I remember when the gasoline price was 32 cents a gallon. Nowadays, that won't even pay for the effort to take the handle off the pump, bub. Truth be told, if the price gets any higher, you'll have to pay for the gas by leaving the car at the station. Now, the word on the street is that people are buying their next set of wheels based on what kind of mileage it gets.

When the pressure gets turned up, you need to do what it takes to keep from getting sunk by debt. I'm not talking about ditching a nice used car and buying a brand-spanking new boiler to save 5 bucks a week at the pump. That's stupid. I'm talking about looking at the storm that's coming and looking for ways to keep from getting soaked.

If you know the gasoline price might crunch you, then check out carpooling. If your food bill makes you want to upchuck, then start clipping coupons. Shocked when you open your electric bill? Then turn the thermostat down a couple of degrees. Making the sacrifices now will put the smile on your face later when you win ... and you'll win big, baby.