A New Outlook for 2013

It has taken me awhile but I finally decided on a course of action.  Since I do not believe the issue of the "fiscal cliff" will be solved anytime soon, I am bracing for tax hikes!!  I  have a job therefore I pay taxes.  I am a single, white, female with a young daughter.  I have just got out of a benefits meeting at work.  I am very disappointed but am still doing my part.  I have no choice but to accept the medical and dental coverage my company gives.  I don't qualify for anything else and according to Obama, if I don't have insurance I will be penalized on my tax return!  My benefit deductable amount has increased.  I will now have to pay $6500 out of pocket for medical for my daughter and I.  I  will now have to pay $2000 out of pocket for dental for my daughter and I.  Once the deducatables are reached (for the year), we will then be on a 70/30 policy!  Meds and premiums don't count towards the deductable.  It is because of this that I am inputing austerity measures on my household and by the 1st of January, we will have gotten rid of all unnecessary luxery items.  We will be staying home, eating as frugally as one can and adhering to a strict per week spending plan for food and gas.  Nothing unnecessary will be coming into the house and we will not be observing the holidays as they are too expensive.  As of right now, at least my daughter and I are healthy, will still have a roof over our heads and we will still have each other.  Even if we don't have much else.