Blog Posts by Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen

Money is a common reason for divorce -- but this financial expert says it may be an even more common cause of breakups among couples who are not married!

"Many couples are reluctant to talk about money - whether it's one partner in the couple or both -- and it leads to problems," says Carla Morelli, founder of FreyerMartin (a money management firm). "Not openly communicating about something so central to a couple's life creates cracks in the relationship that can eventually split it apart."

Why Couples Need to Talk About Money

When one person in the couple has trouble talking about money, he or she can feel a myriad of unpleasant things when a conversation is forced: uncomfortable, inadequate, controlled, attacked, resentful. This doesn't allow him or her to come to the conversation from a position of strength -- and it's a bad starting point. In the meantime, the other partner experiences his or her own unhappy feelings: frustration, a sense of being put out, lack of

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Do you repeatedly pick romantic partners who are total losers? Maybe you're sick of boyfriends who live off of you without so much as a thank-you. Perhaps you wonder why you can't find a man who will pay his share - let alone pay your way.

If you're ready for a whole new dating experience (aka dating a rich guy!), check out this advice from modern day courtesan - and published author - Veronica Monet.

Think of dating as a good sales technique. "We don't like to think something as crass as "sales" has anything to do with love, dating or marriage; but it does," says Monet, author of Sex Secrets of Escorts - Tips from a Pro. "We all use sales techniques while we are dating. We just don't talk about it in those terms. But let's be honest: you don't show up for a first date smelling of body odor and looking like you haven't engaged in any personal grooming for a few months."

Don't take advantage of him. "Although some men have inherited their wealth, the vast majority of them worked

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Do you feel paralyzed or terrified at the thought of taking contol of your budget, credit card debt, or income? Or maybe it bores you to tears -- but you know you have to do it, my friends. Why? Because being in control will free your heart and mind, which will give you energy to do other things.

Suze Orman says, "A big part of financial freedom is having your heart and mind free from worry about the what-ifs of life."

The sooner you take charge of your finances, the happier you'll be (even if it hurts like hell at first). These money tips are from Lisa Caputo, Founder, Chairman and CEO and Linda Descano, CFA, President and COO of Women & Co - an amazing financial website for women!

1. Gather your financial records. Pull together your statements (e.g., bank, credit card, brokerage), your insurance and legal documents (e.g., life insurance, will, healthcare proxy), and your personal records (e.g., birth certificate, marriage/divorce certificate, property deed). Create a

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Are you hoping to have a baby sooner rather than later? These five tips for boosting fertility may help -- plus, here's why you should keep trying to conceive, even in these uncertain economic times!

"History shows that during a recession, birth rates drop as couples delay childbearing," say Tami Quinn and Beth Heller, of Pulling Down the Moon fertility care clinic. "In current times where most women already postpone family planning, medical experts warn of the detriment of delayed pregnancy and urge couples to be aware of their biological clocks."

They urge women not to let a troubled economy get in the way of fulfilling family-building dreams. Here are their ways to get pregnant faster...

1. Consider a fertility cleanse. Supporting the body's detoxification organs is critical for women trying to conceive. When not functioning properly, hormone imbalances can cause reproductive turmoil. Learn which foods, eating habits and supplements can aid detoxification and boost

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Have you ever had to sue a friend to get the money you loaned back? I have, and it was not pretty.

"If you lend money to a friend or family member, be prepared to never see it again," is the standard advice. I disagree: I'd lend money again, AND I'd make sure I'm repaid!

These tips for lending money to friends or family members are from my personal experience, and from months of watching Judge Marilyn render verdicts on "The People's Court"....

1. Ask why they need the money. Knowing why your "peeps" need it may help you decide whether or not you should lend the money in the first place. Only lend money for vital reasons: paying the rent, buying food, paying bills, taking care of children's needs. Never give money to friends or family members for plastic surgery, vacations, or other luxuries.

If your friend or relative refuses to tell you why she/he needs the money, then you shouldn't be doing business (and make sure you see it that way! A loan is a business transaction).

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"When money is removed from the table, love becomes its own currency," says therapist Gilda Carle, Ph.D. "This is great news for relationships. Amid the doom and gloom, sizzling passion can build. And the "us against the economy" interaction creates an unflappable bond."

Your financial struggles as a couple can improve your relationship, according to this relationship expert and author of Don't Bet on the Prince: How to Have the Man You Want by Betting on Yourself.

Carle says money problems can improve your relationship by...

1. Helping you redefine romance. Money problems can lead you to interpret romance differently. Instead of expensive dating, choose significant conversation. Walk in the park and talk by the water because you like hearing what your partner has to say.

2. Encouraging you to spend more time together - and laugh more. Replace a fancy vacation with a "staycation" at home, watching funny movies and laughing. Laughter's contagion reduces stress hormones

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"Sitting behind a desk all day is just as abusive to the body as playing a contact sport," says Jay Cardiello, a Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach. "Each year, thousands of people suffer from desk-related injuries such as lower back pain, Carpal-Tunnel syndrome, arthritis and obesity."

Cardiello shares effective ways to work out your arms, abs, buns, and thighs without going to the gym or changing into workout clothes! For each exercise, keep your abdominal muscles tight to develop a strong core.

1. The Chair Squat: While sitting up straight, slowly proceed to a standing position. Keep your arms straight out for balance. Repeat and perform 15-25 repetitions.

2. Chair Triceps Dips: Secure your chair against the wall and place hands at the end of the chair. Bend your knees so your thighs and lower legs form slightly more than a 90-degree angle. Bend your elbows and slowly lower your body. Straighten the elbows to raise the body up. Repeat for 12-20 repetitions.

3.

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I don't want to drag you down, but you never know when you'll be facing job loss or financial difficulties -- and people who are struggling now know the supreme importance of building an emergency fund! Financial expert Ethan Ewing shares nine steps to build a nest egg… and they're not too painful...

"By implementing some or all of these steps, you will see your savings account gradually growing," says Ewing, the President of Bills.com. "If you need it, it will be there for you; and if you are fortunate enough not to need it, you will soon find yourself with a sizable nest egg."

1. Save your store "savings." If the grocery store register receipt says, "You saved $17.52 today," then transfer that amount into a savings account. Ewing says, "You will be driven to hunt for bargains, as every deal means you pay yourself instead of a retailer." And you may not notice the "missing" money!

2. Ignore a raise. "Most people are not getting a raise in this economic environment," Ewing

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