Work + Money

I'm a list person. Call me OCD, a micro-manager, what have you-but jotting down to-dos is my lifeline.

Every time I do, I get a momentary sense of relief, a mind-cleanse, as I spit out all my commitments on paper. But that wave of relief is quickly followed by sweaty palms. There's so much to do-so little time and only one me to be everywhere, doing everything!

There's an argument that says staying busy is good. It means you've got a job, and one that's important enough that your boss needs you. It means you've got friends who want to spend time with you. It means you're leaving your mark, and, hey, that takes work.

But a life that's too busy is a double-edged sword, and it can affect more than just our sanity. Experts have found our frenetic pedal-to-the-metal mentality also could cause us to stall out in our careers. If that comes as a surprise, take a closer look at some of the implications of falling into the "busy trap."

1. We Don't Prioritize Well

With too many commitm

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Your kids may be getting ready to go back to school, but there are some things they won't learn in the classroom - like how to save money. One of the easiest ways I like to teach them about money is with an adorable piggy bank, and what better way to show them how to start saving than by making their own bank?! Click through for 7 DIY piggy bank ideas! - By Amy Anderson

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7 ways to survive back-to-school shopping on a budget

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Farnoosh Torabi is an ace number-cruncher, but you don't have to be to handle your finances intelligently. Just know these figures to feel calm and confident about your future. REDBOOK.

$7,400: That's the amount that gets withheld from the median household income of $46,000. Do you know how big a bite gets taken out of your paycheck for federal tax withholding, Social Security, and Medicare combined? How about the amount that's left after state and city taxes and other deductions for insurance and retirement? To calculate how much you net, pull out your pay stubs for the past month (if you're married, grab your spouse's docs too). You can't even begin to get a grip on spending and saving if you don't have a clear picture of what you're bringing in. Now you know.

100 minus your age : The difference equals the percentage of your investments that should be in stocks; the rest should be in bonds. So a 35-year-old woman ideally has 65 percent of her money in stocks and 35 percent in bon

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By Cari Wira Dineen

Hitting the books again can help you learn skills for a new career or increase your earning potential. But in this economy, is it worth your time and tuition? Five things to think through before enrolling. Photo by: Getty

1. PINPOINT YOUR GOALS

Knowing exactly why you want to return to school may determine whether it will pay off in the long run. Earning your GED if you don't have a high school diploma is always wise: According to the U.S. Census Bureau, that diploma alone can be expected to net you an additional $200,000 in wages over your lifetime. If you need a graduate degree to change careers, look carefully at the field to find out if you'll see enough of a salary boost to cover your investment. Use Kiplinger's calculator tool to estimate the likelihood of recouping your costs.
Related: Break these 10 bad money habits now.

2. RESEARCH THE JOB MARKET

Look for opportunity-rich fields to ensure you stand a good chance of finding work

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By Nici Perreault, GalTime.com

Smart tips for back-to-school savings!

smart tips for back to school savings

Every year, it seems like summer gets shorter and shorter. You're receiving your child's back to school supply list in the mail before you have even emptied out last year's backpack.

According to the National Retail Federation, the average family of K through 12 students will spend $688 on supplies this year. This doesn't have to be you. Whether your child is entering school for the first time, or they are a seasoned pro, heading into their senior year of college, school supplies are a necessity. Andrea Woroch, a nationally recognized Consumer and Money Saving Expert, is sharing some money saving tips to help us keep the back to school shopping in check.

1. Shop at home: Go through drawers around the house with your list and take inventory of what you have including last year's backpacks. While your child may want a new box of crayons with 5,000 different colors, you likely have many of those shade

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