A Day to Celebrate
Posted by Mary Caraccioli | Filed under Announcement
It was a big weekend- Mother’s Day and Graduation! This card from my daughter was the highlight.
Later in the day another treat- hearing my name called at the University of Pennsylvania Graduation. It was a lot of years in the making- but I finished something that was near and dear to my heart. See the article below for details.
TV Money Expert Adds New Credentials to Her Financial Toolkit
PHILADELPHIA (May 13, 2012) – Television host Mary Caraccioli participated in graduation ceremonies at the University of Pennsylvania where she earned her Masters of Liberal Arts degree. Caraccioli’s concentration in the multi-disciplined program was money and leadership. Her thesis examined the interconnectedness of money and beauty as motivators and a source of stress in professional women’s lives.
Caraccioli said “Working toward this Master’s degree gave me the opportunity to step back from my day to day money reporting and really examine how money affects us emotionally. Through exhaustive research and one on one interviews I gained new insight into how money drives us and how it creates stress – no matter how big the paycheck.”
The Emmy® Award winning journalist is the host of the nationwide financial reality show “We Owe What?” produced by 6ABC WPVI-TV, airing on the Live Well Network and weekends on ABC owned stations in the nation’s top television markets. The show offers practical advice to families struggling with their financial lives. “We Owe What?” is in its first season.
Caraccioli also has earned an MBA degree from Drexel University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Pittsburgh. She is an EMMY® Award-winning financial journalist who has a track record for creating award-winning programs for broadcast, cable and digital mediums.
For more information, follow Mary on: Facebook (facebook.com/TheMoneyConfidante) and Twitter (@MoneyConfidante).
Tags: graduation, mary caraccioli
Vince McMahon talks Business
Posted by Mary Caraccioli | Filed under Featured, Videos
My interview with the first family of wrestling- the McMahons continues to get the hits on Youtube. I thought I would share one of the segments with you. This is my interview with the controversial patriarch- Vince McMahon.
Tags: leadership, vince mcmahon, wrestling, wwe
Do’s and Don’t When Calling Creditors
Posted by Mary Caraccioli | Filed under debt
If you have creditors calling you or sending letters, chances are you are feeling just a little bit of stress about it and that stress could be hurting your ability to actually have a productive conversation with your creditors. Here is my plan for reducing stress and emotions in order for you to get results.
Pre-Call Tips
The first thing I recommend to anyone dealing with creditors is the first get a script together. Know what you are going to say before you dial the phone our bang out an email. If you are nervous or put on the spot sticking to the script will help you keep your cool. That means organizing your paper work and knowing everything from the account number to the amount due.
The second tip is to run through the script with someone who will be hard on you. This is not when you need a cheerleader- tough love will help you get the points in your mind so that you function smoothly under pressure.
Third tip- If you can speak with a reputable creditor counselor before you make your call you may find even more empowerment. Here is a national website that will help you find a non-profit counselor near you. Remember they often do phone consultations. http://www.nfcc.org/FirstStep/firststep_01.cfm
Once you have done the prep work for the call you are ready to dial. I suggest you have a script in front of you with all the information easy for you to see. Check out the sample script I provided to use as a guideline.
Sample Script:
Hello may I speak with a credit manager. (Feel free to give your name and account number but nothing else at this time- insist on talking to a manager)
Hello this is ______ May I please have your name and ID number. Once they give it to you ask, “May I have your direct number? (Don’t count on this- but it doesn’t hurt to ask).
I would like to discuss (my account, your offer for a settlement, my debt).
Once you get a positive response that they indeed want to work with you then you can begin to discuss specifics.
What Not to Say
Don’t give out any information about yourself other than your name, the account or reference number and your email address. It will be important to have an email address for any documents or agreements, but you do not need to provide a phone number or address. All you need to say is, “I prefer to call you directly, but feel free to email me if you need information.”
Don’t start the negotiations by throwing out a number- let them know of your hardship and ask if they will work with you and see what they offer. From there negotiate.
Don’t give your best and final offer first. Start with a reasonable first amount of money that is below your best and final offer. Don’t worry of you are far apart in the beginning- keep your cool and make a case for why your number is reasonable. Do stay calm and stay positive. If you don’t reach an agreement thank the person for their time and politely hang up.
If they do make you a settlement offer that you want to accept- do have them send it via email before you give them a mailing address. You want it in writing.
Follow Up
Expect the negotiations to require more than one phone call; so don’t be frustrated if the discussions go back and forth a few times. If there is work you must do to follow up- then be sure to do it in a timely manner.
Tags: debt collectors, script for dealing with creditors
Ready to Leave the Nest But Not Ready to Leave the Perks
Posted by Mary Caraccioli | Filed under Videos
More than 40% of 20-somethings end up moving back with their parents at least once. Call it the Boomerang generation. So it wasn’t too hard for me to find someone who fit this description for my show “We Owe What?” Elana Nolan’s story may sound familiar- she is in her late 20’s but still hasn’t cut the financial cord to mom and dad even though she is seriously ready to have her own place. But is she serious about giving up the good life that comes with paying no rent to make it happen?
Tags: caraccioli, ready to launch, we owe what
Path to Work Life Harmony
Posted by Mary Caraccioli | Filed under Lifestyle
Monday morning. If you are finding it hard to locate your motivation for work- you need to read this column on “How to Avoid Burnout” by Marissa Mayer for businessweek.com. I believe she is on to something – what do you think? Enjoy?
How to Avoid Burnout
Avoiding burnout isn’t about getting three square meals or eight hours of sleep. It’s not even necessarily about getting time at home. I have a theory that burnout is about resentment. And you beat it by knowing what it is you’re giving up that makes you resentful. I tell people: Find your rhythm. Your rhythm is what matters to you so much that when you miss it you’re resentful of your work.
I had a young guy, just out of college, and I saw some early burnout signs. I said, “Think about it and tell me what your rhythm is.” He came back and said, “Tuesday night dinners. My friends from college, we all get together every Tuesday night and do a potluck. If I miss it, the whole rest of the week I’m like, ‘I’m just not going to stay late tonight. I didn’t even get to do my Tuesday night dinner.’ ” So now we know that Nathan can never miss Tuesday night dinner again. It’s just that simple. You’re going to be so much more productive the rest of the week if you get that.
Katie is a soccer mom. She was running Google Finance and her team was in Bangalore, India, and she kept doing conference calls at one in the morning. I was really worried about her hours, and she said, “Don’t worry about the 1 a.m. calls to Bangalore. I love my team. It doesn’t bother me a bit. What bothers me is missing soccer games or having my child see me walk in late to the recital.” From then on we’d be in meetings and Katie would get up to leave, and people would say, “Oh, Katie, can’t you just stay five more minutes? We’re so close.” And I’d say, “No, Katie has got to go.”
So find your rhythm, understand what makes you resentful, and protect it.
You can’t have everything you want, but you can have the things that really matter to you. And thinking that way empowers you to work really hard for a really long period of time.
Watch Marissa Mayer explain how to avoid burnout at www.businessweek.com/howto/burnout
Tags: balance
Global Citizens Award
Posted by Mary Caraccioli | Filed under Announcement, Economy, education
Bill Dunkelberg and his wife Sharon Javie are two remarkable individuals who work extremely well as a team. This Fall the Global Interdependence Center is honoring both of them with our prestigious Global Citizen Award. Bill has chaired GIC for many years and Sharon has served as our interim Executive Director more than once. They both embrace our mission about convening and creating dialogue about economic and financial policy and making that dialogue open, transparent and on-going.
To kick off the event on October 19th we will also have a selection of private briefings on newsworthy topics. I am very please to be co-chairing the event this year with my fellow board member Dom D’Ginto.
Save The Date! I hope to see you there. BTW can you guess which country we will be featuring?
Tags: GIC, interdependence
Awkward Moments
Posted by Mary Caraccioli | Filed under Videos
My first car was a Ford Festiva- sub sub compact with a stick shift. Great- except I didn’t know how to drive a stick! Worst part for me was getting in first gear while at a stop light on a hill. That rollback was terrifying! I actually would put my emergency brake on until I was in gear.
http://youtu.be/vHNWKZpXPCI
Awkward Moments
Posted by Mary Caraccioli | Filed under Videos
My first car was a Ford Festiva- sub sub compact with a stick shift. Great- except I didn’t know how to drive a stick! Worst part for me was getting in first gear while at a stop light on a hill. That rollback was terrifying! I actually would put my emergency brake on until I was in gear.
Tags: caraccioli, my first car
Is Your Man (or Woman) Your Financial Plan?
Posted by Mary Caraccioli | Filed under Featured, relationships and money
Marilyn, Lauren and Betty had fun with the idea of marrying into money with their 1953 movie “How to Marry a Millionaire.” More than 50 years later you would be surprised how many people think their money problems will go away because they will marry rich- or simply get married. And its not just women looking for that “good provider.” More and more guys are hoping their mate will come with financial benefits.
Think beyond the sugar momma or daddy. Sometimes it is not about marrying into a fortune- but marrying to dissolve yourself of any financial responsibility. You are willing to bring home the bacon- but don’t want to think about if there is enough to cover the bills, add to investments or – god forbid- taxes. Who do you know – who would rather leave the money stuff to someone else- because they have more interesting things to do with their time? Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: caraccioli, livewellhd, love and money, man financial plan, relationships and money
Facebook and Twitter
Posted by Mary Caraccioli | Filed under Announcement
I use facebook and twitter and would love to connect with you via social media.
On facebook you can find me at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mary-Caraccioli/287501997607
or Like my show We Owe What? at https://www.facebook.com/WeOweWhat
On Twitter I am at @MoneyConfidante
Tags: facebook, mary caraccioli, twitter
Latest News
Posted by Mary Caraccioli | Filed under Videos
We have an all new episode of We Owe What? Coming up this Saturday April 14 at 5:30 PM on the LiveWell network
and Sunday, April 22, 1:00 PM on 6abc WPVI-TV in Philadelphia
Where to find LiveWell in your town: http://livewellnetwork.com/feature/8376859
Tags: abc, livewell, mary caraccioli, we owe what
Tips for Raising Financially Fit Kids
Posted by Mary Caraccioli | Filed under Kids, parenting
At 8:20 a.m. on the nose they raced into the classroom, 25 spirited kindergarteners. They paid no attention to me as they stuffed their jackets into their cubbies and made their way to table time. This morning they found pennies and cardboard cards showing different coins at their table. Ten minutes later their eyes would be on me.
This sunny morning my job was to explain money to Becca and Carrie’s kindergarten class. At five and six years-old, they are ready to start grasping financial basics. As they gathered in a circle around me, on a big blue rug, I saw just how hungry this age group is to learn about the topic mom and dad seem to know so much about – money.
Make it Visual
The first rule for teaching about money to five and six year-olds is to make it visual. I pulled out a debit card, a credit card, a check, and a few dollar bills. I asked the kids which of these objects were money. The dollar bills were picked first, but others thought the cards and check were also money. They had seen their parents use them to buy things at the store. That was my opportunity to have a teachable money moment. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: kids and money, mary caraccioli, money skills for kids
How Do I Get Mary To Help Us?
Posted by Mary Caraccioli | Filed under Announcement, TV show
I have received a lot of requests from viewers who want to know how they can get on my TV show “We Owe What?” If you’ve got a money problem that you need help with- we want to hear from you. It is easy to get started. You go to the link below and fill out an application. Once that happens our team of producers will contact you and get the process rolling. We travel around the country finding families, singles and couples who are looking for help to get to a better place with their money. I can’t wait to hear from you!
http://livewellnetwork.com/We-Owe-What/feature/Apply-to-be-on-We-Owe-What/8505156
Tags: mary caraccioli, Reality TV, we owe what
The Kids Have Grown the Nest Egg Hasn’t
Posted by Mary Caraccioli | Filed under Videos
Congratulations, the kids are building their own young adult lives. You did it! But while you were taking care of their dreams did you make sure you were tending to the nest egg that will take care of yours?
Cindy and John’s story should motivate you to get to work.
Tags: empty nest, livewell, mary caraccioli, we owe what
Where You Can See My Show “We Owe What?”
Posted by Mary Caraccioli | Filed under Announcement
The debut of my new show “We Owe What?” is off to a great start. And now it is available in even more communities across the country! Click on this link to get episode times and local listings. After you check it out let me know what you think and remember if you would like us to feature your family just send me an email! -Mary
http://livewellnetwork.com/We-Owe-What/feature/We-Owe-What-Show-Times/8530785
Tags: abc, livewell tv, we owe what
Facing Past Money Mistakes and Letting Kids Fly $olo
Posted by Mary Caraccioli | Filed under Videos
For Cindy and John Russo, nothing is more important than the happiness of their two sons and the success of their band – even if that means their finances are left playing second fiddle. John often leaves Cindy in the dark about the bills, and carries the burden on his shoulders. And, though John’s intentions are good, his actions only lead to money miscommunications and marital turbulence. With a past investment gradually eating away at their finances, the Russo family needs to band together to sing a new financial tune – and fast.
Tags: Bad investments, kids and money
Faith and Finances: Meet the Chandlers
Posted by Mary Caraccioli | Filed under Videos
The Chandler family is devoted to their church, but has lost faith in their finances. Even after downsizing to a smaller house, Nate and Thilana still find themselves in the red each month. With bills mounting and five children to feed, the Chandler family needs Mary to clean their financial house.
Tags: caraccioli, chandler, tithe
The Difference Between Tax Credits and Deductions
Posted by Mary Caraccioli | Filed under tax
A question I get a lot is, “What is the difference between a tax deduction and a tax credit?”
The Answer:
A tax deduction is something that reduces how much taxable income you claim. A tax credit is something that directly reduces how much tax you owe.
A deduction shaves money off your taxable income, so the value depends on your tax bracket. If you’re in the 25% bracket, a $1,000 deduction lowers your tax bill by $250. But a $1,000 credit lowers the bill by the full $1,000, no matter in which bracket you are.
Tags: caraccioli, deductions vs credits, tax time
Family of Nine Looking for Ways to Save
Posted by Mary Caraccioli | Filed under Videos
The Poley family reminded me of my own clan. I was one of nine kids, the Poley’s have a family of nine. There is a lot of joy and love in their home. But like my parents, Beth and Darren struggle to keep food on the table.
I found a creative way for this large family to save and share their many skills with others.
Tags: mary caraccioli, money, saving on food
Five ways to stop drowning in debt today
Posted by Mary Caraccioli | Filed under debt
By Mary Caraccioli
Too many Americans know that awful feeling of becoming overwhelmed by their debts. It can feel like you are drowning. There is a way to stop that sinking feeling and get control over your financial future. It is possible! I have worked with many people who have changed their lives by adopting these five steps.
There is a catch – you’ve got to do all five steps and be committed. If you are wishing for a fairy godmother to come wave her magic wand and make your debt disappear – this plan is not for you. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: debt, mary caraccioli, money
A New Financial You After a Break-up
Posted by Mary Caraccioli | Filed under Videos
Ericka Johnson was used to having what she wanted when she wanted it. But a break-up changed her financial picture. Her real money problems were created when she forgot to tell her spending habits about her new money reality. Things got even worse when she started shopping as therapy. Emotional spending has led to more than one bankruptcy. I didn’t want that to happen to Ericka, so we got to work.
Tags: emotional spending, mary caraccioli, money
Money Troubles Keeping You Up?
Posted by Mary Caraccioli | Filed under Lifestyle, financial plan, money
My job and my research has given me the privilege to talk to so many people, of different economic backgrounds, about money. What has been surprising is that money issues keep a lot of people up at night- even people who earn very big paychecks. The good news is that with a little work you can make bedtime- a time of rest- not anxiety. Here are my top 5 moves to make when money keeps you up at night. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: mary caraccioli
Their Money Can’t Keep Up With Them
Posted by Mary Caraccioli | Filed under Videos
Kelly and Steve Woronicak have had a wild ride as a couple. Immediately after tying the knot, they closed on their home, a year later had their first child, and 18 months after that had a set of twins! With three young boys under the age of four, the Woronicak family has mastered parenting 101 but needs to be schooled in managing their finances.
That is where I come in.
Tags: mary caraccioli, money, we owe what
Buy Used and What to Never Buy Used
Posted by Mary Caraccioli | Filed under saving, shopping
By Mary Caraccioli
My work has me visiting families all over the country with one mission, to help them get in good financial shape. In order to help others, I have also had to make sure my own house is in order. So to keep within my own budget I have found fun and creative ways to save. Often that means buying something that someone else previously owned. Yep- used! Hey it is also good for the environment right? Reuse and recycle are part of my life.
But not every used item is worthy of making it into my home. Some used products create more problems or simply don’t last. So it begs the question, “What do you buy new and what do you buy used?”
My rule of thumb for buying “used” is like Warren Buffet’s rule for buying stocks, I buy what I know. So, if I know what I am looking at and can tell if it is well made and in good shape and if I can properly clean it- I buy used. If it is something that is too complicated for me or my pals to assess- I walk away and buy new. Why? Because sometimes buying used is literally buying someone else’s problems. Here is a quick list on what is on my “buy used” list and what isn’t.
Buy used: un-upholstered furniture- my dining room table, end table, dressers, and coffee tables are all second hand and are all fabulous. They are more attractive and better constructed than a lot of new furniture and they make my home unique. I also spent a lot less for this great look than I would have for the same quality new.
Some pieces I have refinished myself, others were already in great shape. The materials I have had the most luck with are wood, Lucite or acrylic, marble and granite. These materials are easy enough for me to clean. I also look for pieces that are easy to inspect. I make sure they are in proper working order before I buy.
Buy New: I Don’t buy used upholstered furniture. Maybe it is all the news about bedbugs that freaked me out- but I see old upholstery as a recipe for disaster. If you can do the reupholstering yourself it may be worth it, but hiring someone else to do it can be expensive. This is where I buy new.
The only exception Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: buying used, caraccioli, when not to buy used
Curt’s New Game
Posted by Mary Caraccioli | Filed under Videos
Curt Schilling knows how to win games, just ask folks in Boston and Arizona. But now the 46-year old former baseball pitcher is hoping to strike gold with a new game- his own business.
That business is a video game company called 38 Studios. This week the company released its first game to rave reviews. Considering more money is spent a year on video games than movie tickets, the former Red Sox pitcher could see bigger earnings from this, than from his legendary time on the mound.
I spoke with Schilling when the game was still in development about his new career and about his real motivation for success- his family.
Tags: 38 studios, curt schilling, mary caraccioli
Adapting Money Skills to Life Changes
Posted by Mary Caraccioli | Filed under Videos
Going from single and able to splurge on you and only you- to married- to homeowner- to parents of 3, that is what I call a life change! Sometimes all of our habits and coping mechanisms don’t change as quickly as our lives do. That is what Kelly and Steve discovered.
My thanks to the Woronicak family. It was a pleasure working with you!
Tags: abc, livewell tv, mary caraccioli, money behavior, we owe what
Caught in a Credit Crunch
Posted by Mary Caraccioli | Filed under Videos
I wish I could tell you the Miller family is an extreme. But their money troubles are similar to millions of Americans. They took on a lot of personal debt when credit was easy. Then things changed. When the economy tanked, so did their business and the value of their home. Now it is worth less than they owe. Like so many others, their money was caught up in a perfect storm. But they are ready to recover!
Thank you Courtney, Luke and the amazing Miller children!
Tags: abc, credit, debt, mary caraccioli, we owe what
This Week: Fighting Crushing Debt
Posted by Mary Caraccioli | Filed under Announcement
If you or someone you care about is being emotionally crushed by mounting debt- they need to see this week’s episode of “We Owe What?” my new show on the LiveWell TV network. The Miller family shared their story that is all too familiar in the USA. Their home is worth less than what they owe, they have personal and business debt from a failed business and the creditors don’t want to hear that there are 4 kids involved.
Catch this very special episode Saturday at 5:30pm and Monday and Thursday nights at 7 and 7:30pm
Check out LiveWell’s site for local listings (left side of the homepage where it says sign up stay informed). Here is a link: http://livewellnetwork.com/index Thank you for watching and supporting my efforts to help all of us get better control over the money part of our lives!
Tags: debt, livewell, mary caraccioli, we owe what
Paying the Bills vs Playing with the Kids
Posted by Mary Caraccioli | Filed under Videos
Meet the Lafferty Family. Their energy and enthusiasm for getting a better grip on their money issues made them a great family to work with.
As always I want to hear from you. Share your ideas with our community. Thanks for watching!
Tags: abc, livewell, mary caraccioli, money, we owe what
New Episode this week
Posted by Mary Caraccioli | Filed under Videos
If you have big dreams but a budget that can’t keep up- then you will love the newest episode of “We Owe What?”
Thank you Tammy and Ed!
Tags: livewell, mary caraccioli, we owe what
How to Budget (for people who hate to)
Posted by Mary Caraccioli | Filed under Budget
Budgets can be intimidating. You think you need to be proficient with a spreadsheet and be great at math. Worse yet, I hear from folks that they don’t do budgets because they are too restrictive and will prevent them from living their dream. I want to tell you that none of those things are necessarily true.
Creating a budget can be done on a piece of paper with a pencil and grade school addition and subtraction made even easier with a calculator. And as far as being restrictive, I see it differently; budgets empower you to live the life you want by forcing you to prioritize.
I created a budget for the Lafferty family, who we featured on my new show “We Owe What?” and showed them that a budget allows them to but their priorities- their kids- first. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: abc, mary caraccioli, we owe what. livewelltv
Mary and Social Media
Posted by Mary Caraccioli | Filed under Announcement
I am very excited about my new show. It is a great way to learn about money while enjoying a reality show. You get the tips not the preaching! I will also be sharing many of my tips with you on social media sites like facebook, twitter and youtube.
Here is how you can find me on those sites
twitter/marytalksmoney
https://twitter.com/#!/marytalksmoney
facebook/Mary Caraccioli
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mary-Caraccioli/287501997607
facebook/We Owe What
https://www.facebook.com/WeOweWhat
YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/user/MaryandMoney
Tags: abc, livewell, mary caraccioli, we owe what
A 5-Year Plan for You!
Posted by Mary Caraccioli | Filed under Budget
The 5-Year Plan by Mary Caraccioli
Many businesses have 5 – 10 or 15 year plans. But very few individuals or families do these types of plans for themselves. I want to change that! I think they are so useful in so many ways. I have broken these benefits down to the 4 P’s.
1) Prioritize
2) Plan
3) Pay
4) Picture
Start with the 5-year plan. You make a list of all the things you expect will happen in the next 5 years, births, birthdays, vacations, graduations, career changes, raises, pay cuts, reunions, new cars, appliances, house maintenance, etc. Next, write down your current expenses.
Now all you have to do is plug in the years (see the document below to see how I did this for the Carolus family).
Writing down and then agreeing on what your family will fund for the next 5 years allows your family to prioritize. What matters to each of you? When I met with the Carolus family for my new show “We Owe What?” there was some debate between Tami and Ed as to where they wanted to put their money. This type of debate is great and so important. It is key here to listen to everyone invited to the discussion. When I say listen, I mean really listen- don’t just assume you know what they are going to say and shut down. Insist that you are granted the same courtesy.
Get the kids involved too! Tami and Ed were surprised to learn that their daughter Beth put volleyball over racecar driving. What you will get from the discussion is buy-in from the whole family. Everyone knows how and why decisions were made.
This allows you to plan. Will you need extra funds in 3 years to pay for that new roof? Do you want to retire earlier? Seeing exactly where you are financially the year you want to act on something is fabulous. You will see “yes I can afford it” or “I need to work a side job to make that happen” – either way you are empowered and determining your own destiny!
The plan allows you to see how you will pay for things. Do you have enough in savings, or should you cut something else out so you will have enough? Is this something you want to buy on credit- then how much of a burden will that add to the years ahead? You will see it all!
Finally, this is a place for you to dream to picture the type of future you want and then come up with the best plan to pay for it. I encourage families to picture their future – it makes the work we do today easier because we are reminded of why we are working so hard!
Tags: abc, livewell tv, mary caraccioli, we owe what
Mary’s New Show Starts This Weekend!
Posted by Mary Caraccioli | Filed under Videos
Hi everyone and Happy New Year! I am please to announce that my new show will debut this weekend.
Here are a few promos describing the show. You will get a chance to see just a few of the families I have had the privilege to work with! My thanks to them all!
( viewing tip- there are a few seconds of black in between each promo. )
Tags: livewelltv, mary caraccioli, we owe what
FYI Talks About Mary’s New Show “We Owe What?”
Posted by Mary Caraccioli | Filed under Videos
My pals at 6abc’s FYI Philly gave me a great shout out this week. Take a look!
Thank you Karen, Adam, Don and Marilyn!
Tags: fyi philly, livewell tv, mary caraccioli
A Success Story and a Test
Posted by Mary Caraccioli | Filed under Videos
Do you know how to work a room- or are you terrified of anything associated with networking? One pro says everyone (even introverts) can succed, if you throw out the idea of networking.
Tags: business relationships, networking
Update Your Least Favorite Room for Less
Posted by Mary Caraccioli | Filed under Videos
I love a pretty and comfy home but I’d rather put my investment dollars into my daughter’s education. A pair of designers gave me some tips so I can have both the cash for college and a nice place to hang out in the meantime. What do you think of their money saving ideas? Do you have better ones? Let me know.
Tags: MARY, money, room re-do
Pop the Hood! What You Need to Know About Your Car
Posted by Mary Caraccioli | Filed under Videos
Your car is one of your most important investments. If you need it to get to work, then it is a necessity. Do you know how to take care of that investment? I have to admit, this is not my strong suit. So I sought out a pro who could speak my language (no garage jargon) and show me some ways I can keep my investment running strong.
Check out Lori’s site at Ladiesstartyourengines.com
Tags: car care, car maintenance
Insurance Claims Telephone Numbers
Posted by Mary Caraccioli | Filed under insurance
Tags: claims, insurance, irene
The Struggle to Juggle: Motherhood and Work
Posted by Mary Caraccioli | Filed under Videos
If you have kids and work, you know some days can be rough. What are some ways to make the juggling act a little easier?
Take a look!
BTW the day I shot the introduction to this story, life imitated art- my daughter was home sick from school! Yep, she had to come to the shoot with me at the train station for an hour and then back to bed!
Tags: balancing act, working mom
Got a Tough Decision to Make? Here is Help!
Posted by Mary Caraccioli | Filed under Videos
Got a tough decision to make? The man who inspired the film “21″ shows us how to take emotion out of decision making. You don’t have to be a math wiz to make better decisions about your money, work and even romance! Jeff Ma shows us the strategies he uses to make a killing at blackjack and how they’ve helped him make tough decisions concerning the people he loves.
Tags: 21, blackjack, jeff ma, MIT
Making Money on Ebay
Posted by Mary Caraccioli | Filed under Videos
I have bought and I have sold on eBay. I have to be honest, it is not my favorite marketplace. But it can be useful especially of you are looking to start selling – because your item will be exposed to so many people. It is with that in mind that I thought I would share this ecommerce (does anyone use that term anymore) success story.
Tags: selling on eBay
To-Do List for the New Collegiate
Posted by Mary Caraccioli | Filed under education
There are so many things to think about before you head off to college, it is can be hard to get your arms around it all. That includes the money stuff. Often we are so concerned with the big ticket items like tuition, room and board and financial aid, we forget about the small stuff. These 5 tips will help you organize those small things that can really add up.
When it comes to your money, here are 5 strategies for stretching your dollars.
1) Chose debit Use a debit card instead of a credit card for purchases. Parents tell me they want their kids to start building credit so they encourage them to get a credit card before heading tocollege. There is plenty of time and other ways to “build credit.” I prefer you learn to manage money first. A debit card is great because if you don’t have the cash – you can’t make the purchase. That reality forces financial discipline. You can save hundreds of dollars in interest each year by spending what you have.
2) Hyper-local banking Think about where you bank. Students can save $200-$300 a year if they have that debit card from the right bank.
If there is an ATM in your dorm or on campus, that is the bank you should consider using. If you use the ATM 2 or 3 times a week you can avoid about $300 dollars ATM fees.
3) Better books Rent the textbooks. It’s even better than buying used. Here are a few places you can rent from: Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: college tips, money and college
Help for the Home-front: Foreclosures
Posted by Mary Caraccioli | Filed under Videos
One homeowner takes us on the foreclosure journey and shares how he made the process work for him.
Tags: foreclosure
Scam Artists Target Job Hunters
Posted by Mary Caraccioli | Filed under Videos
Scam artists are a pathetic lot, but when they target those who are down on their luck- I think the jail sentence should be tripled. Protect yourself and the job seekers you love. Here is how.
GOLD RUSH
Posted by Mary Caraccioli | Filed under Videos
All of the uncertainty in the financial market has folks rushing to buy gold. Their fear can benefit you if you have unwanted gold to sell. It is impossible to pick when gold prices will peak, but they’ve had a huge run up and a correction will come at some point.
Before you become a gold seller- take some precautions. I have a complete show that educates you on the process and helps to protect you from getting ripped off.
Do You or Don’t You? The Reality Check for Starting Your Own Business
Posted by Mary Caraccioli | Filed under Videos
Whether you have been frustrated by a boss or a job search, or just itching to start your own business and create your own empire, then I have some must see advice. The ability for anyone to create his or her own business is what makes the United States so special. But success is not an unalienable right. Before you hang out your own shingle, watch this reality check for entrepreneurs.
Tags: entrepreneurs, MARY, money, small business
Car Talk: Buy or Lease?
Posted by Mary Caraccioli | Filed under Videos
If it has been a few years since you’ve bought a new vehicle, then you may be wondering if its worth owning something that depreciates as soon as you drive it off the lot. If you need the wheels and you want new, there is another option, leasing. Its not for everyone, but here is a breakdown on buying vs leasing. And please feel free to share your car buying tips here too! -Mary Caraccioli
Tags: buy vs lease, car shopping, MARY, money
Ask Mary: Work From Home
Posted by Mary Caraccioli | Filed under Videos
Here are some websites worth checking out if you want to earn a little extra money from the comfort of your own home. -Mary Caraccioli
Tags: MARY, money, work from home
Does eBay Still Matter?
Posted by Mary Caraccioli | Filed under Videos
This mom seems to think so.
Personally, I don’t use it anymore. I encountered too many shady business practices with some of the sellers. No doubt, there are some shady buyers out there too! My diminished enthusiasm aside, the digital age has made it easier for any of us to become entrepreneurs, whether you use eBay or another platform to launch your new business.
Let me know what you think- are auctions out of style in the age of Groupon?
Tags: caraccioli, eBay, Groupon, money
