Kids don't learn about money through osmosis. They don't magically learn to become financially responsible. And SpongeBob isn't going to teach them to save. Children must be taught these principles, and they must be encouraged to practice them from a very early age.

How do you teach your children to be financially successful?

If you want your children to grow up to be financially responsible adults, you have to let them handle money often and early on. They need to practice spending, banking and saving. They need to learn what it feels like to blow all their money and then not have money for something they really want or need.

There are some dangers, according to Paul Lermitte, financial planner, that parents face if you don't have a system for teaching your kids healthy habits and attitudes about money. 

• Financial dependency: Your kids could become financially irresponsible, and remain financially dependent on you.

• Destructive values: Your children could develop destructive values about money, equating it with self worth or becoming addicted to possessions. They may believe that happiness depends on having the latest gadgets and toys.

• Debt: Your child could become paralyzed by credit card debt and have no idea of how to set financial goals or save for the future.

• Loss of confidence: Your kids could lack the confidence to make sound financial decisions.

• Teaching the wrong thing: You may try, but fail, and wind up teaching your children the wrong values about money.

• Family conflict: You need strong principles and a plan of action to avoid arguments over money that can destroy family relationships.

You should understand the following principles in order to teach your children financial responsibility.

• Talk about it: Discuss money issues with children on an ongoing basis.

• Start early: Start working with them at about 5 years of age.

• Give up control: Let them do things themselves. Let them make bank deposits and withdrawals, make their own purchases and decide what to spend their money on.

• Let them make mistakes: Let them make and learn from their own mistakes.

• Set limits: Give your kids enough money to learn important financial principles, but no so much that they think money is unlimited. 

• Provide structure: Help them develop a consistent saving and spending plan so they will have some sort of structure to work within as you let them learn.

As your children learn and grow from these experiences, they'll learn to be more responsible and appreciative of what they have – and what they earn.

The new limits on credit card fees called for in last year's credit card legislation are finally in place, and card issuers can no longer pile fees up or charge users ridiculous amounts for a payment that is a day or two late.

That's all well and good, but it doesn't mean you can ignore your card policies. Issuers are still rolling out new cards and new tricks, designed to keep consumers paying out time and time again.

To make the most out of your cards, here are some tips:

• Remember that it's still bad to pay late. Those who habitually do so can be charged more than the $25 the Federal Reserve has set as the limit on late fees. Late payments will also dirty up your credit report and lower your credit score. So pay on time. 

• Your minimum payments could rise. The card issuers have been given a cap on late fees, but that doesn't mean they can't increase your minimum payment. 

• Inactivity fees are now illegal. But that doesn't mean your card issuer won't sneak other fees into your card agreement. Annual fees, processing fees, fees for balance transfers and cash advances…all of these are doable and there are no caps.

• Banks and other card issuers are changing their marketing strategies when it comes to cash rewards programs. The programs are becoming more complex. Read the fine print.

• Credit card rates are still very high; in fact, many are at their highest point in a decade. Pay down your balance as quickly as you can, and then aim for a zero balance every month.

• College students under the age of 21 will not be able to get credit cards anymore, so you'll have to co-sign for your kid. But should you? If you can limit the borrowing ability to a manageable amount, you trust that payments will be made in a timely manner, and your child has proven he or she can effectively manage cash and a debit card, then go for it.

Now that summer's almost over and school is starting, many folks are beginning to think about planning for holiday spending. Here are some things you can do to get control of your budget and save some money – money you can use to be sure Santa is extra-good to you this year.

• Use a budget planner. If you notice that you are spending money on things that are not necessary or that you always seem to have more month than money, you may want to seek the services of a professional. Getting an objective viewpoint is bound to be helpful and could put your budget back online.

• Carry out a financial health check. If you find that you constantly struggle with paying your bills, consider getting some advice on how to manage debt. The sooner you deal with any debt you have, the easier it may be to resolve the problem and get out of debt.

• Save energy and get healthier. There are a number of options in this area. Start with using your car less, especially when it is viable to walk instead. Cooking at home instead of eating out can also save a lot of money and keep you fit. And with current energy prices as high as they are, taking short showers instead of a bath, and using energy-saving lightbulbs can save you a lot on your electric bill.

• Use price comparison Web sites. You could save hundreds by simply shopping online for the best deals. Shop for caparisons on everything from car insurance to clothing to items for your home. Look for cash back deals also.

• Watch for special deals at the supermarket and buy in bulk whenever you can. Markets often compete for your business and offer great deals on certain items; check the labels to see if there are any deals offered. Also check for discounts on perishable items. It helps to be flexible about what you buy, as some items are sold for a fraction of their original price when they are close to their sell-by date.

By cutting corners and tightening your belt a little now, you can be sure you'll have a holly, jolly Christmas.

The essence of marketing for any business owner is to understand your customers' needs and develop a plan that surrounds those needs. And it's a given that anyone who owns a business has a desire to see that business grow. 

The most effective way to grow and expand your business is by focusing on organic growth. The best way to do this is to acquire more customers, persuade them to buy more or more expensive products or persuading customers to buy more profitable products. Each of these will increase your revenue and profit.

But your focus should mainly be on acquiring more customers. Why? Because by increasing your customers your increase your customer base, and your revenues then come from a larger base.

How can you use marketing to get more customers? Spend time researching and create a strategic marketing plan based on your findings. Guide your product development to reach out to customers your business isn't currently attracting. Price your products and services competitively, and develop your message and materials based on solution marketing.

When it comes to your customers, you must keep in mind the importance of target marketing. By taking the time to pitch your sales and marketing efforts to the correct market, you will be more productive, and you won't waste time or effort.

If you are like most small business owners, your budget for marketing is limited. The most effective way to market a small business is to create a well-rounded program that combines sales activities with your marketing tactics. Your sales activities will not only decrease your out-of-pocket marketing expense but it will also add the value of interacting with your prospective customers. This research is priceless.

Check with your vendors to see if they'd be willing to participate in co-op advertising with you. You can also introduce yourself to the media. Call them and suggest story ideas on your business or industry. Piggyback on local events by sponsoring them.

By being diligent in your marketing and creating an easy strategy, you will see your business grow at an exceptional rate. And you won't even need a large budget to make it happen.

Going off to college this fall? Remember that college is a time for you to learn money management skills because it will be the first time you'll be handling money without parental supervision. Whether your parents will be supporting you financially or you opt for a part-time job, it is crucial for you to learn how to budget now so you will have proper money management skills in the future.

So before you pack your bags and head out for college, sit down now and use these tips to help you plan out a budget.

The first step in developing a college budget is knowing what costs you will incur. These costs can be broken down into two categories: fixed and variable. Fixed costs can include tuition, rent or room and board, car payments, car insurance and parking fees. These costs are set figures.

Variable costs can include entertainment, gasoline, food, utilities, hygiene necessities, clothes, car maintenance, books, phone bills and club dues. These costs can vary from month to month.

Once you know your fixed and variable costs, you need to determine if your sources of income will cover these costs. Income can include pay from a part-time job, allowance from home, grants, scholarships or loans. If your estimated expenses exceed your estimated income, then you need to identify ways to reduce your expenses or increase your income.

You will also ned to determine what type of bank accounts will be appropriate. It is probably best to get checking and savings accounts so that you can save as well as pay your bills. Look for banks that offer checking accounts with no minimum balances and no monthly fees, and a savings account that can be used as overdraft protection for the checking account.

If you are going to college close to home, you can go ahead and set up these accounts now. If you are going to college far away from home, you can wait until you move there before you set them up.

Once you get to college and start spending money, you may realize that the original budget needs to be reworked. You may find out that you need more money or that you have way too much money to waste. Either way, you'll need to make adjustments.

And remember, learning how to manage your money now will prove invaluable later.

Your kids may want to wear the hottest new trend when they hit the hallways at school in a couple of weeks, but you've got a budget to consider. Can you really afford to outfit them in clothes they'll actually want to wear without breaking the bank?

Retail giants, you know who they are, offer great savings for back to school basics, but don't discount smaller shops. Keep in mind that summer clothes can be worn to school with a few extra pieces like sweaters, tights or new shoes. Shop end-of-summer sales and wait a while before hitting the fall fashion racks.

The Web sites of the big box stores tend to have a wider style selection than you can find in any one store, so you can save on gas at the same time you save on the kids' clothes. Keep in mind that you can find some great deals on gently-worn items on eBay as well.

But remember, shopping online can be a little tricky when it comes to finding the right fit. Sizes also very from store to store, so it's a good idea to measure your child before placing an order online or picking up an item in-store. Measure your child's height, waist and inseam, and know his approximate weight. If you're purchasing hats, measure the circumference of the head, 1/4 inch above the ear. For shoes, measure the length of the foot from the tip of the longest toe to the heel.

You may also want to check out the outlet malls. You can find last year's looks and some slightly damaged pieces from this year's trends, but with serious discounts – if you're willing to spend the time sifting through the merchandise.

Be sure to hit the consignment and vintage shops. Vintage clothing and jewelry are hot right now, and your teens will love it – and so will your wallet. You can even take in some old clothes and sell them on consignment.

Before you shop, follow these tips to make back to school shopping easier:

• Start with a wardrobe inventory, figure out what your child needs or doesn't need, and spend accordingly.
• Refashion what you can. Find new ways to take last year's clothes and update them. For example, you can update jeans with patches, paint and sequins. T-shirts can be snipped, tied and tweaked.
• Host a clothing swap. Just because your kid is sick of her clothes, doesn't mean her friends will be.
• Trade in last year's clothes. Place them on consignment.
• Focus on basics. This year's trends won't last long, so use most of your back to school budget to buy basics, adding one or two trends to please your kids.
• Shop all year round. You don't have to do it all before school starts. Look for good deals all year long, and you may be able to skip the back to school crowds and sticker shock.

By sticking to a few rules and being willing to think outside the shopping cart, you can make your wallet – and your kids – happy with the contents of their closets.

One necessary expenditure that can quickly get out of hand for most families is the grocery budget. Even if you clip coupons, watch for sales and chase bargains all over town, your grocery budget can quickly eat up more of your bottom line than you'd like.

Some families resort to hot dogs and canned beans when this happens or, worse yet, ramen noodles and store brand bologna. These items are all dirt cheap, but don't offer much flavor or variety, and are certainly not healthy. But then again, what average family budget can sustain a diet of artisan cheeses, organic arugula and fresh salmon? These items are delicious and nutritious, but would wreak havoc on even the most generous family budgets.

Smart households know that to eat well on a budget, you have to look for foods that are packed with nutrients, delicious and cost pennies per serving. If you can find these items, you will find they are cheap enough that you can even afford to purchase the organic varieties.

Here's a list of 12 of the most delicious, inexpensive and nutritious foods your dollar can buy.

• Sweet potatoes: Full of fiber and vitamins, and they taste great. You can roast them in a tiny bit of olive oil and they are, when prepared this way, generously rich and sweet without any butter or sugar. They are also wonderful in curries and stews.
• Winter squash: Butternut, acorn and other hard squashes are terrific sources of vitamins and fiber. An added benefit is that they keep well, so you can buy them while doing your weekly shopping and not have to worry about them spoiling after a day or two.
• Lentils: Unlike beans, lentils do not require any presoaking and cook in just 20 minutes. They contain a good amount of protein and are very filling. They stand up to strong spices and can be a good substitute for meat in dishes like curry and chili.
• Collard greens: Collards and other greens, such as turnip, mustard and beet, can be prepared by simply cutting them into strips and giving them a brief saute. They're extremely inexpensive and nutritious, and contain vast amounts of phytonutrients.
• Kale: A lot cheaper than chard or spinach, or other salad greens, and it can be a much more budget-friendly item as well as a healthy choice.
• Cabbage: This dietary staple is inexpensive and easy to find, easy to prepare and tastes good.
• Carrots: They are delicious raw or are great way to stretch more expensive vegetables in stir fries, stews and other dishes. They are also fairly hardy and can live in your crisper for quite a while, so you can always have them on hand.
• Oatmeal: It's not just for breakfast. You can use super-nutritious and healthy oatmeal to beef up your goodies on a budget. It can be used in meatloaf and meatballs instead of bread crumbs.
• Bananas: One of the least expensive fruits, you can find them everywhere and they are packed with fiber and nutrients. They make the perfect snack, and when they start to brown, you can freeze them for smoothies and baking.
• Strawberries: Don't buy them off-season when they're more expensive, but in season, during spring and summer, they are abundant and cheap. This fruit is loaded with antioxidants and fiber, and freeze beautifully. You can use them in smoothies, sauces and baked goods.
• Dried beans: They are extremely versatile, as well as cheap and nutritious. You can stretch soups and stews with beans to make a delicious, protein-rich, filling one-dish meal. Bean burritos, bean burgers and bean chili are all easy to make, and very tasty and budget-friendly.
• Quinoa: Health food store  bulk bins often have this item for a very affordable price, and it can be used instead of rice or potatoes as the starch component of a meal. You can also cook it like oatmeal for a hearty breakfast cereal. Quinoa is a complete protein on its own and contains a fair amount of iron and magnesium.

Replacing some of your more expensive grocery items with these cheap and yummy alternatives can mean paying less at the grocery store, while making sure your family is still healthy and happy.

Nearly half of all older baby boomers, ages 56 to 62, and about 44 percent of all younger boomers, ages 46 to 55, will likely not have enough money in retirement to pay for basic retirement expenses and uninsured medical expenses. A recent study by the Employee Benefit Research Institute, which assumed that boomers will retire at 65, found that lower-income retirees are most likely to run out of money after 10 years or retirement, while higher-income retirees are least likely.

The reality is that most people don't run out of money, they just run out of lifestyle. As they age and spend down their assets, they just downgrade their living standard. Some research shows that Americans will be forced to spend less. After factoring in health care and long-term costs, some 65 percent of American households are at risk of not having enough money to maintain their living standard in retirement.

It's not likely most boomers will retire at 65. Most, assuming good health, will work past 65. According to Sun Life Financial's Unretirement Index, 55 percent of Americans expect to work full- or part-time after age 67. There's also a sharp rise in the number of workers who say they'll have to work longer than planned because of the economic crisis.

Americans are already working longer, whether it's to maintain a standard of living, stay mentally engaged or for the health care benefits. Americans age 65 and up now typically get about 40 percent of their income from working.

But the bottom line is still this: saving more and reducing your standard of living now may the be only way to ensure you have a standard of living later on. Most people will need to up their savings by 25 percent.

If you don't have a clear view of your financial picture, consult a financial planner. Getting it right now means living like you want later.

Jobs for teenagers is at an all-time low – the lowest it's been for decades, says employment research firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas.
According to the Labor Department, 497,000 jobs in June for 16- to 19-year-olds had been found, which is 29 percent below the number of summer jobs found by teens in June 2009.

This could end up being the worst summer job market in employment records going back to 1948," said John Challenger, CEO of the firm.

But if your teen has been lucky enough to land a job, you should step in and guide him to learn how to manage that paycheck.

First of all, have the tax talk with your teen. Explain the realities of gross vs. net before your teen gets any big ideas about how he'll spend his wages. Go over that first pay stub, explaining how and why taxes are taken out, as well as the difference between income taxes and FICA taxes.

Help your kid open two accounts – a savings and a checking. Spend time with your teen comparing fees and rates, and look for no-fee checking accounts specifically for teens. You'll have to co-sign the accounts. Your teen will get an ATM or debit card and will have to learn to keep his books balanced. Make sure he understands overdraft fees and how they can add up.

Help your teen understand the benefits of savings. He may not enjoy stashing money in the bank, but he will understand that he can use that money soon to buy an iPod or get a limo for homecoming. Help him figure how much he'll need to deduct from each paycheck to meet that goal. You may even wish to show him how to have the amount automatically deducted from his paycheck each pay period.

You can even offer the incentive of matching his contributions to savings.

But don't micromanage your child. The best lesson a teen can learn about earning money is throwing that first paycheck away and then needing money that he no longer has. Experience is, after all, the best teacher.

Television is full of advertisements aimed at selling you a new car. The industry is counting on low interest rates, an upswing in the economy, and the guarantee that if you lose your job, you have an extended grace period on your loan.

But if you're in the market for a new car, before you start shopping around, be sure to call your insurance agent first. Insurance companies base rates primarily on your driving history, but an expensive new vehicle raises flags that can add $1,000 or more to your annual tab.

Because of the economic depression, the number of Americans driving without insurance has risen. In 2008, 13.8 percent of drivers were uninsured, compared to 16.3 percent today. And those who do have insurance are paying more for it. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the cost of motor vehicle insurance rose just 7.6 percent between 2006 and 2009. But it jumped 4.5 percent between 2008 and 2009. According to industry experts, this is because the cost of repairs has risen sharply.

If you decide to purchase a new vehicle, call your insurance company for estimates once you've narrowed down your purchase choices. Then consider these tips as you review your options:

• Assess your driver profile. Insurer records give insurance companies a good idea of what kind of driver goes for a particular type of vehicle. That profile can help or hurt you. For example, minivan or small SUV owners tend to not use the cars to commute and avoid night driving, and are seen as safer drivers and are the cheapest to insure. Sports car drivers pay more for insurance.
• Consider the model year. The latest model year is more expensive. Wait to buy until there's a newer model on the lot.
• Ask about recalls. If you're considering buying a car that has had a recall, ask your insurer if that will impact your insurance rate.
• Pick your own color. Red cars, contrary to popular belief, don't cost more to insure.
• Check safety records. Insurers like models that have a record of few claims. You may be able to lower your rate through discounts for features like anti-lock brakes or anti-theft devices. They can knock 10 percent off your bill.
• Combine policies. Buying any new car may help cut your overall bill, and many insurance companies offer discounts of 10 percent to 20 percent for insuring more than one vehicle.
• Look at hybrids. They have inexpensive parts and mechanics must be specially trained, which pushes up costs. But owners tend to be more responsible and safe drivers, and a solid driving record can make the difference in how affordable insurance is for a hybrid.

The bottom line is this: do your homework and shop around. Communicate with your insurance agent. And in the end, you'll be driving a lot happier and safer...with a much fatter wallet.

More than half of all U.S. businesses are home-based, yet these types of businesses are often dismissed as hobbies or part-time ventures with limited economic impact.

But some research shows that about 6.6 million home-based businesses provide at least half of their owners' household income. The number of "homepreneurs" will continue to grow over the next decade, due in part to a sluggish economy, high unemployment and lack of jobs.

With that in mind, there are trends that we can look for in this part of the business world.

• Small business will continue to focus on cost containment and cash flow. The obvious cost advantage of a home-based business will lead to more small businesses being or becoming home-based.
• A new, do-it-yourself movement is gathering steam among homepreneurs. Crafters, digital tinkerers, green advocates and others are using their garages, basements and backyards as their factories. These artisans are combining digital technology and tools with traditional methods to create innovative products, processes and business models.
• Cloud-based IT services provide access to advanced computing capabilities on a variable cost basis, reduces the need for IT infrastructure and support and enables mobile computing. The Cloud is a key driver of the shift toward home businesses.
• Mobile computing growth has provided home businesses with the tools needed to operate and mange a distributed business using smart phones, netbooks and location-based Internet services.
• Social computing is not just a trend among non-business folk. Social media are online marketing tools that allow home businesses to develop sophisticated marketing programs like those once only available to large companies.
• New localism is a trend that has been around for a while, and is driven by changing demographics, technology, rising energy prices and concerns about the environment. Americans are becoming more concerned about where they live; their communities. Home businesses tap into this by allowing greater community focus for the owner and by benefitting from market opportunities created by locally-oriented customers.
• Aging baby boomers are flocking to home business, drawn by the flexibility, the opportunity for an improved work/life balance and the desire to pursue a new career.
• Interest in balancing life and work is rising among all demographic segments. Homepreneurs often cite work/life balance as one of the key benefits of home business ownership.

The Federal Reserve has released new rules that will limit most credit card penalties to $25, and fees for not using the cards will be eliminated. The new rules will take effect Aug. 22.

"The Federal Reserve's guidelines issued today are great news for consumers," said Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.), one of the authors of the credit card laws.

The Fed's ruling could mean lower interest rates for consumers, and will require banks to reconsider interest rate hikes that have been put in place during the past year. Banks would be forced to reduce rates if the reasons for the increases are non-existent. Regulators will review and enforce the cuts.

But with the new limit comes a little wiggle room for the credit card companies. The Fed leaves room for larger penalty fees to be charged if a consumer has shown a pattern of repeated violations or if a card issuer can show that a higher fee offsets its own costs in dealing with the penalty.

For consumers, the new rules mean no more being fearful that they'll be charged a fee for not using their cards. It also means that penalty fees can't exceed the dollar amount incurred by the customer's violation that caused the fee. In other words, if a customer exceeds a credit limit of $5, that customer cannot be charged more than $5 as an over-the-limit fee.

Consumers can also wave goodbye to multiple penalty fees, as long as the violation was based on a single late payment. The $25 limit will mean significant savings for consumers who face median penalty fees of $39. Credit card companies have also been prohibited form hiking interest rates on existing balances as long as customers pay their bills on time. They are also required now to notify their customers at least 45 days in advance of interest rate increases and most fee changes.

But if cardholders are repeatedly late or over their credit limit, and the issuer can justify the fee to regulators, the second penalty fee could be raised to $35.

Even with these changes, the Fed still has not addressed interest rate hikes imposed on consumers who violate the terms of their credit card agreements.

Experts in the industry say that although the new restrictions decrease the ability of the credit card industry to price for risk, the net effect will be a decrease in credit availability.

In the current uncertain economy – managing your debt may be one of the most important financial survival skills you have

many consumers find themselves in an uncertain financial position these days. In the not-so-recent past, using up home equity and leveraging expected (and usually successful) financial market returns is no longer a viable or sustainable method of debt management.

Far too many consumers are finding themselves in a debt hole – as evidenced by the still-mounting home-foreclosure numbers. For more and more consumers, reduced credit scores and the decreased availability of credit due to the tightening of credit by banks and other lenders has come as an unpleasant shock. Some consumers have had their credit limits cut, which may have a negative impact on their scores, while others undergoing serious financial stress due to unemployment or other factors have seen their credit scores drop rapidly.

It is a good time for all consumers to “wake up” and carefully examine every debt/liability account they have – deciding in each case whether the accounts are really serving the purposes for which they were obtained – and if they remain affordable. One example of an unnecessary account is a charge account from a retail store that you no longer shop at . It may be time to finally close that account.

One tried and true rule of thumb is that your total monthly debt should not exceed 20% of your net income.

Your credit score is determined by your payment history, total amounts owed, the length of your credit history, and the type of credit you use as well as new credit obtained recently. Paying bills on time and keeping credit card debt at reasonable levels are major factors in changes to your credit score. A credit score of 750 or better is likely to get you the best rates on loans; a score of 710-750 is also considered high. Credit scores in the 580-710 range will most likely get you approved for a loan, but at slightly higher rates of interest. Anything below that means you probably be denied credit or will be charged very high interest rates if you are even allowed to borrow.

You can obtain a free copy of your credit report every 12 months at AnnualCreditReport.com. To obtain your actual credit score, you'll need to go through one of the three credit bureaus, which will charge a fee of up to $15 typically.

Contact your creditors if you have a problem paying bills on time. Dispute negative or incorrect information on your reports. Consult a nonprofit credit counselor if necessary, and avoid websites and offers that promise immediate credit repair or results.

Last night I spent $25 on a movie …

OK … that was the personal finance part of this post …

I took my wife to see an absolutely wonderful movie last night – Letters to Juliet is a movie about love at any age, played with sensitivity, beauty and expressiveness by Amanda Seyfried and the seemingly timeless Vanessa Redgrave. Redgrave plays Claire, a woman who, at the age of 15, was too scared to follow her heart and run away with the Italian boy she loved, instead returning to England with her parents and living a more conventional life. Heartbroken over her lack of courage, the young woman writes a tearful letter to Juliet (from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet) and leaves the letter behind a brick in the wall underneath “Juliet's” balcony in Verona, Italy.

Seyfried is a young woman visiting Italy 50 years later. Left to her own devices by her workaholic fiancée, she meets Juliet's “secretaries,” a group of women who reply to the letters left for Shakespeare's fictional heroine by distraught young women looking for advice. Finding Claire's letter, she writes a poignant and sensitive reply. Claire, traveling with her uptight, very “British” grandson, returns to Italy and the search for her long lost Lorenzo begins with sometimes hilarious results – but throughout it all, the theme of optimistic, life-affirming love permeates the performances of Redgrave, Seyfried and others.

If you want to see a movie that makes you feel like anything is possible – go see “Letters to Juliet.”

I'm a guy … and I loved this “chick-flick.”

Nike, Adidas, Puma, Saucony, Asics. Does the $20 Billion running shoe industry deliver on its promises? Or should we run barefoot like Abebe Bikila at the 1960 Olympics in Rome?

I ran constantly as a teen, completing two marathons by the time I left for college in 1982. I kept up my running – and even entered a few races, but as the years went by and my responsibilities (and my weight) increased, I found less and less time for my favorite exercise. I took up cycling for awhile, but now, at the age of 45, I find myself 60 lbs. heavier and out of shape.

With a practically new pair of Saucony trainers from a yard sale (the same brand I swore by as a high school cross country runner), I started running a few days ago.

But I wondered – are the shoes that cost me virtually nothing good enough? Maybe I need a new pair from a running store. Boy, how things have changed since I last purchased a $30 pair of shoes!

Adidas has come up with a $250 shoe with a microprocessor in the sole that instantly adjusts cushioning for every stride. Asics spent $3 million and eight years (three more years than it took to create the first atomic bomb) to invent the Kinsei, a shoe that boasts 'multi-angled forefoot gel pods', and a 'midfoot thrust enhancer'. Each season brings an expensive new purchase for the average runner. And some experts recommend getting new shoes every three months!

Is all of this technology really necessary? Our ancestors ran (and certain modern African and Central American tribes) run miles barefoot or with minimal foot covering.

A new book by Christopher McDougall claims that injury rates for runners are actually on the rise, that everything we've been told about running shoes is wrong - and that it might even be better to go barefoot! Every year, 65 to 80 per cent of all runners suffer some type of injury. Until 1972, when the modern athletic shoe was invented, runners typically used thin-soled shoes, had stronger feet and had a much lower incidence of knee injuries, he contends.

By contrast, Abebe Bikila of Ethiopia trained and ran the 1960 Rome marathon barefoot – maybe, just maybe – running WITHOUT SHOES makes your foot stronger and shoes actually cause some of the musculature of your foot and ankle to weaken – leaving you vulnerable to injury. Perhaps all that technology is part of the problem.

My high school cross country coach had a similar theory – advocating that we run sprints once a week on the football field (where there were no rocks or uneven terrain) to counteract the weaknesses caused by shoes.

Maybe my coach was right after all.

Nike seems to think so – and in perfect capitalist fashion – has found a way to make money from this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGyd4hsJMW0

For the bargain price of only $85, you can own the Nike Free, a thin soled shoe meant to protect against, well, very little. Its almost like running without shoes.

Nike's slogan? “Run Barefoot.”