You may be one of the fortunate to have learned from the recession by changing your ways. You gave up business as usual.

You no longer buy on credit; you live within your means and have found satisfaction and a renewed sense of self-respect. You no longer feel like a...

What frugal fatigue is

Mental and emotional exhaustion caused by frugality -- a constant life focus of counting and pinching your pennies. Frugal fatigue causes feelings of being over-spent, exhausted, depressed without hope of any change. It's like fighting an uphill battle without any end in sight.

How best to...

Our old habits are hard to break because most of us are not aware of them -- we are blind to what's close to us and a powerful part of our reflexes ingrained over time. So, the tips that follow will focus on making you aware and conscious so you...

As 2012 unfolds, are you spending your time working to achieve your well-planned goals and resolutions, or are you hanging back waiting to allocate your time, energy and talents to face what 2012 and your current circumstances have in store for you at the time?

In my business of giving...

Holidays so often fall short of giving us what we all seek most -- a connection to what made us feel connected and a special part of our family and friends.

The emotional equivalent is best achieved by re-enacting, recreating and sharing some of the special memories and activities that...

'Tis the season to be jolly,
Spend your money but don't be sorry,
Buy a gift for the ones you adore,
But don't get stuck with what you can't afford,
For it's not the amount of money you spend,
It's always the thought that counts...

Everyone would like to believe in a money benefactor -- someone or something -- to bestow financial security and freedom. This has been especially true for the generations of Americans who have never lived through tough economic times like the Great Depression. For those generations of Americans, the stock market...

I've been waiting for a very long time for the so-called "little people" or "average Americans" to speak up and vent their frustrations. I wonder why some in the media are baffled. How long did they think the American public would sit by and passively see their personal rewards for...

Living Fulfilled Is Letting Go of Fear

As the ominous day of the 10th anniversary of 9-11 passes, many in the world are sensing a great weight lifted from the shoulders and spirit. Having spent it outside of the US, it was amazing for me to speak to foreigners about...

I've recently had conversations with three very different couples--different backgrounds, different ages, different cultures--but they shared a commonality in financial incompatibility. They've managed to stay married throughout their frustrations and foibles but with little success in bridging the gap in lifestyle priorities and satisfaction.

Unfortunately, over the last thirty years...

If you're like most couples when it comes to managing money and investing, there will be areas where you agree and areas where you differ. Investing by its very nature is an emotional business.

When the market is going up, couples rarely find that they disagree, but it's during times...

The current markets are nervous, full of uncertainty and highly reactive to any news -- positive and negative. Investors are confused by the daily fluctuations and are challenged to maintain a sense of calm and control.

Not everyone can tolerate a prolonged roller coaster ride and some will want...

These are definitely challenging economic times. As investors, we're living with great uncertainty of how the markets will respond to the global economic crises. In the US, it is also complicated by a dysfunctional political process. Are you tempted to call your adviser and yell "get me out"? GMO syndrome...

The "Arab Spring" is about hope and freedom of choice, peace of mind and ability to earn a living to fulfill one's dreams.

The good life is one Americans have had for many years, but what is the good life really, and how can we find it for ourselves in...

The American Dream as we knew it is no longer a dream that will be fulfilled for most. Yes, it's depressing and will require that Americans dial down their expectations, their plans and their lifestyle.

If we've learned anything from our leaders in government, it's that the task is...

"Why did you get married at this stage of your life?" asked recently divorced Sue of recently married Marilyn. Marilyn went on to explain that she's a very traditional woman and felt it was a more moral way to live. To which Sue again pressed "but you trade off a...

Money permeates every relationship in life, every interpersonal interaction: friendship and courtship, living together and marriage, divorce and death. Partners avoid talking about money and dealing with the emotions it evokes. Money is certainly still a taboo in couple talk.

Money, of course, has always provided plenty of fodder for...

Genworth Financial released a survey that looks at how, why and to whom we make, keep and break promises. According to the survey, the number one reason Americans aim to keep a promise is to keep their word. It also appears that people are highly motivated by family...

Definition: The emotional trauma and turmoil commonly associated with an impending tax return.

Common Symptoms:

• Procrastination: Millions of taxpayers request extensions beyond the April 15th deadline every year.
• Lack of Confidence: Surveys suggest an overwhelming percentage of respondents believe their tax return is very complex, and a majority either "hated"...

Are you one of the millions of Americans seeking to make the best use of your money? What if that means debunking the old beliefs that have become the guiding principles in how you manage your finances? Do you feel like you may know how to make a living, but...