The holiday season is here, and there is no shortage of opportunities to give. Between charitable donations, toy drives, food collections and generosity for family and friends, this is the ideal time of year to get your kids involved in giving. Getting your kids involved in giving helps them to learn about empathy, appreciate what they have, and consider how their actions affect others. It can Continue Reading
Money Gift Guide – Easy Gifts Under $80
Holiday shopping season is here again! Last year I covered some of my favorite money board games for kids, and I've written about my ideas for giving money as a gift. This money gift guide is for fun extras that you can gift to anyone on your list. Here are some of my favorites: Planners Monthly Budget Planner: $6.99 This affordable planner is a great gift for the woman who likes to plan in Continue Reading
The Best Financial Gifts to Give Your Loved Ones
What are you giving your valentine this year? Most people opt for candy, flowers or reservations at a nice restaurant. Unlike chocolate and roses, there are some financial gifts that show your love while truly standing the test of time. Here are some of the best financial gifts you can give to show someone you care: Life Insurance If you have loved ones that depend on you and your Continue Reading
The Best Money Board Games to Give as Gifts
Money Board Games for the Whole Family Holiday shopping season is here again! If you'll be buying gifts for the kids in your life, there's nothing wrong with sneaking in a little financial education with the fun. Here are 7 of the best money board games to teach a bit about finances, spending, investing and negotiating. Some have been family favorites for decades, others are brand Continue Reading
Back-to-School Financial Review
Something about back-to-school season brings that urge to refresh, reorganize, and get to work (and maybe buy a few office accessories just for fun.) If you’re a student or a parent to a student, you’ve probably been buying school supplies, filling out paperwork and savoring what’s left of summer. Even if you’re not a parent or a student, you can harness the “fresh start” energy of Continue Reading
4 Ways to Prepare Your Grad for Financial Success in College
Plenty of parents worry about paying for college - from tuition and books to dorm supplies and laptops. Whether you're footing the whole bill or none of it, some of the responsibility will fall on your child to achieve financial success in college. Here are some tips to help prepare them for living on their own and thriving financially in college: If you're a more visual learner, jump Continue Reading
8 Money Books for New Grads
Graduation season is here! If you've got a student - or know one - who is graduating this spring, now is the perfect time to get them thinking about saving, budgeting and planning for their financial future. Here are some money books that would make great gifts for the grad in your life as they prepare the years ahead: 1. Work Your Wealth: 9 Steps to Making Smarter Choices With Your Money Continue Reading
Tips for Planning an Affordable Summer Trip
If you've been dreaming of a summer getaway, now is the time to put those plans in motion! The kids are out of school, the days are longer, and everyone is up for a break. If your affordable summer trip is a weekend away to visit family or a two-week European excursion, you're still going to need to consult the numbers first. Here's how to plan a vacation that will keep your budget in Continue Reading
Smart Ways to Save for College
College is a stepping stone for many to a higher paying career. It’s no wonder that many parents want to help their children attend college. But college tuition is expensive, and the costs are rising every year. This fall’s college tuition is expected to clock in at $31,231 for private, nonprofit, four year universities, and $9,139 for public, four year universities. Many parents wonder if they Continue Reading
3 Ways to Teach Your Kids About Money
Parents are always trying to teach their kids the ways of the world with the hope that those kids will grow up into responsible teenagers and productive young adults. I know I do. I try to teach my daughter valuable lessons - look both ways before crossing the street, be respectful, and always say please and thank you. The lessons we teach our kids will (hopefully) stay with them for the rest Continue Reading