Summer Cash Savers

Don’t let the calendar fool you—summer is officially here, at least in my neck of the woods. We have been sizzling in 90-degree (plus) heat for more than a week. Despite the crazy hot temperatures, my daughter and I saw a man cutting his lawn with a push mower at 11 a.m. yesterday when the mercury had to be pushing 89 degrees. Come to find out, the guy is not as nutty as I thought. In fact, he’s probably smarter and richer than most of us who use a power mower to cut our grass. According to the Environmental Protection … Continue reading

Why Cash Strapped Families Should Vacation in Canada this Summer

Who says the only way you can get your hands on a spectacular summer travel deal is to travel down south? On the contrary, Canada is just as eager to lure travelers to their neck of the woods while the temperatures are mild. To get families to visit the sprawling region numerous local lodgings are offering outstanding summer travel bargains. Take a look: Prince Edward Island The popular island is helping travelers celebrate a major milestone this summer—the 100th anniversary of “Anne of Green Gables.” You and your family can join in the festivities by booking a room at Kindred … Continue reading

Luxury Summer Camps For Kids

If you are a parent of a summer camp loving kid then you know what a challenge it can be to narrow down your options. There are literally thousands of summer camps out there. I know because I’ve written about many of them. From cash camps and camps for youngsters whose parents are heading off to war to summer camps for “American Idol” wannabes. Those blogs discussed the fact that sending your child away to experience a summer adventure in a log cabin can really put a dent in your wallet. However, I realize that not every reader is in … Continue reading

The Best Summer Jobs by Age

Kids can learn important lessons outside of the classroom, and summer is a great time to reinforce learning in the areas of finance and managing money. In between trips to the pool or the movies, family vacations and sports camps, consider building in the opportunity for summer jobs. Here is a guideline that will help you with suggestions for the best summer jobs by age group. Junior High and Middle School Age Outside work around the home. Children this age love to be outside, so combine this love with a job doing exterior home work. There are a number of … Continue reading

Fire and Ice

When it comes to winter travel, most people fall into one of two camps:  fire or ice.  The former is more attractive to those who prefer to escape Old Man Winter’s wrath and soak up the sun in a warm climate.  The latter is more inviting to ski bunnies and other cold weather enthusiasts. Fortunately, there are ways you can save cash regardless of where you vacation this winter.  By planning ahead and solidifying your travel arrangements now, you are more likely to land a money-saving deal, such as: CANADA For those who run to snow and ice rather than … Continue reading

Where the Early Bird Saves Money

In my home, we have two different camps. Those of us who are the early birds or morning people, and those of us who can party all night, well, at least stay up way past bedtime. Since I happen to be writing this at 4:30 in the morning, guess which camp I fall into. There is something to be said for early birds. Not only do we get the worm, but we also get the savings. That is because if you can get to things early, you can usually get the best prices in the following areas. The Movie Theater … Continue reading

Vacations That Pay

I once took a vacation to Northern California, and ended up in a roach-infested hotel room with a leaky faucet. Due to an unexpected flight delay, I couldn’t switch rooms because the property was booked solid (despite the pest problem) and I was the last guest to check in that night (technically it was two in the morning). The rest of the trip pretty much mirrored my dismal lodging experience and I vowed that I would never return to the tiny town… even if I were paid to do so. Most people don’t get handed pre-paid vacations these days; however, … Continue reading

Can You Afford to Travel this Summer?

According to AAA, May is the month when most families finalize their summer travel plans. It is also the time of year when most summer camps and other activities for kids close registration, so parents know exactly what their calendars look like until the new school year starts. With the economy still in disarray, many clans may be hesitant to book trips outside of their particular region. Flying is no picnic when you have young children and the cost of multiple flights can really add up. The same goes for long road trips that involve frequent hotel stays and even … Continue reading

Ways to Save at Disney–Lodging

Thinking about taking a family trip to the House of Mouse this summer, but don’t know if your budget can handle it? You aren’t alone. Visiting the Magic Kingdom and the rest of the mega-popular Walt Disney World Resort doesn’t come cheap… unless you employ these cost-saving strategies: ACCOMODATIONS Before jetting off to see Mickey and pals, consider where you will be staying. Lodging is a huge piece of your trip’s financial puzzle. Once you figure out where you will be calling home (at least temporarily), you can devise the rest of your vacation from there. Thanks to the slumping … Continue reading

Parents Versus the Ice Cream Man

He’s the Pied Piper of preteens, toddlers and just about every other youngster with a sweet tooth, but the ice cream man is getting an unusually chilly reception from parents in New York City. Some moms and dads in the Big Apple are waging a war against guys who hock frozen treats from the back of their freezers on wheels. According to reports, parents are irate that the city has allowed ice cream truck owners the right to park next to their children’s schools, favorite parks and other kid-packed neighborhood attractions. As one mom puts it: “They’ve got a trapped … Continue reading