Saving Money

Talking to your kids about money can sometimes be difficult. Particularly if you grew up in a family where money talk was off limits. According to a 2012 study by T.Rowe Price, 77% of parents admit to not being honest when talking about money with their children and 15% admit to not telling the truth on a weekly basis.

Telling the truth to your children about money matters can help prevent multiple problems and misunderstandings in the future. Here are three simple tips to help make talking about money with your children much easier:

Now that the new school year is underway and the related expenses are chipping away at your budget, it’s time to start managing your school spending if you want your wallet to make it to June.

Be sure to focus on what your children really need, not their whims and wants, and to time your purchases to coincide with the best deals.

Here are some money-saving tips for savvy spending throughout the school year:

How do you avoid spending your last dollar on back-to-school purchases for your kids? Here are some tips to keep the lid on expenses:

Organize, organize, organize: Most schools provide a list of recommended items for each child’s grade level. Sit down with your child and review the lists. Check to see if there are any items from last year that can be reused. The process of list evaluation is a great way to build children’s organizational skills.

Calling all parents and grandparents: You can help make your child’s dream for the future come true by entering the Gerber Life College Plan¹  giveaways for a chance to win a Gerber Life College Plan.

What does your child or grandchild want to be when he or she grows up?  A teacher, a nurse, a scientist or anything he or she dreams of being. Very likely a college education will be needed to make that dream become a reality.

The family entertainment budget is often challenged during the summer. Children may clamor for trips to pricey theme parks and ballgames. Wish lists may include cruises that have water slides, rock-climbing walls and mini-golf.

Since many summer amusements come with a hefty price tag, what’s a parent on a budget to do?  First, maintain the healthy mindset that summer family fun doesn’t have to be expensive. Next, look around your own neck of the woods for activities and events that are free or low cost.

These summertime ideas encourage family fun – without a budget blow-out.