Creative Holiday Giving on a Tight Budget

Creative Holiday Giving on a Tight Budget

According to the National Retail Federation holiday shoppers plan to spend an average $463 on family members, up from $458 last year and the highest in survey history. Your family doesn’t have to break the bank during this gift-giving season. Here are seven wonderful ideas for creative holiday giving on a tight budget.

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Creative Holiday Gift Giving

Creative Holiday Gift Giving

As you prepare for the upcoming holidays and gift giving, keep in mind that some of the most special gifts are not those that are purchased with money but those crafted from your hands, your time, and your love. Here are a number of creative and fun ideas for the whole family.

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Tips about the economy, the U.S. debt, credit cards, and more

Tips about the economy, the U.S. debt, credit cards, and more

Teaching children about the state of our economy in these economically turbulent times can be challenging for parents especially when they don’t always understand the situation and terminology themselves. The following is a list of some great tips and resources that can help parents and children make sense of the economy, and also their own financial security.

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7 Tricks & Tips for Saving on Kids' Costumes

7 Tricks & Tips for Saving on Kids' Costumes

While some retailers are already prepping for the holiday season, most of us have our minds on fall festivities. A recent study showed spending on Halloween will be close to $7 billion this year. Of that, over $1 billion will be spent on costumes for kids. Thankfully, you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to ensure your kiddos have a happy Halloween. Check out these seven ways to cut the cost of costumes without eliminating all the fun.

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Prepping for the Holiday Shopping Season

Prepping for the Holiday Shopping Season

It’s a scary thought, but it won’t be long before the holiday shopping season is in full swing. Christmas Creep is already setting in as trees and tinsel emerge in the aisles of your favorite stores. While few of us welcome this pre-Halloween intrusion, it serves as a good reminder that it’s never too early to start planning your holiday budget. Try these tips to get your finances in order now so you’re not facing a massive credit card bill come January.

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Living Frugally

Living Frugally

When you think about living frugally do thoughts of sacrifice and deprivation come to mind? If so, then it’s time to change your mindset and embrace the fact that frugal living is less about depriving yourself of things and more about living smarter so you can afford the life you want to live.

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25 Back-to-School Money Saving Tips

25 Back-to-School Money Saving Tips

It’s August and that means parents across the country are preparing for back to school with their kids. Shopping for back to school items can be a tedious and costly process. We’ve compiled the following 25 back-to-school shopping tips from several experts on the subject matter. This year, get everything you need on your back to school list for less by following these tips.

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Back to School Shopping Facts & Tax Breaks

Back to School Shopping Facts & Tax Breaks

According to the National Retail Federation's 2013 Back-to-School Survey, families will shell out less than they did in 2012 for school gear, but still an average of $634.78 for clothing and shoes, electronics, and other school supplies. One-way parents can save money is by taking advantage of temporary tax breaks offered on back-to-school items.

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It’s Never Too Early to Begin Saving for College

It’s Never Too Early to Begin Saving for College

Your children may be toddlers, preschoolers, or only in their elementary years, but it’s never too early to begin saving for their college. College is still a good investment in your child’s future. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, “people with four-year degrees earn nearly twice as much as those with high school diplomas.” Fortunately, there are many resources available to guide parents along the path of saving for college.

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Teaching a College Student About Money Management and Identity Protection

Teaching a College Student About Money Management and Identity Protection

20 percent of college students are facing financial hardships because of debt. To prevent your child from becoming part of this statistic, sit down and discuss money management before sending them off to college. By taking an active role early, you have the best chance of preventing your child from becoming the one in five who is struggling to control their financial situation.

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Paying with cash versus credit

Paying with cash versus credit

According to the Federal Reserve's April 2013 G-19 Consumer Credit Report, Americans owe a hefty $850.9 billion in credit card debt, or $ 6,890 per household. If we are going to raise money-smart kids, we need to teach them the potential perils of relying on credit cards, and explain to them (and even model) the benefits of using cash. Here are some great reasons to choose cash over credit.

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5 Really Simple Ways to Save on Back to School Costs

5 Really Simple Ways to Save on Back to School Costs

Parents are set to spend $688 in 2012 to get each of their children ready for the upcoming school year. That’s for clothing, supplies and electronics. Seems like a lot? That's nothing, online shoppers are set to spend $874, a 27% increase above the overall shopper average. Here are 5 really simple ways your kids can help you cut down on back to school costs.

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