by Amelia Bines

Created on: May 25, 2008   Last Updated: June 10, 2008

With rising gas prices taking its toll on the cost of everything Americans consume, and many having to choose between filling up their gas tanks and feeding their families for the week, making sure every penny counts is a new idea for some. As a society, we are beginning to look more closely at what we need verses what we want. At times, finding where you can cut expenses by doing without your "wants" can be tricky. We are so used to having all of what we need, and much of what we want, that wants and needs have melted together. Separating them can take much thought.

How is one to determine if the things they are spending money on count as a necessity or a privilege?

It goes without saying that most Americans have their own idea of what the basic needs are. Food, clothing, and shelter are just the start of what we "need." Other things we feel we cannot live without are T.V., Internet, fast food, hair appointments, and nice, BIG, new cars. Those with children have an entirely different set of "needs." The best schools, the best clothes, and newest and coolest toys, and dance, baseball, basketball, and karate. Things that were once considered luxury items to our parents and grandparents, are now part of everyday life for American children. Parents will forgo paying the water bill to make sure little Suzie gets to take cheer-leading. Paying $60 a month for gymnastics is priority over avoiding using credit cards to buy groceries. When you live for all of the things you want, you can dig a financial hole that, eventually, can seem impossible to dig out of.

The way to stop this cycle of spending money needlessly is simple, in theory, to break. Simply ask yourself, about each thing you spend money on, "Do I need this to survive?" When you are in a detrimental financial situation, this question can slowly help bring you out of it.

First, take a look at all of your monthly bills. What can you do without? Television is probably the hardest thing for most to cut off, but the most needless thing we spend money on. Perhaps you're not ready to lose T.V. totally, but you can probably cut back on what cable or satellite package you currently subscribe to. This can save you quite a bit of money each month. Getting rid of movie channels and other upgrades, will leave you with some entertainment at the end of a long day, yet can let you rest easier when you go to bed at night, knowing you're saving, perhaps, $30 a month.

Do you really need Internet? It IS a luxury item for most

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