A couple's decision to start a family leads to one of the most significant periods of transition in their lives. Along with a host of new responsibilities comes the financial impact that children have on a household. This is not something to be taken lightly. You may be focused on immediate expenses like diapers, booties and baby food, but that's just the start. By some estimates, ... Continue reading Take Steps to Prepare for the Cost of a Bigger Family

Tags: budget, finances,

by Christina Boyd, Merrill Lynch Senior Financial Advisor in Wayzata, MN

Getting a hold of your family's finances may seem like a daunting task, especially in these economic times. But it is important that we all take time to evaluate our family's financial footing so we can make smart choices about our saving and spending - especially now.

< ... Continue reading Summer Project: Your Family's Finances

Tags: budget, finances,

by Katriena Knights

It's a fact in American society--credit is a way of life. While some people have sworn off credit cards, the majority of us still depend on our plastic to pay for everything from everyday groceries to large, special purchases.

However, it's also a fact that the majority of Americans are drowning in credit card debt. ... Continue reading Helping Your Teen Deal with Credit

Tags: budget, credit cards, finances, teens,

To say that money matters have been getting a lot of attention as of late is an understatement. It's hard to turn on the television, read a newspaper or surf the Web without the topic coming up in one form or another. While many of us have grown used to the constant chatter, it might not be the case for children.

Given the economic crisis, now, more than ever, it's ... Continue reading Teaching Kids Lessons Beyond Dollars and Cents

Tags: budget, charity, finances, savings,

Everybody's talking about money these days: House prices are going down; more families are facing foreclosure on their mortgages; gas prices, energy prices, and grocery bills are all going up -- and uncertainty over when things will take a turn for the better is making everyone tighten their belts.


... Continue reading Financial Woes: How to Talk to Kids When Money is Tight

Tags: budget, finances, money,

by Angela Heidt

So it is time once again to plan your kid's birthday party. While every child should have an extra-special birthday we don't need to pull out all the bells and whistles to make it a good one. Children aren't impressed with how much we spend. For most kids, having everyone's attention focused on them is often special enough.

... Continue reading FrugalMom's Guide to Childrens' Birthday Parties on a Budget

Tags: birthday gifts, birthdays, budget, entertaining,

By Diane Brady

Are people spending money on what's really most important to them? In a culture filled with consumer temptations, many Americans fall into a familiar trap - they spend their hard-earned money on things that, deep down, really don't matter to them or don't fit their personal values. What's worse is they often don't realize they are doing ... Continue reading Assessing Your Money Values

Tags: budget, finance, minneapolis financial,

by Megan Torrini

Kids love summer vacation, but there is also a lot of excitement in the air- new classes, new teachers, new friends and new stuff!

Parents are ready for the kids to start the school year as well, but all the new clothes, new shoes, new backpacks and new school supplies can add financial stress to an already tight budget ... Continue reading Back to School on a Budget: Bargain Shopping for Back to School Supplies and Clothes

Tags: back to school, back-to-school, budget, shopping,

With high gas prices and unemployment rates soaring, we can all agree that the economy is struggling. Even in tough economic times, there are some simple things each of us can do to make a difference in our lives. Especially if questions like these are being asked:

When will prices change? Why doesn't my job pay me more? Who is responsible for the current economic ... Continue reading Strategies to Beat the Economic Slump

Tags: budget, finances, household finances,

(NAPSI)-Though gas prices are high, they don't have to break the bank. By following this advice from car experts, you can still save a few dollars whenever you might be behind the wheel:

• Slow down. Driving at 55 mph instead of 75 can improve gas mileage 10 mpg.

• Avoid rooftop carriers, which can increase fuel consumption 6 mpg.

by Sandy Shields

Price Books: You have probably heard about them, or read about them in budgeting articles. But what exactly is a Price Book?

A Price Book is a powerful tool used by smart shoppers to help them save money. It is a practical technique used to record prices of frequently purchased items. Consumers armed with a curre ... Continue reading Use a Price Book to Save

Tags: budget, frugal shopper, money, shopping,

For our next issue of the MomTalk.com Magazine and for MomTalk.com, we're compiling a list of savings tips from you, our MomTalk visitors:

Given the rising prices of gas, groceries, and overall cost of living, what is your family doing to save money?

Please send your suggestions, tips, advice to ... Continue reading How Do You Save Money?

Tags: budget, finance, money,

As more of us shop for green products and make wiser energy choices -- and increasingly have to watch our budgets -- buying in bulk is becoming a popular option. Bulk products reduce the amount of waste going into landfills and take less energy and other resources to produce while offering shoppers lower prices.


Statistics from the Environmental Protection ... Continue reading Buy in Bulk: Go Green and Save Money

Tags: budget, food, shopping,

An allowance can be a great way to teach your child money management skills.With an allowance, your child can learn how to make decisions, deal with limited resources, and understand the benefits of saving and charitable giving.

There's no one correct way to handle allowance. As you decide when to start it, how much to give, and whether you want to link the allow ... Continue reading Allowance Basics

Tags: budget, finance,

By Corey Smith, Principal Life Financial Representative, Princor Registered Representative

You teach your children to look both ways before crossing the street, but have you overlooked another principle equally as basic? Learning the value of money is something the entire family can benefit from, including your children. Here are two ways to improv ... Continue reading Teach Your Children the Value of Money

Tags: budget, finance,

By Bruce Hokin

Personal financial problems can rob you of happiness and contentment. Learning about these key issues now can save you years of heartache later on. It's your life - why not enjoy it? You can take control of your personal finances by applying the lessons listed below.

Problem 1. Spending Without Knowing Your Limits
... Continue reading 5 Key Personal Finance Problems - Which One Do You Want to Overcome?

Tags: budget, finances,

By Elizabeth Wasserman

No one likes to pay bills, really. Not only is there a reluctance to part with hard-earned cash, but the sheer mechanics can be a headache. Organizing bills, keeping track of due dates, writing out the checks, balancing the checkbook, addressing the envelopes, and -- oh, yes -- remembering to drop by the post office to buy stamps.

... Continue reading Finding Success with Online Bill Paying

Tags: budget, finance,

Insurance rates, car maintenance expenses and fuel prices continue to rise. Thankfully, you don't have to alter your driving habits or buy a new car to get some relief. Here are some quick, inexpensive, easy ways to save money with the car or truck you already have.

* Get slick to reduce maintenance costs and to save fuel
There are high performance motor oils that can ... Continue reading Save Money With Your Current Car

Tags: budget, cars,

By Doreen Carter

Its tax time and everyone is looking for deductions that would ensure them a refund or at least reduce their tax liability. From charitable contributions to hiring one of your children to work in your business is available to you through the IRS tax code. You just need to know how. Well, I have identified a few tax tips and changes that may actually help you ... Continue reading Tax Tips, Updates, and More

Tags: budget, finances, money, taxes,

By Kristin Maschka

What mothers don't know about Social Security can hurt them

On October 15, 2000, I walked away from a half million dollars in Social Security retirement income. That's the day my daughter was born and the day I left the workforce to care for her.

Moms are busy people, and learning about the intricacies of the Social Security pr ... Continue reading Social Security and Today's Mother

Tags: budget, finances, working moms, working mothers,