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Category: Budgeting

The Knowing

The Knowing

Parents know…life can sometimes be hectic with kids.  But something as simple as establishing routine can help life run a little more smoothly and efficiently.  When kids know what to expect, they feel more relaxed and in control.  And because of their predictability, dinnertime-, homework-, and bedtime-routines can actually give kids a sense of mastery in handling their own lives. A tangible way to involve kids in routine is to post a large family calendar in a prominent location.  With…

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Life Lessons Worth a Few Missed Details

Life Lessons Worth a Few Missed Details

It’s Homecoming Week.  I know, because for the last week, I’ve had a house full of seniors working on float building, routines, and skits.  It’s been crazy but a lot of fun.  I’ve enjoyed getting to know a lot more of the senior class.  It’s a nice group of kids. Tonight they will get to show off the U.S.S. Seniors during the homecoming game half time show.  It’s the boat float they built and comes complete with a beach which…

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The Mystery Charge – A Teachable Moment

The Mystery Charge – A Teachable Moment

The cell phone bill came in.  It was a little higher than usual, not by much, but enough to get me looking for the reason why.  I consider the cell phone bill a fixed expense.  Technically, it’s not since there is always the possibility that we could go over minutes at which point the charges skyrocket.  I know this.  Two teenage boys with their first girlfriends and, well, let’s just say they finally understood what I meant by girls can…

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How Does a 15-year old Save for a Car?

How Does a 15-year old Save for a Car?

Ryan just bought a car. And she’s a beauty, too. 2002 baby blue (uh, metallic blue) Toyota Prius with only 57,000 miles. Owned by a 91-year old grannie who used it mostly to drive to church and back. No kidding. Problem is, Ryan can’t drive it; never mind he doesn’t have his license. He barely has his permit. And taking an online course to get his permit happened after he bought the car. How does a 15-year old with no…

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Yippee! I've Got Money! A Letter to Teens

Yippee! I've Got Money! A Letter to Teens

I was asked to contribute an article to a book being published on kids and financial literacy (will share more on that later). Apart from being thrilled to have been asked, I happen to love writing, so I jumped at the chance. My given topic was ‘kids and budgeting’ and is a little longer than I usually post. But I think you’ll find it easy to read. Here we go: ~ Nice. You’ve got money. And if you’re like most…

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