“They are so lucky!” How often have I heard this exclaimed? If you are like me, you’ve probably heard something like this a whole bunch of times. In varying ways I say it to myself as well while not considering in the moment how they created the luck.
Evaluate College Costs: it is the net cost not advertised price that counts toward lowering Student Loan debt. Finding the college discounts will ultimately reduce student loans. Colleges post their prices online. This is just like hotels have rates on room doors and car dealers have sticker prices on car windows.
We are about halfway through the summer with activities in full tilt. My son, Ryan, and I are enjoying the change in schedule. Now I am reflecting on what I need for me this summer while supporting my son’s best interests and making a deliberate effort to recharge my batteries that were drawn down from …
Recharging My Parenting Batteries While Letting My Son Expend His! Read More »
Recently, while at professional training out of town, one of the instructor’s was missing her daughter’s birthday. Sandi invited the class of 35 to sing to her daughter by phone. It was an amazing experience. Sandi teared up out of happiness. She reported her daughter overflowed with joy from hearing that special song from her …
Now that the kiddos are back in school, what will they learn about money? The best I can tell from my 1st grader is that he will learn about counting money this year. He will certainly need to know how to count it though much less so in these days of plastic and digital money. …
These days our child are at increased risk to have their financial identity ripped off. Identity thieves might use an identity, stolen shortly after birth, for 15 years or more. Criminals can use the stolen personal data to open credit cards, file fraudulent tax returns, and much more. All this damage may take several years …
While having my son earn his driver’s license is a few years away, I have started thinking about the process. A lot has changed since I earned “full” driving privileges at age 16. Today’s 16 year old driver’s license requirements are almost as complex as it was for me to get my pilot’s license in …
Coverdell Educational Savings Accounts (ESAs) are a useful source for education funding. Often, these accounts are overlooked because of their limitations. By understanding ESA rules, proactive parents can provide kids money education not just education funding. Understanding the ESA Rules Contributions: Anyone may contribute to an ESA for a child under 18 years of age. …
Make Money Smart Kids with Educational Savings Accounts Read More »
I’d be very wealthy if I had a dollar for every time my son asks for a new toy. The one thousand times I’ve heard the question give me pause to think about my own childhood gifts. My fondest childhood memories are of experiences not physical gifts. These memories include family trips, playing army, a …
Tax season is upon us! Have you consider how your kids may positively impact your tax return? Tax software used by professionals and do-it-yourself folks helps us keep the tax to the lowest amount we legitimately owe. The key to preparing tax returns is to understand the rules and sometimes more importantly the software. A …
My childhood allowance was critical to developing my sense of financial responsibility. The allowance allowed me to make mistakes with money while seemly huge at the time, in the scope of life were much, much smaller. In short, my allowance was a fundamental part of my financial education and literacy. Allowance is a big topic …
Often, today’s kids and young adults place more emphasis on having a phone over having a car or even a driver’s license to stay connected with friends. So when do we give them a phone? What capabilities (voice, data, and texting)? What type of phone? This post will explore some ideas to consider when making …
