The lab boys just released some info that says kids who have a stressful home life and an all-over-the-place nervous system are more likely to develop behavior problems. It's one of those "well, duh" moments, but I'll let it slide. All the more reason to get on a budget and have some stress reduction, if you ask me.

In any case, when a kid sees his parents respond to stress by spending money, it causes him to do the same thing. Too many times, people blow off steam by blowing a lot of dough. And when kids see parents do it, they grow into adults who do the same thing, see?

If money problems have got you pulled tighter than a cheap watch on a fat man's wrist, then you know it affects more than just you. It spills over to your family, your job ... heck, even your dog will give you an extra lick to help you feel better. Life's too short for that jazz. Get started on one of these Total Money Makeovers, and your stress level will drop like a boat anchor. Put that one in your pipe, baby.