That got me thinking about the rising price of gas and what hapless commuters can do to cut down on the cost of making a living. Unlike the lady with the cigarettes, we can't simply quit cold turkey. But we can start instituting some cost saving measures to take the sting out of driving back and forth to work.

We may not be officially in a recession, but our lives are the best barometers that we are in a recession. It's time to go back -- waaay back -- to the "old school." To the ideas that can save a little money or stretch that paycheck. Remember when (and perhaps you should revisit) . . .

Do you think the universe is a friendly place? Do you think those other drivers are out to hit your car, or was it just an accident? Is every mortgage guy gonna try and rip you off, or are those types the exception and not the rule?

So, what do I mean by money is water? Well, there's a finite amount of it on the Earth, but far more than any one person could ever use or need. In this day and age, you pretty much can't go without having money at some point in order to survive.

Yes, sharp increases in food prices have me pinching every penny. My hungry family of five consume at least twenty dollars more per week, not because we're buying more food or spending extravagantly, but because prices went up about 20% on everything in the store.

Time to implement Draconian cost cutting measures. These are tried and true strategies guaranteed to average net weekly savings of $5 to $10. Add that up over a month's time and I may be able to afford an extra tank of gas.

That got me thinking about the rising price of gas and what hapless commuters can do to cut down on the cost of making a living. Unlike the lady with the cigarettes, we can't simply quit cold turkey. But we can start instituting some cost saving measures to take the sting out of driving back and forth to our jobs.

I definitely believe annuities are not right for the average Joe or Jane looking to retire. They definitely have their purpose - and it is certainly not to be your sole solution for future planning.

Your kid can get scholarships (free money for college) during their college years as well. And guess what? Other kids are not competing for these scholarships and grants so winning them are much easier.

The wise man was a widower. His wife had just died the past year. While sitting at the counter, eating greasy burgers and ketchup, soggy fries, he told me a truth that many people are not aware of . . .

This can happen so easily, and we all know that no one is perfect, how do you keep track of your bills when you have so many?

Well, you can do a few things to help yourself:

That's cute, real cute -- but here's my argument.