How to stop your divorce and save your marriage

by Joseph Nicholson

Society and Divorce

How divorce is treated by the law is largely a reflection of social attitudes, which have changed dramatically over time. When divorces were first made widely available, the legal procedure retained the centuries old stigma of one spouse having to prove a fault in the other almost as if they were seeking conviction just to be released from the bonds of matrimony. During this period, stopping a divorce usually meant contesting the grounds on which it was filed. The remnants of this system still exist in state legal systems as what are known as "fault divorce." (read more)

The best wine tours in California wine country

by Joseph Nicholson

Sometimes called a "Disneyworld for Adults", ever since a Cabernet from Stag's Leap Wine Cellars won top honors in a 1976 blind tasting in Paris, California's wine country has been on the global wine-making map and has enjoyed a steadily increasing popularity from oenophiles and casual sippers alike. The large number of wineries in the Napa Valley region make it impossible to visit them all in a single day, and choosing among the options can be quite daunting. (read more)

How to buy gold coins

by Joseph Nicholson

Either through recognized bullion dealers, coin shops, or online auctions such as eBay, acquiring physical precious metal can be one of the most important and rewarding investments you might ever make. Whether it's a local store front or an online dealer, buying physical requires identifying a reputable source. If local options are not available, several good online bullion stores are the next best thing, though there will be shipping costs. When comparing dealers, consider shipping costs, applicable taxes, availability and, of course, price. If possible, lock in a price per ounce first, and then determine a quantity to order. (read more)

What are the underlying causes of gold price volatility?

by Joseph Nicholson

The usefulness of gold as an economic indicator is highly questionable, but perceptions about the economy can certainly affect the price of gold directly. Gold is widely recognized as a hedge against declines in the U.S. dollar and inflation. Gold is used in most electronic devices like computers and cell phones, but in such small quantities that fluctuations in these markets have little effect on the price of gold and vice versa. (read more)

Retirement planning 101

by Joseph Nicholson

It's no fun to think about your own death, and life expectancy does vary by demographic group, but individuals should at least plan to live to 85 years of age for the purpose of retirement budgeting. Most people can maintain their pre-retirement standard of living on only 60 to 80 percent of their former earnings. So, it's a simple calculation then for how much will be needed annually. For those earning more than $50K per year, a target of 60 percent of their pre-retirment income is usually adequate. Those earning between $20K and $30K will probably continue spending as much as 80 percent of their work income in their retirement years. (read more)

How to sign up for Medicare

by Joseph Nicholson

U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents for at least five continuous years are eligible for Medicare if they are 65 years or older. Some individuals under 65 are eligible if they have been receiving Social Security benefits for at least two years. Others qualify because of their specific conditions, such as kidney failure or Lou Gehrig's disease. (read more)

Does Obama meet citizenship requirements to become president?
The 'Natural Born' Killer
Is Barack Obama Eligible to Be President?
by Joseph Nicholson

With the election over, the inauguration balls a mere memory, and the oath of office administered doubly for good measure, the question of Barack Obama's eligibility to the office of president would seem a settled matter. And, for all practical purposes, it is. Nevertheless, partly because the issue of Obama's citizenship was never adequately addressed by a court or Congress, and partly because the real issue was clouded by ridiculous claims, there are still lingering questions in the minds of at least some observers. (read more)

The Symbols of Easter

by Joseph Nicholson

At its foundation, Easter is designed by and for rural folk. The imagery is immediate, culled directly from their surroundings. Spring is the time in which farmers plant seeds -- winter is over and the days are long enough and warm enough to bring forth life-sustaining crops... (read more)

How to Apply for Food Stamps Online

By Joseph Nicholson

The federal food stamps program is called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. About 28 million people rely on receiving this federal assistance... (read more)

How to apply for food stamps in Florida

by Joseph Nicholson

It's estimated that at start of 2009, as many as 28 million Americans were receiving food stamps, more than at any time prior. But, while just about everyone can always use a little help making ends meet, not everyone qualifies for this particular type of assistance... (read more)

How to apply for food stamps in Idaho

by Joseph Nicholson

Effective October 1, 2008, the name of Idaho's Food Stamp Program changed to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. The name change coincided with a change in the program to bring it in line with the US Department of Agriculture's assistance program. Essentially, there is no other food stamp program specific to Idaho... (read more)

Tasty Steak on the Cheap

By Joseph Nicholson

Buying less expensive cuts of steak doesn't have to mean sacrificing that juicy, savory flavor steak-lovers crave. Knowing what to look for at the ... (read more)

Eat Better by Spending Less
by Joseph Nicholson

Save Money and Be Healthier at the Same Time

Ten to fifty percent of a family's food budget goes to fancy packaging, brand names, and other non-essentials, or on fatty, sugary, convenience foods that reduce overall health. Not only do these drains on their finances not provide them with any real value, they can actual do harm and take resources away from more productive ends. With a minimal amount of time and effort, it's easy to eat better by spending less money.

Spend Less on Home Heating

By Joseph Nicholson

The fact that increasing efficiency and using less energy in the home is good for the environment, the fact that it saves money is all the incentive most families need.

Procedure for willing custody of a child to non-family members
by Joseph Nicholson

In the event the parent of a minor child dies, custody of that child will remain with the remaining biological parent or legal guardian. It is perfectly reasonable, however, to contemplate the death of both parents or some such similar situation in which no clear guardian for the minor child exists. In fact, it would probably be irresponsible for a parent NOT to nominate a guardian for their minor children in their Will.

Filing for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection
by Joseph Nicholson

It's pretty rare that an individual would file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, so much so that in 1991 the U.S. Supreme Court had to reaffirm the individual right to Chapter 11 protection. Today, Chapter 11 may be the only bankruptcy option available for some, but it is a complex and expensive option with requirements that differ from other more common individual bankruptcy proceedings, and one that should not be taken lightly.

How to invest with little or no money
by Joseph Nicholson

There's two main ways to turn a little money into a lot of money fairly quickly, but they're not without risk and they're not effortless. Before putting a single dollar into an investment, a trader should spend time working with simulators to get a feel for the market, and should spend a significant amount of time learning as much as possible. Obviously, books and websites can be great resources, as can television shows and friends or family members. Novice traders should be looking to learn market vocabulary, understand the market and economic data calendar, gain a working knowledge of trading strategies, and at least a basic knowledge of business and finance fundamentals. Investing and trading is not gambling, and only with the right information can the odds be moved in a positive favor.