Kids
They’re amazing. They’re expensive. They’ll make you question everything you ever believed about money. All you have to do is…stay one step ahead. Ready?
Articles
Does College Still Pay Off?
You’ve heard the horror stories: parents shelling out $30,000 only to watch their kid drop out of school, college grads with debt in the six figures and no job prospects. Is college still worth it? The average student now leaves college with... ➡
Don’t Be a Judge-y Parent
I spend $240 a month for my sons’ piano lessons—$30 per lesson, per kid, per week. It’s a competitive rate for our area, and I love our teacher’s approach. Translation: Even when the $240 is a strain, it has value—for us. But recently another mom... ➡
A Vital Deposit for Your Child
Would you bank the umbilical cord blood of your newborn? The controversial practice has been getting more air time this fall, thanks to the endorsement of reality show stars Giuliana and Bill Rancic, who banked their newborn’s cord blood. ... ➡
Get More in March
Like you, I want to feel that my money—and my time—is well-spent. That’s why I love discovering (and sharing!) little gems that make me feel like I’m getting more every day. I started saving money for my almost-two-year-old daughter’s college... ➡
Babysitter Backup Plan
It’s what Donald Rumsfeld called the “known unknowns.” At some point this winter, your kids will be home sick, and your sitter will be snowed in—or sick as well. That's why every working mother needs a backup plan. Start here. Strategize.... ➡
How I Cope With Working-Mom Guilt
I’ve been working since my son was born; I’m also the primary earner in my marriage. My son, now five, is thriving. I’m not. I still filter everything through the lens of my shortcomings, the tally of meals missed and other failures. But he’s... ➡
Gifts Kids Will Love
Buying for kids packs a surprising amount of stress. If they don’t like what you’ve gotten them, they’ll tell you. Never fear—these gifts are guaranteed to please, and they’re all under $20. Ninjabread Men Cookie Cutters ($5.49, Perpetual Kid)... ➡
Balancing Santa, Kids & Budget
When I answered my seven-year-old’s Christmas request for an iPod Touch recently with a “no” (and a side of “are you kidding me?”), he shot back: “But you don’t even have to pay for it! It’ll be from Santa.” I was temporarily stumped, but I... ➡
