Real-Life Experiences

Read real-life stories from readers.

Small-Business Ownership

Lessons from a Small-Business Owner
Striking out on your own can give you lots of flexibility. But there are pitfalls you could fall into if you’re not careful. Nancy West, a successful small-business owner, shares some lessons learned that can help you make self-employment financially and personally rewarding.

 

Parents Teaching Money Lessons to Their Children

Beat the Heat of Back-to-School Shopping
Overwhelmed by the thought of doing back-to-school shopping for my 6½-year-old son, I decided to turn it into a learning experience for him.

 

A Dad’s Money Lesson for His Four-Year-Old Daughter
For whatever reason—I call it a dad’s intuition—my husband took it upon himself to begin teaching my daughter about money on her fourth birthday.

 

A Daughter Looking Back at Her Dad’s Money Lessons
My dad has always been a saver so that he would not have the same financial pressures his parents did. I'm thankful that he taught me early on about saving.

 

Long-Term Care Insurance

Sheila’s Story about Parenting Her Mother
Growing up, long-term care insurance wasn't a topic at our dinner table. Now that I am faced with my mother’s long-term care needs, it has become an important part of my financial planning.