I’ve been working since my son was born; I’m also the primary earner in my marriage. My son, now five, is thriving. I’m not. I still filter everything through the lens of my shortcomings, the tally of meals missed and other failures. But he does not. He’s a happy, independent little guy. Last month, my son was on a class trip at Carnegie... CONTINUE READING 10

When I answered my seven-year-old’s Christmas request for an iPod Touch recently with a “no” (and a side of “are you kidding me?”), he shot back: “But you don’t even have to pay for it! It’ll be from Santa.” I was temporarily stumped, but I reminded him that not only is Santa on a budget just like we are, he also... CONTINUE READING 5

The smarter you get, the more retailers try to outsmart you. Although a new study from Deloitte shows that 90% of people know what they’re buying before they get to a store (and about 66% shop when products are on sale)—anxious retailers are coming up with new ways to get you to give into impulse buys. Some, like Foot Locker, have honed their sales techniques so you’re more... CONTINUE READING 8

Holiday travel just got more expensive, as many airlines have added surcharges ranging from $10 to $50 for the most popular flying days. Don’t you hate that? Here’s how to save: Time it right. FareCompare analyzed three years’ worth of fares and found that the best ticket prices are available at 3:00 p.m. ET on Tuesdays. Act fast: starting this month, holiday... CONTINUE READING 10

A recent Marie Claire article described incidents of financial infidelity that would curl your hair. One woman had no idea her family was swimming in unpaid bills and eviction notices—until she found a wad of them, stuffed into the lining of her husband’s jacket. Could this happen in your own marriage? Maybe not. But nearly a third of couples admit they’ve lied... CONTINUE READING 12

When it comes to saving up, sometimes real women like you and me, not seasoned money experts, give the best advice. Our proof? See below for six amazing budget strategies from DailyWorth’s readers: It’s in the Cards—by Jen I put all that I can on my credit card and pay it off each month so I have a record of all my purchases.... CONTINUE READING 19

Armed with detailed spreadsheets and statements—I recently had the “let’s combine our finances” talk with my new fiancé. Gulp. Despite past conversations about our income levels—I earn more—and some other issues, we’d never really bared our financial souls. But we wanted to get our finances in sync before the wedding next August. I was so nervous that my palms were sweaty. My own... CONTINUE READING 10

Would you tell a friend what you earn? How much debt you have? Despite how much you share with friends about the rest of your life, money remains a weirdly taboo topic. And that’s a shame, says financial therapist Amanda Clayman. Just as you turn to pals for support in most other stressful situations, “friends can offer encouragement, information and advice that can help with... CONTINUE READING 10

We can all use kick-butt inspiration when it comes to our careers—and sometimes Hollywood comes through. Five of our fave movies featuring high-powered women characters: Baby Boom—Her no-nonsense ways made J.C. Wiatt (Diane Keaton) a success in the biz world, but when she inherits a baby, she loses her job. So she leaves Manhattan for Vermont, where she struggles…until she gets... CONTINUE READING 13

You know the drill: You get excited about a goal (a real vacation! new fall clothes!) and you plaster your brain with promises to save. Then you lose that kick-butt momentum and your plan falters. Are you a savings slacker? Nope, but you may be using the wrong motivation technique for the goal you have in mind, according to a new University... CONTINUE READING 10