Family Fundamentals
Family Fundamentals: Buying home? Get answers with new guidebook (May 2012)
We are starting to look at buying our first house. In talking with our bank, I’m surprised at the fees they charge for closing. Is it best to stay with your own bank for a mortgage, or should we look elsewhere?
Family Fundamentals: It may be hard to tell if child is being bullied (April 2012)
How can you tell if your child is being bullied at school?
Family Fundamentals: Make wise choices when you get tax refund (for March 2012)
We’re eagerly awaiting our tax refund, but we disagree on what to do with it. We do agree that we want to be smarter about our saving and spending habits. Are there good guidelines we can follow?
Family Fundamentals: A strong, happy relationship good for your health (Feb. 2012)
I’m in my 50s and am happily married. I keep hearing younger people in my social circle question whether marriage is really important. Am I just old-fashioned? Or does marriage still have inherent value?
Family Fundamentals: Just put pen to paper to start on budget (January 2012)
We promised ourselves we would establish a monthly budget in 2012, but now we don’t know where to start. Can you help?
Family Fundamentals: For health, limit kids' TV, other 'screen time' (for 12/2011)
Last year when our children were home from school during Christmas break, they spent a lot of time watching TV, playing video games or on the computer. We know this isn’t ideal, but how much of a problem is it?
Family Fundamentals: It's never too early to teach kids about money (for Nov. 2011)
Our children are still young (ages 4 and 6) but we want to teach them good money management practices that will last a lifetime. What can we do now and over the next few years to give them a good, solid base?
Family Fundamentals: Use of cell phones can help, hurt parent/teen relationship (for October 2011)
Our daughter just entered high school and wants us to get her a cell phone. I realize that most high school students do have a cell phone now, but I’m concerned that it will cause more problems than it’s worth. What are the pros and cons?
Family Fundamentals: Online course can help with family finances (September 2011)
My wife recently received a small inheritance. Instead of paying off some of our debt, she bought our children new games, bikes and other non-essentials. We don't see eye to eye about money. How can we get past this?
Family Fundamentals: Try this alternative 'time-out' method for children (for August 2011)
I use 'time-out' to guide my daughter's behavior, but the power struggles that sometimes erupt make me wonder if it's worth it. Does time-out really work?
Family Fundamentals: Money tips geared to teens heading to college (July 2011)
Our son is heading off to college next month. Although he's very bright academically, he hasn't been very smart about money. Do you know of any resources we can share with him that might help?
Family Fundamentals: Treat your college-age students like adults, not kids (for June 2011)
My daughter returned home for the summer from her first year of college. We don't agree on the rules of behavior, and the tension is building. What can I do (besides count the days until she returns to campus)?
Family Fundamentals: Resources available for families hit hard by economy (May 2011)
Our son and daughter-in-law have been struggling financially since she was laid off 18 months ago, and it doesn't seem to be getting easier for them. Do you know of a resource that could help them make better decisions and get the information they need?
Family Fundamentals: Daughters may not always open up to parents (for April 2011)
My pre-teen daughter and I have a good relationship, but she refuses to talk with me when she's having problems with friends or boys. What can I do to encourage her to open up to me?
Family Fundamentals: Don't fear money talk; not talking about it is worse (for March 2011)
I’m newly married, and I find myself hiding small expenditures from my husband. I don’t think he’d have a problem with them, but for some reason I just don’t feel like bringing them up. Is this a red flag I should do something about, or is this common for new couples?
