Defensive vs proactive
Can I describe the current situation as a time of adversities?
Petrol prices just went up, electricity rates to be increased next month, and later we’ll find that prices of food, transport, garments, and even haircut service rise accordingly, too. The cost of living has been going one and only one direction - that is up, up and up. It will never ever come down. (Is there a year without inflation?)
Funnily, salaries and pay checks are never raised at the same rate as inflation is going! 
So, this is the time where one really needs to look into his or her financial health, if it is strong enough to survive the current adversities, which is in fact a global problem - petrol crisis, food shortage, environmental damage.
Tightening our belts and adjust our spending habits are definitely the necessary steps to prevent leaking of financial resources. But these are ‘defensive’ measures. Actually we could be proactive - why not think of ways to expand our financial horizon?
Saving habit is good. Better still, increase our income! Whether it’s a blogger writing paid posts (like me :P), a teacher getting into direct selling, or an office lady selling home made cookies during weekends, freelance writers trading clothes online (like me, :P) …. they are all opportunities for supplemental income, as well as to help create a better life for ourselves (don’t ever depend on the government to help you!).
True, time is tough now. But it is during these tough times opportunities are the most abundance, provided you are ready for it. So, open your eyes and look around! 
