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
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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
How to keep kids busy at home and help them learn
Most parents learn about child development as they go. Moms, dads, grandmas and grandpas try to tailor plans that keep everyone happy — but anyone who has spent more than a few minutes around little ones knows that children's attention spans are short. Sometimes parents (and teachers) can run out of … [Read more...] about How to keep kids busy at home and help them learn
13 ways to save money on road trips
Sometimes a good old-fashioned road trip is just the vacation you need. Driving vacations can be as leisurely or as hectic as you want, and you never have to stick to a schedule. They also can be more affordable than trips involving flights and resorts.That’s not to say there aren’t expenses. … [Read more...] about 13 ways to save money on road trips
Free kids’ summer reading plans for 2023
Some kids don't need any incentive to lose themselves in a book, during the summer or any other time. If your child isn't a natural bookworm, try enticing them with one of these FREE summer 2023 reading programs from public libraries, bookstores and retailers across the country. There's even a … [Read more...] about Free kids’ summer reading plans for 2023
11 best websites for kids’ crafts
When kids get bored, let them use their imaginations with fun craft projects. The internet is full of creative art project ideas that are easy for kids to do and don't involve fancy materials. Here are a few of my favorite kids craft websites that offer FREE instructions for games and crafts, as … [Read more...] about 11 best websites for kids’ crafts
Homemade cards and gifts for Father’s Day
Some dads are notoriously difficult to buy for, which can make Father’s Day stressful for their children. We want our gifts to show Dad how special he is in our lives. When budgets are limited, that can be a real trick, especially when dads are of an age where they really don’t need … [Read more...] about Homemade cards and gifts for Father’s Day
Affordable Father’s Day gifts that aren’t neckties
Father's Day is coming — step away from the tie rack. The world of online shopping can offer you tons of creative and affordable Father's Day gift ideas that are not the cliched necktie. Whether you need to pick up a cheap and easy Dad gift that's still thoughtful, or have a little more cash to … [Read more...] about Affordable Father’s Day gifts that aren’t neckties
How to save with used outdoor gear this summer
For adventure lovers, the changing of the season marks the beginning of summer outdoor recreation. Whether you're an avid recreationalist or just starting out, you don't have to pay full price for outdoor gear to enjoy the great outdoors.You have many ways to acquire used outdoor gear that can … [Read more...] about How to save with used outdoor gear this summer
Tips for traveling with family and friends on a budget
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Traveling with a family can be expensive, but the memories are priceless. Whether you are envisioning a relaxing trip to the beach, a thrilling amusement park visit, or exploring one of our great national parks, there are ways to make a vacation fit your budget. With careful planning and great … [Read more...] about Tips for traveling with family and friends on a budget
Want summer camp deals? Start looking now
Summer camp and cheap rarely appear in the same sentence, especially for working parents who need full-day programs that run throughout the summer.However, if you’re looking for some week-by-week enrichment camps to keep your kids busy, active and socializing with others, with the right … [Read more...] about Want summer camp deals? Start looking now
9 ways to spend Black Friday besides shopping
If the thought of venturing into a store on Black Friday leaves you shuddering, take heart. There are a host of things you can do on Black Friday that don’t involve fighting crowds or shelling out a lot of dough. Here’s a sampling of things to do and places to go besides the mall, and many are … [Read more...] about 9 ways to spend Black Friday besides shopping
How to select family tree software
I wrote previously about getting started on your family tree. Now I've researched family tree software. When I worked on my tree eons ago, about the only game in town was Family Tree Maker. Now the options are really overwhelming.There are Web-based programs, which are compatible with all … [Read more...] about How to select family tree software
