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You may be thinking about buying things you currently can’t afford — or don’t think you can afford, yet. Would you like to buy a home, new car, or go on vacation? What about a college education? Maybe you’re saving up for a divorce, retirement or want to pay off debt. Whatever your goal, take…
Choices abound, but we’re taking a look at four companies disrupting how we think about paying bills: Arcadia Power BillBargain BillShark Trim These and other bill negotiation services earn money by helping you save yours. Bill negotiation services A bill negotiator is the same way. She takes time to uncover money-saving hacks as if her…
Patrice is a smart, hardworking single mom with limited involvement from the father of her two elementary-school-aged kids. She works full time as support staff at a logistics firm, while she runs a tight ship she consistently feels like she has her hands full. Then suddenly, her 67-year-old mom, who lives two hours away, experienced…
What happens to my kids if I die? Whether you’re a parent of teens, or have recently welcomed a new baby into your life, chances are you’ve asked yourself this question: What happens if I died? This question can be especially loaded if you’re a single parent. Don’t you want to do everything possible to…
Ever since he was a tiny boy, my son has been a little dude. By this, I mean he takes on typically masculine roles. Even when he was 3 years old, he would make sure his older sister and I stood behind the orange safety line while waiting for the subway train — maneuvering his…
Last week, my kids and I visited my mom at her Milwaukee condo, the complex of which is occupied mostly by senior citizens. While lounging by the pool where my kids caused a ruckus, mildly amused and mostly annoyed by the very loud woman who went on and on and ON about how she could…
Short answer: Whenever you want. Growing up, my mom, who was divorced, dated a lot for a few years. I loved it. I loved watching her get dressed up to go out to dinner or dancing. I'd sit on her bed as she'd stand at the dresser and set her blond, permmed hair on rollers,…
Saving money on a low income is not an easy feat, and that’s especially true when you have kids and all the expenses they bring. Once you’re done paying for kid’s sports, camps, clothing, and school needs, it’s easy to find yourself with nothing left at the end of the month. You may find your…
If I have one goal in this lifetime, it is to help women see the connection between their financial security, and their personal power. When you have a strong income and earning potential, you make better decisions about your romantic relationships — dating men not who will pay your rent, but men who rock your world.…
I’m a big fan of cleansing your life. Clutter is the enemy, and not just because stuff makes your home a mess, your closets, and drawers difficult to manage, and gives your housecleaner way too much work. Sell your bridal jewelry or other diamond jewelry to minimize this physical, mental and emotional clutter. Clutter — even…
Quick top pick: BBVA. Free checking, ATMs, cash-back debit card rewards, bill pay and mobile deposit. Plus: BBVA also has a high-interest savings account. Sign up for a free BBVA checking account >> Whether you’re tired of being charged a monthly service fee, or looking for a fresh start with a new bank, or want…
I still remember the raised eyebrow stare my brother flashed my way. I told him I was meeting a male friend I hadn’t seen since high school. “Be careful,” he said, looking at me sideways. “You missed two decades.” My friend and I had a great time, but my brother had a point:it pays to…
Recently a mom emailed me: I feel so guilty for leaving my marriage. My husband is a really, really nice guy. He is a great dad, loves me a lot, has a good career. There was nothing really wrong with our marriage. I just didn't love him any more and wanted out. Now, our divorce is…
If you’re ready to delete dating apps off your phone after years of disastrous dates, or you’re just thinking of dating after divorce, a breakup, a bad dating experience like getting ghosted from someone you felt a connection with, or long, dry spell, a matchmaker can be a great option. In fact, The Wall Street…
Originally published 2013. The past few months Helena has been obsessed with family stories. “Mommy, tell me a story about when I was a baby,” she'll ask, and I'll tell her about how once, as a sleeping infant, her laugh broke the pin-drop silence of one of New York Public Library's reading rooms, eliciting a…
Updated May 17, 2019 Below, you will find a polite, academic picking-apart of the who-gets-to-call-themselves-a-single-mom debate. It rages on, constantly, and after 7 years of blogging about single moms (and being one myself for 9 years), I have come to this conclusion: The argument about who is, and who is not a single mom is…
Robo-advisors are one of my favorite financial tools to recommend for long-term savings and investing goals. (It's one type of investing account.) While the name can be intimidating, good robo-advisors are easy to set up and manage, have very low fees, and require little work over the long term. I am a fan of robo-advisors…
You're stressed. Feel like you're doing it 100% alone. Likely lonely. Maybe depressed. Therapy might sound good — but who has the time or money? Related: Questions to ask before paying for online therapy Plus, depending on where you live, and your situation, it might be embarrassing if your friends, colleagues, neighbors knew you went…
Are you considering therapy? Sometimes getting to an on-site therapist isn’t possible, but that’s no longer an excuse for not getting the help you need — and deserve. According to the World Health Organization, two-thirds of people who knowingly suffer from mental illness don't seek treatment. If you suffer depression, anxiety, overwhelm, relationship or career…
Thanks to the ease of use or the increased potential for finding a match (be it for romance, partnership, a hookup, marriage, or anything in between), online dating has become a mainstream choice for those of any age, walk of life, and lifestyle. According to The Knot, online dating is the #1 most common way…