Work + Money
- By MP Dunleavey
couple talking about money
Speak UpYou're well aware money talks, but did you know it also pays off to talk about money? Find out how to have a constructive conversation about finances. Photo by Getty Images.
WHAT'S THE PAYOFF?Healthier family finances and less relationship strife
WHY YOU SHOULDN'T AVOID IT
While talking about money is stressful, not talking about it leads to even greater conflict, which is why money issues are a top source of marital misery. Getting financially in sync can help you work together toward mutual goals, which will make you both happier.
1. Agree to Have a Real ConversationMost couples "talk" about money in a drive-by style-as they're deciding to buy something, when the bills come in, or when there's not enough cash on hand for something one of you feels you need. You open a credit card bill and the next thing out of your mouth is, "You spent how much? You need to be more responsible!" These little money bombs can be hurtful an
...Read More » - By Philip Galanes
Author of Social Q's
No more scented candles! If we wanted our homes to smell like "Summer Rain" (with its sticky humidity and propensity to mildew), we'd move to Seattle-or buy the stinky candle ourselves. Don't take my word for it. I've got scads of letters to prove it. They come to me care of "Social Q's," the advice column I write for the Sunday Styles section of The New York Times (and now a book of essays about how to skate through the most awkward moments of your life).The holidays are a few of them. And while we're on the subject of holiday gifting, please put down that "personality" sweater, jaunty hat, sachet of lavender potpourri, and zippy necktie. Now! We don't want them. Trust me.
Cases in point: I am a 35-year-old woman, and my father has given me a silk scarf for every Christmas and birthday since I was 21. Do you know how many silk scarves that is?
Let me guess: Twenty-five too many?
Or this one: My children have decided
...Read More » - Preparing for the holiday season can be overwhelming. There are gifts to buy, cards to mail, decorations to choose and more. Save time and avoid stress by having an app-y holiday with these top 5 holiday apps:
Holiday Apps
1. Google Shopper (iOS and Android) Find a gift for your loved ones and save on shopping time and money with this free app that pulls in information on more than a million products. Scan the barcode on items or find them by cover art, voice, or text, then compare local and online prices. Stumped on gift ideas? The app shows weekly sales and popular items of the week. You can also add things to a shopping list and share it with friends.
2. Christmas Gift List (Android) and The Christmas List (iOS) These apps are no-brainers when it comes to organizing your shopping list and funds. You can create a list with a per-person budget and share it via email, or twitter. Both also mark gifts purchased and keep stats on money spent and total budget and have password protection op
...Read More » - By Joanna Douglas, Senior Fashion And Beauty Editor | Work + Money | Fri, Dec 7, 2012 4:18 PM EST | CommentsAnne Hathaway is sweet, pretty, and a good actress. She has great style, and is a fantastic role model for girls, unlike many of her peers. But there's something inexplicable about her that rubs us the wrong way. We conducted an informal survey of friends, colleagues, and the Internet, and discovered that yes, Hathaway gets under people's skin, but it's nearly impossible for anyone to articulate why. Nowadays many people turn to Yahoo! Answers when they have a question that needs solving. We discovered the following questions posed there:
Anne Hathaway annoys people, but no one knows why
-Am I the only person who doesn't like Anne Hathaway?
-Is it just me, or are there others out there who wonder why people make a big deal over Anne Hathaway?
-Does anyone else find Anne Hathaway extremely annoying?
-Who else thinks Anne Hathaway has an annoying face?
-Do you think Anne Hathaway is overrated?
-Does anyone else hate Anne Hathaway?
-Who gets your vote for most annoying actress going around at the moment? My vote: Anne Hathaway
-I...Read More » - By Laurie Lee
woman adjusting thermostat
Stay Warm and Save
Dropping temps mean higher heating bills, right? Not always. A few simple strategies can keep you and your family warm and toasty while keeping costs down. Photo by Getty Images.
If your heating bill is through the (uninsulated) roof, a home energy audit might be the answer. This professional consultation, which can be anything from a basic walk-through to using an infrared camera to identify heat loss zones, will leave you with a prioritized to-do list of areas to insulate or other ways to save thousands of dollars in the long run. The service can cost $500 and up, but some utility companies offer free or discounted audits, so call yours first to check. If your home's in pretty good shape, do your own "audit" to check for likely heat loss areas; find a guide at energystar.gov.
Boost the ViewEnergy Star-rated windows are tops for holding in heat, but at $300 or more each, installing them may not be in the budget. Instead, add
...Read More »
Aries (March 21 - April 19)
If you are a member of the Sandwich Generation, then you are spending more than your fair share of time taking care of everyone around you. It's worth the money to pay for some back up. Consider it more than a self-indulgent treat -- you need to take care of yourself, so you can continue taking care of others.
Today's Aries Reading: Free Sample Astro Identity Reading
Taurus (April 20 - May 20)
If you're down to one dollar left in your back pocket and two dollars' worth of immediate expenses, then it goes without saying that dollar is as good as gone. But if you have some money to spare, then you can afford to take a few risks with it. Do so.
Today's Taurus Reading: Free Sample Harmony Reading
...Read More »
Gemini (May 21 - June 21)
If you're feeling particularlyThe weather is fine, your schedule has cleared up and you're thinking about treating mom to a travel this Mother's Day. Well, my friends you are in luck! There are plenty of fabulous travel deals, discounts and packages that have been released for those looking for a last-minute Mother's Day getaway. When it comes down to gifts and surprises, travel really can't be beat. It's the ultimate gift and one that just keeps on giving. There's nothing like remembering that Mother's Day scuba diving, or taking in an exotic sunset. You'll have an amazing time, plus these resorts and hotels look absolutely gorgeous! Click through for 7 last-minute Mother's Day travel deals! -By Nadia Carriere
MORE ON BABBLE
The 25 worst Mother's Day gifts - ever
The 25 most luxurious hotel pools on the planet
10 hilariously awkward Mother's Day photos
...Read More »
Aries (March 21 - April 19)
You're re-enacting historical events -- personal, family ones. Some financial traits get passed down from generation to generation, almost by osmosis. You have the ability to break the habit for the bad ones while keeping the good ones, but only once you become aware of them in the first place.
Today's Aries Reading: Free Sample Priority Shuffle Tarot Reading
Taurus (April 20 - May 20)
What your mother didn't teach you, life will. You need to be open-minded to the lessons the world is trying to impart. There is no reason at this point to continue repeating financial mistakes, Taurus. Listen up!
Today's Taurus Reading: Free Sample Chakra Reading
...Read More »Gemini (May 21 - June 21)
Money is getting tighter and tighter and you are getting more and more energized- There are many aspects of getting a job that may not be understood by first-time applicants. If your teen is in the market for a job, you can certainly help but it will also be beneficial for them to go through the process on their own without you doing everything. Here are some tips to help your teen through the process of getting a job without doing all of the work.
teen
Review the Opportunities
Whether your teen wants to work part-time while still in school or if they are seeking seasonal, summer work point them to the places they can look such as the newspaper classifieds or the local mall where help wanted signs may be posted. Kids may also be more aware than you of the online sites where job postings are available.
Related: 7 things you should never say to your boss
Review Your Networking ConnectionsMany parents may already have an 'in' for their teen at a friend's company. You can certainly suggest these opportunities but ultimately let your teen take p
...Read More » - The Paperless Post co-founder on how to dress for work when you're a 20-something in charge.
Alexa Hirschfeld
The woman: Alexa Hirschfeld, 29
The job: Cofounder with her brother James of online stationery company Paperless Post, aka the fancy Evite, which has sent more than 85 million electronic invites to date, and in October (snail-mailers, rejoice!) launched a hard-copy line.
Company rundown:
Launched: 2009
Headquarters: Chelsea, New York City
Financials: $12.3 million in capital raised to date
Employees: 55
ELLE: You and your brother conceived of the idea for Paperless Post when sending invites for his twenty-first birthday, which means you've been in charge of the company since you were 23. Do you feel pressure to dress a certain way in order to be taken seriously?
Alexa Hirschfeld: Back when we were first getting off the ground, I made an effort to dress conservatively for meetings because I thought I needed to appear like I was more concerned about
...Read More »
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