When the Going Gets Tough
You know that old saying, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”
You know that old saying, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” One way the tough “get going” is to keep their eyes and ears open as new trends emerge and opportunities unfold. That’s good advice for anyone who’s trying to keep their head above water in today’s tough economy – and that means just about all of us.
Keep a sharp eye on prices. Some will go up, some will go down. Follow pricing trends and don’t make a major purchase without first checking price-comparison Web sites such as www.nextag.com, www.pricegrabber.com, or www.shopzilla.com.
Don’t buy on autopilot. It’s not a good idea to assume that your favorite product or company will always be your best bet. For example, perhaps a competing brand may drop its price enough for you to consider making a switch.
Take advantage of bargains. As the economy continues to flounder, more and more stores will be advertising clearance sales and so-called “liquidation pricing” on all sorts of products. If you can wait to buy until those bargains appear, you’ll be dollars ahead of the game.
Be ready for the “oh-ohs.” Stuff happens – and it isn’t always good stuff. Be prepared for unexpected financial emergencies such as when, for example, a car repair, a major appliance breakdown, or a sudden medical problem requires immediate attention.
Take your time making major financial decisions. You might experience the overwhelming urge to hastily sign on the dotted line for that attractive mortgage or spiffy new car. But hold on! First, carefully consider all of the pros and cons. After you’ve made what you think is the right decision, give it some more thought. Then sleep on it.
Watch for opportunities. Even in times like these, opportunities can pop up in surprising ways. Read the want ads and Craigslist (www.craigslist.com) regularly. Consider bartering goods or services in return for something you want or need. Be creative!
Keep your cool. Giving in to stress isn’t going to help you cope with financial pressures; in fact, it will only make them more difficult to deal with. Now more than ever, you’ll need to combat stress by watching your diet, exercising regularly, and getting plenty of sleep. Approach your workday with all the enthusiasm you can muster. At home, try to engage in relaxing activities like reading or listening to music as often as possible.
These tough times aren’t going to last forever. While they’re here, though, stay alert and take advantage of trends and opportunities that will help you keep your head above the financial waters. The good times will roll again!
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