A cash advance on a credit card is one of the worst types of borrowing because the interest rate is typically 21 percent or more.

Writing is hard work, not magic. It begins with deciding why you are writing and whom you are writing for. What is your intent? What do you want the reader to get out of it? What do you want to get out of it. It's also about making a serious time commitment and getting the project done.

The foundation of a financial fresh start actually has nothing to do with money or specific financial dos and don'ts.

Absolutely pay off credit card debt. If you're not getting a match in your 401(k) and you've got credit card debt, you've got to get yourself out of credit card debt. When you get out of credit card debt, your credit score goes up and interest starts to go down.

I've learned an encyclopedia version of life from Oprah Winfrey.

If you're not staying on top of your money, you are putting your financial well-being at risk.

Thoughtful financial planning can easily take a backseat to daily life.