August 23, 2010Could you produce your birth certificate, car title, or an old tax return at a moment’s notice? You’re supposed to store vital documents in a fireproof box or keep them in a safe-deposit box, but how many of us actually do that? We may not need these papers often, but when we do need them, [...]
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August 20, 2010Making jam makes me happy. Okay, that’s only partly true. I’m also happy making jelly, preserves, and syrups — and I’m pretty darn pleased with conserves, marmalades, and most things pickled. No matter that I could never eat everything I make — even with J.D.’s help — the mere process is somehow satisfying to me. [...]
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August 17, 2010Contrary to popular belief, money can buy you happiness — if you spend it on the right things. That’s the skinny from the New York Times Business section, which last week took a close look at spending habits and happiness. Stephanie Rosenbloom writes that increased spending on leisure, travel, and hobbies tends to make people [...]
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August 16, 2010Take heart, small businesses — big banks are beginning to lend to you again. For the first time since 2006, lenders are making it easier for companies with annual sales of less than $50 million to get “construction and industrial” loans, according to the Federal Reserve Board’s latest bank lending survey. In particular, around one-fifth [...]
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August 13, 2010Yesterday we had a great discussion about some of the financial choices I’m facing, but today it’s time to look at a decision a GRS reader is trying to make. Catherine wrote to ask if it makes sense to sell her home so that she can become debt-free and have the freedom to pursue a [...]
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