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In order to cope with the cost of living today, we need to separate our needs from our wants. This isn't so easy if we have not had to budget too closely in the recent past. However, due to the economic crunch that is squeezing the life out of every dollar, this unrelenting recession needs to individually be met head on.

We all need to get down to basics. Food, shelter, clothing, medical care are all necessities. Add to that, most of us have to have a vehicle to get back and forth to our job, if we still have one to go to.

The first thing to do is not panic. Let's address the necessities to help us cope with the unanticipated cost of living thrust in our faces and for most of us, not by our own making. We can only control so much. And controlling our attitude is the first thing to do.

FOOD:

1. Stop eating out. Most of us have no idea just how much money we spend in keeping the chain of fast-food restruants afloat while our financial boat is fast springing leaks. Eat out on special occassions only.

2. When grocery shopping, you can buy the cheapest cuts of beef, chicken or pork and turn them into tasty tender meats simply by slow-cooking. The slower the better. Also let meats, such as turkeys and roasts, sit at least 20 minutes before carving. When the meat is sliced right away, it looses its juices and moisture and the result is dry meat.

3. All supermarkets have discounted pastries and breads nearing expiration date. These are sold at nearly 1/2 price and breads or bagels put in your freezer will retain their freshness.

4. Raw beans, soaked in water overnight and cooked slowly, make excellent chili, soups and casseroles. They are so inexpensive, they are often overlooked. Also, they are low in fat and high in protein. Go to www.beanbible.com and you will find an incredible list of free bean recipies.

5. Online coupons and regular coupons are only useful if you actually need the items. Resist buying things "on sale" that you do not really need or you will just defeat the prupose.

SHELTER:

1. Whether you rent or own, conduct your own home energy audit. Make it a fun-family-think-tank session. Losing heat or cooling is expensive and must be included at the top of your list.

2. Cut down on the use of TV and electronic entertainments. Instead, use those items less and bring back board games, jigsaw puzzles, card playing.

3. Stop buying expensive cleaning products and use baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice and elbow grease.

4. If you have cell phones, can you eliminate the land-line?

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