Category Archives: finances

Inexpensive Family Fun

January 29, 2009family fun, finances, Midwest Parents, vacationKirsetin

One of the things I quickly realized after relocating to the Midwest, is that down-to-earth, fiscally responsible Midwesterners have an affinity for the state of Florida.

photo credit: Jenah Crump

But in this difficult financial year, even Midwesterners are re-thinking their annual pilgrimage south. Are you looking for inexpensive family fun closer to home? To find out how my family enjoys the winter months without breaking the bank, check out my article over at Midwest Parents today.

Jimmy Carter, The Economy, and Report Cards

November 11, 2008finances, food, politicsKirsetin

On a very cold Monday night, in the middle of the country, in the state with reportedly the worst economic problems around, this was the scene in the lobby of Logan’s restaurant, where people of all ages milled around for 45 minutes, waiting to be seated…

Can’t imagine how long the wait is when there’s an economic boom. Seriously, can someone explain this to me? The irony was that the TV in the bar was simultaneously running the headline “Obama’s biggest problem: the economy.”

And why were we there? We endured the wait, surround by more peanuts than Jimmy Carter could imagine, to celebrate three great report cards. In my book, that’s worth dinner and dessert regardless of what’s happening on Wall Street.

To Bailout or Not to Bailout? THAT is THE Question…

September 30, 2008finances, politicsKirsetin

Ah, the Bailout. Just a little topic we like to obsess about over lunch these days, right?

What will happen to our money? Our jobs? Our entire economy?

Who, in his or her right mind, would WANT to be President right now?

At any rate, I have no financial background whatsoever. I am good at budgeting, saving, giving, and living within my means. I am not good at explaining complex funds, engaging in tricky financial deals, or watching my 401K balance do a nosedive. I do not understand short sells and I have no desire to ever work on Wall Street. Thank goodness, apparently.

So today, with questions about the economy hovering like swarms of mosquitos, I point you to the New York Times, and a column by Ron Lieber, called “Is My Money Safe? and Other Questions to Ask.” I found Mr. Lieber understandable, straightforward, and (sort-of) re-assuring, so I thought I’d pass it along.

It seems better than my advice, which is to stick your head in the sand and ignore your 401K balances for the next few years. Because, you know, that’s my plan.