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.

Blond little boy having a haircut at hair salon

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,
Gift Guide Board Games

Big Board Games Sale in Plenty of Time for Christmas!

If you haven't seen it yet, holiday items have already stocked store shelves. If you're the type who likes to
college grad has moved home to parents and now running up debt

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
happy children in car

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.
personalized pencils make inexpensive awesome gifts

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.
Group of kids going to school together.

Back to School, Ready or Not!

Just when we’re getting used to the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer, the compelling ads tell us it’s time
free fun things to do volunteer as family planting trees

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
family at beach vacation

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
Teenage friends making sÕmores with toasted marshmallows

A Fabulous Vacation on a Budget is a Staycation!

You might want to take a Staycation this summer—perhaps to save money, you have not accumulated enough vacation days, or
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
cute boy playing with his learning toys

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
A group of people that are standing in the grass

What Every Kid Needs to Know About Greed and Thankfulness

If there is one thing that will ruin your kids’ lives, it’s greed. Teach them while they’re young how to
Halloween pumpkin head jack lantern with burning candles

10 Easy Ways to Do Halloween on a Budget This Year

There's no denying that we love Halloween. What other night do we get to eat, drink, and be scary? The
asking question (1310 × 833 px)

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
crispy skin chicken honey garlic salmon

Two Recipes on the Menu Every Week at My House

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

5 Key Motivators That Influence Teens

They want independence and freedom; you want them to take responsibility for their actions. They want decision-making power; you want
child counting managing money

5 Reasons to Give Kids an Allowance

At the foundation of a person's financial intelligence should be this undeniable truth: It is not the amount of money
Grandma and grandchildren reading book together

9 Best Money 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