If you're among those of us with lower or moderate incomes, your survival may hinge on just how tough you can get. If you want to do more than survive, meaning getting some enjoyment out of life, you have to get even tougher . . . and tighter. My income is moderate. I'm not poor by statistical standards set forth by the government, and for good reason. It's my income bracket they take more from than any other. Poor folks don't pay income tax (or very little of it), don't own property that will justify big tax assessments, and they don't spend a lot of money the state can recover sales tax from. Not all wealthy people get off lightly when it comes to taxation, not unless they move into the category of the ultra-rich, but their numbers are much smaller than the moderate income folks. We're the ones who take the big hit, and you can blame that squarely on government. They make the rules, and they sure don't go in our favor. And the chances are that won't change anytime soon.
With that in mind, which means you have to accept it as a fact of life, it's toughen up time. It's time to tighten up, get your priorities in order. It might even take more than getting tough and tightening up; it might take getting downright mean. Some suggestions about how to do that are:
1) Examine extravagant costs, buying those things you just want but do not need. Do you really need a new car? No, you don't. You just need a dependable vehicle, and used ones abound. I bought a really nice SUV in 2012, slightly used, still under warranty and got new car financing on it . . . for ten grand less than it cost new. As a second car, I drive a 2001 Buick Park Avenue that's still a good driver, paid less than eight grand for it when it was only 6 years old. You don't need new cars.
2) Keep energy cost lower by following some simple rules, like unpluging everything you aren't using. Use only what lighting is necessary. Close off rooms in the house you aren't using.
3) Hold sellers accountable for what they charge you, and shop carefully. Don't be a label buyer, find the best deal. If something is overpriced, complain about it . . . or just do without it, if that's possible. Always assume that the seller doesn't give a damn about your financial well-being.
4) Drive less, save money on gasoline. We all drive too much. Don't be a run-and-fetch-it person who thinks they can't do without it until you need to make a trip to the store.
5) Take an active part in putting pressure on government at all levels to do better . . . and we all know they could do better. Don't be timid about complaining about high utility bills, property taxes, or insurance costs. There is no greater rip-off in America than insurance - car, home, health, or life. Make sure you get the best deal you can for as little as possible. Don't stay with the same company too long because they'll start taking you for granted. Always examine the alternatives to what you currently pay.
6) Do your best to get off the tit, meaning you don't need to lean on government. Just because you have Medicare, don't assume that you need to run to the doctor for every little thing. Have done only what needs to be done. Medical costs can most certainly ruin your chances are ever being more than just a survivor. Always question the doctors carefully. And don't assume that the health care system has your best interest at heart.
7) Don't get suckered into any investment that is not sound. If there's any doubt in your mind about the legitimacy of something, get busy and do your own research. Ask questions, and make sure you get the right answers. We live in an age of the grifter, the mooch, and the opportunist. Stay forever vigilant concerning what is offered as a favor to you.
8) Don't be the host for a bunch of leeches, and ridding yourself of the parasites can be hard because the chances are you are related to them. I'm talking about kids who demand too much, needy friends, relatives who see you and as source of something. Doing this takes some real toughness, but it can be done.
9) Let your home become your charity. Don't give to anything unless you can easily afford it. Most charities are bogus, so if you do give money to them, do the homework first. Make certain the money goes where it's supposed to go, not into some CEOs pocket. This includes giving money to candidates seeing public office, churches, and even local charities.
10) Last but by no means least, work on self-discipline, and this one requires more toughness than any of the others. It's a simple question you should always ask yourself: Do I really need that? With that said, you should likewise keep in mind that there's no need in being frugal if you're not going to put the money you save where it should go . . . and that's on you. Remember, life should be more than just survival. Save something for yourself that allows you to really enjoy being alive. You weren't born to be nothing but a service for others. Be as generous as you can to others, but don't forget to be generous to yourself.
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