If your child regularly brings their lunch to school, you've faced the "what to pack" dilemma. You want to pack something nutritious, but you also need to be sure your kids will eat it. A thrown-out lunch does nothing for your child's health or your wallet; it's basically cash in the trash.Here … [Read more...] about Healthy school lunches kids won’t toss in the trash
Back to school
Save on back-to-school shots, sports exams
The kids soon head back to school and you’ve already shelled out money for new clothes and school supplies. Now you need to come up with more cash for sports physicals and back-to-school vaccinations. Here are some tips that might help you save on those expenses. Visit your primary care … [Read more...] about Save on back-to-school shots, sports exams
How to score little-known college scholarships
College tuition is outrageous and full scholarships are hard to come by. If a student isn't the valedictorian of a huge school, or a nationally ranked high school athlete, taking out massive loans may seem like the only option available to finance the soaring costs of higher education. But there are … [Read more...] about How to score little-known college scholarships
iPad, Fire or other? Buying guide to tablet devices
Tablet computers have come a long way since their introduction. Modern tablet computers are powerful devices that can handle many computing needs, and may even replace your old laptop or desktop completely. Tablets, such as the iPad and Amazon Fire, may offer some budget savings compared to a full … [Read more...] about iPad, Fire or other? Buying guide to tablet devices
Back to school: Is it time for your student to have a phone?
With a son going into fifth grade, I’m one of the few holdouts among the class parents who hasn’t given into peer pressure and gotten my child a smartphone. I have my reasons, most notably among them, he hasn’t asked for one ... yet.Truth be told, I also don’t think he’s ready for the … [Read more...] about Back to school: Is it time for your student to have a phone?
Recycle school supplies and backpacks at Staples for bonus savings
Now that school's over and summer's officially here, what do you do with last year's school gear and supplies?Rather than just throwing them out, families can put them to good use by recycling them at Staples. And, in return, Staples will give them a special discount to use on buying new … [Read more...] about Recycle school supplies and backpacks at Staples for bonus savings
40-plus discounts teachers can use all year long
Teachers are rarely paid what they're worth. As a result, many businesses offer discounts to educators year-round.Teachers can get a percentage off the regular price, when they buy books and decorating supplies for their classroom, work clothes and more. Plus, since they can only vacation during … [Read more...] about 40-plus discounts teachers can use all year long
Find consignment sales to help you save on kids’ stuff
Consignment sales offer a great way to save money on kids' clothes, toys, nursery items and maternity wear, and they're springing up all over the country. Seasonal consignment sales are increasingly popular as a way to replenish the kids' closets with gently used, good quality children's … [Read more...] about Find consignment sales to help you save on kids’ stuff
Clothing the kids without busting your budget
Kids go through clothes like boxes of Cheerios. We say: don’t spend a lot of money on play wear and school clothes. By the time kids wear them or use them once or twice, who can tell if they’re new or used anyway?You can find some kids’ clothes in excellent condition at thrift stores like … [Read more...] about Clothing the kids without busting your budget
How to teach your children to budget
We’ve all heard the horror stories: young people who graduate from college, move back home with their parents, make very little money and mishandle the cash they do earn.While it’s never too late to teach young people to budget, you also can’t start too early. If you don’t … [Read more...] about How to teach your children to budget
Can a Chromebook replace your laptop?
One of the best freebies I’ve ever received from a company was a Chromebook. The CR-48 was the first Chromebook offered to the public, and I snagged mine a decade ago as part of the Chrome Notebook Pilot Program. Chromebooks have become a popular, affordable alternative to more expensive Windows and … [Read more...] about Can a Chromebook replace your laptop?
10 tips to organize back-to-school life
When the kids go back to school, life should get easier, right? Nope. It gets way more complicated. You need to get the kids to school and back (if they don’t ride the bus). You need to get them to soccer, swim or ballet practice. They need lunches and after-school snacks. They have homework. And … [Read more...] about 10 tips to organize back-to-school life
6 ways to save on kids’ back-to-school clothes
Most parents do not relish back-to-school clothes shopping. The crowds and the cost create a less-than-enjoyable experience. I can’t fix the crowds, but I can help with the cost.Last year, I outfitted my two kids for the school year for less than $100 each. Considering many items … [Read more...] about 6 ways to save on kids’ back-to-school clothes
12 great free educational websites
Education doesn't end at the school building's doors. In fact, with the aid of these free websites, students of all ages can get extra practice, learn subjects in different ways and explore their own interests independently. These websites are just a few of the many that help kids (and adults) … [Read more...] about 12 great free educational websites
Easy ways to give back to your kids’ school
As schools try to balance their budgets while keeping up with always-increasing expenses, they are looking more to families and parent-teacher organizations to help with school supplies, field trips and other programs. Doing a little can sometimes go a long way. Below are some funding ideas that you … [Read more...] about Easy ways to give back to your kids’ school