The Money Blog: Adding even more sense for your cents!

Our money blog offers fresh, timely information on all aspects of money and kids. We offer information for all different ages - whether you are a parent or a child.

To subscribe to the Money blog (no e-mail necessary), right-click on the orange RSS button (see bottom buttons to the left) and then paste the URL into your RSS reader.

The Money Messenger Issue #008 is Here

The money-and-kids.com monthly newsletter, The Money Messenger, is available for September. Feature articles in this issue cover:

• Babysitting Activities and Safety
• Opening a child's first bank account, and
• Planning for Halloween costs now

Plus don't miss Ask the Editor! where I answer questions from YOU the reader. This month's question comes from Sabrina who is 15 and wants to get a job working with animals.

Next month's issue will be in the NEW format and will be out on October 1st. Sign up for your FREE copy now at http://www.money-and-kids.com/subscribe.html

Talk Like a Pirate Day

I can't resist mentioning this "holiday" even though this really has nothing to do with money. September 19th is Talk Like a Pirate Day. Really.

What do you do on Sept 19th? Talk like a pirate, of course. And that's it (although from looking at the website, you could certainly do ALOT more!). I think we could use more holidays like this to be honest - it's just plain fun!

Be sure to check out the official home of this holiday at http://www.talklikeapirate.com and the special section for kids.

(And don't forget - this would also be a great babysitting theme idea if you are looking for something new that kids will love!)

It's College Savings Month

September is College Savings Month in the United States. But whether you are in the US or another country, September is a great time to start or review your college savings plans.

If you are a parent, saving something - anything - for college is a great idea. It is an investment in your children's future, and there are a number of really good options to help you. If you are a kid who wants to save on their own (a really good use of your long-term savings), some of those same college savings options are available to you as well.

What are these options? They range from establishing a separate savings account at your local bank to buying U.S. savings bonds to opening a 529 plan. Some of them offer tax advantages (a benefit that may be limited to parents) and some offer flexibility. But don't let the many choices overwhelm you if you are just trying to get started on your college savings plan. The key is to just get started.

So, take that first step by opening a separate college savings account at your local bank or credit union. Yep - just a plain old savings account. You could even opt to designate a jar or piggy bank at your house to get started first. While you are adding money to this "account," you can figure out whether you want to put money into the other options. A great place to start this research is at http://www.savingforcollege.com. It is a comprehensive site that covers the ins and outs of the many options available, so be sure to check it out.

Get kids to save money with these simple steps

To get kids to save money can be a challenge. It's just one part of money management for kids, but it can be a really big part. Here are some ways to get started.

Chores for Kids - and Teens: A Guide to Helping Your Create a Program

Chores for kids and teens seem like such a simple thing to get started on. But wouldn't it be nice to a guide with everything in one place?

Have a Garage Sale!

Saturday, August 9th is National Garage Sale Day in the United States. Have your own garage sale to celebrate it!

Garage sales can be a great way for kids (and parents) to clean out the clutter, get a fresh start for the school year and earn a little extra cash for the fall.

There are a couple of ways to have a garage sale:

• The old-fashioned way: in your garage with signs posted in the yard and around the neighborhood. Many local newspapers also have sections devoted to sales where you can run an ad.
• The high-tech way: Go online and have a virtual garage sale. You can do this on ebay or on a local Craig's List.

In either option, you will need to figure out what items are for sale and how much you are going to charge for them. If people are coming to your house, the merchandise should be arranged according to type and price and be well-marked. If you are going the on-line route, pictures will help you get the best price for your sales items. Anything that doesn't sell can be donated to a local charity such as Goodwill, the Salvation Army or a local charity store. Or you can offer it up on freecycle.org if you have a group in your area.

So - get ready to celebrate National Garage Sale Day! It may just pay for a dinner out to celebrate your own hard work!

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About Me!

Here's more about me and why I do this site

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Site Build It! Review

Let me share a little bit about my journey to Site Build It! - but more from the "how I picked a website tool" perspective.

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Chores for Kids (and Teens Too!)

Chores for kids are a great way to teach kids about working and contributing to the household. Use these guidelines as a way to make this work for your family.

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Our Own Lemonade Stand Fundraiser

During this past week, my daughter spent the night at a friend's house. The following day they decided to have their own lemonade stand fundraiser at the neighborhood pool to benefit the local animal shelter.

How did it go? They raised $17 in a little over an hour. Not bad if you ask me - or the girls - especially for a first-time business venture.

What were all the things they did right?

First, they set up in a high-traffic (but safe) area. Second, they picked a HOT day (around here those have been plentiful lately). Third, they used their enthusiasm for animals to give customers an added reason to buy.

And those are lessons you can use in your lemonade stand fundraiser or any other business, too. Find 2 or 3 things that will make your business work - don't just rely on one thing. For instance, don't count on a great location to make other things matter less. You still need to have a good product and offer good service. Likewise, don't count on the best products ever to make up for a bad location or so-so service.

For more information on all aspects of lemonade stands, start here http://www.money-and-kids.com/lemonade-stand.html