Article by Marie C. Barrett

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Until recently, social scientists had little understanding of the implications that warm family relationships have in almost every area of life. But today a mass of research has been conducted which demonstrates that loving family relationships promote mental health, happiness, physical health, and even long-term vital energy. These are just the benefits that adults enjoy.

For children, a close knit family is even more important.

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Several years ago a group of social scientists studied the heart disease rate among some Philadelphia residents. The area they studied was a high-risk residence for heart disease. There was a lot of noise, air pollution, poor dietary habits, and the individualistic struggle for “more.” As a result, the heart disease rate in that area was extremely high.

However, the researchers located a group of recent Italian-American emigrants to America, now living in this high-risk area, whose heart disease rate was very low lower in fact, than the national average. At first the reason for this was obscure. All the men were overweight; the diets were very high in cholesterol; they all lived in a high-risk area. But the thing that stood out among the Italian-Americans was the warm, loving family relationships they all enjoyed.

Several years later the researchers went back to this community to gather follow-up data. Interestingly, they found only one important change since the first time they visited: the Italian-American family system had become less closely knit and loving. These people had adopted the practices and attitudes of those around them: success at any cost, family schisms, divorce, and quarrels. And as a result their heart disease rate had increased until it was higher than that among members of the community as a whole.

There is a power in a loving family rela­tionship that is similar to the power of God’s love. It can prolong life and even ward off diseases. A team of psychologists recently administered a battery of personality tests and life history questionnaires to a group of cancer patients at several hospitals. They then compared the cancer patients (they all had tumors, to be exact) with a matched sample of people the same age but without tumors. The one difference between the two groups that stood out was this:-the cancer patients consistently had come from homes marked by divorce and unhappiness. Certainly love is a powerful force if it can make us more resistant to disease. And the most important place where love can (or should) be found is in the home.

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If you are unconvinced of the important implications that loving family relationships have for vital energy, consider the results of research comparing married men with single, divorced, and widowed men. When compared with those three groups, married men, it was found, commit suicide less often, are less susceptible to mental illnesses and neuroses, have a much lower heart disease rate, and live to be a lot older. But the advantages don’t stop there. Married men are also more energetic and productive. Married students, for example, earn higher grades than single students, even when the latter are more intelligent. Married men work harder, earn more money, are more punctual, pay their debts on time more often, and are generally more stable. Not surprisingly, married men report that they are happier than single men.

So if you want to be productive, energetic, healthy, and emotionally stable, and if you want to live to a ripe old age, take pains to insure that your family relationships are strong and loving. It will pay you great dividends in vital energy.

Because of our changing world and values, many families do not live close enough to each other to see each other on a regular basis.  “Over the river and through the woods, to Grandmother’s house we go,” as stated in the old song, happens less and less.  Studies have shown overwhelmingly that families with close generational contact are better off in many areas than those who are more isolated from each other.  We will look closer at some of those areas.

Help During Hardship

Families that are near and involved with each other regularly offer a secure and encouraging environment for all members.  Life brings with it many challenges, and family unity should not be underestimated.  With it comes support, comfort, love, sacrifice and tangible assistance. Family provides understanding on an intimate level, as members truly know and understand each other’s needs, desires and fears. Advice and direction are more readily accepted because of the knowledge that intentions are heart felt and well meaning.  Families that live a long distance from each other often have to try to find this kind of support from outside sources.

Extended family provide a better network for meeting needs and members are trusted.  Dr. Vern Bengtson, professor of gerontology and sociology at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles stated, “Multi-generational bonds represent a valuable resource for families in the 21st century and are becoming more important than nuclear family ties for well-being and support over the course of our lives.”  He continued, “Intergenerational and extended family relationships not only create a sense of identity but, even today, are a valuable resource for exchanging information, services and goods.”  This is a two way street.  Older family members also receive needed help, as well as provide help to younger members of the family.

Teaching Values

Nothing influences children the way their family members do.  Families that do not live in close proximity to their extended family do not get the benefit of this generational advantage regularly.  It is harder to build a strong foundation of morals and values when you are doing it alone.  Extended family involvement in children’s lives on a regular basis reinforces parental teachings by accountability and example.  Influence seems greatest in the grandparent / grandchild relationship, but other extended family members also influence children.  One reason for this is that many families have two working parents, and grandparents are involved with child care on a daily basis.

Staying Healthy

University of Southern California in LosAngeles study also shows that extended family relationships can help you to live longer and stay healthier.  “We have seen evidence that an increased degree of positive contact with family can add years to your life,” points out Dr. Bengtson.  This is true in both grandparent / parent and grandparent / grandchild relationships.  Some studies have shown that those with extended family relationships also tend to be more successful in their personal lives and emotionally.

As the distance grows between the generations, the strong foundation of family and “where we came from” is being lost.  Family identity and the values that come with it are becoming a thing of the past.  No family is perfect, thank goodness it doesn’t have to be!  But the benefit of regular contact of family members is enormous. However, it does require sacrifice and commitment and must be a priority when making life’s decisions.

Sources:

http://bjsw.oxfordjournals.org /cgi/pdf_extract/5/1/117

http://www.conquering-stressfu l-family-hurdles.com/importanc e-of-family.html

http://www.enctoday.com/articl es/family-318-relationships-fa milies.html

http://www.hartnellchanot.co.u k/just-mums/being-a-good-mum/t he-importance-of-extended-fami ly.html

http://www.grandparenting.org/ long-distance,htm.htm

http://www.answers.com/topic/e xtended-family

http://www.buzzle.com/editoria ls/9-9-2002-26044.asp

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Trust created in the will of famous people Jacquelyn Kennedy Onassis and former President Richard Nixon are great examples of how to word a trust document.

President Richard Nixon in his trust enumerated the names of the trustees as well as beneficiaries. He even outlined their responsibilities are trustees.

Jacquelyn Kennedy Onassis did the same thing. Her focus though was more on the beneficiaries of the trust – Caroline Kennedy and John F. Kennedy Jr. Jacquelyn Onassis did not also give the specific responsibilities as done by Nixon.

Both trusts though were done inter vivos, that is they were established by the time the trustor were alive. The documents both contained the essential elements involved in a trust document – truster, trustee, beneficiary and trust property.

Detailed discussions on how a trust is created are outlined in the succeeding paragraphs.
Trust Definition

Trust, as defined by the common law legal systems, and as can be seen from the aforementioned examples, pertains to a relationship in which a person or entity called the trustee possesses legal title to certain property or which we refer to as the trust property or trust corpus, but is obliged by a fiduciary duty to exercise that legal control for the benefit of one or more individuals or organizations which is the beneficiary, who hold “beneficial” or “equitable” title. The trust is governed by the terms stipulated in the written trust agreement and local law. The entity (individual, a partnership, or a corporation) that creates the trust is called as trustor, settlor, grantor, donor, or creator. It is important to getacquainted or to keep in mind the basic trust terminologies to avoid confusion when dealing with it – trustor, trustee, beneficiary and trust property.

Trust is a dual title because of its legal and equitable characteristics. Due to this, trust is often referred to as a “split title”. The “title split” of trust law is due to its separate functions. Legal title is one aspect of the trust that pertains to the control, management, and possession characteristics, while equitable (beneficial) title is a feature of trust that involves “benefit,” “enjoyment,” and “use”.

Trust laws may differ but most trust law in the United States recognizes the legality of the trust document at the state level. Fiduciary tax law covers both federal and state.

Practitioners often come across such terms as inter vivos and testamentary trusts. Distinguishing the two is important to define the kind of trust required. When the person is living at the time the trust is established is called an inter vivos trust. A trust derived from an individual’s will is called a testamentary trust. Since the will takes effect only upon death, a testamentary trust is often created during or after the date of the trust creator’s death
Trustees

Trustees could either be (1) competent individuals or (2) state or federally chartered corporations with trust powers (most often banks). Usually, bank trustees will have incorporated their fiduciary organization into the investment management or private banking groups’ aspect of the institution.

In some cases there are two trustees, an individual will serve as trustee together with a bank trustee. They are referred to as “co-trustees.” Both individual and corporate trustees are allowed to charge fees for their services. But sometimes, the individual trustees serve as gratis in cases when the trustee is part of the settlor’s family or the settlor him/herself. Trust may define each trustee’s function. They may serve the same or different purpose, depending on what is outlined by the trust. If the trust is quite about it, it is safe to assume that both individual and bank trustees have similar responsibilities.

The fifty states have implemented different fiduciary law although efforts are now geared towards minimizing these differences through the
Uniform Principal and Income Act and other uniform act efforts. Most often, existing governing local laws often allow trust agreements to be carried out according to the terms set in the trust document. These do not apply in a few exceptional cases such as when the trust document is hazardous or not in consonance with public policy such as a trust that would encourage criminal activities. These circumstances will invalidate the trust.

Other cases worth noting involving trust include some states requiring all trustee fees to be charged equally to principal cash and income cash. In the event that the trust document requests otherwise, the law permits the document language to prevail. If the document contains impractical or outmoded language, the beneficiaries and trustees may approach local probate courts to settle the matter. This is most commonly done to aid or amend the legal construction of the document or to cope with circumstances the settlor had not foreseen during the time the trust was made.

Sometimes conflicts arise when it comes to interpreting the trust language. Some parties may not be amenable to its contents. To settle the matter, when the trustee or beneficiary needs help with regards to the interpretation of the trust document especially in cases where conflicts arise due to the trust, the local probate court judge can extend help. In creating trust, another important thing to take into account is the “docketing” a trust, which means taking it to the judge. When the judge is done, the trust then becomes “undocketed”.
Trust Document

The following documents are found in the foregoing examples and are essential in creating trust :

1. Written instrument or the trust document which contains the signature of both the settler (who could be one or more beneficiaries) and the trustee
2. The last will and testament of the settler

In most situations, there are two important requirements to create a trust. These two must be present in order to make the document valid. These two requirements include: it needs to be

1. Signed
2. Money or something of value is turn over from the settler to the trustee.

Trust therefore does not end upon the signing of trust documents. There is another requirement before the document is considered valid trust. The trust is created only when the second stipulation is accomplished which is to transfer money or something of value such as real estate or jewelries to the trustee. The legal language made use of a res (this is a Latin word for “thing”; which refers to the property) that is the focus of the trust.

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Article by Kristie Brown

There may come a time when you want to put your home into a family trust even though you’re still carrying a mortgage on the property. There are some legal issues that will have to be dealt with in order to do so, but it can be accomplished to your advantage with the help of a good estate planning attorney. Although on the surface there appears to be laws in place to keep this situation from occurring, there are also many ways around them, but you may not be able to resolve them in quite the way you would like to. Reading through the following information about mortgaged homes and family trusts should help you understand the process.

The legal title to the real estate involved must be transferred to the trustee of the living trust. This means that not only is the mortgage borrower required to be both the trust grantor and a primary beneficiary of the trust, but they are also required to continue to reside in the property. All of the above goes against the terms included in most mortgage loans, it is usually allowed because the federal government passed its own law allowing for these transfers.

The government also prohibits lenders from requiring that borrowers pay off the mortgage in full should the property be transferred to a family trust. Therefore, transfers that might otherwise be financially limited by the sale clause that is in most mortgages are now feasible. In addition, our government has found in favor of family trusts in federal laws related to them and under the tax code. These laws provide for the homeowners to continue to deduct mortgage interest paid even though the property technically belongs to the family trust. The tax code is set up to regard trust property in the same manner as personal property, so even after your mortgaged property is transferred to the trust, you’ll still be able to deduct interest.

Your estate planning attorney will be able to make sure that all of your paperwork is in order so that the transaction won’t get tied up in red tape. You will need to have a deed to transfer the title prepared and recorded. In addition, the trust documents have to say that the mortgaged property is the person’s qualified residence. Good planning and the right kind of help can keep you from falling into legal pitfalls as you transfer your mortgaged property to a family trust.

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Executive Summary

            Lauren Weber bases the book, In Cheap We Trust, on a concept that she knows well from her own childhood experiences. Her father was a frugal man and though she considered him cheap at the time, she would later pick up some of the same, or similar, habits that she didn’t understand as a child. Weber traces the word cheap back to its origins and shows us how it was turned into a term of derision. Through stories of frugality and consumer spending in the past and relation of frugality to the world we live in now, Weber takes us on a journey of thrift.

            Though we often hear the phrase, “a return to thrift,” our past is not a solid history of devoted cheapskates as we may assume. History is instead a cycle of spending and saving. The earliest settlers may have been frugal, but this was more of a necessity than a choice. From the earliest years to the present, Americans found a way to be thrifty when the times demanded it, but were quick to jump back into spending when the opportunity arose.

            Through the last few decades, our spending has grown more than ever before. Our savings have dropped and our debts have multiplied. We are consumption hogs in comparison to other countries with seemingly no plan to change our ways. We spend more and save less, even as the debt of our country grows to unimaginable amounts. We consume and waste, knowing that our waste is doing nothing to help our environment.

            While most of our citizens are freely spending, there are those who decide to rebel against the majority and to be sensible with their money. There are a variety of different types of frugality. There are those who simply try not to waste. There are some who refuse to buy new goods (other than food or medicine). There are even those who “dumpster-dive” for food rather than pay high prices while good food is going to waste in our country every day.

            The psychological drive behind this thrift is an amazing story in itself. Some research studies have proven that people feel anxiety, and even a slight amount of pain, when required to spend money. That, along with guilt and fear, aid in stopping a portion of the population from caving in to the pressures of society to consume.

            There are many things that we can easily do to help save our environment, better our economy, and secure our own financial futures. Some of the simplest methods could help us stop the historical cycle of spending and keep our country and our citizens on track for saving and an altogether better future.

The Ten Things Managers Need to Know fromIn Cheap We Trust

1.            The word “cheap” has evolved from originally meaning tradesman, to becoming a term of derision.

2.            Women had an early role as the “budgeters” for the family. They had to learn how to reuse and not be wasteful.

3.            There are many stereotypes, generalizing certain cultures as cheap. These stereotypes are often untrue.

4.            War has throughout history, been a big driver for the back and forth cycle of thrift and spending.

5.            A large percentage of people are unprepared for emergency or retirement in terms of savings. Many people don’t save at all.

6.            By being frugal, we can also help our environment.

7.            Fresh food is thrown out every day, and salvaged by groups of people who want to be more frugal.

8.            According to research, thoughts of purchasing items can cause anxiety and even pain for some people. Frugality is also driven by guilt and fear.

9.            It is possible to break the cycle of spending and saving. The spreading of knowledge about how consumption effects our environment may be what it takes to finally break the cycle.

10.            There are many little things we can do to be more frugal and save more. By doing so, we help our environment, we can help our country, and we can secure our own financial futures.

Full Summary of In Cheap We Trust

Cheap Thrills

In this chapter, Lauren Weber introduces us to the topic of thrift by telling stories about her father’s thrifty ways throughout her childhood. He saved money by turning off lights, hand washing dishes, reusing tea bags, and even by attempting to monitor toilet paper usage. He did all of this to save, yet still indulged in expenses such as gas for long drives and expensive college tuition for his children. Weber also tells us that though she resented these things as a child, she now sees this quality in herself as well.

Weber tells us about the origins of the word cheap. “It derives from the Latin word caupo, or tradesman; evolved into the noun ceap (a trade) in Old English; and came to be used in Middle English mostly in the phrase “good chepe,” meaning “good bargain” or “good price.” The opposite phrase was not “bad chepe” but “dear chepe,” which referred to high prices. By the sixteenth century, cheap was employed, without judgment, as a synonym for “inexpensive.”” (p. 3) She then goes on to discuss how the word was later transformed into a derisive term.

Weber also speaks of the idea of a “return to thrift.” (p. 7) She discusses the idea that thrift was not a virtue, abandoned over time by a lazy population, but more a necessity for the time. Americans were quick to give up their thrifty ways when the opportunities for them to spend started being more prevalent.

The Crowd Approved the Doctrine, and Immediately Practiced the Contrary

            In this chapter, Weber discusses the history of thrift with the Puritans and the Quakers. The Puritans believed that indulging in worldly possessions interfered with their worship of God. Laws were put into place to restrict the purchase of vanity items. The Quakers also believed that they were supposed to live a simple life. Almanacs became popular as guides to thrift. One of the most popular was Poor Richard’s Almanack, written by Benjamin Franklin. But as through the rest of history, this time in the past was filled with a back and forth sort of thrift. As money and opportunities increased, so did spending.

A Nation of Savers

            In this chapter, Weber discusses the beginning of savings banks. These banks were created as a means for the poorer population to learn to save, rather than waste their money. One of the people who took advantage of savings banks is Hetty Green. She started depositing her money at a young age and grew up to be the world’s greatest miser, according the Guinness Book of Records. She is the model of frugality. Though she had saved a fortune, she lived like a pauper.

            Weber also discusses the effect of the end of the Civil War. This was a time when money was accumulated as wealth by many. The wealthy spent their money on parties and luxuries as they never had before. But this new spending wouldn’t last forever. Once again, thrift became a way of life for many. Even school children started depositing their money through a special educational savings program.

What Use Can a Woman Have for Arithmetic?

            In this chapter, Weber discusses the ways thrift has lived in the female population. In early years, women had no choice but to be thrifty. She includes the typical morning of one thrifty American woman in history. Sarah Tabitha Reid “woke up at four a.m., swept the kitchen floor, collected eggs, fed the family’s chickens and turkeys, fetched water from the well, and made the fire-and that was all before breakfast,” (p. 80) but as populations grew, families migrated towards the central hubs of the towns and women became less of producers and more of consumers of goods.

Weber goes on to discuss how women became the financial budgeters of the family. They learned how to reuse old products and shop for things before they became scarce, and therefore more expensive. This was the beginning of modern home economics.

Cheap Jews and Thrifty Chinese

            In this chapter, Weber discusses the stereotypes of Jews and Chinese as cheap. As many Catholics were afraid to get into the business of lending, Jews took advantage of the opening. In this profession, as creditors and then as collectors, they were easy targets though they lived modest, respectable lives. The Chinese were stereotyped because of their simple, inexpensive diet and their early willingness to work for much lower wages. The gold rush brought many Chinese immigrants in a desire to strike it rich and return to China with their newfound wealth. Later in the chapter, in discussing why these stereotypes are still continue today, Weber poses the question, “are they successful because they’re thrifty or are they labeled thrifty (derisively, admiringly) because  they’re successful?” (p. 126)

Use It Up, Wear It Out, Make It Do, or Do Without

            In this chapter, Weber begins by discussing the effect of war on American thrift. War bonds and stamps were sold, often by pressures such as pamphlets asking, “Have you helped your country by investing in the war loan, or have you helped Germany by keeping your money in your pocket?” (p. 135) Americans were urged to contribute what they could to the war effort by purchasing bonds and by being less wasteful. They were urged to “go back to simple food, simple clothes, simple pleasures.” (p. 138) Women were pressured to sign pledge cards stating that they would find substitutes for more expensive goods, make less waste by using every part of every product, and grow their own food at home. Americans patriotic thrift ended soon after the war. As in history before, people couldn’t wait to get back to spending. Some of this spending was done on credit, as buying on credit was becoming more and more popular.

After the stock market crash led to a depression, thrift returned as a way of life out of desperation. People either didn’t have money to spend, or were afraid to spend it which made things even worse. Weber goes on to discuss how politicians then changed from promoting thrift as patriotic, to promoting spending as patriotic. “Consumption had been reframed: shopping wasn’t just about personal gratification anymore; it was a patriotic act with national consequences.” (p. 157) As the next war brought America out of the Depression, people were urged not to waste. Ration rules were established, sometimes even on things that weren’t limited. But this time Americans weren’t urged to save as “economists fretted over the possibility that Americans would save their way into another postwar depression.” (p.163)

Lively Golf Balls and Two-Ford Freedom: The Postwar Years

In this chapter, Weber further discusses the effect of the Second World War on consumer spending. Economists were afraid that the country would slide into another recession and urged America to spend, spend, and spend more. Commercials were designed to promote a higher standard of life to the general public. They didn’t stop at promoting the purchase of one car, but portrayed housewives with the newfound freedom of having a second vehicle for household use. And when retailers were getting nervous that the public would end up with everything they needed and not have a need for more purchases, they got creative. Home and apparel fashion was kept moving at a high pace with many new designs. Appliances were designed to have a shorter life. And when retailers were asked to answer for these new policies, they defended their actions with the claim that they were helping fuel the economy and helping keep unemployment down.

            Weber discusses how this new trend of spending continued on for many years. Helping to aid in the spending, credit cards were issued, with the first being the Diners Club card. These cards allowed a quickly evolving consumer society to purchase more than they ever thought they could. Though there were some who refused to borrow more, who stayed true to their frugality throughout the spending madness, “thrift was no longer broadcast as an American ideal.” (p. 181)

Spendthrift Nation

            In this chapter, Weber discusses the effect of consumer spending, and lack of saving on the economy. She starts by discussing the drastic drop in saving. While financial security should be priority number one in a recession, the American public still focuses on spending. As the purchases of luxuries increases so does consumer debt. And this debt continues to take up more and more of the typical American family’s income. It’s like a vicious circle. As we purchase more goods, we rack up more debt. As we rack up more debt, we spend more of our income paying our debts and have less to spend on day to day expenses. When we have less money to spend, we have to rely on credit, racking up yet more debt. Weber also discusses the situation many Americans are going to face at retirement. Defined benefit plans are rarely used as employers want to shift the risk to employees. And even the amount employers are willing to match in defined contribution plans, such as 401k’s, continues to shrink. Many Americans are going to be forced to work part time or even full time jobs after they reach retirement age.

            Weber also discusses the effect of the lack of savings by citizens on America’s budget. America has been forced to borrow more and more from other countries. The amount that we pay other countries just in interest is staggering. Weber discusses as a solution to the debt problems our country is facing, a delicate balance of consumer spending and saving.

Eco-Cheap

            In this chapter, Weber discusses the ways that thrift can actually help the environment. She talks about the effects that consumer spending has on global warming. The more products we buy, the more waste is created. Weber says, “The absolute cheapest way to save the planet is to stop buying stuff.” (p. 213) She discusses how the “green movement” is aimed at slowing global warming, but mentions that those who have the best effect on the environment are those who don’t spend. By trying to save gas money, thrifty individuals are reducing emissions. By reusing old products that many would throw out, they are reducing the massive amounts of garbage piling up in landfills. Weber also says, “Reducing our consumption may be the only way we can halt and even reverse some of the ecological damage we’ve wrought over the last few centuries of industrial culture.” (p. 209)

Living Cheap in the Age of Mass Consumption

In this chapter, Weber discusses the people who are “rebelling against an age of mass consumption.” (p. 224) Though she talks about independent individuals who devote their lives to cheap survival, she focuses on groups called “compacters” and “freegans.” A group known as compacters collectively decided to stop spending money on new items other than food and medicine. These people allowed themselves to purchases second hand items, but nothing new. The other group, freegans, try to completely limit their spending. Some of their activities include dumpster diving (for food as well as other items) and squatting (to avoid paying rent). These people are able to “resist the seduction of the retail-industrial complex” and live frugally.

Cheapskate Psychology

In this chapter, Weber discusses the psychology of frugality. She begins by talking about Freud’s idea that frugality has something to do with “unresolved potty-training issues.” (p. 246) She later discusses that it comes partly from guilt and also partly from fear. While some people simply feel guilty by indulging in luxuries, some are afraid that by spending, they won’t have money in case of emergencies later. Weber also reveals research that shows higher levels of anxiety, and even slight pain, in situations where people would have to purchase things. She finishes the chapter by discussing the law of diminishing returns in regards to frugality. She compares the amount of enjoyment you get out of something that you don’t allow yourself to purchase often to the amount you would get out of something that you indulge in often.

Conclusion

            In this chapter, Weber begins by discussing some of the ways that writing this book has changed her spending habits. By using some of the methods that she wrote about in previous chapters she has reduced her monthly spending by almost half. While frugal living has historically been a cycle, frugality in bad times with massive spending when the times rebound, Weber speaks of her hopes that awareness of the issue of global warming “just might change the game” (p. 273) in the cycle and convince people to carry on their frugal habits.

The Video Lounge

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJaluF7h_ec

This clip shows a lecture by Chris Farrell. His argument for cheapness being the opposite of frugality is based on sustainability. By being frugal, rather than cheap, we still buy our necessities, but we buy with an eye on the future.

Personal Insights

Why I think:

With business conditions today, what the author wrote is – or is no longer true – because: 

What the author wrote is true because of the status of our economy. Unemployment rates are high and people are starting to limit their expenses. The necessity of the times is forcing people to be more frugal, yet when things get better, I’m sure that the cycle will continue. People will be ready to pounce on the opportunity to spend money on luxury items. The cycle has carried through the history of America, and I believe it will continue to repeat itself.

Then, all of the following bullet-items are mandatory to write about:

If I were the author of the book, I would have done these three things differently:

1.            I would have included more stories. They make a more interesting read.

2.            I would have given more ideas of how people can reduce their “footprint” by being frugal.

3.            I would have organized the paragraphs differently. They could have been broken up into shorter, more focused paragraphs.

Reading this book made me think differently about the topic in these ways:

1.            I have realized that by being frugal, I can have an impact on the environment.

2.            I have realized that there truly is a difference between being cheap and being frugal.

3.            I’ve learned that history repeats itself, even in the history of frugality.

I’ll apply what I’ve learned in this book in my career by:

1.            I will make sure to have a balance between saving and spending.

2.            I will try to be frugal in ways that have a positive impact on the environment.

3.            I will try to make less waste and reuse existing things.

Here is a sampling of what others have said about the book and its author:

“What others (scholarly and magazine reviews – along with on-line reviews – not simply reviews off the back of the book) have said about the book and its author?”

While Valerie Weaver-Zercher “can be a little sensitive about the word cheap,” Tom Barlow finds that “her exploration of the paradox of thrift is the most interesting aspect of the book.” There are many different ideas on the concept of frugality and the way you feel about spending is bound to influence your opinion of the book.

Bibliography

Barlow, T. (n.d.). Book review: In Cheap We Trust. Personal finance news, advice, calculators – WalletPop. Retrieved November 8, 2010, from http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/05/book-review-in-cheap-we-trust/

Weaver-Zercher, V. (n.d.). A review of In Cheap We Trust and The Cheapskate Next Door | The Christian Century. The Christian Century. Retrieved November 8, 2010, from http://www.christiancentury.org/reviews/2010-09/nonfiction-4

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Contact Info: To contact the author of this “Summary and Review of Lauren Weber’s In Cheap We Trust: The Story of a Misunderstood American Virtue,” please email Miranda.Manuel@selu.edu.

Biography

David C. Wyld (dwyld.kwu@gmail.com) is the Robert Maurin Professor of Management at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, Louisiana. He is a management consultant, researcher/writer, and executive educator. His blog, Wyld About Business, can be viewed at http://wyld-business.blogspot.com/. He also serves as the Director of the Reverse Auction Research Center (http://reverseauctionresearch.blogspot.com/), a hub of research and news in the expanding world of competitive bidding. Dr. Wyld also maintains compilations of works he has helped his students to turn into editorially-reviewed publications at the following sites:

Management Concepts (http://toptenmanagement.blogspot.com/)

Book Reviews (http://wyld-about-books.blogspot.com/) and

Travel and International Foods (http://wyld-about-food.blogspot.com/).                

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Article by Sam Tinkenger

Working in Spain will broaden your horizons. EU citizens are able to move to Spain and work with just a valid passport. Immigrants from the Common Market will not have to apply for visas or permits. Non-EU nationals do require a work permit from you local Spanish Consulate. Working families love Spain which is a splendid nation. The self employed love it also.

You’ll enjoy a way of life that allows you to barbecue, sunbath and enjoy the ‘sporting life’ year round. Countless discount airlines fly the three-hour flight to Spain from most European centers. With the advent of high-speed broadband, and the excellent telecommunications network, with the correct documentation, immigrants will be issued a work permit in Spain to work from home. They might even be working for the same company they’ve always been employed with, but only in Spain, and perhaps even keep their same income.

Spain has the seventh best healthcare system in the world. Spanish employees and the self-employed will benefit from the first class healthcare system with their companies paying into the social security system. If your young family includes school edged children, they’ll benefit from a first rate education system. The advantage to living and working in Spain is that your children can be educated in the public school system, or be enrolled in International or foreign schools. The latter two systems are private systems.

Spain’s claim to fame is its Costa Blanca climate that pretty much says it for the rest of the nation. The Costa Calida and Murcia has the cleanest air in Europe. The Costas and Southern Spain offer year round sun, mild and dry winters and hot summers. Spain offers numerous benefits but don’t just move to Spain on a whim. It’s a large decision and must be planned carefully in order to be successful, if you’re of working age it’s important that you have a firm job.

With employment scarce, you’ll stand a better chance at work if you learn the language. Having knowledge of Spanish will give you greater opportunities and employment choices. Having learned Spanish, you will put your qualifications and certificates in order. Find out if they’re recognized in Spain. Ask your local Spanish Consulate for advice about your facility with Spanish and qualifications.

Register with the National Employment Institute that has offices across Spain and on the Internet (www.inem.es.) There are numerous Internet job sites including the following (empleo.com), (eurojobs.com), (monster.es), and (trabajo). Don’t forget the print and their websites. Look in expatriate publications too. Immigrating to a different country involves much planning so research well including all the legalities, house purchases, and health coverage. Seek advice from professionals and expats who have already successful found work. Living in Spain can be terrific but you ought to plan your venture so that it will be successful.

Cycling has never been as popular as it is today. Once thought to be a form of exercise for individual riders only, today, families are cycling together and reaping the benefits. There are many reasons to consider cycling with your family, and getting started is easy.

Everyone in the family will need a bike, but after this initial expense, cycling is a completely free activity.

There are plenty of obvious health benefits associated with cycling. Everyone needs exercise, yet few are willing to do it simply because it is not fun. Cycling is actually fun exercise, as it is quite stimulating. Since you can ride your bike virtually anywhere, boredom should never be an issue. Many cities have designated bike lanes, and some parks have special areas in which bikers can ride.

Another advantage of cycling with your family is having the opportunity to spend time together. It seems everyone is pressed for time these days, and even a thirty minute daily ride with your spouse and children will allow you to bond in ways that you may not have been able to accomplish previously. These are times that your children will remember well into adulthood, and when you couple the good feelings with exercise, you help them to form good habits.

For beginners, it is best to start out with short rides on level surfaces. This will allow everyone to get the feel of their bikes. As your riding skills progress, feel free to move on to other areas, such as bike trails, and even off-road biking. While riding as a family should never be competitive, it is perfectly acceptable to up the activity level gradually in order to ensure that everyone is receiving plenty of exercise.

It is important to consider safety when cycling with your family. Everyone should have bike helmets that fit properly, and everyone should stay together. Additionally, it is best to avoid high traffic areas, or terrain that is above the riding level of anyone in the family. If your own neighborhood is not safe, consider loading up your bikes and traveling to a safer area. The best riding experience is one in which everyone is comfortable, relaxed, and safe.

There are so many reasons to take up cycling with your family. Exercise, bonding, and spending time outdoors are just a few of the benefits. Those wondering how to easily incorporate more of these things into their family life should look no further than cycling.

We love them as much as they love us. In fact, I believe the affairs stay alive because of the dogs enormous capacity for unconditional love for the family. Dogs have proven to be loyal, good communicators, awesome listeners and have the capacity for memory, and dogs have the ability to understand someone elses point of view. Our dogs are true masters at nonverbal communication. I have heard many dog lovers say my dog understands me better than anyone.
Our dogs just want to be at our side prancing around, and wagging their tails, never caring how we look or how we feel; we can be sad, happy, or angry; it does not matter our dogs want to be at our side. What a sensible dog that is.

The relationship that we build with our dog friends begins the moment they come into our lives and never stops growing. It is only the beginning. Our dogs can help us chill-lax, or bring a needed laugh with their doggy antics. Our dogs encourage us to stay active and scientific evidence has proven dogs can lower our blood pressure. Its sensible to say that our dogs meet needs that no one else can.

The fabulous benefits of dog families learning about their dogs goes further than the sensible care of our dog friends. Together a family will be learning lessons on respect, responsibility, love, and compassion toward their dogs. Kids and adults who learn and practice being gentle, kind, loving, patient, forgiving and generous with dogs naturally extend those feelings to others as well. (1Corinthians 13)

It is sensible living for our dogs, and sensible living for our dog loving families.

Sensibledogs.com

Related Family Love Articles

Handmande gifts are excellent all year round. No matter if your budget is tight or wide, your loved ones will appreciate your effort and the good spirit that you put into your handicrafts. If you really are on a low budget, these ideas will help you to create free or nearly free items that are indeed worthy.

FOREST DELICACIES

Summer is the time when the nature provides you with loads of goodies. Spend some time in a forest, and, depending on a season, fill your basket with blueberries, wild strawberries, raspberries, or anything else that can be found at your location. Both kids and busy adults will appreciate the fresh fruit or berries. If that is a birthday present, bake a cake from those, and do not forget to mention that the ingredients were picked by your hands. Create a special drawing on the cake, write a greeting, or the name of the person. You can also make jam or juice, and design a label specially for that person.

A grown-up person will enjoy a liquor that was made by extracting flavors from the fruit, berries, or herbs.

If you live far away from the forest, you can still get fresh fruit and berries in the local market, or even visit the farmers. Special design, freshness, and preparation with love is something that you cannot get in a supermarket. Try this dessert from berries and fruit.

FOREST TEA

Lime-tree, thyme, raspberry leaves, and many more herbs can be used to brew a nice up of afternoon tea, or even use it as a medicine. Read this article on how to prepare homemade herbal teas. Pack your tea in a nice paper bag and write or print the greeting. Alternatively, you can prepare herbal extracts.

FOREST FLOWERS

If you have a field or forest nearby, spend an hour picking flowers and enjoying the nature, arrange a bouuet, and give it to your loved one, even without any occasion.

MUSIC

Record a CD with the best summer songs of all times, or the currently popular songs to remember this summer. Such present is easy to send to a friend far away.

PICTURES

Even if you are just an amateur photographer, you can take beutiful summer shots, and prepare a calendar or a poster. Make it personal, include pictures with the person that is receiving a present together with you and other friends or family. You can print a calendar or poster at any photo shop, but you can also create it yourself. Instead of usual January to December, make it July to July, or birthday month to birthday month. Use sunny shots for all months to aways remember the summer.

YOUR OWN TIME

In most cases, that is the most precious present.

- Take the kids or your loved one to a park, beach, lake, pack exciting picnic snacks and outdoors games, and spend an unforgettable day.
- Organize a camping trip with dinner on a fireplace and songs accompanied by a guitar (or just songs – prepare printouts of the lyrics). The kids would love camping even in your own garden, if there’s no possiblity to leave home.
- Organize a bicycle tour for your family or friends. Explore new areas, have a picnic lunch in a panoramic spot, finish it up with an easy dinner (e.g., pizza), and a review of pictures at home.
- Make a music, dancing, painting, crafts, or any fun activity workshop in your garden. Give your created piece or a song as a present. If you don’t feel creative yourself, ask a friend to volunteer as a teacher.

No matter what you create, your love and friendship is the most important.

Just the song