Middle Class Being Squeezed Out

March 9, 2012

You need to straighten out your finances!  National and global economic forces are conspiring to drive you further down the economic ladder.  In “Nation Briefs” (“Poverty at Record High, Middle Class Shrinking,” Miami Herald, 12/15/11) latest census figures reveal a shocking increase in poverty.  According to the data “a record number of Americans – nearly [...]

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What are the financial and budgeting tips for single moms?

March 5, 2012

Single moms have the same financial concern as anyone else but they don’t have their spouse to share the financial burden. Therefore, being in debt in not a pleasurable experience for single moms as they are required to manage their financial obligation as well as take care of the kids single handedly. Many of these [...]

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Beyoncé Sells Condo for Peanuts

February 17, 2012

Want to know about the real estate collapse, just ask pop star Beyoncé.   The singer just sold her Miami South Beach condo for a paltry $110,000.  According to a Miami Herald article (Beyoncé Takes a Bath on Beach Condo, Dec.15, 2011) she purchased the unit for $465,000 in 2002.  The sale underscores the depth of [...]

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Migration of Young Workers

February 17, 2012

Is it time for you to consider relocating to an area with better job prospects?  Just like birds and animals migrate to locales with more favorable conditions so do people. Throughout history we’ve witnessed massive relocations of people due to war, climate, political and social conditions, etc. Now we’re seeing a massive migration due to [...]

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Do You Pay Too Much for Electricity?

February 17, 2012

An interesting article in USA Today  reports wide variations in electric bills depending on where you live and the fifth straight year of overall increases above the inflation rate.  It is definitely wise to monitor your electricity consumption and make changes to reduce costs.  With the average household paying $1,419 a year the savings can [...]

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“MUST Have” vs. “Nice to Have”

February 13, 2012

It’s a simple question:  Is it something you NEED or something you WANT?  Before you buy something ask yourself “Do I really NEED this?  In our society we often get confused about this.  We believe we really NEED a new car, HD tv, a new dress, or a trip to Las Vegas.  We may not [...]

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2012’s Off to a Good Start!

February 6, 2012

The stock market’s up, unemployment is down, and it’s an election year.  Happy Days are here again!  Or are they?  How are you doing?  Are your family finances better this year than last?  Is your job more secure?  Is your home worth more?  It may be time for a reality check. Don’t count on the [...]

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Drowning in Mortgage Payments?

February 2, 2012

Yes, it can feel like drowning, out in the ocean with the sharks (bankers, creditors, attorneys, etc.) circling, ready for the “kill.”  But it doesn’t have to be that way.  Look at the cover of my book.  There’s a lifesaver and a rescue boat in the picture too! When it comes to a mortgage it’s [...]

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Is Anything About Your Personal Finances Private?

January 25, 2012

In this society we “live and die” by credit scores.  If we want to buy a house, get a credit card, purchase a vehicle, etc., our record of financial worthiness, responsibility or irresponsibility, success or failure can be accessed instantly.  And it’s about to get worse.  According to a New York Times article (Dec. 3, [...]

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Too Little to Survive?

December 19, 2011

We’ve all heard plenty about the “too big to fail” banks, corporations and auto manufacturers.  Hundreds of billions were sent their way.  But what about the “little guy;” you and me?  Well, let’s face it, in the government’s priorities you may be too little to succeed!  Yes, that’s right; individually our problems are not big [...]

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