Refinancing boom? Not everyone's getting approved.

The other day, WWJ's Murray Feldman shared that with interest rates trending down, many homeowners could refinance. However, he said 1 in 4 refinancing applications are denied, often due to a high debt to income ratio . Your bills, expenses, etc, should be between 36% and 43% of your income.

Podcast: The Feldman Report - The refinancing boom (3/17)

Student Loan Forgiveness

I have worked for nonprofits pretty much all my life and will likely qualify for loan forgiveness through this Federal program. As I looked through the application and eligibility forms, it definitely seems complicated. And there's some pretty specific eligibility requirements, include a decade working full time for a 501(c)(3) and a good repayment history.

Still, it can be worth it for people who have debilitating debt. As with most things, I say apply and let somebody else shoot you down.

The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer. 

Source: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service 

Year of Gratitude - Day 149 - Cash Cats

@CatsAndMoney

"remember 2 floss daily"

Book Review: Rich Dad, Poor Dad

Rich Dad Poor Dad
by Robert T. Kiyosaki

My friend bought this book for me and has been begging me to read it so we can talk about it. I finally picked it up and found it to read very quickly and I was done in two sittings. It can definitely be done in one. 

This book has been on my radar a long time because of my working at the library. Kiyosaki's book is very accessible, which I'm sure is a large reason why the book appears on high school summer reading lists. My opinion on this book is very mixed. I think in the end I liked it, but had some general discontents.

Discontents:

• Reads like a sales book, but that's to be expected.

• Sort of reminded me of The 4-hour Workweek, which I really didn't like and lost interest within a chapter or two. It sort of has that "Get Rich Quick" feel. I hate that crap.

• Poorly written. The quality is that of Twilight. OK, maybe not that bad, but Kiyosaki admits in the book that he is no writing wiz. It gets repetitive, too, which is probably why it reads so quick.

• Kiyosaki really, really simplifies getting rich. I mean, he makes it sound like any old hobo off the street can get a book about investing and grow their asset column. Yet, I'm probably the cynic that he talks about in the book. 

Which brings me to why I think in the end I liked Rich Dad Poor Dad. Throughout the whole book, he clearly talks about the differences in mindset, attitude and decision-making between rich and poor. He always talks about education, constant learning and financial literacy. The book stays vague enough so he can write more books and get more rich. Yet, I think Kiyosaki really loves making money and I appreciate how honest he is. His tone seems genuine. In the end, I was reminded of old lessons and got some inspiration to learn more about the science of money, as he puts it.

Because it was a fast read, I only jotted down two passages from the book. Their simplicity, message and style are a good representation of the book. 

"Before I finally learned to ride a bike, I first fell down many times. I've never met a golfer who has never lost a golf ball. I've never met people who have fallen in love who have never had there heartbroken. And I've never met someone rich has never lost money." p. 133

"I'm always shocked at people who buy stocks or real estate, but never invest in their greatest asset, their mind." p. 153

Podcast: Author Sharon Kedar talks about personal finance

My former boss introduced me to the podcast that the Commonwealth Club of California puts out. In general, the podcasts are all pretty freaking great, but the other day while toiling with laundry, I had the pleasure of hearing author Sharon Kedar talk about personal finance. Please, if you aren't a personal finance guru, check this podcast out. It's very informative and I guarantee you'll learn something important.

The podcast is partly about the book co-authored by Manisha Thakor called On My Own Two Feet: A Modern Girl's Guide to Personal Finance. The book sounds great and I am definitely going to check it out, but the podcast provides solid advice for men and women alike. The moderator, Cathy Curtis, also adds tons of valuable insight through asking great questions and sparking interesting conversation. This is a particularly great personal finance podcast to listen to if you are in your 20s or 30s.

Listen to the podcast at: cc_20090608_inforum_kedar.mp3

Philanthropy Friday: good news in tough times

I thought that a good way to wrap up the week would be to provide you with some positive information on my new-found-friend, philanthropy. Check out some of the good things happening in the world of giving:

Charities Can Expect New Regulations and Increased Giving in an Obama Administration (11/5)- Charity leaders can expect President-elect Barack Obama and Congress to push for changes in the federal tax structure that could spur giving and add new regulations for charities and donors, tax experts say.

Wal-Mart Foundation Awards $3.6 Million for Veterans' Higher Education (11/11) - In celebration of Veteran’s Day, the Wal-Mart Foundation in Bentonville, Arkansas, has awarded a total of $3.6 million in grants to twelve organizations to support programs that offer educational assistance for veterans.

Gates Foundation Announces Expanded Education Grantmaking (11/13) - The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has unveiled several new education initiatives designed to build on its previous work in high schools, the Seattle Times reports.

Fidelity fund nears two-millionth gift (11/14) - The charitable-gift fund also lowered its minimum-gift amount and launched a new program, efforts aimed at broadening giving during the economic crisis.

Gates Foundation Awards $2 Million to International Center for Journalists (11/28) - The International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) has announced a $2 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to establish a fellowship program that will work to improve news coverage of critical development issues in sub-Saharan Africa such as agriculture, microfinance, sanitation, and employment.

NexGen Givers (12/1) - Behind the dreary headlines is a surprisingly encouraging trend that is taking hold: A new generation of donors is moving into place -- an energetic and highly creative crowd that eventually could reshape philanthropy.

National Christian Foundation sees jump in donations (12/2) - Though the economy has prompted many U.S. donors to tighten their belts, the National Christian Foundation has seen a 27 percent increase in contributions since last year.

Companies Increased Giving Last Year, SurveyFind (12/4) - Corporations increased their giving last year despite a mixed economic climate, according to a new report from the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy, in New York.

Resources aimed at helping non-profits (12/5) - The Nonprofit Economic Vitality Center, a free online tool created by the National Council of Nonprofits, aims to help nonprofits navigate the economic crisis.

Why being poor is great

As I sit here and listen to all the world slowly sink in financial ruin, it makes me feel good to know that little of it has to do with me. I'm sure that won't last, but for the time being, it comforts me to know that myself and those around me are just a little too poor to be too affected.

Counting makes it all better

Never thought I'd write something like that. I hate math. Always have. But I've been using my brain (and fingers and toes) for a lot of counting lately. This has the scent of OCD, but I'm cool with that. Counting has really been helping me. Here are my latest counting endeavors...

• When I saw the economy taking a nose dive I really started thinking about finance seriously. I started listening to business podcasts, paying attention to industry trends and just keeping abreast what was going on. Obviously, things looked real bad and I acted on something that I have heard personal finance experts shout from the mountaintops - CREATE A BUDGET! You can't begin to make changes to your spending habits if you don't know what they are. This can be said for the following points as well. It's kind of a pain in the butt at first, but you get used to it and you learn about where your money is going.
  
• About three months ago, I quit smoking for good. No longer would I put myself through the torment of the habit. It was not easy. I found that when I was in bars I would count how many cigarettes people smoked. Man, do they speed up when they have a few adult beverages in them! That was pretty appalling. Yet, perhaps the best way to use counting to QUIT SMOKING is to count how much money you save. When I smoked, I would purchase two packs of cigarettes a week at $5 a pack. I haven't smoked in twelve weeks, meaning I saved $60. That may not seem like a lot, but at least it's being spent for something that isn't going up in smoke. I'll probably put it toward a pair of running shoes.
  
• I've been on a pretty strict DIET lately and I'm exercising more. I have been calorie-counting like crazy. It's miserable, don't get me wrong, but it is so enlightening. You have to know your bad spending habits before you can fix them and you have to know your bad eating habits before you can fix those. Hence, I'm much familiar with the nutritional values of my favorite foods, what healthy portions look like, where I can cut out sugars and the like. I've been trying to keep a count of my calories, both consumed and burned, on this website called myfitnesspal.com. It's worked pretty well so far and it also lets you add your own foods.

Now if I could just apply some accurate measurement to making a decent cup coffee in the morning, I'd be all set.

Where are you looking to build your wealth?

This list of cities is one that takes both salary and cost of living into consideration. It's kind of an indicator of the best and worst places to build wealth. The D, not surprisingly, is lower on the totem pole, but not as low as the Big Apple. Where's yours at?

2008 Salary Value Index – Complete List of Cities

Not ready for one job

Writing is all about rewriting and this instance is no exception. When I got a new full time job, I decided that I would keep all of my jobs. I currently have five. Next week I'll be working well over 60 hours.

When I told people that this was what I was intending to do this, they all looked at me like I was crazy. I now know that I was. Before I realized that, though, I got defensive. You should have read this post about a week ago. It was: "Why don't people get me?" "Why do people doubt me?" Boo, hoo, hoo.

My problem is this: I think I know everything well before I actually experience it. What I thought this time around was that working a full time job and four part time gigs was manageable. In fact, it is, but not without some sacrifice and a side of blood, sweat and tears. Slight exaggeration, pardon, but you get my drift.

In the original post, I complained that explaining myself was tedious and I was getting tired of it. Now I understand the strange glances and confused questions. What I'm doing right now is bananas. It's very, very difficult. I'm not the one to admit I'm having a hard time with anything, but this experience has really made me take a step back and give my lifestyle a nice long look.

Nonetheless, I have an explanation for my mad behavior. I am going to alter my work schedule as I need to. For the time being, though, I'm going to roll up my sleeves and finish what I have begun.

So, to help some people understand my decision making:

• Career A.D.D. I haven't had just one job since I was 18 years old; I'm 26. I've juggled at least two since then and have only gained as I went along.


• Challenge. If it's too easy, I tend to lose interest quick. I find that be keeping multiple jobs, well of challenge never runs dry.


• Variety. This bullet point could combined with the one prior, but I really like my workday to be a diverse experience. I like to connect with people on a variety of levels, whether it be about their library experience, the writing craft or hockey.


• Yes I can! Another reason that I work so many jobs is, well, because I can. I'm good at time management and I like my work - all of it. I love libraries, researching, writing, hockey...the whole nine yards. Why would I give up so many good things? It's like giving up cheese - no thanks!


• Money is awesome. This goes without saying, really. I don't work for free. Volunteering stopped a few years back. And I gots to get paid. I have bills, ok? I'm looking to get my behind out of debt and FAST! Hanging out with friends and relaxing sounds absolutely delightful, however friends don't pay the bills and neither does relaxing. I like having a roof over my head. I want to start traveling again, buy running shoes, and pay off my student loans. And I love the work I do, which gives me money to accomplish these grown-up feats. It's quite simple.

It's not quite that simple. The money is great, sure, but it's been a rough ride. Nothing worth the fight is ever easy, so I'm battling on, but it's taking some getting used to. So, dear friends, I'll see you on the other side. I will miss you for a bit. Tell my books I miss them. Tell sleep I long for its beautiful spell. Tell exercise I swear I will learn to wake early. Tell my diet I haven't forgot my promise.

This is not easy, but I'll be damned if I end up a quitter. There's people out there that bust their humps for less and would think that I'm not only a crybaby for not embracing all this work, but plain stupid for not taking the opportunities when financial doom and gloom surrounds us.

Tired Cops = Bad Idea

From Detroit Free Press: To cut costs, Harper Woods cops could work 24-hour shifts

It hasn't been implemented, but it's being explored. As far as I'm concerned, it has "bad idea" written all over it. I thought Oakland County's 10-hour workweek was questionable, but this is way ridiculous. I have provided two lines of thinking.

Decisions:

• when one is tired, decision-making is not at its peak
• cops must make very quick decisions throughout their day
• sometimes those decisions involve use of weapons
• bad decisions when weapons are involved lead to trouble (read lawsuits)
• bad decisions are more likely when one is tired
  

Moods:

• when one is tired, mood can turn sour
• when mood turns sour, punching someone in the face (or another physical reactions) seems like a good idea
• bad decisions involving punching citizens in face (or other physical reactions) also lead to trouble (read lawsuits)
  

OK, so I understand everyone is strapped for money, but this does NOT sound like it's worth the supposed $150,000 overtime savings. The article mentions how medical interns/residences also have to work through 24-hour shifts, but I think that's absurd, too.

Lame: Gas Prices & Denial

Yeah, I know, I'm stating the obvious here. Hurricane Ike was tragic in all types of terrible ways. Here in the Midwest we got pounded with non-Ike rain and then Ike took a soaking stroll right through the region over the weekend. Plenty of flooding to go around, to be sure.

The hike in gas prices were to be expected, as they always are when refineries in the Gulf are shut down or damaged by weather. Yet, it's a little extra frustrating when for the first time in 6 months, oil prices dropped below $100 per barrel. It closed at $95.71. I paid $4.16 for a gallon of gas today. That is not right. I should contact the Attorney General and file a price gouging complaint, cause that's horse manure.

Oh, and Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson says that the economy is sound. And that was after the collapse of a variety of financial firms. Wall Street had it's worst daily loss in seven years, so is Paulson serious? Economists - talk to me.

Take the good with the bad...

I cruised down to Wayne State University in Detroit to do some research for a client at the Detroit Public Library. I had a mixed experience. It dealt with credit and food.

The bad...

As I turned off Warren and headed for the parking structure my eyes turned into tiny slits and I felt my face warm with anger. I saw the messengers of financial doom huddled under their mercenary tent, pictured here. I almost told them they should be a shamed of themselves, but decided since I was looking for a job, it might not be the best time to get smacked with any harassment charges.

The reason that I was so furious about this tent and the Chase minions under it was because of a documentary I watched a bit ago called Maxed Out. If you haven't seen it you must! If you have a kid going to college for the first time, or if you are a freshman reading this blog, take heed: if you are offered a credit card, turn and run like hell.

I understand that people need money in college for stuff, but the reason that these credit card companies come to campus is because they KNOW that students will drop into debt. Students, especially freshmen, are still learning how to spend money, but if they don't learn quick, Chase and all the other thievery corporations of its type bank off the learning curve. Hence, newly graduated high school students think they're getting a taste of independence, when all they're really doing is paving the first stretch of road that leads to terrible debt.

You know who else credit card companies bank of off? Poor people. Like students, poor people don't know how to spend their money and often times fall right into the credit hole as well. Huge corporate conglomerates like this don't make money off of rich people. They make money off poor people who don't know any better. It's disgusting, but all explained very clearly in Maxed Out. Besides, how do you think the mortgage crisis started? Same idea, give to the poor and bank off their mistakes.

The good...

After I completed my research, I took a stroll across the street to Wayne State's Farmer's Market. I was a little late, but still managed to score some beautiful garlic and squash. Good times. There were some good-looking peppers, too, but I didn't have enough cash on me. I've got to say, I'm really happy to learn about all these different farmer's markets in the area - there's one in Southfield every Thursday, one in Royal Oak every Friday and Saturday and there's always good ol' Eastern Market, which I've still never been to. Looking for a farm or farmer's market near you? Check out http://www.localharvest.org/. I haven't visited in a while, but definitely noticed that many more specs have appeared on the map, which is great news for local growers.

In related news, I heard about this really interesting (and controversial) new documentary called Food Matters. Probably one of the biggest draws for me with this flick is that it discusses how doctors aren't asking simple, but insanely important questions about our health: those regarding our nutrition. You know, questions like whether we are staying hydrated, what does our daily diet look like, etc. Thinking back on my visits to the doctor, I don't recall ever being asked that (just being scolded for smoking). What's up with that, doc?

If you're looking for some ideas on how to eat better, I might recommend the website http://www.nutritiondata.com/. There's a fantastic blog there, calorie counters and information about the food you eat, from how nutritious it is to how filling it is. I'm no mega-nutrition expert, but we've all got to start somewhere (and apparently it ain't at the doctors office - that's right, I said "ain't").

Today's Knowledge: Now on sale - HUMAN LIFE!

For all you needing a life, now is the time to buy!

From the Washington Post article "Cosmic Markdown: EPA Says Life Is Worth Less":

Last week, it was revealed that an Environmental Protection Agency office had lowered its official estimate of life's value, from about $8.04 million to about $7.22 million.

What a bargain.

Today's Knowledge: We are not alone in dire times

There's about 4,503,299,203,181 reasons I love National Public Radio (NPR). One of those reasons is that I can podcast episodes and listen to them whenever. This is the case with what I'm about to share.

It is no secret that we are in an economic crisis. I'm not afraid to call it what it is: it's a recession and I bet it's teetering on depression if you go to the right neighborhood. Granted, I'm not economist, but I see the writing on the wall. Food prices have gone through the roof. Needless to say I'm on a strict diet of "whatever-the-hell-I-can-afford." Energy prices as always rise in the summer. Although I have a delightful central air conditioning system, my significant other and I have indeed endured some sweaty days to save dough. And gasoline, well, don't even get me started on gas prices. Then of course there's the mortgage crisis, unemployment, failing schools, corrupt politicians...the list of rough stuff is a beefy one.

Though sometimes I feel like I'm the only one in the world struggling along, I know that's not true. I am surviving. I am living, not in luxury, but living happily. There are some parts of my life that have changed and I've accepted those changes as necessary. I shake my head at those who still roll in SUVs and I scoff at those who speed on the highway. I take my bike when I can. I plan out dinners in advance, making sure to go grocery shopping only when I need to and get only what I will use. No room for waste. No money for it, either.

When I heard this June 19th podcast called Voices on the Economy it comforted me. I am not alone in this struggle and neither is anyone else. People are changing all around me and the times, they too are a changing. This is a great 10-minute podcast and it will help you cope if you, too, are finding that you must change.

Podcast about Jim Kramer, Mr. Mad Money himself

Check out this podcast: "Booyah!"
This is a great 12-minute podcast about Mad Money's Jim Kramer. I really enjoyed learning more about him. He has a fascinating background and this is a very smart man. Plus, I really love the perfectly placed Mad Money sound bites ("Sell, sell, sell" and of course, "Booyah!"). It's well produced. Enjoy.

"Stimulus may be working" - Oh, really? On what planet?

Cranky Pants Warning: I am working at the library right now and it's 86 degrees inside. Our air conditioning is broken and I am not amused. Not cool. Literally, not cool, man. Hence the heat has made my mood foul. This blog is a product of that foul mood. My apologies in advance.

---

My Google Reader was jam packed today with over a thousand news bits and Internet treats for my review. I foolishly decided to look through the past few days of business news. Wow, what a total bummer.

First, a Wall Street Journal article basically wrapped up the terrible economic climate here in the United States:

Unemployment rose sharply and payrolls shrank for the fifth consecutive month. The economy news came on a day that oil surged to record prices, the dollar weakened and the Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged nearly 400 points. The deteriorating job numbers led markets to scale back the odds that the Federal Reserve will boost short-term interest rates this fall to ward off inflation.

From this article, I also learned a new term - "misery index." This is the sum of the unemployment and inflation rates. The index is at the highest level since the early 1990s. There are many more gloomy details in the article, however, there was one, tiny bit of positive news:

Service-sector employment, by contrast, gained 8,000 jobs last month. That reflects continued strength in education, health services and hospitality industries, offsetting losses in business and professional services and retail trade.

The next article I read was called Consumer debt jumps $8.9 billion. While analysts knew that the amount of consumer debt would rise, they didn't expect it to be so bad. They expected the debt to rise by $7 billion when in actuality it rose by $8.9 billion. I discovered another term: "revolving credit." Revolving credit is an account on which payment is any amount less than the total balance and the remaining balance carried forward is subject to applicable finance charges. Basically, credit card debt is revolving credit. Fixed payments - student and car loans - sharply increased, making up $8.7 million of the $8.9 billion consumer debt accumulated.

In the investing world, securities ratings practice will hopefully be getting a makeover. This is very necessary as investors were buying securities under false pretenses. Here's a snippet from an article entitled Bond-rating agencies agree to reforms:

With the old model, many investors purchased a security they believed to be safe because they had pristine AAA ratings, but in fact many of the assets were of poor quality. Critics and lawmakers have long argued that the rating industry did not adequately warn investors about the risks involved with mortgage investments.

As you can imagine, this blog doesn't get any happier at any point. There's just too much bad stuff happening in the economy. It's rather strange that people are still hesitant to call this a recession when it clearly is. For example, if we weren't in a recession, why would Americans be $1.7 TRILLION dollars poorer or barely surviving on credit cards?

And finally, while we sit here and struggle, it's interesting to hear what world leaders think. For example Russian President Dmitry Medvedev criticized the U.S. for being economically egotistical. He says Russia has the answer for the mess that the U.S. has created. Shoot, at this point, I think we should accept assistance and advice from any place we can get!

Our fearless leader, however, is sort of on another planet. While plowing through all these articles predicting the wrath of economic crisis, I found that the president thinks that his stimulus package "might" be working. Well, isn't that just swell? From article 'Stimulus may be working' - Bush:

The government's $168 billion stimulus package, passed in February, began getting tax rebate checks to people last month and helped to energize shoppers. "We're beginning to see signs that the stimulus may be working," Bush said at the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

OK, so did anyone let the president know that Americans are $1.7 TRILLION dollars poorer? Does he not see that his little, bitty $168 billion stimulus package isn't going to be used for SHOPPING!? It's going to be used to SURVIVE: to buy food and gas, to pay the mortgage or rent - not to go on a shopping spree. So out of touch, this guy.

Feel free to read more about all this stuff. Here's the articles I read through:

• Recession Fears Reignited (WSJ)
• Consumer debt jumps $8.9 billion (CNNMoney.com)
• Corporate America is getting nervous (CNNMoney.com)
• Bond-rating agencies agree to reforms (CNNMoney.com)
• Americans $1.7 trillion poorer (CNNMoney.com)
• Barely surviving on credit cards (CNNMoney.com)
• Russian president blasts U.S. 'economic egotism' (CNNMoney.com)
• 'Stimulus may be working' - Bush (CNNMoney.com)

Superfoods

Food is fantastic - who would disagree?! However, some of my favorite foods have been getting a little bit ridiculous in price. I've also really been thinking about what I consume: where did it come from, how fresh is it, has it been doused in chemicals? But the most significant thought lately has been "What does it take to make this food?"

The old adage you are what you eat is taking on a new meaning for me. For example, I love beef, but cows have to be fed plenty of grain (not good for world food shortage) just so they can get fattened up, slaughtered and then shipped to Slows BBQ for my eating pleasure (all of which requires energy and creates emissions).

Speaking of emissions, those from the trucks and cars aren't the only problem. Cows also have multiple stomachs, making them burp and fart methane, a greenhouse gas. I don't want to be a multi-stomach gas machine (not all the time, anyway), so I have been expanding my eating horizons to stuff that grows as a plant. Don't get me wrong, I haven't given up on eating critters, but I'm trying to cut back, for their sake and mine.

For this blog, I pulled together some information on superfoods. I have heard time and time again that a nutritious diet can help prevent and/or heal the body's ailments. I intend to find out.

These two WebMD articles are great:

• 'Superfoods' Everyone Needs - discusses blueberries, fish, soy, fiber, tea and dark chocolate!
• 10 Healthy Foods Under $1 - excellent! covers apples, bananas, baby carrots, canned beans, canned tomatoes, oranges, lentils, pears, pearl barley and again, yogurt.

Listen to these Science Friday Podcasts:

• Is it better to eat locally or eat differently?
• The Science of Making Great Beer - This is yet another AMAZING podcast from Science Friday. It is slightly off topic, but a good time to remind folks to drink local beer - it's good for you and the environment.

Here's a list of foods covered by the book Superfoods Rx: Fourteen Foods That Will Change Your Life:

• Beans
• Blueberries
• Broccoli
• Oats
• Oranges
• Pumpkin
• Salmon
• Soy
• Spinach
• Tea (green or black)
• Tomatoes
• Walnuts
• Yogurt

May 12 United States postage increase.

On May 12, 2008 the United States Postal Service will implement a rate increase. The new rates and impacts are outlined below. For more information please visit www.usps.com/prices.

FIRST-CLASS MAIL®

• One-ounce letter - $0.42
• One-ounce flat - $0.83
• One-ounce parcel - $1.17
• Each additional ounce - $0.17
• Postcard - $0.27

OTHER RATES

• Standard Mail® - 3-Digit Automation - $0.241
• Priority Mail® - Flat Rate Envelope (Retail) - $4.80
• Certified Mail(tm) - $2.70

Pricing highlights:

• No change in the First-Class Mail single-piece additional-ounce price.
• Lower additional-ounce price for presorted First-Class Mail letters.
• Lower pound price for Standard Mail saturation and high-density flats.
• Shape-based pricing for First-Class Mail International letters, flats, andparcels.
• First-Class Mail International price groups expand from five to ninegroups.

Recession and Wine

I thought http://www.mainstreet.com/ was a neat website. I particularly enjoyed the articles about getting through these tough economic times:

• How to Ride Out a Recessionary Economy
• Living Better on Less
• Keep Your Consumer Debt Under Control
• The Top Ten Wines Under $10