MoneyZen Blog

What's Your Money Personality?

What's Your Money Personality?

If there's one thing we've all learned the hard way over the past two years, it's the degree to which money affects every one of us on a daily basis. I recently had the chance to speak with Dr. Kathleen Gurney, Ph.D., the CEO of Financial Psychology Corporation,...

5 Items Will Consume >50% of Your Lifetime Income

5 Items Will Consume >50% of Your Lifetime Income

In these recessionary times, financial tips are flowing fast and furious about how to save money and stick to a budget. Facing a sea of information many people are asking, "Where do I start?"   For most of us, five areas of spending will consume over 50% of the money...

Are You On Financial Track?

Are You On Financial Track?

It appears (knock on wood) this brutal recession may finally be coming to an end.  As we let out a collective sigh of relief, many people are starting to poke their heads up and ask, "Am I on Financial Track?"  Here are some rough rules of thumb that you can use to...

Forget Mad Men, It's Time for Mad Women

Forget Mad Men, It's Time for Mad Women

American society is systematically encouraging women to give up financial control. Now that I have your attention, let me share the evidence... Exhibit A:  The Princess Problem - you are what you get USA Today Contributor Laura Vanderkam recently wrote a must-read...

The New American Consumer: Traumatized or Tamed?

The New American Consumer: Traumatized or Tamed?

While reading a recent Washington Times article I was struck by this quote: "Americans were more traumatized by this recession than any in the past 80 years," said Bernard Baumohl, chief global economist at the Economic Outlook Group. "They suffered historic losses in...

You Might Have a Money Problem If…

You Might Have a Money Problem If…

This weekend I stumbled across an absolutely delightful blog post from author Francine Jay entitled: "10 Signs You're Not As Rich As You Could Be."  (Potentially counter-intuitive) examples include: There’s a designer logo on your handbag, shoes, or clothing You have...

Mars & Venus… Orbiting Their Wallets

Mars & Venus… Orbiting Their Wallets

Who is better with money - men or women? A recent study by employee benefits company Financial Finesse appears to indicate the answer is... Men.  As a self-proclaimed bra-burning feminist, I was taken aback when originally presented with the results of this study...

Economic Detox

Economic Detox

In response to my recent "Spending Hiatus" post, a dear friend with an inquiring mind wanted to know: "What happens to the US economy if the consumer stops spending?" Smart question.  See, for the past 15 plus years, the US consumer has been an out-sized driver of...