People tend to say and repeat the quote "there's no such thing as a free lunch" as if it's something wise and profound. These are people who have never been to Denny's on their birthday, where there is also a free breakfast and dinner. I'm not … [Read more...]
Funny Money: Check Out These Ways To Adventurously Whip Grocery Costs
February 27, 2013 by 7 Comments
Some people see grocery shopping as a monotonous chore, unaware of the wild, dangerous adventure it really is. That’s no grocery cart — it’s an abandoned mine cart you’re pushing through dark tunnels filled with treasures such as laundry … [Read more...]
Six Financial Tips for 20-somethings From Financial Planner Cliff Caplan
February 19, 2013 by 16 Comments
It's tempting to think that journalists who write about money for a living have all the answers. (Ugh. You should see my checkbook.) By way of analogy, I'd like to suggest a different way of thinking. We all know Steven Spielberg ranks as one of … [Read more...]
♥ & $: The Spending Diet: My Month of More Mindful Spending
January 21, 2013 by 8 Comments
December’s credit card bill came in the other day and it was all I could do not to gag. How did all my good intentions and careful planning go so horribly wrong? Yes, we had many unexpected medical expenses (don’t worry, everyone is ok). And yes, … [Read more...]
♥ & $: Making Do With Enough, Or Not
January 2, 2013 by
Wrapping paper litters the carpet, little explosions of color and desire. The fire once raging has now mellowed sending the occasional spark past the screen onto the hardwood floor, a threat so minor we pay it little mind. The children have … [Read more...]
How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?
December 26, 2012 by
For better or worse, you’ll know you’ve grown up when it’s time to buy life insurance. For me, it was immediately after having our daughter, Molly. I bought a term policy so that, in the event the unspeakable happens, Lauren wouldn’t worry … [Read more...]
♥ & $: Banning Black Friday and Other Lessons Learned Along the Way
November 21, 2012 by
It was a tradition, something my mother and I did together on the Friday after Thanksgiving. We would spend the morning leisurely perusing the sales and then have lunch at I. Magnin’s, the august department store at the base of Union Square in San … [Read more...]
‘I Don’t…Want to Pay for That!’: Tips for Managing Finances With a Significant Other Before Marriage
October 5, 2012 by
Ah, the thrills of dating and new relationships. Movie nights, ice cream dates, walks on the beach, a romantic candlelit dinner on Saturday night followed by… …a $150 bill! If you’ve dated -- even for a short time -- you know that dating … [Read more...]
When It’s Okay To Spend Money
May 26, 2011 by
Usually, when readers email me, they ask for advice on how to save more and spend less. That’s why I found it interesting when I received an email from a reader who wanted help with the exact opposite problem. This reader (I’ll call him Cal) … [Read more...]
