Dr. Rippe's Blog

Personal well-being can't be measured by income and assets. But how we feel about money and having enough to meet basic needs does have a bearing on how satisfied we are with life. In a recent Gallup poll sixty percent of Americans who said they had enough money to "buy the things you need" also described themselves as "thriving."  In contrast, only twenty-seven percent of those who said they did not have enough money to buy the things they need described themselves as "thriving."

If bill paying time is a little stressful around your house, it may be time to look at ways to cut back and simplify. Every family member may find it illuminating to think about, and even discuss together, what do we really need and what do we just want? To think about how much is enough? How can we simplify?

A friend tells me she's undertaking two tasks for the time of one this spring: She's sorting through all her summer clothes, including those pushed back in the closet or stored in an attic box. She has two goals. First, to identify items that she will enjoy wearing this summer, probably some she's overlooked for the last season or two. She's pretty sure no new clothes will be required. Second, to organize her closet so it's more useful. Such simple tasks not only help her personal economy, she says; they make her feel more in control.

In all the sections of Start Making Choices, there are many ideas for how you can simplify many things and tasks for savings and greater enjoyment. Why not take time to do a little browsing?

When economic times are tough, the crooks and con artists step up their attempts to steal your financial information and then your money. Their favorite means of attack? Online through your computer. But you can do a lot to protect yourself. First, you need to recognize the general types of attack. Second, you need to take steps to protect your computer.

Three popular types of online attack are malware, phishing, and email scams. 

• Malware is software that has a malicious intent; these include spyware, viruses and keystroke loggers (these log all your keystrokes including account passwords). Cybercrooks get these onto your computer through enticing websites, pop-up messages (one says "dangerous spyware detected on your computer"--when you click, it downloads some), downloads (as with a games from many sources) and email.
• Phishing tries to get your info primarily through emails or pop-up messages. It may appear to come from your bank or financial institution and typically asks you to click on a link.  Never click on links in such emails. Financial institutions never use this way to communicate with customers because of the dangers. If you don't know who sent the email (or even if you do but it looks suspicious), don't click.
• Email scams include bogus product offers, pleas to help folks get money out of some foreign country (or realize sweepstake winnings) and the like.

What can you do to protect yourself and your children?  First, install and keep up-to-date security software for your computer. Also keep your operating system up-to-date. Don't click on links embedded in emails, particularly from unknown sources. Same goes for opening attachments. Download programs only from trusted sources. You can learn lots more at www.OnGuardOnline.gov-- a site sponsored by the federal goverment and the technology industry.

The last additional stress you need is trying to recover stolen money or restore messed up accounts. So take pre-emptive action and ramp up your online security soon for greater peace of mind.

Who isn't worried about saving money on daily expenses in today's tough economic climate? The good news is that using the tools on this site to help you design and achieve a personal plan for a balanced life can also help you keep your budget in balance.

• Planning menus by the week can help you save money on food. Research has shown that planning meals/menus ahead of time and shopping weekly from a grocery list for those meals helps families save money. The types of dishes you choose for those menus can also help your achieve goals for more balanced nutrition while saving money. On the Eat Well section of SMC this month you'll find "Comfort food for a price within your comfort zone."  And the Tasty on a Budget section has more recipes that you'll enjoy.
• Planning ahead makes taking lunch to work easier. And taking your lunch rather than eating out really cuts down the cost.  Help meet your nutrition goals by including fruit and vegetables with a sandwich on whole grain bread or a salad that includes vegetables and whole grain pasta, for example.
• Adding regular physical activity need not cost you a dime.  Finding time for a brisk walk each day not only helps you build aerobic fitness but it helps you cope with stress. Walk with a buddy for even more enjoyment.  If you haven't put the Balanced Walking Plan to use, now's the time to start. Getting out on beautiful spring days is a greater motivator.
• Spending more time with family and friends can improve how you feel. Taking a little more time with family and friends can boost your enjoyment of life and relieve stress. A potluck dinner or cookout can be fun and economical for everyone.

Adopting these strategies for a more balanced life can also help you stretch your budget.