Dare to be Different
In my last post, If It’s Broken, Fix It and Save Your Money, I ended it with the words — Dare to be Different. In my life, I've found that I can only be me. And even if it means making a different decision than my colleagues, friends or others, I must be willing to...
If It’s Broken, Fix It and Save Your Money
We’ve all heard the saying “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it.” Well, what if it's broken? The other morning I happened to catch the end of an educational cartoon (Arthur) my daughters were watching on TV. In this episode, Arthur’s parents were considering purchasing a...
Your Money Smart Kid Could Win A $5,000 Scholarship
Every year the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago offers free seminars and activities to promote personal financial literacy. This year Money Smart Week ® will be held from April 2nd - 9th. And your child* can enter the Money Smart Kid Essay Contest for a chance to win...
There is a Big Difference Between Being Frugal and Cheap
When it comes to money, you could say that I’m a Frugalista. You may be asking, what in the world is a frugalista? A frugalista is a very frugal person. And let me be clear in saying that there's a big difference between being frugal and cheap. Being frugal does not...
What Women Want Most This Valentine’s Day
Happy Valentine’s Day! Do you know what women want most this Valentine’s Day? According to iVillage.com the gift won’t cost you a thing. So if you haven’t gotten anything yet, you may not have to worry. Because it’s only three words - I Love You! Who said romance is...
How-To Prepare For A Winter Storm
This winter has been one of the snowiest and coldest in quite sometime. Last month 49 of the 50 states had snow on the ground, with the only exception being the sunshine state of FLORIDA. Now, meteorologists are expecting blizzard conditions (strong winds and heavy...
7 Surefire Tips to Save on Parking
Whether you’re going out for a night on the town, spending a day with the family or it’s just another day at the office - the price you pay to park could catch you by surprise. I still remember how shocked I was the first time I drove into work (downtown Chicago) and...
Ready for Some Football? Watch Out for Ticket Scams
Are you ready for some football? I sure am. We’re only a few days away from one of the biggest football rivalries – Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers. It’s the NFC Championship game and the winner gets a trip to the Super Bowl. Who’s your pick to win the NFC...
The Hidden Cost of A New Car
When it comes to buying a new car, it’s easy to think about new vs. used, price, features, gas mileage etc. Sure, you may be able to haggle down the price and negotiate a better financing deal. However, a hidden cost to consider is how much your car insurance will...
Answering Dr. King’s Urgent Question
Today marks the 25th anniversary of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday (MLK Day). Americans across the nation will honor and celebrate Dr. King’s life with tributes, parades and service. “Life's most persistent and urgent question is, What are you doing for...
