Forbes released its list of the 400 richest people in America last week, and with the financial successes of Republican presidential candidates Mitt Romney and Jon Huntsman bubbling up as hot-button topics during this election season, we were curious as to which politicians — current, former, or aspiring — made the cut this year. So just who are the nine richest politicians? Hint: the aforementioned campaigners didn't even come close!

9. Meg Whitman. Worth a reported $1.7 billion, the former CEO of eBay spent $144 million of her own money on her bid for the California gubernatorial seat in 2010. Though she lost the election to Jerry Brown, she won the top spot at Hewlett-Packard just a year later.
8. Glen Taylor. After a nine-year stint as a Minnesota state senator in the '80s, Republican Glen Taylor plunked down a chunk of his fortune made from his days in the printing industry to buy the majority ownership of the Minnesota Timberwolves professional basketball team. He is reportedly worth $1.7 billion today.
7. Jeff Greene. Real estate helped this mogul earn his billionaire status, and in 2010 he put his money where his mouth is by running as a Democrat for US Senate. Ultimately, he lost the primary election to Kendrick Meek, but his present-day $2.2 billion valuation isn't too shabby.

For the six richest politicians, just keep reading.

We've all been there: a co-worker announces her pregnancy at work, and suddenly there are so many questions we want to ask. How far along is she? How is she feeling? Was is hard keeping it a secret until now? Isn't she just thrilled? Many expecting women are happy to talk to friends and colleagues about the excitement of this time in her life. But some women are more guarded about the topics of pregnancy and childbirth and may be uncomfortable discussing them at the office. Here are 10 questions you should think twice about asking your pregnant co-worker.

How Long Were You Trying?
While this question is usually innocent enough in its intention, it potentially forces the expectant mother to tackle two uncomfortable topics: sex and fertility. Do you really want to broach the subject of how often your colleague does it? Or maybe it's not as simple as a bedroom encounter, and she required insemination or fertility treatments to arrive where she is now. Either way, it's not appropriate office chitchat.

How Much Weight Have You Gained?
Sure, weight gain is an inevitability during pregnancy. But it doesn't mean your colleague isn't self-conscious about it! Regardless of whether she appears to have put on a few or barely gained an ounce, it's probably best to steer clear of this topic.

Are You Coming Back to Work?
The decision between staying at home and working after the child's birth can be a rocky one for any mom-to-be, and there are often some complicated financial decisions underlying her ambivalence. Don't add to the pressure by bringing up such a sensitive topic. It's also possible that she simply hasn't yet made up her mind and is therefore uncomfortable discussing it at work where her manager or others might overhear.

How Will You Be Delivering?
A woman's choice of delivery practices is quite a hot button topic these days, and everyone seems to have an opinion. But whether she opts for a home birth, a scheduled C-section, a hospital birth with interventions, or any multitude of other birthing options, it's not our place as her co-workers to make her talk about it or defend it.

How Old Are You?
Mom may be 40, fabulous, and proud to shout it from the rooftops, but if she hasn't volunteered that information to you before, don't wait until she's pregnant to inquire. She may be generally sensitive about her age or afraid that people will jump to conclusions about the health of her baby.

For five more sensitive questions, just keep reading.

While any politician, political party, or PAC worth its salt would be more than happy to receive your support in the form of cash or check, monetary gifts aren't the only donation recognized by the Federal Election Commission (FEC). Fundraiser tickets, loans, office supplies, and even t-shirts can be considered campaign contributions. Any goods or services provided to a candidate or political committee goes against your $117,000 biennial contribution cap and is subject to the individual committee limits. If you're hanging onto your hard-earned cash but still want to find ways to help out your candidate, here are some things to know about other kinds of campaign contributions that will help you keep your support on the straight-and-narrow.

Donated Items and Services
Donations of supplies, furniture, business services, or anything else of value is considered an in-kind contribution, and the value of these items counts against the FEC's contribution limits. If, as a business owner, you offer a discount to a candidate or committee, then the amount of that discount will be considered a contribution.

Fundraising
Hosting a fundraiser in itself is not considered a campaign contribution, but expenses associated with those events are — if they exceed $1,000 for events that benefit a candidate or $2,000 for fundraisers benefiting a committee. If you purchase a ticket to a fundraiser, the cost of that ticket is deemed a contribution, even if the cost of the food and beverages you consume there is less than the ticket price. And the FEC even counts the purchase of a t-shirt as a campaign donation if the proceeds of that transaction benefit a campaign.

Loans
If you loan money to a campaign — even if you charge interest on that loan — then the amount that you lend is considered a contribution. As the candidate or committee pays you back, the contribution amount also decreases. But keep in mind that the amount you loan cannot exceed the contribution limits designated by the FEC.

For a few more campaign contribution rules, keep reading.

For those of us too busy to volunteer our time to our chosen presidential candidate or political cause, making a donation is a less time-consuming alternative. But before you put pen to checkbook, remember that the Federal Election Commission (FEC) regulates and keeps tabs on what we citizens do with our money when it relates to federal elections. Here's a quick guide to campaign contribution limits for the upcoming general election in November. Be sure to consult with your state and local election boards to find out if any rules apply to donations made to local officials.

For presidential candidates: If the candidate is not receiving federal funds, you may donate up to $2,500. If the candidate is receiving those federal monies, no donations can be made to his or her general election campaign, but you can contribute up to $2,500 to the candidate's compliance fund, which is a special account used to pay for certain legal and accounting expenses.

Political action committees (PACs): For PACs that support federal candidates, you may donate up to $5,000 per calendar year.

State or local party committees: You may donate up to $10,000 per calendar year to state or local branches of political party committees.

National party committees: You may donate a maximum of $30,800 per calendar year to national party committees like the Democratic and Republican National Committees.

Cash contributions to political committees: You may contribute up to $100 in cash to a political committee; any amounts exceeding $100 must be paid via check, money order, or other written instrument. Anonymous cash donations are limited to $50.

The FEC limits total biennial contributions to $117,000 for donations to federal candidates and political committees combined. Of that amount, $46,000 can go toward candidates, and $70,800 can be allocated to PACs and parties.

Even though elections happen only once or twice a year, I can't tell you how many times I hear that people don't vote because they don't have time. True, it's inconvenient that election day lands in the middle of a busy workweek, but even the most harried of us can find time to drop in and make our political opinions heard. If you're struggling to make time this Nov. 6, here are a few ideas on how to fit voting into your week.

Sign up for an absentee ballot. Contact your state's department of elections as soon as possible and sign up to receive an absentee ballot. Ballots arrive in the mail a few weeks early, so you have plenty of time to research, vote, and send in your choices.

Exercise your right to vote. Depending on the state, polls open at 6 or 7 a.m., so why not stop by your neighborhood polling station during your morning jog? Don't forget to bring a valid ID.

Give your vote a jolt. If you're accustomed to a midmorning coffee break with your co-workers, encourage them to tolerate the office sludge for one day and take a group outing to the polls. Or bring your team some morning treats to reward them (and yourself) for voting before work!

Sandwich voting into your day. Just because you're performing your civic duty doesn't mean you should forgo other important responsibilities — like eating. On election day, pack your lunch (make sure it's something portable) and munch on it while you're standing in line to vote.

Make a date with a candidate. Hook up with your best friend or a significant other for dinner-and-a-vote. Most polling places don't close until 8 p.m. on election day, which gives you time to grab a bite beforehand and still make it before the polls close.

Find out how flexible you are. If you can't sneak in a trip to the polls during the day, ask your manager well in advance if she can be flexible about your morning or evening schedule so you can work in some extra voting time before or after work. By asking in advance, you can arrange with your boss and co-workers to provide air cover while you are out, and you demonstrate to your superiors that you take these matters — and your job — seriously.

Still need to bone up on some important election vocabulary? Here are 10 terms you should know before you mark your ballot.

Voting is the most important activity we citizens can engage in during this year's election, but some of us want more involvement in the political process. So where to start? Volunteering for a candidate, political party, interested organization, or even for your local polling place can be a great way to support causes important to you and spread word about the importance of voting. Here are a few ways you can get involved.

Volunteer for a candidate.
Contributing money to a candidate isn't the only way to make a difference in the outcome of the election. Political candidates can't campaign without the help of scores of citizens willing to donate their time and energy to support them. Contact the local field office of your chosen presidential candidate or the headquarters of your local officials on the ballot this November. They will welcome your help in making calls to generate support and donations, recruiting more volunteers, and participating in voter registration drives.

Get involved in grassroots fundraising.
If you're surrounded by like-minded folk in your online and offline communities, then consider a grassroots approach to fundraising for a favorite candidate or cause. Many candidates — like Mitt Romney and Barack Obama — encourage supporters to solicit donations by reaching out to Facebook friends. And aside from door-to-door fundraising or phone banks, candidates encourage citizens to host fundraising events in their homes or at community centers. While speeches and debates can sway the masses, personal outreach can be a far more effective recruiting tool. Just keep in mind that any hosting expenses exceeding $1,000 per election are considered campaign contributions if the event benefits a federal candidate.

For three more volunteering ideas, just keep reading.

With all the happy celebrations and emotions surrounding the impending arrival of a new baby, it can be easy to forget the practical aspects — especially that expanding the family translates to more expenses! Before the little one arrives, parents-to-be often find themselves stocking up on diapers and gear that can tip the financial scales at hundreds to thousands of dollars. But if you're expecting a bundle of joy, don't let pricey baby gear rain on your parade. We're sharing 10 tips to keep costs to a minimum so that you can focus on the most important fact: you're having a beautiful baby!

Note: whenever you buy or borrow used items, do your research ahead of time to ensure that there are no outstanding product recalls and that the items are up to date by today's safety standards.

Register wisely. Left to their own devices, many of your guests will gift you with adorable outfits and stuffed animals for the baby-to-be. If there are items you really, truly need (a car seat, bottles, even diapers), make sure they appear on your registry rather than clothes and toys. Chances are, you'll still end up with a wardrobe's worth of newborn clothes, but you'll be off to a great start with baby necessities, as well!

Put your hand out for hand-me-downs. If you have friends who have kids, know that they are itching to give you baby gear. Within 24 hours after our pregnancy announcement, our friends and family had offered collectively three cribs, half a dozen car seats, and bags upon bags of newborn and toddler clothes. If you're at all concerned about the costs of these items, graciously accept them. You will be able to pay it forward later when other friends have babies of their own!

Rent. If you plan to be a breastfeeding family, a breast pump is a wise investment, not only to let Mom get some sleep from time to time, but also to help increase milk production if Junior is a high-achieving eater. But buying one can run upward of $400! Look to hospitals, clinics, and parenting networks in your area for daily, weekly, and monthly pump rentals, which can help offset the upfront cost of buying one new.

Scour Craigslist. Parents looking to offload their precious gear often turn to online classifieds like Craigslist to recoup some of the cost, so there are great deals to be had. A scan of the listings in my area showed a barely used Petunia Picklebottom diaper bag for $75 (normally $175) and a $900 Bugaboo stroller for $425. As with any online classified purchase, use caution when making the transaction, and meet the seller in a public location.

For six more money-saving ideas, just keep reading.

Without fail, campaign financing inevitably becomes a hot topic in the months leading up to a presidential election, but many of the vocabulary and laws that get thrown around sound more like a foreign language than the American political process. We've translated a few of the more common terms you'll hear in relation to this topic, so bone up on your campaign financing know-how before the presidential debates kick off next month.

Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA): A law passed in 1971 that governs the financing of federal elections and requires candidates and political committees to disclose funding sources and spending practices. Additionally, it applies regulations to campaign contributions and spending during federal elections, and it polices the use of public funds in presidential elections.

Federal Election Commission (FEC): Established by a 1974 amendment of FECA, the FEC is an independent regulatory agency that enforces federal campaign finance laws.

Buckley v. Valeo: In 1976, the Supreme Court upheld the Federal Election Campaign Act's requirements of financial disclosure, contribution limits, and the provision for public funding of presidential election campaigns in the case Buckley v. Valeo. However, it struck down spending limits for candidates not receiving public funds (such as congressional candidates) and for independent groups who do not campaign for or against a candidate. Finally, the ruling stated that candidates who do not accept public money need not limit spending from personal funds.

For several more terms, just keep reading.

If you went to school in the US, you've undoubtedly learned the ins and outs of our government and electoral process — perhaps more than once. But if you're like me, and yesterday's lessons are fleeting like favorable satisfaction polls, you may need to brush up on some important political lingo. Here are some election-related terms you might want to know before you complete your ballot in November.

Caucus: A meeting at the local level in which members of a political party in that area discuss the support of a candidate. During the presidential election, the parties will round up the caucus recommendations to determine each state's nominee. A caucus can also consist of party members — the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, for example — who join together to advance their interests.

Convention bounce: A sharp increase in a presidential candidate's popularity in the days immediately following the party's national convention, which secures the party's nomination.

Divided government: A situation that occurs when at least one chamber of Congress (the House of Representatives or Senate or both) is controlled by the party opposite the sitting president's.

Electoral base: The groups of people who will normally vote for a candidate often out of party loyalty or because of shared gender, ethnicity, religion, geography, ideology, or other variables.

For six more important election terms, just keep reading.

The expensive dorm meal plan you're paying for might cover most of your meals, but hunger doesn't schedule itself around study sessions, and sometimes you're just too busy to make a stop at the cafeteria. Whether you're lucky enough to have a fully operational kitchen in your dorm room or you need to spin mealtime gold out of the proverbial straw, we've provided a few ideas on how to stock your pantry to ensure your hunger pangs don't undermine Chaucer or Copernicus.

What to stock if you have no appliances:

• Granola bars
• Tuna
• Crackers and chips
• Beef and turkey jerky
• Apples, bananas, and other fruits that don't require refrigeration

What to stock if you have a compact refrigerator and freezer:

• Cereal and milk
• Yogurt and cottage cheese
• Lettuce and fresh produce for salads
• Baby carrots and veggies for snacking
• Salad dressing
• Bread
• Cheese
• Sandwich meats
• Mayo, mustard, and other condiments
• Juices, soda, and other beverages

For food ideas if you have a microwave or hot pot, just keep reading.

Olympic athletes may get paid a bundle for winning medals by their countries' Olympic committees, but what could they score if they sold their medals on eBay? Prices vary depending on the source, age, athlete, and Games location, but we've rounded up a few examples of amounts you might expect to shell out should you find yourself in a bidding war at Christie's.

• $20,000: Rick Harrison, star of The History Channel's Pawn Stars, hopes to sell an American-won 1996 Atlanta Olympics Games bronze medal for $20,000. According to him, another bronze medal in his shop won in Barcelona in 1992 will command a slightly lower price because it was awarded outside the US.
• $26,500: Just days before this year's opening ceremonies, Sotheby's auctioned a trio of medals from the 1908 London Games that sold for $26,500. A bronze second-prize medal from the 1896 inaugural modern games in Athens fetched $23,400 (gold and silver medals weren't introduced until subsequent years).
• $50,000: According to Olympic medal expert Jim Greensfelder, Michael Phelps's 19th gold medal could command $50,000 if it came with the proper documentation.
• $77,350: Meanwhile, Bonham's sold the two famed gold medals won by Australian rower Henry "Bobby" Pearce (the first person to ever achieve double golds) for $77,350 in July.

Keep reading for a few more examples.