We all know it's coming, but still it seems as if spring break has arrived too suddenly and you have no idea how to keep the kids occupied for the whole week. Here's an assortment of fun activities to get you started. Some are family-based, while others, depending on the age of your kids, can be … [Read more...] about Fun things to do with kids on spring break
Family
8 tax credits for parents with dependent children
The year our daughter Jane was born, my husband and I almost forgot to claim her on our taxes. She was a newborn, our accountant hadn't seen me pregnant and the topic never came up during our conversations. Luckily, we remembered, and Jane had a Social Security number, so we were able to claim the … [Read more...] about 8 tax credits for parents with dependent children
12 best websites for kids’ crafts
When kids get bored, let them use their imaginations with fun craft projects. The internet is full of creative art project ideas that are easy for kids to do and don't involve fancy materials. Here are a few of my favorite kids craft websites that offer FREE instructions for games and crafts, as … [Read more...] about 12 best websites for kids’ crafts
Top 10 boredom-busting DIY toys for kids
We love ideas for cheap homemade toys for kids. Creating the handmade toys is a fun project for kids and adults, plus it's a great way to reuse and recycle household items you already have. Even better, once the work is done, the kids can entertain themselves with a new toy or game that cost you … [Read more...] about Top 10 boredom-busting DIY toys for kids
Fun snow activities for kids
Parts of the country are covered in snow right now and parents everywhere are looking for some fun activities for the kids to do on a snow day. Of course, there's sledding and snowman building, but if you're looking for something a little different, I've found several fun things to do in the … [Read more...] about Fun snow activities for kids
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
13 ways to save money on road trips
Sometimes a good old-fashioned road trip is just the vacation you need. Driving vacations can be as leisurely or as hectic as you want, and you never have to stick to a schedule. They also can be more affordable than trips involving flights and resorts. That’s not to say there aren’t expenses. … [Read more...] about 13 ways to save money on road trips
5 low-cost St. Patrick’s Day activities for kids
With its emphasis on drinking and debauchery, St. Patrick’s Day can seem like a holiday more suited to adults than little ones. But these fun activities can make being Irish (or pretending to be!) a family affair. 1. Dye food green This is an easy one – simply add a few drops of green food … [Read more...] about 5 low-cost St. Patrick’s Day activities for kids
18 best staycation ideas for frugal families
If you'd rather not spend school breaks or time off work spending, why not stay in your city instead of jetting off to an exotic location? A staycation is your chance to visit fun attractions in your own area, or to do all the activities you never have time to do during the work week. … [Read more...] about 18 best staycation ideas for frugal families
No sled? No problem. 17 DIY ideas
If you're in the south where snow is a rarity, or you've been caught unprepared for an early season snow, you may find yourself in a conundrum when the white stuff starts pouring down. Lots of snow, no sled. Maybe you're one of the lucky few with a store-bought sled. You'll be the envy of the … [Read more...] about No sled? No problem. 17 DIY ideas
How to teach your kids about budgets
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. As many as 53 percent of millennials still receive financial help from their parents, according to 2018 statistics from a … [Read more...] about How to teach your kids about budgets
Kids’ crafts: Make a rubber-band powered boat
I remembered learning how to make a rubber-band powered boat out of a Styrofoam plate when I was young, and just knew it would make for some thrifty fun at home. This project was a hit at my house. Kids making their own toys -- what's not to love? It's frugal and it keeps the kids busy when you most … [Read more...] about Kids’ crafts: Make a rubber-band powered boat
Get the best McDonald’s deals with our insider tips
There's a good chance you pass the Golden Arches at some point every day. (Did you know there are more than 14,000 McDonald's locations in the U.S.?) More than likely, you regularly bite into a Big Mac or dip McDonald's famous fries in ketchup. And, if you have children, you've definitely picked up … [Read more...] about Get the best McDonald’s deals with our insider tips
7 great (and cheap) baby shower gift ideas
If you have lots of friends and family members having babies, you’ve probably realized that the cost of baby shower gifts can quickly add up, especially if you’re opting to give cute designer baby duds. However, baby gifts don’t necessarily have to break the bank. No etiquette rule says you … [Read more...] about 7 great (and cheap) baby shower gift ideas
Cut the cost of pet care with these easy tips
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 Cut the cost of pet care with these easy tips