finances

12 Money Saving Tips

By Erin Lozano, Co-founder of GreenSherpa.com

Create a budget -- This is one of those tasks in our household that is right up there with brushing your teeth.  It is a must do and it is on the calendar every week.  Every Sunday I make a meal plan for the week and I refine our weekly budget.  Out of this process I developed a cash flow management program called Green Sherpa.  It helps me stay on trac » Read more

An Emotional Stimulus Plan: Why you need one to succeed in turbulent times.

By Margie Warrell, Author of Find Your Courage

Yesterday a friend emailed me to say that after years trying to make it as a freelance writer she's admitted defeat and is now trying to find a paying job.  I replied to her that she needed to drop the 'defeated' talk and instead reframe her situation more positively. » Read more

Homeschooling and Higher Education

By Patricia Wood

As a result of the recent growth of homeschooling in the US, colleges and universities have received an increasing number of application from home-schooled students. Admissions offices have found it necessary to assess whether and how their admissions requirements should be modified to allow fair review of the credentials submitted by homeschooled students. » Read more

Paying for College: Prepaid Tuition and College Savings Plans

By Shannon Loane

In 2003-2004, tuition and fees at public four-year colleges and universities averaged $4,694, while those at private four-year colleges averaged $19,710. Total charges, including room and board, were $10,636 at public institutions and $26,854 at private ones. Between 1993-94 and 2003-04, average tuition and fees rose 47% at public four-year institutions and 42% at private institutions. » Read more

Paying Off Your Credit Cards: The Five Step Plan

The current economic crisis can seem overwhelming and out of control – but you can exert more control over your own financial situation, and paying off your credit cards should be at the top of your personal “to do” list. » Read more

Money Matters: Strengthen Your Marriage by Putting Finances in Order

by Cynthia Cooper, Ph.D The Marriage Medics Did you know that 43% of all married couples argue over money issues, making it the major reason couples fight? If you and your spouse handle money differently, now is the time to talk, establish expectations, and draw up a financial plan. » Read more

Can You Afford to be a Stay at Home Mom?

Deciding whether or not you can stay at home after you have a baby can be a big decision. Emotions play a big factor, especially after holding your precious newborn for the first time. It's hard to imagine leaving this tiny little thing with a stranger. » Read more

Bi-Weekly Mortgage Calculator

This calculator will show you how much you will save if you make 1/2 of your mortgage payment every two weeks instead of making a full mortgage payment once a month. In effect, you will be making one extra mortgage payment per year--without hardly noticing the additional cash outflow. » Read more

Basic Legal Recommendations for Women

According to Toledo attorney, Stephen Pennington, there are some fundamental legal concerns that every woman should understand, plan, and prepare for in order to best protect her financial assets in lieu of a possible divorce, death of a spouse, or for simple common sense financial survival.   » Read more

15 Simple Ways to Lower Your Monthly Budget

For many of us, frugal living is scary. Yet, most of us would like to spend less and have more money in our pockets at the end of the month. When you start thinking about cutting down your bills, it might seem like there isn’t a lot you can do to save money. You might think of a lot of little things but each little thing by itself might not seem significant or worth your while. » Read more