Blog Posts by Marie Claire

Star Trek's Jean Luc Picard had a certain savoir faire, a style of getting out of dilemmas smoothly and quickly - like when he tricked "Q" into promising never to meddle with humanity. I'm no Starfleet captain; I am an average 30-something who dislikes speeding tickets, jealous girlfriends, and unnecessary personal inquiries. Over the years, I've learned a few tricks to talk my way out of hot spots, and as a business owner I've studied how others squirm before the sharp end of my own questions. Here are a few tips that have worked....

Avoid
It worked on Ezra, a high school bully I dodged for an entire semester after beaming him in the back of the head with a juicy seeded grape. The easiest way to talk your way out of a jam is not to put yourself in that situation at all. In short, be prescient and avoid confrontation. Avoidance may delay the inevitable, but it may also give you time to prepare and your adversary time to cool off.

Sidestep
Avoidance is also possible, but not as easy,

Read More »from How to Talk Your Way Out of Anything

Although buying a home may turn into a profitable investment, most home buyers aren't primarily interested in earning a profit. Naturally, they want to get the best bang for their buck, and maybe someday sell it for more than they invested, but mostly they're looking for that indefinable something that flicks a switch in their sentiments and turns brick and mortar into a multiroom womb where they and their families can live in peace and love, and be happy forever and ever, amen.

Real estate investors are a different breed.

Oh, sure, most of them also have warm, comfortable homes brimming with family, friends, and good cheer. But cozy feelings have no more to do with their real estate investments than with their stock portfolios or Certificates of Deposit. Which is exactly as it should be.

There's something else that's different about real estate investors. They know more than most of us, including the fact that the most widely accepted verity about real estate - you know the one:

Read More »from How To Invest in Real Estate

OWN THE ROOM
When's the last time you saw a guy walk into a bar or party looking useless and confused? Okay, so it was yesterday. Were you interested in him? No? Shocker. That's because most guys walk into a place with a purpose. Unless they're looking for a space to park their binder filled with original Star Trek drawings, they're looking for friends or women. And you should look the same. When you walk into a place, act like you know where the heck you're going, even if you don't. Everyone will wonder who you are and why you're there, but they'll never think you're useless and confused.

EYE YOUR PREY
Got your eye on someone? Good. Don't shy away. Look him straight in the eye and think, You should be attached to my lips by now; why aren't you? Trust me, he'll read your thoughts like they're projected above your head on a wide-screen.

FAKE INTEREST
Look, no one cares about what anyone else has to say. They just don't. But what you have to do is pretend that you do. Ask about their

Read More »from How to date like a man

Sure, he wines and dines you, even splurges on expensive gifts and vacations for two. But until you get intimate with his bank account, you won't know for sure how his financial situation is really looking. The speed with which he whips out the plastic isn't directly proportional to the depths of his pockets. Your big spender could be hiding behind a mountain of debt. Before shacking up or tying the knot, make sure you know his current financial situation and how it's looking for the future.

1. Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Is he positioned for a promotion, or is he looking to change careers entirely? If he's planning to go back to school, he'll more than likely have to take out another loan. According to FinAid.org, a law school graduate is on average $80,000 in debt by the time he gets that diploma. While higher education can be worth it for career advancement, will you be the primary breadwinner while he's hitting the books? And if you want to go back to school too,

Read More »from Money Questions You Must Ask Your Man

Whether you're a wanna-be Hollywood mogul or Wall Street kingpin, you'll likely begin your career ascent at the lowest rung, where fetching coffee and answering phones are de rigueur. (Take heart, the long list of assistants-turned-zillionaires includes David Geffen, Simon Cowell and designer Derek Lam.) It takes a stand-out to parlay a lowly gig into career springboard, according to Hillary Stamm and Peter Norwalk, both one-time assistants who authored Hollywood Assistants Handbook: 86 Rules for Aspiring Power Players. Here, essential rules that apply to up-and-comers in every industry:

1. Thicken Up That Skin
"You may hate it when that agent from Endeavor thinks you'll be more likely to have your boss return the call if he calls you 'babe' over the phone, but it's really not worth getting your panties in a bunch. Why? He could be the same guy who recommends you for the job at Scott Free (Ridley and Tony Scott's company…) As they say, sticks and stones will break your bones…The

Read More »from Simple Rules for Assistants With Big Ambitions

If you're having trouble falling asleep, you're in good company. An estimated 65% of Americans said they encounter sleep problems a few nights each week, according to a recent study by the National Sleep Foundation. Sleeping too little is linked with an increased risk for obesity and depression. But before you reach for a sleep aid from the nearest pharmacy, it's worth reexamining your nighttime routine. Some of your favorite evening rituals could be responsible for that tossing and turning.


1. Setting a Bright Alarm Clock
The looming glare of your alarm clock can be distracting when trying to sleep. The goal is to have as dark a room as possible. Block the bright numbers with a book or consider buying a small travel clock. Your cell phone alarm may also do the trick.

2. Counting Sheep
When you just can't fall asleep, it's useless to stay in bed. If you've been trying to fall asleep for more than 30 minutes, the National Sleep Foundation suggests doing something mundane, like

Read More »from Bedtime habits that are ruining your sleep

Everybody wants one. But talking money at work can be tricky these days as more companies downsize and so many are arguably relieved just to have jobs. But that need not stop you from asking for what you've earned. Exercise common sense-you may need to bide your time a bit longer if your firm is currently doling out pink slips. But if the outlook seems stable, consider these guidelines before making your case.


1. Have your back-up ready.
Come prepared with a memo that details your accomplishments, from tangible scores (that big deal you nailed) to the immeasurable contributions (you mentor junior associates). Use examples to demonstrate that you've taken on more responsibility within the company. Keep the memo short (no PowerPoint presentations!)-no more than a page, two max. Leave a copy with your boss, so he's got all the information at the ready when considering your request.

2. Do not threaten to quit.
Keep your inner brat in check. If your boss balks at your request for more

Read More »from The Smart Gal's Guide to getting a raise in a recession

Getty ImagesThe most obvious way to blow your credit score is to make a late payment. Even if your credit score is solid, a single missed payment could cost you as much as 100 points, say many financial advisers. According to the Fair Isaac, the company that calculates your FICO score, payment history accounts for 35 percent of your total score. And that credit score will help determine what kind of rates you can score when applying for home or car loans. So first things first: Figure out your credit score.

Your FICO score, a number between 300 and 850, is based on five criteria:

• payment history
• amounts owed
• length of credit history
• new credit
• types of credit used

You can find out yours at myfico.com. According to Experian National Score Index, one of the major credit bureau companies, the average credit score in America is currently 692. Those with scores well above 700 will qualify for the best interest rates out there.

But even if you pay your bills on time Read More »from Sneaky ways you're ruining your credit score