If you’re a single parent you may be entitled to child support which can help out a lot. Sadly, it’s not always easy to get the support you need or deserve for your kids. With this in mind following are some resources that can help. Establish paternity: If you’re a mama then establishing paternity is the first best step toward getting child support. Know what you can get: Before making a deal of any sort with the father or mother of your kids make sure you know what’s reasonable. Many people make shoddy deals for child support such as, “Oh Bill agreed to give me $300 per month so I don’t need child support.” Most of the time court arranged child support is a better deal for the parent who has the kids... [Read more]

In semi-shocking news that broke yesterday, the unemployment rate fell to a five-month low of 9.7%. This may suggest that some labor market improvement starting to take root. However before everyone gets too excited consider that President Obama noted yesterday that, “These numbers, while positive, are a cause for hope, but not celebration… far too many of our neighbors and friends and family are still out of work.” Obama also warned that the jobs statistics “Will fluctuate for months to come.” Of course others aren’t so thrilled with the numbers either or they’re showing extreme caution over getting too excited early on. For example, economist Cary Leahey notes, “The excitement is the unexpected... [Read more]

To be honest I’m not a huge fan of Valentine’s Day. I’m not anti-Valentines but I’m not all hyper about it either.  Still if someone was going to get me something I’d want flowers – organic preferably, because I love getting flowers and rarely do. However, since organic flowers can cost a lot, I also have some other low-cost ideas… My favorite frugal gift, for Valentine’s Day or otherwise is usually mixed CDs. I like to make and give them and I like to get CDs from others. This is totally low cost, but worth much more, one because mix CDs are special and two because I listen to the ones people have given me over and over. Their value is much higher than the $2 the CD will cost you. I’d... [Read more]

Right now one of the best ways to save money on new appliances is to go with eco-friendly models that qualify for rebates or tax credits. For example, the new and popular “Cash for Appliance” rebate program. The downside is that all the information on these rebates and credits can be confusing. efficient The Sears Blue Appliance Crew is trying to cut through some of that confusion and help clarify for consumers the requirements for different state programs through their Energy Star site. The Sears Energy Star site explains how everyone can save money on various energy saving appliance programs including explaining roll out dates, money available for consumers, qualifying appliances, recycling requirements, and more. Additionally Sears is... [Read more]

Green living in general is one great way to save lots of green cash – while you help the environment. Green baby raising is an offshoot of green living that can save you even more. It’s obviously nice to live green so that your baby can grow up on a healthy planet; it’s like the cherry on the organic cake that most green baby raising techniques also save you a heap. Such as… Breastfeeding – which eliminates plastic bottles, formula cans, and transport emissions is also very healthy and extremely cost effective way to feed your baby. Good organic safe formula can cost a lot, while breast milk (minus nursing pads and a pump if you have one) is totally free. Cloth diapers – I’ve know all the eco and health... [Read more]