Who's reality is it anyway??

 **NEWSFLASH**!! Tax time is here and not the type where you can expect money back. Yet, if you play your cards right you won't lose your shirt, nor will you wake up everyday wishing you were living in another state.

Since blogs are merely personal opinion, I must say I am one of the lucky gals who never had the urge to live above her means. I have maintained a healthy eating habit which has allowed me the courtesy to still fit into the same clothing I've had for about 2 to 3 years now. (No joke). I happen to own 7 pair of jeans that I can't even remember when I purchased them. They're clean, in great shape and the same goes for my shoes. Therefore, if I have to purchase any new clothing in two years I think I will be ahead of the game.

Now for those that MUST have new clothing and shoes because each year you worry about the fashion police, I would suggest that whatever you rid of, you sell in your own tag sale. This way you get yourself a little pocket change.  No more bagging them up and sending them to Goodwill because those that have to shop at Goodwill or possibly just like to, (like I do), will now pay taxes on your used clothing. So help out your fellow neighbors and have a tag sale. Everybody wins.  

I saw yoga, spas, knitting, pet grooming and obedience classes, on the tax increase list. I do not yoga, spa, knit and my dog is already obedient and well groomed because those were my responsibilites when I chose to own a dog.

You hold the axe on what you are willing to submit to when it comes to purchasing power in this state. Soon enough  Rhode Island will be heading into the black as people are suggesting already that is the place they will go to make purchases. If you have friends and family down South you could possibly have them do your Christmas shopping for you, and have your packages shipped to your home. You can have plenty of items shipped if you are a patient soul.

Cosmetic surgery and Botox will increase, I never understood the face freeze injections, whatever happened to growing old gracefully?

When I purchase a gently used item for $5 at a yard sale that would have cost me triple that in retail, if I get 25 uses out of it, I got my money's worth. I purchase $1 clearance plants, and in a month with soil, rain, and sun, they are a prized plant. I have no shame in my game.

Take your axe and start chopping away at your WANTS to make a comfortable nest egg for your NEEDS. Who cares if your drive an old clunker, have a hole in your sock, and/or your hair is messy and graying.  That is not what LIVING is about. Living for me is having the ability to pay for the things I want, and I want electricity, food and heat. I can choose alternatives for other things.

Unfortunately businessess will continue to struggle, crime will continue to rise, but I have no idea what folks are planning on stealing; if you rob my house you might as well rob your own, because we most likely have the same stuff.

Suggestion: grab a pen/paper and MAKE YOUR OWN REALITY and how you are choosing to maintain an affordable lifestyle,  or if you MUST because you just can't take it anymore!!!  relocate.  But as we all know, that is easier said than done.  These are the moments that the family's fortitudes are tested.