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
Lego mania: Finding the best Lego deals
As I read my son’s Christmas wish list (aka the Santa List) this year, I was secretly hoping for more variety, but there it was — all Legos again. With age came sophistication for which Lego products he wanted, but so came an increase in price. It was getting more difficult to find a … [Read more...] about Lego mania: Finding the best Lego deals
7 free education resources to help students get ahead
One secret to getting ahead is knowing that getting ahead takes work. We found several free and cheap education resources to make your journey easier. It might be easier for you if learning comes naturally to you or your family emphasizes education. But even if you are just "average," you can make … [Read more...] about 7 free education resources to help students get ahead
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 40 percent of millennials still receive financial help from their parents, according to 2015 statistics from a Bank … [Read more...] about How to teach your kids about budgets
5 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 … [Read more...] about 5 easy ways to give back to your kids’ school
Free and low-cost resources for homeschooling
Homeschooling is the most rapidly growing educational segment in the United States. An estimated 2 million students were homeschooled in 2010, and their numbers continue to rise. With such a large number of families homeschooling, it’s no surprise that homeschool resources is a growing industry. … [Read more...] about Free and low-cost resources for homeschooling
How ‘mean moms’ teach their kids about money
This post is by Denise Schipani of Mean Moms Rule. How much do your kids know about money? I don’t mean, how much do they know about how to wheedle a dollar out of your wallet for the vending machine; I mean, how much do they know about how money is earned, saved, invested, spent? Do yourself … [Read more...] about How ‘mean moms’ teach their kids about money
Why I’m going to spend less on my kids
It was the night before Easter, and I stood there staring at the baskets I just made for my two kids. Instead of Xbox games, iTunes gift cards and as many action figures and candy treats I could stuff in without breaking through the cellophane, they were getting about $15 worth of items. I felt … [Read more...] about Why I’m going to spend less on my kids
Which is cheaper? Cloth diapers vs. disposables
When people find out that we use cloth diapers, I get a few different reactions: “Gross! I would never want to wash dirty diapers” “Why? Disposables work so well. Don’t your utilities bills increase from the extra laundry?” “Cool. I wish I could use cloth diapers, but I don’t … [Read more...] about Which is cheaper? Cloth diapers vs. disposables
How to choose the best cloth diapers for baby
Cloth diapers have come a long way since your mother or grandmother used them. If you’ve decided to use cloth diapers for financial or environmental reasons, you have seen that there are dozens of types of diapers, materials and fasteners available. If you ask 100 people what the best cloth diaper … [Read more...] about How to choose the best cloth diapers for baby
How to build a cheap cloth diaper stash
If you’re interested in using cloth diapers, the choices and up-front cost can be daunting. Prices vary greatly among styles and brands, but plenty of affordable ways can be found to purchase cloth diapers, especially if you plan ahead. When building your stash, aim for 20 to 24 … [Read more...] about How to build a cheap cloth diaper stash
Kid birthday party ideas that won’t break the (piggy) bank
The birthday dilemma: Parents want their children to have great childhood memories – but is it necessary to dish out the big bucks for an expensive kid’s birthday party? The short answer is no. When I did an impromptu poll with my kids, my daughter piped in right away that her favorite birthday … [Read more...] about Kid birthday party ideas that won’t break the (piggy) bank
