Teaching Kids to Set Money Saving Goals

Welcome back to part two of our teaching kids to save money series! Last week, we kicked it off by talking about one method to teach kids to save money by using a piggy bank system. Today, we’re going to talk about setting money saving goals and when to start. This ties in with teaching your child how to budget, so you might want to take a peek at that post as well. It begins when they’re very young. You’re at the store and your child begins to ask for things. They ask for candy. They ask for toys. They ask for stuffed animals and bright balloons. These sometimes challenging situations are also opportunities. They’re opportunities to teach children that you can’t always get what…

Reasons to Consider Life Insurance

Have you ever considered getting life insurance? Sure, I see the MetLife commercials because I adore Snoopy, but beyond that it’s not something that I’ve thought about too much. I do get the Gerber Life Insurance mailings for Squeaker and at one point, I’d considered buying one for her. In the past, I’d met with an agent but ultimately, I didn’t make a purchase. I thought it was one of those things that I just wouldn’t need. Recently, however, it has been on my mind so I wanted to share a few reasons to consider life insurance with you. Life insurance provides coverage for you, in case of your untimely death, providing your loved ones with financial security. While life insurance is beneficial, selecting the…

5 Tips for Dealing with Divorce

Though this is something I don’t talk about too often, it is a topic that has been a part of my life and something that thousands of others deal with as well. Dealing with divorce can sometimes be a nasty time in our lives and perhaps that can be expected.  But it is possible to also have a peaceful divorce? With time and tempering, yes- I think it is definitely possible. My ex and I are separated until legal matters are taken care of, but as far as we’re concerned- there is no reconciling. We’ve both moved on even though we’re still technically dealing with our divorce. When children are involved, divorce can become even more messy. Here are 5 tips for dealing with divorce…

Free Painting Ideas for Toddlers

Art can be messy but I think that’s part of the reason why it’s fun. Especially art experiences for toddlers and babies, who are more likely to put paint on any surface except the piece of paper or easel. As part of our informal Tot School, I try to offer art on a weekly basis but sometimes more if Squeaker is showing an interest. Sometimes we do themed projects like our handprint and pom pom apple tree or toilet paper tube apple stamping. Recently though, I wanted to offer her options and so we put on some music and tried these free painting ideas instead. Supplies needed: paint (We used fingerpaint and Tempera paint) clothespins cotton balls construction paper or art paper willing participant For…

Budget Friendly Labor Day Party

Just as Memorial Day seems to be the unofficial start to Summer, Labor Day seems to be the unofficial end. Of course, we know that for us in the Northern Hemisphere, Summer starts in June and Fall begins in September… but for some, Fall begins after Labor Day. I’ve never been able to figure out why. Maybe it’s because by that time, most of the country is back to school. Or, for the most part, cooler weather has started to arrive or is at least on the horizon. So how does on celebrate Labor Day and enjoy the extended weekend? I have a few ideas for a budget friendly Labor Day party that you might want to consider. As summertime nears an end, many people…

September Happenings in Albany, NY

Something that I’ve been meaning to do at Just Another Mom is post more about my home city. It took me quite awhile but especially after having kids, I finally learned to appreciate everything that this area has to offer. And while it may not seem like much to you either, there are definitely a lot of great things about living in Albany. Sure, we might not be as exciting or as fast paced as New York City, but we still have plenty to do. Here are the September Happenings in Albany, NY. Capital District Scottish Games September 5-6 – Altamont – More Information Join the fun of various Irish and Scottish music, crafts and more. The event will include Highland dancing and athletics, Pipe…