Facing your debts can be depressing for several reasons. First, all the stuff that caused the debt is not so wonderful and new as it used to be. And the interest rates ... Yikes! But the worst, the all-time most horrible thing about facing debt is the realization that given the present rate of repayment, that monster is going to hang around and invade your life like a huge family of free-loading relatives, for a very long time. That’s the bad news.
Dear Mary: Thanks for your most informative recent column on poultry labeling. I have seen chicken in the supermarket that includes “enhanced” on their label. As nearly as I can figure this means pumping salty water into the meat. What is all this about? Thanks. — Mimi Dear Mimi: The USDA allows meat products to include solutions that deliver benefits such as adding moisture, tenderize meat or add flavor. However, such additives must be fully disclosed on the label, which you know because you have seen this. Turns out that a lot of our meat is enhanced. About 30 percent of poultry, 15 percent of beef and 90 percent of pork are injected with some kind of liquid solution before sale, according to the USDA, and it’s usually something high in sodium. According to the American Meat Institute, the solution pumps up the meat’s volume and can “replace the flavor and moisture loss that results from raising leaner animals or from potential overcooking.” What you figured is right on.
If you’re holding out for the life you love to magically appear once a boatload of money gets dumped into your lap, don’t count on it.
Doing something about consumer debt is good for your finances — and just about every other area of your life, too.
Recently, I underwent that procedure no one my age likes to talk about. As much as I dreaded the exam, it was nothing compared to what I went through to get ready for it. Just seeing those words on the office door made me want to cut and run: Certified Financial Planner.
If you ever have stopped by the store to pick up milk and walked out with a big-screen TV, you know the power of temptation. As weak as we may feel at times, it is possible to face down temptation and win.
Recently, I underwent that procedure no one my age likes to talk about. As much as I dreaded the exam, it was nothing compared to what I went through to get ready for it. Just seeing those words on the office door made me want to cut and run: Certified Financial Planner.
Dear Mary: We recently read a short article you wrote on common money mistakes to avoid. One of the mistakes was “Paying for college.” Unfortunately, this article came about three years too late.
Recently, as I was half way out the door, car keys in hand and on the way to the home improvement center, I remembered that I might already have what I needed. Cooking spray! That’s it. I’d heard that it just might work. It did, and quite perfectly, too. No more squeaks and I saved a trip and purchase, too.
I wouldn't walk across hot coals for the fun of it. But if I could be shown how a short, painful walk would do away with a lifetime of worry, frustration and the fear that comes with constantly being broke, I'd do it.
