We’ve all seen it, and if you’re a parent, you’ve certainly experienced a similar scene: Kid melts down, whining in the store that he must have a candy bar, toy or whatever is important in the moment. As the noise escalates, the parent gives in to avoid embarrassment. That’s no way to teach your … [Read more...] about How to say ‘no’ and teach your kids about money
Kids
How to get a free breast pump through insurance
If you’re pregnant or a new nursing mother, you know that you’re going to either need a breast pump or will have to switch to formula feeding if you are going to go back to work or spend more than a few hours apart from your baby. While breast pumps can range from $25 for a manual pump to $300 or … [Read more...] about How to get a free breast pump through insurance
3 creative ways to cut holiday childcare costs
‘Tis the season for holiday parties, and that means, assuming you want to enjoy yourself a bit sans the kiddies, it’s also a season when you especially need babysitting help.However, hiring someone to watch your kids doesn’t come cheap, and you’re not imaging it if you think sitter costs seem to … [Read more...] about 3 creative ways to cut holiday childcare costs
Teaching kids about money with allowances
A lot of people are surprised that I run Chicago on the Cheap, because it seems like such a deviation for someone who wrote Hedge Funds For Dummies. However, you can't enter the world of high finance if you don't have money to invest. Here's something interesting I've learned over the years: Just … [Read more...] about Teaching kids about money with allowances
Wheel deals: How to save on a baby stroller
With so many to choose from, selecting the right stroller is no walk in the park, especially considering that you’ll use the purchase for years. To get it right, here’s the process I recommend for nabbing the right stroller at the right price. You'll want to make sure you avoid costly mistakes, such … [Read more...] about Wheel deals: How to save on a baby stroller
Where to buy and sell used kids’ gear
To save big on baby and kids’ clothes, why not buy someone else’s gently used stuff? Or put some cash in your pocket by offloading the kids' clothes you can no longer use? After all, babies and kids grow fast, often blowing through clothes before getting the chance to wear them out — or even at all. … [Read more...] about Where to buy and sell used kids’ gear
How to open a bank account for your kid
Banks can be fun, or at least one of those tolerable errands, when you're a child. There's all that money everywhere, of course. The nice people behind the counter tend to give you a lollipop. Sometimes you might find a welcoming plate of chocolate-chip cookies in the lobby. You might even score … [Read more...] about How to open a bank account for your kid
5 ways to get the most from your baby registry
When you’re prepping for parenthood, a targeted baby registry or two can alleviate the guesswork for friends and relatives, help you get just what you need and avoid unwanted or duplicate items. But because you’re not paying the tab, it’s easy to ask for products you don’t need, stock up on the … [Read more...] about 5 ways to get the most from your baby registry
The (baby) formula for savings: Buy the store brand
Of course, for new babies, breast is best (and free). But if you want or need to use infant formula, go with the store brand.Store-brand infant formulas, labeled with the names of retail-store brands such as Target (Up & Up), Walmart (Parent’s Choice), CVS, Babies R Us, Sam’s Club (Simply … [Read more...] about The (baby) formula for savings: Buy the store brand
Free hands-on craft workshops for kids
If your kids love to get their hands dirty, they've got ample ways to get creative on the cheap. During free hands-on craft workshops offered at major retailers, they can assemble Lego creations, build their own birdhouses and jewelry boxes, turn clay pots into animals or decorative gifts and more, … [Read more...] about Free hands-on craft workshops for kids
Kids’ crafts: Make a braided-rope dog toy
When it comes to kids' crafts, I like projects they can make and use rather than just make and throw away. During a recent sleepover in my house, I enlisted the help of two kids to try out one of the DIY projects I have bookmarked on Pinterest.Using fleece fabric left over from winter projects, … [Read more...] about Kids’ crafts: Make a braided-rope dog toy
