School days are here again, which means it's time for the annual conundrum: hot lunch or sack lunch? The problem with hot lunches is that a lot of kids don’t like them. School lunches often don’t cater to special needs, for example, if a child is a vegetarian or can’t tolerate gluten or … [Read more...] about Save money and give your kid a lunch he’ll eat
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Join Chick-fil-A Kids Club for family fun
There are many reasons families love Chick-fil-A, namely the tasty chicken and amazing customer service. If they need another reason to visit the very popular quick-service restaurant, here it is: They have just launched a new Chick-fil-A Kids Club. Each month, participating locations host games, … [Read more...] about Join Chick-fil-A Kids Club for family fun
7 DIY projects to decorate baby’s nursery on a dime
Your baby’s nursery should be a calming retreat where you can bond and lull your little one to sleep, but that doesn’t mean it needs to cost a fortune. Save the money for items you’ll really need like diapers and wipes (although, the cloth options would help save there, too!).Once you decide on … [Read more...] about 7 DIY projects to decorate baby’s nursery on a dime
Downsize your home and build wealth
For many years the mantra, when buying a home, was you should buy the biggest home you could afford. This may have made sense years ago when homes were a better long-term investment. Nowadays that mantra may just be self-serving advice from real-estate agents and mortgage brokers. The more you … [Read more...] about Downsize your home and build wealth
How to get rid of your timeshare
In the glow of the vacation moment, it seems like a wonderful idea: Buy a timeshare so you can return every year to relive the wonderful experience again and again.But years later, when your life has changed and you no longer want to return to the same vacation spot, getting rid of that … [Read more...] about How to get rid of your timeshare
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
17 habits you can change to save money
Everyone wants to save money. It can be easier than you think. Here are 17 everyday habits you can change to stretch your hard-earned dollars. From the fridge to utilities to bill paying and even at work, revising even just a few of these habits could add up to significant savings.Seven food … [Read more...] about 17 habits you can change to save money
Is the tiny house movement for you?
When life seems too complicated, some people advocate this solution: Move into a smaller home to have a bigger life.For some, the tiny house movement has become a way of life, adjusting to a smaller space and fewer possessions, with a goal of saving money and focusing on relationships and … [Read more...] about Is the tiny house movement for you?
8 easy ways to improve your fiscal health
So the summer is half-over. The year is half-over. Time for a fiscal check-up. Just as you do with your annual physical, you need to determine whether your budget is healthy or if expenses are bleeding enough red ink to cause anemia. Are you shedding pounds of debt or are you over-stressed ? Will … [Read more...] about 8 easy ways to improve your fiscal health
Zip into the United States with Global Entry
Under the harsh lights of the interrogation room, a bead of sweat slowly trickled down my forehead.“You are self-employed? That’s a red flag,” declared Agent “Smith” as he scrutinized my passport and paperwork.“What is it that you do?” he demanded to know.“I’m… I’m a journalist,” I … [Read more...] about Zip into the United States with Global Entry
6 ways to save when buying new luggage
Even a luggage junkie like me has had her share of suitcase mishaps. My favorite came while sprinting through Los Angeles International Airport when my nifty (and pricey) wheeled overnight bag lost a wheel. Well, not the entire wheel, just the outer rim, which had peeled off in pieces behind me. It … [Read more...] about 6 ways to save when buying new luggage
How to boost your savings as you near retirement
Retirement may seem far away, but those who are closing in on it can tell you that it comes faster than you think. What you do in the last 10 years before you retire can make an enormous difference in how comfortable your retirement years will be."From 55 to 65, you've got time to really make a … [Read more...] about How to boost your savings as you near retirement
Do you really need rental car insurance?
Car rental insurance is at best, confusing and, at worst, a waste of your money. Are you covered by personal car insurance? How about a credit card? And if you’re covered ... what's covered? Here are some tips to navigate the fine print.Do your pre-trip homeworkThis may not be the advice … [Read more...] about Do you really need rental car insurance?
Is it time to buy a home?
With interest rates expected to rise later this year, you may be wondering whether you should buy a home at today's low rates. The average rate for a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage was 3.85 percent last week, according to Freddie Mac’s weekly mortgage market survey, about what it was at the end of … [Read more...] about Is it time to buy a home?
How to find out if your car has been recalled
If you own a car made between 2002 and 2008, you might need new air bags.Last week, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced an agreement with the Japanese company Takata that doubled the number of cars it will recall due to the potential of faulty air bags. The first Takata … [Read more...] about How to find out if your car has been recalled
