By: Jennifer Brown Banks

Image Credit Somedarkson

“Sometimes less is more”.

If nothing can be said of a tough economy and uncertain times, it’s certainly causing us to reassess our lives and redefine what it is that we value. True? Prosper perspective is crucial for survival and optimal quality of life.

‘Dem days of living high on the hog, keeping up with the Joneses, and making bold risks have gone bye-bye like eight track tapes and “free love “ in the ’60s.

As a case in point, I was surfing the Net and saw where quite a few folks were constructing and living in what are called “Tiny Homes” now. These structures, that are a mere fraction of the size of your typical American Dream, are said to “house” just as much joy for those that own them. Not to mention, they cost less comparatively in many cases, and prevent the possibility of over indulgence and hoardering.

With this being said, here are some factors to consider if you’re contemplating this lifestyle choice in the future.

1. Our parents survived on less, and in many cases were just as fulfilled. In former generations, many didn’t have cable TV, or Internet or fast food conveniences.
2. Minimalism typically means less debt.
3. Less debt leads to less stress. Less stress can lead to longer longevity and better health.
4. Having an attitude of materialism and defining ourselves through our possessions is unhealthy and unrealistic. As we have seen through world events, our status can change with one act of God or misfortune.
5. Stream-lined living and proper focus can cause us to spend more time with family and friends,  develop and sustain important bonds and relationships, and cultivate cherished memories.

A wise person once said, “You don’t have to have everything, to have everything you need.” Food for thought.

Jennifer Brown Banks is a veteran freelance writer, Columnist, and Pro Blogger.  You can find her work at  Pen and Prosper, Coffeehouse for Writer’s and Technorati.com

Image Credit Michal Zacharzewski

No matter how much or how little you make in a year, insurance is one financial topic that cannot be ignored. Insurance protects you, your family, your earnings, and your possessions. Without it, you leave everything to chance. On the other hand, you don’t want to spend too much on insurance or purchase insurance that you don’t need. If money is tight, you are better off focusing on the four types of insurance that you can’t afford to go without.

Auto Insurance

Despite the fact that some form of auto insurance is required by law in every state, more than 16 percent of the nation’s drivers are uninsured. For this reason alone, you should make sure you are protected when you hit the road. At minimum, you should have enough auto insurance to meet state minimum requirements. Collision and comprehensive coverage makes sense if you have a nice vehicle or a lien holder on your title. Your policy should also include some form of liability coverage, which pays for other people’s expenses when you are at fault in an accident.

Home or Renter’s Insurance

Although neither home nor renter’s insurance are required by law, both types of insurance are smart to have. If you own your own home, you should have enough insurance to cover 100 percent of your home’s replacement costs. You should also have some level of liability coverage in case someone is injured on your property–in addition to coverage for your personal possessions. If you rent your home, you will definitely want to have a replacement cost policy for your possessions as well as liability coverage. Your landlord’s insurance will not pay for anything you own.

Life Insurance

Life insurance is a necessity for everyone. When you pass, your family will need money to pay for funeral and burial costs. If your family depends on your income or even a portion of your income, they may need extra cash to pay the mortgage and other everyday bills. Other financial considerations could include retirement, education, and taxes. The amount of life insurance that you need depends on your individual situation. You can get an estimate by using one of the many free life insurance calculators on the web or by speaking with a qualified insurance agent or financial advisor.

Disability Insurance

A disability will affect one in five Americans at some point in their life. Most people are disabled for at least 90 days or longer. If a disability would prevent you from supporting yourself or your family members, you should definitely have disability insurance. An individual disability policy is designed to replace a specific percentage of your income if you are unable to work and can be purchased at a relatively low cost. You may also be able to get short-term and/or long-term group disability coverage through your employer.

Guest post from Bailey Harris, who writes about Car Insurance Quotes for www.carinsurancequotes.net.

Image Credit Nikola Hartmann

If I’ve heard it once, I’ve heard it a million times: “I hate my job, but I’m stuck.” Welcome to the club. Truth is there are hundreds, maybe even thousands of worker bees humming the same tune. In fact, it seems that job dissatisfaction has become the norm. And, well, frankly it’s so ’90s!

Part of the problem is that too many folks are functioning on auto pilot and fail to devise a game plan to get out of their 9 to 5 hell. Perhaps it’s even you. If so, take heed.

You need to get some goal planning going. 

Goals serve like a road map to navigate your path on the road to success.  How can you go the distance if you don’t even know your direction?

With this in mind, here’s how to walk the talk.

1. Bust a move! Stop dreaming and start doing. Identify the obstacles to career success. Do you need to go back to college? Become more computer literate? Blackmail your boss? Decide and then deliver.
2. Establish a deadline. To quote a popular expression, “a goal without a deadline is just a dream.” For example, where would you like to see yourself next summer, (besides the beach)?
3. Write your goals down. Studies show that individuals that commit their goals to paper are much more likely to see them manifest.
4. Share your goals with a friend, family member, or coach. Ask them to keep you accountable.

And remember my sage words of advice, “He who creates goals creates gold!”

Follow these four tips in 2011 and “resolve” to have the career you’ve always wanted and deserve!  Live well with less stress.

Jennifer Brown Banks is a veteran freelance writer, Columnist, and Pro Blogger.  You can find her work at  Pen and Prosper, Coffeehouse for Writer’s and Technorati.com

Photo:  Please feel free to use the image on your blog or in any commercial use.  The download is available for free here, at stock.xchange . 

Image Credit Martine Lemmens

Tis the season to be jolly!

Still, for many Americans, the holiday season represents a time of sadness, angst, isolation, painful memories and depression.  This holds true particularly for singles who may not have a “special someone” to share this special time of the year with.

Perhaps you’re one of them. If so, don’t despair.

You’re not alone. The key to creating more pleasurable experiences or at least to navigating the holidays with your sanity intact is keeping the proper perspective.

To this end, consider the following tips as my holiday gift to you.:-)

1.  Recognize that happiness is a choice. It’s not always the stuff that goes on around us that determines our quality of life; rather it is how we internalize these things. Sure things could probably be better. We’re in a tough economy, the cost of living is higher, unemployment is rampant, and in many geographic areas the weather is really severe. But things could be worse.

You’re alive, you’re living in a free country, (with a Black president), and you enjoy many constitutional privileges that others are not afforded in other areas around the globe. “Don’t worry, be happy!”

2.  Have realistic expectations of yourself and others. Much of the stress associated with this time of the year comes from our “lofty” expectations. We watch the commercials and holiday movies with perfect families, perfect lives, and materialistic trappings, and we measure them against our own. Don’t!

More than likely the reality is Aunt Bertha will drink too much, Uncle George will still be holding a grudge from last year, there will be off colored jokes, disappointments over gift exchanges, and a “partridge in a pair tree!” Embrace it.

3.  Remember the gift of laughter. It’s true that it’s the best medicine. Lighten up and things will typically look up!

4.  Keep in mind the reason for the season. Due to over commercialization, the meaning of the season gets lost. Xmas is supposed to be in celebration of Christ’s birth. Honor it in thanksgiving and joy.

5.  Volunteer. Many times reaching out to others makes us feel connected and gives us a sense of purpose. Serve food at a soup kitchen, read to kids in the hospital, or perhaps make arts and crafts at a senior citizens’ home. Get over yourself and get involved!

6.  Surround yourself with positive people. I don’t know about you, but sometimes even family members can be a real “buzz kill” depending upon their personality, perspectives on life, and lack of “socialization savvy.”

Some can even be chronic complainers that really know how to “push our buttons.” Count to ten, and then count your blessings. In the words of Joel Osteen “you could be them!”

7.  If you’re without a mate, consider giving a holiday singles’ mingle for a group of your friends. Serve eggnog, play games, dance, exchange gifts. The possibilities are endless!

8.  Keep things is moderation. Don’t over do it—whether it’s food, shopping, drinks, or dialogue. Know when to say when!

9.  Dress yourself up! There’s great validity to the expression, “when you look good you feel good.” Adorn yourself with festive colors that accentuate your best features. You deserve it!

10.  Tune in to some beautiful music. Did you know that music has been reported to have therapeutic properties? It’s true. I personally recommend anything by Kenny G, Norah Jones, Michael Buble, the Whispers, or even some classical sounds. I’m willing to bet it’ll clear your head and lift your spirits. Go ahead, try it!

And last but not least, remember even during dismal times that “this too shall pass.”

It’s sure to put you on the path to positivity and put you in the right frame of mind .

Jennifer Brown Banks is a veteran freelance writer, Columnist, and Pro Blogger.  You can find her work at  Pen and Prosper, Coffeehouse for Writer’s and Technorati.com

Image Credit Georgie C.

It’s that time of year again when cyber criminals are hard at work trying to separate you from your holiday joy.  They’re busy tricking victims into contributing to made-up charities, investing in Ponzi schemes and bidding on phony auctions.  All in an attempt to take advantage of your generosity and to steal your cash.

Check out the rest of our post at here, at Inexpensively.com

Image Credit Claire Cresswell

Commitment-phobic men worldwide were undoubtedly throwing under ground parties everywhere, with the recent Pew  Research/Time Magazine poll that contends 40% of Americans believe that marriage is becoming obsolete.

But, I’d caution cuties with cold feet not to warm up to the idea that they’ll dodge the matrimonial bullet and cling to their freedom forever as a result of these findings.

Don’t believe the hype! (Remember the Y2K scare)?

Certainly during these progressive times, marriage is less popular than it was in June Cleaver’s day. Primarily because being single carries fewer taboos, and also because women are deferring wedded bliss to pursue successful careers. That’s a given.

Still, this time-honored institution will always be more the rule than the exception. Why?

First of all because there are more benefits than drawbacks: financial/tax advantages, regular “whoopee”, stability and other perks.

And perhaps equally important is the “pride in ownership” principle.

Women love the idea of “ownership”–whether it’s designer shoes, a lovely home, or dare I say a spouse! And “having papers” on our significant others, in our minds equates the same thing.

Don’t believe me? The next time you hear a woman introduce her hubby, notice the way she “proclaims him”, as if he’s a prized possession or a prestigious award she’s won!

Not to mention, we’ve been socialized since we were children to choose this way of life, along with the white picket fence.

With this being the case, like it or not (most) women will opt for it, give ultimatums to enforce it, fight for it, preserve it, and perpetuate it for many, many years to come.

So I’d advise savvy guys who want peace and other privileges to be heart smart and  embrace the sage words of Beyonce: “If you like it than you shoulda’ put a ring on it!”

Jennifer Brown Banks is a veteran freelance writer, Columnist, and Pro Blogger.  You can find her work at  Pen and Prosper, Coffeehouse for Writer’s and Technorati.com

Article first published as “THIS JUST IN” Why Marriage Won’t Become Obsolete Anytime Soon! on Technorati.

Image Credit Kurhan

Are you happy with your health insurance plan?  Or, are premium amounts, deductibles and copays draining your bank account? Are you paying for services you don’t need or want, like smoking cessation classes or a life coach?  And do you really know the differences between  PPOs, HMOs and POS plans?

This is the time of year when many folks are selecting  new insurance plans and reevaluating existing ones. Recent changes to health care laws make it important that you understand new policies and existing ones.

Read my full article here at Inexpensively.com.

If you’re like most thrifty gals you’re always on the look-out for samples, deals, and new products.

How’d you like to receive a daily newsflash (delivered right to your inbox) about the best totally free samples found on the internet?

Enter ALL YOU magazine – THE #1 source for all your best free samples.  Simply “Like” ALL YOU on Facebook or click here to go to ALL YOU.com and opt in to receive free sample alerts.

I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Here’s a list of recent freebies:

Tom’s of Maine Toothpaste

Sore No More – natural pain relieving gel

o.b. Trial Pack

Free Nature’s Bounty® Multivitamin Gummies

Ideal Sweetener – plus receive a pouch of Ideal brown and confectionery sweeteners.

Free OXY Clinical Skincare Sample

Shout Color Catcher

Emergen-C – vitamin drink mix

Share Package from Kleenex

Rachael Ray Dog Food

Gas-X Thins Strips

Yosemite Park Image Credit: JDrmar

Take a hike.  Literally!  In honor of Veterans Day, that’s  11 November this year, the entrance fee at all national parks (there are over 100) is  FREE.

To sweeten the deal many outfitters, shops and hotels in our natural treasures offer discounts like buy-one-get-one half off, or for free deals and other  money-saving specials. Check out these sweet deals  at:  Park Partners .

Remember, prior military service isn’t required to take advantage of these offers.  But if you’re a veteran, savings at some locations are even better.

Sample Savings:

Death Valley National National Park, CA

Furnace Creek Resort
Earth-friendly organic t-shirts 2/$20, regularly $14.99 each

Everglades National Park, FL – Shark Valley Tram Tours

Shark Valley Tram Tours honors veterans by offering 50% discounts to veterans and their dependents on all tours.  Call Shark Valley Tram Tours at 305-221-8455.  Or visit them  at www.sharkvalleytramtours.com to receive  more information or to make reservations.

Grand Canyon National Park, AZ — Buy one West Rim Sunset Tour and get one free.  You’ll also receive 20% off any retail purchase in all Xanterra operated gift shops.

Click here to find a national park near you.  Or visit http://www.nps.gov .

Happy Trails!

The US Federal Government is a Representative Democracy; we elect officials to represent us.

It is important to remember that America’s success as a nation did not occur by chance.  We are successful because of our strengths.

Whether conservative or liberal in our beliefs, the one cause we have in common is our defense against oppression – foreign or domestic, that attempts to tear us down  by destroying our ability to self-govern.

Make sure your voice is heard today.