13 Years of Oprah's Book Club Picks

My Job Search Has Reached a New Low

More desperate than ever, this week I shot out three letters seeking work never before performed. Wasn't there someone who said, "unemployment is the mother of invention", or was it the" root of all evil", the "reason I ate the cake"?

The Four Agreements (of Foreclosure)

I recently read "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz, and have found multiple ways to apply his simple principles in my life. Here's how I interpret them when it comes to money.

Mom for Hire: Job Search Diaries

I went to an interview today. I was certain they would love me as much as I love me, but they did not.

Every Night This Man Has 120 Dinner Guests

Mom Cashes In on Cash for Clunkers

I never thought I'd feel so lucky to be driving a new car. Not that I ever take a huge purchase for granted, but my husband and I just bought it last week with the Cash for Clunkers incentive. In the nick of time, since they've barricaded the doors on this deal a lot more quickly than it took to chisel them open.

It's Personal

How one mom gets personal when it comes to gift-giving.

Give Experiences Instead of Gifts!

Do kids REALLY need more toys? Here's a smart idea to cut costs on gift-giving.

Economy's Down, Buy Resale!

Just because times are tough doesn't mean that looking good goes straight out the window -- it just means that we have to reconsider the ways we shop and spend.

Married to the Unemployed

Many of my friends are married to men who have lost their jobs. As the unemployment rate climbs, this is no surprise -- especially considering that men are getting laid off at a faster pace than women.

How Much Are Your Children Worth?

With the economy in the toilet, it is not uncommon for families to save where they can. But shame on you if what you are cutting down on is the money you pay to your childcare provider.

Money-Saving Meals for the 4th

Endless Summer ... on the Cheap

Wanna keep your kids occupied this summer without spending a chunk of change? Here's how.

Losing Our Jobs, Rediscovering Our Children

Like countless other Americans, I saw my work situation change overnight. I'm now working part-time -- and I have to admit, I never fully understood the importance of school drop-offs and pickups until I actually started doing them on a daily basis.

Get Out, Already!

This might seem like a strange way to save money -- but sometimes you need to stimulate the economy a little.

Movie Night Without Breaking the Bank

I grew up on movies. Hot summer nights, my parents would take me and my sister to the movies to enjoy the air conditioning not available elsewhere (like our house). Now we are fully climate-controlled, but I still need a regular movie fix. In Southern California, however, movies can top $12 in a theater.

Frugal Father's Day Gifts

What's the REAL Cost of My Kids' Bag Lunch?

I used to always pack my kids' lunches, secure that what I could give them was healthier than what they would get at school and was saving us money, too.