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Family

Household

Old Time Ways Of Saving On Household Expenses I Learned From My Grandma

I recently have been spending more time with my grandma. Besides the great company, I have also learned a few “old-time” ways of saving around the house. She grew up during the Depression so she has a very different mindset than my own (mid-twenties). When I started applying some of her methods (along with ones I’ve picked up on my own) I’ve been able to cut down on costs that were actually really quite easy and simple to put into effect.

Here are some of those “old-time” ways of saving I picked up from her…

Use your local resources

We’ve all have gotten into this habit of going out of our way to find the best deals. The problem is that the $50 you may be saving on a new item may only actually come to be $20 (or less) after you figure gas and transit time. Plus, what if you could have done without? Now you’re spending money on things you really didn’t need.

The people growing up during the Depression did a great deal to save money. Mainly, they hunkered down and worked around their local resources, so you went to the local farmers market, you bartered, you found work around the neighborhood, and took care of each other.

Sure, sometimes there are particular items that may come at a premium depending on your location and the culture, but for the most part the local offering is going to be greatly cheaper especially since you could barter with the individual (because they may be someone you know or within your extended network).

October 17, 2015

Family

A Final Needs Plan Keeps Your Family Debt And Burden Free

Since the day your children were born, you worried about them. Just because they’re now adults, doesn’t mean you worry any less. Instead of scraped knees and their performance at school, now you concern yourself with their own family life and financial future. You want them to be as happy and successful as possible. The last thing you want to do in your old age is to become a financial burden to your children. Raising a family is hard enough without the added burden of paying for a funeral. Before you pass away, invest in a final needs plan to protect your children from this financial liability.

As hard as it is to face the concept of your own death, acknowledging it and making plans for it brings comfort to yourself and your loved ones. When you take the time to plan and finance your own funeral, you’re ensuring your family doesn’t have to make painful decisions during a difficult time. They also won’t have to come up with an unexpected amount of cash to pay for your service. A final needs plan spares them this fate. When you create a plan, you’ll be working with a professional account executive. Consultations are free, and they’ll meet with you to find out exactly what you want for your funeral service and how you can achieve it.

October 5, 2015

Family

Where To Find Affordable Afterschool Programs For Kids

Afterschool programs are a wise choice for you child every afternoon. Afterschool programs not only provide parents with piece of mind and security after 3 pm, but they also provide kids will lots of learning and socializing opportunities that can help advance their development and take advantage of their free time in the afternoons. Here are some useful tips and resources to help you find affordable, quality afterschool programs for your child.

Using the Internet is a great way to find out about before and after school programs in Forest Hill, MD (or elsewhere more relevant for you) that can cater to your child’s interests. You can access databases online through a search engine so that you will be able to identify programs in your specific area. This can help you find day care options or facilities that offer educational programs or even trips! Some sites even allow parents to write reviews for your reference.

Another option is to contact your child’s school. Often schools provide free afterschool programs themselves. These can range from clubs and sports teams to tutoring opportunities or groups that go on educational trips after school hours. Reaching out to your child’s teachers or even the principal can help you to find out about great opportunities that they have the inside scoop about. Also, these individuals will have a good idea about which programs may best suit your child’s needs, personality or interests for an ideal fit.

August 5, 2013

Family

5 Tips For Designing A Kid Friendly Backyard On A Budget

Kids are sources of endless energy, and they need to be able to play and exercise in their formative years. Many parents have neither the time nor the energy to make all the outdoor trips that would benefit their children, but you can make a great play environment for your children by bringing the world home. You can make your back yard more kid friendly and give them a place to play without spending a fortune on expensive equipment.

Make the Most of Your Space
How much free space do you have in your back yard? If you enjoy gardening or grilling outdoors, you’ll have to figure out how to make the most of your space and accommodate a play area for the children. In general, play areas and sitting areas shouldn’t overlap too much. Think about what you want in your yard, as well as what your kids want. A swing set can be great fun, but will also take up a lot of room in your yard. Think about how much space you have, and decide how to best utilize it.

February 28, 2013

Family

Unexpected Costs That Come With Having Kids

There are all kinds of expenses tied up with starting a family, such as the medical bills inherent in gestation and delivery, the cost of childcare if both parents work, and the price of diapers for the first couple of years. And as they grow older, attendant costs only increase, with clothing and toys becoming more expensive as the years pass. But it all culminates in college, which will cost parents a pretty penny if they want to send their kids to some of the top rated schools. The thing is that none of these costs is totally unexpected. While you might have to run the numbers on some of the items associated with raising a child, you at least know that these expenses are on the horizon. Unfortunately, there are also a number of costs that could spring up and catch you totally unprepared. But knowing the possibilities could help you to sock some money away just in case. So here are a few potential expenses you may have to contend with where your offspring are concerned.

You know that kids have to be fed and clothed, but did you ever consider that they will put an added strain on every single one of your household expenses? You might think that adding an adult resident to your home will have an impact on the utilities, but chances are you won’t expect your water, power, and gas to go up when you bring home your little bundle of joy. And yet, when you consider all of the concessions that infants require you can see where the added expense comes in. For example, babies need frequent bathing (although not in a full tub). But the larger issue is the increase in dishes and laundry you’ll have to do, especially if you opt for cloth diapers.

February 16, 2013

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