http://www.money-and-kids.com/money-blog.html The Money Blog keeps you up-to-date with all additions and changes to the money-and-kids.com web site. Subscribe here. en-us money Wed, 17 Sep 2008 18:09:24 GMT Wed, 17 Sep 2008 18:09:24 GMT money-and-kids.com http://www.money-and-kids.com/money-blog.html#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: <ul><li>Babysitting Activities and Safety</li> <li>Opening a child's first bank account, and </li> <li>Planning for Halloween costs now</li></ul> 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 Wed, 17 Sep 2008 17:47:11 GMT http://www.money-and-kids.com/money-blog.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!) Sun, 14 Sep 2008 20:11:23 GMT http://www.money-and-kids.com/money-blog.html#Its-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. Wed, 03 Sep 2008 18:01:51 GMT http://www.money-and-kids.com/get-kids-to-save-money.html 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. Fri, 08 Aug 2008 20:50:42 GMT http://www.money-and-kids.com/chores-for-kids-guide.html 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? Thu, 07 Aug 2008 20:56:28 GMT http://www.money-and-kids.com/money-blog.html#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: <ul><li>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.</li> <li>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.</li> 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! Tue, 05 Aug 2008 21:26:44 GMT http://www.money-and-kids.com/about-me.html Here's more about me and why I do this site Mon, 04 Aug 2008 16:01:16 GMT http://www.money-and-kids.com/site-build-it-review.html Let me share a little bit about my journey to Site Build It! - but more from the "how I picked a website tool" perspective. Mon, 04 Aug 2008 15:58:15 GMT http://www.money-and-kids.com/chores-for-kids.html 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. Sat, 02 Aug 2008 18:29:10 GMT http://www.money-and-kids.com/money-blog.html#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 Fri, 25 Jul 2008 22:15:00 GMT http://www.money-and-kids.com/money-blog.html#Another-Lemonade-Stand-Location-Idea As I entered our local community center late this morning, I was greeted by two young ladies who let me know that they were having a lemonade stand just ahead. I thanked them and walked on. Here's what I saw: a simple table with pitchers of lemonade, styrofoam cups and some popcorn (they served the popcorn in the same cups to keep things easy and neat). They had hand-written signs and price lists (they offered regular lemonade, Crystal Light and popcorn) - keeping it simple yet still answering what the customer needed to know. The best things about their lemonade stand location? First, it was inside right in the line of traffic - right outside of meeting rooms and near the check-in desk. Second, it was directly across from the vending machines and the table and chairs where people stop to have snacks and drinks. What a GREAT IDEA! In this case, the girls were raising money as a group so they had a couple of people at the table (to serve customers) and at the door (for the live advertising). And they had a captive audience - when I left there were 4 people lined up who had just come out of a meeting. What types of creative ideas can you come up with for <b>your lemonade stand location?</b> Check out http://www.money-and-kids.com/lemonade-stand-location.html to get those creative juices flowing! Fri, 27 Jun 2008 18:16:22 GMT http://www.money-and-kids.com/money-blog.html#Your-Own-Independence-Day Have you been thinking about starting your own business...but just don't know where exactly or how to start? Site Build It! (SBI!) is what I use to do this site - and it really is a great tool. They have so many useful resources - and you don't have to cobble a bunch of individual things together to <b>make your business work.</b> And until July 4th, you can get a GREAT deal on it (and not regret it due to the fabulous guarantees they offer). But don't take my word for it. Check out the stories and businesses of people who <i><b>really</b></i> know at http://case-studies.sitesell.com/Jennifer53.html Fri, 27 Jun 2008 18:04:53 GMT http://www.money-and-kids.com/lemonade-stand-fundraising.html Lemonade stand fundraising can be a great way to raise funds for your favorite charity - on your own or as part of a group effort. Check out these ideas to get started. Wed, 25 Jun 2008 20:29:27 GMT http://www.money-and-kids.com/money-blog.html#The-Money-Messenger-Vol.-5-Available! The latest edition of The Money Messenger (our monthly newsletter) is now available! Be sure to check your inbox if you are a subscriber. And, if not, get signed up today at http://www.money-and-kids.com/subscribe. You will get a free download of the top 10 articles from the site as well as access to the newsletter back issues...and have all future issues delivered directly to your mailbox! Fri, 20 Jun 2008 15:31:59 GMT http://www.money-and-kids.com/spending-and-budgeting.html Spending is not hard to do. Budgeting, on the other hand, doesn't come as naturally. But don't let it be overwhelming. Fri, 11 Apr 2008 17:21:45 GMT http://www.money-and-kids.com/teens-make-money-online.html Can teens make money online? You bet...and here's the best way to do it. Thu, 10 Apr 2008 03:18:56 GMT http://www.money-and-kids.com April is Financial Literacy Month in the United States. What better time to start or keep your kids and your family on the road to financial education? And that's where money-and-kids.com can help. Be sure to check out all of the resources available on the site - and to let us know through the Contact button if there is something missing. Wed, 09 Apr 2008 04:45:36 GMT http://www.money-and-kids.com/subscribe.html Subscribe to our monthly e-zine to stay in touch with money-and-kids.com Mon, 17 Mar 2008 21:23:18 GMT http://www.money-and-kids.com/winter-teen-jobs.html Looking for winter teen jobs? Winter teen jobs can require a little more creativity because the weather isn't as cooperative. Sat, 15 Mar 2008 21:40:01 GMT http://www.money-and-kids.com/common-chores-for-teens.html The most common chores for teens (and the best ones) are the ones that fit their ages, maturity and abilities. Fri, 25 Jan 2008 17:19:19 GMT http://www.money-and-kids.com/google1f93aeb0f2971d57.html Google Verification Tue, 22 Jan 2008 23:57:51 GMT http://www.money-and-kids.com/teen-chore-contract.html If you are not having much success with a teen chore chart, it might be time to try a teen chore contract. Tue, 22 Jan 2008 21:58:48 GMT http://www.money-and-kids.com/allowance-coach.html Hiring an allowance coach can help you get started or even refine one of the most important pieces of your kids' money education. Sun, 13 Jan 2008 05:42:08 GMT http://www.money-and-kids.com/allowance-coaching-intermediate.html Interested in intermediate allowance coaching? Great! Check out this intermediate coaching package. Sun, 13 Jan 2008 05:36:41 GMT http://www.money-and-kids.com/allowance-coaching-basic.html Interested in basic allowance coaching? Great! Check out this basic coaching package to get started. Sun, 13 Jan 2008 05:33:32 GMT http://www.money-and-kids.com/allowance-coaching-advanced.html Interested in advanced allowance coaching? Great! Check out this advanced coaching package. Sun, 13 Jan 2008 05:29:06 GMT http://www.money-and-kids.com/saving-money-ideas.html Looking for saving money ideas for your kid or teen? Focusing on a few key concepts can keep it real - and make it real for them. Fri, 28 Dec 2007 03:59:26 GMT http://www.money-and-kids.com/money-personality.html What is your child's money personality is? The same money personality that is evident in adults can also be found in kids. Wed, 26 Dec 2007 22:49:48 GMT http://www.money-and-kids.com/allowance-for-kids.html Allowance for kids - this is their introduction into the world of money basics. And it's a great way to teach them with these tips. Mon, 26 Nov 2007 17:51:14 GMT http://www.money-and-kids.com/allowance-for-teens.html An allowance for teens depends on many things, including their age, maturity and expected expenses as well as whether they have a job of their own. Here's how to balance it. Sun, 25 Nov 2007 19:02:38 GMT http://www.money-and-kids.com/tween-allowance.html A tween allowance can be challenging - just as tween can be! Here's how to make those part of their allowance and money education. Sun, 25 Nov 2007 18:57:45 GMT http://www.money-and-kids.com/allowance-basics-for-kids.html These allowance basics for kids will help get you started giving allowances to your kids. Sun, 25 Nov 2007 18:56:17 GMT http://www.money-and-kids.com/allowance-for-children.html An allowance for children depends on many things, including their age and expected expenses. Look at these tips to figure out how to get to the best number. Sun, 25 Nov 2007 18:47:58 GMT http://www.money-and-kids.com/summer-jobs-for-teenagers.html Sometimes it seems like summer jobs for teenagers are everywhere you turn. How do you find the best one for you? Fri, 23 Nov 2007 03:20:12 GMT http://www.money-and-kids.com/summer-job.html School's out! Time for summer...and a summer job! Summer jobs are a constructive solution to summertime boredom and a great way to earn extra money. Fri, 23 Nov 2007 03:18:31 GMT http://www.money-and-kids.com/teen-job-tips.html Teen job tips can help you with all the aspects of your first jobs. These tips help you get answers to some of your questions. Thu, 22 Nov 2007 01:45:53 GMT http://www.money-and-kids.com/teen-job-search.html How is your teen job search going? What do you need to consider to make the best decision? Check out these tips for a teen job search. Thu, 22 Nov 2007 01:35:03 GMT http://www.money-and-kids.com/landing-a-job.html Worried about landing a job? After you've figured out which employer works best for you (and you for them!), it's time to make the job yours. Thu, 22 Nov 2007 01:31:50 GMT http://www.money-and-kids.com/keeping-the-job.html Yes! The job is yours! But the work is just beginning. Follow these tips and you'll be on the way to keeping the job. Thu, 22 Nov 2007 01:27:06 GMT http://www.money-and-kids.com/leaving-a-job.html Leaving a job - can it be done on good terms? It can - but sometimes it can be hard. Be sure to review our suggestions below before you make any moves. Thu, 22 Nov 2007 01:21:59 GMT http://www.money-and-kids.com/winter-teen-employment.html Looking for winter teen employment? Winter, at least in the United States, can offer many options because of the holiday season. Tue, 20 Nov 2007 01:23:34 GMT http://www.money-and-kids.com/winter-teen-business.html Still searching for a winter teen business idea that's the right fit for you when working for yourself? Think holidays! Fri, 16 Nov 2007 17:45:38 GMT http://www.money-and-kids.com/seasonal-winter-jobs.html Looking for seasonal winter jobs but not interested or old enough to be an employee? Fall and winter can provide great options for doing just that. Fri, 16 Nov 2007 16:51:43 GMT http://www.money-and-kids.com/Christmas-spending.html Christmas spending in 2007 is expected to stay the same or increase slightly from last year. Still, there are plenty of ways to have a Christmas holiday that keeps everyone in the spirit. Mon, 12 Nov 2007 19:43:52 GMT http://www.money-and-kids.com/Christmas-gift-giving.html Christmas gift giving for kids - because it's not just about receiving! Mon, 12 Nov 2007 19:40:19 GMT http://www.money-and-kids.com/kid-gift-ideas.html Are you looking for different kid gift ideas - something not so...well...not so commercial? It's best to look for something a little out of the ordinary in combination with the special interest. Mon, 12 Nov 2007 18:28:15 GMT http://www.money-and-kids.com/Christmas-traditions.html Does your family have Christmas traditions? Traditions are a wonderful way to build family closeness - and to save money! Mon, 12 Nov 2007 18:01:11 GMT http://www.money-and-kids.com/holiday-budgeting.html Holiday budgeting - sometimes those two words don't seem to belong together. How are kids going to learn that spending limits and budgeting apply at Christmas just like any other time of year? Sun, 21 Oct 2007 03:04:03 GMT http://www.money-and-kids.com/saving-money-tips.html Saving money tips for the holidays...we can hear the groans of parents and kids alike. It's possible to celebrate the holidays and special occasions without breaking your bank. Sun, 21 Oct 2007 02:34:24 GMT