A frugal princess isn’t only good at saving money, but is also good at managing her personal finances. A great online tool is Mint.com
The secure site allows you to monitor activity for your credit/debit cards and investments…..all for FREE! It help you create a budget for yourself and helps you keep track of your spending.
According to the website:
“Mint is fresh, intelligent online money management. Not only is Mint free, it saves you money. While existing personal finance software packages require hours to set up, a passion for accounting (is that possible?) and hours of weekly maintenance, Mint is virtually effortless.”
So get started online! Happy Budgeting!
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)
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
Get into the habit of checking your account on a daily basis. I personally like to check my account even twice a day sometimes. Although the thought of 
“babysitting” your money may sound unappealing for some, keeping a close eye on your funds will help you notice fruadulent activity right away. It also helps you keep track of your spending to prevent overdrafts and other bank fees.
Here are some easy ways to watch your money like a hawk:
- Check your account online on a daily basis. Remember to avoid banking online when signed-on to unsecured wireless networks.
- Take advantage of your bank’s online bill pay services. It will prevent having to place checks in the mail where theives can break into mailboxes and steal personal information. It is also handy in keeping track of bill payment schedules to prevent late fees.
- Use your mobile phone device to keep track of your accounts. You can use your bank’s automated telephone service to hear your balance.
- Many banks are also offering convenient phone texting services to get your balance even more quickly. Text a specific word to your bank’s contact number and they will instantly send over account balances.
- Sign up for alerts concerning suspicious account activity. Some banks offer alerts via email or text to inform you of any suspicious activity that you may not be aware of.
You may visit the “Frugal Fine” blog directly at www.frugalfine.net
For beauty budeting tips, visit my national beauty column at www.beautyexaminer.com
Image from Heritagebanknevada.com