I Blame It On the Microwave!

 Posted by Davis on February 3, 2011  General  2 Responses »
Feb 032011
 

In 1975 more families had microwave ovens in their homes than dishwashers. Since the late 1970’s the overweight and obesity rates in children 6-11 years old has doubled and in adolescence it has TRIPLED! Coincidence…I think not.

Our microwave broke awhile back and I decided not to have it fixed as a little experiment. After watching the food intake in my house drop dramatically I have decided to never have it fixed. Don’t worry, I’m not going to give you all a bunch of scientific boringness in attempts that you might unplug your microwave for good. This is something that made me think and that is all this is for – to make you think.

We constantly see campaigns and news on the growing epidemic (no pun intended)of obesity and how to keep our kids healthy. We blame it video games, TV, fast food restaurants, etc. And I agree that all of these things play apart in the enlargement of our children. Ironically we have more kids in sports, more campaigns to get them out the door to play for at least an hour a day, more books on the topic, and education. Continue reading »

Surviving Financial Crisis by Jennifer Maggio

 Posted by Jennifer on February 2, 2011  General  No Responses »
Feb 022011
 

 Finances is one of the leading causes of divorce.  It keeps us up at night.  It destroys friendships and relationships.  27% of single parents live in poverty.  Managing finances as a single parent can be tough for even the most diligent budgeter.  I spent almost ten years in Corporate America and specialized in financial counseling.  I wanted to share a few quick, practical tips here.  I will break this up into a series over a few weeks, because I don’t want to give too much info at once, but here are the first few:

  • Budget! Budget! Budget!  One of the most difficult things for most families that are transitioning from a two-parent home to a one-parent home (thru divorce) is to reallocate finances.  (Adding a new child into a home that you didn’t plan on can be difficult also.) You must sit down and list on paper every bill leaving your home, every penny you spend on groceries, entertainment, gas, everything.  There is no way to plan if you have no idea what is coming in and leaving your home.
  • Evaluate for 30 days.  Once you have your budget on paper, evaluate your finances for the next 30-60 days.  Keep track of everything.  Two things will happen.  Number one, you will be much more conscious of what you are spending.  Second, you will be able to begin to trim your budget based on “wastes and indulgences”.
  • Trim the fat.  This is the most difficult.  There are necessities — food, transportation, housing.  And…..there are non-essentials — manicures, going out to eat, living in the very best neighborhood, movie dates, name-brand clothing.  If most of us evaluate what we spend money on, it is very easy to pick out those things that have become a luxury, a habit.  Maybe for this season of your life, you have to do your own nails, go longer between hair cuts, shop at a different grocery store, or live in a different neighborhood. 
  • Become familiar with discounts, coupons, and rebates.  This is a positively fabulous way to save money!  When I began to coupon-clip during a very tight financial season in my own life, I found that I could save almost 75% on what I was currently spending on groceries.  Whether you are on a tight budget or not, why not save the money on groceries to distribute elsewhere?!  (There are great websites available on this very matter.  We recommend Stephanie Nelson’s The Coupon Mom.)

These are all very simple solutions, but you would be surprised at the number of women I counsel who’ve never even created a budget.  The emotional turmoil of a divorce, failed relationship, or death of a spouse can be devastating on its own.  Focusing on financial health is a great burden that can be lifted with a little focus and commitment. Continue reading »

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A Dad’s Point-of-View, by Bruce Sallan – Don’t You Just Hate That

 Posted by Bruce on February 1, 2011  General  No Responses »
Feb 012011
 

Don’t You Just Hate That?

Isn’t that one of the things we often say to ourselves, “I Hate When I Do That”? As a general rule, I dislike using the word “hate” as casually as it is generally used. I prefer to reserve “hate” for someone or something more serious; for instance, I hate the guy who shot all those innocent people in Arizona (his name should ever be forgotten). But, as the use of this phrase is so ubiquitous, I will make an exception and take this literary license this time and use the word “hate.”

Following is my list, my personal “I Hate When I Do Thats,” with special focus on parenting issues and marriage (men and women). I’ve also included a few of my family’s “I Hate Whens.” Feel free to e-mail me yours, which I may include in a future column (bruce@brucesallan.com).

In no particular order: Continue reading »

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