So did your child finish coloring all the pages of her latest coloring book? If your budget forces you to stretch some time before heading back to the crayola section of Target, print free coloring images online.
Make sure to print on both sides to conserve printer paper or recycle previously used pages by using the blank side to print your kid’s favorite characters.
If you google “Coloring Pages” you will have a wide selection on themes and images. Disney.go.com also has a great library of coloring pages featuring popular Disney cartoons. You can use a folder or binder to start a portfolio of your children’s coloring pages. Have fun!
Are you trying to teach your children about the almight dollar? Here are a few books that can help:
The Go-Around-Dollar by Barbara Johnston Adams: A story on how Eric finds a dollar on the ground and how it gets circulated and spent amont different people. (K-3)
Pigs will be Pigs: Fun with Math and Money by Amy Axelrod. (Grades k - 4)
Smart Money: How to Manage your Cash by Danielle Denega. How to go about getting a first job and budget advice. (Middle to High School)
You can still enjoy all the summer blockbusters while sticking to your budget. Here are some ways to save at the movie theater:
- Take advantadge of matinee prices by going in the afternoon.
- Don’t forget any student or military IDs or any other discount cards that can get you a discount.
- Many older movie theaters still show first-run movies. They may not have stadium seating but you can save $1 - $3 per ticket that way.
- Always eat before you hit the movie theater. If you are already full, the temptation to spend at the concession stand dies down.
- Refer to any Entertainment Coupon books you may have. Some offer discounts at movie theaters.
- Call the movie theater and ask if they host any specials during the week. Most specials occur on Tuesdays - when they may offer free popcorn and other incentives.
- Consider second-run movie theaters. If you can wait about 4-6 weeks after a release, some charge as low as 50 cents per ticket!
- Carry your boho bag and bring your own boxes of candy.
- If you are a member, purchase tickets ahead of time at AAA, Sam’s or Costo. You may be able to save up to 30% OFF.
- If you are a frequent movie-goer, take advantadge of any theater chain reward cards.
- Look up reviews online before seeing a movie. If a movie is getting bad reviews, you may decide just to wait for it to come on DVD.
- Consider Drive-In movie theaters. Some only charge $7 per car for a double feature.
It is vital for parents to teach their children the importance of budgeting and money management early in life. Piggy banks are great items for children to own while in the learning process.
Money Savvy Generation offers a piggy bank that is divided into four chambers: 
1. Save
2. Spend
3. Donate
4. Invest
Explain to your children what each of the categories mean and what percentage of thier money should go into each chamber.
According to their website at www.msgen.com:
“It gives a child a sense of control which leads to a sense of security.
When you give children the Money Savvy Pig, you give them control over the money in their lives. In a respectful way, the Money Savvy Pig asks children what they think is the best choice and allows them to make it. A sense of control leads to a sense of security. “
This tool will be fun and interactive while you pass on your money intellect down to younger generations. More more information on how you can teach your kids about money, visit Money Savvy Generation at www.msgen.com
Do you consider yourself a real socialite? Maybe you love to do happy hour with the girls, but you are starting to notice that your “after-five” splurges are ruining your budget. After all, your logical “sensors” tend to wane after some $8 martinis and several appetizers later… :-)
Party for less by hosting a happy hour at your home. It creates a more comfortable and relaxed environment and you will save a bundle by buying a bottle from the liquor store to make several drinks instead of building a tab at the trendy bar close to your office. Throw in some yummy (yet inexpensive) appetizers like chips & dip. You can also buy prepared frozen finger foods from the grocery store and just pop them in the oven.
Entertain on the cheap by including board games or cards. Maybe just pure “girl talk” would be enough. You can save even more money by taking turns at hosting happy hours within your own group of friends.
Dining alone? Buy a bottle of Arbor Mist Chardonnay Peach California for only about $3.99. Who says that being on a budget can’t be fun?!
Starbucks, lipstick, candy, margaritas, car washes and adventure novels. What do they all have in common? They often fall under the category of “impulse buys.” Purchases that you don’t always account for initially or carry no line item in the budget. Little by little, they eat away at your checking account and then all of a sudden you’re asking yourself, “What happened to all my money?”
Although it can be hard at times, a little control is needed over the number of lattes you a buy a week. But how can a girl on budget still enjoy her margarita after work without letting the wallet loose? Let’s say you’re too busy or not disciplined enough to keep a spending journal on every piece of gum you buy…
One good approach is to budget impulse (fun) buys ahead of time. At set dates each month (usually the same as your payday) pull out your entire impulse budget as cash from the ATM. You can keep the cash in your wallet or an envelope to fund your girly rendezvous….but once its gone, it gone. This will prevent you from freely using your debit card on too many insignificant purchases that you couldn’t keep track of.
Enjoy life and still have money left in the bank!
Image from gadgetuniverse.com
