Bouncing Back

Examiner's Note:  Today's post is courtesy of Karen Salmansohn, author of The Bounce Back Book.  She is also the best-selling author of many books, most notably, Be Happy, Dammit!  Karen has stopped by our blog on her book tour of the blogosphere.

Setbacks are not necessarily always emotionally trying. They can be financially trying as well.

A substantial loss of money due to an investment gone wrong. Poor planning for your financial future. A crippling addiction to shopping.

Often when we're short on change it means we need to make a change. And I've got some great tips on exactly how to bounce back to financial equilibrium.

* Collect and organize all of your receipts to figure out your biggest expenses each month. If you notice you're spending a lot of money on cabs, opt for public transportation. Although some charges seem small in comparison, they can definitely add up.

* Many large banks, such as Bank of America, offer an online budgeting system that helps direct your expenses. Set monthly goals for yourself and see how you match up to your own expectations.

*Remember to be realistic. Don't expect to be a millionaire after a month of making your own coffee instead of stopping at Starbucks. Plan accordingly and be sure to have a monetary back-up.

*Another way to lessen your financial burdens is to lessen your clutter. As outlined by tip number 27 in my Bounce Back book, emptying your closets will help you understand life in terms of only the bare necessities. Next, apply this concept to your month spending. Buddah called this liberated state of being "Nirvana" and believed it was the key to eternal happiness.

Still find yourself short on cash? Enter my Bounce Back contest for a chance to win a FREE Fairmont Spa vacation! (Yes! A fabulous spa package for 3 days/2 nights for two people -- and 2 personalized spa treatments for each person at Willow Stream Spa in gorgeous Fairmont Newport Beach, California. You will be indulged like never before in one of seven decadent treatment rooms appointed with oversized spa beds!)

Simply buy THE BOUNCE BACK BOOK before June 4th and send me the proof of Amazon receipt to notsalmonstafff@notsalmon.com. Then you have until August 1st to send me an uplifting story of glory over a tough time. Submissions should be between 400 and 1200 words and depict your personal tale of "woe" to "wow." Looking forward to hearing about your incredible come-back!!

For more information about Karen Salmansohn’s Bounce Back Book tour, visit http://thebouncebackbookblog.com/