Need More $$$

These days we all need more $$$ (cash) - Prices have gone up on so many of our every-day purchases that it seems as though there is no money left to treat ourselves (like we used to). Sure some of our treats we could do without, but what about the ones we can't; a bottle of shampoo, a new pair of pantyhose, filtered water, a date out with the hubby or boyfriend (whichever applies), and other small pleasures.
The truth is in order to survive in this changing economy we need to learn how to balance, SACRIFICE, and SUBSTITUTE!!! Yes, 2 big "S" words, Sacrifice and Substitution. For example, I have now decided to dye my own hair instead of going to the salon and having it dyed there. This will save me anywhere from $40 to $75 (if you count the highlights or not). Wow, that's an extra tank of gas! And don't get me started on the price of gas just yet.
A few more examples of a sacrifice,
I buy a new DVD for $15.99 (the week they are released they are cheaper) instead of going to the movie theatre and spending at least $26 for 2 adults; that is a savings of about $8 or $9
We buy a pint of ice cream for $3 instead of buying 2 ice cream cones ($6) at an ice cream shop; that is a savings of $3 plus with the pint I can enjoy more ice cream the next day!
So what have we learned? With a little sacrifice and substitution we can have more cash in our pocket and still enjoy life's little pleasures.