If your first thought about budgets is "Eek"! Life will be miserable!" then it's time to clear up a few myths. Myth #1: "I can't live comfortably or have fun!" "You can find bargains, travel discounts, and special deals elsewhere if you look, even at the best places! Myth #2: "My spouse (partner) and I will fight over expenses." You may argue less if you take advantage of the free budget counseling services at a Consumer Credit Counseling Center. Myth #3: "Putting money aside is difficult."…

A teachable moment is an opportunity in which circumstances make teaching easiest. This is a powerful tool in parenting and therefore deserves strong consideration. Since teenagers are typically the most resistant to parental advice, parents value teachable moments. However, they can seem few and far between. The good news is that you can facilitate their appearance. The key is increasing the number of activities that put you in  close quarters with your teen. Cook together with your teen, talk…

A key ingredient of improving  couples' marriages might just be gratitude, according to new University of Georgia research. "We found that feeling appreciated and believing that your spouse values you directly influences how you feel about your marriage, how committed you are to it, and your belief that it will last," said study researchers. The study asked 468 married individuals questions about their financial well-being, communication, and expressions of spousal gratitude. The results…

Using denial to cope with money troubles is a common roadblock to help. Denial is about hoping that a solution will appear even without a plan to make it happen. If this sounds like you, avoid drifting where this torrent of stress may lead. Your first step may not be financial counseling, but rather short-term mental health counseling to deal with fear of change, fear of living on a no-frills budget, and fear of conflict as you petition your spouse to join the cause. After this prep work,…

Are you familiar with the term "microaggression" in the workplace? It refers to the often-subtle uncivil and inappropriate communications and interactions, verbal and nonverbal that causes others who are members of a minority group (gender, race, disability, etc.) to feel that they have just experienced a snub, slight, derogatory comment, or negative message. Microaggression is often unintentional or accidental. Research shows these subtle negative reactions, frequently rooted in false beliefs…

The risk of being bullied is a bit higher during transitions from elementary to middle to high school. Symptoms you may see since school started could include aggression, symptoms of withdrawal, and lower grades than usual. Only one in ten victims will inform an adult about abuse from a bully, primarily because a fear of retaliation. Feeling embarrassed or ashamed of being "the one" the bully has decided to target also contributes to denial. The self-talk script is, "There must be something…

Internet scams grow more sophisticated as consumers become savvier about avoiding them. Some are moving off-line. Example: You receive a phone call from an imposter technician who says a virus on your computer is compromising their network. Resolving the problem requires following their over-the-phone instructions and entering code, which then hijacks your computer. Another involves imposter emails from FedEx, DHL, or UPS indicating a package could not be delivered. Instructions include…

Domestic abuse is often initially excused by victims as unintentional or a one-time reaction to too much stress. Unfortunately, the psychologically makeup of abusers typically involves ensnaring victims in a dependent relationship that is colored by hope and excitement but ultimately is one that causes the abuse to grow worse. Breaking free can be profoundly difficult, not just because of fear but because of determination to make the relationship work. This can delay an exit plan to save one's…

More than 50% traffic deaths result from aggressive driving according to the American Automobile Association. "Road rage" incidents are the most shocking views of aggressive driving, but racing, tailgating, failing to observe signs and regulations, and seeking confrontations with other drivers all qualify as potentially aggressive behaviors. Speeding is one of the most prevalent aggressive behaviors and is a factor in one-third of all fatal crashes. Are you an at-risk, aggressive driver? Ask…