I often think of my grandfather around the holidays. Even though I didn't know him well, I find myself reflecting on his life when I look at a photo that shows him working on his farm. It’s a reverie that has become one of the best Christmas gifts he gave to me, without even knowing he had done … [Read more...] about The best Christmas gifts of all cost nothing
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Earn college savings from your shopping
Earning cash for your kid’s college education from money you’d spend anyway is the easiest way to save for college without it impacting your finances. You can do so by getting a credit card that offers cash back or earning money through shopping rewards programs.Here are some of the … [Read more...] about Earn college savings from your shopping
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 cut the cost of prom and still be cool
Time was, going to the prom meant you got a new dress (or a sister’s hand-me-down). Your date, who wore a suit and brought a corsage, picked you up in his own (or his parents’) car. You went to the dance and then he took you home. Any teenager today would laugh at such an idea.When my own kids … [Read more...] about How to cut the cost of prom and still be cool
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 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
Free Play Soccer lets kids play and saves parents money
I love that I am a parent of a talented athlete. I dislike the fact that it drains my pocketbook. I never thought in a million years I would turn into one of those on-the-go “soccer moms.” But here I am, red minivan and all, driving across two states to my daughter’s first traveling weekend soccer … [Read more...] about Free Play Soccer lets kids play and saves parents money
Age in place by joining or forming a retirement village
For every retiree that packs up and moves to Florida, Arizona or some other warm-weather spot, another four or five prefer to stay right where they are. But as they get older, many people find themselves needing more help, whether it's a referral to someone who can fix a leaky toilet, a ride to the … [Read more...] about Age in place by joining or forming a retirement village
Where to get a free car seat inspection
You read the manual and installed your baby’s car seat, but how do you know it’s safe? According to the CDC, child restraint systems are often used incorrectly. One study showed 72% of 3,500 observed car and booster seats were misused in a way that could increase risk of injury. Fortunately, there … [Read more...] about Where to get a free car seat inspection
How to say ‘no’ and teach your kids about money
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
What happens when she makes more? An interview with Farnoosh Torabi
For a lot of historic and cultural reasons, men on average make more money than women. But averages are just that, and in many families, the wife earns more money than the husband. This shakes up traditional relationships, and not always for the better. How should people deal with that?Farnoosh … [Read more...] about What happens when she makes more? An interview with Farnoosh Torabi
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
