What in the world does "macroeconomics" have to do with personal finance? Well, it turns out quite a bit. Many people believe we have no control over the big picture, just our response to it. But by understanding larger forces better, we can increase our control over the bits within our individual grasp.

Travel in Europe is still very expensive -- though it has little to do with the rate of exchange. The dollar has strengthened against the euro in recent months, but money-exchange costs, credit-card fees, and the American urge to shop often wipe out any financial gain.

Many people use debt for immediate gratification, or to plug a leak in a sudden financial hole. But used properly, debt can be a strategic financial-planning tool. Dr. Brown offers up two examples of how his own financial advisor saved him money by helping him to use credit wisely.