Money & Marriage: Knowing Where You’re Going
September 1, 2010
Last month we began a four-part series of articles on money and marriage, opening up with the importance of understanding where each person in the relationship is coming from with regard to money. This month, our focus is on knowing where you’re going financially. The most common financial topic couples have disagreements about is how ... [Read more]
Is Frugal the New Cool?
August 23, 2010
In today’s budget-conscious era, frugality is in. But for singles, how does penny-pitching play on the dating scene? As reported in The New York Times, ING Direct recently asked 1,000 people (presumably single people) what words would come to mind if they were fixed up for a date with someone described as frugal? The most ... [Read more]
New Credit Card Rules Take Effect
August 23, 2010
Credit card companies are now under new rules that, in most cases, put a $25 limit on how much they can charge customers who pay their bills late. The Wall Street Journal reported that the restrictions could wipe out billions of dollars in annual fee revenue. That has left credit card issuers doing what they ... [Read more]
How to Find a Good Résumé Writer
August 23, 2010
If you’re searching for a job but hiring managers aren’t exactly jamming your phone line, you may benefit from having your résumé written by a pro. However, with a growing number of writers pitching their services for anywhere from $100 to $2,000, which one should you choose? A recent Wall Street Journal article offered some ... [Read more]
Five New Financial Normals
August 23, 2010
Writing about the “new normals” brought on by the Great Recession has become, well, a new normal for many media outlets. Adding to the conversation, Fortune magazine has come up with five new normals that it believes really will stick. Here they are, along with my thoughts. 1. Long-term unemployment. For those who have jobs, ... [Read more]
How Much Would It Take To Feel Rich?
August 9, 2010
CNNMoney.com recently posed that question among a random sample of people and financial advisors. Most people based their answer on an overarching objective of having enough money so that they would not have to work. Individuals said that would require anywhere from a couple thousand dollars a month to a billion dollars. Advisors put the ... [Read more]
Is an iPad a Luxury or Necessity?
August 9, 2010
An Internet connection. An annual vacation. The financial freedom to shop for birthdays and other special occasions. Are these essentials or luxuries? For many of today’s baby boomers, they are essentials. According to a survey conducted by MainStay Investments and reported by MarketWatch, 84 percent of boomers consider an Internet connection a necessity, 66 percent ... [Read more]
A Financial Plan for Everyone
August 9, 2010
Do you think that having a professional financial advisor develop a financial plan for you would be cost prohibitive? The Wall Street Journal recently focused on a possible solution: online financial planning. The article mentioned two companies, Veritat Advisors and People’s Financial Advisor, that offer relatively inexpensive plans along with meetings with an advisor either ... [Read more]
Two Steps to a Better Job Search
August 9, 2010
Are you out of work or looking for a better job? WalletPop recently offered some helpful advice that can be summed up in two words: concentrate and connect. Job search author/coach Gordon Curtis said many job hunters make the mistake of believing that sending out lots of resumes will improve their odds of success. A ... [Read more]
Money & Marriage: Knowing Where You’re Coming From
August 2, 2010
God’s vision and intention for marriage is oneness. Unity. Each person making sacrifices, dying to self, for the good of the other and the good of the relationship. There are countless factors that get in the way of oneness: There’s our natural tendency toward selfishness. There are in-law issues, debates about who will do what ... [Read more]
