The BrainTrack articles provide guidance on obtaining aid and scholarships from a variety of public and private sources, and as a special bonus, you’ll find links to dozens of other references.

Keeping track of what they would have spent, the Bakers discovered they had saved nearly six hundred dollars that would otherwise have been wasted on nonessential purchases.

In addition to finding their bank balance growing, the Bakers also found new ways to bond as a family and to strengthen their faith. The spending strike opened their eyes to how they were spending their paychecks and new ways they could be saving.

Sarah’s path is an inspiration, and her new book is available at your favorite bookseller in print or ebook format.

I’m Elizabeth Bryan – I didn’t coin the phrase “A Man is Not a Financial Plan,” (WIFE co-founders Candace Bahr and Ginita Wall so wisely did) but I’m about to tell you why you should pay attention to those words – bigtime.

I’m an artist by birth, and also a writer and inventor.  I am the co-author of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Count Your Blessings, the co-inventor of the 7 Habits of Happy Kids game, I’ve designed jewelry to raise money for non-profits, I’ve been on QVC and I’ve traveled the world in style.

I have a wonderful husband, two incredible sons, two dogs and four cats for a total of 9 animals, if you count my husband and the kids.  I’m also writing another book called Soul Models which showcases the Power of Compassion through stories about incredible women.  I’m passionate about working with non-profits like WIFE.org to help share important messages, and theirs could be the most important of all.

“Wow,” you may be thinking….lucky her!  Bet she’s never struggled a day in her life!”  She couldn’t possibly have a darn thing to worry about!”   Hmmmm…….. Things are never what they seem.  I’ve had plenty to be worried about – start with being divorced with two small sons, filing bankruptcy, losing my business and my home and being massively depressed as a result. In fact, I pretty much felt like jumping off the nearest cliff – more on that later.

IF, however, 20 years ago, I had discovered The Women’s Institute for Financial Education, I would have learned that “A Man is Not a Financial Plan” and would likely have been spared all of that pain and grief.  Then again, I wouldn’t be lucky enough to help you by sharing my sordid story.

I am inviting you to come along on my Journey of Financial Redemption by implementing all the amazing things Candace and Ginita teach here at WIFE.org, so get ready to change your financial destiny!

Daily Small Steps:  Candace and Ginita always say “small steps lead to big success.”  It is definitely easier to tackle things a little at a time, rather than feel overwhelmed by everything you may need to do, especially in the financial arena.  Each time I post, I am going to share one of Candace and Ginita’ s Small Steps and how I applied it in my life – it’s a great exercise for you to try along with me.  Each post, it may be a 5, 10, or 15 minute Small Step.

Today’s 5 minute Small Step:

Constantly ask this question: What is the best use of my time right now? This technique is used by some of the most successful business people to keep them on track. Sometimes you’ll find yourself doing something that feels busy but isn’t productive. Simply asking yourself this question will keep you moving forward with important tasks.

Ok – if I’m being honest, I always feel busy, and constantly crack my own whip so I feel productive – maybe a bit too much.  That said, there are definitely times during the day I burn out.  So, sometimes if I ask myself “What is the most important use of my time right now,” I find that taking a 15 – 20 minute clear-the-head break does the trick in making me even more productive for the rest of the day.  For me, this usually means shutting my eyes and resting my brain in the form of a power nap – not fully asleep, but definitely not awake.

According to Psychology Today,* power naps have proven benefits like improved physical well-being, mood and memory, along with more energy and sharper senses. Studies show that intellectual performance improves and accuracy in work performance increases too.

Self-proclaimed nappers include Albert Einstein, Leonardo Da Vinci , Thomas Edison, Winston Churchill, John D. Rockefeller, Eleanor Roosevelt and Bill Clinton to name a few – so if you choose to snooze, you are in excellent company!

Share how you keep yourself most productive during the day – your suggestion might help someone else!

1. Negotiate well. If you are laid off, negotiate for a layoff package just as you would for a salary. Ask if you can cash in vacation, sick or personal days; determine how long insurance will run; and look into extension of any other benefits.
2. File for unemployment. File as soon as possible, because it could take several weeks to receive a check. Regular unemployment is for 26 weeks, but the Extended Benefits program may allow you another 13 to 20 weeks, depending on your circumstances.
3. Network. Talk to others – you’ll get sympathy, and  they may even refer you to your next job. If possible, find a support group to get you out of the house for coffee and mutual advice, or at least join an online support group for advice and networking.
4. Do not sign up for COBRA immediately. You have 60 days after leaving a job to apply for medical insurance under COBRA, and it applies retroactively. You might get a job within those 60 days. If not, you can submit your notice to continue coverage on day 55. Make sure to set aside the amount of the first premium just in case. COBRA coverage is expensive, but the stimulus law included a subsidy to cover 65 percent of the cost of COBRA premiums for up to nine months.
5. Maintain old contacts. Write thank-you notes to your supervisor and key colleagues, enclosing your contact information. With luck, they will keep you in mind if they hear of an appropriate opportunity.
6. Use the web. If you have not joined online sites such as LinkedIn, consider doing so. Create a professional profile that mentions your most recent experience. Update your resume. Research networking events in your career area. Write down your professional contacts’ information and take it home with you. When possible, obtain personal e-mail addresses (rather than work addresses alone) for your most valued colleagues so you can stay in touch no matter where they go.
7. Tighten your belt. Cut out unnecessary costs, whether cable TV or magazine subscriptions. Focus on must-pay bills. Generate extra cash by means ranging from a yard sale to selling an extra car. Student loans can likely be deferred while the borrower is out of work. Those who anticipate having trouble paying a mortgage should talk with the lender about options.
8. Leave retirement alone. Many people reflexively reach for a 401(k) withdrawal form when laid off. But early withdrawals come with income tax and penalties. Since your nest egg is probably already cracked from recent stock market upheaval; avoid tapping it unless absolutely necessary.
9. Stay positive. Easier said than done, but get up every day, get dressed and get some exercise. Dedicate time every weekday to networking, applying for jobs and attending work-related events.

Every recession does come to an end eventually. Stay professional, stay calm and stay prepared so that you can survive whatever the job market throws your way.

We are delighted to announce that after years of requests we are launching our latest endeavor, the Women’s Choice Financial Advisors Program. You can read all about it here.

The tuition paid by students at public colleges, even after state and institutional grants and scholarships, climbed 8.3% last year, the biggest jump on record, according to stats from the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association (that’s a mouthful, even if you abbreviate it to HEEOA). Here are maps that show how students in your state fared.

When a special sales tax on theater ticket sales were raised to 21%, a theater owner in Spain put on his thinking cap. He noticed that vegetables at the supermarket were taxed at only 4%, so he began selling vegetables instead of theater tickets. If you buy a bunch of carrots from the theater for $16, you are treated to a free theatrical performance. Get your carrots here, folks!

As part of the program, which is designed to pay tribute to exemplary members of the community who are making a difference and enriching the lives of others by improving their workplace, community, region and the world, honorees were recently identified during Black History Month (February) and will also be identified during Jewish American Heritage Month (April/May); Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (May); Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Pride Month (June); Hispanic Heritage Month (September/October); Disability Awareness Month (October); and Native American Heritage Month (November). Honorees will be formally recognized during celebration dinners, which Union Bank sponsors with KPBS.

“Union Bank is proud to partner with KPBS to celebrate these individuals as part of the 2013 Local Heroes,” said Union Bank Senior Executive Vice President Pierre P. Habis, head of Community Banking. “We are delighted to recognize the achievements of these outstanding women who have greatly enriched the San Diego community with their tireless commitment.”

“KPBS has had the pleasure of partnering with Union Bank to honor extraordinary individuals in our community,” said Tom Karlo, KPBS general manager. “KPBS is thrilled to pay tribute to each honoree as they continue to inspire us with their achievements and leadership. We are also proud to profile their stories as part of our programming.”

The 2013 honorees for Women History Month are:

Ms. Candace Bahr and Ms. Ginita Wall are the co-founders of the Women’s Institute for Financial Education (WIFE.org) a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to providing financial education to women in their quest for financial independence. More than 8,000 people in San Diego have attended the Second Saturday Divorce Workshop, which provides information from attorneys, mediators and counselors and has been replicated in 42 communities nationwide. WIFE.org was recently named one of the top 500 financial sites by “Online Investor,” capturing the interest of women and those seeking financial advice and information for women. Aside from their work with WIFE.org, Ms. Bahr and Ms. Wall are also professional wealth managers. They are both nationally recognized in their professions.

Ms. Amina Sheik Mohamed was born and raised in Somalia and came to the United States as a refugee. She is the first in her family to graduate from college and earn a master’s degree in public health from San Diego State University. Ms. Sheik Mohamed is a regional manager for the Network for a Healthy California, an African American campaign in the San Diego and Imperial Counties. She also works with the UC San Diego Division of Child Development and Community Health and volunteers for the United Women of East Africa Support Team (UWEAST), an organization with 300 plus East-African Women members. Her passion extends beyond Southern California — while visiting Ethiopia and Somaliland, she presented a workshop to women living in poverty to help promote hope for living a healthier life.

Throughout the respective commemorative heritage months, KPBS will air video profiles of the winners, highlighting how they made a difference in their community. To view the videos and to nominate future heroes, click here. For more information on the Local Heroes program, please also visit Union Bank Local Heroes.

This article originally appeared on Scoops San Diego

2013 Women’s History Month honorees,
Candace Bahr & Ginita Wall.

Ginita Wall and Candace Bahr Teach Women to Become Financially Savvy

Two decades ago, in the throes of my divorce, I discovered a workshop that became my lifeline. It’s called Second Saturday: Divorce Workshop for Women, and for me, participating in it helped me get through one of the most difficult, wrenching periods of my life.

Second Saturday is the creation of Ginita Wall and Candace Bahr, two financial experts who identified a need to fill a void when they first founded WIFE (Women’s Institute for Financial Education), 25 years ago. As financial experts who happen to be women, they realized that the world of investments, savings, and buying stocks, is largely that of a man’s. In fact, it’s 85 percent male, with women financial planners being practically a rarity.

And looking inward, they had to admit, that even as women, their first instinct was to deal directly with the “dominant manager in the family, and basically, that’s the husband, not the wife,” says Bahr, who figured that if she didn’t have the awareness, her male colleagues didn’t either.

So, they set out in search of a nonprofit where they could refer women who were dealing with divorce, death of a spouse, or other major changes in their life, and they quickly discovered there were none to be found.

“Everybody who was doing classes, had an agenda and it was basically to sell products or do whatever,” observes Bahr.

Wall and Bahr, who are being recognized by KPBS and Union Bank as 2013 Women’s History Month Local Heroes, decided to use their financial know-how, to do something about it. They determined it was up to them to help women navigate through life’s significant transitions.

At the core of WIFE.org, named one of the top 500 financial sites by Online Investor, is their motto:

A man is not a financial plan.
Building on this tenet, WIFE.org is a robust, engaging website with hands-on tools that can help anyone get their budget in order and on a path to saving. It features information on shopping for a house, refinancing, credit scores, investing, mutual funds, inheritances, building a portfolio and financial transition from divorce.

About a year after starting WIFE, Wall and Bahr went full-speed ahead in tackling divorce. They did this after learning that the San Diego Mayor’s office had conducted a study of women in San Diego and their needs, and learned that what they needed most was help with their divorces.

“A woman’s financial status after divorce generally diminishes,” observes Wall. “So, we said, as part of our nonprofit organization, that’s something we can do to help the mayor’s office. So Candace called the mayor and said we’d really like to help, and the mayor’s office said, ‘Well, we’re not doing anything. We did a study and we’re done.’ And, we said to ourselves, that doesn’t make sense that it would end there, so we came up with the idea of Second Saturday.”

Second Saturday is a monthly workshop offered at Mira Costa College for women thinking or going through divorce. Since its beginning, over 10,000 women have enrolled in the one-day session—and, of those, one of them happens to be me.

Having recently moved to San Diego, I suddenly found myself facing the possibility of divorce. Frankly, nothing prepares you for it, and I had no idea where to begin. So, trust me when I tell you, I was thrilled to learn that such a class as Second Saturday existed. Because of it, I was able to get information, referrals and a solid understanding of what I needed to do in order to move forward and get on with my life.

The four-hour workshop, which attracts approximately 35 participants each month, focuses on the legal, financial and personal and family issues of dealing with the breakup of a marriage. Experts on each of the subjects offer tips and advice, with a sprinkling of compassion, giving women hope, that there is indeed a light at the end of the tunnel.

Since starting the program, Second Saturday has expanded to other cities as well—42 in all. Two years ago, Bahr and Wall added a Second Saturday workshop for men.

“One of the beautiful things about Second Saturday, is that women do share,” says Wall. “They attend and find that they’re not alone. They see others going through the same things and maybe even some who have it worse. When we asked men what would induce them to come, we found they wanted the workshop to be shorter and cheaper ($25 versus the $45 fee women are charged). The men also said they didn’t need psychological content.”

The workshop participants’ behavior differs across gender, too. “During the breaks, women are talking to each other,” observes Bahr. “They may be making plans to meet for lunch, and making new friends. But, during breaks in the men’s session, they are all turned away from each other, talking on their cell phones, and in the classroom, they are scattered about as far apart from each other as they can.”

Another program, Money Zones, was developed in response to the many product-sales parties hosted by friends that, as Bahr puts it, “always make you feel like you have to go and buy something.” Bahr and Wall figured, if those parties work for spending money, why not create a model for saving?

“The essence of the way women learn and the way we are is that we will work to help each other before we help ourselves,” notes Bahr. “A study conducted by Emory University hooked women up to an MRI machine and asked, ‘If you can either work for a higher award and work competitively, or you can work for a lower award and work cooperatively, which would you choose?’ And, no big surprise, they chose working cooperatively. But, what was the shock, when they saw their brain scans, in this process of working together, the pleasure centers of the brain lit up like a Christmas tree. We’re wired to work together. And what’s interesting is so much of what’s going on in the financial arena is competition, authoritative—I’m the man, I’m going to explain to you how to do it—and yet the way women learn is cooperatively. So we applied this to our money clubs.”

Through their work, Wall and Bahr have become nationally recognized experts on women and money. They are regularly invited to speak at conferences, events and corporate meetings, and have written a book, “It’s More Than Money-It’s Your Life! : The New Money Club for Women.”So, how do they explain their success?

“One of the things Ginita and I have worked to do is make finance unintimidating,” explains Bahr. “We tell women, you can do this. Just save a little on a regular basis, keep track of what you spend. There’s a reason we’ve been on the web 17 years, and send out 55,000 newsletters once a month to people throughout the country. Wife.org is Internet based. It’s all free. It’s the oldest nonprofit in the arena of financial education, and we have never taken a dime.”

“It’s never too late to improve your life,” chimes in Wall.

“You just have to be ready to do it,” Bahr agrees. “In a way, managing your finances is like managing your weight. It’s never too late to take care of yourself. You just have to be ready to do it.”

Original Article Posted on KPBS.org , By Monica Medina