Kids and Babies

Babies are truly a bundle of joy.  But they also cost a bundle of money. Of course, they’re worth every dime and all of the time you spend raising your children is time well spent. While every child has a seemingly endless list of needs—including food and clothes and toys and special furniture, to say the least—there’s an equally long list of wise alternative ways to fill those needs while keeping your child safe, healthy, and happy.

Read on for some of my favorite, most ingenious ideas for childrearing the cheapskate way.  From ideas for Back-to-School Clothes Shopping, to 5 Reasons to Give Kids an Allowance, to What Every Kid Needs to Know About Greed and Thankfulness, you find valuable resources here.

how to deal with picky eaters

How to Deal With Picky Eaters Without Losing Your Cool

Got picky eaters? Don’t panic—get clever! These practical strategies turn mealtime meltdowns into peaceful (and even fun) family moments.
back to school shopping tips

Back to School Shopping Tips to Keep You on Budget

Back-to-school shopping used to mean a fresh notebook and a new pair of sneakers. These days, it looks more like
young family having fun cheap summer trips

Cheap Summer Trips That Are Big on Fun, Not Cost

You don’t have to be bored on a budget this summer. Whether you're a parent with stir-crazy kids, a single
cheap ways to feed teenagers hands reaching for food strawberries chips and turkey

Cheap Ways to Feed Teenagers Who Eat Like NFL Linemen

If your teen eats like an NFL lineman and your grocery bill’s showing it, take heart. These smart, compassionate tips
father and son listening with headphones over ears best inexpensive wireless headphones

The Best Inexpensive Headphones & Earbuds for Every Age & Need

Whether you’re shopping for yourself or your kiddos, there are plenty of great headphone options that deliver quality sound at
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The Valentine’s Gifts Your Loved Ones Won’t Expect

Valentine’s Day has a funny way of arriving right when life already feels full. One minute you’re settling into winter
DIY Mop Pad Replacement, Cheap Tub Scum Removal, and Other Reader-Approved Tips

DIY Mop Pad Replacement, Cheap Tub Scum Removal, and Other Reader-Approved Tips

Welcome to another edition of great tips from our clever readers! This week, we’re diving into a treasure trove of
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Family Olympics: Creative Ways to Celebrate the 2024 Summer Games

The 2024 Summer Olympics are right around the corner. What a perfect time to bring family fun and patriotism into
woman sitting in salon chair with long hair getting a haircut save on haircuts

Be Brave and Save… on Haircuts!

If you or someone in your family could use a haircut but you’re a little short on cash this month,
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Best Board Games for Christmas Gifts for Every Age

If you haven't seen it yet, holiday items have already stocked store shelves. If you're the type who likes to
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An Essential Guide to House Rules When the Adult Kids Move Back

It used to be that kids reaching adulthood could not wait to leave home to be on their own. At
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Careful the Kids are Watching: Raising Financially Responsible Kids

Want your kids to grow up with healthy attitudes about money? Start living the way you want them to become.
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Great $1 Gift Idea for People of All Ages—Kids Teens Adults

Does this sound at all familiar to you? It’s the week before Christmas, and you thought you were done shopping.
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11 Brilliant Free Fun Things to Do Where You Live

Got more time than money? No problem. There are so many things fun free things to do where you live
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Stop Whining! (Yes, I Mean You… and Me)

The program worked like magic. In just three days our boys became non-whiners just as the booklet's author promised. It
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Would You Put a Teenager In Charge of the Family Vacation Budget?

One of the most memorable letters I’ve received in my writing career came from a reader reporting on how she
staycation ideas for families in backyard tent

Staycation Ideas for Families: How to Have a Fabulous Vacation Without Leaving Home

Can’t swing a big getaway this year? You’re not alone—and good news, you don’t have to. A well-planned staycation can
homemade baby formula

Homemade Baby Formula That is Safe, Nutritionally Sound, and Doctor Approved

A quick online search for homemade formula specifics smacked me in the face! Dozens of loud warnings to never even
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Christmas Gift Guide: Best STEM Toys and Games

Spending hours and hours creating Gift Guides for you is the way I control my urge to splurge. Apparently, my
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Free Printables Make Halloween Super Fun

BOO!! No matter the kind of celebration you'll be seeing this year, these Halloween printables for decorating, playing games, coloring,
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Simple Ways to Help Kids Keep Their Bedroom Tidy

With schools in the U.S. schools closing several months before the school year ended and now summer, it does seem
greed versus gratitude young female holding a purple flower in her hands

Why More Is Never Enough—And the Simple Fix for True Joy

If there is one thing that will ruin your kids’ lives, it’s greed. Teach them while they’re young how to
halloween on a budget jack o lantern pumpkin on solid yellow background

Spooky Fun Without the Debt: A Frugal Halloween Guide

There's no denying that we love Halloween. What other night do we get to eat, drink, and be scary? The
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Ask Me Anything: Credit Reports, Storing Potatoes, Deadbeat Relatives and More!

I don’t really have a mailbag but it would be fun if I did. What I do have is a file
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Stop Taking Parent Loans for Your Kids’ College Education

You’re a parent, and you are responsible for taking care of your minor child financially. But you are equally responsible
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Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipes Everyone Will Love

There are two meals I prepare nearly every week—Crispy Skin Chicken Thighs and Honey Garlic Salmon. These are my go-tos

5 Key Motivators for Teaching Teens About Money

They want independence and freedom; you want them to take responsibility for their actions. They want decision-making power; you want
why kids should get an allowance savings jar boy smiling stack of coins

5 Smart Reasons Why Kids Should Get an Allowance

At the foundation of a person's financial intelligence should be this undeniable truth: It is not the amount of money
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Money Lessons Made Easy: 11 Books for Kids and Teens

If you have kids in your life age 3 and up to young adult, consider these excellent books to get those