Can you believe the millions who rushed out to buy lottery tickets -- all hoping to win? (Yes, I bought one!)

Look at how many people rushed to take advantage of all the Thanksgiving sales (many even camped out for days before the sales started). Will they also rush to beat the pre-Christmas sales, too?

Amazing how so many rush to buy expensive concert and sports tickets -- even the season tickets for 2013 events.

Now we see ads for bargains on vehicles; and all geared to sell the more expensive items.

How many of those big spenders got deeper in debt or took out loans just to buy all that stuff?

How many will wake up after New Year's celebrations and say, "What was I thinking?" They only need to look in a mirror to see who is to blame.

Happy New Year, everybody! Don't forget to count your blessings. Don't forget to rush out to pay your taxes before the April deadline. It is not a tradition; it's the law.

Elizabeth Hettick

East Carondelet