I think there’s some truth to the title of Larry Wignet’s book You’re Broke Because You Want to Be. Heck, I’m broke because I made the (albeit uninformed) decision to buy things I couldn’t afford for about five years. But I don’t want to be broke anymore, and if you don’t either, here are five things—easy things—that you can do today (before you even leave your computer). Really. Continued

Thanks to Emily from Taking Change for the guest post at Free Money Finance highlighting an important survey showing that young people are in financial dire straights. The report, released by the financial advocacy group Qvisory, indicates that adults ages 18-34 are facing stagnating incomes, higher expenses, and increasing debt loads. Not surprisingly, we’re also worrying about our finances more than ever. Continued

I do not subscribe to the Suze Orman personal finance methodology. Unfortunately, I think most personal finance bloggers do. What am I talking about? It’s the notion that: “If you spend money, you’re stupid; If you’re in debt, you’re stupid.” Continued

Watching the 2008 Olympics, I began to wonder how much Olympic athletes earn—if anything—for competing in the games. After all, training for the Olympics (never mind competing) is at least a full-time job. The answer surprised me. Continued

I just wanted to drop everybody a note to let you know that I’m leaving tomorrow for a week in Croatia and Bosnia, and won’t be posting for that time. I may be able to get up a couple of guest posts next week, but I can’t promise it…so my apologies in advance if it’s quiet around the site. Thanks for your understanding! ~Dave.

This is pretty neat: I received an invite for a contest for a VIP pass the World Business Forum. The September event in New York includes talks by Tony Blair, Colin Powell, Madeline Albright, Jack Welch, and Muhammad Yunus, and the contest is specifically for accomplished young professionals. The invite got me thinking about role models; certainly any of these guys would make good ones. But as I pondered those I admire in business and life, I want to ask you the same question I asked myself: Do you have a role model for your finances? Continued

Imagine paying a high tax for owning a gas-guzzling SUV, enjoying six weeks of paid vacation each year, or giving half of your paycheck to the government. In this guest post, Emily Starbuck Gerson, of the CreditCards.com blog Taking Charge, describes some of the differences between the personal finances of Americans and Europeans. Continued

The New York Times recently published an excellent financial primer for recent graduates accepting their first full-time job. The gist of the article is simple: even if you’re only 22, don’t neglect health insurance, taxes, and your retirement. Continued

Yesterday being father’s day, I was thinking about the often controversial topic of twenty-somethings receiving financial assistance from their parents. If your parents offer financial help, should you take it? And how? Continued

As a kid, did you ever have a relative that sent a check – or cash – for your birthday? While cash can’t always replace a thoughtful gift (avoid giving $100 bills as an anniversary gift, for example), there are times cash money is the most appreciated gift you can give or receive. That said, here are a few rules of etiquette to follow when giving – or receiving – a financial gift. Continued