You spend lots of money taking your family on vacation miles from home. You want your vacation photos to be perfect. Nothing is more disappointing than vacation photos that miss the mark. Why not spend a few minutes learning techniques that can make your family vacation photo winners? Ed … [Read more...] about Quick and easy ways to take better photos
Family
Summer vacation ideas for families on a budget
With summer comes thoughts of travel: road trips and theme parks and visits to Grandma's house, camping and cruising and hanging out by the pool. The most organized of families, of course, have already made their summer vacation plans. But for those of us who have not yet decided, or … [Read more...] about Summer vacation ideas for families on a budget
How to set up a money-saving childcare co-op
Even the most enthusiastic parent needs some kid-free time – whether it’s for a night out with the spouse, a lunch with friends or even just a doctor’s appointment. But the expense of paid childcare can be prohibitive for some families. Teens are more available to babysit during the summer months, … [Read more...] about How to set up a money-saving childcare co-op
Top 10 DIY outdoor toys and summer activities for kids
Here are our best ideas for summer activities for kids that lets them spend summer as it was meant to be enjoyed -- playing outside. These DIY activities give your kids the chance to be creative and make their own toys from common household supplies or very modest investment. You don't have to head … [Read more...] about Top 10 DIY outdoor toys and summer activities for kids
Crafty – and thrifty – cards and gifts for Father’s Day
Some dads are notoriously difficult to buy for, which can make the upcoming Father’s Day holiday June 16 stressful for their children. We just want to make sure our gifts let Dad know how special he is in our lives. When budgets are limited, that can be a real trick, especially when dads are of an … [Read more...] about Crafty – and thrifty – cards and gifts for Father’s Day
Kids can earn a free book with Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program
Kids in grades one through six can earn a free book when they participate in the 23rd annual Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program. Sign up at the program's website here. Your child must read 8 books, complete and return a Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Journal between August 1 and August 31. … [Read more...] about Kids can earn a free book with Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program
Easy ways to cut the cost of pet care
I hadn’t planned to get a new dog after my beloved Daphne died just short of her 15th birthday. However, I developed a bad habit of scrolling through the adorable faces of dogs up for adoption at my local Humane Society. As soon as I spotted Matilda and her huge ears, I had to jump in the car and … [Read more...] about Easy ways to cut the cost of pet care
Deals on summer camps or DIY summer camp for kids
Summer camp and cheap rarely appear in the same sentence, especially for working parents who need full-day programs that run throughout the summer. For many, summer camps have become as integral a part of childhood as school. They provide a safe place for the children of working parents, allow … [Read more...] about Deals on summer camps or DIY summer camp for kids
What to give Mom when you’re all grown up
This annual Mother's Day conversation is so predictable it's aggravating: “Mom, what can I get you?” "Oh, I don't need anything!" She means it. Most mothers really don’t need anything. But handing her an overpriced store-bought card and saying “Thank you for being my mother” won’t settle … [Read more...] about What to give Mom when you’re all grown up
Thoughtful Mother’s Day gifts on a budget
Mother’s Day is a tough one. If you’re an adult yourself, especially. In many cases, your Mom already has everything she really needs, except maybe a pricey spa day or a cruise to the Mediterranean. So what can you get her that won’t cost a lot but might mean a lot? Make it personal. My own … [Read more...] about Thoughtful Mother’s Day gifts on a budget
Teens work out for free all summer at Planet Fitness
From May 15 to September 1, Planet Fitness locations across the country are opening their doors to teenagers. The Planet Fitness Teen Summer Challenge Program allows teenagers from 15 to 18 to work out for free. Free classes geared to this special program will be available Monday through Friday, and … [Read more...] about Teens work out for free all summer at Planet Fitness
Frugal ways to save on Easter
The Easter holiday can be hard on a family’s budget. You’ve just made it through Christmas and Valentine’s Day, and now you have Easter coming up quickly. Traditionally, this holiday means new outfits and filled-to-the-brim Easter baskets and lots of delicious food for a special holiday dinner. The … [Read more...] about Frugal ways to save on Easter
