As summer draws to a close, hundreds of anxious teenagers anticipate the transition from high school to college.  Whether heading out of state or staying close to home, a brand new world awaits.

Having taught high school students for 35 years, I’ve watched thousands of kids make this transition.  I’ve also observed that some return to visit a year later with the aura of conquering heroes while others look and feel, well, pretty bummed out.  I recently wrote a book intended to help more students complete Year #1 as a member of the first group.

Relax… I avoid the “don’ts” that your parents, relatives, teachers, and coaches have no doubt already covered.  I also resist the temptation to lay a guilt trip over how much it costs.  (That’s because I’m trying to figure out how to pay for the college expenses of my own kids!)

Instead, I offer five simple rules for success that come highly recommended by the scores of college students I interviewed for the book.  Rules may not be cool, but consider the notion that the biggest threat to first-time college students is the danger of drowning in free time.  You’re about to be thrown into the deep end of the pool.  Maybe a few simple rules can help you find your stroke in the early going.  Here goes:

Rule #1:  Go to Class!

Whenever students and/or parents first hear this rule, they invariably respond with “Duh!!!”  Back in high school, if you just stopped going to class, you’d likely find yourself in hot water within 24 hours.  In college, chances are good that no one knows or cares if you are going to class at all.  All of the students I have known who have failed out of college have shared one thing in common – they didn’t go to class.  Conversely, I have never met a student who went to all of his/her classes who flunked out of school.  If you honor the simple commitment to attend all of your classes, a number of good things will fall into place.  Furthermore, a whole host of bad ones will never visit your door.

Rule #2:  Study 3 Hours Times 5 Days Per Week

Just as you need to go to class, you need to study.  (I know… “Duh!!!”)  Many students struggle with the idea of transitioning from “homework” (a term you will never hear in college) to “studying.”  Whereas your high school teachers might tell you your assignment for the next day, your professors might present you with a semester-long syllabus on the first day of class.  You may have nothing due for six weeks.  Before you exclaim, “College is awesome; let’s party!” Think again.  It can be hard to make yourself study when nothing is due for a month and a half.  So, rather than focus on assignment completion, commit to studying for a set amount of time each and every weekday regardless of what is due.  I’m not promising that you’ll make Dean’s List, but if you can commit to a minimum of 15 hours per week, you will be a student in good standing.  You will also minimize the anxiety many of your schoolmates will face as papers and exams come due at the end of the semester.

Rule #3:  Commit to Something

I have heard many parents urge their students to refrain from athletics and extracurricular activities in the first year.  I disagree.  When I was in college, I played a spring sport.  I also did better academic work in the spring than I did in the fall.  I had to keep a schedule.  My coach would check up on my grades.  I couldn’t split for long weekends because I had to go to lacrosse practice.  If sports aren’t your thing, try out for a campus theatrical production, write for the paper, get involved with campus recycling, get a work-study or off-campus job.  Not only will a regular commitment to something connect you with constructive and maybe even lifelong friendships, my experience says that your participation will enhance (and not detract from) your academic performance.

Rule #4:  Get a Mentor

Whether a professor, coach, dean, or off-campus employer, seek out people with life experience who can give you both support and a kick in the pants when you need it. In high school, teachers are expected to look out for you and lend a helping hand or a shoulder to cry on when you need it.  While you don’t need these things any less in college, assume that the burden lies with you to take the initiative and seek them out.

Rule #5:  Procrastination Kills

In one group interview, I asked, “What is the one thing you would tell a kid starting college tomorrow?”  One student responded, “Procrastination Kills.”  Then everyone in the room began sharing their procrastination stories, unknowingly serving up an assortment of tricks and techniques, many of which found their way into my book.  While these were all over the park, they had something to do with doing something… Right  Now.

Look at it this way, there are 168 hours in a week.  The above five rules will tie up less than a quarter of them, leaving you with 120+ for purposes of sleep, leisure, and recreation.  (Yeah, college is awesome indeed!)  I don’t promise that you’re about to experience the best four years of your life.  But there’s gotta be a reason why so many people say so.  Good luck and… Go To Class!

How will I handle dropping her off at her first day of preschool? Better yet, how will she deal with her first day? If I know my daughter, I won’t be the only teary eyed person at the classroom door. Not only will there be some weeping, but possibly a tantrum or two while I peel her off my leg and try to make a get away.

To help make a smooth transition into the school year, I sat down with veteran moms and asked them how to survive the first day of school.

1. Tour the school with your child before the first day.
A tour will help your preschooler become familiar with her surroundings before getting dropped off by mom or dad. While visiting, meet the teacher, visit your child’s cubby, and get introduced to other children in the class. Make sure to act excited about everything you see. Your enthusiasm will help your child become more enthusiastic about school.

2. Go shopping with your child.
Yes, brave the toddler tantrums, grab your coupons, and take her to the store. Getting your child involved in picking out their own school supplies, backpack and clothes will help her mentally prepare for school. Give her the freedom to choose those gaudy, pink, sparkly shoes she loves. Tell her that she can wear them to school and show them off there. You can also have your child help you cut out or search for coupons for her school supplies. She’ll enjoy finding coupons for her items and will learn a simple lesson in savings. For a full list of places you and your child can search for coupons click here.

3. Let Her DIY
On the first day of school, allow her to pick out her outfit, help pack her lunch, and prep her school bag. Remember to be over enthusiastic about all her choices and be super duper EXCITED ABOUT EVERYTHING BECAUSE IT’S HER FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!!!!! HIP HIP HOORAY!!!!!

4. Saying Goodbye
Now for the hard part — leaving your precious, screaming, teary eyed child at school. Give her a hug, kiss and a big smile at the classroom door. Wave goodbye and walk away. Don’t show any hesitation because, if she sees your uncertainty, it’ll make her uncertain about staying there.

5. Take It Easy Afterwards
The first day of school is over, but there’s one more tip for surviving the first day. Don’t plan on doing anything after school. Your child will likely be exhausted, so take it easy. Plan a nap and put together an easy dinner. The rest of the day, talk about what she experienced during her first day. Be upbeat about everything she tells you; remember she’ll have many more school days when you’ll both want to share the excitement.

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Maisie Knowles is the founder of BestBabyStuff.com, a website reviewing only the best baby products. She earned a B.A. in Communications from the University of Colorado in 2003 and currently spends most of her time at home with her two young girls.

Foxboro, MA (August 2011)—You always knew this day would come. You also expected a certain amount of anxiety…you just thought it would be yours, not your soon-to-be college student’s! After all, going off to college is supposed to be one of the most longed-for milestones in a young person’s life. It’s a time for teens to discover their independence, pursue their interests, and have a good time—they’re not supposed to be overwhelmed by the changes they’re experiencing. Their mental—and even physical—health is not supposed to suffer. And yet, that’s exactly what happens when many young people trade their bedrooms for a dorm room.

While some anxiety is normal during the college transition, it can escalate to unhealthy levels—and author Todd Patkin says it’s very important for parents to be able to recognize the difference.

“Even if your child has managed his schoolwork, responsibilities, and stress very well up until now, the fact is that moving away and being on his own for the first time can be a game changer,” says Patkin, author of the new book Finding Happiness: One Man’s Quest to Beat Depression and Anxiety and—Finally—Let the Sunshine In (StepWise Press, 2011, ISBN: 978-0-9658261-9-8, $19.95, www.findinghappinessthebook.com). “Students may not be willing to admit that they’re struggling—or even be aware that their anxiety isn’t normal—so we as parents need to know what to look for and how to help.”

Patkin knows what he’s talking about. His own college years were characterized by debilitating perfectionism, anxiety, and depression, even necessitating a semester-long leave of absence from school. Although he was able to keep his grades up, Patkin’s social life suffered. He relied heavily on the emotional support of his parents, driving the 45 minutes to their home on a near-nightly basis. When his schedule forced him to stay at school, Patkin found himself turning to alcohol and smoking to alleviate his stress, which he felt unable to manage on his own.

“I cannot possibly explain to you how often and how desperately I wanted to quit college during my darkest times throughout those four and a half years,” Patkin admits in his book. “In fact, of all the things I have done in my life, I’m still the proudest of earning my college degree despite the many challenges I faced. And, believe it or not, this accomplishment helps me even today to push boldly forward when I am faced with obstacles that seem insurmountable.”

Like Patkin, many of today’s college students simply can’t shake the overwhelming negative feeling that is created after they suddenly find themselves on their own. To make sure that your child isn’t one of them, read on to learn what signs to look for and how to alleviate college-transition stress:

What parents need to know about college anxiety:
First, know the statistics. It’s very, very important that parents not dismiss anxiety in college students. Assumptions like “Not my child” or “I’m sure this doesn’t happen often” can be very dangerous to make. The fact is, the amount of mental health issues among college students has risen steadily in the decades since Patkin’s own struggles. Consider the following statistics:

• Over 65 percent of college students have experienced periods of homesickness.
• Forty-four percent of American college students say that they’re feeling symptoms of depression.
• More than half of all college students suffer from at least one mental health problem during their freshman years.
• As many as 11 percent of college freshmen have actually had suicidal thoughts.
• Eighty-five percent of students with depression or suicidal thoughts do not get treatment.

“If you think about it, these statistics aren’t surprising,” says Patkin. “Our education culture is increasingly achievement-obsessed and ultra-competitive, and kids are feeling the strain well before they even graduate from high school. Even if they don’t let on, most teens will feel some pressure to perform. Plus, new college students are suddenly finding themselves in an unfamiliar environment, far from their support systems, and living with strangers. Especially if—like me—a student is a perfectionist who thrives on order, it would be difficult to design a more stressful environment.”

Determine whether your child is likely to feel harmful anxiety. While no college-bound teenager is immune from feeling anxiety, as Patkin has hinted, certain personality types may be more susceptible to negative feelings than others. If your child has a history of separation anxiety, perfectionism, or social difficulties, for example, it’s reasonable to take into account that these issues might crop up again in a college setting.

“Furthermore, if a student has grown up with very active parents, the vacuum created by being away from this support system could be a shock to her system,” Patkin adds. “Now, please realize that I’m not trying to make parents worry needlessly. It’s completely possible that a young person who had trouble coping with stress in high school might come into her own and flourish in college. I’m just saying that especially if your child has struggled in the past or is very attached to her current environment, be extra vigilant as she sets off by herself.

“In fact, I’d like to especially speak to parents of children who have suffered from any sort of significant separation anxiety,” he continues. “You know your child better than anyone, and if you are concerned about your child’s ability to function away from you, suggest that she attend a school that’s located within an hour or so of your home. That way, if she does need to come home for support during the weekends—or even every night during the week—she can. Transferring to a more distant school later on is always an option. I’ll be honest: I think that attending a university only 45 minutes away from my parents’ house might have saved my life. I’m not sure how well I would—or wouldn’t—have coped with my anxiety had they not been so close and so continually supportive.”

Realize that some amount of college anxiety is normal. Picture this: it’s move-in day, your family is driving onto campus, and the trunk is laden with suitcases and dorm room furnishings. But instead of being so excited that he barely notices you saying goodbye after the car is unloaded (à la Hollywood scenes), your son is displaying some major jitters. You can tell he’s keyed up and nervous, and (unbelievably) he’s in no hurry for you to leave. Over the next week or so, he calls you more often than you expected, and you suspect he hasn’t completely settled in. Yes, it’s natural to be concerned, but relax—there’s no need to panic yet. Some amount of transition anxiety is normal.

“No matter what the circumstances are, college is a big change for your child,” Patkin points out. “Even if he’ll be living at home instead of on campus, he’ll still be leaving the familiar faces and surroundings of high school and plunging into something completely new. When you think about it that way, it’s understandable if your student has a few butterflies leading up to move-in day or the first day of classes, no matter how mature or independent he is.”

But understand this can be a real problem (and that’s okay too). Yes, a little transitional nervousness is normal. Problems start when these jitters escalate into severe anxiety and depression. As much as you can, watch for warning signs including academic problems, mood swings, withdrawal, feelings of hopelessness, disregard for personal appearance, increased substance use, increased risk-taking, and/or an obsession with death. Also, take into account that your teen may be very excited to start college initially but become anxious as the semester progresses. Check in often, and if you suspect that your child may be suffering from depression or anxiety, talk with her openly about it.

“Whether your child has a few butterflies or a severe case of anxiety or depression, it is very important for her to know that she is not a ‘freak,’” Patkin stresses. “When I was struggling in college, I thought that I was the only one, and that I was abnormal. I’ve since discovered that, like me, many students with homesickness, anxiety, or depression suffer in silence because they are afraid people will think they are ‘crazy’ or weak if they decide to seek help. As a parent, you’re in a position to explain to your child that many, many people are dealing with depression and anxiety. Then remind her that she does not have to live with these troubling and debilitating feelings—counseling and medication can help her take control of her life again. Be very involved each step of the way if your child does decide to reach out.”

How parents can help:
Ease as much anxiety as possible. Believe it or not, there’s a lot you can do to head off college anxiety before move-in day ever rolls around. As Patkin has already pointed out, many students experience problems because they’ve found themselves in an environment that’s unfamiliar and unpredictable. You can help take the edge off by discussing with your child beforehand what his first semester will probably look like and by making a few plans together.

“Specify when you will see each other next,” Patkin suggests. “Being able to look forward to a planned visit or two can make the (possibly scary) future seem much less intimidating and give everyone something to look forward to. For instance, you can come to your child’s campus for the homecoming football game, and he’ll come home for fall break. Also, take advantage of technology like Skype and set (and keep) a weekly date. You can even help your child locate essential places like the pharmacy, bank, and a church when it is time to move in.”

Get in some quality time. If you’re not careful, that last bit of time you have left before your child moves away will be completely filled up by things that absolutely, positively have to get done. After all, dorm furnishings, school supplies, and new clothes need to be purchased. There’s paperwork that needs to be filled out for your student’s soon-to-be college. You might even need to open up a checking account for your child or go shopping for his first car. Just don’t get so caught up in trips to Target and Office Depot that you forget to enjoy your last few days together.

“In the midst of all the college move-in preparations, it’s easy for parents and students to get themselves worked up into a frenzy, which, let’s face it, will probably only exacerbate any anxiety that might crop up,” says Patkin. “It’s very important to spend some time together as a family that’s not about being busy with college preparations. If you can, go on a fun day trip together…or at least have a few good family dinners. Among other things, you can use this time to talk about how you can stay connected and about how each person feels about the upcoming goodbye. (If you can help it, you don’t want to be an emotional wreck in front of your child’s new roommate and his parents!)”

Follow your child’s lead. Be warned: this tip is often one of the most difficult for parents to follow. After all (to some extent), you’ve been the final authority on all things related to your child for the past eighteen years. Understandably, it’s going to be difficult to step back and allow your child to dictate the tone of your relationship…but this strategy is probably for the best. From phone calls to emotions, take the lead from your child.

“Remind yourself that college is the time when your child is supposed to begin coming into her own,” Patkin points out. “So if she’s ecstatic to be leaving home, do your best to swallow your melancholy and be happy with her. On the other hand, if she seems a bit wary of being out by herself, don’t be overly excited about your impending empty-nester freedom or chime in with your own worries. Instead, help her to talk through her anxiety. And lastly, allow her to guide college-to-home communication. I’m a parent myself, so I know that letting your child take the lead in this area can be especially difficult. The fact is, though, that the phone is not supposed to be an umbilical cord, and it’s okay to be a bit disconnected from her if that’s what she wants. If your child prefers email, for example, get on the digital train.”

Don’t downplay your child’s worries. Be honest: when your child was young and upset about something, downplaying the severity of the situation was sometimes the best course of action. What parent hasn’t said something along the lines of, “Oh, that scrape isn’t bad at all. We’ll put a band-aid and some ointment on it, and it’ll be better in no time!” Now that your child is in college, though, the “it’s nothing to worry about” strategy might not be best. If she says she’s having trouble adjusting, it’s best to take her assertion seriously.

“If your child calls home and says that she is worried or depressed, talk to her about what could be causing her feelings,” Patkin advises. “Even if you honestly think she might be overreacting, don’t assume that things will work themselves out in a few months. Ask if she’s under a lot of academic pressure. Does she have problems with her roommate? Is she homesick? Remember that adjusting to college is different for everyone: some may take days; some may take months. If your student does not seem to be adjusting at all and has been homesick for weeks, it might be good to suggest that she look for resources through the counseling and wellness department at her school.”

“All parents need to be aware that depression, anxiety, and—most unfortunately—even suicides are growing problems at colleges and universities across America,” Patkin concludes. “The good news is, educating yourself about what these issues look like and how you can deal with (and possibly alleviate) them can make a huge difference in the kind of college experience your child has. Above all, please remember that difficulties adapting do not mean that your child is weak or that you have somehow failed as a parent. I don’t want any young people today to feel alone or to experience difficulties like the ones I did if they don’t need to.”

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About the Author:
Todd Patkin grew up in Needham, Massachusetts. After graduating from Tufts University, he joined the family business and spent the next eighteen years helping to grow it to new heights. After it was purchased by Advance Auto Parts in 2005, he was free to focus on his main passions: philanthropy and giving back to the community, spending time with family and friends, and helping more people learn how to be happy. Todd lives with his wonderful wife, Yadira, their amazing son, Josh, and two great dogs, Tucker and Hunter.

About the Book:
Finding Happiness: One Man’s Quest to Beat Depression and Anxiety and—Finally—Let the Sunshine In (StepWise Press, 2011, ISBN: 978-0-9658261-9-8, $19.95, www.findinghappinessthebook.com) is available at bookstores nationwide, from major online booksellers, and at www.findinghappinessthebook.com.

2. Answer the Why: Work on your patience, take a breath, collect yourself, and answer the why. “Because I said so” or flat-out “no’s” are the worst answers you can give a teenager.

3. Be the Role Model: Be clear and consistent: “walking your talk” is essential. Demonstrate behaviors you want to see in her.

4. Lend Your Brain: The tween/teenage brain is not fully developed yet, but as an adult you have the ability to think through problems and come up with potential solutions—let your daughter know you’re there to help her sort things out.

5. Trust Your Gut: Trust that small voice within you—your instincts are usually right—and teach your daughter to do the same. Here my focus is helping mom to help her daughter build up her confidence, her self esteem, self and body worth. Your message to your daughter, “You really matter to me and it’s key that you matter to yourself as well.”

6. Expect Your Daughter to Make Mistakes: Prepare for the fact that teens will mess up, then you’ll be better able to help her and guide her when it really counts.

7. No Punishment: Punishment simply does not work with tweens and teens the way you want it to. If your daughter is afraid of getting punished, she won’t ask for help and guidance when she needs it most.

A scenario:

It’s the middle of the night when you hear your daughter returning home from a party. You are relieved she is home. You are woken up by a small pitiful voice, “Mommy I don’t feel so good.” It’s three in the morning, she’s now throwing up violently in the toilet. In between heaves you ask what happened: How much did you drink? What did you drink? Didn’t you know when enough was enough? Good question. Your daughter is a captive audience. Do you:

A) Yell and scream at her until you’re hoarse.

B) Ground her and punish her until she’s twenty-one.

C) Stay calm and resolve to talk to her in the morning; or

D) Ignore her and give her the silent treatment.

If you read my Aerial Parenting Chapter (my parenting philosophy) and followed my tips you would know the answer is C. Personally, I think that feeling sick, with your head hanging over the toilet bowl, is punishment enough. You score extra points, Mom, if you table the discussion until tomorrow, when she is not so green. The next morning she talks about getting carried away, feeling guilty and hung over and you as her concerned and loving mom share your concern for her well being and that she needs to focus on taking better care of herself. You score big time in the eyes of your daughter! You’re are building up a composite of experiences for your daughter to see you as approachable and a constant, stable, reliable, firm, empathically attuned, loving, benevolent authority figure in her life. Most important, your daughter will come back when she needs you and chooses and that’s great stuff!

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Arden Greenspan-Goldberg is a N.Y.-based licensed psychotherapist with over 30 years of experience and mother of a now-grown daughter—Samara, 22. In order to help moms and daughters from her practice (as well as friends and family) and to answer inquiries from her website, TV appearances, and speaking engagements, she has come up with tips to help moms cultivate a respectful, strong connection with their daughters and strategies to help moms understand their daughters and learn to rise above. Arden is the author of “What Do You Expect? She’s a Teenager!: A Hope and Happiness Guide for Moms with Daughters Ages 11 – 19″
Find out more about Arden Greenspan-Goldberg, LCSW , at www.askarden.com

*Arden’s first book signing is on September 8th at 6pm at The Corner Bookstore on Madison Ave. and 93rd Street in Manhattan

1. Battling Babysitting Costs
Dependable babysitters are often expensive and can quickly hike up the total cost of a night on the town. Instead of hiring a teenager or nanny to watch the tots, consider swapping services with neighbors, co-workers, family or friends for a free night or afternoon out. Otherwise, check SitterCity.com for vetted local babysitters who match your needs and budget.

2. Enjoy an At-Home Date
If finding a babysitter in the last-minute is out of the question and budget, put the kids to bed early and create a romantic date-like experience at home. Set the mood with a candle lit dinner & dancing for two under the stars in your backyard.

3. Banish Booze
Even if you find a dining deal, like an early-bird special, a couple drinks can greatly add to the bill. You might want to hit a restaurant that doesn’t serve booze or make it an afternoon date. Otherwise, plan to drink and dine at a restaurant or bar that offers happy hour prices.

4. Do-It-Yourself
Creativity goes a long way so plan a picnic and pack bottle of wine, some cheese and crackers, and portable speakers with your date’s favorite music uploaded to your iPod.

5. Dial Into Online Discounts
Groupon, Living Social and other group-buying coupon companies offer some great deals — up to 50-percent off — on such entertainment experiences as wine tastings, boat tours, museums and comedy clubs. If you’re worried about appearing “cheap,” redeem the offer when your date is in the restroom. Buy a gift card at a discount from sites such as GiftCardGranny.com. They will save you anywhere from 5 to 50 percent on restaurants and other entertainment activities.

6. Find Freebie Dates
Not all dates are intended to include dinner and a movie. For a fun date idea that doesn’t cost a dime, consider events and activities in your area that are free like hiking, biking or browsing a local flea market. Otherwise, many libraries and coffee shops offer free poetry readings and musical entertainment. Look for art gallery tours or free museum days to improve your cultural IQ while impressing your date.

7. Seek Smart Advice from Your Phone
Use your mobile phone to find local deals and date ideas. The Date Night iPhone app for example will help you find unique, interesting and affordable events that are sure to impress. The app randomly selects a “thing to do” for your next evening on the town, some of which won’t bust your budget.

8. Makeshift Movie Night
Instead of shelling out $20 for movie tickets plus the cost of popcorn, soda and candy, consider hosting a movie night at home. You can pick up free DVDs from your local library or $1 rentals from Redbox. Recreate a theater like experience at home with fresh popcorn (extra butter per request) and your dates favorite candy. Then dim the lights and make sure to turn your cell phones off!

The trick to a successful date is having fun and not stressing out. If you find a suitable date, chances are they will enjoy spending time with you whatever you do regardless of how much money you spend.

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Consumer Savings Expert, Andrea Woroch, is available to share “8 Frugal Dating Tips for Parents” with your audience for an in-studio, satellite or skype interview. Andrea has been featured as a media expert source on NBC Today Show, MSNBC, FOX & Friends, CNN.com, ShopSmart Magazine and many more. To view interviews or for more savings tips visit AndreaWoroch.com.

School’s out, and millions of teens have taken summer  jobs. Jonathan Carr, founder of Choose Success – a non-profit dedicated to promoting financial literacy amongst adolescents – offers 3 Tips for Helping Teens Handle Money Responsibly.

Tip #1 Build Wealth: Time is Your Friend; Use It!

Teenagers are incredibly powerful investors, not because they usually have a whole lot of money to manage, but because they have something even more valuable: time.  They have the power of compounding interest, which Albert Einstein called the most powerful force in the universe.

If a person starts putting away only $20 a week at age fifteen, and does it every week, they can easily retire with a million dollars, with only average earnings on that money over time.  To show the power of being fifteen, if that person waits ten years and starts saving $20 a week at age twenty-five, that million dollars will be reduced to $450,000 by retirement age.  Make life easier, start saving early and save a little each week.

Tip #2 Don’t Get Poor: Stay in School and Study Hard.

More education means more money, which means more fun, which means more happiness.  It is that simple.  If you want to have a fun and happy life, stay in school as long as you can.  Getting a high school diploma increases our average pay by twenty five percent.

Tip #3 Don’t Get Poor: Having Children.

Having a child as a teenager is the easiest way to throw ourselves and our children into poverty for the rest of our lives.  Being a parent makes it hard to handle school, so many young parents drop out of school as well.  It takes $12,000 a year to take care of a baby.  High school dropouts make minimum wage, about $8.00 per hour or $16,000 per year.  Sixteen thousand dollars for the family minus twelve thousand for the baby equals poverty for everyone.

Jonathan Carr is a former financial adviser and author of Fixing Capitalism, which proposes Networked Capitalism – a new approach to fixing the economy, available on Lulu.com and other online booksellers.

1. Go Window Shopping
When the weather hits over 90 degrees and it’s too hot to be outdoors, leave your credit card at home and head to an air-conditioned mall. After a few laps around the perimeter, you’ll have gotten some exercise while catching up on the latest fashions.

2. Get Out of the House
Turn off the air conditioning, the TV and all those electricity hogs and enjoy some time in the great outdoors. If your kids spend their summer vacations playing video games, they’re sucking up a lot of energy without expending any of their own. Sign them up for sports leagues, summer camps and other activities outside the home. While you may have to pay a registration fee, you can still save on equipment by using Target and Sports Authority discount gift cards ordered from such sites as GiftCardGranny.com.

3. Turn Off Power Strips
Even if you’ve turned off the television, computer and other power vampires, those power strips are still sucking you dry. The same goes for rechargers, which may seem benign when not hooked up to your cell phone. The fact is, they’re still drawing electricity when not in use, so flip that switch. According to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, the standby power of unused appliances usually accounts for 5 percent to 10 percent of residential electricity costs.

4. Power Down Computers
Running a computer and monitor 24/7 uses about 1,100 kilowatt hours annually, or roughly $100 a year. Save 60 percent to 80 percent by putting your computer in power-saving mode or turning it off completely.

5. Use Powerless Cleaning Appliances
Use an old-fashioned can opener instead of that space-hogging electrical opener to reduce kilowatt usage. Clean rugs with a carpet sweeper instead of a vacuum. (You can find these old-fashioned cleaners at a surprising number of garage sales.) Dry laundry on a clothes line or rack instead of a power-hungry dryer. (Washers and dryers are 19 percent of your energy bill.) In general, consider how you can replace miniature power users with powerless appliances.

6. Shut the Curtains
Turn off or turn down an air conditioner by keeping windows covered during the day. You’ll minimize sun exposure while maximizing the cooler night air.

7. Wash Dishes in Batches
It may seem hand-washing dishes would reduce both your water and electrical bill, but Energy Star appliances are actually much better for your family finances. The original investment, however, is terribly high. As a simple fix, wait until the dishwasher is completely full before running it. Avoid filling the machine with over-sized pots and pans as they’re cheaper to wash by hand. Keep in mind that dishwashers compose 2 percent of your electrical bill.

8. Lower the Lighting Bill
You’ve heard lots of talk about CFL light bulbs and there’s a reason why. CFLs are cheaper to run, generate less heat and last much longer. Switching out just one incandescent bulb for a CFL will save you $35 in energy costs — or up to 65 percent — over the projected 10-year life of the bulb.

9. Turn Off the Stove
Pasta, veggies and other foods cooked in water will continue to cook once the water is boiled. Turn the burner off half way through the cooking process and you’ll reduce your energy use; just make sure you leave on the lid to hold in the heat.

10. Fill Up Your Freezer and Fridge
As with your dishwasher, these kitchen appliances operate more efficiently when full. You needn’t overbuy at the supermarket, however. Instead, fill bottles and milk containers with water to take up the extra space.

11. Use a Programmable Thermostat
Give your air conditioning system a break when no one is in the house. According to Energy Star, increasing a house’s temperature during these hours by pre-programming a thermostat cuts the average household’s electric bill by $180 a year. That’s because heating and cooling systems are 45 percent of your monthly energy bill.

12. Clean A/C Filters
Filters clog up with pollen, animal hair, dust and other unmentionables. Cleaning or replacing your filter improves efficiency. You’ll want to clean it more often if you have pets or are experiencing a particularly heavy pollen season.

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Tips offered by Consumer Savings Expert, Andrea Woroch,  For more savings tips follow @AndreaWoroch.

Received this from a elementary school counselor:

Is Your Child Ready for Facebook?

“If your child is in grade school or the early years of middle school…..the simple answer is no, the minimum age for Facebook account holders is thirteen. Elementary schools have no thirteen year-old students therefore they should not have any students with these accounts. Besides, surveys have found that students have a seventy percent higher likelihood of being bullied online if they use a social networking site so I would discourage parents from rushing to sign their children up for these accounts.

This year all Red Pine Elementary fifth graders took part in a class discussion where we equated the required Facebook age to the minimum driving age: Kids can’t drive independently until they are sixteen – even if they feel like they can handle it before then. That’s the law and the students supported the age requirement stating that by sixteen they expect to be more mature and responsible than they are now. I respectfully ask you, our families, to take the age requirement for social networking sites just as seriously and to not create accounts for your children until they reach the required age. This will go a long way toward reducing the online bullying that is being reported by our students.

Please talk to your children about the dangers that they may encounter on the Internet and keep a watchful eye on their use of social networking of all types (texting, email, networking websites). Like supervising a new driver with a learner’s permit, I ask you to think of yourself as being in the seat next to your children ensuring that they are ‘driving safely and with good judgment’ while they are online. If your child is being bullied through a social network, texting, or email I encourage you to save/print a record of the problem and contact local law enforcement.”

Stress can keep you from living the life you were meant to live because when stress consumes you, it becomes your focus. And, the more you focus on stress, the worse it gets.

Quick Facts About Stress
* Americans spend $11.3 billion per year to cope with stress.
* Over 90% of disease is caused or complicated by stress.
* Job stress is estimated to cost U.S. industry $300 billion annually.
* Percentage of adults being treated for depression: 54%.
* Stress has been linked to all leading causes of death, including heart disease and
cancer.
* Long-term stress is strongly associated with depression, heart disease, and
weakened immune system.
* Up to 60% of employee absences are due to psychological problems such as stress
and depression.
* Estimated percentage of American adults attempting to control stress: 95%.

Two Secrets to Overcoming Stress
The first secret is that the more you focus on what you can’t control, the worse it gets. Think of yourself dealing with a ticket agent at the airport. Your flight has been delayed. You are so upset you yell and shout at the man at the counter. You know this is not helping, and, it’s actually making matters worse. Not only are you stressing yourself out, but also, that employee you’re yelling at is in a position to help you.

The second secret to overcoming stress is that the more your focus on what you can control, the less the things that do bother you actually do bother you. Does that make sense? Here’s an example. I work out on a treadmill and totally zone out so the time goes by faster. Once in a while, I have someone on the treadmill next to me who flips through his or her magazine like a maniac. It drives me nuts and I find it distracting. I make myself focus on something—anything other than my neighbor. This tip on how to control your thoughts can help lower your stress because it is easy to do, it’s immediate, and it can work in so many situations.

Two Control Groups
When it comes to handling stress, people can fit into one of two groups:
The first group of people is constantly trying to control things they cannot control. In dealing with life and their relationships, they feel like a victim, hopeless, and helpless.

The second group of people is aware of what they can and cannot control. They experience an event, think about what it is that want to do about it, and do what needs to be done to handle the situation.

Three Key Areas for Stress
There are three key areas in your life that can create stress: home, work, and money. When one area gets out of balance, it can infect all areas because stress is contagious. When two or more areas are affected at the same time, it can be disastrous. For instance, you lose your job and get behind on paying your bills.

Action Steps
* Draw a large circle with a small circle in the middle. Break the circle up into three sections: home, work, and money. Now, imagine getting stressed and all that stress flowing to the middle circle. Pretty soon, that middle circle will fill up with your stress and start flowing back out to the three areas of your life.

* Realize what is happening – that your stress in one area of your life is spilling over into and affecting the other two areas. Stop this from happening. Get rid of the circle. Look at the three areas of your life like the front window of your car. (Sorry, I couldn’t think of a better example.) Draw the rectangle shape and break the shape into your three sections: home, work, and money.

* Begin identifying what’s stressing you out, isolate it by putting it into one of your three sections, and then decide if it’s something you can or cannot control. If you can control it, try. If you can’t control it, accept what is happening and change your focus to something you can control.

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© 2011 Life Is Fabulous. Sandra Smith makes successful living simple. She is an award-winning motivational speaker, author, and Life Is Fabulous blogger. Learn more about her speaking
programs at http://www.lifeisfabulous.com/speaking/. To order her book, Get What You REALLY Want Without the Guilt, subscribe to her fabulous newsletter or read her blog visit http://www.lifeisfabulous.com

1. In your KITCHEN: Although non-stick Teflon pans are convenient, in the long run, a little extra oil is healthier. Non0stick pans can release up to six toxic gases when heated on a regular electric stove, including two carcinogens, two global pollutants, and a chemical known to be lethal to humans.
2. In your BEDROOM: Open any person’s closet and you are bound to find the latest from your last dry cleaning run.  Dry cleaning is a process where stain-removing chemicals such as Perchloroethylne (perc) is most commonly used. Long-term exposure to perc can cause kidney and liver damage and has been scientifically proven to cause cancer in animals. Even short-term exposure has its risks, including dizziness, a rapid heart rate, headaches and skin irritation. There are several things to limit perc exposure. First, you can reduce risk by airing out dry-cleaned clothing—hang outside/garage before wearing. For extra precaution, you can wear an undershirt/tank top underneath perc-treated clothing.
3. In the LAUNDRY ROOM: Who doesn’t love the clean scent of laundry detergents and fabric softeners? What most people don’t know is that how these products get that “mountain spring’” or “fresh cotton scents” is through toxic compounds. A simple solution is to stick to more “green,” natural alternatives or try replacing fabric softener with one-half cup of white vinegar to reduce static cling and soften clothing.
4. In the BATHROOM: How many “products” (shaving cream, cologne, deodorant, shower gel, shampoo, sunscreen) are part of your daily regiment? The government has created the terminology “maximum safe level” to set limits on the safe dosage of chemicals in products. However, if you are putting the maximum save level on your body in six different products, you have SIX TIMES the safe dosage of those chemicals heading to your bloodstream. Take note of your daily beauty regimen and cut out a few things that aren’t necessary.
5. In the GARAGE: Who doesn’t love that “new car” smell? People love that scent so much that they buy car scents that recreate it. Where does that smell come from? The scent of a new car is the off-gassing of fresh plastics, vinyls, leathers, paints, and synthetic carpets. And new car owners are sucking it down by the lungful. Roll down your windows if weather permits and leave them open when not in the car, the cleaner air is on the outside.

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Co-authors and father/son team Dr. Myron Wentz and Dave Wentz of the new book, The Healthy Home (already a New York Times bestseller) take you from room-to-room through a typical home, pointing out the surprising health risks posed by the everyday products and behaviors of any modern family.