Category Archives: Money/Finances

My BIG Economic Theory

Posted on November 22, 2020 by advicefrommarta

I love small businesses. I have spent a large part of my career supporting them. I’m happy to spend a little more and order a book from my local independent bookstore instead of Amazon. I’m happy to get a Turmeric … Continue reading →

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The Licensed Babysitter

Posted on February 23, 2015 by advicefrommarta

My almost-11-year-old’s current career ambition is to be a babysitter. She wants to babysit, then be a camp counselor, then one day, work with kids with autism. Or, maybe be a scientist that studies autism. Of course, being an author … Continue reading →

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Are You Working for Free

Posted on November 19, 2014 by advicefrommarta

A hula hoop artist (I’ll wait) A hula hoop artist named Revolva (ok, I’ll wait again) A hula hoop artist named Revolva recently wrote an open letter to Oprah. Oprah’s people asked Revolva if she would like to perform as … Continue reading →

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Suburban Mouse in the City

Posted on March 3, 2014 by advicefrommarta

Once a year my husband and I go see the tax guy in Rogers Park and then have lunch at a restaurant in our old neighborhood of Andersonville. We drive by our old apartment and look for ways the neighborhood … Continue reading →

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These Boots: The Title Has a Colon Because I Mention Academia

Posted on January 11, 2014 by advicefrommarta

One hundred years ago, or maybe it was fourteen, or maybe yesterday I’m not sure which, I bought these boots. I had moved to Chicago on a whim, and then seven years later fled the city in what I now … Continue reading →

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Lean in to What?

Posted on June 10, 2013 by advicefrommarta

Several months ago the U.S. government passed a law requiring that all working women read and form an opinion on Sheryl Sandberg’s book Lean In. A rider on the law stipulates that every woman who has a blog (which is … Continue reading →

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Sheryl Sandberg & What We Really Need

Posted on March 15, 2013 by advicefrommarta

I’ve read articles about Sheryl Sandberg’s new book, Lean In that make me want to read it. I’ve also read articles that make me want to run away from it. One of the articles I read discussed the idea that women should … Continue reading →

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Marissa Mayer, This Time it Is Personal

Posted on February 25, 2013 by advicefrommarta

When the then pregnant Marissa Mayer became CEO of Yahoo I did not rejoice. I wasn’t happy or unhappy for her, I don’t know her. Given the huge differences between her career and mine, I didn’t really see how her … Continue reading →

Posted in Family Life, Marketing/Social Media, Money/Finances | Tagged , | 2 Comments

A Mother’s Day Gift We Could Do Without

Posted on May 3, 2012 by advicefrommarta

Every Mother’s Day the mothers of America are treated to a  little condescending gift from the newspapers and magazines of our country. This year, thanks to Hillary Rosen and the Romney Campaign to Blow Everything out of Context and Proportion, … Continue reading →

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Will Girl Scout Cookies Turn Me into a Sanctimommy?

Posted on January 12, 2011 by advicefrommarta

When it comes to the famed mommy wars, I’m pretty much a conscientious objector. I not only don’t care what you do with your kids, I object to the whole idea that if I do care it means that we … Continue reading →

Posted in Family Life, Money/Finances | 2 Comments