MoneyWiseWomen

The $20 Christmas Gift that Can Change a Life

I have a great Christmas idea for the home improvement enthusiast on your list—the DIY Project Calculator for Dummies, available for under $20.00 at The Home Depot.

I know what you’re thinking. “How does a calculator change a person’s life?”

The project calculator doesn’t. But it’s the tangible thing you put in the box, along with instructions for the real life-changing present—directions to the online retirement calculator at www.choosetosave.org/ballpark

Escaping the Bag Lady Syndrome

A survey taken a couple of years ago found about half of the women interviewed were afraid they'll be a bag lady and that included women earning more than $100,000. Forbes magazine reports that being a bag ladyy is the most documented female money fear - anxiety about finding yourself suddenly destitute and on skid row. Tory Johnson, Women for Hire  recently posted this issue on her Facebook and blog and was overwhelmed with the response. If the bag lady fear lives in the back of your mind don't wait another day to take action. By developing an investment plan you can live financially independent later in life.

My Summer Vacation

Do you remember when you were a kid going back to school and sharing with your friends all the fun things you did on your summer vacation? For the first time in more than 40 years I had an all summer vacation. And, it was wonderful! My husband and I went to Reno with friends and to Missouri for a family reunion.  My friend Nancy and I went to Northern Virginia to spend time rubber stamping with friends. My husband and I went to the Kitsap BlueJacket baseball games, played golf, walked our dogs, and spent time gardening. I did lots of rubber stamping and hosted several stamping workshops. Wow!

We Must Invest in Our Women -- Especially in Hard Times

Today's Seattle Times (October 10, 2010) had an Op Ed about Investing in our women especially in hard times. The authors said "As community members, we too must invest in women. Whether you choose to act with your wallet, your time, or both, your action will make a difference. The critical role that women play in maintaining our families and community demands that we identify solutions that will foster not only an equitable recovery, but also innovative long-term solutions for women and girls -- and ultimately for all of us."