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FREE ONLINE GAMES TO TEACH KIDS ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT Choose one of three games for ages 4 to 7 to teach them about air pollution and what the various colors mean—green day, red day, etc.. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. There are many, many games on the Kids Environment Kids Health page from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. These games are for kids in 1 st to 4 th grade. THE AVERAGE GROCERY BILL FOR A FAMILY OF FOUR (AND HOW TO Furthermore, they are divided by age and gender. According to the FNS, a four-person family made of one female age 35, one male age 37, one boy aged five, and one girl aged eight would have an average monthly grocery bill between $612 and $1,707. By comparison, the break-down between plans is $612 on the thrifty plan, $792 for the low-cost plan THE SAHM BUDGET TEST: HOW TO AFFORD TO BE A STAY-AT-HOME Save money. Sell household goods. Create healthy conversations about money with your spouse. Make a budget that works for your family. Start an at-home business. Maintain a healthy, single-income lifestyle

for years to come.

complex

COSTCO LEGOS Q & A: THE BEST DEAL IN TOWN OR NOT WORTH THE Q: How can I save the most money on LEGOs at Costco? A: Knowledge is key. Costco’s LEGO selection is very limited during the first two-thirds of the year. Your best bet during those months is to glance at the selection online and keep in mind other options like Amazon or Walmart. The best ways to save money in general at Costco are: THE PROS AND CONS OF BEING A ONE CAR FAMILY Monthly parking at my jobs location is $150 per month. If we bought a second car, not only would we have the upfront cost of the vehicle, we would need to pay for gas, maintenance and insurance. Even without paying for parking it would still cost us about $250 per month to own said car. With parking and bridge tolls, closer to $500. WHY YOU NEED AN EMERGENCY FUND BEFORE BUYING A HOUSE Switching from renting to owning a home comes with many changes. As a renter you were able to call your landlord any time something went wrong. As a homeowner you are responsible for the maintenance and repairs of your home – this can be very expensive. As a homeowner there are many times when an emergency fund will come into play. OXYGEN OS VS ANDROID: COMPARING TWO SMARTPHONE OPERATING Oxygen can compete with the practicality that Android has. The only difference is that it provides a little more than Android does. Giving you the option to hide the notification notch is a great example of this. This will give you more screen space to work FREE ONLINE GAMES TO TEACH KIDS ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT Choose one of three games for ages 4 to 7 to teach them about air pollution and what the various colors mean—green day, red day, etc.. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. There are many, many games on the Kids Environment Kids Health page from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. These games are for kids in 1 st to 4 th grade. THE AVERAGE GROCERY BILL FOR A FAMILY OF FOUR (AND HOW TO Furthermore, they are divided by age and gender. According to the FNS, a four-person family made of one female age 35, one male age 37, one boy aged five, and one girl aged eight would have an average monthly grocery bill between $612 and $1,707. By comparison, the break-down between plans is $612 on the thrifty plan, $792 for the low-cost plan THE SAHM BUDGET TEST: HOW TO AFFORD TO BE A STAY-AT-HOME Save money. Sell household goods. Create healthy conversations about money with your spouse. Make a budget that works for your family. Start an at-home business. Maintain a healthy, single-income lifestyle

for years to come.

complex

COSTCO LEGOS Q & A: THE BEST DEAL IN TOWN OR NOT WORTH THE Q: How can I save the most money on LEGOs at Costco? A: Knowledge is key. Costco’s LEGO selection is very limited during the first two-thirds of the year. Your best bet during those months is to glance at the selection online and keep in mind other options like Amazon or Walmart. The best ways to save money in general at Costco are: THE PROS AND CONS OF BEING A ONE CAR FAMILY Monthly parking at my jobs location is $150 per month. If we bought a second car, not only would we have the upfront cost of the vehicle, we would need to pay for gas, maintenance and insurance. Even without paying for parking it would still cost us about $250 per month to own said car. With parking and bridge tolls, closer to $500. WHY YOU NEED AN EMERGENCY FUND BEFORE BUYING A HOUSE Switching from renting to owning a home comes with many changes. As a renter you were able to call your landlord any time something went wrong. As a homeowner you are responsible for the maintenance and repairs of your home – this can be very expensive. As a homeowner there are many times when an emergency fund will come into play. OXYGEN OS VS ANDROID: COMPARING TWO SMARTPHONE OPERATING Oxygen can compete with the practicality that Android has. The only difference is that it provides a little more than Android does. Giving you the option to hide the notification notch is a great example of this. This will give you more screen space to work ABOUT US - KIDS AIN'T CHEAP Originally founded in the District of Columbia in 2007, District Media, Inc. is an independent media company. Our objective is to deliver high-quality personal finance news and advice that informs, empowers, educates and entertains the public. We provide this information free of charge through our portfolio of personal finance

websites, with

TOOLKIT | KIDS AIN'T CHEAP Empowered people control their money. To help you empower yourself financially, here is the best stuff we’ve been able to find. Investment and Budgeting Tools Top notch tools & financial services available online. USAA Bank. We reccomend them for your insurance needs. Net worth and budget spreadsheets from Thousandaire Mint.com Investment tools by Personal Capital Downloadable SHOULD YOU REWARD KIDS FOR GOOD GRADES? Final Thoughts. There is no right answer to the question, should you reward kids for good grades. Many parents argue, rightly so, that rewarding their children helps motivate them. (Keep in mind, some parents reward with money while others reward with privileges. Either work, though privileges might work better for younger kids.) FREE PRINTABLE KIDS MONEY FOR DOWNLOAD One of the most recognizable currencies for children (or at least this 90s kid) is the brightly colored money from the Hasbro game, Monopoly. These bills differ from U.S. currency in appearance but offer your children a chance to practice their counting, sorting, and hand-eye coordination skills. Download your free printable Monopoly money here. LIVING ON VERY LITTLE INCOME? HERE ARE SOME BASIC Pick up a second job. Increase your hours or work overtime. Seek a promotion or raise. Start a side hustle from home. Seek out a higher-paying job. You have the same 24 hours as everyone else, so getting a second job or working longer hours comes with the sacrifice of time away from home. COSTCO LEGOS Q & A: THE BEST DEAL IN TOWN OR NOT WORTH THE Q: How can I save the most money on LEGOs at Costco? A: Knowledge is key. Costco’s LEGO selection is very limited during the first two-thirds of the year. Your best bet during those months is to glance at the selection online and keep in mind other options like Amazon or Walmart. The best ways to save money in general at Costco are: HOW MUCH, IF ANY, SHOULD YOU PAY YOUR KIDS FOR CHORES Clean garage- $10. Wash mom/dad’s car- $10. Weed yard- $20. Clean litter box (dump old litter and wash)- $5. These are household tasks that need to be taken care of and give the child the opportunity to do so. Notice there is no simple tasks like ‘’make bed’’ or ‘’put away laundry’’, again these are simple tasks that are 10 STEPS TO CREATE A SUCCESSFUL STAY-AT-HOME MOM BUDGET This is the total you need, absolutely need, each month to keep the lights on, put gas in the tank, and feed the family. A great way to calculate that number is to add up your monthly bills. They’re typically a set amount. Then, include things you typically buy in a month like food and gas. 7 REASONS YOU SHOULDN’T BUY YOUR KID A CAR 1. Kids Need to Learn How to Earn What They Get. One of the reasons you shouldn’t buy your kid a car is because they need to learn how to earn what they get. Part of your job as a parent is to teach your kids responsibility. Of course, you should provide for their basic needs, such as housing, clothes, food, etc. THE OLD HOUND; AN AESOP FABLE The Old Hound; An Aesop Fable. A Hound who had been excellent in his youth became worn out with the weight of years and injuries. One day, while hunting a Wild Boar, he seized the creature’s ear but could not hold on because of the decline of his teeth. The Boar escaped and the Hound’s master was very disappointed. FREE ONLINE GAMES TO TEACH KIDS ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT Choose one of three games for ages 4 to 7 to teach them about air pollution and what the various colors mean—green day, red day, etc.. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. There are many, many games on the Kids Environment Kids Health page from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. These games are for kids in 1 st to 4 th grade. THE AVERAGE GROCERY BILL FOR A FAMILY OF FOUR (AND HOW TO Furthermore, they are divided by age and gender. According to the FNS, a four-person family made of one female age 35, one male age 37, one boy aged five, and one girl aged eight would have an average monthly grocery bill between $612 and $1,707. By comparison, the break-down between plans is $612 on the thrifty plan, $792 for the low-cost plan THE SAHM BUDGET TEST: HOW TO AFFORD TO BE A STAY-AT-HOME Save money. Sell household goods. Create healthy conversations about money with your spouse. Make a budget that works for your family. Start an at-home business. Maintain a healthy, single-income lifestyle

for years to come.

complex

for years to come.

complex

COSTCO LEGOS Q & A: THE BEST DEAL IN TOWN OR NOT WORTH THE Q: How can I save the most money on LEGOs at Costco? A: Knowledge is key. Costco’s LEGO selection is very limited during the first two-thirds of the year. Your best bet during those months is to glance at the selection online and keep in mind other options like Amazon or Walmart. The best ways to save money in general at Costco are: THE PROS AND CONS OF BEING A ONE CAR FAMILY Monthly parking at my jobs location is $150 per month. If we bought a second car, not only would we have the upfront cost of the vehicle, we would need to pay for gas, maintenance and insurance. Even without paying for parking it would still cost us about $250 per month to own said car. With parking and bridge tolls, closer to $500. WHY YOU NEED AN EMERGENCY FUND BEFORE BUYING A HOUSE Switching from renting to owning a home comes with many changes. As a renter you were able to call your landlord any time something went wrong. As a homeowner you are responsible for the maintenance and repairs of your home – this can be very expensive. As a homeowner there are many times when an emergency fund will come into play. OXYGEN OS VS ANDROID: COMPARING TWO SMARTPHONE OPERATING Oxygen can compete with the practicality that Android has. The only difference is that it provides a little more than Android does. Giving you the option to hide the notification notch is a great example of this. This will give you more screen space to work ABOUT US - KIDS AIN'T CHEAP Originally founded in the District of Columbia in 2007, District Media, Inc. is an independent media company. Our objective is to deliver high-quality personal finance news and advice that informs, empowers, educates and entertains the public. We provide this information free of charge through our portfolio of personal finance

websites, with

TOOLKIT | KIDS AIN'T CHEAP Empowered people control their money. To help you empower yourself financially, here is the best stuff we’ve been able to find. Investment and Budgeting Tools Top notch tools & financial services available online. USAA Bank. We reccomend them for your insurance needs. Net worth and budget spreadsheets from Thousandaire Mint.com Investment tools by Personal Capital Downloadable SHOULD YOU REWARD KIDS FOR GOOD GRADES? Final Thoughts. There is no right answer to the question, should you reward kids for good grades. Many parents argue, rightly so, that rewarding their children helps motivate them. (Keep in mind, some parents reward with money while others reward with privileges. Either work, though privileges might work better for younger kids.) FREE PRINTABLE KIDS MONEY FOR DOWNLOAD One of the most recognizable currencies for children (or at least this 90s kid) is the brightly colored money from the Hasbro game, Monopoly. These bills differ from U.S. currency in appearance but offer your children a chance to practice their counting, sorting, and hand-eye coordination skills. Download your free printable Monopoly money here. LIVING ON VERY LITTLE INCOME? HERE ARE SOME BASIC Pick up a second job. Increase your hours or work overtime. Seek a promotion or raise. Start a side hustle from home. Seek out a higher-paying job. You have the same 24 hours as everyone else, so getting a second job or working longer hours comes with the sacrifice of time away from home. COSTCO LEGOS Q & A: THE BEST DEAL IN TOWN OR NOT WORTH THE Q: How can I save the most money on LEGOs at Costco? A: Knowledge is key. Costco’s LEGO selection is very limited during the first two-thirds of the year. Your best bet during those months is to glance at the selection online and keep in mind other options like Amazon or Walmart. The best ways to save money in general at Costco are: HOW MUCH, IF ANY, SHOULD YOU PAY YOUR KIDS FOR CHORES Clean garage- $10. Wash mom/dad’s car- $10. Weed yard- $20. Clean litter box (dump old litter and wash)- $5. These are household tasks that need to be taken care of and give the child the opportunity to do so. Notice there is no simple tasks like ‘’make bed’’ or ‘’put away laundry’’, again these are simple tasks that are 10 STEPS TO CREATE A SUCCESSFUL STAY-AT-HOME MOM BUDGET This is the total you need, absolutely need, each month to keep the lights on, put gas in the tank, and feed the family. A great way to calculate that number is to add up your monthly bills. They’re typically a set amount. Then, include things you typically buy in a month like food and gas. 7 REASONS YOU SHOULDN’T BUY YOUR KID A CAR 1. Kids Need to Learn How to Earn What They Get. One of the reasons you shouldn’t buy your kid a car is because they need to learn how to earn what they get. Part of your job as a parent is to teach your kids responsibility. Of course, you should provide for their basic needs, such as housing, clothes, food, etc. THE OLD HOUND; AN AESOP FABLE The Old Hound; An Aesop Fable. A Hound who had been excellent in his youth became worn out with the weight of years and injuries. One day, while hunting a Wild Boar, he seized the creature’s ear but could not hold on because of the decline of his teeth. The Boar escaped and the Hound’s master was very disappointed. THE AVERAGE GROCERY BILL FOR A FAMILY OF FOUR (AND HOW TO Furthermore, they are divided by age and gender. According to the FNS, a four-person family made of one female age 35, one male age 37, one boy aged five, and one girl aged eight would have an average monthly grocery bill between $612 and $1,707. By comparison, the break-down between plans is $612 on the thrifty plan, $792 for the low-cost plan THE PROS AND CONS OF BEING A ONE CAR FAMILY Monthly parking at my jobs location is $150 per month. If we bought a second car, not only would we have the upfront cost of the vehicle, we would need to pay for gas, maintenance and insurance. Even without paying for parking it would still cost us about $250 per month to own said car. With parking and bridge tolls, closer to $500. SHOULD YOU REWARD KIDS FOR GOOD GRADES? Final Thoughts. There is no right answer to the question, should you reward kids for good grades. Many parents argue, rightly so, that rewarding their children helps motivate them. (Keep in mind, some parents reward with money while others reward with privileges. Either work, though privileges might work better for younger kids.) WHY YOU NEED AN EMERGENCY FUND BEFORE BUYING A HOUSE Switching from renting to owning a home comes with many changes. As a renter you were able to call your landlord any time something went wrong. As a homeowner you are responsible for the maintenance and repairs of your home – this can be very expensive. As a homeowner there are many times when an emergency fund will come into play. OXYGEN OS VS ANDROID: COMPARING TWO SMARTPHONE OPERATING Oxygen can compete with the practicality that Android has. The only difference is that it provides a little more than Android does. Giving you the option to hide the notification notch is a great example of this. This will give you more screen space to work THE SAHM BUDGET TEST: HOW TO AFFORD TO BE A STAY-AT-HOME Save money. Sell household goods. Create healthy conversations about money with your spouse. Make a budget that works for your family. Start an at-home business. Maintain a healthy, single-income lifestyle

for years to come.

7 REASONS YOU SHOULDN’T BUY YOUR KID A CAR 1. Kids Need to Learn How to Earn What They Get. One of the reasons you shouldn’t buy your kid a car is because they need to learn how to earn what they get. Part of your job as a parent is to teach your kids responsibility. Of course, you should provide for their basic needs, such as housing, clothes, food, etc. THE PROS AND CONS OF ONLINE SCHOOLING FREE ONLINE GAMES TO TEACH KIDS ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT Choose one of three games for ages 4 to 7 to teach them about air pollution and what the various colors mean—green day, red day, etc.. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. There are many, many games on the Kids Environment Kids Health page from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. These games are for kids in 1 st to 4 th grade. LOANS FOR STAY-AT-HOME MOMS Loans for Stay-at-Home Moms – a Breakdown of Your Options. I used debt regularly the moment I reached adulthood. My entire effort was to ultimately raise my credit score.. However, my focus on debt became one of my biggest stumbling blocks for becoming a stay-at-home mom,

years later.

THE PROS AND CONS OF ONLINE SCHOOLING FREE ONLINE GAMES TO TEACH KIDS ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT Choose one of three games for ages 4 to 7 to teach them about air pollution and what the various colors mean—green day, red day, etc.. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. There are many, many games on the Kids Environment Kids Health page from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. These games are for kids in 1 st to 4 th grade. THE PROS AND CONS OF BEING A ONE CAR FAMILY Monthly parking at my jobs location is $150 per month. If we bought a second car, not only would we have the upfront cost of the vehicle, we would need to pay for gas, maintenance and insurance. Even without paying for parking it would still cost us about $250 per month to own said car. With parking and bridge tolls, closer to $500. LOANS FOR STAY-AT-HOME MOMS Loans for Stay-at-Home Moms – a Breakdown of Your Options. I used debt regularly the moment I reached adulthood. My entire effort was to ultimately raise my credit score.. However, my focus on debt became one of my biggest stumbling blocks for becoming a stay-at-home mom,

years later.

THE SAHM BUDGET TEST: HOW TO AFFORD TO BE A STAY-AT-HOME Save money. Sell household goods. Create healthy conversations about money with your spouse. Make a budget that works for your family. Start an at-home business. Maintain a healthy, single-income lifestyle

for years to come.

KIDS AIN'T CHEAP

To plan your weekend away, you don’t need much. If you don’t already have access to one, you really only need to acquire a tent, possibly a tarp if you think you may need coverage for your site, and a cooler for your food.. You don’t really need sleeping bags or air mattresses; just layer a bunch of blankets and pillows on the bottom. Even though they can be nice, you don’t really need SHOULD YOU REWARD KIDS FOR GOOD GRADES? Final Thoughts. There is no right answer to the question, should you reward kids for good grades. Many parents argue, rightly so, that rewarding their children helps motivate them. (Keep in mind, some parents reward with money while others reward with privileges. Either work, though privileges might work better for younger kids.) 7 REASONS YOU SHOULDN’T BUY YOUR KID A CAR 1. Kids Need to Learn How to Earn What They Get. One of the reasons you shouldn’t buy your kid a car is because they need to learn how to earn what they get. Part of your job as a parent is to teach your kids responsibility. Of course, you should provide for their basic needs, such as housing, clothes, food, etc. THE PROS AND CONS OF ONLINE SCHOOLING As the pandemic continues to rage and school guidelines for the fall emerge, many parents are looking at alternatives. While some parents are considering homeschooling, others are looking at online schooling. After all, online schooling takes some of LIVING ON VERY LITTLE INCOME? HERE ARE SOME BASIC Pick up a second job. Increase your hours or work overtime. Seek a promotion or raise. Start a side hustle from home. Seek out a higher-paying job. You have the same 24 hours as everyone else, so getting a second job or working longer hours comes with the sacrifice of time away from home. SHOULD YOU BUY YOUR KID A CAR? Catherine is a first time momma to a rambunctious toddler. When she isn't soaking up all that motherhood has to offer, you can find her blogging over at Plunged in Debt where she chronicles her and her husbands journey out of debt. You can also follow her on Twitter. 10 STEPS TO CREATE A SUCCESSFUL STAY-AT-HOME MOM BUDGET This is the total you need, absolutely need, each month to keep the lights on, put gas in the tank, and feed the family. A great way to calculate that number is to add up your monthly bills. They’re typically a set amount. Then, include things you typically buy in a month like food and gas. TAKE OVER APARTMENT LEASE Step 3 – Find someone to take over your apartment lease. If no termination agreement can be reached and you have no other choice but to find your replacement, try these options: Notice boards – One common place for soliciting new apartment tenants is on notice boards located at grocery stores, laundromats, or within the apartment

complex

years later.

for years to come.

SHOULD YOU REWARD KIDS FOR GOOD GRADES? Final Thoughts. There is no right answer to the question, should you reward kids for good grades. Many parents argue, rightly so, that rewarding their children helps motivate them. (Keep in mind, some parents reward with money while others reward with privileges. Either work, though privileges might work better for younger kids.) THE AVERAGE GROCERY BILL FOR A FAMILY OF FOUR (AND HOW TO Furthermore, they are divided by age and gender. According to the FNS, a four-person family made of one female age 35, one male age 37, one boy aged five, and one girl aged eight would have an average monthly grocery bill between $612 and $1,707. By comparison, the break-down between plans is $612 on the thrifty plan, $792 for the low-cost plan WHY YOU NEED AN EMERGENCY FUND BEFORE BUYING A HOUSE Switching from renting to owning a home comes with many changes. As a renter you were able to call your landlord any time something went wrong. As a homeowner you are responsible for the maintenance and repairs of your home – this can be very expensive. As a homeowner there are many times when an emergency fund will come into play. 7 REASONS YOU SHOULDN’T BUY YOUR KID A CAR 1. Kids Need to Learn How to Earn What They Get. One of the reasons you shouldn’t buy your kid a car is because they need to learn how to earn what they get. Part of your job as a parent is to teach your kids responsibility. Of course, you should provide for their basic needs, such as housing, clothes, food, etc. OXYGEN OS VS ANDROID: COMPARING TWO SMARTPHONE OPERATING Oxygen can compete with the practicality that Android has. The only difference is that it provides a little more than Android does. Giving you the option to hide the notification notch is a great example of this. This will give you more screen space to work THE AVERAGE GROCERY BILL FOR A FAMILY OF FOUR (AND HOW TO Furthermore, they are divided by age and gender. According to the FNS, a four-person family made of one female age 35, one male age 37, one boy aged five, and one girl aged eight would have an average monthly grocery bill between $612 and $1,707. By comparison, the break-down between plans is $612 on the thrifty plan, $792 for the low-cost plan THE PROS AND CONS OF BEING A ONE CAR FAMILY Monthly parking at my jobs location is $150 per month. If we bought a second car, not only would we have the upfront cost of the vehicle, we would need to pay for gas, maintenance and insurance. Even without paying for parking it would still cost us about $250 per month to own said car. With parking and bridge tolls, closer to $500. SHOULD YOU REWARD KIDS FOR GOOD GRADES? Final Thoughts. There is no right answer to the question, should you reward kids for good grades. Many parents argue, rightly so, that rewarding their children helps motivate them. (Keep in mind, some parents reward with money while others reward with privileges. Either work, though privileges might work better for younger kids.) WHY YOU NEED AN EMERGENCY FUND BEFORE BUYING A HOUSE Switching from renting to owning a home comes with many changes. As a renter you were able to call your landlord any time something went wrong. As a homeowner you are responsible for the maintenance and repairs of your home – this can be very expensive. As a homeowner there are many times when an emergency fund will come into play. OXYGEN OS VS ANDROID: COMPARING TWO SMARTPHONE OPERATING Oxygen can compete with the practicality that Android has. The only difference is that it provides a little more than Android does. Giving you the option to hide the notification notch is a great example of this. This will give you more screen space to work THE SAHM BUDGET TEST: HOW TO AFFORD TO BE A STAY-AT-HOME Save money. Sell household goods. Create healthy conversations about money with your spouse. Make a budget that works for your family. Start an at-home business. Maintain a healthy, single-income lifestyle

for years to come.

years later.

KIDS AIN'T CHEAP

To plan your weekend away, you don’t need much. If you don’t already have access to one, you really only need to acquire a tent, possibly a tarp if you think you may need coverage for your site, and a cooler for your food.. You don’t really need sleeping bags or air mattresses; just layer a bunch of blankets and pillows on the bottom. Even though they can be nice, you don’t really need TOOLKIT | KIDS AIN'T CHEAP Empowered people control their money. To help you empower yourself financially, here is the best stuff we’ve been able to find. Investment and Budgeting Tools Top notch tools & financial services available online. USAA Bank. We reccomend them for your insurance needs. Net worth and budget spreadsheets from Thousandaire Mint.com Investment tools by Personal Capital Downloadable THE PROS AND CONS OF ONLINE SCHOOLING As the pandemic continues to rage and school guidelines for the fall emerge, many parents are looking at alternatives. While some parents are considering homeschooling, others are looking at online schooling. After all, online schooling takes some of SHOULD YOU REWARD KIDS FOR GOOD GRADES? Final Thoughts. There is no right answer to the question, should you reward kids for good grades. Many parents argue, rightly so, that rewarding their children helps motivate them. (Keep in mind, some parents reward with money while others reward with privileges. Either work, though privileges might work better for younger kids.) SHOULD YOU BUY YOUR KID A CAR? Catherine is a first time momma to a rambunctious toddler. When she isn't soaking up all that motherhood has to offer, you can find her blogging over at Plunged in Debt where she chronicles her and her husbands journey out of debt. You can also follow her on Twitter. LIVING ON VERY LITTLE INCOME? HERE ARE SOME BASIC Pick up a second job. Increase your hours or work overtime. Seek a promotion or raise. Start a side hustle from home. Seek out a higher-paying job. You have the same 24 hours as everyone else, so getting a second job or working longer hours comes with the sacrifice of time away from home. HOW MUCH, IF ANY, SHOULD YOU PAY YOUR KIDS FOR CHORES Clean garage- $10. Wash mom/dad’s car- $10. Weed yard- $20. Clean litter box (dump old litter and wash)- $5. These are household tasks that need to be taken care of and give the child the opportunity to do so. Notice there is no simple tasks like ‘’make bed’’ or ‘’put away laundry’’, again these are simple tasks that are 7 REASONS YOU SHOULDN’T BUY YOUR KID A CAR 1. Kids Need to Learn How to Earn What They Get. One of the reasons you shouldn’t buy your kid a car is because they need to learn how to earn what they get. Part of your job as a parent is to teach your kids responsibility. Of course, you should provide for their basic needs, such as housing, clothes, food, etc. TAKE OVER APARTMENT LEASE Step 3 – Find someone to take over your apartment lease. If no termination agreement can be reached and you have no other choice but to find your replacement, try these options: Notice boards – One common place for soliciting new apartment tenants is on notice boards located at grocery stores, laundromats, or within the apartment

complex

10 STEPS TO CREATE A SUCCESSFUL STAY-AT-HOME MOM BUDGET This is the total you need, absolutely need, each month to keep the lights on, put gas in the tank, and feed the family. A great way to calculate that number is to add up your monthly bills. They’re typically a set amount. Then, include things you typically buy in a month like food and gas. THE PROS AND CONS OF ONLINE SCHOOLING FREE ONLINE GAMES TO TEACH KIDS ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT Choose one of three games for ages 4 to 7 to teach them about air pollution and what the various colors mean—green day, red day, etc.. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. There are many, many games on the Kids Environment Kids Health page from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. These games are for kids in 1 st to 4 th grade. THE PROS AND CONS OF BEING A ONE CAR FAMILY Monthly parking at my jobs location is $150 per month. If we bought a second car, not only would we have the upfront cost of the vehicle, we would need to pay for gas, maintenance and insurance. Even without paying for parking it would still cost us about $250 per month to own said car. With parking and bridge tolls, closer to $500. LOANS FOR STAY-AT-HOME MOMS Loans for Stay-at-Home Moms – a Breakdown of Your Options. I used debt regularly the moment I reached adulthood. My entire effort was to ultimately raise my credit score.. However, my focus on debt became one of my biggest stumbling blocks for becoming a stay-at-home mom,

years later.

for years to come.

SHOULD YOU REWARD KIDS FOR GOOD GRADES? Final Thoughts. There is no right answer to the question, should you reward kids for good grades. Many parents argue, rightly so, that rewarding their children helps motivate them. (Keep in mind, some parents reward with money while others reward with privileges. Either work, though privileges might work better for younger kids.) THE AVERAGE GROCERY BILL FOR A FAMILY OF FOUR (AND HOW TO Furthermore, they are divided by age and gender. According to the FNS, a four-person family made of one female age 35, one male age 37, one boy aged five, and one girl aged eight would have an average monthly grocery bill between $612 and $1,707. By comparison, the break-down between plans is $612 on the thrifty plan, $792 for the low-cost plan WHY YOU NEED AN EMERGENCY FUND BEFORE BUYING A HOUSE Switching from renting to owning a home comes with many changes. As a renter you were able to call your landlord any time something went wrong. As a homeowner you are responsible for the maintenance and repairs of your home – this can be very expensive. As a homeowner there are many times when an emergency fund will come into play. 7 REASONS YOU SHOULDN’T BUY YOUR KID A CAR 1. Kids Need to Learn How to Earn What They Get. One of the reasons you shouldn’t buy your kid a car is because they need to learn how to earn what they get. Part of your job as a parent is to teach your kids responsibility. Of course, you should provide for their basic needs, such as housing, clothes, food, etc. OXYGEN OS VS ANDROID: COMPARING TWO SMARTPHONE OPERATING Oxygen can compete with the practicality that Android has. The only difference is that it provides a little more than Android does. Giving you the option to hide the notification notch is a great example of this. This will give you more screen space to work THE PROS AND CONS OF ONLINE SCHOOLING FREE ONLINE GAMES TO TEACH KIDS ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT Choose one of three games for ages 4 to 7 to teach them about air pollution and what the various colors mean—green day, red day, etc.. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. There are many, many games on the Kids Environment Kids Health page from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. These games are for kids in 1 st to 4 th grade. THE PROS AND CONS OF BEING A ONE CAR FAMILY Monthly parking at my jobs location is $150 per month. If we bought a second car, not only would we have the upfront cost of the vehicle, we would need to pay for gas, maintenance and insurance. Even without paying for parking it would still cost us about $250 per month to own said car. With parking and bridge tolls, closer to $500. LOANS FOR STAY-AT-HOME MOMS Loans for Stay-at-Home Moms – a Breakdown of Your Options. I used debt regularly the moment I reached adulthood. My entire effort was to ultimately raise my credit score.. However, my focus on debt became one of my biggest stumbling blocks for becoming a stay-at-home mom,

years later.

for years to come.

KIDS AIN'T CHEAP

To plan your weekend away, you don’t need much. If you don’t already have access to one, you really only need to acquire a tent, possibly a tarp if you think you may need coverage for your site, and a cooler for your food.. You don’t really need sleeping bags or air mattresses; just layer a bunch of blankets and pillows on the bottom. Even though they can be nice, you don’t really need TOOLKIT | KIDS AIN'T CHEAP Empowered people control their money. To help you empower yourself financially, here is the best stuff we’ve been able to find. Investment and Budgeting Tools Top notch tools & financial services available online. USAA Bank. We reccomend them for your insurance needs. Net worth and budget spreadsheets from Thousandaire Mint.com Investment tools by Personal Capital Downloadable THE PROS AND CONS OF ONLINE SCHOOLING As the pandemic continues to rage and school guidelines for the fall emerge, many parents are looking at alternatives. While some parents are considering homeschooling, others are looking at online schooling. After all, online schooling takes some of SHOULD YOU REWARD KIDS FOR GOOD GRADES? Final Thoughts. There is no right answer to the question, should you reward kids for good grades. Many parents argue, rightly so, that rewarding their children helps motivate them. (Keep in mind, some parents reward with money while others reward with privileges. Either work, though privileges might work better for younger kids.) SHOULD YOU BUY YOUR KID A CAR? Catherine is a first time momma to a rambunctious toddler. When she isn't soaking up all that motherhood has to offer, you can find her blogging over at Plunged in Debt where she chronicles her and her husbands journey out of debt. You can also follow her on Twitter. LIVING ON VERY LITTLE INCOME? HERE ARE SOME BASIC Pick up a second job. Increase your hours or work overtime. Seek a promotion or raise. Start a side hustle from home. Seek out a higher-paying job. You have the same 24 hours as everyone else, so getting a second job or working longer hours comes with the sacrifice of time away from home. HOW MUCH, IF ANY, SHOULD YOU PAY YOUR KIDS FOR CHORES Clean garage- $10. Wash mom/dad’s car- $10. Weed yard- $20. Clean litter box (dump old litter and wash)- $5. These are household tasks that need to be taken care of and give the child the opportunity to do so. Notice there is no simple tasks like ‘’make bed’’ or ‘’put away laundry’’, again these are simple tasks that are 7 REASONS YOU SHOULDN’T BUY YOUR KID A CAR 1. Kids Need to Learn How to Earn What They Get. One of the reasons you shouldn’t buy your kid a car is because they need to learn how to earn what they get. Part of your job as a parent is to teach your kids responsibility. Of course, you should provide for their basic needs, such as housing, clothes, food, etc. TAKE OVER APARTMENT LEASE Step 3 – Find someone to take over your apartment lease. If no termination agreement can be reached and you have no other choice but to find your replacement, try these options: Notice boards – One common place for soliciting new apartment tenants is on notice boards located at grocery stores, laundromats, or within the apartment

complex

years later.

for years to come.

SHOULD YOU REWARD KIDS FOR GOOD GRADES? Final Thoughts. There is no right answer to the question, should you reward kids for good grades. Many parents argue, rightly so, that rewarding their children helps motivate them. (Keep in mind, some parents reward with money while others reward with privileges. Either work, though privileges might work better for younger kids.) THE AVERAGE GROCERY BILL FOR A FAMILY OF FOUR (AND HOW TO Furthermore, they are divided by age and gender. According to the FNS, a four-person family made of one female age 35, one male age 37, one boy aged five, and one girl aged eight would have an average monthly grocery bill between $612 and $1,707. By comparison, the break-down between plans is $612 on the thrifty plan, $792 for the low-cost plan WHY YOU NEED AN EMERGENCY FUND BEFORE BUYING A HOUSE Switching from renting to owning a home comes with many changes. As a renter you were able to call your landlord any time something went wrong. As a homeowner you are responsible for the maintenance and repairs of your home – this can be very expensive. As a homeowner there are many times when an emergency fund will come into play. 7 REASONS YOU SHOULDN’T BUY YOUR KID A CAR 1. Kids Need to Learn How to Earn What They Get. One of the reasons you shouldn’t buy your kid a car is because they need to learn how to earn what they get. Part of your job as a parent is to teach your kids responsibility. Of course, you should provide for their basic needs, such as housing, clothes, food, etc. OXYGEN OS VS ANDROID: COMPARING TWO SMARTPHONE OPERATING Oxygen can compete with the practicality that Android has. The only difference is that it provides a little more than Android does. Giving you the option to hide the notification notch is a great example of this. This will give you more screen space to work THE PROS AND CONS OF ONLINE SCHOOLING FREE ONLINE GAMES TO TEACH KIDS ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT Choose one of three games for ages 4 to 7 to teach them about air pollution and what the various colors mean—green day, red day, etc.. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. There are many, many games on the Kids Environment Kids Health page from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. These games are for kids in 1 st to 4 th grade. THE PROS AND CONS OF BEING A ONE CAR FAMILY Monthly parking at my jobs location is $150 per month. If we bought a second car, not only would we have the upfront cost of the vehicle, we would need to pay for gas, maintenance and insurance. Even without paying for parking it would still cost us about $250 per month to own said car. With parking and bridge tolls, closer to $500. LOANS FOR STAY-AT-HOME MOMS Loans for Stay-at-Home Moms – a Breakdown of Your Options. I used debt regularly the moment I reached adulthood. My entire effort was to ultimately raise my credit score.. However, my focus on debt became one of my biggest stumbling blocks for becoming a stay-at-home mom,

years later.

for years to come.

KIDS AIN'T CHEAP

To plan your weekend away, you don’t need much. If you don’t already have access to one, you really only need to acquire a tent, possibly a tarp if you think you may need coverage for your site, and a cooler for your food.. You don’t really need sleeping bags or air mattresses; just layer a bunch of blankets and pillows on the bottom. Even though they can be nice, you don’t really need TOOLKIT | KIDS AIN'T CHEAP Empowered people control their money. To help you empower yourself financially, here is the best stuff we’ve been able to find. Investment and Budgeting Tools Top notch tools & financial services available online. USAA Bank. We reccomend them for your insurance needs. Net worth and budget spreadsheets from Thousandaire Mint.com Investment tools by Personal Capital Downloadable THE PROS AND CONS OF ONLINE SCHOOLING As the pandemic continues to rage and school guidelines for the fall emerge, many parents are looking at alternatives. While some parents are considering homeschooling, others are looking at online schooling. After all, online schooling takes some of SHOULD YOU REWARD KIDS FOR GOOD GRADES? Final Thoughts. There is no right answer to the question, should you reward kids for good grades. Many parents argue, rightly so, that rewarding their children helps motivate them. (Keep in mind, some parents reward with money while others reward with privileges. Either work, though privileges might work better for younger kids.) SHOULD YOU BUY YOUR KID A CAR? Catherine is a first time momma to a rambunctious toddler. When she isn't soaking up all that motherhood has to offer, you can find her blogging over at Plunged in Debt where she chronicles her and her husbands journey out of debt. You can also follow her on Twitter. LIVING ON VERY LITTLE INCOME? HERE ARE SOME BASIC Pick up a second job. Increase your hours or work overtime. Seek a promotion or raise. Start a side hustle from home. Seek out a higher-paying job. You have the same 24 hours as everyone else, so getting a second job or working longer hours comes with the sacrifice of time away from home. HOW MUCH, IF ANY, SHOULD YOU PAY YOUR KIDS FOR CHORES Clean garage- $10. Wash mom/dad’s car- $10. Weed yard- $20. Clean litter box (dump old litter and wash)- $5. These are household tasks that need to be taken care of and give the child the opportunity to do so. Notice there is no simple tasks like ‘’make bed’’ or ‘’put away laundry’’, again these are simple tasks that are 7 REASONS YOU SHOULDN’T BUY YOUR KID A CAR 1. Kids Need to Learn How to Earn What They Get. One of the reasons you shouldn’t buy your kid a car is because they need to learn how to earn what they get. Part of your job as a parent is to teach your kids responsibility. Of course, you should provide for their basic needs, such as housing, clothes, food, etc. TAKE OVER APARTMENT LEASE Step 3 – Find someone to take over your apartment lease. If no termination agreement can be reached and you have no other choice but to find your replacement, try these options: Notice boards – One common place for soliciting new apartment tenants is on notice boards located at grocery stores, laundromats, or within the apartment

complex

10 STEPS TO CREATE A SUCCESSFUL STAY-AT-HOME MOM BUDGET This is the total you need, absolutely need, each month to keep the lights on, put gas in the tank, and feed the family. A great way to calculate that number is to add up your monthly bills. They’re typically a set amount. Then, include things you typically buy in a month like food and gas. 7 EASY RECIPES KIDS CAN MAKE THEMSELVES 1/2 stick of celery, sliced thin. Mix all ingredients in a small bowl and spread on your choice of bread. Add a slice of cheese and/or pre-cooked bacon if desired. 3. Taco Bar. With only seven easy-to-prepare ingredients, your kids can whip up a taco bar that will please the masses. SHOULD YOU REWARD KIDS FOR GOOD GRADES? Final Thoughts. There is no right answer to the question, should you reward kids for good grades. Many parents argue, rightly so, that rewarding their children helps motivate them. (Keep in mind, some parents reward with money while others reward with privileges. Either work, though privileges might work better for younger kids.) TAKE OVER APARTMENT LEASE Step 3 – Find someone to take over your apartment lease. If no termination agreement can be reached and you have no other choice but to find your replacement, try these options: Notice boards – One common place for soliciting new apartment tenants is on notice boards located at grocery stores, laundromats, or within the apartment

complex

for years to come.

LIVING ON VERY LITTLE INCOME? HERE ARE SOME BASIC Pick up a second job. Increase your hours or work overtime. Seek a promotion or raise. Start a side hustle from home. Seek out a higher-paying job. You have the same 24 hours as everyone else, so getting a second job or working longer hours comes with the sacrifice of time away from home. COSTCO LEGOS Q & A: THE BEST DEAL IN TOWN OR NOT WORTH THEBEST DEALS LEGOSCOSTCO LEGO ADVENT CALENDAR 2020COSTCO LEGO SALECOSTCO LEGO TECHNICCOSTCO LEGO TOYS Q: How can I save the most money on LEGOs at Costco? A: Knowledge is key. Costco’s LEGO selection is very limited during the first two-thirds of the year. Your best bet during those months is to glance at the selection online and keep in mind other options like Amazon or Walmart. The best ways to save money in general at Costco are: THE PROS AND CONS OF BEING A ONE CAR FAMILY Monthly parking at my jobs location is $150 per month. If we bought a second car, not only would we have the upfront cost of the vehicle, we would need to pay for gas, maintenance and insurance. Even without paying for parking it would still cost us about $250 per month to own said car. With parking and bridge tolls, closer to $500. WHY YOU NEED AN EMERGENCY FUND BEFORE BUYING A HOUSE Switching from renting to owning a home comes with many changes. As a renter you were able to call your landlord any time something went wrong. As a homeowner you are responsible for the maintenance and repairs of your home – this can be very expensive. As a homeowner there are many times when an emergency fund will come into play. THE AVERAGE GROCERY BILL FOR A FAMILY OF FOUR (AND HOW TO Furthermore, they are divided by age and gender. According to the FNS, a four-person family made of one female age 35, one male age 37, one boy aged five, and one girl aged eight would have an average monthly grocery bill between $612 and $1,707. By comparison, the break-down between plans is $612 on the thrifty plan, $792 for the low-cost plan OXYGEN OS VS ANDROID: COMPARING TWO SMARTPHONE OPERATINGOXYGEN OS VS ANDROID 10OXYGEN OS VS ANDROID 10 Oxygen can compete with the practicality that Android has. The only difference is that it provides a little more than Android does. Giving you the option to hide the notification notch is a great example of this. This will give you more screen space to work 7 EASY RECIPES KIDS CAN MAKE THEMSELVES 1/2 stick of celery, sliced thin. Mix all ingredients in a small bowl and spread on your choice of bread. Add a slice of cheese and/or pre-cooked bacon if desired. 3. Taco Bar. With only seven easy-to-prepare ingredients, your kids can whip up a taco bar that will please the masses. SHOULD YOU REWARD KIDS FOR GOOD GRADES? Final Thoughts. There is no right answer to the question, should you reward kids for good grades. Many parents argue, rightly so, that rewarding their children helps motivate them. (Keep in mind, some parents reward with money while others reward with privileges. Either work, though privileges might work better for younger kids.) TAKE OVER APARTMENT LEASE Step 3 – Find someone to take over your apartment lease. If no termination agreement can be reached and you have no other choice but to find your replacement, try these options: Notice boards – One common place for soliciting new apartment tenants is on notice boards located at grocery stores, laundromats, or within the apartment

complex

for years to come.

LIVING ON VERY LITTLE INCOME? HERE ARE SOME BASIC Pick up a second job. Increase your hours or work overtime. Seek a promotion or raise. Start a side hustle from home. Seek out a higher-paying job. You have the same 24 hours as everyone else, so getting a second job or working longer hours comes with the sacrifice of time away from home. COSTCO LEGOS Q & A: THE BEST DEAL IN TOWN OR NOT WORTH THEBEST DEALS LEGOSCOSTCO LEGO ADVENT CALENDAR 2020COSTCO LEGO SALECOSTCO LEGO TECHNICCOSTCO LEGO TOYS Q: How can I save the most money on LEGOs at Costco? A: Knowledge is key. Costco’s LEGO selection is very limited during the first two-thirds of the year. Your best bet during those months is to glance at the selection online and keep in mind other options like Amazon or Walmart. The best ways to save money in general at Costco are: THE PROS AND CONS OF BEING A ONE CAR FAMILY Monthly parking at my jobs location is $150 per month. If we bought a second car, not only would we have the upfront cost of the vehicle, we would need to pay for gas, maintenance and insurance. Even without paying for parking it would still cost us about $250 per month to own said car. With parking and bridge tolls, closer to $500. WHY YOU NEED AN EMERGENCY FUND BEFORE BUYING A HOUSE Switching from renting to owning a home comes with many changes. As a renter you were able to call your landlord any time something went wrong. As a homeowner you are responsible for the maintenance and repairs of your home – this can be very expensive. As a homeowner there are many times when an emergency fund will come into play. THE AVERAGE GROCERY BILL FOR A FAMILY OF FOUR (AND HOW TO Furthermore, they are divided by age and gender. According to the FNS, a four-person family made of one female age 35, one male age 37, one boy aged five, and one girl aged eight would have an average monthly grocery bill between $612 and $1,707. By comparison, the break-down between plans is $612 on the thrifty plan, $792 for the low-cost plan OXYGEN OS VS ANDROID: COMPARING TWO SMARTPHONE OPERATINGOXYGEN OS VS ANDROID 10OXYGEN OS VS ANDROID 10 Oxygen can compete with the practicality that Android has. The only difference is that it provides a little more than Android does. Giving you the option to hide the notification notch is a great example of this. This will give you more screen space to work HOUSEPLANTS THAT PRODUCE THE MOST OXYGEN (AND ARE NEARLY Garden mum: NASA research found that this flowering plant has the strongest air purification abilities of any other. It remove sammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, and xylene from indoor air. Spider plant: One of the easiest to grow on this list, the spider plant is ideal for beginners and forgetful types, and does best in bright, indirect light.. Ficus: Also low maintenance — as long as your TOOLKIT | KIDS AIN'T CHEAP Empowered people control their money. To help you empower yourself financially, here is the best stuff we’ve been able to find. Investment and Budgeting Tools Top notch tools & financial services available online. USAA Bank. We reccomend them for your insurance needs. Net worth and budget spreadsheets from Thousandaire Mint.com Investment tools by Personal Capital Downloadable 7 EASY RECIPES KIDS CAN MAKE THEMSELVES 1/2 stick of celery, sliced thin. Mix all ingredients in a small bowl and spread on your choice of bread. Add a slice of cheese and/or pre-cooked bacon if desired. 3. Taco Bar. With only seven easy-to-prepare ingredients, your kids can whip up a taco bar that will please the masses. CONTACT US AT KIDS AIN'T CHEAP Contact Us. For comments, suggestions, and/or advertising, send us an email through districtmedia1 gmail com or call us at (202) 468-6043 . I encourage you to contact me for: Questions and Comments. Criticisms and Rants. Ideas and Stories. Guest Article and Posting

Possibilities.

school.

TAKE OVER APARTMENT LEASE If you have to break your lease early, and your to-do list suddenly includes: "find next renter to take over apartment lease," follow

these next 3 steps.

THE SAHM BUDGET TEST: HOW TO AFFORD TO BE A STAY-AT-HOME Can moms really afford to live at home full-time with their children?So many families are trapped by student loan and credit card debt, requiring both parents to work full-time outside the home. I’ve been in those shoes. LIVING ON VERY LITTLE INCOME? HERE ARE SOME BASIC Living on very little income can be a stressful season, but it doesn't have to last forever. Here are some basic considerations for your

family this week.

COSTCO LEGOS Q & A: THE BEST DEAL IN TOWN OR NOT WORTH THEBEST DEALS LEGOSCOSTCO LEGO ADVENT CALENDAR 2020COSTCO LEGO SALECOSTCO LEGO TECHNICCOSTCO LEGO TOYS Costco LEGOs Q & A: Best Deal In Town or Not Worth the Trip? Q: Does Costco sell LEGOs?. A. Yes. There is often an assortment of LEGO products available at Costco, although it does vary. THE AVERAGE GROCERY BILL FOR A FAMILY OF FOUR (AND HOW TO 2. Use Money Saving Apps. Couponing has gone digital. Specifically, Ibotta, Fetch Rewards, and Checkout51 are a few of my favorite

money-saving apps.

THE PROS AND CONS OF BEING A ONE CAR FAMILY Catherine is a first time momma to a rambunctious toddler. When she isn't soaking up all that motherhood has to offer, you can find her blogging over at Plunged in Debt where she chronicles her and her husbands journey out of debt. You can also follow her on Twitter. WHY YOU NEED AN EMERGENCY FUND BEFORE BUYING A HOUSE Becoming a homeowner is a dream for many. However, the dream of homeownership quickly turns into a nightmare for those who aren’t

prepared for

school.

TAKE OVER APARTMENT LEASE If you have to break your lease early, and your to-do list suddenly includes: "find next renter to take over apartment lease," follow

these next 3 steps.

family this week.

money-saving apps.

prepared for

OXYGEN OS VS ANDROID: COMPARING TWO SMARTPHONE OPERATINGOXYGEN OS VS ANDROID 10OXYGEN OS VS ANDROID 10 Choosing between Oxygen OS vs Android? Smartphones provide the ultimate convenience and portability that no other device can offer today. They even defined 2019 because of how versatile they are as a personal gadget.. What’s great about smartphones is that there are constant upgrades released on the regular. HOUSEPLANTS THAT PRODUCE THE MOST OXYGEN (AND ARE NEARLY Garden mum: NASA research found that this flowering plant has the strongest air purification abilities of any other. It remove sammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, and xylene from indoor air. Spider plant: One of the easiest to grow on this list, the spider plant is ideal for beginners and forgetful types, and does best in bright, indirect light.. Ficus: Also low maintenance — as long as your TOOLKIT | KIDS AIN'T CHEAP Empowered people control their money. To help you empower yourself financially, here is the best stuff we’ve been able to find. Investment and Budgeting Tools Top notch tools & financial services available online. USAA Bank. We reccomend them for your insurance needs. Net worth and budget spreadsheets from Thousandaire Mint.com Investment tools by Personal Capital Downloadable 7 EASY RECIPES KIDS CAN MAKE THEMSELVES Due to the busyness of life, it’s not always feasible for moms and/or dads to be at home when the kids need to eat. Helping them learn to cook for themselves will help them understand responsibility, self-care, and a new way to have fun.Therefore, here are some fantastic and easy recipes kids can make themselves. CONTACT US AT KIDS AIN'T CHEAP For comments, suggestions, and/or advertising, send us an email through districtmedia1 gmail com or call us at (202)

468-6043 .

LIVING ON VERY LITTLE INCOME? HERE ARE SOME BASIC nsus Bureau, the poverty line for a family of four is $24,339. View your family’s size and threshold here. In the book The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness, author Dave Ramsey talks about taking care of the “four walls.” SHOULD YOU BUY YOUR KID A CAR? Catherine is a first time momma to a rambunctious toddler. When she isn't soaking up all that motherhood has to offer, you can find her blogging over at Plunged in Debt where she chronicles her and her husbands journey out of debt. You can also follow her on Twitter. SHOULD YOU REWARD KIDS FOR GOOD GRADES? One of the more controversial topics in parenting circles, right behind should children be paid an allowance tied to chores, is, should you reward kids for good grades? As a student, I never received money for good grades. I didn’t need to because I liked learning and

school.

COSTCO LEGOS Q & A: THE BEST DEAL IN TOWN OR NOT WORTH THE Costco LEGOs Q & A: Best Deal In Town or Not Worth the Trip? Q: Does Costco sell LEGOs?. A. Yes. There is often an assortment of LEGO products available at Costco, although it does vary. OXYGEN OS VS ANDROID: COMPARING TWO SMARTPHONE OPERATING Choosing between Oxygen OS vs Android? Smartphones provide the ultimate convenience and portability that no other device can offer today. They even defined 2019 because of how versatile they are as a personal gadget.. What’s great about smartphones is that there are constant upgrades released on the regular. 7 REASONS YOU SHOULDN’T BUY YOUR KID A CAR There is a saying that if you “give a man a fish you feed him for a day but if you teach a man to fish you feed him for a lifetime”. Applying it to this situation means giving your kid a car isn’t the best thing you can do for them.

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You are here: Home / Home HOW TO AFFORD RAISING A CHILD WITH SPECIAL NEEDS June 3, 2021 | Leave a Comment Facebook Twitter Mix Share When you have a special needs child, you are faced with a double financial whammy. Of course, there is the added expense for therapy, medication, counseling, tutoring, etc. These expenses alone can put a family into debt as they try to provide for their child. However, there’s another cost that is rarely discussed. Because caring for a special needs child can be time consuming, often one parent has to quit their job or reduce their hours to part-time. Now, there are not only added expenses, but a loss of income. How can one afford raising a child with special needs? Thankfully, there is assistance available, if you know where to look.

GET A DIAGNOSIS

The first thing you must do is get a diagnosis. For instance, if your child has autism

,

she likely can’t receive any therapy until she is officially diagnosed by a qualified professional. You will need to talk to your pediatrician to see how to go about getting a diagnosis. There are a number of experts who diagnosis special needs children, depending on what special need you think your

child has.

HOW TO AFFORD RAISING A CHILD WITH SPECIAL NEEDS Photo by Nathan Anderson on Unsplash Once you have the diagnosis, you can begin to pursue therapy, if need be, and funding sources. There are a number of places you should

look.

SEE WHAT YOUR INSURANCE COVERS Once you have the diagnosis, the next step is to see what your insurance covers. All three of my children have special needs. While my husband’s insurance didn’t cover speech therapy (some insurances do, but ours didn’t), it did cover applied behavioral analysis (ABA) therapy for our children with autism. Depending on the quality of your insurance, you may be surprised to find that it covers more than you would have expected. TALK TO OTHER PARENTS If you’re in contact with other parents of special needs kids, make sure to talk to them. They can give you tips for where to find resources, whether they be federal or state aid or grants. You can find other special needs parents at support groups and in places like Facebook groups. If you homeschool, you may find special needs parents in your homeschool groups because a surprising number of kids who are homeschooled have special needs. The more people you can talk to the better because each parent has a different story and different places where they’re getting help and

support.

APPLY FOR SOCIAL SECURITY INCOME (SSI) Another option is to apply for social security income. Based on your family income and your child’s disability, you may qualify for SSI . You will need to fill out some forms and make an appointment at your local social security office. There, you will have an interview about your finances and your child’s disability. Of note, if your child qualifies for SSI, you will also be able to cover your child through Medicaid

.

If you don’t have private insurance but make too much to qualify for Medicaid, look into getting insurance through the Children’s Health

Insurance Program

(CHIP).

OPEN AN ABLE ACCOUNT Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash

An ABLE account

allows

you to save money in a special account just for your special needs child’s medical and living expenses. You or other relatives like grandparents can deposit up to $15,000 a year. This tax-advantaged savings account does not tax the income earned by the account. Another advantage of this account is that if your child qualifies for governmental assistance, such as SSI or Medicaid, the money in their ABLE account does not disqualify them for services on a financial basis. Meanwhile, the money in the ABLE account can be used for their education, food, housing, support services, and an array of other needs. FIND WHAT YOU’RE ELIGIBLE FOR WITH YOUR STATE Another fabulous tool to use is Benefits Finder . This tool asks you to input some information about your child and his disability. It can then help you see what benefits your child may be able to receive and what agencies to contact to pursue these options. DETERMINE IF YOUR STATE SUPPORTS SCHOOL CHOICE Many special needs children simply don’t get the support and intervention that they need through the public school. If your state supports school choice, you may be able to apply for funding to help provide your child with the education they need, whether that be through homeschooling and using tutors and therapists or through a private school, which would otherwise be unaffordable. I’m in the state of Arizona, and they offer Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESA). I have one child who has both dyslexia and a speech issue, so we applied and qualified for the ESA scholarship. Through those funds, I was able to get my child a private dyslexia tutor and a private speech therapist. Paying for these things out of pocket would have cost my family $800 a month, which is not sustainable. Thanks to the scholarship, I could afford to pay for that. My child has now graduated successfully from both therapies. Indiana is planning to launch a similar program, and Mississippi has several scholarships available for students with special needs. You can find out if your state offers a similar program by going to the Ed

Choice website

.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Raising a special needs child can be exhausting, but it’s also rewarding. However, the financial costs of getting your child the help he needs can be financially draining. One special needs parent I spoke with when we first learned of our children’s disability said she and her husband ended up filing for bankruptcy because there were so many interventions she had to pay out of pocket. There are resources available so that seeking help for your special needs child doesn’t have to decimate your finances. With these resources, you should hopefully find ways to afford raising a special

needs child.

7 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Buy Your Kid a Car How to Help Your Teen Create Healthy Sleep Habits Sensory Integration Strategies for Children with Autism 7 Common Types of Behavioral Disorders in Children Every Parent Should

Know

Filed Under: Growing Up

, Medical

, Money and Finances

Tagged With:

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, grants

, health insurance

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FRUGAL CAMPING: USE WHAT YOU HAVE! May 20, 2021 | Leave a Comment Facebook Twitter Mix Share Some of the best memories of my childhood are when my parents, brother, and I would drive a few hours north and spend about four days camping with our extended family. I have over 30 cousins, so there was plenty of fun to be had. We went swimming, scared each other at night, and even saw a bear roaming the campsite one night. Taking a camping trip can be a frugal way to have a summer vacation and get away from all the stresses of modern life.

CAMPING BASICS

Camping is something that can be as simple or as elaborate as you want. Planning a weekend camping trip with your family should definitely be kept simple. Don’t overcomplicate things when kids are

involved.

When I talk to my non-camping friends, a lot of them are turned off by the volume of stuff required to do it. However, camping doesn’t have to be that way. By opting to stay at an established campground for a small fee (versus trekking into the woods yourself and popping a tent), you’ll save a lot on both things you need and time. Campgrounds offer bathrooms, water, and, when needed, electricity. It is 2021 after all, and most of us have a device or two that needs a recharge. Some larger campgrounds even have extra amenities like laundry, playgrounds, and pools which, when you have kids, can be a

blessing.

WHAT YOU NEED TO BUY Photo by Tommy Lisbin on Unsplash To plan your weekend away, you don’t need much. If you don’t already have access to one, you really only _need_ to acquire a tent

,

possibly a tarp if you think you may need coverage for your site, and a cooler for your food. You don’t really _need_ sleeping bags or air mattresses; just layer a bunch of blankets and pillows on the bottom. Even though they can be nice, you don’t really _need _things like camping stoves. However, we do use our camping stove a lot when we camp. Yet we could manage just fine with a decent fire, a cast-iron skillet, and tin foil to cook all of our food. FRUGAL CAMPING: USE WHAT YOU HAVE You can get away with using a lot of things you already have, which is what makes camping such an easy thing to do. Blankets, pillows, utensils, and cooking the food you already bought make camping a cheap

option

for family fun.

When we camp as a family, we bring food from home that’s easy to cook over a simple flame (you’d be amazed what you can create in a tin foil package) or bring food that’s prepped ahead and warmed up (think stew or chili). We usually replace our ice daily, and if we don’t have firewood from home, we buy it from the campground. (Another bonus to staying on the ground.) CAMPING BRINGS US BACK TO BASICS What I love about camping is the simplicity and, at the same time, the complexity of it all. We cook all of our food and then spend time washing and drying our dishes for the next meal since we don’t have access to a dishwasher and only have access to enough dishes for one meal at a time. Camping helps keep us grounded.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Camping is a great way to seriously relax. Yes, I bring my cell phone but I really only use it for picture taking and emergency calls. Social media is turned off- it’s almost sacrilegious to do in the wilderness. It is a great way to really connect with friends and family lazing around on a sunny afternoon or catching up while roasting marshmallows at night. (Again save the fancy metal roasting sticks and use a legit branch; the dirt won’t kill you!) _DO YOU CAMP WITH YOUR FAMILY? HOW DO YOU KEEP IT SIMPLE?_

Summertime Fun on the Cheap How to Survive Camping with Young Children A Frugal Life: How to Drastically Cut Expenses and Improve Your

Finances

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Tagged With: Camping , camping tips , frugal camping CHEAP WAYS TO CHILDPROOF A CONDOMINIUM May 6, 2021 | Leave a Comment Facebook Twitter Mix Share When baby starts crawling and walking, you may feel like you don’t have enough eyes to keep track of him. Babies this age love getting into cabinets and putting things into their mouths. They love to explore. While these traits are good for babies’ growing knowledge, it can also put them in danger, sometimes mortal danger. However, there are cheap ways to childproof a condominium that will help keep your baby safe and help you maintain some control over his

environment.

CHEAP WAYS TO CHILDPROOF A CONDOMINIUM If you’re trying to save money or be frugal when childproofing

,

you’ll be happy to know you can start with the free fixes first. FREE WAYS TO CHILDPROOF CONSIDER BABY SAFETY BEFORE YOU BUY Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash If you even remotely are considering having a child when you are condo shopping, the best thing you can do is find a child-friendly condo layout. That means finding a condo that doesn’t have a large balcony that over looks the living space. (Trying to childproof an upstairs railing can be a nightmare!) Likewise, open concept plans may be more difficult to childproof because you can use doorways to separate off areas. REARRANGE YOUR CUPBOARDS Once your child starts becoming more mobile, it’s time to rearrange your cupboards. In the lower cabinets, put things like pots and pans. If baby gets into these items, no harm done. You’ll want to move any glass containers or lids to higher shelves. PUT UP DANGEROUS ITEMS Many people keep cleaning chemicals under their kitchen sink. A better place for these might be in a higher cupboard so you don’t risk your child getting into them and accidentally getting poisoned. Automatic lighters and other potentially dangerous items should all be put up. Out of sight, out of mind. KEEP FURNITURE AWAY FROM WINDOWS The next free thing you can do is keep furniture away from high windows. If your child’s bedroom is on the second floor or higher, be sure to keep the bed and dresser away from the window. This step makes it harder for your child to inadvertently fall from the window since she has nothing to climb. TIE UP WINDOW BLIND CORDS

Window blind cords

create a real danger for young children. In a study by The Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, researchers “found that over 26 years emergency departments treated almost 17,000 children for strangulation from window covering cords. Of those cases, 271 children died” (Today.com

).

Sure, you can buy expensive cord binders, but check out Pinterest

for a way to make

a free cord binder. All you need is a light piece of plastic that you probably were going to throw in recycling anyway and a pair of scissors. This idea is ingenious!

BATH SEAT

Don’t feel the need to buy a special bath seat for when your little one takes a bath. Instead, place your child in a laundry basket in the tub when giving her a bath. She can stay seated in a smaller area, so there is less chance of slipping or falling.

LOW-COST OPTIONS

After you exhaust the free options, there are several low-cost ways to childproof your condo. TENNIS BALLS ON SHARP CORNERS Little ones can often lose their balance when just learning to walk, so cut the side of a tennis ball and stick it on the sharp corners of tables and other items like the hearth of the fireplace.

ELASTIC ON HANDLES

To keep cabinets with handles closed, put rubber bands around the handles. Double twist to make sure the doors stay securely closed. If you have cabinets without handles, either install handles or you can buy inner door latches

.

These run about $1 a piece. PLASTIC CONTAINER AROUND POWER CORDS If you have a power strip you want to babyproof, you can take a cheap plastic tub, put the power strip inside, and cut a hole on the side for the cords. See full instructions and image on Pinterest

.

HAIRBAND AROUND THE TOILET PAPER ROLL Remember the fun age when toddlers delight in unrolling ALL the toilet paper on the roll? End that habit with a rubber band around the toilet

paper roll.

BAND-AIDS OVER ELECTRICAL OUTLETS If it will be a few days before you can get to the store, you can cover electrical outlets with band-aids. However, your baby will likely figure this one out quickly, so eventually you’ll want to buy electrical outlet plug covers

.

These are very affordable at only $6 per 24 pack.

DOOR KNOB COVERS

There may be some rooms and closets that you just don’t want your child to get into unattended. For those rooms, consider door knob

covers

.

These are easy for parents to use, but little ones usually can’t figure them out until at least the preschool years.

DIY BABY GATE

If there is a doorway you want to keep baby from going through, you can create a DIY baby gate

.

You’ll need two tension rods and fabric. True, you’ll have to invest some money into this project, but the overall cost is much cheaper than metal, store-bought baby gates. Plus, these are softer.

AIR VENT PROTECTION

If you have air vents on the floor, your child may be unable to resist dropping items down the slats. Prevent this by putting fabric tulle under or over the air vent. Air can still flow through unobstructed, but your child will no longer be able to put things through the

cracks.

FINAL THOUGHTS

These are just a few of the cheap ways to childproof a condominium. While you won’t have to spend a fortune childproofing, you will likely need to buy some supplies. There are free childproofing fixes, but you’ll also probably have to buy some of the low-cost supplies to truly keep your child safe. But don’t worry, in a few years, childproofing will be a distant memory as your child gains more independence and learns what’s safe and what isn’t.

Childproofing Your Home Reduces Risk by 70% Is It Worth Buying Expensive Car Seats Did You Know Your Preschooler’s Apps Are Full of Ads? Filed Under: Home and Living

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FREE DIAPERS FOR LOW INCOME FAMILIES April 22, 2021 | Leave a Comment Facebook Twitter Mix Share Having a baby when experiencing lower income is a wonderful experience plagued with frustration. When I had my children, I was trying hard to improve my finances and still struggling to get something as simple as diapers. On average, it costs $70-$80 a month to provide disposable diapers for one baby. That can be a hefty expense for a lower income family. Fortunately, there are ways to make things simpler for yourself and ease your finances a little bit. Here are a few ways low-income families can get free diapers. Filed Under: Baby Stuff

Tagged With:

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CHEAP COSTCO DESSERTS THAT KIDS LOVE April 8, 2021 | Leave a Comment Facebook Twitter Mix Share For some kids, a trip to the grocery store with mom or dad is B-O-R-I-N-G. Yet, for many of those same kids, a trip to Costco is

fun . Why? My

guess is the free samples. If you can get free, tasty food while you’re shopping, going to the grocery store is suddenly a lot more fun. Even better, kids can try to convince their parents to buy those cheap Costco desserts that kids love (and grown ups, too!). CHEAP COSTCO DESSERTS THAT KIDS LOVE There are so many delicious desserts at Costco, almost all of which are reasonably priced. Kids, in particular, tend to gravitate to

these desserts:

CHURRO FROM THE FOOD COURT Don’t buy your kids these unless you plan to buy them every visit. The churros are that good! Costco churros are a full 18 inches long and are fried and coated with cinnamon and sugar. Best of all,

they’re only $1!

DELIZZA PATISSERIE BELGIAN MINI CREAM PUFFS Found in the freezer section, Delizza Patisserie Belgian Mini Cream Puffs can’t be beat. There are 120 mini cream puffs in the container, making them perfect for parties or to just snack on after

school

.

These feature a light, flaky pastry filled with a decadent cream filling. You should let them thaw for 30 minutes to one hour, but some people can’t wait and eat them right from the freezer. They’re mini size make them the perfect kid-friendly dessert.

COSTCO DANISHES

Who needs donuts for breakfast when you can have a Costco danish? Found at the bakery, you can choose from several different flavors such as cinnamon, cheese, apple, and cherry. Serve these for a delicious weekend breakfast or gently heat one up in the microwave for an after-school snack. Cinnamon danishes used to be my favorite flavor when I was a kid.

ICE CREAM SUNDAE

If you decide against the churro at the food court

,

you and your kids may want to opt for the ice cream sundaes. These are $2.49, and you can choose between two different toppings—strawberry or chocolate. These are the perfect treat after a summer shopping trip to Costco. Even better, Costco is very generous with the toppings, which helps to elevate this dessert to a

whole new level.

DAVID’S COOKIES 9-INCH RAINBOW CAKE Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash What’s better than bright, rainbow colors and sugar? For a kid, the answer is nothing! David’s Cookies 9 Inch Rainbow Cake will delight your kids. Inside, you’ll find five thin layers, with white cream frosting in between each layer. The layers form the color of a rainbow with red, then orange, then yellow, then green, and finally blue. Your kids will likely be delighted when you serve this

yummy, fun cake.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Your kids likely enjoy going to Costco

with you because

they can get free samples. They’ll likely beg to go with you every time if you give them one of these five cheap Costco desserts

that kids love.

_Which Costco dessert do your kids enjoy most?_

Costco Legos Q & A: The Best Deal in Town or Not Worth the Trip? Why a Costco Membership Is Beneficial to Our Family How to Save Money on Birthday Parties (and Still Have a Good Time) Filed Under: Money and Finances

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CHARITY BIRTHDAY PARTY IDEAS YOUR KIDS WILL LOVE March 18, 2021 | Leave a Comment Facebook Twitter Mix Share Although birthdays are meant to be a celebration, sometimes we can’t help but feel we’re spending more money on a party than we need to. Instead of paying hundreds of dollars on new toys that your child will outgrow, put that money to good use by hosting a do-good birthday party for your kid. Lots of parenting websites have great ideas for charity birthday party ideas, and we’ve compiled a list of our favorites. And if you’re worried about your children hating your suggestions, kids are natural givers and would likely be more than willing to help out people in need. BRING AN ANIMAL SHELTER TO YOUR HOME There are plenty of pet adoption centers and animal societies that would be willing to bring their animals to private events like a

birthday party.

Photo by Jairo on Unsplash Or, you could see if you could host your party at the local animal shelter. That’s what the Shaw Family

in

Portland, Oregon did. They had their party guests bring treats, toys, and other donations for the cats and dogs, and you can do the same. Guests can also be given the option to adopt one of the pets! HAVE A COUPLE PIGGY BANKS IN THE PARTY AREA At an early age, we teach kids the value of money with allowances and earning extra cash with chores or babysitting. To show them how a little goes a long way, have a couple piggy banks in the party area where guests can make their donations. You can label each of the piggy banks with a different charity, which gives guests the option to choose which organizations they would like to support. ORGANIZE A CLOTHING DRIVE Take cue from the Multari twins in Hamilton, Ontario, and have your child’s friends and neighbors bring in previously loved and any unused clothes

.

The girls ask for pajamas every year, sometimes receiving as many as 93 pairs of pajamas to donate. The girls’ pajama drive has been so successful, they have even started their own nonprofit. Depending on your charity, you might have to limit the kinds of garments you

accept.

DONATIONS TO YOUR LOCAL HOMELESS SHELTER Another idea is to call your local homeless shelter and ask what items they need. Then, you can create a wish list, and party goers can choose from the wish list. Another idea is to see what food the shelter may need. You and your party guests could create sack lunches for the homeless, making sandwiches, bagging chips and desserts, and adding a fruit.

FINAL THOUGHTS

American children are often spoiled when it comes to material items, especially when they receive many gifts from well-intended birthday party guests. Instead of showering your children in gifts, choose one of these charity parties to help spread the wealth, so to speak. The more you and your children practice giving, the more you’ll enjoy helping others. Your guests can feel good about their role in helping others, too.

Should You Sell or Donate Old Cell Phones? Great Gifts: 6 Unusual Birthday Presents for Kids A Parent’s Guide to Choosing Birthday Gifts for Toddlers Filed Under: Growing Up

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IS IT WORTH BUYING EXPENSIVE CAR SEATS? March 5, 2021 | Leave a Comment Facebook Twitter Mix Share As a new parent, you’ll likely feel pressured to buy many things. After all, loving parents want the best for their children and should be willing to pay for that, right? While there are areas where you won’t want to go the cheapest route, there are other areas where you can save money. One area where you don’t need to spend the most money is when buying car seats

. Buying

expensive car seats isn’t necessary for your child’s safety, but there are other standards you’ll want to consider. WHAT TO CONSIDER INSTEAD OF BUYING EXPENSIVE CAR SEATS Rather than just looking at the price of the car seat when deciding which one to buy, you should instead consider several other factors.

INSTALLATION

The most important factor in protecting your child in case of a crash is installing the car seat properly. Yet, many, many parents unknowingly install the car seat improperly. If you live in the United States, you can go to any local fire station, and the fire fighter will check to make sure the car seat is properly installed. If it’s not, the fire fighter can help you install it properly.

SAFETY

Before making your purchase, consider the safety record of the car seat you want to buy. An excellent place to look is Consumer Report’s Car Seat ratings

. You’ll find

that buying an expensive car seat isn’t necessary. There are many cheaper car seats that offer your child all the safety he needs.

LENGTH OF USE

Some of the cheapest car seats have lower weight and height restrictions, which means you’ll need to buy the next size up more quickly. Sometimes, buying a mid-price range car seat is actually more affordable than the cheapest brand because you’ll be able to

use it longer.

WHAT TO AVOID WHEN BUYING CAR SEATS Photo by Clark Van Der Beken on Unsplash Even if money is tight

,

please avoid buying used car seats. Some people don’t know this, but car seats actually have an expiration date. That date is typically six to ten years after the seats are manufactured. Why an expiration on car seats? The general idea is that the plastic and seat belts can degrade after years of exposure to the sun and heat. Also, safety standards are constantly changing, so new car seats may offer your child more protection than used seats you buy from someone

else.

In addition, if you buy a used car seat

,

you have no way to know if that car seat survived a car crash. If it did survive a crash, there may be small cracks in the plastic that you do not know about, which can make the seat less safe for your child should you be involved in an accident.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Car seats are necessary, but can be pricey. However, don’t feel pressured into buying expensive car seats. Instead, consider the car seat’s safety record and make sure to install the seat properly. Finally, choosing seats that have higher weight and height limits may save you the most money over the time your child will need car seats.

Mommy to Be: 7 Tips for Buying Car Seat Top Car Safety Features to Look for When Buying a New Car The Best (and Worst!) Baby Shower Gifts Filed Under: Baby Stuff

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seat , car seat safety HOW TO TEACH A CHILD TO COUNT MONEY February 18, 2021 | Leave a Comment Facebook Twitter Mix Share Counting money is one of the most foundational skills children must learn. Counting and making change are critical skills that many entry-level jobs require. When you apply the following lessons on how to teach a child to count money, you challenge his or her mind to grow

in other ways, too.

To give you a thorough array of options on teaching counting skills, I sought out advice from experienced educators and parents. Here are my

findings.

HOW TO TEACH A CHILD TO COUNT MONEY

CREATE A PLAY STORE

Parents who have taught their children the basics of money said one of the best ways to do so was to set up a play store. Together with their child, they created a fake shop with household items or toys listed for sale. Use a sticky note to indicate the price of each item, then give your child change, and open the shop for business. Depending on your child’s age, you can vary the degree of difficulty. For example, for a 3-year-old, you could say, “This costs one quarter,” and teach her to identify that coin. For older children, you can pay with a dollar bill and walk them through making change. Don’t forget to also teach them how to count change back to the “customer.” TEACH THEM TO COUNT BY FIVES AND TENS Photo by Katie Harp on Unsplash “Kids need to have a good understanding of place value and number sense before they count money,” says a third-grade teacher with I spoke via Facebook. “Start with one coin, and teach them how to count it and how many it takes to make a dollar.” She goes on to describe a great money game involving two dice. Give the child as many pennies as the number he or she rolled. Have the child then exchange it for the highest value possible. For example, if the child rolls a ten he or she can trade in pennies

for a dime.

In addition to teach your child how to count money, when you teach them to count by fives and tens, you’re teaching them the beginning stages of multiplication. LET THEM SEE REAL TRANSACTIONS Many people have had great success with giving their children real

world experience.

Here are several examples: EARN MONEY THROUGH CHORES Help them understand that “work = pay,” and help them count their earnings. If there’s something they want to buy, help them estimate

the cost.

LEAD BY EXAMPLE

Allow your child to watch you pay for something in cash. This will help him see how money works and how it requires lots of it to pay for his needs and wants. STUDY THE HISTORY OF REAL MONEY TOGETHER Hand your child the coins you received in change that day and quiz her on some coin facts. Not only can learning to count money teach your children better math skills, but you can also create an impromptu history lesson. For example, did you know that the nickel used to be called a “half dime” up until 1883? Half dimes were made of silver which became scarce during the Civil War. After that, they were made of copper and nickel, and they finally were made and referred to entirely of nickel in the 1880s. Click here for more U.S. coin facts.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The overall theme of how to teach a child to count money is YOUR involvement. Set aside time to sit at the table and talk about how many nickels are in a quarter or how many pennies are in a dollar. Talk about how much money you earned at your first job or something you saved up for, like a bicycle. That will help your child apply what he or she has learned. _How did you learn to count money? In school? At home?_

6 Fun Money Games for Kids 10 Steps to a Successful Stay-at-Home Mom Budget How to Afford Your Dream of Becoming a Stay-at-Home Mom 14 Online Jobs for Stay-at-Home Moms (That Are Worth Your Time) 13 Ways for Stay-at-Home Moms to Save Money Loans for Stay-at-Home Moms – What Are YOUR Options? The SAHM Budget Test: How to Afford to Be a Stay-at-Home Mom Filed Under: Education

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WHAT AGE SHOULD KIDS LEARN ABOUT MONEY? February 8, 2021 | Leave a Comment Facebook Twitter Mix Share What age should kids learn about money? That’s a difficult question because kids learning about money isn’t the same as, say, potty training. Kids continue to learn about money throughout their childhoods. However, having said that, your kids can begin to learn about money in the early preschool years and continue on from there. HOW PRESCHOOL KIDS LEARN ABOUT MONEY At this age, kids are watching you closely so set a good example. For instance, when you go to a grocery store, don’t reward your kids with a treat every time. If you do, they start to expect that you will just buy things for them. Instead, create buy, spend, and save jars. If you want to pay them an allowance for chores, now is the time to start. You can set up a chore chart, and pay them for their chores. When you pay them, you can help them separate their money into the three jars. Let them use their spend money for little things they want to buy. This is also a good time to get them money-related toys like play cash registers so they can get used to the concept of the different values of our coins and bills

, spending money to

buy something, not having enough money, and making change. Play store and grocery shopping with them frequently. HOW ELEMENTARY KIDS LEARN ABOUT MONEY Once your children learn the rudimentaries about money, it’s time to teach them more complex lessons. The grocery store is a great place to teach these lessons. You can teach about buying generics, price comparing different sizes of the same product, and the value of using

coupons.

Kids this age will be earning more than they did as preschoolers, so you can also help them save for a large goal like an expensive Lego set they want to buy. You should also teach them that once the money is spent, it’s gone. Then, they need to work hard to earn more to save and spend all over again. HOW MIDDLE SCHOOL KIDS LEARN ABOUT MONEY At this age, kids are going to want to spend, spend, spend. This is the time to teach them, if you haven’t already, that you won’t buy everything they want. Just because your daughter wants new jeans when she already has enough doesn’t mean you’ll buy them. She can save her money and buy them if she really wants them. You should also teach them about the power of compound interest. This helps them realize that if they delay spending today

, compounding

interest can help them have more money later. HOW HIGH SCHOOL KIDS LEARN ABOUT MONEY Now is the time when all your hard work teaching your kids about money comes to fruition. Rather than buying or giving your child a car, have them save for at least half of the price of a car. Also, teach your kids about credit cards

,

how to use them responsibly, and how to avoid accruing debt. Be very clear how much you can afford to pay for their upcoming college. Then, they can choose a college that is affordable, or choose one that costs more than you can afford. However, help them understand how accruing student loan debt can make it harder to achieve their goals in adulthood.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Throughout your child’s life, you should be teaching them money lessons. As they age, these financial lessons should become more specific. If you’ve done your job well, by the time they leave home, they’ll be able to make smart money decisions. However, if your child makes foolish money decisions, know that you’ve laid the ground work so they know how to improve their financial situation should they need to.

Teach Your Child About Money–Free Savings Chart for Kids Parenting Win–Teaching Money Skills to Your Kids Games That Teach Kids about Money Filed Under: Education

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8 REASONS WHY CHILDREN ARE PRICELESS January 21, 2021 | 2 Comments Facebook Twitter Mix Share There seems to be a lot of discussion, constantly, about how expensive

children

are. While yes, you do have to be financially responsible about having

a child

,

they do not need to be anywhere near as expensive

as some

‘studies’ would have you believe. This is a topic I’ve already written about, so today we’re going to chat about the reasons why children are priceless. I’m not trying to make it seem like having children is all sunshine and roses, because it’s not. It’s far, far from it actually, but having a child will change your life in ways you couldn’t imagine

until it happens.

REASONS WHY CHILDREN ARE PRICELESS THEY INSPIRE DEEP LOVE You may think you knew what love was before you had a child; trust me I did. I love my husband, my family and my friends but the love you have for your child is something you will have never experienced. The love you have for this tiny little human is indescribable. It changes and shapes every other relationship in your life. The love you have for your child grows. Though I instinctively wanted to love and protect my child as soon as he was born, the love I have for him and my other two children, is so much different, and intense, than it was on the days they were born. This idea is best epitomized by Elizabeth Stone’s statement, “Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.” THEY SPREAD HAPPINESS I am truly happy when I am with my children and they are in good moods. You simply cannot be in a bad mood when your happy toddler smiles up at you or when your tweens tell you silly jokes. Their emotions are raw, and you can’t help but feel it with them. THEY TEACH YOU PATIENCE You may be an impatient person, but once you have a child, that has to change. If you show impatience and anger with your children, they will likely shut down or cry. Instead, you must gently encourage them so that they can succeed. (This can be extremely trying when you have to wait by the door for your toddler to slowly put on his shoes by himself because he’s refused your help or when he unbuckles his car seat for the fifth time in one car trip.) Children will, by their very nature, teach you to be patient. THEY GIVE YOU A SECOND CHANCE AT CHILDHOOD JOY Photo by Thomas Park on Unsplash By the time you’re in your twenties and thirties, you likely have lost much of your childhood joy. You may no longer take joy in driving around the neighborhood looking at Christmas lights or the first snowfall of the season. Once you have a child, all of that

changes.

As you watch your young children grow excited for Christmas, you do, too. When your child gleefully opens the presents under the Christmas tree, you will likely feel a spark of excitement again. When you bundle your child up to go out in the first snowfall, you will suddenly delight in building a snowman and making snow angels. Children give you a second chance at childhood joy. THEY ARE BRUTALLY HONEST Kids are honest. Kids force _you_ to be honest. Honest about yourself and about your life. When your child is born you are suddenly hyper aware of every detail in your life. From your financial life to the mess on your bedside table. Children inadvertently have a way of forcing us to be honest about our lives. It was having a child that forced us to finally get serious about getting out of debt rather than living with it in limbo.

THEY ARE HUMBLING

Becoming a parent is one of, if not the most, humbling experience in the world. No amount of research, parenting book reading or doctors appointments can ever prepare you for your child and the experiences you will go through as a parent. I think being humbled is an important trait for people and if you’ve yet to experience it, having a kid will do it for sure. THEY MAKE YOU LESS SELF-CENTERED Before you have children, you may not realize you’re self-centered, but you are. You likely have your own routine, your own rituals, that give you joy. Yet, when you have a child, all of that discipline and focus on yourself and what makes you feel good is upended. You get much less sleep in the baby stage, and your life and schedule suddenly revolve around the baby’s. Photo by Adrià Crehuet Cano on Unsplash When your kids get older, your life still centers around your children and their education and their activities. Sure, as kids get older and become more independent, you will be able to do more things for, and spend more time on, yourself. However, you don’t get your life back as truly your own until your kids move out. By then, you won’t want to go back to the self-centered years before you had

kids.

THEY GIVE YOU PERSPECTIVE Having a child puts your life in a whole new perspective. Suddenly everything else in life is so much less important. You wonder what you did with your time before, and you wonder how you possibly lived your life without this person in it. For the rest of your life, your children will shape and change your world, and that’s a beautiful thing.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Having a child

is

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9 Important Values to Teach Children Filed Under: Random Musings

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