When I was a young girl, summer days had their fair share of running barefoot through the sprinklers and picnic lunches, but it was at the lemonade stand where I learned about the "real world". My best friend and I would set up the stand on the corner of our street, make the lemonade, set the price (10 cents a cup), put out our sign, and bring the cash box out. We would chant to passerbys and attract as much attention as we could. It was there I discovered a lot about myself (I liked earning Read on...
The Up Side of the Down Side
Times are tough may get tougher still as federal, state, and local governments try to deal with balancing budgets and stimulating the economy and creating jobs. By August 1, 2011, Congress will need to raise the debt ceiling so that the U.S. does not default on its debts. The housing market, which needs to recover before the economy can truly progress, is still weakening, with no real near-term end in sight. Of course, until our debt and deficit problems are alleviated, it will be difficult Read on...
Power to Your Little People
Growing up in a large family, my basic financial needs were always taken care of but as for the extras -- it was like a bakery: "Take a number and get in line." It annoyed me and, at times, it embarrassed me when a friend had the latest and greatest gizmo and I did not. But, it also motivated me to find a way. I remember getting my older brother to let me clean his room for money, I took local babysitting jobs, and the moment I was old enough to put in for my working papers, I did. Now my Read on...
Keeping a Cool Head Can Mean Money
You’ve heard it before: Don’t let emotions get in the way of business. Well the adage holds true for investing, as well – probably even more so. It seems easy enough to do, but when you see the value of your savings falling like a botched Martha Stewart soufflé, your first instinct may be to sell, sell sell! But acting out of emotion can often be the worst thing you could do when it comes to investing. Here are some tips to prevent sabotaging your financial well-being. Make sure you have Read on...