Forbes Video: Keep Your Pets Inside for July 4, Says Mervin The Chihuahua

By SIMON CONSTABLE

Mervin the Chihuahua is back, this time with a warning. America's cutest Chihuahua says he doesn't like fireworks and neither do other cats and dogs.

Actually, he didn't say anything, because not only does he have no teeth, but be also can't 

speak. But his minder, Joey Teixeira, senior manager at the ASPCA Adoption Center, spoke for him, with the same sentiment.

It matters because Independence Day celebrations usually involve massive firework displays, which will in all likelihood alarm Merv and others like him. For that reason, keep your pets indoors and safe for the holiday. Teixeira explains in this video. 

TheStreet: Study Blows Hole In 'Free Condom' Programs

By SIMON CONSTABLE

Do condoms really reduce teen pregnancies?

Not so much, according to a study recently published by the National Bureau of Economic Research. Free or low-cost distribution seems to have the opposite effect: fertility rates rise 10%. Read more here.

Forbes Video: Be The Next Carl Icahn -- Play Trading Games

By SIMON CONSTABLE

When people first start investing they tend to make a lot of mistakes. That’s just like any other activity worth pursuing.

So what do you if you want to be the next mega successful investor, such as Carl Icahn or Warren Buffett, but don’t have any money to lose? Try using a simulated trading program where you can play at being an investor without actually needing any money.

Before the advent of new technology people would write down their trades in a note book to see how they would have performed.  But these days its even easier. It can all be done online. If you use such a service, then hopefully  you can make your mistakes before you start using real money. Nicole Slavitt, CEO of financial services firm Kapitall, explains. Read more here.

U.S. News: Individual Investors Are Dumping U.S. Stocks, Which Means It's Time to Buy

By SIMON CONSTABLE

Month after month, it seems the same for small investors – they are dumping mutual funds that specialize in U.S. stocks. 

We aren't talking small amounts either. The dollar amounts are huge. But for anyone with the stomach to hold tight with their investments, the trend is actually a bullish sign. Read more here.

Forbes Video: Three Millennial Money Mistakes To Skip

By SIMON CONSTABLE

Money can be a scary topic to discuss, or even to think about. Still, it shouldn't be, because like it or not, money will be part of your life. You need to get some mastery over it.

But start with some simple things. First, I'd suggest you avoid the classic mistakes that cause people to lose money. By eliminating some bad habits you effectively improve your odds of doing better with your money.

Nicole Slavitt, CEO of financial services firm Kapitall, has some ideas. Read more here. 

Forbes Video: How YOLO Destroys Your Finance$

By SIMON CONSTABLE

If you didn't already know it, YOLO is an acronym which stands for You Only Live Once. While that is certainly true, it is also associated with a spendthrift attitude, which is probably best summed up with the phrase "spend now and worry later."

The problem with following that path is multifaceted, not least of which because all debts eventually come due. Worse still, it could destroy your financial future.

Nicole Slavitt, CEO of financial services firm Kapitall, explains how to approach your money. Read more here.

Forbes Video: Why Your Pet Needs A Disaster Plan Too

By SIMON CONSTABLE

We are now entering tornado season and that means you may need to leave your home in a hurry. Not only do you need a plan of what to do and take for yourself and your family. But you also need one for your pets.

Put simply, if you need to leave, then so do your dogs and cats. And you need to take the stuff you need for them along with you.

Joel Lopez, ASPCA, director of planning & field ops, explains. Read more here.