Are most Americans really struggling financially?

I’m not sure that’s the case as much as the media makes it out to be. Sure, there are a number of folks that are dealing with some hard times. But, I would argue that the majority are truly in dire straights. In fact, I think the media is making it seem worse than it really is. Either that, or Americans are being outright idiotic when it comes to money matters. And that may well be the case too. Maybe I’m right in both cases.

When life throws you a curve ball

My husband went to his ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat) doctor because he’s been having some sinus problems. For most folks, dealing with his sinus issues, the solution is sinus surgery. There are other non-invasive procedures, but, for the most part, some type of sinus surgery is recommended. The ENT didn’t want to put my husband under because he’s a special case. By special, and to give you guys some background, my husband had a kidney transplant almost 10 years ago. Health issues have always been a concern for us and have been one of the main reasons we needed to enlist the help of Dave Ramsey. Before I get too side-tracked, the ENT doesn’t want to do the surgery but recommended a couple things for my husband to do to help.

Do we really use envelopes?

This question was posed on the LLNOE forums by KEDkrafty. The simple answer, yes. From my experience teaching Financial Peace University over the last two and half years, folks are a bit reluctant using the envelope system for one reason or another. Many have issues carrying cash for the fear of being mugged. I’ve even come across folks who just plain don’t like cash because it’s dirty. To many, it’s more convenient to use plastic, either debit/check card or credit card. Whatever the reason may be, there’s always some apprehension toward envelopes.

Living like no one else

One of Dave Ramsey’s most popular lines, and one of my favorites, is “living like no one else, so later, you can live like no else.” I came across a forum not too long ago, that was built on this idea. More specifically, to provide a place of support and accountability for folks following Dave Ramsey’s teachings. The forum has been cleverly called, you guessed it, Living Like No Else.

No recession for 2008

You often hear people criticize George W. Bush’s comments about the economy. Whenever he mentions that the economy is fine, steady, and strong, it’s usually accompanied by mocks of stupidity and ignorance. But, the nation’s leading economists, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke and Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson are saying the exact same thing.

Sometimes I feel like I’m the only one that hates Valentine’s Day

There’s nothing like a National Holiday that makes people go out and buy crap that, in reality, means nothing. Chocolates, flowers, and jewelry don’t say “love” to me. They say, “what can I buy to show them I care without really spending much thought?”

The Forbes 20 Cash Queens of Music

I wanted to have a little fun today and came across the Forbes 20 Top Earning Women in Music. If you weren’t aware of how much some of your favorite artists actually bring in, check this out. This list covers the artists earnings from June 2006 to June 2007.

10 tips to renting a car without a credit card

If you’re a MoneyTalk reader, you’re probably aware that, not only do I not endorse credit cards, I don’t have any. My husband and I have stuck to the basics by either paying with cash, check or debit card. It’s definitely helped get our finances in order and we’re in a much better position than we were when we relied on plastic. There are concerns that there’s too much work involved by not using credit cards for simple things like online purchases, hotel reservations and car rentals. Although we’ve never had problems with using our debit card, there are some things you need to consider when you rent a car. Here are 10 things to keep in mind when renting a car with a debit card:

Wire: Woman to Take 55,000 Pennies to the Bank

I saw this great article on My Way News this morning and wanted to share:

The great American paradox

American culture is a paradox. According to dictionary.com, a paradox is “any person, thing, or situation exhibiting an apparently contradictory nature.” So, how is American culture a paradox?