The US experienced plunging birth rates during the economically troubled decades of the 1930s and 1970s. That's not an unlikely scenario. Historically, birth rates tend to rise during good economic times, and decline in weaker ones. In recent years, birth rates have been on the decline. 2017 had the… Continue Reading

There’s no better feeling than being financially secure. But, you can only stretch your salary so far in order to quickly pay off debt, fund an emergency savings account, and save up for next year’s vacation. Thankfully there are all sorts of ways that will help you make money fast without havin… Continue Reading

OK sports fans, The Big Game is over; it’s time to get down to real life. That means OUR lives, and not the ones of the stars on the field. Got a few pounds to lose? There’s no better day than today to get to it. Why? Because Super Bowl Monday is THE day to start a diet. Let's be honest, the … Continue Reading

This article topic was suggested by reader/commenter Gary Haas, and it’s a timely one. Barely two years ago, you’d have been lucky to get 1% on savings accounts or certificates of deposit (CDs). But rate increases in the past couple of years have changed that situation somewhat, and it’s now b… Continue Reading

On a scale of 1 to 10, how happy are you with your life? Are you a 10, so happy that you honestly couldn’t see how life could get any better? Or maybe you’re closer to a 6 or 7, where you’re pretty satisfied with life most the time, but sometimes you wish for something more. Do you understand … Continue Reading

You can make money blogging, even if you do not have any prequalifications. See how blogging solved my mid-life career crisis. If I can do this, so can you... Continue Reading

When temperatures plummet or snow falls, it can be easy to forget that your home still needs maintenance and care. It also may need a few cold weather home improvement projects, even though they may be even further from your mind. With real estate markets slowing more and more people are choosing to… Continue Reading

Has health care finally reached the breaking point? Apparently the number of people choosing to go without health insurance is growing. Should that surprise anyone? It’s actually a rational strategy when the cost reaches the point of being unsustainable. If we haven’t already reached that point,… Continue Reading

People hate moving because it's a stressful and cumbersome process, but it's also an expensive endeavor. Fortunately, there are ways to save money during a move, so your expenses aren't as much of a burden. Saving a few dollars where you can will add up and help you get to your destination on a tigh… Continue Reading

The tales of puny salary increases have become legend. In recent years, pay increases have been hovering around 2%. But that figure tells only part of the story. The other part is how your employer is paying you less than you think. For 2018 and 2019, the average increase has supposedly been/will… Continue Reading