8 Things Kids Need to Know about Money

It is never too early to start teaching your children about money. While many parents shy away from discussing financial issues with their kids, this can be one of the biggest mistakes that they make. Instilling good habits and a basic understanding about how finances work can give your child an edge that will stay with him or her for a lifetime. 1. There is a difference between the things that you want and the things that you need. Wants versus needs can be a tough concept for kids to understand, but teaching them that real necessities must be met … Continue reading

New FastPass Technology Tested at Disney World

Disney World’s always trying to improve, and one of the big complaints many guests have, at least at certain times of year, is the long lines for rides. That’s why the FastPass system exists: it allows Disney World to offer interested guests shorter wait times while making money off the idea. As part of their constant quest for improvement Disney World is trying to upgrade their FastPass system, according to The Disney Blog. They’re currently testing the next generation of the queue-jumping arrangement in the Magic Kingdom, and it involves RFID. RFID stands for radio-frequency identification, the process of using … Continue reading

Business Idea – Bed and Breakfast

If you are looking for a home – based business idea and you love entertaining guests, than opening up a bed and breakfast might be the opportunity that you are looking for. Of course, unless your home has a few extra rooms and is configured so that you could rent them to overnight guests, starting this type of business may involve selling your home or buying a second home. It also involves quite a bit of work, so it is not for the faint of heart. It is good to work through any home – business idea by making a … Continue reading

Are You Wasting Money on “I Really Should” Things?

Do you want to save some money this month? Eliminate some of those “I really should” things. Make your money work for you and get practical purpose or pleasure out of every dollar that you spend. By eliminating the “I should” things, you eliminate the waste, allowing you to use that money on the thing that are really important. What are the “I really should” things? These are items that you think you should have or do, but when it comes down to it, you don’t. What do I mean by this? Take a look at some of the more … Continue reading

How Much Money Do You Make?

Knowing that some fast food chains are handing out $5,000 signing bonuses to employees made me jealous… ahem! I mean curious. Curious about how many non-glamorous professions make up the top tier of highest paying jobs in America. If you think actors, professional athletes, politicians and Wall Street wheelers and dealers comprise the top spots, you might be surprised. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the professionals that raked in the most dough in 2010 were: 1. Anesthesiologists = $166,400+ 2. Internists = $166,400+ 3. OB/GYN = $166,400+ 4. Oral Surgeons = $166,400+ 5. Orthodontists = $166,400+ 6. General … Continue reading

Insurance Blog Week in Review – January 15-21, 2012

News about insurance related issues moves pretty fast. Every week, there are fourteen different posts on the Families.com Insurance Blog. You may have overlooked, or missed, something that you really would have liked to read. The Insurance Blog Week in Review can help you “ketchup”. The ASPCA Sells Pet Insurance Do you need affordable pet insurance? The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has some options for you. The Insurance Podcast Roundup for the week went up on January 16, 2012. Insurers Say Sleep Lab Tests Are Overprescribed More doctors are prescribing an overnight stay at … Continue reading

The January Fast

Do you need to put your budget on a diet after the extravagance of the holidays? Here are some simple ways to get back on track quickly. You don’t want to have to still be paying those bills in March. Cook from the Pantry Skip a grocery shopping trip or two or three. Just purchase the essential perishable stuff, such as milk and eggs. If you challenge yourself to cook only from your pantry, you’ll be able to save money quickly. Take that money and apply it directly to your bills. It can add up quickly over a couple of … Continue reading

Ways to Make Teenage Driving Less Expensive

Parents who have teenagers frequently find themselves in confrontations with what was once a pleasant, agreeable, happy, child. Things can get heated when a teenager is pushing to be allowed to drive, especially if a parent cannot afford to add that teenager to his or her existing auto insurance policy. Fortunately, there are some things that you can try that may make this situation less painful for your pocketbook. No matter what you are currently paying for your premiums on your car insurance policy, you probably think that it’s expensive. Adding someone new to that policy can make the cost … Continue reading

Make Your Own Groceries and Save

Did you know that you can make your own homemade chocolate syrup, pancake or muffin mix and instant pudding and instant oatmeal packets? It is true and can save you a lot of money in the kitchen. Plus when you know how to make your own, you won’t have to run out to the store to replace something when the need arises. Just keep your staples stocked and then whip up the item yourself. You can make most of these items ahead of time, such as on a weekend or when you have yet another snow day. Pancake Mix/Cookie Mix/Brownie … Continue reading

Make Your Own Chocolate Treats for Love Day

Valentine’s Day is almost here and if you haven’t been to the store to pick out that special something for your sweetie, you might want to reconsider. I just got back from the mall, and frankly, I wouldn’t go back if you paid me money. I say spare yourself the drama and headache of battling pre-Valentine’s Day crowds and head to the kitchen to whip up these simple, sweet homemade treats: CHOCOLATE MOCHA CAKE Ingredients: 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips 1/2 cup butter 1/4 cup sugar 1/4 cup strong freshly brewed coffee 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons water … Continue reading