-reaction toward financial problems (like depriving yourself of air conditioning or cable tv) is unlikely to work and can probably only be tolerated for a short period of time. Instead, I will focus on making more money online with my various techniques (See my Current Earnings Page) and with this blog. For others, maybe a yard sale, a paper route, or even a plasma donation or two that will allow you to add some supplementary income and help offset increased expenses.
This post was featured in the #159th Carnival of Personal Finance Click here to read the other posts that were selected.
So sorry about your current financial situation. But, I’m glad that you’re not going to overreact by cutting any services and not going to blame the government (athough I do, in some cases).
So many American’s are in the same situation. We are as well.
To add one thing to your list:
If you drive a diesel, look for biodiesel gas stations. My husband drives 800-1000 miles per week, and we are hoping to save some money by buying biodiesel instead of full diesel.
Good luck to you and I’ll be watching your blog.
I LOVE OFFICE SPACE!! “Where’s my stapler?”
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Great Blog post. I am going to bookmark and read more often. I love the Blog template ? if you need any assistance customizing it let me know!
Good post. But I would argue that there’s nothing wrong with cutting back on expenses — of course, I wouldn’t sacrifice comfort either.
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What an excellent post. I really believe that if more people thought and acted as you, we’d be far better off than we are now. Love, love, love your attitude!
Same here -Crushed myself in some neddless financial obligations.
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You can always try to turn spam into gold. See what we have to say.
You should try green eggs and ham with some spam while riding on a tram and taking pictures with a cam while singing to a jam.
‘You may like them. You will see. You may like them in a ____’?
Nice post!
~john~
Author Master Networkers Web Blog
A Master Networkers last blog post..How To Use Internet Marketing To Build A Network Marketing Business.
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Biggest change i ever made was quitting smoking! I now have too much money! Its like a lottery win whilst being very stressed out!!
Now, that is something that I need to do! Quit smoking! There is no telling how many dollars I burn just sitting at my computer each day!
BTW, I just found redstapler and I’ll be coming back! GREAT content!
Super-informative site! I am loving it!! Will come back again – taking you feeds also, Thanks.