Ah college… that lovely time in your child’s life when she’s old enough to want to run her own life, but yet not quite old enough to be self sufficient. It’s hard to send a child off to school and be in the dark about so many things- like how she’s spending her money. If […]
Should an allowance be earned by doing chores around the house, or given without being tied to performance? I used to think the former, but my utter failure at the job chart led me to rethink that strategy. Trying to keep track of who did what when and for how much made my brain hurt. […]
Considering staying home with your new (or even older) bundle of joy? My latest post on Dimespring will help you think it through. The key decision point: You’ll need to weigh your newly revised living expenses against two numbers: Your combined net take home pay, minus the cost of child care, and […]
You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.” ~Dr. Seuss, “Oh! The Places You’ll Go!” August is a bittersweet month, isn’t it? The end of the summer, squeezing in the last bits of fun and adventure, all the while looking forward to the […]
This video from Produced by the Center for a New American Dream talks about ways to avoid materialism and live a life that reflects your true values. Their website has lots of great ideas for creating a sustainable community too. Although my favorite video about consumerism is still Veggie Tales‘ “Madame Blueberry” and the Stuff […]
I hate to break it to you, sleep deprived new parents; parenting teens will make you long for the days of diapers and spit up. It does get easier as the teen years wane and your child’s reasonable mind returns. But there in the fuzzy world between having grown-up children and children who don’t want […]
According to to this article on SmartMoney.com Total student loans outstanding are expected to reach $840.5 billion by end of September (up 10%) The 66% of the class of 2012 with student loans averaged $28,720 vs $9,320 in 1993 (according to FinAid.org) The Treasury Dept reports docking Social Security payments of 115,000 retirees so far […]
Here’s a recipe to make your own play dough, and save some money. It’s a terrific recipe- not sticky, easy to make, and completely edible. It comes from Middle Smithfield Presbyterian Church Preschool in Marshalls Creek, PA, which also happens to be a great place to be a kid. 3 cups flour 1/2 cup […]
While the birth or adoption of a baby brings blessings and joy in many ways, a whole host of financial issues are born along with them. If you’re a new mom or dad, you no doubt are buried (maybe literally) in diapers, toys, and feedings, and taking care of household business can fall to the […]
Check out this cute video of a CFP mom trying to have “the talk” with her just graduated son. For us financial folks, “the talk” is usually about saving money. Whew! Somehow I think my son and I have had this exact conversation…
