Work + Money

Camille Gaines

As much as we want to grow our money, we all want to be surrounded with things we love, both in our homes, as well as in our closets. It may seem as though this principle could interfere with the important step of creating positive cash flow in order to save money. However, by shifting your mindset to one of "savvy smart spending", you'll gain the ability to live a life filled with those things you cherish, while also using your money wisely.

Recently a panel of three very impressive IBM executives presented at the Texas State Applied Entrepreneurship program in which I am participating. Each woman was impeccably dressed, something you don't often see in the casual environment of Austin. The topic of image came into the discussion; all three of these women emphasized the importance of dressing in a way that projects confidence. .

Heading out the door in the morning dressed in clothes that express your personal style is a pure reflection of your image. Your image is somethin

Stop Letting Your Credit Cards Run Your Life

With a struggling economy and tightening household budgets, Americans may not be able to meet their minimum monthly payments, or may do so with significant hardship. Meanwhile, individuals' credit card debts continue to rack up interest and late fees, adding to the financial burden.

Read:Credit Or Debit Card - Which One Should You Get?

It's now more important than ever for you to take control of your debt rather than letting it take control of your life.

If you can't keep up with your current bills, you have a few options to help you restructure, reduce or completely eliminate your credit card debt. These options are consolidation, settlement and, in dire cases, bankruptcy.

Read:7 Mistakes To Avoid When Shopping For No Fee Credit Cards

Debt Consolidation

Do you work for someone buttoned-up or more laid-back? Between these two very different head honchos -- Marjorie Kaplan, president of Animal Planet Media and Michelle Visser, CEO of Burt's Bees Baby -- you'll get the answers you need on three common work dilemmas. REDBOOK.

VISSER: "It's absolutely okay to cry in front of your boss, but it shouldn't become a habit. A few years ago, someone came into my office sobbing because she was overwhelmed. Coincidentally, a promotion was in the works for her, and a few days later I gave her the good news. Maybe she thought her tears had helped her, because from then on, she kept coming into my office to cry. You want employees to feel free to express themselves, but work isn't the place for therapy."

KAPLAN: "Do your best to get away--but calmly. Excuse yourself by saying, 'May I have a moment?' More often than not, crying

woman driving red car

By Brooke Showell

1. Do regular checkups. "If you're religious about preventive maintenance, it will save you thousands down the road in repairs," says Bogi Lateiner, owner of 180 Degrees Automotive in Phoenix and cohost of All Girls Garage on the Velocity Channel. Spend 5 minutes at the start of each month to check tire pressure, fluid levels, and for signs of cracking or rotting belts or hoses. Ask for a brake inspection when your car's in the shop for any repair. Schedule professional maintenance at suggested intervals. "Not doing a simple $30 oil change every 3,000 miles or so can cost you fuel efficiency, horsepower and, in the worst case, your engine," she says. Photo by: Getty

2. Come in on a midweek morning for speediest service. On Fridays, customers are racing to prepare their cars for weekend jaunts, says John Grimmett, owner of Al Grimmett & Sons Automobile Shop in Los Angeles. "Mondays are usually bad since shops are handling weekend breakdowns." For

Saving money on beauty products the easy way

A simple stock up of shampoo, conditioner, cleanser, moisturiser and foundation can set you back $150 even if you don't buy top end products but there are a few things you can do to knock a sizable dint in your beauty budget.

Also See:Top Saving Tips for Brides on a Budget

What you can't live without

If you've found a skin care regime that's perfect for you, don't cut it out, even if it's expensive. The better your base is to work with, the less you'll need to spend on make-up to perfect the canvas.

The great thing about cleansers, toners and moisturisers is that the simple cheapest products are often the most effective. The same applies with shampoo and conditioner, some simple supermarket brands are just as effective as expensive salon bottles, just