A Time for Change
Now it's time to get creative, economically speaking. When living inside a sliding economy, that with every passing day the media continues to deliver more bad news, it is impossible not to feel a responsibility to tighten up on spending.
So one day, in the not so distant past, while I was driving home from work in my gas guzzling SUV, I was challenged by an economic strategist on the radio—challenged to an economic exercise. He explained that if we care for our bodies through exercise, why wouldn't we do the same for our wallets? I decided it was time to stop being an economic couch potato and trim the fat on my personal economics.
After careful review, I discovered there were many relevant areas where I could significantly impact my own financial future. Most things seemed to be just little changes, (cutting back on cable, adjusting my telephone plan, getting a more fuel efficient car, looking for sale items at the grocery store, etc.) but when I added it all up, my monthly savings were impressive.
Saving a few bucks was great. In effect, I gave myself a pretty nice raise this year. But, I also I learned a huge lesson: there is much in life that I simply do not need. I came to realize most of these items were “luxuries,” so to speak and not necessities. And more importantly, after I relinquished them, I didn't even miss them. In fact, this exercise was equally as good as physically losing a few pounds. All the dead weight is gone and I am feeling pretty good.
With this in mind, as business owners, sales professionals and individuals, just trying to cope with the economic swings and shifts, I highly recommend putting on your sneakers and putting a little economic workout into your routine.
Nichole Stella
Editorial Director
nstella@napco.com