"I'm a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it."-Thomas Jefferson (attributed)

It is amazing how many people, who believe it will never happen to them, have been laid off in recent weeks. Having been out of work more than once I know better than to think it can't happen to me. When times get tough I try to work a lot harder, and these are a few things that anyone can do. Most of these are common sense, but I decided that you needed a list. You may have already read that I tried to get rich clicking links on Facebook, but this is a lot more likely to work.

10. Cut back on lunches out.
 Lunch in downtown Houston isn't cheap and can cost $10-$12 a day when I eat out. To keep costs down, I try to go out only once a week and the rest of the time I bring a lunch with all of the food I need for a full day at work. Breakfast, snacks and lunch too. Try to mix it up and keep it exciting. Sometimes I have cereal for lunch and bologna sandwich for breakfast, that's right, livin’ on the edge.

9. Lower your cable package.
 You don't want to watch the news and more than likely you could do with less TV anyway. This also could apply to your cell phone package, I am sure you don't really need the unlimited texts package. btw ur shoes iz da hawt. You really only need your internet connection to update facebook and read natechurch.com. If you have to cancel your internet let me know and I can give a list of libraries in your area where this website isn't banned.

8. Floss.
 If you brush and floss you are less likely to need to go to the dentist. Dentists cost money, and you may have to take a day off to go. Plus people with bad breath are more likely to be fired. Well I would fire you. Either way your dentist tells you to floss because he doesn't want to see you more than twice a year. This is likely related to your breath, but it could also be that your copay for your checkup exam is more than enough and he has a blosoming business installing grills for local rappers.

7. Eat more produce.
 Fruits and vegetables are good for you and will keep you healthy and at work. They are also typically cheaper than less healthy foods. If you can grow it yourself, you are even better off. I want to take the time to say I at no point said smoke more produce. I should also take the time to mention that the previous statement was not an attempt to make sure you don't "get high on your own supply". I am seriously talking about tomatoes, potatoes and chili peppers.

6. Drink less.
 Having a few drinks seems pretty harmless, but with the cost of a brew nowadays cutting one premium brew out of your lineup can save a decent amount of money. If you must have another one try brewing your own or wearing skimpy clothes.

5. Save for a rainy day.
 If you use these tips and work at it you can come up with a budget that puts some of your income into savings. Maybe you can only squeeze $100 out of your budget, but every cent will count when there is trouble. If you get laid off, it is easier to pay your bills if you have a few bucks saved up.

4. Create backup plans.
 This is important for everyone, but it is more important if you are married. There are important questions about what costs are considered essential that are much easier to answer before they have to be cut. It is also good to know how long you can go before you have to do something drastic like sell your car. For instance, you may be surprised to find out your spouse thinks Xbox Live isn't essential.

3. Trim waste.
 While you may be very astute at cutting expenses I am willing to be you are wasting a lot of your potential output every day. While some relaxation is helpful when the going gets tough, most people watch TV. I know I do. If you can get some more spare time in your day, you can use it to get ahead. Start with "Dancing with the Stars" and then work up to "American Idol". TV producers don't care about you or else they wouldn't put this crap on.

2. Invest wisely.
 There are very few good investments right now, but the one that will always have big rewards is investment in yourself. Finding new ways to enhance your skills is not always easy when you are on a budget, but reading a book or working on your Spanish could help get a new job or maintain your current one. This equally applies to your family members. Thanks to me, Joanne now knows "Laveme Sucio".

1. Exercise more.
 I am sure my wife, Joanne, is laughing somewhere because this is my answer for everything. Exercise improves your mood, and your physical fitness. A better mood will keep you from getting laid off, plus that extra blood flow helps you think more clearly. Being physically fit keeps you healthy which means less sick days and less trips to the doctor. Try to do it without spending any more money and you are even better off. Running around the block and doing jumping jacks are both free. There is more! Thin people get more promotions, more pay and more jobs than an equally qualified fat person. To put that into financial terms, the cost of getting into shape has a greater return on investment than the cost of a master's degree. So as long as I can't afford to get my master's degree, you'll find me at the gym getting into shape for my appearance on Dancing With the Stars and making sure I look better in this summer's hottest skimpy clothes.