Skylanders is one of the most popular gifts this holiday season. There are quite a few layers to Skylanders- We will start at the most basic and fun and get deeper from there.

Skylanders is a 3d platformer for just about every platform out there right now , 3DS, Wii, Xbox 360, and PS3. The main characters are the Skylanders, who are monster-type characters who are fighting an evil force trying to destroy their world. For kids it is easy to understand and get into. Now comes the interesting part. The main character with whom you play as is also an action figure who is in the real world. Once this figure is placed on the portal, the character comes to life in the video game.

There are also light rpg elements to the game as well. There is leveling up as enemies are defeated and special items are collected, which are silly hats. This adds an exploration element to the game and is a bit more to bite into for more experienced players.

The physical figures themselves are very interesting. The figures have RFID’s encoded in them which means all your data for your character, the level ups, the currency, the collectibles [Read more…]

A lot of parents in America still find it off-limits to discuss money issues with their kids. Parents toil to make the money and the kids ask them to spend some, and the story ends there. Financial experts advise that it is equally important for kids to grasp the basics of saving, credit, investment and consumerism as it is for adults. When kids are raised with full financial consciousness, they are more likely to have control over their money in future and have less chances of getting trapped in the dreadful cycle of debt.

Kids are curious and, long before they start taking keen interest in money, they’re already observing the way you handle home finances. What kids pick from watching you deal with money forms the basis of their attitudes towards financial matters – possibly for the rest of their lives. It therefore turns out that making your kids financially aware is a step-by-step process that begins with setting a good example.

However, this has a good and bad side to it. If your kids observe that you like to be a little creative with money by having regular forays into shopping sprees, they are likely to adopt your spendthrift habits. On the other hand, if you are frugal with money, your kids will adopt prudent tendencies when it comes to spending and they will incorporate them into their own financial strategies in future. If you want your kids to follow your lead, be cautious with money and delay gratification to save for the future. Use every saving opportunity at your disposal, like coupons, and get good bargains for whatever you buy.

Investment opportunities for kids

One of the best ways to raise financially astute children is to introduce them to investment opportunities at an early age. Before you embark on this long term project, start with the basics.

You need to help your children understand what investing means and why it is important for their future. It’s easier to begin by sharing your own viewpoint on investment. Make it clear to them that while saving is good, it is usually for short-term goals and, investment is for meeting their long term-goals, something that can profit them possibly for a lifetime.

When your kids have some idea about investment, the next thing is to introduce them to risk and reward. You only need to introduce subtle details here, not complicated financial analytics. They need to know that highly rewarding investments are often associated with greater risk, and vice versa. Basically, you should dwell on explaining why it [Read more…]

The holidays are a time when tensions run high. Although there is much to look forward to during this
season of family and giving, there are also a lot of pressures associated with hosting, gifting, and travel.
And for the couple that has been together a while, the madness of the season can definitely lead to a
lack of energy and focus on the relationship. But the holidays are really about family togetherness, so
don’t let this opportunity for connection pass you by. Look at the season as an opportunity to renew
the flame of passion that brought you and your spouse together in the first place and find ways to
keep that spark alive. Here are just a few ideas that can help you renew your romantic love during the
holiday season.

1. Just say no. It is not uncommon for people to over-commit at this time of year. Between
holiday parties, charitable events, and the general hubbub of shopping, cooking, and decorating,
it’s all too easy to overfill your plate. But at a time when stress can completely derail you, the
comfort and surety of your relationship will help you to relax and hold it together. So look at
your calendar and pencil in some time for love. Say no to the annual fundraiser and some of
the many holiday gatherings you normally attend and opt for a night at home with your honey.
Your first responsibilities are to yourself and your marriage, and keeping them strong will ensure
that everything else falls into place.

2. Do a good turn. When you took your vows, you probably made a promise along the lines that
you would “love, honor, and cherish” your spouse. Part of that means making an effort to show
you care. So cook a favorite meal, bring home flowers, or offer a neck [Read more…]