Profile for Colleen Meeks

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Money 101: How To Save Even When You’re Living Paycheck To Paycheck

Colleen MeeksJuly 15, 2010 //

Being the queen of your own financial destiny is priceless … and can be as scary as some of Lady Gaga’s heel heights. Whether your salary is as high as a modest kitten heel or soars to stiletto altitudes, you’re only as financially healthy as your savings habits. Maybe you’re eating Ramen to make your money stretch, or worse, living off your credit cards, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start saving now. J.D. Roth, of GetRichSlowly.org, offers these tips to get you saving even if you feel like you’re barely getting by. Keep reading »

Money 101: 5 Tips For Traveling On The Cheap

Colleen MeeksJuly 6, 2010 //

The temperatures in much of the country are higher than tween hormones at a Justin Bieber concert, and at this point in the summer, my mind is at the beach whether the rest of me is or not. Along with the heat coming off the pavement, though, most of us are also feeling the pressures of a tighter budget. So, when it comes to planning a getaway, how can you order your guilt-free margarita and drink it, too? Not to worry, with the following tips from Debi Hayes, Master Cruise Counselor with Vacation Planning of Atlanta, you can blow town without blowing the budget faster than you can say “on the rocks!” Keep reading »

Cash & Coupling: When Your Financial Backgrounds Are Like Night And Day

Colleen MeeksJune 16, 2010 //

It’s usually obvious what your partner got from his ‘rents: Mom’s baby blues and cooking talents, Dad’s oddly shaped feet and football fanaticism. What’s less obvious is how much those same parents affected his attitude towards paying his rent. Not since you voted for a Democrat and your man a Republican has there been a fight as polarizing as opposing spending philosophies – unless your man participates in Team Jacob vs. Team Edward debates, in which case you have more serious problems than your approach to budgets.

As much as you like it when you see your man doing his own laundry just like his mama taught him, how do you find balance when he and the old man take turns buying the bar a round after their team wins the championship? If you find yourself wondering if you and your partner’s financial backgrounds are from the same economic galaxy, Mitch Newman, M.A. The Relationship Coach, offers the following advice. Keep reading »

Cash & Coupling: Can (Or Should) You Date A Cheapskate?

Colleen MeeksJune 8, 2010 //

As a little girl, I always imagined Prince Charming’s arrival would be exactly like the Disney movies. There would be ball gowns, chariots, attentive servants – our happy ever after looked embarrassingly like the prom. As a questionably mature 20-something, I just hoped he’d show up with his own 401k and a checkbook at least as balanced as mine. When he finally made his appearance, my Mr. Right managed to split the difference … he had financial stability and won my heart with his thoughtfulness. But that middle ground – somewhere between responsible and stingy – is a fine line to waltz when you’re dating. For tips on dating a man whose grip on his wallet is tighter than yours on the remote during the season finale of “The Real Housewives of New Jersey,” I consulted Toni Coleman, psychotherapist, dating coach and founder of Consum-mate.com. Keep reading »

Cash & Coupling: Honey, I’m Home — And I Lost My Job!

Colleen MeeksMay 10, 2010 //

Your stud may be stunning, but there’s nothing pretty about being in a relationship with someone who’s been laid off. While your heart may break for Mr. Unemployed, his perpetual presence on your sofa can get ugly – fast. When your partner gets downsized, how do you prevent a downsizing effect on your relationship? We consulted a dating expert for tips on navigating the turbulent waters of a layoff without crashing your (relation)ship on the rocks. Keep reading »

Cash & Coupling: Your Credit’s Good, Your Partner’s … Not So Much

Colleen MeeksMay 4, 2010 //

Hopefully, you’re proud of your credit score and shred the five credit card offers you get every day, knowing that you worked hard to earn a rating as high as Matthew McConaughey on any given Sunday afternoon. But what if your man’s score isn’t nearly as pretty as he is? Sure, he might be awfully talented with his hands, but when those hands just don’t know how to pay bills on time, it can make you wonder if he’s worth it in the long-term.

Handling this situation can be complicated, but relationship expert Susan J. Elliot and Stacy Johnson, creator and host of “Money Talks,” a nationally syndicated financial news series, offered these tips on how you can delicately deal with a guy who’s in need of some major credit rehab. Keep reading »

Cash & Coupling: I’m A Spender, He’s A Saver

Colleen MeeksApril 28, 2010 //

My husband works in sales, and when he gets a commission check, I’m halfway to the mall before it even hits our account. But while my first response is to go shopping, the only -ing he’s thinking about is saving. We have yet to get into a physical tug-of-war over the check, but honestly, we’ve come close. Understandably, having opposing money philosophies is common in relationships; I’m thinking my situation’s sounding awfully familiar to all kinds of ladies out there. To get tips on how to prevent differing spending habits from causing discord with your guy, I consulted dating coach Lori Gorshow and financial expert J.D. Roth of the personal finance blog Get Rich Slowly. If you find yourself in my situation, here’s how to cope … Keep reading »

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