Back to school

Affordable, practical gifts your friends and family will love in 2022

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We’ll never forget the story of the practical gift that saved a family — literally. A young man’s gift to his parents — a smoke detector — sat under the tree when a fire broke out in the house in the middle of the night. Fortunately, the giver had put batteries into his gift. Even though it was … [Read more...] about Affordable, practical gifts your friends and family will love in 2022

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

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

Can a Chromebook replace your laptop?

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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?

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

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

10 things college students should learn about money

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Heading off to college? Congratulations. You’ll be surprised that much of the learning you’ll do over the next four years has less to do with the classroom than with life. If you’re like many young adults, college is the first time you’ll keep your own schedule, plan your own meals, manage your … [Read more...] about 10 things college students should learn about money

Healthy school lunches kids won’t toss in the trash

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 … [Read more...] about Healthy school lunches kids won’t toss in the trash

10 ways to save on college textbooks

College students, as well as their parents, can experience sticker shock when they shop for textbooks. Books for a full schedule can easily add up more than $1,000 or more a year. I asked my daughter, who is the most resourceful and thrifty textbook shopper I know, for some tips. What follows is her … [Read more...] about 10 ways to save on college textbooks

30-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 30-plus discounts teachers can use all year long

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?

10 tips to organize back-to-school life

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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

Free and low-cost resources for homeschoolers and others

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Homeschooling is the most rapidly growing educational segment in the United States. An estimated 2.5 million students were homeschooled in 2019, the year before the pandemic forced many students to learn from home. A large number of families are choosing the homeschooling option, and online courses, … [Read more...] about Free and low-cost resources for homeschoolers and others

Easy ways to save on school supplies

It's the most exciting time of the year for bargain shoppers who have kids in school (or for anyone who likes cheap office supplies). For some people, school supply shopping is a big, fun, traditional spending spree. It was for my mom and me. But I’ve made this time of year into a big, fun, … [Read more...] about Easy ways to save on school supplies

Send your new college student out shopping with these tips

It's finally time to send your first child off to college. The stores are starting to bombard you with tons of off-to-college sales, and you find yourself getting sidetracked and sucked in by all of the offers. You can't help thinking that your best bet is to buy her everything she might … [Read more...] about Send your new college student out shopping with these tips

Back to school

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