Safeguarding Kids on Tropical Vacations

How to Keep the Kids Healthy on Tropical Vacations

Are their vaccinations up to date? Better find out before you go. And make sure to take along DEET-based insect repellent, bed nets--not to mention child seats and life preservers, if those might be needed. And once you return, be on the lookout for symptoms that suggest some tropical disease. Find out everything you need to know here.

Are Your PARENTS Facing Money Trouble?

Are Your PARENTS Facing Money Trouble?

Maybe the econonic downturn has put the squeeze on you. Maybe it hasn't. But no matter how YOU'RE doing, you better find out how your parents are doing. The last thing you want is to find out that you're going to have to support them as well as your own family.

New Year's Resolutions for the Whole Family

New Year's Resolutioins for the WHOLE FAMILY

Lose weight. Stop smoking. Spend more time with family and friends. Bleg, bleg, bleg. Here's how to make resolutions that will benefit the whole family.

When's the Best Time to Invest?

When's the Best Time to Invest?
Investors with money on the sidelines are wondering if now is a good time to put money into the market. In fact, new research shows that long-term investors generally make money even if they get in at the absolute worst times.

How NOT to Help Your Child Get into College

How NOT to Help Your Child Get into College

When it comes to helping your child prepare a slew of killer college essays, the best strategy might be to...back off. College deans say they are being inundated with overly polished, soulless applications that show the marks of heavy involvement by parents, guidance counselors, and other grown-ups. Better to let your child show his/her own stuff

How to Get the Kids to Help Take Down the Christmas Tree

Getting the Kids to Help Take Down the Tree

Few holiday tasks are as onerous as taking down the Christmas tree. Here's how you can get the kids to pitch in without complaining. One idea: Give each child his/her own ornament storage box, and let him/her be responsible for putting the ornaments inside and sealing it up till next year.

How to Take Better Photos This Holiday Season

How to Take Better Photos

Want to take better photos this holiday season? To start with, stop putting the subject smack-dab in the middle of the frame. Put it on either side, following the rule of thirds. Shoot when the light is best (early morning or late afternoon), and move in closer to the action. Pay attention to the decisive moment--when action peaks or when a facial expression is most pronounced.

Lessons from the Madoff Swindle

What Lessons Investors Should Learn from the Bernie Madoff Swindle

It looks like Bernie Madoff swindled investors out of $50 billion. How can you be sure that your investments are safe? Find out here.

Convincing Job Interviewers You're Not 'Overqualfied'

Convincing Job Interviewers You're Not 'Overqualified'

What does it mean when an interviewer says you're overqualified for a particular position? It could be that he/she thinks your salary expectations are too high--or maybe that you would be uncomfortable working for a boss who is younger than you are. Here's how to respond.

Even a Little Flab is Bad for Your Heart

Simple Steps to Avoiding Heart Failure

Even a little extra weight around the middle raises your risk for heart failure. And while regular exercise helps, the key is actually LOSING the flab. Here's what you need to know.

How to Manage with Fewer People

How to Be a Good Manager in the Wake of Lay-Offs

If your employer has been laying off people, and you're among the survivors, congratulations. That's a good thing. But you're going to have to tweak your management style--to make sure you can get the work done with fewer people. Here are some great strategies.

Teaching Your Kids to Express Gratitude

Teaching Kids to Say Thank You

Dads need to teach their kids to say thank you, and holiday time is a great time to get going. Make sure your children send written thank you notes within a week of receiving gifts. If a child is too young to write a note himself, he can draw a picture on a note you write, or perhaps sign his name.

How to Help a Child Who Smokes

How to Keep Your Child from Smoking

It's normal for teenagers to experiment. But it should NOT be okay for your child to smoke. If your child has taken to lighting up, register your strong disapproval. Explain that you object to smoking on the grounds of health risks, not because "I told you not to." Here's what else you need to do to keep your child from becoming a smoker.

What to Eat to Keep Blood Sugar Low

What to Eat to Keep Your Blood Sugar Low

For years, doctors have been telling men with diabetes, and men worried about developing diabetes, to eat lots of whole-grain foods, like brown rice and whole-grain cereals. But a new study suggests that it's much better to eat beans and other foods that are lower on the so-called glycemic index.

Enjoying the Holidays on a Smaller Budget

Teaching Values with Holiday Giving

You've got less money to spend on gifts this year. How can you keep your kids from feeling disappointed? Be honest with them about the money situation, and use the discussion to explore your values--what constitutes meaningful gift-giving and what constitutes wasteful extravagance.

Smart Moves for Investors Now

How to Invest During the Recession

Economists are now predicting that the recession will last through 2009, if not beyond. What's a smart investor to do with his (remaining) money right now? Experts say to stick with best-in-class companies in consumer staples and health care. Avoid companies that trade in discretionary goods and services.

Helping Your Kid with College Applications

How to Ease College Application Anxiety

How can Dad (that means you!) help junior or junioress with the college applications process? There are all sorts of helpful strategies, and they don't require much effort. Best of all, they're free. Your financial burden is already big enough!

How to Beat Winter Blues

Overcoming Winter Blues, a.k.a. Seasonal Affective Disorder

Do the season's short, dark days tend to darken your mood as well? You may be suffering from seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. That's the bad news. Good news is there are simple ways to overcome the problem, including watching what you eat, getting lots of exercise, and sitting in front of a bright-light-box--known as light therapy. If self-help doesn't help, medication or counseling probably will.

How to Survive Your Office Christmas Party

How to Survive Your Office Christmas Party

It's okay to have a drink--maybe. But that's about as far as you want to go, as office parties are really just an extension of the workplace. So if merriment is pretty much out of the question, what SHOULD you do at the party?

Why Municipal Bond Funds Make Sense Now

Why Municipal Bond Funds Make Sense Now

Today's investors may feel that they have to choose between low yield and high risk--neither being an attractive choice. But for many men in higher tax brackets, municipal bond funds may offer a third option. Just make sure you do your research.

Simple Ways to Protect Your Kids from Hearing Loss

Simple Ways to Protect Your Kids from Hearing Loss

From ipods to power tools to loud concerts and action films, it's noisy out there. No wonder hearing loss is increasingly common among kids and young adults. Here's how to protect them.

How to Tell Your Kids the Truth about Santa

How to Tell Kids the Truth about Santa
What do you say when Junior asks if Santa (or the Easter Bunny) is real? Chances are, if he’s asking, he’s figured it out already. Here's some tips on what to do, depending on the situation.

7 Ways to Clear Clogged Sinuses

Clogged sinuses making you afraid to fly? Here are seven simple strategies that will help clear things up before you get on the plane.

Is Your Credit Score Accurate?

Is Your Credit Score Accurate?

If you're thinking of buying a house or car, beware the tightened credit market. Lenders use a credit risk score to determine the risk a borrower represents. Here's how to make sure the information on your credit score is accurate--it could save you thousands of dollars a year.

How to Be Your Own Career Coach

How to Be Your Own Career Coach

Self-coaching can be just as effective as hiring a professional--and it costs a lot less. Follow these easy steps and learn how to succeed all by yourself.

Better Way to Lose Weight
Checked your spare recently--the spare tire around your waist? If it's been getting bigger,maybe it's time to go green--as in cold, hard cash. A recent study shows that men who are paid to lose weight drop more pounds.So you might set up a weight-loss compensation program. Arrange for your wife to pay you for each pound you shed. Or round up colleagues who also need to lose and start a pool. Each gym visit entitles you to a certain amount, with a bonus thrown in for choosing salad over pizza at lunch meetings.

How Bad Will Economy Get

The Economy: How Bad Will Things Get?
It's time to get our heads out from under the covers and face our worst fears. The financial crisis is worldwide, and the U.S. is actually better off than most countries. Iceland is bankrupt, and others (including Russia) are teetering. What happens when a crisis turns into a complete collapse? Keep in mind that the worst possible outcomes are short-term. We'll take a look at those and then look at the reality of the long-term.

Secrets for Stronger Erections

Nine Secrets for Stronger Erections

You may not even need medication to keep your libido strong as the years pass. In this SMD Exclusive, Dr. Steven Lamm of the NYU Medical School explains that simple lifestyle changes may be all you need instead of that Viagra prescription. Keep your erection strong by staying in shape, taking vitamin supplements, and getting enough sleep at night.

St John's Wort Anti Depressants

Herbal Remedy Works as Well as Anti-Depressants

German doctors caught on years ago to the healing powers of St. John's Wort, so why shouldn't you? One study proved the herb to be as effective as anti-depressants in patients with major depression. Doctors are hesitant to shy away from standard medication when treating depression, but the wondrous powers of St. John's Wort can't be ignored.

Life Isnt so Bad Movies

8 Movies to Remind You that Life Isn't So Bad

Sometimes the best way to distance yourself from problems in your life is to enter the dream world created by Hollywood. And some movie characters have it much worse than you do! Here are 8 movies that will help you forget about what's troubling you.

Get Tough During Tough Times

9 Ways to Tough Out Tough Times

The current economy may have your wallet in a crunch, but make sure you come out ahead with these tips. If you find yourself with a pink slip, don't panic and apply for unemployment as soon as possible. You should also look at your portfolio, ensuring it is diverse enough to maintain a good yield.

Interview Donts

The 10 Worst Job Tips Ever

How about a little bit of reverse psychology? Read about the obvious mistakes job seekers make in the interview process. Your resume shouldn't be a laundry list of your achievements; keep it concise. Nor should you sit on your hands waiting for companies to call you. Read on for more common mistakes and how to remedy them.

Addicted to my Blackberry

It's a Cell Phone, Not Your Master

Is your work/life balance out of whack? Do you have a smartphone? Bingo! In this article, an executive coach with a busy practice of type A businessmen tells how to overcome your Blackberry addiction.

Do Well in a Bear Market

How to Prosper in a Bear Market

Do Well in a Bear Market - Ever notice how most investment advisers sound like broken records? "Invest for the long term." "Stick with the plan." "Buy and hold." Funny thing is, they say the same things no matter what the market is doing and no matter the economic situation. Smart investors know that this is nonsense. They see what's on the horizon and adjust their portfolios appropriately.

5 Secrets to Growing Your Retirement $$$
As the economy struggles with the credit crisis, how will your retirement plans be affected? Here are some tips to keep your retirement plan on track.

Is It Time to Switch to a Credit Union?
Does the iffy economy and mortgage crisis have you skeeved about your bank's future? Maybe it's time to look at your local credit union, who is most likely seeing green right now. Most credit unions do not have high-salary CEOs or huge marketing portfolios to pour their money into, making them more profitable in these tough times for the banking sector.

5 Surprising Reasons You're Getting Fat
That Big Mac or midnight snack might not be only reason for loosening your belt. While calories do play an integral role in weight gain, you could be packing on the pounds due to lack of sleep or a certain medication you take.

30 New Ways to Save Big $$$
Trying to cut your family's costs like the rest of America? Skip the $2 call to 411 or the $4 movie rental at Blockbuster. Hit the Internet to find freebies from movies to furniture to vacation spots.

How to Find a Great Contractor
You're putting your home in his hands, so make sure he will show up every day and not let your house end up in a pile of rubble. Get recommendations from neighbors, call his references, and take a look at where he lives and what he drives.

What Orwell Wrote 70 Years Ago Today
Peer inside the mind of one of the 20th Century's most prolific writers, George Orwell. The genius behind Animal Farm and 1984 kept a daily journal, now available in blog format.

How to Break Out of a Rut
If you feel unfulfilled or unsatisfied with your job, welcome to the club. Perhaps it's an insufferable boss or home obligations disallowing you from performing up to par. Whatever the case, Joel Garfinkle offers some tips to reconnect with your work life, from forming deeper friendships with coworkers to going back to school.

Viagra Helps Turn On Depressed Women
Women can have arousal problems just the same way men do, especially if she's taking antidepressants. Researchers have worked for years on a female equivalent of Viagra, only to find the best cure was the original medication. Viagra has been shown to work just as well for women in lighting that flame.

Time to Ditch That Airline Card?
Frequent flyer cards are appealing because of their payoffs, but have you read the terms and conditions? Blackout dates, expiration dates, and new fees can make those free tickets just not worth it.

New Way to Share Music Online
A new app called SimplifyMedia aims to make the most of your iTunes music library - by allowing you to share your collection with others. Now, your friends (whom you must approve to see your library) can swipe that new, must-have track from you. Best of all: it's safe, legal, and free.

Is It Safe for Kids to Use Cell Phones?
The debate about the harmfulness of cell phone radiation still remains inconclusive. It may pose little risk to adults, whose brains are fully developed, but what about your kids? Scientists propose that they may face an increased risk to radiation, coming at a time when record numbers of children own cell phones.

Simple Ways to Improve Your Powers of Persuasion
How do those top execs effortlessly convince others to do something? Follow their tips, such as welcoming objections, and perhaps you too will be able to

Most Reliable Blood Pressure Monitors
Nearly 25 percent of Americans have high blood pressure, and many don't adequately control their condition. A personal blood pressure monitor is a helpful tool to keep tabs on the ailment, but many devices simply do not work, especially wrist or finger monitors.

Best Colleges in the U.S.
Where should you look to send your kids to college? Forbes created their own list of the top colleges, with some surprising additions. West Point nears the top of the list, as does Wabash College. Never heard of it? Check the list to learn about this, and other, small but mighty colleges.

Six Sex Mistakes Some Guys Make
Most guys think they know everything about sex. But do you really know what she wants? Can you navigate your way around her body? Many of the "basics" have been disproven.

5 Scientific Theories to Make Your Head Explode
Strap on your thinking cap and take a crazy ride through some of the deepest issues of science. As scientists delve deeper into big questions like evolution and the Big Bang, ideas and theories get wilder.

The Top 16 Best Hotels in the World
Looking to escape from reality? And you don't even have to emerge from the hotel once you've embarked on vacation. Heavenly lodgings can be found across the world, from South Africa, to India, to Montana. Pack your bags!

How to Build a Website for Peanuts
Starting your own website no longer involved learning a coding language or paying a programmer too much per hour to do it for you. Plenty of services on the web allow you to build your website just as your visitors will see it.

10 iPhone Apps and Tools to Check Out
The iPhone: it's the new must-have gadget. But have you harnessed all its hidden powers? Send instant messages, play poker, even control your television. Here are 10 tools to enhance your iPhone experience.

Eat Fish to Cut Risk for Vision Loss
Maybe you should try the fish. A new study reports it may save your eyesight in old age. Eating oily fish such as tuna or salmon once a week has been shown to reduce the risk of macular degeneration.

Save Big $$$ on Junior's College Textbooks
Textbooks are just another added expense after you've shelled out plenty for tuition, room, and board. Reduce book costs by looking online for electronic copies, which can save you up to 50%, and some popular literary works can even be found online for free.