Most parents understand the need to prepare for their children’s college educations by budgeting money while the kids grow. But there are other expenses—not on the magnitude of college—that are also worthy of budgets all there own. If you have children who are at least in middle school, you already have an idea of at least some of them. But if your kids are only a few … [Read more...] about 5 Kids Expenses to Budget For – Apart from College
5 Ways Around the Student Debt Trap
We all want the best education for our children, but what if you can’t afford the perfect one? Do you saddle your aspiring college student with $50,000, $75,000--$100,000 in student loan debt upon graduation? There are ways to avoid the student debt trap and still give your child a decent education. True, compromises will be necessary, but with the cost of a college … [Read more...] about 5 Ways Around the Student Debt Trap
How to Combine Children with Work-at-Home Jobs
Many parents—mothers especially—see work-at-home as the perfect blend of work and child rearing. Because you’re at home you can both earn a living and be close to your children. Additionally, you can save the substantial cost that comes with daycare. But is that how it will work? It could, but it will depend on a number of factors and how you’ll handle them. The type … [Read more...] about How to Combine Children with Work-at-Home Jobs
Inexpensive (Cheap) Date Night Ideas for Parents
Psychologists and marriage counselors champion the benefits of establishing regular “date nights” for married couples that have children. It’s a matter of keeping the romance alive in your relationship, reminding yourself that you’re still an adult, and—let’s call it what it is--sanity! We can only hang out on Sesame Street so long, and then we need adult time. There are two … [Read more...] about Inexpensive (Cheap) Date Night Ideas for Parents
Selecting the Best Cell Phone Plan for your Child
Kids and Cell Phones Part ll - Selecting the Best Cell Phone Plan Last time in What is the Right Age to Give Your Child a Cell Phone? we tried answering the “when” question of kids and cell phones. This week we’ll assume the answer to that question is “now”, and tackle some of the mechanical details that come right after that decision. Phone Types Cell phones have evolved … [Read more...] about Selecting the Best Cell Phone Plan for your Child