Blog
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The Pyramid Metaphor for Fiscal Fitness – Part 1
Financial planners use a pyramid as a metaphor for fiscal fitness much like nutritionists use the Food Pyramid. Fitness (or proper nutrition) is optimized when built upon a solid foundation. The base of the foundation is about risk management. One pillar of the financial foundation is the cash fund. You have probably…
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How to make the kitchen reno go smoothly (and cheaply!)
The kitchen arrived today! Last Saturday was spent at Ikea, Home Depot, and 4 plumbing stores. It was one of the most exhausting shopping days of my life! But here are a few of the things we did to make the process a whole lot easier, and save a few dollars in the process. Plan.…
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Womyn’s Lands face similar economic challenges as Catholic convents
Did anyone catch the article, My Sister’s Keeper in the New York Times on Sunday? Newser gave a good summary that I’ll repeat here: So-called ‘œwomyn’s lands’ are quietly persisting across North America but face a cultural shift as modern gays embrace mainstream society, the New York Times reports. Founded in the 1970s to give…
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“Free File” Your Taxes Through the IRS Website
If your adjusted gross income in 2008 was less than $56,000, you can use Free File at the IRS website to prepare and file your federal tax return. For those of you filing the 1040EZ only, but making over $56,000, Turbo Tax offers free software. They also offer free electronic filing (e-file) if you need…
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Creating Financial Systems that Work
Do you have financial systems in place in your business and personal life that work really well for you? If you don’t now is the time to put them in place because I can tell you from personal experience they can make the difference between thriving and scrambling. Last year my partner and I created…
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Stretch Your Food Dollar: Pack Your Lunch, Part 2
Welcome to another edition of Stretch Your Food Dollar. Two weeks ago we talked about packing your lunch as a way of making your food budget go the extra mile. This week I’ve got another recipe that will turn an average sandwich into something awesome. Remember all that turkey you stored in your freezer back…
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Pain Relief is Not a Luxury: Keeping Your Business Relevant in a Recession
Lisa wrote a post last week about lifestyle changes adopted by middle-class America in order to survive an economic slowdown. Among these changes she listed personal luxuries, such as getting our hair or nails done, going to the spa, or getting a massage. As a massage therapist, I have to comment! For many people, getting…
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My Financial Implosion: Foreclosure
‘œPersons who have been homeless carry within them a certain philosophy of life which makes them apprehensive about ownership.’ ‘“ Jerzy Kosinski By the fall of 1997, much of my financial implosion was over. I had closed my business, filed for bankruptcy, and decided not to keep my mobile home. Since the mobile home had…
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More than free pizza: cheap entertainment for grad students
January is a rough month for me. Despite my attempts to budget more keenly each year, the effects of holiday spending always take their toll. The impossibility of living up to all of my lofty new year’s resolutions becomes glaringly obvious right around mid-month. The period between stipend checks seems to drag…
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