New York Times – Page 4 – Debra Newby Watkins CPA

Buy Only What You’ll Use

Give yourself time to think about every purchase. That’s what Carl Richards, for the New York Times suggests in his article, New Rule: All Purchases Subject to a 7-Day Mental Quarantine. We have a similar process in our house for purchases made at Goodwill. If you bring it home, you must clean it and incorporate it into your life within seven days or it goes back to Goodwill. In many ways, this compares to the seven-day item quarantine Carl’s family is currently using.

During the quarantine, the person desiring the object must answer the following questions: How much did it cost? Are you replacing something you already own? Why do you think it’s amazing? And if it’s food, are you sure you’ll eat it? Once the time limit has passed, it is much easier to make an ‘informed’ decision and not end up with something you’ll never wear, use or eat. Give it a try and let us know if it works for you in the comments.

Have You Written a Money Letter?

Dear Reader,

Did you know that writing a simple “money” letter to your children will have more of an impact on their spending habits than just telling them your thoughts and feelings about money?

This week, why not think back to your biggest money successes and failures (these are often most helpful), put pen to paper and send your child a note that can have a deep and lasting effect on their lives? If you’re lucky, they’ll listen to your advice and you might even find yourself featured in a book, like Gail Shearer did when her daughter Kimberly wrote the book, Smart Mom, Rich Mom, based on the money letter she received from her mother.

Need advice on just what to say? Check out this article from the New York Times, The Money Letter That Every Parent Should Write.

Grandparents Help With College

As college expenses continue to increase, grandparents are beginning to step-in and offer assistance to their grandchildren. John F. Wasik, for the New York Times offers sound advice for those wishing to help with their grandchildren’s college expenses. The Best Way to Help a Grandchild With College. There are many aspects to be considered in order to maximize your monetary support of a student, such as when the money is applied or whose name appears on the account. Read the full article to learn more about the amazing gift of higher-education that you can share with your grandchildren.

A Mind Is a Terrible Thing To Waste

“Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires.”
“Take a Bite Outta Crime.”

Q: Who said these famous lines and from what ad agency did they originate?

A: The Ad Council.

Since its inception, to encourage the public during WWII, the Ad Council has helped develop thousands of public service announcements. The group maintains 35 to 40 active campaigns at one time and receives funding mainly from corporations and individuals, as well as time donated by top ad agencies and media outlets.

Enter the social media generation and the Ad Council is right there, ready to meet this new audience. One of their latest campaigns, “I Am a Witness” focuses on bullying and digital communications. No doubt it will be fascinating to see what new Ad Council slogans become part of our everyday speech.

The Ad Council Adapts to Stay Relevant in an Age of Social Action

Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Stuffing and Apps?

Got turkey on your mind? Or how you will deal with thirty guests in your house ranging from ages two to ninety-two? Wondering how you’ll juggle all those people as well as the pots on the stove? Well, Kit Eaton for the New York Times offers solutions in this video feature: Apps to Streamline Thanksgiving at Every Step of the Process. This Thanksgiving, your phone can be the key to celebratory bliss with apps ranging from multiple cooking timers to creative games of charades.