by Curtis Carper

Created on: August 22, 2008   Last Updated: September 12, 2008

One simple formula is in control when it comes to Surviving or even Flourishing in these hard economic times. To improve your current financial position you have but two choices. Increase your income, or decrease your expenses.

For some taking on a second or even a third job is their answer to coping with the increasing cost of energy, food, and most everything else. If your young and healthy, working harder and longer may seem a worthwhile trade off to maintain the lifestyle you've become accustomed to.

For many reasons this may not be an option for everyone. At some point in time the physical drain of punishing hours at work may just become too much. If your region is experiencing high unemployment, that second job just might not exist. Now it's time to take a serious look at the other half of the equation.

The mantra of the Earth Friendly Environmentalist, Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle can completely change your financial picture. Simple things like leave the car in the garage and take public transportation when ever possible. Find ways to create activities at home that can replace going and spending.

We all need more exercise, take up gardening and reduce your food bill while your joining the Organic movement at the same time. The next time you need clothing, think thrift shops. Why pay $15-20 for a simple shirt or blouse. The same thing can be had at Goodwill for $2-3.

Trends, the latest fashions, keeping up with the Jones, all can be left by the wayside. By changing the way you think about money and how you use it, you can modify your lifestyle while still living a full and rewarding life.

Grocery shopping can be a simple process of buying the staples of home cooked meals. By searching out discount food stores such as Save a Lot you can reduce your food bill by 50 percent. Coupons and sales will still allow you to occasionally buy brand names or special treats.

Avoiding instant meals, pre-boxed ingredients not only are more expensive then making it from scratch. They also contain preservatives or other ingredients you may need to avoid.

By finding some way to generate even a small amount of extra money coming in you have accomplished two things. Increased your income, while preventing spending. You can't be out shopping while your working your seemingly insignificant second job.

It's all about choices, remember generally speaking Credit is for those who shouldn't be using it. Cut up your cards and find something to do instead.

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