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…]

December 26th to the 30th! Enter Today! Winter is here and it is time to shed those shut in blues! Enter to win this necklace from the Blessed Elements Blog and start jazzing up those winter outfits! Didn’t get that perfect jewelry accessory for a gift? Then go enter the give away to get your very own Oooo [Read more…]

Now that all the big holidays for the year are behind us. It is time for the age old question, Did you get what you wanted? I can say yes, I have my friends and family, some good holiday memories, some happy kids and some great tech gifts.But I am sure as we did many of you received gift cards to your favorite stores. So now its your turn to shop for you!

But what is the best way to get exactly what you want and not spend more then that gift card for $20?
Coupons ! Of course. With sales and coupons that little gift card can be stretched to its maximum value. I would suggest first figuring out what you would like to get. Maybe a new movie or CD? Your best [Read more…]

If you have made the decision to enter into freelance or contract work, you are probably aware of the
many advantages that come with moving away from the nine-to-five lifestyle. For one thing, you have
the flexibility to set your own schedule so that you can do as much work as you like whenever you like.
Further, you have the ability to take a vacation any time, even on a whim. And of course, the pay is
much better than your average salary. But there are also drawbacks to entering the world of freelance
work. Your paychecks aren’t regular, you receive no benefits, and you have to hustle for work if you
want to survive. Like any job, there are pluses and minuses, to be sure. But there are also laws in place
that could affect freelance workers (both positively and negatively) and it pays to know what they are if
you want to make a go of your independent operating status.

It would be impossible to list all the laws that could potentially affect freelancers, but there are a few
basic legal tenets you need to understand. The first and most important concerns contracts. You are
a contract worker. This means that without a contract, you have no recourse should an employer
decide not to pay you for work. Luckily, you don’t need to see a lawyer to draft these important
documents; most companies will issue you a simple purchase order, which serves as proof that they are
contractually obligated to pay you for your services. However, if you want a contract that is skewed in
favor of your interests, you can certainly have a standard form drawn up (although some companies
may not accept it). From there, the onus is on you to keep immaculate records in case you should find
yourself in court suing for [Read more…]