I've found my perfect foundation

and where to buy it!!!

Join MyPoints


I have been a MyPoints member for a long time now, in fact I have redeemed 38,100 points for various gift cards to date.

I recently discovered Sephora & Clinique Superfit foundation. I made the mistake of using a free sample that came in a magazine. This foundation worked just the way it should. Even with the generic shade the coverage was perfect, made my skin tone even & felt wonderful. So, then I began browsing for the best deal... Because I don't like to spend a lot on makeup, but being 35 I'm getting to a point where I should be!

I found it at Sephora, through MyPoints. The foundation cost $20.50. I joined the beauty insider program at the website & was sent a promo code for free shipping on $25 order & if I shopped in either the 2 weeks before or after my birthday I would be sent a free Vanilla Cupcake Bath & Shower Bubbles. I am guessing that this is 2 separate promotions, I just happened to have them overlap!

Plus Sephora lets you chose 3 free samples with every purchase. I threw in a $5 package of foundation sponges and picked my 3 samples (3 designer fragrances). The total order cost $27 after tax, I received 2 points per dollar as well.

It may not be much but I just redeemed some points for a $10 Walmart card. It adds up quickly & I can honestly say that a bulk of my almost 40,000 points to date have been earned by just clicking through a few emails a day or answering an occasional survey.

So if you like to shop online and earn points as a reward Join MyPoints


We just took advantage of a New Year's Deal they ran to join Columbia house earning a total of 2000 points (so better than $10 gift card), plus I added 7 DVDs to our collection (after discounts & points less than $2.50 a movie). I will be cancelling it after we are fulfilled of course! I also purchased a few Christmas presents from QVC as well. I don't recommend using it just to earn points, but if you are already going to shop anyways, I've found it very rewarding!

Stumble It!

2009 is almost upon us...

I have been thinking & thinking of what I want my goals to be in 2009 & I still haven't narrowed it down to a set list of things that can be accomplished.

To review 2008 -

1. Budget our money better
2. Pay down our debt
3. Use savings, rebates & misc found money to fund our emergency fund.
4. Blog daily.
5. Work on DIY project everyday.
6. Do better with cards for family & friends.
7. Focus on more MYO foods.
8. Eliminate more clutter

Well we didn't do well with a lot of these, like the blog everyday and the cards for family & friends. But I did accomplish one task not on the list, we went back to church! Finally got the hubby to get out the door & decide to go.

We also had to deal with my Mother in law's illness & passing, but we did accomplish some things like MYO food & eating from the pantry. I'm actually stressed because it's looking bare, unless you really like chicken & rice soup (I get tons from my Grandma). We cut our eating out way back. We went from a couple times a week to maybe once a week, or every other.

Organizing & tossing - I did manage to get a lot out, but there is a lot more to go. I'm not sure where it all came from but the guest bedroom became storage & it all has to go!

Paying down our debt was accomplished mostly because we finally cleared up some nagging medical bills. Oh we didn't pay them, we just made out insurance company do their job. I think that & actually paying some bills we were able to clear up about $4800 in debt. Now we need to tackle the other medical bills, from the birth of my now 5 year old. It's going to be difficult, but I'm considering a lawyer. Apparently the insurance company not only didn't insure my daughter from her day of birth (coverage started on Dec 1, she was born Nov 21) the hospital confused my husband with my father in law, somehow on the official paper work. Not sure how, all our paperwork is correct. Of course the hospital has no record & hasn't been able to find any record in the last 2 years. I'm not sure what our recourse will be in the end, but I just can't bring myself to make a payment on something that was supposed to be covered by insurance I was paying for at the time... Confused? I was!








Stumble It!

My Favorite Local Wines for the Holidays (or anytime)

There is one thing that I throw my "cheap" hat out the window for and that is wine! Don't get me wrong, sometimes a $10 jug will do, but I'll splurge on local wines if I can! By splurge I still don't spend over $20 (in fact it's usually under $15). New York state has some fabulous wineries & I am unlucky lucky enough to have the Chautauqua Wine Trail in my back yard! Most of our wines are available in our local wine & liquor stores so I can get a variety in one stop. Of course it is nice to stop into the winery, especially if you want to try before you buy!

Sparkling Ponds makes a few I enjoy but our favorite is the "Woman Pleaser" the splash of cranberry is a nice touch, very drinkable.

Vetter Vineyards is a small rural winery with a big selection of nice wines.
Brig Niagara and the Concord are 2 of my favorites.

On a wine trail tour a few years ago we discovered Willow Creek Wines had a Merlot that I could drink. That is an accomplishment, since I don't care for the dry oak-y stuff.

One of our older wineries has an annual Strawberry Festival and they make a Strawberry Festival Wine that is tasty & fun! They also make my current favorite Bella Rosa, it's a very nice semi-sweet red.

With New York making it more winery friendly in recent years, we have had several new ones that I haven't had a chance to visit yet (like 5 or so!) We'll get there some time I'm sure, guess I'll have to drag my Mom out for a couple stops some Sunday afternoon!!!





Stumble It!

Review - Febreze Candle

Febreze Odor Eliminating Candles

I was asked to review the Febreze Candle, the scent Autumn Spice & Crisp. This candle smelled amazing in the box. The scent isn't listed on the website, so I'm guessing it's seasonal. But it was just the perfect fall scent.

I have a couple coupons, so I'm sure if I can find them in my stores I will buy a couple more for Thanksgiving dinner. Guess I'd better hurry, before they run out!

The candle has an odor eliminating core. We lit it in the kitchen, it filled the air quickly. Hubby was outside, when he came back in he said it was very refreshing & completely eliminated the funky smell we had earlier. I'm not sure what the smell was, but I think it's musty basement. We have a few holes we need filled in the floor and wall by the refrigerator (old houses!).

I didn't burn it yet today, but when we got back from out numerous errands I didn't notice the musty smell nearly as much!!! Woo hoo me!

I'd definitely recommend these if you are showing your home to sell it. They leave the air smelling fresh & clean, very inviting!

They don't look too bad either, just like normal candles. So you don't have to worry about advertising "hey I have a Febreze candle out" either!


Stumble It!

October Book Giveaway #2

"Did you know that between Thanksgiving and Christmas, Americans produce an extra 2 BILLION pounds of garbage per week? Every Christmas Season, enough holiday cards are sold to fill a ten-story football stadium? If every child under the age of 6 received a quality wood toy in place of a plastic on, we'd avoid 17 million tons of plastic landfill?" - From the back of the book

I am not the biggest "green" person I know, but I can certainly relate to the eye popping trash pile during this time of year. I have only mentioned once or twice that my kiddos birthdays are around Thanksgiving time, so we have double the trash in a very small time frame.

I am hoping this book helps with that a little! After all there are only so many uses for large vacu-formed pieces of packaging or used gift-wrap.


I have a copy of Green Christmas: How to Have a Joyous, Eco-Friendly Holiday Season by Jennifer Basye Sander and Peter Sander with Anne Basye to give away.

This book has tips on deciding on a tree, making gifts that are "green", switching to led lights. The great part is that it is just a little book, perfect as an stocking stuffer.

I'll be drawing a # (Using online random number generator) at 9PM EST on October 30th (THURSDAY).

How to enter:

• Leave a comment here = 1 entry
• Post about it on your blog & leave the link here = 1 entry

Stumble It!

Tackle it Tuesday - CLR Edition!!!

I decided to use the CLR tackle to clean my kids bathtub, it had been ignored for a while. Despite a quick scrub after a bath or shower, it hadn't been deep cleaned in a while. Say hello to the soap scum...

This is the rust stain I was hoping to remove.




It didn't go away, but the rest of the tub is now scum free! This tub & surround are textured & clearly not installed by someone with small children! It is next to impossible to get is to LOOK clean. Everything stains it & it's terribly discolored. I can hope right!



Since it didn't do a fantastic "on camera" job in my bathroom I decided to let the CLR do it's thing on my daughters kitchen.

She decided that it should be used for real cooking, ewww. After removing the electronic "Stove" part I sprayed it down with CLR, let is sit for 3 minutes. I wiped the goo off with a damp towel!


It's as clean as the day we bought it, now I have to take apart the electronics and clean them. Gross!

I'm not sure why things are manufactured with small grooves & holes that allow play sand or baking sprinkles to get stuck down in them... I really should be a toy tester, my kids find the oddest uses & destruction methods!!!

Check out the other CLR Tackles.


lso on the list for today...

Items I am also doing from Homemaker Barbi's 99 Ways to get ready for winter checklist.

16. Freeze fresh vegetables, fruits, and berries that will not be canned. We are putting up applesauce & grape juice, that's my 2nd tackle for tomorrow.

18. Declutter kids’ toys to make room for holiday presents. Donate extras or pack away.

19. Declutter kids’ closets to make room for holiday gifts of clothing. Donate extras or pack away.

31. Move board games, card games, trivia and flash cards, and family story books to a convenient location, such as a bookcase in the family room. You’ll be spending a lot of family time indoors this winter; make sure the main focus isn’t television!

34. Get out winter blankets and flannel sheets. Add wool blankets, comforters and quilts to beds for use on cold winter nights. The more insulation you can pack around a person at bedtime, the more body heat they will retain. And a higher body temperature means you can lower the thermostat a few degrees at bedtime, saving hard earned money on heating bills.

37. Have a series of family fire drills in case a real fire evacuation is needed later. Visit US Fire Administration for Kids for fire safety information.

39. Pack away indoor fans.

41. Stock candles and matches in convenient (but childproof) locations throughout the house for use in prolonged power outages.

52. Seal up window and wall air conditioners. Certain styles will be able to be covered with a winter cover; check your local hardware store for details.

58. Put up storm windows. Almost finished!!!

78. Lay out large bath towels across the floor in the back seat of the car. Kids’ snowy boots will melt off their ice, snow and dirt onto towels that can be thrown in the washer periodically, not onto your car’s carpet.

83. Put an ice scraper and snow brush in

84. Make sure there are jumper cables in your trunk. Winter can be hard on car batteries, and you never know when you ((or someone else) will need a jump start.

85. Pack a winter emergency car kit and put it in the trunk / cargo space.

89. Ask kids and relatives to start working on their Christmas wish lists. The sooner you get ideas about what they’re hoping for, the sooner you can start watching for sales that take place before the holiday shopping rush.






Stumble It!

Product Review - Febreze

It was like Christmas the other day! I got this in the mail...



This Lavender Vanilla & Comfort Febreze works on fabric & the air! I have been using it on our couch & on the Prince's football gear. It seems to wear off in time for practice the next night (lavender scented pads would be bad), but gets rid of the overall stink LOL!

I really do like this scent. It isn't overwhelming, but fresh and clean. It lingers long enough to get rid of any odd odors but doesn't smack of "I had to spray an air freshener."

The tote bag is pretty cool too! I think I'm going to store my Christmas crochet projects in it!


Stumble It!

Good Deals & Smart Steals - Giveaway!!!

How to save money on everything!

This book gives tips on everything from installing dimmer switches to save up to 20% on your energy bills and double the life of your bulbs; to using online shopping, shopping strategies, home improvement ideas all geared to save you money.

I was given an excerpt of 10 tips to help you save on your winter heating bills.

1. Be a water heater cheater - Set your heater to 10 or 20 degrees. For every 10 degrees you could save 3 to 5%.

2. Dodge the drafts - weather stripping, caulk (my friend!), insulate electrical boxes, even draft stops.

3. Heat Smart - Programmable thermostats are worth every penny. Ours wasn't that expensive, I think $30. But the amount of money we've saved has been amazing.

4. Give yourself space - Use a space heater in the most used room of the house, turn the whole house thermostat down.

5. Dial Down - Lower the thermostat setting 2 degrees to save up to $40 on your heating bill.

6. Insulate - Wrap your hot water heater, hot water pipes, all pipes running to unheated areas. We always find ways to add insulation with every project we complete!

7. Draw the drapes - Heavy drapes can help retain heat, don't believe me just stick your hand behind one on a below 0 day... It's scary!!!

8. Plant Trees- South & West planted trees help shade your house in the summer, and let the sun warm it in winter. That's the best kind of solar use! Free.

9. Go Green - Replace heating with Energy Star rated, tankless water heaters, technology is a good thing!

10. Ask for an audit - Some gas & electric offer free audits to let you know where to make changes to save on utility bills.

These are just a small sampling of the great tips that can be found in this amazingly helpful book. Somethings may seem like common sense to us die hard frugalists, but there are a ton of haggling tips too. That is one area I tend to fail miserably at. I also love the Penny Wise Pound Foolish and the Shop Smart blurbs.



Thanks to Meryl L. Moss Media Relations, Inc. I have one copy to give away, all you have to do is leave a comment on this post. Make sure I can contact you (email address, blog with contact info) by 9PM October 24th, 2008.


Good Deals & Smart Steals: How to Save Money on Everything from the editors of Good Housekeeping Magazine, Hearst Books, Sterling Publishing, ISBN 978-1-58816-690-6.


My Money Story is also giving away TWO copies of this book too!


Stumble It!

Product Review - Febreze Fabric Refresher Decor

I recently received the Febreze Fabric Refresher Decor - Lavender Vanilla & Comfort to use and review.

The first thing I noticed is how pretty it looks. It is an unobtrusive bottle is very sleek. I can see how it would blend in with any decor. Then I sprayed my couch with it, yummy! I also used it on the curtains in the kitchen, they always pick up smells. The fresh scent lasted for a long time.

It worked so well I took it into my office, to spray my musty carpet. Apparently they had some flood issues (plumbing) so it can smell funky in there. I have the gorgeous bottle sitting on my window ledge, so whenever I need a spray it's handy!

The decor line is available in 3 fabulous scents Lavender Vanilla & Comfort, Spring & Renewal, and Meadows & Rain. You can buy them as a three pack or individually.

This one gets a thumbs up!



Stumble It!

Street Science School Stuff

I must be on a back to school kick!

These came in the mail about a week (or so) ago. The Prince has been checking them out, LOVES THEM! There is more info at Street Science.



The camo composition notebook is cool! It's hard to believe they even make the old black and whites anymore, I'd had to have had this one!


The blue print one the 1 subject is of a turntable! It has a pocket for storage, very heavy cover and the coolest thing is there is a blurb about the cover on the inside!


From the PR company ~ While tweens and teens alike will be totally excited about being able to express their creativity and individuality, all while making the ultimate fashion statement, they'll also be taking part in a greater cause and joining the start of a major educational movement! Street Science not only educates youth through style, design and the pursuit of knowledge but also promotes academic improvement in an effort to decrease the escalating drop out rate within the public school system s . This September Street Science will launch the Street Science Foundation and a portion of all school supplies purchased will go back into the foundation to help keep kids in and interested school.~

I'm not sure where they will be available but I hope they will be where I shop!

Dishwasher Detergent Experiment

I was asked to test some dishwasher detergents by email. So I said sure why not, I run the thing at least once a day...

I was shocked to get 2 full size bottles delivered UPS. So weird.


Well anyways, my usual brand is Electrosol, but I use the tabs with the jet dry ball. I don't use the jet dry dispenser in my dishwasher.

First up I tried the Electrosol liquid. We packed the dishwasher as usual, filled both soap cups to the top & then ran on the normal cycle without heated drying.

Result: I wasn't as happy with it as I usually am with the tablets the glassware didn't come as clean as I'm used to. That said it wasn't bad and probably if I was able to us the jet dry dispenser things might be different.

Second I tried the Cascade, which was the one recommended in the original email. I didn't care for their "gel packs" they left pieces in my dishwasher which clogged my sprayer. I filled the dishwasher as usual. filled the cups & ran on normal.

Result: There wasn't much difference between the two as far as clean went. It worked just as well as the Electrosol did. I never dreamed I'd end up with a tie! The Cascade smelled better, if that counts for anything.

Overall: I think I'll stick with my over priced tablets with jet dry. At least until I get the dishwasher replaced or the recalled part fixed.

***Note: other than the product I was given I received not payment for my review, or was swayed one way or the other (obviously!)***

Rewards Update

Let's see. My email has been overflowing with surveys, click through ads and offers

I have earned 1035 points at mypoints. Just from clicking through, completing a couple offers and some surveys, since April when I redeemed some points for a TJMaxx gift card. You can Earn Rewards at MyPoints.
I'm not sure what I'm earning points for yet, but I will probably have some purchases by the time I do. Maybe I'll get a CVS card for me, or a gift card for one of the many weddings we have coming up.

I have earned $19.13 at Inbox Dollars they require a balance of $30 for payout, so we're getting there!

I have redeemed e-rewards for a 2 year subscription to "Everyday Food" & a 1 year subscripiton to "Woman's Day." I still have $13 left in my account but there wasn't anything appealing in the $10 range besides the Woman's Day. Maybe there will be something nice in the $15 range when I get there.

I can't remember where I got the 2 year subscription to "Country Home" was from but that arrived this week.

I completed the required viewing for Adperk to get "Good Housekeeping" I am working on "Field & Stream" now.

I have also started collecting SheKnows points. I doubt I'll have enough anytime soon to get the Wii, but there are lots of other cool things to choose from!!!

I found this when I cleared off our dresser to move it upstairs (one more piece of furniture in place!)

This was a creation of my husband, using a tube from lipgloss the Princess got at Christmas & one of the LED flashlights I bought as small gifts, voila, one blue lightsabre. I thought it was very odd & yet creative!!!

Just one of those things that few would get, and are strange looking when not in context LOL!

Mother's Day is coming....

Retrevo has reviews of several cool electronic gadgets for under $50 and under $100.

I have to admit, if you haven't already realized it I am a gadget girl. I tend to be drawn more toward the kitchen gadgets than to personal electronics but I seriously have discovered a need for an MP3 player. They are awesome for walking! Thanks sis...

I really like the reviews of the digital key chains. I am not one of those awesome Mom's that always has pics of their kiddos at the ready. This handy electronic device would remedy that for me, I'll have pics where ever I have my keys!!!

I am not really a cell phone addict, but if I were a bluetooth headset would be cool. Our neighbor needs one, she is constantly trying to make calls from her car & having to pull over so she doesn't get a ticket.

The site also reviews some floating rose bath lights, that seem to be perfect for the real low end of the $ spectrum but high on the WOW factor!!! Who wouldn't find the multi colored floating wonders strangely fascinating.

The under $100 page has some seriously cool items that every Mom never knew she needed until she has one. Like the WiFi memory card, no more cords, that ROCKS!!!

OK, so hubby pay attention... any of these would be cool gifts for Mother's Day!

The Queen of More Green -

Jaci Rae is an author/musician/business woman I was just introduced to. She sounds like another frugalista & her books are ones I have added to my Amazon.com wishlist.

The first site I visited was Shop for a day and her book Shop for a Day with Jaci Rae - How to Get Almost Anything for Free. This book looks like a great collection of money saving strategies & ideas. I enjoyed listening to the podcasts available on the side bar. It's always good to hear someone else's frugal ideas to refuel your motivation!!!

Another of her sites Penny Meals features another book 5 Meals for $5 - How to Feed 5 People 5 Meals for $5.00 - $8.00 or Less! You Don't Need to Be Wealthy To Eat Healthy This one is huge on my list of must have books. Of course that could be the recipe addict talking...You can read a snippet of this book on the Penny Meals website, including the table of contents, which list the individual recipes available in the book, YUMMY!

You can also visit her blog.

I will be exploring her tips since she seems to take the "CVS extra care buck" theory & applied to lots of the other stuff out there. I am all about the free stuff!!! (At least the free stuff I can use or give away!)

Durable Handbags

I bought myself a new purse after watching the Rachel Ray where they tested the Mom's handbag for germs & found staph, ecoli & bunches of other gross stuff. The purse I was using was old (like 8 years old) & had to have just been nasty!

So of course I find this website in my email today...
Hardware Handbags including a code (HH3) that is good for $30 off until the end of November.

The tout their line as eco-friendly, cruelty free (not leather), & sustainable. It can (as a last resort) be machine washed!

Their price is a tad more than I would usually pay for something like a handbag, but is reasonable considering current pricing trends and if it is as durable as claimed. Note: I paid $9.48 for my bag off the clearance rack & it isn't leather either... I doubt it will last me forever, but it will do!

Coloring Pages for girls

I just was introduced to the Doll Place's Coloring Pages. The website description says it specializes in stuff to interest teen girls but I was able to find some simple lined Princess, bear, and other cartoon images for my 3 year old to scribble on. I was able to save the image & print it out for her to use. She isn't totally computer savvy yet. But she loves to color.

The neat thing I found was the "paint" color feature! Just click on the image you want to color & the pallet pops up & you can color away. For some reason I really like lazy coloring. Just fill in the space with the paint feature, I find it relaxing! It would be more girly if you were able to add glitter! Girls like glittery stuff.

This is definitely for older girls or to be visited with supervision. Some of the artwork is uploaded by members & if you stray into the doll creation they are naked, eek!

You can upload your own pen & ink picture to "color." To save your work you only have to register for a free account, then you can share your work with friends & have them color your pictures or others.

It was worth the visit & is now a permanent resident in my bookmarks!

Rich Woman

I am almost ready to give my final review of the book.

So far I am deep into it. I like the style of writing, however I just finished chapter 19 & all I really know is that she has a really large group of old friends & that women can & should invest... She made her own money investing in realestate, more specifically rentals. This generates cashflow, which is good. She does address the "flipping" phenomenon by pointing out that once it is sold, what ever you made (or didn't) is it, where renting gives you monthly cash flow. There are formulas for determining what is a good buy, good cash flow, etc.

Being a landlord myself (1 property, our home) I can say that only having a couple of apartments is more work than profit. We were looking for income to offset our mortgage & taxes. Except our local taxes went up $1000 since we acquired the property & our rents are barely covering our escrow. I would like to invest in at least 1-2 more apartment buildings, we are just waiting for the right one in the right area at te right time :D.

Hopefully the next few chapters of the book will give a little bit of the "how", not like I expect a diagram or anything, but some direction would be nice.

Managing to be Wealthy - book review

Managing to be Wealthy - Putting Your Financial Plan-and Planner-to Work for You - John Sestina, CFP,ChFC

I love this book, I would, I am a worksheet junkie. I think that was what drew me to 31 days to fix your finances. I have contemplated getting rid of this book several times (every time we move I have pared down our massive media collection) but I continue to hold on to it.

I have read this book cover to cover at least once and go back to reference it often, it is a great book. Mr. Sestina is a respected professional in the Financial Planning world. A quote from the back cover "Don't mistake this for just another book on getting your financial life in order. John Sestina is one of the fathers of today's financial planning movement...you're getting it from the horse's mouth"- David J. Drucker, MBA, CFP, President, Sunset Financial Management, Inc. Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Before I get too far I will point out that yes, I am aware that he is also a Quixtar/Amway Diamond. Honestly, if it weren't for that fact I probably never would have heard of him. I have heard him speak on numerous occasions.

It was his occupation as a financial planner that led to his involvement in the first place, I believe the story was that he was looking out for the welfare of a client & attended an opportunity meeting. I do not recall what happened with the
client over the years, but John & his wife built a successful Amway business, he was building his Financial Planning Business as well http://www.sestina.com/ SO, that aside, there are many people that look to him to plan their finances (including some big name former NFL players*see ESPN link at bottom). If he can handle their money, I am surely going to listen to the free advice! (well at least the price of the book!)

Ok, enough said, it doesn't matter who speaks the good advice, as long as it's good, does it?

So why am I writing about a book that has been out since 1993? Well, because I am also reading Rich Woman: A Book on Investing for Women - Because I Hate Being Told What to Do! as I may have mentioned before. Mrs. Kiyosaki continually mentions educating yourself on what investing is all about, learn the lingo, etc... Well,
this book does a lot of that. He covers saving for college, retirement, future, liabilities, taxes, estate planning,investing, businesses, and when to consult a professional.

The book begins with the six steps to financial freedom
1. What do You want? identify Financial & Personal Goals
2. What do you have now? Collect Information
3. What's holding you back? Consider problem areas
4. How do you get what you want? Develop written recommendations and alternate solutions
5. Put your plan into action
6. Is it working? Review the plan

I think the only problem I have with this book is that the Appendix D: You need a second business, is just that, an appendix & D no less! I think that is one of the most important points in the book. Sure it was put in as a way to convince you to get into their business, but there is a walk through of the process on deciding what business is right for you.

Maybe it doesn't need to be a "second" business forever, but business ownership (especially the sole proprietorship type of business he recommends) is the best way I have found to make a little money on top of your "job" and to keep even more money by way of tax deductions. The business vehicle mileage deduction for 2006 tax returns is 44.5 cents per mile. Mileage alone is worth the investment. I was involved in a home based candle business for 2 months in 2006, I racked up over 300 miles. The value of the miles was more than the commissions I earned (therefore I stopped doing it, but we still have other business ventures.)

He also touches on how you can shift your income by employing your children. Obviously this needs to be a valid and believable thing or the IRS will red flag you in seconds. I haven't used this benefit yet, as my children have been too young. But the 7 year old is starting to help, he was getting paid to shred papers, before we got the coal furnace. I wasn't paying him $10 an hour, more like $0.25 a session (hey he was 5 and we didn't end up needing the deduction that year anyways!)

I am spending 2007 putting MY financial house in order & this is my Go-to-Book. The good news for you if you don't already have it & want it, there are bunches of used ones available on Amazon.com!

This book is cited in the 2004 books Midlife Mamas on the Moon: Celebrate Great Health, Friendships, Sex, and Money and Launch Your Second Life by Sunny Hersh
and Surviving Financial Disasters: Bankruptcy, Foreclosure, Eviction, Auto Repossession, Excessive Debts and Much Moreby Tiffany R. Love

Some links to articles where Mr. Sestina was interviewed.
http://espn.go.com/otl/dollars/wednesday.html
http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/mtg/20020228a.asp
http://www.financial-planning.com/pubs/fp/20050901016.html