Monthly Archives: July 2011

A couple of months ago I went along to a meeting with a magazine that was looking for new contributors. In my experience, during the course of a standard meeting such as this, both sides look for ways that they can work together in a way that will be mutually beneficial. Usually this means: They… Read more »

Time is money, said Benjamin Franklin, and has someone whose name has become synonymous with the stuff, he should know. One thing I’ve noticed is that my most successful friends are also the most organised. These are not the people who waste 20 minutes looking for clean socks in the morning, or who lose their… Read more »

It’s nearly time to renew my mobile phone contract. Cue much frustration, confusion, huffing, puffing and general annoyance whilst I try to barter a deal with my network provider. Mobile network providers make me so ANGRY. I get the impression that they are all just a bunch of cowboys. Really that guy you’re talking to… Read more »

We’re on the cusp of moving offices. Boxes are being packed and labelled, while anxious office staff are querying rogue boxes of pasta that have been left discarded in various fridges for several weeks. As I’m given a thirty minute warning before the internet gets cut off, let’s take a look at this week’s blogging… Read more »

While summer day camp can seem rather low-maintenance in comparison to preparing your kids for sleep-away camp, there are definitely everyday staples required to make the experience run smoothly for your child. In my three years of experience running a summer day camp, I found the list I provided to parents (both seasoned and unseasoned)… Read more »

Sometimes I worry that in an age of rampant self-promotion, true humility – and any sane level of relaxation – is dying out. ‘Young people are so focused now,’ an older journalist said to me recently, looking a bit scared. The most strident running-to-get-ahead seems to happen in America but I see plenty of examples… Read more »

I don’t like to brag, but I just had a three-week holiday in Los Angeles that cost just over 200 quid all-in (and that was for airport fees and taxes). I wouldn’t mention this, only there’s no reason you can’t do the same. How? OK, first the flights. They were cheap because I bought them… Read more »

The TotallyMoney Blog Carnival went live on Monday at Family Money Values!  We hope to see you again next week! Editors’ Picks this week: Rich As Chocolate with Free College Education from Elite Colleges. The Millionaire Nurse Blog with Diabetes and your money. Control Your Cash with The Easiest Money You’ll Ever Make. Blogging Your Passion with How Do Bloggers Make Money? Thanks… Read more »

Who hasn’t been there? It’s nearing dinnertime- and whether you’re a stay-at-home mum, an office drone or swinging bachelor, the local takeaway beckons. No washing up! No shopping trips! And, alas, a significant dint in your monthly budget if you fall into this tempting trap a few times a month. I’d be a big, honking… Read more »

Look, I know it’s not the most glamorous of household chores (is there any such thing?) but cleaning your washing machine has to be done. It might seem counter-intuitive to have to clean something than cleans, but unfortunately it is very necessary as the amount of scum that can build up inside the machine can… Read more »