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
Kids
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
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
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
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
Staycations for frugal families
When I was in school, my parents worked full time and taking a week off for a vacation wasn't always possible. Instead, they would take a day or two off during the spring break week and we'd do fun things in town. If you'd rather not spend spring break spending, why not stay in your city instead of … [Read more...] about Staycations for frugal families
Free coding classes and apps for kids
As a parent who graduated in the '80s, I found the list of classes looked like a foreign language: Learn to Run Linux, The Easy Way with Scratch, Learn to Build with Unity, Explore with Arduino. To me, they all sounded intriguing, but would my son agree? After reading through the list, … [Read more...] about Free coding classes and apps for kids
Throw a haunting Halloween bash on a budget
Halloween is one of those times of year in which we can all revert to being kids. We dress up and enjoy a little extra candy and parties. Planning a Halloween party can be so much fun. However, it's also easy to get carried away and find yourself spending a small fortune. Save the scares for the … [Read more...] about Throw a haunting Halloween bash on a budget
102+ cheap and easy Halloween costumes
Halloween will be here before you know it. Save your money for the candy you'll be giving out to trick-or-treaters by skipping the high-priced, mass-produced, store-bought costumes this year. You can make awesome custom Halloween costumes that will outshine anything you can buy in the store, … [Read more...] about 102+ cheap and easy Halloween costumes
Back to school: Is it time for your student to have a cellphone?
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 smart phone. 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 cellphone?
10 tips to organize your 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/ballet practice. They need lunches and after-school snacks. They have homework. And then … [Read more...] about 10 tips to organize your back-to-school life
