Experts and Resources

Divorce can be overwhelming, confusing, emotionally wrought and downright terrifying, with so much to consider and too much to do. We know having the right information at the right time is critical to you, so we've organized all of our resource content into a simple directory to the left to provide you quick, easy access to all the tools you need to make informed and powerful choices.

How To Deal With Your Child's Divorce

Debbie Does Divorce with Marsha Temlock

Posted to by Debbie Nigro on Wed, 01/23/2008 - 11:00am

Your adult child is going through a painful divorce, how can you help? Marsha Temlock, author of Your Child's Divorce — What To Expect And What You Can Do, shares with Debbie how you can help as they go through a split.

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Exercise: Should I Run On A Sore Knee?

Posted to by Kathy Kaehler on Wed, 01/23/2008 - 10:02am

Q: Exercise — I ran a little yesterday and today my knee is a little sore. If it's still sore tomorrow do you think it's okay to run on it?

A: Running is a great exercise to burn calories and to improve your cardiovascular system but it's also incredibly hard on your joints. You place almost three times your body weight down every time your foot lands. My advice is not to run on a sore knee. Ice it and walk until it feels better.

 

Not all exercises are suitable for everyone and use of this or any other exercise program may result in injury. Before starting this or any exercise program, please consult with your physician. Should you experience any irregular physical conditions such as dizziness, severe muscle or joint pain, pain in your chest, or should any other symptoms appear, consult with your physician immediately. First Wives World LLC and the producers assume no responsibility for improper use of this exercise program or any injury that may result.

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Defining Your Financial Needs

Posted to by Maryann Kelly on Tue, 01/22/2008 - 11:51am

As a financial planner, the most important figure I ask clients to estimate before they meet with me is the cost per month of comfortably supporting the family. Almost always, I have to increase that figure by 30 percent to arrive at the real number. This is particularly critical if you are in the middle of a divorce and suporting your family.

I live in West Los Angeles where the cost of living has grown very high for families — particularly the cost of housing and education. Private elementary school alone now costs $25,000 to $30,000 per child per year here. 

Stop now and list your monthly expenses. If you add up that list, then increase the total by 30 percent, you'll most likely arrive at the amount you will need to sustain yourself and cover emergencies, holidays and a short vacation. How does that look? If the number is a lot more than you're taking in, accept the situation as challenge. And, most importantly, find ways to increase your income.

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Exercise: How Can I Get Rid Of Cellulite?

Posted to by Kathy Kaehler on Tue, 01/22/2008 - 10:05am

Q: Exercise — Is there anything besides liposuction I can do to get rid of my cellulite? What specific kinds of toning exercises might I try to smooth and tighten my "cottage-cheese" thighs?

A: This is my own personal opinion, but stay away from the knife. I have seen women do these surgeries and you just never know if you will be the one who comes out unhappy with no recourse. At some point, we as women have to get realistic. Look at your parents and if the same legs are there then you may have just inherited them.

If not, then you can certainly work at changing them or making them the best that they can be. We have to remember that we are all different. Don't compare yourself to anyone. The work you need to do is strength training. Your legs need resistance to change their shape. All the leg machines at the gyms will strengthen, tone and reshape your legs. Leg extensions, leg curls, inner/outer thighs, squat decks and leg presses are just a few that you can get started on.

 

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Exercise: Is Using A Pedometer A Good Idea?

Posted to by Kathy Kaehler on Mon, 01/21/2008 - 10:09am

Q: Exercise — Should I use a pedometer to count up my steps? I've seen so many people using them.

A: A pedometer is a great little tool. I use mine whenever I can. Keep it right next to your bed or in your closet so that you can attach it as soon as you get dressed in the morning. This way you can count your steps throughout the day and see how active you are; 10,000 steps a day is the target goal for an active person. The pedometer is also a great personal trainer because you'll be motivated when you look down and only see 800 steps. I say use one and have a good walk!

 

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Achieving Better Health & Beauty -- the Smart Way

Debbie Does Divorce with Kat James

Posted to by Debbie Nigro on Mon, 01/21/2008 - 10:00am

Kat James, author of The Truth About Beauty and founder of InformedBeauty.com, talks to Debbie about her personal transformation from binge-eating, overweight performer to achieving a healthier lifestyle. Kat says that while societal perceptions of health and beauty are distorted, women can work toward a healthier way of life that will make them feel beautiful on the inside and the outside.

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Navigating A Turbulent Market

Make sure you're diversified

Posted to by Maryann Kelly on Mon, 01/21/2008 - 9:28am

The stock market has been hit hard these first couple of weeks of 2008 and many economists agree that we are likely to experience negative returns for the next six months. This can be a scary time for investors and many get to a breaking point and sell just as the market begins an uptick.

The following three suggestions can help you navigate this difficult period without taking a serious financial hit. This is a good time to make sure your portfolio is anchored in the following prudent strategy:

1) Your portfolio should be well diversified with stocks, bonds and cash. The stock selections or mutual funds should include growth stocks, value stocks and international stocks. There should be no more than 5% of your money in one stock.

2) Down markets offer an excellent opportunity to dollar cost average into the market and keep a long-term perspective. Investors who stay the course during this time will participate in the upside of the market when it turns around. No money should be invested in stocks if you have less than a three-year time horizon.

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