Marry for Money?

No, not literally. But check this out.  This post talks about a Q&A with Elizabeth Ford and Daniela Drake, M.D., authors of the book, “Smart Girls Marry Money“.   And if you clicked these links, you would see that it’s not really about marrying for money, but more about having that open dialogue with your potential partner.

I have only been married for a few years, but I will say that I am so grateful we went through Pre-Cana.  Some of our friends laughed at us, but truly, it was a great exercise.  it forced is to think about financial issues we may not have thought about – what percentage to dump in 401k, mortgage rate, health insurance costs – and how all of these (and other) line items affect our bottom line – and our household.

I  mean, now that we pay out thousands to daycare, it’s not that relevant, but still…every penny counts!

Why is it always black and white?

And, I mean this literally.  The WSJ’s The Juggle posted about a recent study on bi-racial teens, found here.  About halfway through the article I realized that they just surveyed/studied black and white kids.    So, like you are only considered bi-racial if you are a mix of black and white?  I have posted about this issue before.  Because my kids ARE  bi-racial and they are not the typical black and white combination, they are, gee, how do I say it?  Well, I can’t put it in colors because there aren’t any to describe how beautiful my children are.  They don’t have a color per se.

My point is, when people think “bi-racial” they often think of it in black and white terms, and it’s not.  Believe me, anyone who knows me,  knows I tend to think in black and white, but I certainly don’t live it.  Obviously.

So,  I wonder what behaviors my kids will exhibit in their teens….I guess I will just wait and find out.  And to anyone who reads through the post or the survey, note the data is from the 1990’s…when I, my bi-racial husband and a lot of you, were in your teens.  And I don’t know about you, but I wasn’t posting graffiti or stealing. …

Taking It Easy

Yes, I know, it’s been awhile.  But rest assured, it’s not because I am “taking it easy”.  Check out this article on Forbes.  This article about recent graduates is completely disturbing for a number of different reasons.  This not the time to take it easy, rather this is the time to get your act together and do everything you possibly can to ensure you gain employment.  Are they not thinking clearly?  Obviously!

What about health insurance?  Or are they convinced that the government will institute national healthcare and all will be solved?

Good quote here: “As a generation, this age group doesn’t have a lot of resiliency and resistance,” says Philip Gardner, director of the Collegiate Employment Research Institute at Michigan State University. “This is a generation that has had a lot of enablers making sure things get done for them. They haven’t had to deal with adversity, and they think that when times get tough, someone is going to help them. If you have never been held accountable, you have a tendency to just withdraw. It’s an entitlement thing.”

Long story short, get off your duff.

This can not be real

Ok, so first off,  apologies for not posting lately.  But this was worth waiting for.

Did you all see this post on the WSJ’s The Juggle last week?  Please do click on it.  Yes, it’s Dr. Laura talking about SAHMs.  Fine, we all have choices to make.  Key word is choice, right?

HOWEVER, some of her comments are truly disturbing:

“When your husband comes home, wrap your body around him at the door and look at his eyes. What people need to learn is that it’s not about the drudgery of housework — it’s about being at home for all of those incredible moments that make your life more valuable than the person who replaced you at work.”

This is not even worth a comment, but COME ON.  If you are home all day with the kids, I am sure your disposition will not be ammenable to the above statement.

“For everything in life, you have to make a priority list. This must be done. If we truly believe in something and cherish it, we find a way to make it happen. Women go from making seven-figure salaries to staying at home, and things just start to be less important.”

Right, so I guess paying the mortgage becomes “less important”.  Interesting.

I waited a week before I posted about this because I, along withe some friends of mine, we pretty riled up.  Still am to an extent.

And hey, what about those of us who WANT to work because we LIKE OUR JOBS?  What would Dr. Laura say to that?

March 20

Today is my daughter’s first birthday and it’s the first day of  Spring.   When she was born last  year I didnt’ even realize it was the first day of Spring!  But now, a year later it’s hard to believe that she is ONE and that it’s actually Spring!  Lots to be thankful for over the past year, and every day.

Off the list

Interesting read in US News today regarding the US.

The bottom line for your retirement: Once you make it to age 60, men in the developed world are likely to live 20 years or more and women should plan for at least 25 years.

More Tips on Spending, or Not

Good tips from the Dr. Phil Show this week on saving money.  He had the Economides family on – they are are proud to be America’s cheapest family and offer some good tips.

Women vs Men in Pay…Again

Those of you who read this blog on a somewhat regular basis know this is a topic I am passionate  about.  And I often link back to Cathy Arnst’s posts on the topic.    And if you too are interested, please read her latest here.   There has been some chatter recently that the recession and the lay offs might actually HELP women and the pay scale.  I am not sold, not at all, but hey, let’s hope I am wrong.

Funny for a Friday

Ok, so I haven’t been blogging as much as I want to – at all.  Things have been really busy and lunchtime is my only “free” time and lately I have been using that time for other things.  So, that said, here is a Friday Funny – classic video on what a mother would say in 24 hours.  Please listen – very short and absolutely hysterical.

Recession Tips

I hope this helps some people!  I know I am trying to do whatever I can in these times to be more efficient.  If you have other tips, please comment, thanks!

• Revisit coupon clipping, whether they be the coupons you get in the mail via Red Plum or visiting sites such as The Coupon Diva
• You can also visit your local grocer and take advantage of in-store deals and COUPLE them with coupons!
• Look for the bread/party thrift stores in your area.  Get the same goodies for a fraction of the cost

Those are a few tips for meal planning, but how about FUN?

• Check out  your local library for FREE books, DVDs, movie nights and discounted museum passes
• Walk!  Outside when possible or even in your Mall, just don’t buy anything!
• Take in a minor league game.  Far less expensive, easier to park and FUN!

And last but not least, for peace of mind:

• Think about the big picture, nothing lasts forever
• Add value to every aspect of your life; enjoy every moment and give as much as you can
• Take time to embrace your environment, your work place, your home, etc.

And thanks to my colleague Andy Baron for some of his great ideas!  More to come!