Money-Savin’ Mama: Be cautious when ‘saving’ equals more spending
A sale sign lured me from the mall’s wide corridors last October. Everything in the children’s clothing store was $16.99 or less, it promised. I don’t normally shop at Gymboree, its regular prices out...
View ArticleFinancial Wellness: Another kind of wellness in focus
Beginning March 3, my Money-Savin’ Mama columns have a new name and space. They will now run weekly on the Business pages of The Forum, under the name Financial Wellness. I’d love to hear your feedback...
View ArticleParenting Perspectives: ‘Sweet spot’ in sight, just not there yet
My baby sits on his haunches and lines up his toy cars in a neat row. No longer a baby, I think, noticing Owen’s big boy haircut and longer frame that finally fills out size 2T clothes. It’s a moment...
View ArticleFinancial Wellness: Don’t let #yolo ruin your financial future
The young professionals downing drinks and nibbling small plates at Fargo’s fine dining establishments always have confounded me. It’s a rare occasion I splurge on a $9 martini or an artisan cheese...
View ArticleA financial cleanse: dealing with debt
Much like physical health, if you want to achieve financial wellness, you need to remove the toxins from your life. When it comes to your finances, that means dealing with debt. Owing money for past...
View ArticleFinancial Wellness: Identifying our needs vs. wants
After a slow start finding his words, my toddler son has started talking like a mini grown-up, seemingly overnight. “I need coffee, Mama,” 2-year-old Owen said the other morning as he emerged from his...
View ArticleFinancial Wellness: Pay attention, but don’t obsess over your pennies
A lot of my frugal ways seem to be ingrained, habits I’m not always aware I have. Recently I realized I don’t approach the store checkout lane the same way others do. I prefer to find a lane that isn’t...
View ArticleFinancial Wellness: Breathing room important in balanced budget
Before we married, my husband and I had idyllic dreams of what wedded bliss would look like. They were contrary to how a lot of people probably imagine early career success. As early 20-somethings, we...
View ArticleFinancial Wellness: Tax refunds are wasteful, not windfall
They say the handyman’s house is the last to be fixed. In our family’s case, the accountant’s taxes are the last to be done. Given his hectic schedule this time of year, I knew it would take my CPA...
View ArticleFinancial Wellness: Be careful of (beauty) routine spending
The wiry hair sticking out from my head caught my eye. I leaned into the bathroom mirror and with my thumb and forefinger plucked it out for a better look. My first gray hair. Oh, and there’s the...
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