One of the cars we had been driving was a 1999 Toyota Camry. Not that it hadn't been a good car to us, because it had, but it had gotten to the point where it was no longer reliable and that was a huge concern to us. Especially when it came to driving kids to and from school everyday. The last thing that we wanted was for the car to break down on I-40 in the middle of rush hour traffic with the kids. It was stressing us out, but so was the idea … [Read more...] about Why Sometimes Leasing a New Car is the Way to Go
This is the Time to Start Planning Next Year’s Summer Vacation
Every year my kids ask me where we are going to go on vacation. For many years, our vacation was to my brother and sister-in-law's house so that my kids could hang out with their cousins for a week at the beach. While it was great and we certainly enjoyed the time with them, they've been begging me to travel. It may be because they know that traveling is my "currency" and my passion in life and has therefore rubbed off on them. I love the … [Read more...] about This is the Time to Start Planning Next Year’s Summer Vacation
How to Teach Your Children the Value of Money: Budgeting
Out of all of the things that I teach my children about money, this one is the most difficult one for me. The reason for this is because children are extremely impetuous creatures and want everything right away. Not only that, but they have a really difficult time seeing down the road into the future. Their idea of the future is what is for dessert that night, or maybe possibly what they are packing for lunch the next day. So how in the world do … [Read more...] about How to Teach Your Children the Value of Money: Budgeting
How to Teach Your Children the Value of Money: Wants vs. Needs
Children want things. Lots and lots of things! At least, I know that mine do. This has been an ongoing battle since I can remember. However, since it is an ongoing battle, I decided that it makes much more sense to turn these wants into teachable moments. Wants vs. Needs The first step in the battle is to help your children understand the difference between a want and a need. This may sound easy, but it isn't always because children see in … [Read more...] about How to Teach Your Children the Value of Money: Wants vs. Needs
How to Make Family Holidays Merrier on Your Wallet
One of my favorite things about the impending holidays is the time that my family and I get to spend with each other. We are all so busy with our crazy lives, that we don't see each other as much as we'd like to. The holidays change that, as we know that we will be able to get together at least 2 times within a month span, which is a record!However, this used to be something that I almost dreaded simply due to the sheer cost of it. A few … [Read more...] about How to Make Family Holidays Merrier on Your Wallet
How to Make it Out of Whole Foods Financially Alive
Shopping at Whole Foods, or "Whole Paycheck" as some have dubbed it, has been one of my staples for years. However, this being said, it has also been a staple IN MODERATION. While I love this place, it can "get real in the Whole Foods parking lot" if you aren't careful. Anybody who has ever shopped there, knows that I am speaking the truth here. Deciding what to purchase to get the most bang for your buck is the ultimate … [Read more...] about How to Make it Out of Whole Foods Financially Alive