What I think...

7 rules self-made millionaires live by

noreply@blogger.com (Leilyn) — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 00:30:00 +0000

Treat money as something to save and invest. The minute you receive your paycheck or a windfall (example, an inheritance or a bonus), think of how much you can put away as savings.
Assume some risk when investing. When you play safe in investing, you’ll get safe (but low) returns as well. Millionaires have gone out on a limb putting up businesses which they hoped would earn — nothing is guaranteed. But it is in taking calculated risks that they are rewarded.
Live simply. Some millionaires have lived in the same homes they have had for the past 30-40 years. Or they live in the homes they inherited. You can also take a cue from the way millionaires live: not all party every night, nor do they buy every new car model that’s released. Instead, you’ll find these millionaires working at their desks at 8 a.m. and having just two cars in the garage.
Have a goal. By being specific, you will be more motivated to reach your goal. For instance, make it your goal to have your own home by the time you are 35 or 40. It may be a studio condo unit or a three-bedroom home in a subdivision—it will depend on your income and how you save over the years. Having a goal will help you focus your efforts well.
Choose good debt over bad debt. Take out a loan only when the loan proceeds will be used to earn you more money. For instance, apply for a bank loan to expand a business that’s feasible.
Share your blessings. There seems to be a unique mathematical formula at work: The more you give, the more you are blessed back in return.
Train children to handle money well.

There is nothing on the list that says it will be easy. But it has been done. There are more millionaires around us than we think, and interestingly enough they are the ones who have simple clothes, eat in simple places and drive cars that are not flashy.

How to build your first budget

noreply@blogger.com (Leilyn) — Thu, 29 May 2008 01:30:00 +0000

Why you should care about budgets

Putting together a post-college budget is crucial if you don't want to spend your way into serious problems. You're also developing a habit that can serve you well throughout your life."You're committing to managing your money instead of letting your money manage you. You'll probably find it helpful to first track how you're spending money now. Review one of your recent bank statements to get an idea of your current monthly expenses and your monthly take-home pay. Then track every dime you spend for the next three or four days to learn where your discretionary money goes.

OK, now what?

What your budget looks like will depend on many factors, including what area of the country you live in. People in urban areas tend to spend more on housing than their country cousins, for example, while utility costs will be higher in the Northeast and Midwest than in balmy California.

The simplest way to budget may well be "The 60% Solution." The basic idea is that all your "essential" spending -- taxes, food, shelter, clothing and the rest -- comes out of the first 60% of your total, pretax income. The rest, in 10% chunks, is devoted to retirement savings, emergency savings (or debt repayment), short-term savings for irregular expenses (like holidays and car repairs), and fun money.

What if the numbers don't add up?

If you've done and redone your budget and you're still spending more than you make, then it's time for some radical rethinking. Here are the most likely culprits:

Housing: You'll notice this is the single biggest expense you face, so some cuts here can really make a difference. Consider getting another roommate, renting a room from a family member or even moving back with your own dear parents if you can't get this expense in line.

Transportation: If you have a car loan, you may have already busted the bank in this category.

Food: Basic groceries should cost a single person about $150 a month. You'll spend a lot more if you eat out frequently, however, or if you buy lots of processed foods, frozen dinners and gourmet stuff. Cut your food costs by bringing lunches and snacks from home.

Utilities: A cell phone, a big long-distance bill or a need to walk around your apartment in shorts in January can all put you over budget in this category. Shop around for cheaper long distance.

Personal: Let me guess. You're waaaaaay over budget in this category. The good news is that just about everything in this group represents a want, rather than a need. That means you can easily trim out the fat: Disconnect your cable or at least switch to basic; ditch the gym; find a cheaper haircut; carry (and spend) less cash and stop smoking.

Savings: You might have to temporarily trim this percentage to pay off credit card debt. But don't cut savings to spend on anything else. And make sure, if you're eligible for a 401(k), that you contribute as much as you can -- at least enough to get the full company match.
Debt: If you're like the average college graduate, you've got about $20,000 in student loans and $2,000 in credit card balances before you even get your first paycheck. Just making the minimum payments in this category can put you over budget.

Painless moves to save $1,000

noreply@blogger.com (Leilyn) — Thu, 29 May 2008 01:18:00 +0000

Look for discounted dinner entrees

Saving money doesn't mean you can't enjoy meals at your favorite restaurants. Discounts can be found in the mail, in your local newspaper or online.

Return unopened, unused items

Many times, extra money may be even closer at hand than you might think.

"If you're looking for extra money, your closets or drawers are a good place to start," says John Mruz, the president of Juggling Duck Organizers in Morristown, N.J.

Nearly everyone has a recently purchased product they will never use: the too-large blouse that still has the tag on it or an unopened set of salt-and-pepper shakers that didn't fit the kitchen decor. Try to return the item to get your money back, Mruz says.

Look for extra grocery savings

There are several opportunities to save at the local grocery store, even if you don't clip coupons.

"When you enter a store, check to see if there are sales ads located near the front," says Mehdikarimi.

You might find a coupon for a purchase you were planning to make. Just make sure the sales don't entice you to buy items that were not already on your shopping list. If you don't find any deals at the store's entrance, there's still a chance to save money at the checkout counter.

"Ask the cashier if there are any coupons or specials going on that would apply to any of your purchases," Mehdikarimi says.

Bundle cable, phone and Internet services

If you can't live without your cable, telephone and Internet access but the monthly bills are getting uncomfortably high, consider bundling all of your services under one company.

"With the competition for cable and Internet being so high, there's a good chance that you can negotiate a promotional rate," Mehdikarimi says.

Negotiate with monthly service providers

Once you get off the phone with your cable, Internet and telephone provider, call your alarm company, lawn-care person and any of your other monthly service providers to negotiate prices. Depending on where you live, you might even be able to negotiate natural-gas rates.

"Obviously, you're not going to get very far with monopoly utilities, but for the companies that have competition, you can definitely negotiate your price.

Stash money for easier savings next year

By making these barely noticeable changes to your lifestyle, you could save as much as $1,000 over the next year. But how could you increase your savings in future years?

Bill Billimoria, a personal-finance expert and the author of "On Golden Pond . . . Or Up the Creek?" suggests letting your cash work for you.

"Take the money you saved so far and put it into a high-interest savings account or mutual fund," he says. "Then let compounding interest do the magic."

If you place $1,000 in an account that pays a 7% annual return on investment, the original amount will nearly double after 10 years. That means twice the money for no extra work.

Saving money by doing "nothing" can be a very lucrative habit.

The best financial advice ever

noreply@blogger.com (Leilyn) — Thu, 29 May 2008 01:13:00 +0000

Advice on saving

"No matter how much or how little you make, always save a little bit."

This is a variation of "Pay yourself first" that Your Money poster "kesslergk" heard from a grandfather. It's a reminder that whatever money comes into your life, you can (and should) be setting aside some of it.

"Save hard for the first 10 years of your married life."

This is the advice Your Money poster "Talk2Me2"received from her mother (although to apply it to more people, I might amend it to, "Save hard for the first 10 years of your adult life" or "Keep living like a broke college student for as long as you can").

"Know the difference between needs and wants."

Several posters also mentioned different versions of this advice, which is key to controlling your spending. When you can't distinguish between real needs and mere wants, you're constantly talking yourself into spending too much.

"Think of the true cost."

Anything you want to buy involves a number of costs. The price tag is just the start.

"I see something that would look great on my table," poster "Mamasita99" wrote. "I have to give up the cash for it that won't be able to work for me somewhere else. Then I have to think of all the time and energy I'll waste cleaning this item, keeping it out of my kids' hands, and packing it up and hauling it somewhere else when we move in a year. Most of the time, the true cost of the item is too high for me."

"Don't pay interest on anything that loses value."

A bunch of posters cited variations on this theme of avoiding credit card debt and borrowing only to buy property or other assets that will appreciate.

"Don't co-sign a loan."

Co-signing puts your good credit in the hands of someone else -- who could trash it with a single late payment.

"If you need more money, then go out and make more money."

There are limits to how far you can scrimp and save. Often the fastest way out of debt and into wealth is generating more income.

Getting rich is simpler than you think

noreply@blogger.com (Leilyn) — Thu, 29 May 2008 01:11:00 +0000

Compounding

What is compounding?

Compounding is the reinvestment of the interest you receive from the money you set aside. For example, if you invest $1,000 and earn 10% interest on your principal at the end of each year, you'll get in $100 interest at the end of the first year. If you reinvest that interest, the second year you would start with $1,100, and thus would earn $110 interest. If you stay with it, you'd more than double your money every eight years.

Dollar-cost averaging

The process of continuously investing a fixed dollar amount is called dollar-cost averaging -- a term that sounds much more technical than it is. Through dollar-cost averaging, you'll end up buying more shares when a stock or fund is down, and fewer when it's up. For instance, say you're investing $500 monthly in a stock trading initially at $50 per share; so the first time, you buy 10 shares. If the next month the stock moves up to $62.50 your regular purchase will net you only eight shares. However, if the stock drops to $41.67, you'll get 12 shares (not including any transaction fees).

Risk

Sure, investing in the stock market has risk. There's always the chance the market will go nowhere for the next 20 or 30 years and you'll end up no better than where you started. But there's risk in everything, even CDs.

With CDs, your original investment isn't in danger. Most CDs are insured, and the federal government will step in and make you whole, even if your bank goes belly up.

Favorite Money Rules to Live by

noreply@blogger.com (Leilyn) — Thu, 29 May 2008 01:07:00 +0000

Retirement, Part I: "Save 10% for basics, 15% for comfort, 20% to escape." This rule of thumb works pretty well if you start to save for retirement by your early 30s. Saving at least 10% of your income ensures you won't be eating pet food. Fifteen percent should get you a more comfortable living, while 20% gives you a shot at an early retirement (and yes, you get to count employer contributions as part of your percentage). Wait just a decade to start, though, and you'll need 15% for basics and 20% for comfort; an early retirement may not be in the cards.

Retirement, Part II: "Retirement money is for retirement; until then, keep your mitts off it." There's rarely a good reason to borrow against your retirement accounts, and almost never a reasonable excuse for cashing them out. Look elsewhere to find money to pay your debts or buy a home. Let your retirement money keep working for you undisturbed. Someday, you'll be glad you did.

Student loans: "Your total borrowing shouldn't exceed what you expect to make your first year out of school." Many graduates have learned to their chagrin that student lenders will gladly loan you far more money than you can comfortably repay. Students and parents need to put their own limits on how deeply they go into debt, or they could face a literal lifetime of student-loan payments.

Credit cards: "If you carry a balance, look for the lowest rate. If you don't, get rewards at least equal to 1.5% of what you spend." Your primary goal if you carry credit card balances should be paying them off as quickly as possible. That means avoiding reward cards, which tend to have higher interest rates, in favor of the lowest-rate card for which you qualify, given your credit history. But if you already pay off your balances in full every month, you should look for cards that give you cash back or reward equal to 1.5% or more of your spending.

Priorities: "Retirement, then credit cards, then emergency fund." Your highest priority, typically, should be saving for retirement, since every dollar you fail to save today could cost you $10 or more in lost retirement income. (The younger you are, the more you'll lose by not tucking money away now.) Also, opportunities to get a 401(k) match or to fund an IRA or Roth IRA are typically "use it or lose it" propositions. Dispatching credit card debt should be your next highest priority, since it's probably accumulating at double-digit interest rates and reducing your financial flexibility (see above). Finally, an emergency fund equal to three to six months' worth of expenses can be a bulwark against the inevitable setbacks life sends us -- job loss, disability, illness, accidents, natural disasters. Having a pile of cash in a high-rate savings account can also do wonders for reducing your money anxieties.

9 money rules to live by

noreply@blogger.com (Leilyn) — Thu, 29 May 2008 01:00:00 +0000

The difference between needs and wants

Our actual needs are pretty limited: food, shelter, clothing, companionship. Just about everything else is a "want," and our wants are essentially endless. Because our resources are limited (see "scarcity," below), we have to make choices about which wants to fulfill.Also, the way we fulfill our needs involves a lot of choice.

Scarcity makes your choices for you

It's lovely to believe in a world of endless abundance, but the reality is that at any given point in time, our resources have limits. Whether it's oil in the ground, our time here on Earth or the cash in our pockets, there's only so much available to be spent.People who ignore this reality are the ones who run out of paycheck before they run out of month, or who extend their unsustainable spending by relying on credit cards, home equity loans and other reckless borrowing.

the pointlessness of the hedonic treadmill

This isn't the latest workout device at your gym. The hedonic treadmill means that we quickly adjust to improved circumstances. A raise at work or a new possession may make us happy for a little while, but we soon take our situation for granted. Our expectations continue to rise: if only I could get another raise, or a better car, or a bigger house. Should those expectations be satisfied, again we'd adjust and quickly want more.

Every money decision has a cost of its own

"Opportunity cost," very simply, means what we give up to get something else. In every choice, there's an opportunity cost. If you decide to go to college, for example, you're giving up the income you could have earned by working full-time during those years plus whatever you could have purchased with the money used to attend school. You also may take on loans to pay for school, which will have to be paid back with future income that could have gone for other purposes.

Why supply and demand rule

For the most part, prices are set by the interaction between supply and demand. If demand for something suddenly shoots up and the available supply of that something doesn't change, then prices will increase. If demand drops or supply increases, prices typically fall.

Throw no good money after bad

"Sunk costs" are expenses that have already been incurred and can't be recovered to any appreciable extent. "Sunk cost fallacy" means an irrational belief that a further investment of time, money or effort will somehow resurrect the value that's already disappeared.

The role risk plays

Every human endeavor carries some risk, and investments are no exception. What differs is the amount and type of risk and how you're compensated for taking it.

The 30-day Treasury bill, for example, is one of the "safest" investments around if you're solely concerned with getting back your original investment. The T-bill is backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. But the average return on a 30-day T-bill over the past 80 years is just 3.7%, according to Ibbotson Associates. That's just above the historical 3% inflation rate for the same period; if you factor in taxes, you probably lost money.

the time value of money

This boils down to a relatively simple proposition: that the dollar I get today is worth more than a dollar I'm promised sometime in the future.

There are several reasons for this. One is the "bird in the hand" reality: the dollar I get today is real, but the dollar I'm promised in the future likely will be worth less (because of inflation), or I might not get it at all (you might renege on your promise to give it to me, or die, or cease operations if you're an employer or business).

The miracle of compound interest

This is a concept best illustrated by example. Let's say I give you a penny today, and promise to double the amount every day for a full month. How much money would I be giving you on the 31st day?The answer: $10.7 million.

5 things you should never rent

noreply@blogger.com (Leilyn) — Thu, 29 May 2008 00:56:00 +0000

Rims. You can blame it on MTV's "Pimp My Ride" or simply a car culture gone crazy, but flashy chrome wheels are big. They're also expensive, typically costing $1,000 and up for a set. So a bunch of "rent to own" stores hawking rims and tires have sprung up to cater to those with expensive tastes and bad credit.

Furniture. Speaking of broke, you'll get there even faster and stay there longer if you decide to "upgrade" to rent-to-own furniture.

At Rent-A-Center in North Hollywood, Calif., you can rent an overstuffed Klaussner couch, love seat and coffee table for $44.99 a week for 83 weeks, which works out to about $2,000 more than the $1,657 the set would cost if you paid cash.

Computers. If you own a small business, leasing computers can make sense. You preserve precious capital, are able to upgrade more frequently and often get tech support from the leasing company.

When you're a consumer, though, renting is usually a terrible idea, especially if you're renting to own. Because there's usually no credit check, you get the worst possible terms on an overpriced computer. At the Van Nuys Rent-A-Center, a middling Dell computer rents for $39.99 a week for 62 weeks, or a total of $2,479. (The cash price is $1,100.)

Televisions. You can find a 50-inch Toshiba TV for around $1,200, sometimes less. At the Van Nuys Rent-A-Center, the cash price is $1,800. Or you can pay $34.99 a week for 116 weeks, or more than $4,000, for the beast.

There is no excuse for this, people. Go without, get a $25 set from your local Goodwill or take the 27-inch reject your idiot neighbor puts out on the curb when he gets his rental monster.

Your paycheck. If you fall into the clutches of a payday lender, your paycheck is no longer your own. These places work by lending you cash for a fee. The fee may not seem like much -- $45 to cash a $300 check -- but it works out to annual interest rates of over 400%.

What's Happening on Lost? Part 3

noreply@blogger.com (Leilyn) — Wed, 28 May 2008 00:44:00 +0000

What is Kate Doing?

"If Sawyer doesn't want anyone to know about Clementine, why would he tell Kate? To be honest, if he told anyone at all, I think he'd tell Jack... If no one at all knows, Clementine can't inherit anything that Sawyer's family would have received due to his being 'killed' in the crash. Her paternity would have to be made public, go through the courts, and everyone would know. I still think Kate is doing something illegal for him, which in the end is what will change her mind about them having to go back to the island when she has been so adamant that they can't and shouldn't—but if she's about to be arrested again and lose her son, she'd opt to go back and risk losing her son that way incase Claire is still alive."—jose

What's Happening on Lost? Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Leilyn) — Wed, 28 May 2008 00:41:00 +0000

Remember Clementine?

"I think the sneaking around for Sawyer that Kate was doing is about his daughter, Clementine. Plus once Kate met Clementine's mom, I think she realized that she knew her from before and they became friends."—momtolil

What's Happening on Lost? Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Leilyn) — Wed, 28 May 2008 00:38:00 +0000

Though no one really knows what is happening on Lost, we can't help but speculate and try to solve the many mysteries. What is the smoke monster? Are the Losties really dead? What's going on at the Orchid Station? Read on to find out iVillagers' theories on the show. Who knows... maybe they'll help you uncover the Lost truth.

Medical Mysteries

"When Jack is lying on the bed in his house, he DOES NOT have an appendix scar... There is no way Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse would forget that Jack had an appendix scar. And those stitches were big—not neat little stitches that would have disappeared over time. He would have a scar. It was no accident that he was in a towel, the focus was on his body, and in the same episode they are operating on his appendix. Maybe the island healed his scar?"—cl-sionanerin

Healthy Habits That Aren't Part 8

noreply@blogger.com (Leilyn) — Sun, 25 May 2008 00:52:00 +0000

Relying on sunscreen to save you from skin cancer

Why is this healthy habit a bust? Because you’re probably doing it wrong. According to Dr. Francesca Fusco, spokeswoman for the Skin Cancer Foundation, people tend to not use enough sunscreen or use it consistently or use it early enough in life; they also often aren’t using a sunscreen that’s truly effective. Some of her tips for proper use include: Putting sunscreen on over any medication but under makeup; using the equivalent of a shot glass or two to cover your whole body—even under clothes—and then waiting at least 30 minutes before you go outside; and always using a sunscreen that contains the ingredient mexoryl. That last one is a biggie. Sunscreens without mexoryl—which is, to say, most of them—only protect against UVB wavelengths of light. But UVA waves are dangerous as well—possibly more so, considering that they can damage your skin without causing sunburn, leaving you unaware of your risk.

Healthy Habits That Aren't Part 7

noreply@blogger.com (Leilyn) — Sun, 25 May 2008 00:51:00 +0000

Buying “all-natural” health products

Certain natural health products and supplements might have some value, but the label “all-natural” doesn’t necessarily mean “safe.” Don’t feel too bad if you’ve leapt to that conclusion, though. It’s such a common mistake that the Canadian National Health Network began an education program aimed at making sure consumers were aware of the risks inherent in natural health products. According to the CHN, some natural health products might be toxic if you take too much, others can trigger unexpected allergic reactions, and still others react badly with medically prescribed drugs or with individual health issues, like pregnancy or heart disease. And, while the CHN reviews and labels natural health products for safety, most of the ones in the U.S. haven’t been tested or proven effective. They can be sold as long as they don’t claim to be able to treat or cure a specific disease. The best thing to do, before you start taking any supplement or look into any alternative cure, is to talk to your doctor. He or she will be able to help you make the best decisions for your body.

Healthy Habits That Aren't Part 6

noreply@blogger.com (Leilyn) — Sun, 25 May 2008 00:48:00 +0000

Drinking eight glasses of water a day

Admit it, this is one healthy habit that’s a royal pain. Luckily, it’s also completely unnecessary. For some people, eight glasses a day might actually be far too much, leading to sodium deficiencies and potentially life-threatening water intoxication, caused by kidneys not being able to keep up the intake of liquids. In 2002, a kidney specialist tried, in vain, to find any scientific evidence supporting the eight-glasses-a-day myth. His report, published in the American Journal of Physiology, concluded that this standard health advice was complete and utter bunk that, like many urban legends, stemmed from a tiny grain of truth. Apparently, the dietary guidelines provided by the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Research Council do say that humans need 1 milliliter of water for each calorie of food—adding up to about 10 cups a day. However, the same guidelines also say that we get most of this liquid from the water in solid food. There’s no need to drink more.

Healthy Habits That Aren't Part 5

noreply@blogger.com (Leilyn) — Sun, 25 May 2008 00:47:00 +0000

Taking antioxidant supplements

They’re supposed to reduce your risk of cancer and heart disease and even diminish the effects of aging, but, if you take antioxidants as a pill or some other drug-like form, chances are they aren’t doing anything at all. The basic idea behind the hype is that antioxidants, chemicals found in fruits and vegetables, can help reduce damage to various parts of your body by balancing unstable chemicals known as free radicals.

Without antioxidants, free radicals start trying to stabilize themselves—often by swiping molecules from your DNA, damaging it in the process. So far, so good. The free radical-fighting power of antioxidants has been demonstrated in the lab and people who eat plant-heavy diets are less likely to suffer from the diseases linked to free radicals. But, as Dr. Lisa Melton wrote in an article in the August 2006 issue of New Scientist magazine, many studies have shown that people who get their antioxidants from popular supplements receive none of the health benefits. In fact, Melton cited a few studies that even suggested antioxidant supplements were leading to worse internal damage, including a 1992 study by the National Cancer Institute that had to be cancelled after the patients taking beta carotene supplements actually began developing higher rates of lung cancer than those taking sugar pills.

Healthy Habits That Aren't Part 4

noreply@blogger.com (Leilyn) — Sun, 25 May 2008 00:46:00 +0000

Trusting your eyesight to carrots

If you think these vegetables will improve your vision, think again. While carrots do contain vitamin A, which is a major player in keeping your eyes working properly, you really only need a small amount of it—and no matter how much vitamin A you consume, it’s not going to magically eliminate your need for glasses. In fact, if you eat too much vitamin A, you can end up with a toxic—although not usually fatal—reaction. The idea that more carrots means better vision might actually be a relic of a World War II-era military disinformation campaign. According to the online World Carrot Museum, British intelligence began spreading the myth during the blitz as a plausible explanation for why their fighter pilots were suddenly able to spot Nazi planes at night. In reality, the British had simply developed a better radar system and didn’t want the enemy to find out about it.

Healthy Habits That Aren't Part 3

noreply@blogger.com (Leilyn) — Sun, 25 May 2008 00:44:00 +0000

Following a low-fat diet

Significantly cutting the fat in your diet is supposed to lead to weight loss, cancer prevention and a healthier heart. Turns out, those promises might just be empty intellectual calories. In 2006, the Women’s Health Initiative—a several-billion dollar, eight-year study of the effects of low-fat diets—finally came to an end. The results were shocking. Not only did the women who followed “fat-free diets” show no decrease in cancer or heart disease rates compared to their fat-eating counterparts, but they also weren’t any skinnier. And, the researchers said, the study probably applied to men as well. If you follow the medical literature, however, there’ve been plenty of studies, dating back to the early 1990s, which show low-fat diets aren’t as effective as they’re made out to be. In fact, there’s even some evidence that the behaviors they inspire might be harmful. A 2007 study in the journal Human Reproduction found that women who carefully avoided full-fat dairy products were more likely to experience a certain type of infertility.

Healthy Habits That Aren't Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Leilyn) — Sun, 25 May 2008 00:42:00 +0000

Sitting up straight

According to a study presented in 2006 at the annual conference for the Radiological Society of North America, so-called “perfect” posture might actually be contributing to back pain. Go ahead, call your mom and gloat. But make sure you get your facts right. When this story first came out last November, many newspapers incorrectly reported that slouching was the better way to sit. The problem turned out to be a “slanguage” barrier. In England, where the story was first reported, “slouching” refers to reclining backward, which is, according to the study, a great way to relieve pressure on your lower back. Translated into American slang, however, the news reports gave many people the impression that hunching forward was healthy, when, in fact, it’s actually worse than sitting up straight.

Healthy Habits That Aren't Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Leilyn) — Sun, 25 May 2008 00:41:00 +0000

Using anti-bacterial soap

You may be tempted to take a biological jackhammer to every microbe that dare touch your family, but the fact is there’s a lot we don’t know about the long-term effects of common, household use of anti-bacterials. According to the Centers for Disease Control, these chemicals have been shown, in the lab, to kill off only weak bacteria—leaving the tougher ones to reproduce. That’s led many medical experts to worry that anti-bacterial soaps might be contributing to the rise of stronger bacteria, capable of fighting off our attempts to kill it. So far, this theory hasn’t been proved in a real-life setting. What has been proved, however, is that washing your hands with anti-bacterial soap isn’t anymore effective at preventing disease than hand washing with regular soap. First reported in a 2004 study, published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine, this discovery led a Food and Drug Administration Expert Advisory Council to announce the next year that there was no proof anti-bacterial soaps lived up to their advertising claims. Bottom line: It’s just not worth the risk.

Best Ways to Bump Up Your 'Good' Cholesterol Part 3

noreply@blogger.com (Leilyn) — Sun, 25 May 2008 00:37:00 +0000

Medication Therapy

Niacin, which is also known as nicotinic acid or vitamin B3. This is by far our best therapy for raising HDL levels. Studies have shown increases of 20 percent to 35 percent. Unfortunately, every rose has its thorn, and niacin has a big one called side effects (flushing, racing heart, etc). We often prescribe low doses in the beginning to minimize these effects. (There is also a non-prescription form of niacin called hexanicotinate, which may be better tolerated but is nowhere near as effective).

Fibrates, including fenofibrate and gemfibrozil. This category of medication has the potential to boost your HDL by up to 20 percent. Side effects may include upset stomach and diarrhea.

Statins. These are better known for their remarkable ability to lower the harmful LDL cholesterol. However, certain drugs within this class (atorvastatin, rosuvastatin and simvastatin) can raise HDL by up to 15 percent.

I am a big believer in taking charge of your health. Please know your HDL level and remember that simple changes can dramatically improve your health.

Best Ways to Bump Up Your 'Good' Cholesterol Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Leilyn) — Sun, 25 May 2008 00:36:00 +0000

Cut back on simple carbohydrates. Cakes, cookies and highly processed cereals and breads are high-glycemic foods that can lower your HDL and raise the levels of another fat in your bloodstream, triglycerides.

Drink alcohol in moderation, with a caveat! Alcohol should not be considered medicine—if you don't drink, don't start—but some studies have found mild alcohol consumption (one drink per day for women, two for men) can raise HDL by up to four points. Important caveat: Alcohol may be harmful to those with liver or addiction problems. In these cases, the risks certainly outweigh the benefits.

Feast on cold-water fish. Eating salmon, mackerel or other fish from icy waters several times a week can have a very positive effect on your HDL levels. They contain omega-3 fatty acids, which may help to explain their health benefits.

Add fiber. The soluble fiber found in fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains might boost your HDL.

Avoid anabolic steroids. These decrease your HDL levels, in addition to all their other potential health dangers.

Best Ways to Bump Up Your 'Good' Cholesterol Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Leilyn) — Sun, 25 May 2008 00:36:00 +0000

HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol) helps to prevent our arteries from becoming blocked due to LDL (the bad cholesterol). It does this by "hauling" away the excess cholesterol lining the walls of our blood vessels, then bringing it back to the liver for reprocessing. This in turn helps to keep our arteries clear from a sticky build-up. And, if your levels of HDL are high enough (a level of 40 and above in males, 50 and above in females), it can also decrease your risk for a heart attack.

Raising HDL levels is important and I'll tell you why: For every one-point increase in HDL, there is a 3 percent decrease in a person's risk of suffering a fatal heart attack. There are two main ways to increase these levels: lifestyle modifications and medication therapy.

Lifestyle Modifications

Exercise. Just 20-30 minutes of aerobic exercise on most days of the week can jump-start your HDL in the right direction.

Break the tobacco habit. Quitting smoking can raise your HDL levels by about four points.

Lose weight. Losing 10 pounds can increase your HDL by one and a half points. Aim for a weight loss goal to achieve a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or below.

Choose the better fat. Minimize the saturated and trans fats in your diet. These substances increase the bad cholesterol while decreasing your good cholesterol. Instead, switch to products containing unsaturated fats (olive, canola, flaxseed, etc.). These may raise your HDL levels. However, this is not a free fatty-pass, because we still have to watch the calories!

5 Foods that Feed Cholesterol Part 3

noreply@blogger.com (Leilyn) — Sun, 25 May 2008 00:33:00 +0000

Baked goods

Many manufacturers of packaged cookies and cakes have eliminated trans fats from their recipes, but check the nutrition labels to be sure. But all baked goods—even those that are homemade—are high in saturated fats, thanks to the butter and shortening. Since no one wants to give up dessert completely, eat high-fat baked goods only occasionally, opting more often for low-fat sweets like sorbets.

5 Foods that Feed Cholesterol Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Leilyn) — Sun, 25 May 2008 00:31:00 +0000

Processed meats

Bacon, sausage, liverwurst and the like are also wonderful sources of artery-clogging saturated fat. Look for lower-fat options, like bacon and sausage made from turkey and other lean protein sources.

Fast-food fries

Even worse than saturated fats are the dreaded trans fats. “You might as well take a gun and shoot yourself!” says Dorfman. The main source of trans fats are partially hydrogenated oils, and that’s exactly what most fast-food restaurants are still using to cook their fries. Trans fats hit cholesterol with a double whammy—in addition to raising your LDL, they simultaneously lower your HDL.

Tropical oils

Palm kernel and coconut oils are two of the fattiest of oils—100 percent of the bad-for-you saturated variety. Don’t use them when you cook at home, and try to avoid them when you eat out (most fast-food restaurants have eliminated them, but you can check their Web sites for detailed nutritional information). Use heart-healthy mono- and polyunsaturated fats, like olive, canola and safflower oil, instead.

5 Foods that Feed Cholesterol Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Leilyn) — Sun, 25 May 2008 00:30:00 +0000

There’s no denying that a healthy diet is the first line of defense against rising cholesterol. “If you eat a predominantly plant-based diet—with lots of fruits and vegetables plus some fish—you are on the right track to keeping your cholesterol at a healthy level,” says Lisa Dorfman, a registered dietitian and spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association. That said, certain so-called super-foods can actually help lower bad cholesterol and/or increase the good cholesterol. Ideally, you want to shoot for total cholesterol under 200, with LDL (the bad one) under 110 and HDL (the good one) greater than 35.

Try to reduce—or better yet, eliminate—these bad-for-you foods from your repertoire:

Whole-milk dairy products

Saturated fat, which clogs arteries and increases LDL levels, is the No. 1 cholesterol-boosting culprit. And foods like ice cream and cheese are where you’re likely to find them. Swap out the Ben & Jerry’s Chubby Hubby for a lower-fat frozen yogurt, and skip the brie in favor of something less rich, like a part-skim mozzarella.