Researchers are now identifying what many of us in mental health already knew -- sometimes people's money problems are a part of their psychological makeup. Their attitudes, beliefs and expectations about money are developed in childhood and can affect how a person handles money their entire life.

Some experts like the Financial Consulate in Hunt Valley, MD., recommends that people recognize their history with money by participating in an exercise called their "Personal Money Story." This historical review can uncover the habits, trends and decisions that work for or against a solid financial standing.

I have long noted in my private practice that people who struggle financially often make the most ridiculous decisions; buying a new aquarium when they can't make the mortgage payment, taking an expensive trip when they just lost their job, etc. They may be able to rationalize, explain and justify what they are doing but it still does not make financial sense.

Take a few minutes to take stock of your financial health. At a minimum you should know how much you need each month to break even, how much you bring in, and what your net worth is. I highly recommend using a financial software program like Quicken or Microsoft Money to keep track of all spending. You will be amazed how money gets frittered away on impulse buying or poor decisions.

Barbara Bartlein is the People Pro. For her FREE e-mail newsletter, please visit: The People Pro.

Ever know someone who "has it all," then throws it away by doing something stupid or worse--something fatal? The most well-known examples are celebrities; musicians, entertainers, and athletes, semingly making all the money in the worls and then doing something self-destructive. Think of Brittany Spears, Michael Vick, Paris Hilton, and Wesley Snipes; all are in a self-destructive spiral of their own decisions.

While, hopefully, you are not having similar experiences, many people sabotage their success in more subtle ways. What about you for 2008? Are you in a self-sabotage mode? Are you short-circuiting your own success? Check out the warning signs.

Success saboteurs:

• Fail to place a premium on learning. They become content with what they know and are closed to new ideas and challenges. Because they do not commit to continuous learning, their world narrows as they age. A narrow perspective becomes rigid and stagnant leading to poor decision making. Successful people know that the more they learn, the more they realize that they don't know. They read a wide variety of books and periodicals and have an appreciation of history. A continuous education keeps you humble and curious.
• Give up too soon. If at first they don't succeed, they quit. Yet, often people quit when success is just around the corner. A little more perseverance and the goal could be reached. If you look at the histories of very successful people, it often includes many "failures" that were turned into learning opportunities. Several years ago, more than 20 editors turned down two unpublished authors for a nonfiction book project. Refusing to give up, Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen eventually sold the book for a nominal advance to a small Florida publishing house. Chicken Soup for the Soul became an instant best-seller and has sold millions of copies. The difference between a writer and an author is that the author did not give up.

Money is tight and people are watching their budgets, but is it getting too expensive to eat healthy? In a recent article by the NY Times, it is reported that even middle-class people are struggling to put healthful food on the table. Eating junk food is just cheaper.

A study by the Center of Public Health Nutrition at the University of Washington, compared the prices of 370 foods sold at supermarkets in the Seattle area. The study showed that "energy dense" junk foods, which pack on the calories and fewest nutrients per gram, were less expensive than healthy foods like fruits and vegetables. The prices of the most healthful foods surged 19.5% over a two year period, while junk food prices dropped 1.8%.

This is bad news for working families -- especially with small children. Fresh fruits and vegetables are the building blocks for good health, but they can be expensive. In a time where the daily food-stamp allowance is typically just a few dollars per person, the average American eats $7 worth of food per day.

The economy is sputtering and you need a stomach of iron to watch the daily fluctuations of the stock market; but people ARE still buying. Many businesses are able to make money in spite of the economic meltdown and some are growing at a rapid pace.

According to Automatic Data Processing (ADP), a provider of business outsourcing solutions, the outlook for small business looks optimistic. According to ADP, over 200,000 small business jobs have been created in the last six months. There has been a continuation of growth by small businesses, defined as companies with less than 50 workers, adding 28,000 new jobs in September.

Small businesses have advantages over large corporations. They are able to move quickly in response to market changes and customer demands. They can maintain close contact with their customer base more easily to build customer loyalty. And they can flex staff in response to business demands to save overhead.

Whether large or small, there are things you can do to grow your business in any economy. Smart businesses are taking advantage of the economic meltdown by marketing and acquiring new customers. Here are some techniques to build your business:

• Get closer. Have a focus group of key clients and ask them what types of challenges they are facing. Buy them lunch and listen to their issues and brainstorm possible solutions. Make sure you follow up with each participant, thanking them for their input. Look for possible opportunities for new products or services.
• Conduct periodic surveys. Use Survey Monkey to get customer input quickly on issues in their industry. The basic membership is free and you can create surveys quickly to be completed on-line. This survey service can also be used to gather input from employees, etc.
• Offer solutions. People are willing to pay if you can solve their problems, save them money, or save them time. No one likes to be sold to but people love to buy, especially if they see value. What solutions can you offer that makes life easier for your customers?

It is reported that home values have decreased 17% across the country. And I know they have decreased where I live, in Milwaukee -- so what gives with my taxes? They just continue to go up. We just received notice of a 14.5% increase for next year. Supposedly taxes are based on home values and our house is compared to others in the neighborhood. If values are going down -- why aren't taxes?

I know, it is said that taxes never go down. But I just don't get it. Every year services get cut, the parks are neglected and my leaves sit in the street. Not sure where the taxes are going but it isn't for services. The roads are full of potholes and they are talking about taking down Hoan Bridge, which connects my area of town to the city, because the cost of repairs are too high. Where is all the money going?

I don't know about the rest of the country but mismanagement, sweetheart deals for some of the city and county employees and waste are at least part of the problem. Milwaukee's county executive, Scott Walker, continues to cut services to our beautiful park system while giving one of his key staff members a 33% raise. Our previous county executive was a part of a pension scandal that has cost taxpayers millions. Why do I have to pay for other people's mistakes?

These are the kinds of issues that voters are upset about. Make sure your voice is heard in the voting booth.

Barbara Bartlein is the People Pro. For her FREE e-mail newsletter, please visit: The People Pro.

I worked my way through nursing school in the 70's by waiting tables at a steak house in Colorado Springs. It was great money, about $12-20 per hour, and included a free meal and drink. When I graduated, I took a job at a large hospital in Denver for $5.67 per hour. I quickly realized that I made a whole lot more money waitressing than I did cleaning up patients, lifting, dispensing medicine and sometimes saving lives.

In the last 30 years, wages have certainly gone up but the pay for nurses still remains at a ridiculous level. Starting pay for a new graduate is around $21.55 per hour and the job is so much harder now. Patients rarely stay in the hospital more than a few days even for complex surgeries and illnesses. Nurses must not only stay abreast of medical advances, they have to constantly learn new technology including bedside charting.

It hardly pays to remain in nursing. After 20 or more years, a nurse can expect her salary to only go up about $9 dollars an hour to $29.89. While health benefits are usually good, health care pensions are dismal. As one hospital executive brazenly stated to a nurse's union, "If nurses want a good retirement, they should marry a doctor."

Don't miss the rest of our series on Underrated In America!

With the turmoil in today's markets, more and more retirees are returning to the workforce for extra money. Worried about outliving their shrinking portfolios, many folks are leaving the fishing and golfing to get a job. Some are resentful, feeling that they paid their dues and shouldn't have to work. Others welcome the chance to get out of the house and do something they enjoy.

Regardless of the mindset, work is good for the soul. The word retirement is used only twice in the Bible and both times as a punishment. The idea of retirement really wasn't in people's minds until the advent of social security in 1935. While there were other entitlement programs before this time; benefits to Civil War widows and children being one of them, no program addressed every American until the Social Security Act.

When this legislation was initiated, retirement age was arbitrarily established at 65. While there have been adjustments in recent years, people still view retirement in their 60's as a right that they have earned. This is too bad because physical and mental health are based on exercise and stimulation. Too many older folks find that exiting the workforce alienates them from people, activity, and personal reward.

Personally, I never plan on retiring. I like the work I do. Speaking across the country, writing columns and books, and consulting gives me lots of flexibility and variety. That is, of course the key. Finding something you really love to do and then figure out a way to get paid for it.

Barbara Bartlein is the People Pro. For her FREE e-mail newsletter, please visit: The People Pro.

Radio, TV, infomercials, and phone calls--stop already. This election has been the longest one I can remember; it has gone on and on. At this point, hasn't everyone made up their mind? I made mine up shortly after the primaries. Will another ad or two make a difference?

Apparently the candidates think so. Obama spent a fortune last week renting time on every major station for his infomercial. He plans to release another ad today showing McCain's ties to Cheney. McCain, who doesn't have the war chest of money like Obama, went on Saturday Night Live to increase his reach. By far, the best part of the McCain campaign is Tina Fey's rendition of Sarah Palin.

The ads are endless. That is all you see on TV and if you try to escape in your car, they are on the radio. I try to hide in the house, but folks are coming to the door and calling me on the phone. At this point, I will vote for anyone who doesn't call me with a recorded message.

It raises the question whether this is the best way to do things. With so many folks struggling in this bleak economy, couldn't the political money be put to use helping people? It would be an interesting campaign if every dollar spent had to be matched with a charitable donation. Just think how many folks this could help.

I could enjoy the ads then, knowing that every dollar spent actually helped someone else. I would give more to the campaigns knowing that the money was put to good use. I can't wait until Tuesday is over.

Barbara Bartlein is the People Pro. For her FREE e-mail newsletter, please visit: The People Pro.

In August, I discussed how avoiding technology can be costly and dangerous and how McCain was a self-described "illiterate" when it came to the Internet.

Well, that illiteracy has cost the McCain campaign dearly. Money is pouring into Obama's war chest and much of it is coming from the web. Obama's campaign announced earlier this month that they have received money from more than 100,000 people including 50,000 Internet donors -- more online donors than his chief Democratic rival, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, had total donors. And it is growing.

A quick look and it is easy to see why. The campaign sends out provocative video which can be easily be forwarded to friends and family. There is even a feature where you can upload your entire address book and send the page out. Before you exit the site there is the "ask" for money. It's not a big "ask," just five bucks. Many people think nothing of that contribution. Then you receive periodic e-mails from Obama with a personalized greeting.

Slick? You bet. Whether you agree with his politics or not, Obama gets it. He knows how to connect with the public -- especially the under -50 crowd. He recognizes the power of the internet and how to use it effectively. He is the first candidate to really use the World Wide Web to build his coalition and long-term voter loyalty. As his data base builds, he will have direct access to voters to solicit information, money and opinions. He will be able to promote his agenda and get an immediate "read" on voter reaction.

Welcome to the 21st century.

Barbara Bartlein is the People Pro. Receive her FREE e-mail newsletter. Sign up at The People Pro.

I just left a Center for Cosmetic Surgery after receiving a laser treatment to tighten my skin. This isn't my first time for me under the pulse light. I've had three or four other procedures over the past few years to correct tone, fine wrinkles, surface and aging. It is either this or get a face lift and that's not cheap.

The cost for a face lift ranges from $6,000 to $25,000 depending on the locale, experience of the surgeon and the extent of the procedure. Eyelid surgery is also expensive, running from $3000-$5000. But lasers provide a convenient alternative, at low cost, with minimal downtime.

Lasers are remarkably effective in improving appearance without the expense, pain and downtime involved in surgical options. Skin rejuvination which is 2-3 sessions is around $200-$400 per session. A full skin tightening or "laser face lift" runs $1,500-$2,500 with long lasting results. While there is some discomfort in the procedures -- it feels like a rubber band snapping on your face -- it is much less painful than traditional surgery. While the full effects of the procedures can take many weeks, I have noticed improvement immediately.

Sound too vain for you? I look at it as making money. Since I am in the public eye with speaking, TV appearances and book signings, I can extend my career by looking my best. I don't mind looking my age, but I don't want to look older than I am.

It really is the same for anyone in business. Looking your best gives you confidence and creates a great first impression.

Barbara Bartlein is the People Pro. For her Free e-mail newsletter, visit: The People Pro.