by Marcia Studley

Created on: May 10, 2009

Getting rich one dollar at a time sounds a bit silly, I suppose, and maybe it is improbable, but one thing I do know is that dollars add up quickly. Our attitudes towards dollars can have a major role on our daily survival and our ability to save for the future. Below are a few things to consider about those single bucks and their impact on our financial health.

-'It's only a dollar' mentality. How many times when we're shopping do we look at something and think, It's only a dollar. We buy the item, and others, because we continue to lie to ourselves that these one-hundred pennies or less items don't cost anything. It's a harmless purchase. After all, what could it hurt to spend a buck on something?

Here's the deal. Those bucks add up. Before you know it, from all your shopping trips and the number of 'It's only a dollar' items you've purchased, you could have paid a bill. I challenge you to try it and see for yourself. Unless you're extremely thrifty and truly don't give in to this buck mentality except for the rare occasion, I honestly believe you'll be surprised as to how much you spend and, consequently, could save for bills or to save for your future.

-Bank your loose change. This is something I learned as a teenager. Every Friday, no matter what, I took whatever change I had and deposited it into my savings account. Now, that may not seem like it's worth the trip, and considering the cost of fuel these days, a trip to the bank itself may not be worth it. However, you can still take that loose change and put it in the proverbial piggy bank. No matter what, don't touch it, and the next time you are going to the bank, deposit it so that you aren't tempted to rob Piggy of her treasures. If you do this without fail, you'll be surprised how loose change turns into dollars, and dollars do add up in that quest to become rich, or at least to survive.

-Re-evaluate those dollar purchases. No, this isn't the same as the 'It's only a dollar mentality'. This relates to regular purchases, things we buy because we believe we need or want them. In today's economy, it's time to re-think those purchases. Is the momentary thrill or satisfaction worth not having a viable retirement account or not being able to pay your rent?

It's time to re-evaluate all of your purchases. Are you in the habit of going to fast food restaurants and buying combo meals that include a beverage? Re-think that. Consider purchasing just the burger or sandwich, and when you get home,

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