Many children will be trick-or-treating tonight and tomorrow night.  Here are a few reminders of safety for us all.

1)  Stay in groups.  Never go trick-or-treating alone. 
2)  Teach children to never enter a home without prior permission from their parents.
3)  Teach your children to never approach a vehicle unless they have their parent or guardian.
4)  Carry a flashlight or glow stick and wear reflective clothing.
5)  Never go up to a home that is not well lit.
6)  If possible, go with your children.  If not, go in groups or see if your child can tag along with another parent.
7)  Consider attending fall …read more

While it’s true that an abysmal economy makes for better divorces, that doesn’t mean you HAVE to break up over money issues. Sadly, many couple do. In fact much research points out that money is the number one reason couple fight and break up. Avoid this by using the following tactics.

Know what’s what before hand: Before leaping into a relationship make sure you discuss money. I know it’s not romantic or always fun, but knowing your couple money mindset before you become a twosome can save you some trouble in the long run.
Split your stash: If you have your own …read more

The Consumer’s Almanac from the Federal Citizen Information Center of the U.S. General Services Administration is a useful and easy to use guide that can help you learn how to organize and track your expenses. The current online free version is from 2006, but the date is a moot point. These tips can be used by anyone now to get a budget in order.

Features of the Consumer Almanac:

How to create a basic budget including what to track, when to track it, and annual calender forms to track it on. Note, the calender templates are blank so you can fill …read more

Yesterday, I took a different spin on this whole recession thing.  I told you that this recession has brought some good to us.  Americans are finally spending less, saving more, and finding more ways to cut back and be content with what they have.  It wasn’t too long ago that we were spending more than we made and not saving anything.  I think this whole saving money thing is pretty fantastic news!

After some thinking, I realize there are more positives to the recession.  Another plus is that we’re eating out less.  We seem to be known for our lack of …read more

There was a totally interesting piece recently in the Charleston Daily Mail. The piece, Divorcing couples in hard times try to save money, discusses how hard economics may make for a less messy divorce due to both parties not wanting to waste money on fighting it out in court.

Because of the economy, raised home costs, retirement issues, and more, couples are seemingly willing to go the distance to keep things chill. For example, not go to court at all, not fight so much when they are in court, and maybe even live together as they divorce. It’s an interesting perk …read more

A money saving book review today for you guys…

Book: Expecting Money: The Essential Financial Plan for New and Growing Families (Paperback) by Erica Sandberg

Cost: $12.44
Basics: This book is set up to help you budget for your family, no matter your financial or marital situation. Below is Sandberg’s website description of the book:
“No matter how much you earn, own, or owe, having children will dramatically alter your financial picture. Whether you’re thinking of expanding your family, are pregnant now, or have recently had a baby, Expecting Money: the Essential Financial Plan for New and Growing Families will help you prepare for …read more

If you’re expecting you need to consider a lot of money issues, from health insurance, to how much diapers will cost, to maternity leave, and more. BUT there are two extra important money issues you need to consider either before your baby arrives or very soon after.

A WILL:
If you have a baby you need a will for sure. This is the ONE & ONLY way you can be sure that your child has the guardian of your choice. If something happened to you and your partner you want to be sure that the person of your choice raises your child …read more

How’s that for a cheesy post title? Ah well. In any case, dating when you’re a parent tends to be budget minded – I mean groceries, rent, and diapers take priority over good lovin’  times right? BUT should they? The couple that stays together has an easier (and happier) time. It’s way easier to be in a two parent family with two potential income sources and more combined time, than it is to break up due to a lack of good feelings and hot dates. Plus, who wants to break-up with someone they love?

Think of dating and lovable actions as …read more

We’ve looked at how to get little kids off on the right money foot, but teens can be a whole other situation. Not all teens are money-spending loons, but teens do seem to want a lot of stuff, so here’s some ideas about how to help them learn to manage their money…

Start younger than the teen years: Hopefully, you did talk to your kids about money from the get-go, because that sets your teen up for money know-how early. If you keep mum about money responsibilities, you can’t expect your teens to act responsible about money issues.
Make a saving budget …read more

Many studies note that financial incompatibility is the number one reason that couple split up. That sucks, because if you know how to deal with money issues, and if you make it a priority in your relationship to discuss money issues, you can avoid this potential problem from the get-go. How can you and your partner happy together, even when money issues pop up?

First of all you should read, Financially Compatible Spouses & Partners – this post covers what you and your partner should discuss money-wise before taking the long-term relationship leap.
Next follow these tips:
Recognize that you and your partner …read more