Laura Cone
Laura Cone has been writing for more than 20 years. She has a bachelor s degree in English from Valparaiso University, Indiana.
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Valparaiso UniversityInterests
Personal finance, food and dieting, gardening. Visit my five days on a diet blog where I try out diets for five days.Affiliations
Five Days on a Diet blog
Displaying Results 1 - 200 (of 1379) for All Content
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First Person: We Bought a House With Our Wedding SavingsWe could have spent $36,000 on our wedding, but we decided to spend $500 instead and buy a new construction home.
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First Person: Home Values Are Bouncing Back in My NeighborhoodThe value of my home jumped $1,600 in the past 30 days, which may lead some to believe there is a housing recovery going on in the Tampa, Florida area. Why I think the housing recovery is manipulated by banks.
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First Person: A Pay Increase Put Me Deeper in DebtEven though I was making more money, I was also accumulating more debt to keep up with my new lifestyle habits. How I overcame "lifestyle inflation" to get out of debt.
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First Person: The Surprsing Costs of Home OwnershipWe were so excited about the purchase of our new construction home that we didn't consider many of the hidden expenses of home ownership. Costly things I didn't budget for as a new homeowner.
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First Person: I'm OK With the End of Hard Copy Social Security StatementsI tried out the Social Security Administration's new tool for seeing your statements online. It was disappointing to see how much I'll receive in Social Security benefits in the future.
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First Person: I Hope the Housing Market Doesn't Recover for YearsWhy I don't want the housing market to recover anytime in the near future. If house prices remain low so do property taxes. I'd like others to have the chance to share in the American dream of affordable home ownership.
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First Person: Is the Social Security Crisis a Hoax?Raising the Social Security age is not the solution for the alleged Social Security crisis. Why I think the crisis is a "hoax" and Congress should focus instead on tackling the national debt.
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First Person: Facebook’s IPO Bust Didn’t Deter MeI don't regret purchasing shares of Facebook even though the IPO fizzled out. Why I plan to purchase more shares on the "dips."
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First Person: I Focus on My Net Worth, Not My SalaryAlthough I'm not opposed to earning a higher salary, I focus more on increasing my net worth. I rather make a low salary but be a super saver than be a spender with a high salary.
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First Person: I’m House Poor, But Lifestyle RichBefore buying a bigger and more expensive home, I weigh the pros and cons of being house rich, but lifestyle poor. Because we bought a home we can afford, we have plenty of money for other things.
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First Person: We're Making Up for a Late Start on Our Retirement SavingsInstead of making catch-up retirement contributions when I'm older, I have my own ways of making up for a late start. I didn't get serious about saving for retirement until I was 31, which experts say is 10 years late.
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First Person: Unemployment Would Only Cover Half My Take-Home PayI would have to make some major adjustments to our budget if I lost my job. Unemployment benefits would only cover half my take-home pay, leaving me with little wiggle room.
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First Person: The Home Features We Can Live WithoutHome builders are trying to appeal to more value-conscious buyers this year. They are doing away with formal living rooms and outdoor kitchens, but I think they need to keep their hands off the whirlpool tubs.
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First Person: Staying Put Will Save Us $70,000 in Mortgage InterestWe don't plan to move until the housing market recovers. In the meantime, we are paying down our mortgage which will save us $70,000 in interest.
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First Person: At Any Price, the Cost of Raising Children Is a BargainWhether it costs $50 or $500,000, I think the cost of raising a child is a bargain. Why I am offended by financial experts who say no one would have a child if they realized how much it costs to have one.
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First Person: I'm Buying Into the Facebook IPO HypeSocial media is here to stay, which is why I've been excited about the Facebook IPO. Social media also keeps companies honest by allowing consumers to have a forum for their complaints and praise.
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First Person: I Moved From the Best State for Economic Mobility to the Worst StateAccording to a new study, which state you live in may predict whether you will move up or down the economic ladder. I moved from one of the best states to one of the worst states for getting ahead.
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First Person: From Negative Net Worth to Financial SecurityI feel like a stronger person after I went from having a negative net worth to a strong balance sheet. One in five households have a negative net worth.
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First Person: What Gardening Taught Me About Growing My MoneyGrowing money isn't complicated once I realized I could apply the lessons I've learned as a gardener. The biggest lesson I've learned is how to know when a plant or stock is dead and when it's just dormant.
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First Person: What Makes Me Middle Class?Experts say there are ways to gauge your middle-class status. I no longer strive to escape the middle class, but stay free of consumer debt.
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First Person: Mortgage Principal Reductions Won’t Fix the Housing CrisisThe concept of mortgage principal reductions makes me furious because it rewards irresponsible homeowners. Why I rather pay down my mortgage on my own even though I'm underwater.
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First Person: I Lowered My Summer Utilities by $200 a MonthI managed to cut our summer utility bills in half by landscaping my barren Florida yard and practicing water conservation inside and outside the home.
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First Person: The Effortless Way I'm Doubling My Retirement SavingsAfter watching baby boomers scrimp during retirement, I decided to get serious and save twice as much as I used to save for retirement. How I make saving for retirement painless while many of my peers are saving nothing.
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Perfecting a Lighter Potato SaladPotato salad doesn't have to be fattening. I use a few tricks to make a creamy potato salad with less calories and fat and all of the flavor.
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First Person: I Quit My Job for a Multi-level Marketing ScamI was conned out of $10,000 as part of an MLM scheme in the mid-1990s. How I used the experience in multi-level marketing as a turning point in my career and my life.
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First Person: Why I Regret Our 30-Year MortgageI regret choosing a 30-year mortgage because it did not force us to pay off our mortgage. Why I switched to a 15-year mortgage when our mortgage company offered us a free refinance.
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First Person: My Gen-X Backup Plan for a Bear MarketI'm bracing for a bear market by keeping cash on the sidelines. Why I rather put my money toward debt instead of betting it on the next hot IPO.
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First Person: Sneaky Ways I Get Myself to Stop SpendingBefore the recession, I'd buy things to make myself feel better. Now saving gives me a greater confidence about my financial future. Tricks I use to get myself to stop overspending.
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First Person: I Might Skip Retirement AltogetherWhy do people from my Generation X plan to skip retirement altogether? It's not about the money. It's about working at a career you love because you contribute to others.
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First Person: Gen Y Boomerang Trend Isn’t Killing the Housing MarketIt's becoming more acceptable for young adults to return home to live with their parents, but is that really to blame for the problems in the housing market? My Gen-X was the first generation called boomerang kids.
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First Person: Gen X Burnout Didn’t Hold Me BackSome business writers claim Gen X has bad timing when it comes to economic cycles. How I was able to get ahead and overcome burnout even though I've been working since I was 16.
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First Person: My Gen Z Son Might Choose Fatherhood Over CareerA growing number of Gen Y and Gen Z men are choosing fatherhood over their careers. Why I'd support my son if he decided to be a stay-at-home dad.
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First Person: Saving Our Home From ForeclosureWith so many homes going into foreclosure, I think about what I can do to save my own home. I plan for the unexpected and stay out of debt so I can keep my house during hard economic times.
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First Person: Being Zen About My Financial GoalsI have a Zen approach to my personal finances. I take a more passive approach to saving and a more aggressive approach to paying off debt. How I got out of debt and saved $100,000 by staying focused.
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First Person: I Made Some Hard Sacrifices to Get Out of DebtBy picturing my "future self," I'm motivated to make sacrifices now so I can have a better life in the future. How I got out of debt and build my savings by living below my means.
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First Person: My Student Loan Debt Prevented Me From Buying a HomeMy student loan debt prevented me from buying a home for 10 years. Why my teens are paying cash for college and saving up to buy homes.
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First Person: Saving My Way to Wealth on a Low SalaryI'd rather make half the money but have no debt. How I have been able to save my way to wealth even though I hold a job listed as one of the worst jobs in America.
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First Person: My Gluten-Free Diet During PregnancyFollowing a gluten-free diet made me feel great during my second pregnancy. My nutritionist helped me figure out how to create a healthy gluten-free diet that would be safe for my baby.
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Having Children Helped Me Overcome My Disordered EatingResearchers say new parents do not have better eating habits than people who don't have children. Becoming pregnant helped me overcome my disordered eating patterns. I hope I set a healthy example for my children. -
I Became Healthier by Giving Up TelevisionI gave up television when I was in my 20s, but eventually broke down a bought a TV. A new study says watching too much television won't just make you fat. It can snip years from your life. -
First Person: How We Divide Work Bonuses as a CoupleAs a married person, a work bonus can become a source of resentment. Should the person who earns the work bonus spend it?
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First Person: Using a Lifespan Calculator to Plan My RetirementI used a lifespan calculator to figure out how much I should save each year for retirement. I found out I could live to be 101, which means I'll need more than just $1 million.Also published on:
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First Person: I Spend Like I’m Living in the 1950sOur spending patterns mirror those of people from 1949 more than they do the average person today. Our family has been hit by food inflation. How we spend our money for housing, transportation, food and other.
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First Person: Rising Costs Are Forcing Me to Cut BackI'm stopped spending about $200 a month in order to offset the rising costs of food and gasoline. I found painless ways to cut spending so that we would not have to go into debt.
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First Person: I Don’t Believe in ‘Good’ DebtWith crashing home values, I no longer view mortgage debt as good debt. Why I would pay cash instead of using credit if I could turn back the hands of time.
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First Person: Getting Out of Debtors’ PrisonI got out of my self-created debtors' prison by learning to live within my means. But real debtors' prisons are victimizing the poor and costing taxpayers.
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First Person: Why I Stayed in the Workforce After Having ChildrenA lot of young moms claim they can't afford to hold down a job because of the high cost of childcare. How I was able to earn twice as much while staying home with my children.
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Making Quick Homemade Eggplant ParmesanIt doesn't have to take all day to make eggplant parmesan. How I make a quick homemade eggplant parmesan dish in less than a half hour.
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First Person: Housing Prices Are Realistic in Tampa, FloridaHome prices in Tampa are realistic, but that doesn't mean all deals are good deals. When it comes to buying my future retirement home or investment property in Tampa, I'm careful.
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First Person: Investing on My Own as a Gen-X WomanWhy are so many members of Generation X afraid they won't retire with enough money? As a Generation X female, I decided to teach myself about investing in the stock market. Why I feel good about retirement.
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First Person: Being Frugal Isn’t How I Stay Out of DebtI had to change my behaviors in order to get out of debt, but that didn't mean I became frugal. How I stay out of debt without scrimping and getting deals.
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Bridal Hunger Games Aren’t HealthyBrides are starving themselves with the feeding tube diet so they can lose 10 to 20 pounds before their weddings. Why I did not even go on a normal diet for my wedding. -
First Person: Getting an Offer Before a House Goes on the MarketIt's possible to sell a home quick in this market if you are willing to spend the money to fix up your house and stage it. How my friend got an offer on her country home before it even went on the market.
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First Person: Why I Choose to Pay Off My MortgageI choose to pay off my mortgage in less than 7 years so that I can quit my full-time job and work on creative endeavors. I ask myself a lot of questions so that I could come to the rational decision for my situation.
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First Person: Dating a Coworker Didn’t Hurt My CareerI met my husband in the office. A new study shows Generation Y is extremely comfortable with office romances, but their baby boomer parents think it's a recipe for disaster.
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First Person: I’m Transparent About Money in My MarriageEven though some experts say it's best to keep some money secrets from your spouse, I find honesty is still the best policy. One survey showed people regret being too honest with their spouse about money.
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First Person: I Couldn’t Afford to Rent My Own HouseRising rents are motivating more people in Florida to buy homes. Rents are so high that I wouldn't be able to afford to live my own home at the going rate for rent.
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First Person: Being Open About Money Keeps Me Out of DebtSome people are secretive about their spending habits, but I find it helpful to be open about money so that I can stay out of debt. How I learn from friends who spend too much money.
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First Person: Scammers Are Preying on Job SeekersIt bothers me that Generation Z teenagers have to deal with scam artists taking advantage of new job seekers. How my teen almost lost $100 on a fake "background check."
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First Person: Bracing for the Next Foreclosure WaveForeclosure inventory and short sale activity is expected to explode as the next foreclosure wave hits. I expect the value of my Florida home to sink even further as many more homes are repossessed later this year. -
First Person: I Have Early Onset Frugality FatigueI gave up on being frugal about a year ago. Experts say consumers are finally starting to loosen up and spend more money because they are tired of scrimping and just getting by.
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First Person: I Doubled My Savings Without BudgetingA new study shows budgeting can actually motivate consumers to spend more money. How I doubled how much I put aside by ditching the budget.
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First Person: My Sons Are Saving to Buy Houses With CashMy sons are saving up money now as teenagers to purchase their first homes with cash. Why I see the housing market remaining stable for the next 10 years.
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First Person: Generation X Debt Isn’t as Scary as Baby Boomer DebtI could care less about my credit score, but I want to stay out of debt. Although people in my Generation X have the most debt, I think they are in a better financial position than older generations.
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First Person: Timing Our Separate Retirements Isn’t a Puzzle for UsSome couples disagree about the timing of their respective retirements. My husband and I have a more laid back view of what retirement will look like for us in the future. And it may be different for each of us.
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First Person: I Saved Up My First $100,000 While Ignoring the Traditional Financial AdviceI didn't take any major risks to accumulate my first $100,000. Financial advice I ignored in order to save the "seed money" I'll need to become a millionaire.
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First Person: I See a Housing Market Recovery in Tampa, FloridaLast year was the best time to get a killer real estate deal in the Tampa, Florida area. I've noticed the housing market is starting to recover. My husband and I are running out of time to find an investment property.
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First Person: Being Frugal Didn’t Help Me Get AheadBeing frugal didn't help me get ahead, but making more money and investing did. Why I gave up clipping coupons and spending hours looking for daily deals even though being frugal is trendy.
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First Person: Buying a Home for the Price of a Car in TampaIt's possible to buy a house for the same price as a car in Tampa, Florida. I almost got burned on several deals that were too good to be true.Also published on:
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First Person: My Goal Is to Become a 'New Millionaire' by Age 50Do the new millionaires in America share the same secrets for becoming wealthy or is it just luck? I hope to become a half-millionaire by age 50 by following simple financial rules.
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First Person: Kicked When Down in a Bull MarketI've been kicked while down even during a positive bull market. I am going to invest more prudently during this next bull market so I don't lose my gains.
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First Person: Paying Off My Student Loans by Age 30 Instead of 70It's shocking to think some senior citizens are using their Social Security checks to pay off debt including student loan debt. Why I think college is worth the debt, but colleges aren't teaching money management.Also published on:
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First Person: I Spent $30 on Paint Instead of $300,000 on a New HouseAlthough it's tempting to purchase a new construction home, I found it costs a lot less to do some spring cleaning. My inexpensive house makeover cost just $3,000, while a new home purchase would have cost us $300,000.
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I Thought I Had Early MenopauseI thought I was experiencing early menopause, but it turned out my symptoms pointed to other health problems. Why it's important to see a doctor when you have "hot flashes." -
First Person: I’m House Shopping in My Own SubdivisionI've decided the best way to fight blight in my Florida neighborhood is by becoming an investor. I convinced a relative to purchase a short sale in my neighborhood. Why I'm investing my my subdivision.
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First Person: My Gen X Finances Improved During the RecessionMany personal finance commentators argue about which generation was hit hardest by the Great Recession. As a Gen-X professional, my finances are getting better. In some ways, the recession helped Gen X.
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First Person: What If We Hadn’t Bought Our House?With housing values at rock bottom, it's tempting to second guess my decision to buy a home at the top of the market. I figured out if we are further ahead than we would have been if we stayed in our townhouse.
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First Person: Market Timing Makes Sense to MeHow I time the real estate market, stock market and even the job market to make the most money. Why the idea that market timing is bad just sounds like "bull" to me.
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First Person: My Retirement Date Is a Moving TargetI feel more empowered knowing I can affect my retirement date by how I handle my finances in my working years. My retirement date is still a moving target, but I have a plan to retire early.Also published on:
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First Person: I’m Paying Off My Mortgage Before I Turn 50Paying off your mortgage isn't the best financial move, but some decisions are 80 percent emotion and 20 percent math. How we plan to pay off our mortgage in our 40s.
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First Person: We Feel the Sting of InflationI have not heard inflation discussed as much since I was a child. How my family is dealing with the high cost of everything from gasoline to food.
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Baking a Thin Crust Pizza at HomeHow to make the perfect thin crust pizza at home. Growing up in the country, we had to make our own homemade pizza since no one delivered. We made every Friday pizza night.
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First Person: I Stopped Saving for RetirementAfter 10 years of investing faithfully in my retirement accounts, I've decided to stop saving for retirement. Why I'm taking a 5-year break.Also published on:
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No-Bake Recipes for Kids to Try in the KitchenFrom quick and easy oatmeal cookies to no-bake cookie monster cookies, my children love to get creative in the kitchen without turning on the oven. My favorite no-bake cookie recipes.
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First Person: My Gen-Z Sons Pinch Their PenniesRetailers were expecting Generation Y to spend, spend, spend, but the Great Recession left them jobless and broke. I don't think retailers can count on the younger Gen-Z to be major consumers either.
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First Person: From Broke to Middle Class in 30 DaysI was inspired by my senior citizen friend's miraculous economic recovery. She went from being penniless to joining the middleclass in just 30 days.Also published on:
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First Person: Why Choosing Poverty Is SelfishWhy I choose to earn more money. Instead of viewing money as the root of all evil, I see it as a way to help other people.
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First Person: I Save $500 a Month by Being an Early BirdI never used to be a morning person until I found out I could score a lot of great deals and save hundreds of dollars every month. How save by being an early bird.
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First Person: I’m a Consumer First, Investor SecondMy cardinal rule for investing is that I be a consumer of the product before becoming an investor. When I try out a product first or visit a retail shop, I decide if I've found the next Apple or just a bad apple.
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First Person: How We Handle Competing Financial GoalsHow my family of four work out our differences when it comes to competing financial goals and priorities. As Gen-X parents, we work as a team with our teens.
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First Person: I’m Thriving in This ‘She-conomy’As a Gen-X woman, I'm thriving during this 'she-conomy.' I have a full-time job, manage my own investments and the family budget. I seem to be doing better than older women who remember a sexist workplace.
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First Person: Employers Shouldn't Ask Interviewees for Their Facebook LoginsI turned down a job working for a television station and chose to be a janitor for ethical reasons. Why I don't agree with employers asking for a prospective employee's Facebook login.
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First Person: Effortless Ways I Save $100 a WeekEffortless ways I save $100 a week. Tricks I've learned over the years to prevent mindless overspending at the mall.
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First Person: How Low Will Mortgage Rates Go?We are watching just how low interest rates will go. Why I won't refinance unless mortgage rates hit 2 percent.
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First Person: Snowbirds Are Improving Florida Housing MarketHow I'm preparing for the baby boomer vacation housing bubble and eventual bust. I will either buy a vacation property now or wait another 15 years.Also published on:
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First Person: I Never Buy Used AnymoreAfter being burned a few times on used purchases, I realized I'm better off spending a little more on quality items. Why I never buy used anymore.
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First Person: I’m Planning for 9-to-5 at 75I'm plan to be working at the age of 75, not just for the money but for the enjoyment. What I'm doing now to prepare for my working retirement.
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First Person: Money Myths I Used to BelieveI used to believe I had to scrimp and save to reach my financial goals. I didn't need financial willpower or good luck to become wealthier. I just needed to make savings automatic.
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First Person: I Quit Being FrugalI saved $200 a month without clipping coupons or scrimping. Why I quit being frugal in my quest to build my personal wealth.
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First Person: I'm Preparing for a Dot-Com RallyWith the death of print media, I'm preparing for another dot-com rally. The fact that Encyclopaedia Britannica printed its last print edition is just another positive sign for technology stocks.
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First Person: Overcoming My Budget ApathyI love to shop, but I don't like to budget. How I overcame my laziness when it comes to keeping track of my spending.
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First Person: I’m Putting 100% in StocksHistorically economic crisis is followed by high economic times. Why I'm following the advice of one chief executive officer and putting 100 percent of my retirement money into the stock market.
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First Person: We Are Paying Cash for CollegeWith interest rates on college loans expected to double, we are sticking with our cash for college plan. How we come up with the money ever semester to pay for two sons in college.
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First Person: Getting Over My Post-Traumatic Stock DisorderIt took me a few years to recover from the stock market crash of 2008. In addition to getting the value of my retirement accounts back to even, I had to get my head back into the game.
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First Person: My $20 ‘Job Loss’ Emergency AccountI am starting with only $20 in my job loss emergency account, but I plan to boost it up to $20,000 in just five years. How I will save for my "In case I'm laid off" fund.
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First Person: $5 Gas Will Drive Our DecisionsIf gas prices peak at $5 a gallon, we will be forced to change our lifestyle. The lifestyle changes we will make so high gas prices don't ruin our budget.
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First Person: How I’ll Retire by Age 50I came up with a plan to retire by age 50, which means I have a little more than 10 years to scramble to earn more money. My simple plan to having enough money to support the second half of my life.
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First Person: We Earn More Than $100,000, but Still Feel PoorWe are making six figures, but it doesn't feel like it. How the high cost of college tuition, gasoline and groceries are cramping our lifestyle.
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First Person: I’m Planning for the Yield DroughtI'm preparing for the yield drought by buying stocks that will benefit from the aging baby boomers. I'm paying off mortgage and car debt instead of worrying about what kind of return my money gets.Also published on:
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First Person: I'm Moving Up Without Grad SchoolWith two sons in college and a full-time job, I can't afford to go to grad school but I'm still advancing in my career. The shaky job market is keeping a lot of people from taking time off work to earn an advanced degree.
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First Person: I Support Raising the Social Security Age to 72Evidently affluent Americans believe we need to raise the Social Security age. I'm not affluent, but I would like to see the age increase to 72.Also published on:
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First Person: My Florida Mortgage Is Still UnderwaterI'm not surprised that Florida is one of the top 10 states with the most underwater mortgages. Even though we have aggressively paid down our mortgage, the value of our Florida home keeps sinking.
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First Person: How Much Do I Need in My Emergency Fund?I have been unsure how much to save for an emergency fund. After crunching numbers and thinking about my individual financial situation, I decided to save $200 a month into an emergency fund.
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How I Made the Most of Bed RestBed rest may sound like a relaxing vacation, but it can be torture if you get bored. How I survived bed rest before the birth of my healthy son.
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First Person: How Much We Need to Retire as a CoupleAfter marrying my husband, I figured out how much money we would need for retirement based on how we will spend our time. We need a bigger nest egg together than I did when I was single.
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First Person: Why I Prefer Passive InvestingBeing a passive investor means I don't have to look at my retirement accounts every day or stress about the ups and downs of the stock market. Why buy and hold never goes out of style.
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First Person: How I Divvy Up the Money in My 401(k)How my 401(k) investment choices compare to other women my age. I have an aggressive investment style, but it's not one that is shared by the majority of women who are almost 40.
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First Person: Staying Put Helped Me Build WealthOne of the best moves I've made is to make no moves at all. How settling down and living in the same house helped me to build wealth.
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First Person: Accelerating My Bill PayingI pay off bills fast and save more for the future by realizing there is a specific purpose for every penny I make. How I motivate myself to make more money when I'm not a money-motivated person.
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First Person: How My Net Worth ComparesI checked a net worth calculator to find out how I stack up in comparison to people my age and workers with my same income. How I plan to boost my net worth by about $10,000 a year until I meet my goal.
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First Person: Living On Half My PayI lived on half my pay for just one month so I could pay an unexpected tax bill on time. Why I rather make more money than have to live so far below my means.
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First Person: My Anti-Budget, BudgetI tried living without a budget for one month and ended up loving it. Why I think my anti-budget, budget will help me become wealthier with fewer headaches.
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First Person: Early Retirement Is Still in the Cards for Gen XMost baby boomers need to work until age 68 or struggle with poverty during retirement. As a Gen-X who decades years away from my official retirement, I can save and invest for an earlier retirement.Also published on:
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First Person: I Didn’t Sleep Through the Second Dot-Com RallyI'm not about to miss out on this second dot-com rally. Why I'm investing in technology stocks as the Nasdaq trades at levels it has not seen in more than a decade.
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First Person: I’m Glad That Banks Are Shunning ForeclosuresForeclosures continue to drag down the housing values in my neighborhood. Why I'm pleased banks are viewing short sales as the preferred method of disposing of distressed properties.
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First Person: My Husband and I Compete to Make More MoneyAccording to new statistics, 40 percent of women are the primary breadwinner in their families. How my husband and I compete to see who can earn more money for the year.
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First Person: From Debt to Wealth on $10 a DayBy saving just $10 a day, I went from having debt to having money in the bank. How Jean Chatzky's "Pay It Down!" book changed my thinking about money.
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Gluten-Free Meals that Don’t Break My Food BudgetI figured out ways to stretch my gluten-free dollar after finding out I am sensitive to gluten, which is found in wheat and barley. My favorite gluten-free breakfast, lunch, dinner and desserts.
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First Person: How I Took Control of My Money as a WomanI learned to take control of my finances even though, as a woman, I have heard mixed messages about money. I can be a nice girl and get rich at the same time without feeling guilty.
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First Person: I’m Preparing for Another Great DepressionAt least one prominent economist says all signs are pointing to a new recession. However, I am preparing for the next Great Recession by listening to the sage advice of my grandmother.
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First Person: I'll Never Leave SuburbiaHomes in the suburbs may be losing their luster to some home buyers, but I am a fan of the suburban lifestyle. Why I won't leave even if all the homes in my neighborhood go into foreclosure.
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First Person: Why I Don’t Invest Like Warren BuffettAlthough I admire Warren Buffett's philosophy when it comes to stocks, I don't pick the same stocks as he does.
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First Person: I'm No Longer Feeling Optimistic About the EconomyMy husband has a more optimistic view of the economy and our personal finances than I do. Men, homeowners and people in households making more than $50,000 have higher consumer comfort levels.
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First Person: I’m Spending My Entire Tax Refund This YearIt's prudent to save for the future, but I plan to spend all of my tax refund this year. According to research, more people are saving their tax refunds.Also published on:
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First Person: The High Cost of DownsizingIt sounds smart to downsize, but sometimes staying in one place saves you money. I helped a friend move to Florida. She has a moving budget of $11,000 or 10 percent of the cost of her new home.
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First Person: I Regret Refinancing to a 15-Year MortgageA new report shows more people are refinancing to a shorter-term mortgage. Why I regret refinancing to a 15-year mortgage during an uncertain job market in Florida.
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First Person: My ‘I Quit’ Number Is $250,000In order to walk out that door and say, "I quit," I'd need to win $250,000 in the lottery. How I calculated my 'I quit number."
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First Person: Buying Our Retirement Home 30 Years in AdvanceWith a nice home in Florida costing the same as two new cars, we have decided to begin house hunting for our perfect retirement home. We will buy a second home 30 years ahead of time.Also published on:
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First Person: Getting My Account to $500,000 By Age 60I plan to increase my net worth by $200,000 in my 40s. My realistic financial plan for having a half a million dollars by age 60.
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New Diet Research Lets Me Eat Cake for BreakfastEating sweets can help you lose weight, but the key is eating desserts for breakfast, according to new research. Why I plan to revisit the reverse diet and big breakfast concept. -
Shaun T. Shares His Miracle Workout on ‘The Dr. Oz Show’Shaun T., who is famous for his Insanity Workout, shows Dr. Oz and guests how to lose weight in 30 days with his high-intensity interval training 15-minute workout. -
First Person: Pricing a Home in Shelby, NC To Sell QuicklySelling a home quickly in Shelby, NC means pricing it right. How I helped a friend come up with the best price to be competitive in a down housing market.
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First Person: I Gave Myself a Pay RaiseI gave myself a pay raise by tweaking my health savings and retirement plans and finding other ways to increase cash flow. Why I decided to work to live instead of live to work.
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First Person: It's Time for the Fed to Raise RatesWhy I'd like to see the Fed raise interest rates so the economy can self-correct. I've noticed too many people falling into financial traps because of the low interest rates.
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First Person: I'm Living on 70% of My IncomeInstead of spending every dime, I have learned to live on 70 percent of my income. Spending money used to be a way to escape my reality, but I broke the cycle.
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First Person: Teaching My Teens About Asset AllocationA friend helped his sister-in-law with her inheritance by explaining asset allocation. I took the financial lesson and shared it with my teenage sons who were skittish about investing.
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First Person: I Have a Plan for My Financial WindfallsDo I treat windfall money different than I treat money that I make? Why I plan to save and spend my tax return money and other financial windfalls.
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First Person: My Finances Are on a TimelineI use financial timelines for paying off my debt so I can enjoy financial freedom in my 40s. I've set pay off dates for my house and car as well as savings goals.
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First Person: Overcoming 'Frugal Fatigue'Sometimes I get tired of scrimping. How I overcame my frugal fatigue by remembering where I came from and where I'm going.
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First Person: I’m Spending on Experiences, Not ThingsI'm spending more money this year so that I can be happier. The key is I'm not buying more stuff. I'm spending money on experiences.
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First Person: Setting Aside 10% of My Paycheck Changed My LifeSaving just 10 percent literally changed my life. How I went from living paycheck to paycheck to being financially secure in 10 years.
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Review: Secret Clinical Strength is My Secret Power as a MomWhy I feel like the Secret Clinical Strength antiperspirant/deodorant is my secret weapon against odor. As a busy mom, the last thing I want to worry about is being smelly.
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First Person: Why I Work When I Don’t Have ToWomen who take a break from the work world face a stiff financial penalty. Why I chose to keep a career even though I could afford to quit and let my husband support me.
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First Person: Including Student Loans in Bankruptcy Isn't FairA growing number of young people want to get out of paying their college loan debt. Why it won't help our economy to change the bankruptcy laws to allow student loan debts to be discharged.
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First Person: Clobbered Groupon Shares Prove IPOs Can Be RiskyAfter Groupon shares got clobbered, I'm more skeptical than ever about investing in initial public offerings. Why I rather take a wait and see approach to IPOs such as Facebook.
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First Person: Beating Stress on a BudgetHow I reduce stress for less. Inexpensive ways to beat stress when the value of my home and retirement accounts are sinking and my job is on shaky ground.
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First Person: I'll Invest in the Facebook IPO Even Though I'm Not a FanShould I rush to be a part of the Facebook IPO or wait on the sidelines? Why I'll invest in this IPO even though I'm not a fan of Facebook.
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First Person: I'm Pumped About the U.S. Treasury's Plan to Revamp the 401(k)I'm excited the Treasury Department is planning to improve the 401(k) plans. I'd like to see wider investment options.
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New Study Shows Yo-Yo Dieting Won’t Kill MeGoing up and down with my weight won't kill me, according to a new study on yo-yo dieting. Why I think it's best to get back up when you fall off the diet wagon.
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New Research Proves Cutting Calories WorksCutting calories even just slightly can help people lose weight and keep it off, according to a new study. The key is to stick to a diet.
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First Person: How Do I Win After the Housing Bubble?With so many short sales and homes in foreclosure, I have to wonder how I can win after the housing bubble.
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First Person: I Found an Extra $3,000 for My SavingsWith my savings account stuck at about $1,500, I knew I had to go on a financial detox to cleanse myself of my bad money habits. How I grew my savings to $4,500 in a year.
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‘Dr. Oz Show’ Explains Fat-urdayGuests on the Dr. Oz show were given a free pass to eat whatever they wanted for one day, but Dr. Oz's Fat-urday is about a healthy menu that satisfies cravings.
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Will FDA Warning Stop the HCG Diet Craze?Nothing stirs up the wrath of female dieters like taking away their favorite weight-loss aid. The FDA is moving to remove some HCG products from the market.
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First Person: Keeping Food Out of Sight Helped Me Shed 25 PoundsA new study reveals what I've been suspecting all of my life. Looking at appetizing images of food does increase one's appetite. How I lost 25 pounds by keeping food out of sight and out of my mouth.
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First Person: Out With the Old Debt, in With the New DebtI found it impossible to get out of debt when I was making new purchases on my credit cards. How I learned to live without credit. I had to decline my own charge card.
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First Person: Obama's Housing Refinance Plan Is Not a Quick FixNew details about the Obama Housing Refinance Plan have been revealed. I don't understand why we need a government program to help us refinance our homes. Big banks are getting beaten with a big stick.
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First Person: An End to Employer Credit Checks?Why I am glad some states are cracking down on the practice of checking employees' credit. Would bad credit have kept me from getting jobs in the past? Could bad credit even get you fired?
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First Person: Why I Believe a ‘Golden Cross’ Means a Bull MarketI believe it's going to be a bull market this year because of the 'Golden Cross." Some people may say the stock market is headed up because it's the Year of the Dragon, according to the Chinese Zodiac.
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First Person: The ‘Romney Tax’ Would Hurt Me Even Though I'm Not RichWhy the 'Romney Tax' would make it more difficult for me to make it out of the middle class. Taxing capital gains on investments at a higher rate will backfire on the Average American trying to get ahead.
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First Person: My Experience With HypnoBirthingUsing the HypnoBirthing technique allowed me to have a spiritual experience when I had my first son. Why natural childbirth is more attainable when you use self-hypnosis to relax and let go of the pain and fear.
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First Person: I Was Saving Too Much for RetirementHow can anyone save too much for retirement? I knew I was saving too much for the future because I didn't have enough money to pay the bills in the present.Also published on:
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First Person: I Was Underwater, But I'm Still Glad I Bought My HouseWhy I'll never go back to renting a home again. Owning a home is still my American dream. Even when I was underwater on my mortgage, I did not regret owning a house.
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First Person: Getting Into the Money Mindset, Getting Out of DebtMy broke friend may never be a millionaire, but she is getting into the money mindset. How I stopped sabotaging my financial security with a positive money mindset.
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First Person: I Went From Broke to Financially Secure in 5 Short YearsHow I went from living paycheck to paycheck to having more than $100,000 tucked away for the future. I did a money makeover on myself so I'd never have to feel like there is never enough money.
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First Person: I Doubled My Living Space Without Increasing My Monthly PaymentBuying a townhouse was a financial trap that I was able to escape. How I doubled my living space for the same cost by moving into the right single-family home.
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First Person: The Benjamin Franklin Money Maxims I Live ByBenjamin Franklin's "The Way to Wealth," is filled with smart money maxims that I live by. I let this great man of the Enlightenment enlighten my sons with his financial wisdom.
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First Person: Will My Social Security Be Safe in a Lockbox?Whether it's a literal or a figurative lock box, I don't believe government will keep my Social Security safe. I was inspired to hear Senator John McCain speak in my town. He touched on the topic of Social Security going broke.Also published on:
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First Person: My Financial Priorities Have Changed Over the YearsAs I've grown older, my financial priorities have changed. How tackling each stage of my life has paved the way for financial freedom and security.
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First Person: We Knocked 17 Years Off Our Mortgage in Just 7 YearsPresident Obama's plan to save homeowners $3,000 on their mortgages caught my attention. Will the plan help people who are just a little bit underwater on their homes?
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First Person: Breaking Out of the Upgrade CycleHow we broke the temptation to keep spending more money as we earn more. We don't get caught in the upgrade trap.
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First Person: The 'Lazy Budget' Works for UsHow I keep on top of our daily budget with less than 2 minutes of effort each day. My lazy budget is not complicated, but it works as I am building wealth, not debt.
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First Person: I Increased My Net Worth by $20,000 in 1 YearHow I increased my net worth by $20,000 in one year without earning extra income. Why calculating my net worth keeps me motivated to live below my means.
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First Person: Overcoming My Fear of StocksI stopped buying stocks for two years after the dot-com bubble burst, but I eventually overcame my fear of the stock market. Why it's financial suicide to stop investing.
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First Person: When Brown Bag Lunches Aren't Worth the SavingsAlthough we saved money with our brown bag challenge, my husband and I decided it's not worth it to make all of our lunches at home. How we saved $35 in a week.
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First Person: Work-at-Home Works for MeOne in five workers worldwide now work at home. The fourth myths about telecommuting and how it affects your career and family life.
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First Person: Do I Want My Sons to Make it Into the 1 Percent?With two sons in college, it's interesting to learn which majors are more likely to give them a chance of making it into the 1 percent of top earners.
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First Person: I Vote 'No' to a Homeowner BailoutWe bought our house close to the top of the housing bubble, but I don't expect the mortgage company to writedown our loan balance. As a taxpayer, I'm not interested in a homeowner bailout.
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First Person: We Don’t Skimp on Valentine’s DayOnce a year we look forward to celebrating love without paying attention to the price tag. Why we don't skimp on Valentine's Day.
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First Person: From a Financial Dreamer to a DoerA study by TDAmeritrade identified 8 distinct money habits that separate the financial doers from the financial dreamers. How I went from only dreaming about money to having it.
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First Person: Overcoming My Financial FlakinessWhat's really behind poor money habits? How I work to stay financially fit by thinking about the long term and following the secrets of the rich. How I overcame my own financial flakiness.
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First Person: Can I Really Live on Less?I've forced my family to try a number of different money challenges so help reign in our spending. Some worked and some didn't. But in the end, we found out we had the answer all all along.
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First Person: I Was Cash Poor, But Didn’t Look ItAlthough we lived in a new house and had a new car, we were cash poor. How I fixed my personal liquidity problem to defend against unexpected financial hardships.
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First Person: Can I Afford to Have a Third Child?How the recession has deterred us from having a third child. The high cost of having another child later in life.
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First Person: I Ignore the Minimum Payment on My Credit CardResearchers say people who look at the minimum payment due on their credit card end up paying significantly less. How I made the switch from paying just the minimum to paying the balance in full.
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First Person: Our Family Cars Save Us $3,000 a YearThe average age of a vehicle in the U.S. is getting older and so are the clunkers in my driveway. How we plan to save money by keeping family cars for 10 years instead of trading them in.
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First Person: I’ve Doubled My Savings GoalWith two teenagers in college and retirement on the horizon, I decided to double my savings goal this year. A Fidelity Investments study found nearly half of the people they surveyed are doing the same.
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First Person: I’m Still Skittish About SpendingThe National Federation report a dismal retail sales outlook for 2012, and I can understand why. I'm still not spending money like I used to, but I have a stockpile of things I bought when the economy was booming.
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First Person: How the Wealth Gap Stirs ResentmentThe wealth gap in America is causing an increasing amount of resentment. Why it's a bad time to flaunt wealth, but a good time for the "millionaire next door" type to shine.
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First Person: Multigenerational Housing Isn't for UsAlthough large homes that feature two master suites or in-law apartments are attractive, I had to consider whether it is cost-effective or realistic for my family. Why I reject the multigenerational housing trend.
