Author Archives: Nina - Page 3
Finance “advocate” in The Advocate
My second column for The Advocate appears in the Sept Issue. You can also check it out online to learn: 1. How the new Income-Based Repayment (IBR) program can help…
Should we have another child? A decision influenced by economics and other factors.
For various reasons (just one being economic), Jeanine and I have been talking lately about whether we will have a second child. I think the decision to add to our…
Selecting a 529 college savings plan
The other day I did my research on 529 plans and yesterday I spoke with my financial advisor. The first thing I learned was that California doesn't offer a state…
A tutorial on 529 college savings plans
My financial advisor scheduled my midyear review for tomorrow. In addition to our general discussion, I told her that I needed advice on 529 plans and saving for Sam's college…
The cost to eradicate bed bugs
Jeanine knows someone who is having a costly ordeal with getting rid of bed bugs. At this point, I think he's spent over a thousand dollars and he's not even…
Is the “cash for clunkers” program suspended or not?
There's been a lot of press lately about the 'œcash for clunkers' program, formally known as the Car Allowance Rebate System, a $1 billion government program that helps consumers purchase…
Vlog: How to Buy a Used Car
So while we look for a new vlogger to take over where Clint left off, here is a video about how to buy a used car from my new favorite…
Freelancers: Are you experiencing a Self-Employed Depression?
The phenomenon of a Self-Employed Depression was written about recently in The New York Times Magazine. Emily Bazelon coined the term as she described the effects of the recession on…
Would you take a pay cut to keep your job?
Money Magazine recently published an article about how to talk the boss out of giving you a pink slip. If you know your employer is hurting for cash, one might…
Work Spouse: good for your paycheck?
At a recent dinner party, one of our guests shared a story about a weekend getaway with her work spouse. I wasn't familiar with the term but learned it's a…