Over the years that I’ve dispensed financial advice, I’ve never distinguished much between the genders. It’s always been my attitude that an investment approach which suits a man should equally suit a woman. I’ve reasoned that a dollar in the hands of Jack is no different than in the hands of Jill, inasmuch as they both tumble down the hill together.

It appears, however, that I’ve been overlooking something. A provocative book by Lois P. Frankel, PhD, a business consultant and psychotherapist, titled Nice Girls Don’t Get Rich: 75 Avoidable Mistakes Women Make with Money, points out numerous factors that my male chauvinist focus fails to consider. She explains that “Our [women’s] real roles revolve less around money and more around relationships,” adding that “throughout our lives we’re given multiple, often conflicting, messages. This double bind causes little girls to limit their interest in acquiring wealth.” She further stresses that “if you don’t think rich, you certainly don’t consciously engage in behaviors that will contribute to getting rich.” Read the rest »

Every once in a while, the news will present horror stories about pets biting children or neighbors. As a responsible owner, it is up to you to make sure your pooch will never put anyone else in danger. Whether he’s a guard dog or a favorite at the local dog park, biting should not be something he is taught to do. Instead, you have to teach him not to do it! If you have a puppy or a full grown dog, you can teach him not to bite.

The inclination to bite normally develops as a puppy. You bring home that cute little ball of fur, and overlook his biting tendencies; passing them off as playfulness. When a dog is young, then his biting may be a form of play or it may be a way to establish his rank in your home. Many behavior experts turn to the pack animal drive as an explanation to biting. Either way, it must be stopped early. But before you start an anti-biting training regimen, figure out if your pup is biting or just chewing. A puppy likes to chew things, and if your hand is there then he will chew it. Give him toys, and do not allow him to chew on your hand. He may not have a biting problem after all! If the toys are not a distraction and he obviously likes to bite, then take action immediately. Enrolling in an obedience class is the best way to handle the situation. However, not everyone can enjoy the luxury of professional training. In these cases, you must take training into you own hands. If he tries to bite, give him a firm “no” and remove your hand. As he starts to understand that you do not want him to bite, you can slip him a treat when he doesn’t bite or when he responds to the “no” command. Read the rest »

Dear Ms. Thomas – I love shoes; just can’t get enough.  I crave them!  The trouble is I can’t organize them.  Do you have any tips?  I’m desperate;  I have a lot of shoes (expensive shoes).  I would like to be able to see them but when I put them out, on display in my closet, they get dusty.  Since my appetite for shoes is not likely to be satisfied anytime soon, do you have any creative organizing ideas? - Elizabeth Read the rest »

It may seem a tad paradoxical, but you can’t be productive if you don’t know how to relax. Leisure activities and relaxation like reading, talking, playing games, and other non-gadget pastimes can reduce your stress levels and increase your energy.

1. Step off the merry-go-round. If you’ve recently undergone a particularly busy spell, you may be addicted to going full-throttle. When your mind’s sick and tired of working, but your body can’t stop, you need to slam on the brakes.

2. Understand that rest isn’t a bad thing. You don’t feel guilty about going to the bathroom, so why feel guilty about resting? While too much rest can cut into your productivity, an occasional break is necessary to top up your energy reserves.

3. Set aside some “me” time. Pamper yourself occasionally; it’s okay to think about yourself and do something simply for the pleasure of it. It’s not about being selfish; it’s about self-care and energy replenishment. Read the rest »

The players all want the same prize; a life of simplicity and contentment: a world free from clutter, missed appointments, and misplaced items. Their training in the past has included countless organizing books, shows, and magazine articles.  Today is the day when they find out if they have what it takes to actually use what they have learned. Read the rest »

Q. I’m wondering if you have some sage advice about dealing with our rambunctious 2 year old on a transatlantic flight in a week. My son is very physical and very loud in his crying, and I’m dreading the potential tantrums and inevitable shorter crying in such a small space!

There’s a reason why so many young children have extended hearty cries on an airplane! Physical closeness and attentiveness sends strong signals to a child’s emotional center. The signals say, “The closeness that you crave is here, right now! Enjoy!”  And if a child’s feelings have been listened to recently, and often, then the child enjoys the closeness, and can sleep, or find a variety of ways to amuse himself. Read the rest »

Did you know that studies have proven simply owning a dog can help boost your child’s self esteem, mature their level of responsibility and teach them empathy? Although it should not be expected that you buy a dog and “Abracadabra!” - your child and dog get along. This is where the parent comes in. Upon the first arrival of a pet dog, the parent must monitor the interaction closely and show the child how to take care of the dog.

As a parent with all of the responsibility, how do you know where to start: what breed? What supplies? How much time, money and patience? Let’s get started. Read the rest »