http://www.smartmandaily.com/rss.xml.html SmartManDaily Feed en Smartman Daily 2006 120 http://www.smartmandaily.com/health/content/six-things-every-dad-should-know-about-ear-infections.html MOST DADS WITH A TODDLER have experienced the eardrum game. For the minority who haven't, it goes something like this: Your child has a cold for a few days, but otherwise seems fine. Suddenly he or she spikes a high fever and clearly hurts somewhere. You take her to the doctor. He takes a quick look at her ears--only seconds, it seems--and says she has an ear infection. By the age of three, 80 percent of all children will have had such an infection, and half will have had more than one. Here are answers to six important questions about this common condition. ]]> Wed, 09 Dec 2009 10:23:55 -0700 http://www.smartmandaily.com/health/content/six-things-every-dad-should-know-about-ear-infections.html http://www.smartmandaily.com/career/content/five-ways-to-find-lost-minutes-in-your-day.html EVERY GUY HAS BEEN THERE: You’re on deadline and every time you look up, it seems that the hands of the clock have moved to a position that can’t possibly be true. Alas, you’re facing a late night. Again. Good news. Every day contains “hidden minutes.” We tend to waste them—but there are ways to “find” them and put them to productive use. Regina Leeds, author of One Year to an Organized Life, shares antidotes to five common time stealers. ]]> Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:04:10 -0700 http://www.smartmandaily.com/career/content/five-ways-to-find-lost-minutes-in-your-day.html http://www.smartmandaily.com/career/content/the-new-rules-for-getting-organized.html WHERE DID ALL this stuff come from? It just seems to keep coming. Keep in mind that keeping your belongings organized goes hand in hand with keeping your tasks organized. Usually guys who are struggling with one are also struggling with the other. Lighten your load, make friends with the trash, and get automated. Dr. Ari Tuckman, author of More Attention, Less Deficit: Success Strategies for Adults with ADHD, shares 8 rules for getting organized- and more important, staying organized. ]]> Sun, 18 Oct 2009 18:38:10 -0600 http://www.smartmandaily.com/career/content/the-new-rules-for-getting-organized.html http://www.smartmandaily.com/sex/content/how-to-keep-love-alive-after-baby.html BEFORE YOU AND YOUR WIFE had kids, the sex was pretty good--and reasonably frequent. But now that there’s a child (or children) in the picture, you just can’t seem to get any physical attention. To really change things up for the better, you have to change your behavior. Marty Babits, author of The Power of the Middle Ground: A Couples Guide to Renewing Your Relationship, shares seven secrets for more sex after baby. ]]> Tue, 29 Sep 2009 12:36:05 -0600 http://www.smartmandaily.com/sex/content/how-to-keep-love-alive-after-baby.html http://www.smartmandaily.com/health/link/10-habits-for-a-stronger-heart.html THE SMARTEST PLAN FOR attacking a heart attack is, of course, preventing one from ever happening. Choose three of the following strategies and make them a habit. Consider switching from coffee to tea, convincing your wife to stop smoking, and eating salmon on Saturday. Other good food choices include tuna, cornflakes, and watermelon. Plus, ask your doctor about Vitamin E and Aspirin. ]]> Thu, 17 Sep 2009 12:28:19 -0600 http://www.smartmandaily.com/health/link/10-habits-for-a-stronger-heart.html http://www.smartmandaily.com/money/link/rent-or-buy.html TO BUY OR NOT TO BUY? A house is not just an essential part of the American dream, it’s a belief about pride and security that’s hardwired into us all. With property prices down, interest rates at a low and some desperate sellers, there is no doubt that there are some excellent deals out there. Think about your investment on the buy-to-rent basis and if you can’t put down at least 10% to 20% of the purchase price as a down payment on the house, you shouldn’t be thinking about buying. ]]> Thu, 17 Sep 2009 12:09:53 -0600 http://www.smartmandaily.com/money/link/rent-or-buy.html http://www.smartmandaily.com/family/content/9-back-at-school-tips-for-parents.html BACK-TO-SCHOOL TIME is stressful for kids. For dads, too. Here, parenting expert Elizabeth Hartley-Brewer offers her top nine strategies for easing the bambinos back into school without all the muss and fuss. ]]> Mon, 14 Sep 2009 20:45:59 -0600 http://www.smartmandaily.com/family/content/9-back-at-school-tips-for-parents.html http://www.smartmandaily.com/family/content/five-ways-to-annoy-your-pediatrician-and-get-better-care-for-your-child.html FIFTY YEARS AGO it was nearly always mothers who brought children to the doctor. Things are different now. A child's father is as likely to be the one to make the trip (and put up with those long spells in the waiting room). Here are 5 ways you can make the trip to the pediatrician more efficient and useful to you and your child. One or more of these might annoy your pediatrician, but don't be dissuaded. Christopher Johnson MD, author of How To Talk To Your Child's Doctor, assures us that you're not being a pest--you're being a good dad. ]]> Wed, 09 Sep 2009 22:46:35 -0600 http://www.smartmandaily.com/family/content/five-ways-to-annoy-your-pediatrician-and-get-better-care-for-your-child.html http://www.smartmandaily.com/family/content/the-dad-difference-how-to-encourage-autonomy.html NOWADAYS DADS ATTEND parent-teacher conferences, help with homework, and drive carpool. And while their growing involvement in parenting is terrific for kids, Dads' share with mothers the panic and stress whenever their kids compete. Despite the stereotype that successful kids have parents who push them, research shows that eliminating parental pressure is the best way to help children excel. Wendy Grolnick and Kathy Seal, co-authors of Pressured Parents, Stressed Out Kids, share their thoughts on staying involved, letting go of control, and encouraging your child's autonomy. ]]> Sun, 06 Sep 2009 18:46:38 -0600 http://www.smartmandaily.com/family/content/the-dad-difference-how-to-encourage-autonomy.html http://www.smartmandaily.com/career/content/5-things-you-must-do-now-to-take-control-of-your-career-future.html WITH NATIONAL UNEMPLOYMENT in the U.S. now approaching 10%, and experts predicting a very tough labor market for the next 12 months, you have every right to be concerned about your job. You can wait around to see what happens, or you can take action today to protect your work life. Dan Burns, author of The First 60 Seconds: Win the Job Interview Before It Begins, shares 5 things you must do now to take control of your career future. ]]> Tue, 01 Sep 2009 11:13:04 -0600 http://www.smartmandaily.com/career/content/5-things-you-must-do-now-to-take-control-of-your-career-future.html http://www.smartmandaily.com/family/content/where-dads-go-wrong-with-discipline.html NOT SURE OF THE BEST way to go about disciplining your defiant child or teenager? The last thing you want to do is become a dad who "means business," or the father who raises his voice and "makes" his kids listen. Jeffrey Bernstein, PhD., family psychologist and author of Liking the Child You Love, doles out six smart strategies for disciplining your child. ]]> Tue, 01 Sep 2009 10:09:33 -0600 http://www.smartmandaily.com/family/content/where-dads-go-wrong-with-discipline.html http://www.smartmandaily.com/career/content/how-to-lead-in-tough-times.html IT IS NEVER EASY TO LEAD. In these turbulent times, it's harder than ever before. The big question is, what can you do today to be a more effective leader? How can you help your people through these tough economic times? Sheila Murray Bethel, Ph.D., author of "A New Breed of Leader: 8 Leadership Qualities That Matter Most in the Real World, What Works, What Doesn’t and Why,” shares three actions you can take to boost employees' productivity and reduce their stress. ]]> Mon, 03 Aug 2009 10:47:51 -0600 http://www.smartmandaily.com/career/content/how-to-lead-in-tough-times.html http://www.smartmandaily.com/family/content/how-to-get-along-with-your-teen.html EVER HEARD A DAD say, "My teenager looks funny, likes horrible music and acts goofy half the time. Yet he treats me as though I'm the one who's out of touch with reality! What do I do with this strange creature?" Stay in touch with your kid! Maintaining a good relationship with your mysterious and unpredictable teen should be your top priority. Just how do you do that? Dr. Thomas W. Phelan, author of 1-2-3 Magic and Surviving Your Adolescents shares several simple rules every parent should follow when attempting to have fun with a youngster. ]]> Tue, 30 Jun 2009 10:58:02 -0600 http://www.smartmandaily.com/family/content/how-to-get-along-with-your-teen.html http://www.smartmandaily.com/sex/link/6-Sex-Mistakes-Men-Make.html DON'T ASSUME YOU know what she wants. That's just one common mistake men make in the sack. When it comes to sex, there's lots of room for error. However, bedroom blunders can be easily avoided if you follow a few simple rules. Don't avoid the clitoris or the rest of the female anatomy. Touch is key. Wet doesn't always equal turned on. And silence isn't always golden. ]]> Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:42:12 -0600 http://www.smartmandaily.com/sex/link/6-Sex-Mistakes-Men-Make.html http://www.smartmandaily.com/career/content/lincolns-smart-strategy-for-dealing-with-office-rumors.html EVERYONE HAS TO DEAL with it at some point: someone in the office or your industry says something about you that isn't true. Abraham Lincoln faced just this sort of problem in 1836. A lot has changed since then, obviously, but his strategy for dealing with unfair accusations is still relevant today. David Acord, author of What Would Lincoln Do? Lincoln's Most Inspired Solutions to Challenging Problems and Difficult Situations, gives advice on how to respond effectively to rumors-- the Lincoln way. ]]> Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:01:43 -0600 http://www.smartmandaily.com/career/content/lincolns-smart-strategy-for-dealing-with-office-rumors.html http://www.smartmandaily.com/gear-and-tech/content/home-repairs-should-you-do-it-yourself.html DO-IT-YOURSELF HOME REPAIRS. You can learn to do a professional quality job. But is it worth the time and effort? Marni Jameson, author of The House Always Wins, delivers expert advice on what to consider before deciding whether to do a job yourself or hire a pro. ]]> Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:36:32 -0600 http://www.smartmandaily.com/gear-and-tech/content/home-repairs-should-you-do-it-yourself.html http://www.smartmandaily.com/career/content/top-5-myths-about-getting-your-next-job.html JOB SEEKERS face tremendous challenges. The good news is there are jobs and companies are hiring. There's competition, but if you have the appropriate tools and techniques to bring to your job search, success is within your control. Now is not the time to take the same job search approach of years past. Now is the time to take a proactive approach and employ techniques to help set yourself apart from the competition. Dan Burns, author of The First 60 Seconds: Win The Job Interview Before It Begins, reveals the secrets to being effective in today's job market. ]]> Wed, 17 Jun 2009 09:40:13 -0600 http://www.smartmandaily.com/career/content/top-5-myths-about-getting-your-next-job.html http://www.smartmandaily.com/health/link/Top-10-Cosmetic-Procedures-for-Men.html FEELING THE NEED to look youthful and appear dynamic? Re-thinking your attitudes towards diet, exercise, face-care products and cosmetic surgery? The male grooming market is growing. In fact, males are undergoing numerous cosmetic procedures that range from hair transplantation to male breast reduction. ]]> Wed, 10 Jun 2009 10:51:12 -0600 http://www.smartmandaily.com/health/link/Top-10-Cosmetic-Procedures-for-Men.html http://www.smartmandaily.com/career/link/how-to-improve-your-email-etiquette.html OPENING UP YOUR INBOX can be like opening a Pandora’s box of bad grammar, bad spelling, and bad taste. What impressions do your emails give of you? If you want to set your emails apart from the pack, follow these steps to improve your email etiquette. Make the subject line useful. Keep it concise, and avoid using generic subjects. Greet your recipient. Keep your email concise, conversational, and focused. Conversely, be sure to include info that you are responding to. And use proper grammar and spelling. Plus, think twice before replying to just say thank you. ]]> Wed, 10 Jun 2009 10:24:57 -0600 http://www.smartmandaily.com/career/link/how-to-improve-your-email-etiquette.html http://www.smartmandaily.com/money/link/10-ways-twitter-will-change-american-business.html AS TWITTER GROWS, it will increasingly become a place where companies build brands, do research, send information to customers, conduct e-commerce and create communities for their users. This popular micro-blogging tool will replace message boards for stock discussions, measure the influence of outdoor ads, and expand the power of micro-payments in 140 characters or less! ]]> Wed, 10 Jun 2009 10:12:57 -0600 http://www.smartmandaily.com/money/link/10-ways-twitter-will-change-american-business.html http://www.smartmandaily.com/family/content/boycott-baby-knee-pads-and-the-rest-of-the-kiddie-safety-industrial-complez.html LET'S TAKE A LOOK at some of the newer safety products being marketing to parents, starting with baby knee pads. What kind of fools do they take us for, that we’d be worried about this time-honored stage of babyhood? Knees were made for crawling. Unfortunately, we have entered an era that says you cannot trust yourself. Trust a product instead. Lenore Skenazy, author of Free-Range Kids: Giving Our Children the Freedom We Had Without Going Nuts with Worry, offers Free Range tips for helicopter parents. Stop hovering. ]]> Wed, 10 Jun 2009 09:28:35 -0600 http://www.smartmandaily.com/family/content/boycott-baby-knee-pads-and-the-rest-of-the-kiddie-safety-industrial-complez.html http://www.smartmandaily.com/gear-and-tech/content/lets-take-it-outside-how-to-handle-contractor-conflicts.html EVERY HOMEOWNER HAS a remodeling horror story. Finding the right people to help with your home repairs is key to getting a quality job and good price. Marni Jameson, author of The House Always Wins, offers expert advice on how to handle contractor conflicts and avoid domestic disasters. ]]> Tue, 09 Jun 2009 10:34:23 -0600 http://www.smartmandaily.com/gear-and-tech/content/lets-take-it-outside-how-to-handle-contractor-conflicts.html http://www.smartmandaily.com/career/content/finding-success-one-small-step-at-a-time.html SMART MEN ARE ALWAYS looking for ways to improve their lives. To be fitter. More successful in their careers. To be better husbands and fathers. Only problem is, change-at least the way most of us attempt it-is incredibly hard. Robert Maurer, Ph.D., author of One Small Step Can Change Your Life: The Kaizen Way, shows you how to change your life without fear and without failure. It's called kaizen, and it's all about taking tiny steps to achieve big goals. ]]> Mon, 01 Jun 2009 09:26:35 -0600 http://www.smartmandaily.com/career/content/finding-success-one-small-step-at-a-time.html http://www.smartmandaily.com/gear-and-tech/link/14-ways-to-save-money-on-your-cell-phone-bill.html DOES YOUR MONTHLY cell phone bill send you into shock? If you go over you minutes, start tracking your talk time. Sign up with overmyminutes.com, (a free service) and you'll receive a message letting you know when you're about to run out of minutes. Try switching to unlimited texting, picking a plan with rollover minutes or going prepaid. Plus, never use your cell phone for toll-free calls or 4-1-1. ]]> Wed, 27 May 2009 12:54:24 -0600 http://www.smartmandaily.com/gear-and-tech/link/14-ways-to-save-money-on-your-cell-phone-bill.html http://www.smartmandaily.com/diversions/link/75-things-every-man-should-do-before-they-die.html START CHECKING OFF your bucket list. At least once in his life, a man should...sleep outside for a week, eat a six-course meal that you prepared, have sex in a body of water and put a hundred bucks on a long shot. To win. ]]> Wed, 27 May 2009 12:26:07 -0600 http://www.smartmandaily.com/diversions/link/75-things-every-man-should-do-before-they-die.html http://www.smartmandaily.com/money/link/how-to-spend-like-a-frugal-millionaire.html TO KEEP THE economy going we need to keep spending but not waste money in the process. When it comes to spending money like a frugal millionaire, efficiency is key. Remember, shopping is not a sport. Buy used (or off lease) fuel-efficient cars, wait for off-season to acquire clothes, and purchase low-end gear that has the basic functionality of the more expensive stuff. ]]> Wed, 27 May 2009 12:11:02 -0600 http://www.smartmandaily.com/money/link/how-to-spend-like-a-frugal-millionaire.html http://www.smartmandaily.com/sex/content/guys-guide-to-getting-married.html JUST BECAUSE WE can't cure the common cold doesn't mean we can't cure the common bridezilla. The antidote is a savvy groom who preemptively addresses the elements of wedding planning that most frequently cause fights, diminish the groom's role, demonize the bride, divide families and extinguish the romance of it all. Michael Essany, author of Groomology, outlines 12 critical steps every groom should follow when planning a modern wedding. ]]> Wed, 27 May 2009 10:57:58 -0600 http://www.smartmandaily.com/sex/content/guys-guide-to-getting-married.html http://www.smartmandaily.com/family/content/calling-all-dads.html SHOUT IT FROM THE TOPS of the highest mountains. Announce it at all the NBA playoff games. Pipe it into every shopping mall in America. WE NEED YOU DAD!!! Remember, there's no one right way to be a good father. But every dad can find ways to know his child and be a critical influence in his child's life whether he is Mr. Mom, away in the military, or the Saturday morning breakfast dad. Karen Deerwester, author of The Entitlement-Free Child, explains why and how dads bring a fresh set of eyes, hands, and experiences to family life. ]]> Tue, 26 May 2009 11:16:48 -0600 http://www.smartmandaily.com/family/content/calling-all-dads.html http://www.smartmandaily.com/family/content/daddy-discipline.html OF COURSE THERE are no special rules for "daddy discipline". Discipline strategies work regardless of the gender of the parent. But sometimes there are advantages to having a deep voice or to being the parent who is not home all day. Karen Deerwester, author of The Entitlement-Free Child, shares 8 simple discipline rules that every father should follow. ]]> Tue, 26 May 2009 11:11:04 -0600 http://www.smartmandaily.com/family/content/daddy-discipline.html http://www.smartmandaily.com/money/link/raise-your-credit-score-in-4-simple-steps.html A HIGH CREDIT SCORE means lower rates, easier access to credit, and potentially favorable treatment when it comes to renting an apartment or even landing a job. Start on your path to financial security by getting a free credit report. This allows you to review existing accounts and dispute inaccurate information. Next, identify what your spending money on and prioritize your budget. A review of your credit report may also show accounts that are open with zero balances. Keep these accounts open. It works better for your credit score if your debt is spread out across multiple accounts rather than loaded up onto one. Most importantly, pay down your debt. ]]> Tue, 19 May 2009 12:59:49 -0600 http://www.smartmandaily.com/money/link/raise-your-credit-score-in-4-simple-steps.html http://www.smartmandaily.com/career/link/how-to-start-your-own-business-and-keep-your-sanity.html THINKING OF SELF-EMPLOYMENT? Start small and work your way up. Choose something that you have some experience with and truly enjoy. In the beginning, it’s going to be a struggle. Don't panic. It's normal for a first-time entrepreneur to spend months without making any money. Ease into self-employment by doing freelance projects on the side. Plus, visit places where you can meet other entrepreneurs from a broad range of fields. ]]> Tue, 19 May 2009 12:37:00 -0600 http://www.smartmandaily.com/career/link/how-to-start-your-own-business-and-keep-your-sanity.html http://www.smartmandaily.com/sex/link/how-to-go-on-an-exercise-date.html WORKING OUT TOGETHER strengthens your emotional relationship with your partner and boosts your physical attraction to each other. Meeting at the gym or taking a walk together provides new opportunities for bonding. Plus, it promotes a healthier lifestyle overall. If you’re looking for an active, unconventional date, try hiking, playing tennis, canoeing or rowing. ]]> Tue, 19 May 2009 12:20:34 -0600 http://www.smartmandaily.com/sex/link/how-to-go-on-an-exercise-date.html http://www.smartmandaily.com/family/content/keeping-your-home-safe-while-youre-on-vacation.html PLANNING A VACATION? Keeping your home safe while you're away may be the last thing on your mind, but that lack of focus can make for a sour experience when you arrive home. Russell D. Longcore, author of Insurance Claims Secrets Revealed, shows you how to take the proper steps to burglar-proof your household. ]]> Tue, 19 May 2009 11:16:59 -0600 http://www.smartmandaily.com/family/content/keeping-your-home-safe-while-youre-on-vacation.html http://www.smartmandaily.com/health/content/cancer-self-defense-a-doctor-with-cancer-shares-his-secrets.html "THAT EVENING I DISCOVERED that I had brain cancer." David Servan-Schreiber, M.D., Ph.D., author of "Anticancer, A New Way of Life, "shares his personal experiences with a malignant brain tumor and explains how the combination of conventional medicine (early screenings, or chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy, etc.) with an anticancer way of life can result in better cancer prevention or treatment. ]]> Tue, 19 May 2009 09:58:17 -0600 http://www.smartmandaily.com/health/content/cancer-self-defense-a-doctor-with-cancer-shares-his-secrets.html http://www.smartmandaily.com/sex/link/how-to-handle-her-raise.html WHEN WIVES AND girlfriends suddenly become the primary breadwinners, it can cause irrational anxiety. Though your significant others raise might translate into a fancier lifestyle, debt control, or savings for your future, your emotional hang-ups could do serious damage to your relationship. Don't pester her when she splurges on on clothing, furniture and gadgets. However, be sure stick to your budget. Getting caught up in a lifestyle you can’t afford -- spending along with her--can lead to disaster. Also consider splitting your regular bills down the middle, but keep your spending money separate. ]]> Tue, 12 May 2009 11:35:08 -0600 http://www.smartmandaily.com/sex/link/how-to-handle-her-raise.html http://www.smartmandaily.com/family/link/should-you-put-your-college-kid-to-work.html SOME STUDIES SHOW that students who work a maximum of 15 hours a week in college actually do better in school than peers who don't have a job. But it can backfire --conflicting schedules, poor academic performance, and higher stress levels. Also keep in mind that earning more than $4,000 a year could put a student's school and federal grant money in jeopardy. ]]> Tue, 12 May 2009 11:11:42 -0600 http://www.smartmandaily.com/family/link/should-you-put-your-college-kid-to-work.html http://www.smartmandaily.com/money/link/5-steps-to-getting-started-on-next-years-taxes.html NOW THAT YOU'VE finished filing your 2008 tax return, it's the perfect time to think about next year's effort. Maximize deductions, clean up your files, consolidate accounts, and adjust your withholdings. Plus, consider making your IRA contribution now --too many people wait until the last minute to make their contributions, then have a tough time coming up with enough cash. ]]> Tue, 12 May 2009 10:55:39 -0600 http://www.smartmandaily.com/money/link/5-steps-to-getting-started-on-next-years-taxes.html http://www.smartmandaily.com/health/link/masturbation-5-things-you-didnt-know.html JUST ABOUT EVERY MAN who can masturbate does -- and why not? Solo sex feels good, relieves stress, and is a terrific sleep aid. But here are a few things you may not know about masturbation. It is safe -- but not entirely safe. Frequent or overly vigorous masturbation can irritate the skin, cause a penis fracture, or develop retarded ejaculation. That's a type of sexual dysfunction in which it is difficult or even impossible to climax during partnered sex. While solo sex teaches men about their own sexual response and helps them avoid premature ejaculation-- some men become so obsessed with masturbation that they lose interest in having sex with their partner. Plus, it may affect the risk for prostate cancer. In men over age 50, frequent masturbation helps drain the prostate of fluids that may contain cancer-causing substances. ]]> Tue, 05 May 2009 10:00:49 -0600 http://www.smartmandaily.com/health/link/masturbation-5-things-you-didnt-know.html http://www.smartmandaily.com/sex/link/6-ways-to-reach-compromises-on-in-law-issues.html MANY MARRIED COUPLES ARGUE about their in-laws. The best way to overcome any challenge in marriage is to unite as a couple and to communicate. Express your feelings and needs in a tactful, respectful way. Don't be condescending, accusatory, or controlling. It’s no time to criticize or gossip about your spouse’s parents. Try to see things from your spouse’s perspective. Think outside the box. Just because your wife wants to visit her folks twice a month doesn’t mean you have to go with her every time. You could also divide your visit between in-laws and friends nearby. Try bartering-- maybe you could agree to cheerfully visit your in-laws twice this month if your wife agrees to go with you to the new sports bar next month. ]]> Tue, 05 May 2009 09:29:20 -0600 http://www.smartmandaily.com/sex/link/6-ways-to-reach-compromises-on-in-law-issues.html http://www.smartmandaily.com/career/link/8-big-mistakes-you-could-be-making-at-work.html EVERYONE KNOWS THE basic mistakes to avoid at work: no flip-flops, no swearing, no offensive downloads, and no irate E-mails. But there are plenty of other faux pas that can do harm to an employee's or manager's reputation in the office. At times, showing humility at the office can be damaging. When writing a self-appraisal show off all the terrific projects you've helmed and clients you've brought on. Listen, avoid downplaying mistakes, use your vacation time and stay away from conversations about politics. Also before accepting a promotion, ask some key questions--How much more work would be involved? How much more money? And what kind of staff would you be inheriting? ]]> Tue, 05 May 2009 09:12:35 -0600 http://www.smartmandaily.com/career/link/8-big-mistakes-you-could-be-making-at-work.html http://www.smartmandaily.com/sex/link/8-things-no-one-tells-you-about-marriage.html LET'S FACE IT, marriage isn't for the faint of heart. At times, you will look at the person lying next to you and wonder, Is this it? Forever? Going to bed mad will happen. In fact, you will sometimes wake up even madder. Plus, you will go without sex — sometimes for a long time. And that's all okay because a great marriage doesn't mean no conflict; it simply means a couple keeps trying to get it right. Remember, getting your way is usually not as important as finding a way to work together. ]]> Wed, 29 Apr 2009 09:47:03 -0600 http://www.smartmandaily.com/sex/link/8-things-no-one-tells-you-about-marriage.html http://www.smartmandaily.com/money/link/10-ways-to-save-money-on-food-shopping.html LOOKING FOR WAYS to save money on food shopping without sacrificing nutrition. Planning is the most important step. Take inventory of what you have on hand, create a detailed shopping list, and take into account how you plan on using leftovers. Before you plan your weekly menu, check the ads to see what’s on sale and use coupons during your shopping trip. Next time you're gathering ingredients for a recipe, try using frozen, canned, or dried foods. They may be less expensive than fresh, yet are equally nutritious. Or buy produce in season. Go generic. Buy prepackaged only if you need it and consider buying and cooking in bulk. ]]> Wed, 29 Apr 2009 09:24:57 -0600 http://www.smartmandaily.com/money/link/10-ways-to-save-money-on-food-shopping.html http://www.smartmandaily.com/family/link/give-em-an-allowance.html WHAT'S THE BIG deal about giving your kids allowances? Having a regular amount of their own income is the only way kids can learn to manage money. They need to be able to make mistakes when the cost is minimal. When should you start? For many kids, this may be as young as three or four. Make a list of what they are expected to pay for with their allowance and determine how much money you already give them to come up with a total. ]]> Wed, 29 Apr 2009 09:11:24 -0600 http://www.smartmandaily.com/family/link/give-em-an-allowance.html http://www.smartmandaily.com/sex/content/is-your-wife-feeling-neglected.html ARE YOU THE KIND of guy who focuses so much on work that you neglect your wife or girlfriend? Many men fall into this trap, and no wonder. At work you get immediate feedback and see tangible results for your efforts--not to mention a salary. At home, not so much. Jonathan Robinson, author of Communication Miracles for Couples, suggests rating career and relationship efforts on a scale of 1 to 10. If you rate your career a nine and your love life a two, you're headed for a fall. Read on for intimacy-building rituals that can help save your relationship. ]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2009 12:35:39 -0600 http://www.smartmandaily.com/sex/content/is-your-wife-feeling-neglected.html http://www.smartmandaily.com/sex/link/invest-in-your-sex-life.html ARE MONEY PROBLEMS threatening your marriage? Take a break from your personal finances and invest in your sex life. Escape your everyday stresses by planning a romantic getaway. Can't afford to turn your weekends into a mini vacation, try small romantic gestures, such as candlelit dinners and sensual massages. Visit a sex store and browse the merchandise together-- you can find fun and cheap items l for under $10. Separating your feelings about money and about each other will keep your marriage out of money conflicts. If arguments over money are seriously threatening your marriage, invest your time into money counseling instead of the stock market. ]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2009 10:25:46 -0600 http://www.smartmandaily.com/sex/link/invest-in-your-sex-life.html http://www.smartmandaily.com/career/link/the-never-specify-a-salary-myth.html DON'T BELIEVE THE the old notion about not disclosing your salary requirements in a job interview. The best time to bring up the salary topic is at the second interview. Whether you communicate via e-mail, in person, or over the phone, you're going to have to share a number. You can get that number online at Payscale.com or from your own experience. Remember, you're unlikely to be tossed out of the running for your "high" salary requirement. If you can't live on the salary you're being offered, you can pass on the job. Also consider talking to the employer about filling in as a contractor for them while they continue their search. ]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2009 10:10:25 -0600 http://www.smartmandaily.com/career/link/the-never-specify-a-salary-myth.html http://www.smartmandaily.com/gear-and-tech/link/how-to-ditch-your-cable-provider-without-giving-up-on-tv.html TIMES ARE TOUGH and people finding ways to cut back on monthly bills. One expense stands out: cable. The average monthly cable bill in the U.S. is $58.80—more than $700 per year. If you’re just looking to get local channels, an ordinary antenna will do. All you need is a TV with a digital tuner and an antenna that receives UHF and VHF signals. What about cable? Netflix’s “Watch Instantly” offers subscribers over 12,000 movies and TV shows for a low monthly fee. Websites like CNN and ESPN post video feeds of breaking news and live sports coverage. Plus, new episodes of popular TV shows are up on network sites or hulu.com. Internet streaming video is great, but how do you get it on the TV screen? TV manufacturers sell Internet hookups that can directly link to online sources. ]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2009 09:25:55 -0600 http://www.smartmandaily.com/gear-and-tech/link/how-to-ditch-your-cable-provider-without-giving-up-on-tv.html http://www.smartmandaily.com/money/link/check-your-retirement-calculations.html THERE ARE MANY retirement calculators available to plan for the future. But make sure you confirm the accuracy of the computations since there’s quite a bit at stake. Be skeptical about the outcome, know how the software works and who makes it, consider your alternatives, and be realistic about how uncertain any projections can be. ]]> Thu, 23 Apr 2009 22:18:52 -0600 http://www.smartmandaily.com/money/link/check-your-retirement-calculations.html http://www.smartmandaily.com/family/content/talking-with-your-daughter-about-boys-and-dating.html HAVE YOU HAD the talk with your teenage daughter about boys, dating, and intimacy? How about dating safety? Many fathers focus their dating talks only on safe sex or abstinence. Big mistake. Odds are your daughter has heard all she needs to know on these topics at school and in the media. Your priority should be talking with your daughter about how to approach dating and intimacy. Michael Domitrz, author of "May I Kiss You?", shares seven more mistakes dads make when talking to their daughters about dating. ]]> Thu, 23 Apr 2009 16:49:56 -0600 http://www.smartmandaily.com/family/content/talking-with-your-daughter-about-boys-and-dating.html http://www.smartmandaily.com/sex/link/how-to-keep-romance-awake-while-the-kids-are-asleep.html COUPLES GROW APART when they put romance on the backburner. To regain intimacy—without a babysitter—pick one night of the week for a "rendezvous" and make it sacred. Make a calendar of events. Plan for a late-night dinner in bed one night and a bubble bath on another. Take turns planning something romantic. Too exhausted for sex-- go to bed and set the alarm for midnight. Once that alarm goes off, give yourself an hour to get romantic. ]]> Wed, 22 Apr 2009 09:53:21 -0600 http://www.smartmandaily.com/sex/link/how-to-keep-romance-awake-while-the-kids-are-asleep.html http://www.smartmandaily.com/family/link/10-tips-how-to-be-a-great-stepparent.html THE STEPPARENT-STEPCHILD transition is not easy. Don’t expect immediate love. Allow the children to spend time alone with their mom rather than you insisting on being involved. With your wife as the family spokesperson discuss family rules and decide what your role is if a rule is broken. Never criticize the absent parent and make an effort to stay neutral when conflict arises between your spouse her former mate. Plus, let your stepchildren to talk openly about their dad. Be their advocate. Go to sporting events, school plays and any classroom activities they invite you to attend. Again, keep in mind the respect of the biological parent. ]]> Wed, 22 Apr 2009 09:06:59 -0600 http://www.smartmandaily.com/family/link/10-tips-how-to-be-a-great-stepparent.html http://www.smartmandaily.com/sex/link/top-10-things-wives-want-from-their-husbands.html WHAT DO WOMEN want from a marriage? Communication, affection, understanding, kindness, and a willingness to make time for her and your children. Tell her daily that she is loved with an unexpected hug. Hold hands when you walk together. And keep conversations interesting-- don't let them dwindle to nothing but talk about your kids, your jobs, and the weather. Remember to say 'thank you' and take your eyes off the TV screen when she's telling you about her day. Be sure to share household and child rearing responsibilities -- give her a day off several times a month. Plus, surprise your wife with a night at the movies, a phone call to say I love you, a romantic dinner for two at home, or even breakfast in bed. ]]> Tue, 21 Apr 2009 09:54:57 -0600 http://www.smartmandaily.com/sex/link/top-10-things-wives-want-from-their-husbands.html http://www.smartmandaily.com/family/link/telling-kids-about-financial-woes.html MONEY IS TIGHT for just about everyone these days, but do you tell your kids about it? Children tend to be good at handling the truth, even when it’s bad news, so tell them. Just spare the nitty-gritty details. If your hours have been cut, tell them your job is paying you less so there’s less money for extras. Try to find replacements for these extras. Instead of going out to dinner, try a family picnic in the home. Kids will pick up on your attitude so make sure it’s positive. ]]> Mon, 20 Apr 2009 23:26:09 -0600 http://www.smartmandaily.com/family/link/telling-kids-about-financial-woes.html http://www.smartmandaily.com/money/link/dividing-debts-in-divorce.html IN DIVORCE dividing assets isn’t nearly as difficult as dividing debts. Having debts assigned in a divorce isn’t always what it seems. If you signed a loan application, the lender could still require you to pay up despite the fact that your ex-wife is assigned the debt. Get a credit report to discover your potential exposure and make sure you’re protected in the divorce settlement if debts exist. Next, cancel joint credit cards.Why is that so important? A jointly held card is reported on the credit reports of both you and your ex-spouse. If your ex fails to pay bills on time, the damage ruins your credit too. ]]> Mon, 20 Apr 2009 22:18:14 -0600 http://www.smartmandaily.com/money/link/dividing-debts-in-divorce.html http://www.smartmandaily.com/career/link/twitter-to-find-a-new-job.html RECENTLY LAID OFF and looking for a fresh and powerful way to reach out? Join Twitter. Start by creating a separate Twitter account for professional purposes. In the profile section, give details about your professional life and interests. Search for leaders of your industry with their own Twitter accounts and read their material --this will show you how to direct your own tweets. Keep your tweets professional. Link to interesting articles in your industry and comment on industry news. Plus, to make your tweets more searchable, tag them. ]]> Mon, 20 Apr 2009 09:15:43 -0600 http://www.smartmandaily.com/career/link/twitter-to-find-a-new-job.html http://www.smartmandaily.com/gear-and-tech/link/how-to-sell-on-ebay.html NEED A SECOND source of income? If you’re looking to earn some extra cash, selling on eBay might be the answer. First know your market. Before putting an item up for auction, use advanced search tools to determine see how many similar items have been listed in recent weeks, and most importantly, how many have been sold and for how much. Squeeze all the information you can into your auction title and make sure to upload plenty of photographs to show potential buyers product conditions. Start your auction at .99 cents. Listing an item at less than $1 means your eBay fees will be at their lowest. Also engage with prospective buyers and be sure to follow proper eBay etiquette by shipping items quickly. ]]> Mon, 20 Apr 2009 08:59:57 -0600 http://www.smartmandaily.com/gear-and-tech/link/how-to-sell-on-ebay.html http://www.smartmandaily.com/money/link/effortless-budget-cuts.html WANT TO SAVE MONEY without sacrificing your current lifestyle? Effortless budget cuts are the answer. Start by reducing the temperature setting on your hot water heater. Expect a 5% drop in energy consumption for every 10 degrees you drop it. Also consider dividing credit card payments. Pay $100 twice a month, instead of paying $200 once a month. Since finance charges are based on your average daily balance, you will reduce your monthly finance charge without paying any more than you already do. Plus, raise your car insurance deductibles, review your phone plans, buy generic prescriptions and food, and unplug your electronic devices when they are not in use. ]]> Mon, 20 Apr 2009 08:55:41 -0600 http://www.smartmandaily.com/money/link/effortless-budget-cuts.html http://www.smartmandaily.com/family/link/switching-baby-formulas.html IS IT SAFE to switch back and forth between different baby formulas? Go ahead and try it, but you may find your baby has gotten used to one particular brand of formula. Major brands of formula are generally equal, but it’s recommended to stick with the bran your baby gets used to. However, it’s fine to switch between liquid and powder. If your baby starts to show signs of intolerance, such as gas, rashes, diarrhea or other symptoms, consult a doctor. A change may be needed. ]]> Sun, 19 Apr 2009 23:03:19 -0600 http://www.smartmandaily.com/family/link/switching-baby-formulas.html http://www.smartmandaily.com/money/link/diving-credit-scores.html ARE CREDIT SCORES being lowered to account for the current economy? No, but some consumers have had negative actions taken by financial institutions even though they haven't done anything wrong. The steps taken by the institutions had a chilling impact on the individuals’ FICO scores. Wise men who want to avoid unnecessary dings to their credit scores should cut back their debt positions and new purchases. ]]> Thu, 16 Apr 2009 20:22:13 -0600 http://www.smartmandaily.com/money/link/diving-credit-scores.html http://www.smartmandaily.com/family/link/why-surfing-the-web-can-be-healthy.html WITH ALL THE THREATS on the web, it can be tempting to deny your children Internet privileges. But a new study from the University of California, Berkeley and University of Southern California shows that the Internet can benefit children. Researchers observed kids for more than 5000 hours and found that surfing the web improved communication and mental sharpness. The Internet teaches kids how to search, socialize and navigate new technologies. Still, make sure they’re not over-doing it. Limit web time to no more than two hours a day. ]]> Wed, 15 Apr 2009 23:28:22 -0600 http://www.smartmandaily.com/family/link/why-surfing-the-web-can-be-healthy.html