Before the term “financial planner” was coined in 1969, brokers, bankers, accountants, attorneys and insurance agents scattered the landscape of advice givers. I'd like to debunk a few myths that are perpetuated by mainstream media and others who know little about this profession.

Erik Piantedosi, owner of Piantedosi Butcher Shop in Plymouth, says shoppers are “better off going to an independently owned (shop), so you can see the meat when we cut it.”

I have spring fever like nobody’s business. That’s too bad for me though, because this year there’s no traveling wiggle room. Beyond dreaming of our coveted summer trip to visit family in North Carolina, we are bound to late winter in Chicago. We’ll survive though, because as spring break week approaches and “everyone” is going south, we’re making plans for a staycation. We’ll get creative and put our frugal minds to the test, go out on the town when we can and find ways to transform our gray days. 

Weekly auto rail, with tips for increasing your truck's gas mileage, Car Q&A with Junior Damato and more.

John Napolitano, CEO of U.S. Wealth Management in Braintree, Mass., has been working to help clients manage their finances for almost 20 years.

Weekly business rail, with tax tips, BBB warning about Olympic memorabilia and more.

In the male-dominated world of motorcycles in the 1960s, Kay Moneghan didn’t just sit back and let the men work on Harleys. She did it herself – becoming the first woman ever to become a Harley-Davidson certified mechanic, her employees said.

Weekly financial Q&A, with questions on debt and children and the right time to buy a home.

Golf can be a tough sport to master, but one entrepreneur is selling a device that can make it much easier for golfers to perfect their swings. The Thumb Caddy is a small device slipped over the grip of a golf club to help stabilize a golfer’s left hand.

The seemingly daily coverage of Toyota’s safety problems has put a focus on the issue of recalls. Since the beginning of the year, the Japanese maker has announced safety campaigns to handle a variety of problems, from sticky accelerator pedals to malfunctioning Prius brakes. But while the spotlight may be shining on the world’s largest maker, it’s by no means alone.

Computers are so cheap, companies are finding other ways to scrounge revenue on them.

Are spenders doomed to a life of bad decision-making when it comes to saving? I, a self-admitted spender, believe that it is within our ability to change. Thank goodness experts agree that with a bit research and some stick-to-it-iveness, even full-blown spenders can be cured.  

During the winter months, a trip to warm climates can be a relatively affordable escape. Warm islands such as the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and other close Caribbean islands can be inexpensive getaways, says Arnold Greenblatt, owner of Atlas Travel Agency.

Campaigns built around charitable efforts have become a staple of marketing strategies for many companies, tying sales to benefits to everything from Hurricane Katrina victims and breast cancer research to veterinary care for homeless pets.

Financial independence means different things to different people. For some, it means getting past living from paycheck to paycheck. For others, it means being debt-free. But for my clients, it means that they've saved enough to live their desired lifestyle without having to work every day.