Having kids is wonderful (if that’s what you want). I am biased, though. I’m the mother of two young children (ages 5 and 1), who are hilarious, obnoxious, ridiculous, perfect little beings. One of the things people will always (and truthfully) tell you is — kids are expensive. And, I get that. … [Read more...] about How to be a minimalist parent with maximum happiness — for everyone
Kids
Throw a Halloween party 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, and it's even more fun when you throw a Halloween party on the cheap.Choose one of these Halloween party ideas … [Read more...] about Throw a Halloween party on a budget
Halloween movie night ideas
Halloween is slowly creeping up on us, but the day isn’t all about trick-or-treating. It’s also about watching some great Halloween movies that make us laugh with the kids or keep us up all night hiding in horror under the covers. Here's what's ahead: Scary (or fun) Halloween … [Read more...] about Halloween movie night ideas
A complete guide to celebrating Halloween on the cheap
With more than 41 million potential trick-or-treaters knocking on 120 million doors, Halloween can become one of our most expensive holidays. But even if you don't want to spend a lot, there is no need to turn off the lights and pretend you aren’t home or try to persuade your kids that sweets are … [Read more...] about A complete guide to celebrating Halloween on the cheap
Register now for Lowe’s Spooky Trick-or-Treat Event Oct. 28
Of course, treats are better than tricks! For many little monsters, superheroes and princesses, the whole goal of Halloween is to get as much candy as possible.And Lowe's is adding to the candy haul (and fall fun!) with its family friendly Spooky Trick-or-Treat Event on Oct. 28, … [Read more...] about Register now for Lowe’s Spooky Trick-or-Treat Event Oct. 28
10 tips to organize 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 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
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
12 great free educational websites
Education doesn't end at the school building's doors. In fact, with the aid of these free websites, students of all ages can get extra practice, learn subjects in different ways and explore their own interests independently. These websites are just a few of the many that help kids (and adults) … [Read more...] about 12 great free educational websites
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
7 ways to cut costs of kids’ activities
This post is by Jennifer Saranow Schultz at Hint Mama.The cost of little kids’ activity classes can quickly add up. Just one semester of music class can run more than $200. Add in swimming, gymnastics, Gymboree, dance, sports and art classes and you could be renting a small … [Read more...] about 7 ways to cut costs of kids’ activities
Free and low-cost resources for homeschoolers and others
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. In 2021-22, the number was 3.1 million. A large number of families are choosing the … [Read more...] about Free and low-cost resources for homeschoolers and others
Throw a memorable kids’ birthday party for less
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 … [Read more...] about Throw a memorable kids’ birthday party for less
Sales tax holidays for back-to-school shopping
Some states have sales tax holidays every summer to assist families with getting their kids outfitted for school. Some states also have a sales tax holiday that focuses on hurricane preparedness items or energy-saving appliances. If you plan to make one of those purchases, and it’s not an emergency … [Read more...] about Sales tax holidays for back-to-school shopping
How to save money on kids’ sports and activities
If you’re a parent, you know just how expensive it can be to raise kids, especially once they reach the "age of activities" – sports, dance, cheer, karate, band. You name the activity, and there’s nothing cheap about it. The key is to pick and choose the ones that offer the right mix of enjoyment … [Read more...] about How to save money on kids’ sports and activities
DIY summer camp for kids
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 kids to explore new activities and retain and continue their learning, and so much more.If you do your homework and start looking early, it is … [Read more...] about DIY summer camp for kids