Do you wonder how to effectively teach your kids financial responsibility? The financial behaviors we impart to our children are significant in shaping their future money management skills. As a financial advisor who frequently encounters deeply ingrained money habits, I understand the importance of these early lessons and aim to share them with my own children.

Teaching kids financial responsibility starts at home. My children, although young, exhibit distinct attitudes towards money, highlighting their understanding and unique relationship with it. The core principle I wish to instill in them is that they are in control of their own financial situation. This understanding becomes particularly clear with my youngest, aged seven.

A real-life scenario unfolded recently when my 12-year-old son prepared for a camping trip with his Boy Scouts Troop. A portion of funds from the boys' fundraising activities are allocated to their scout account, teaching them the value of money. The...

Do you often wonder how to put more money into your savings account? Balancing a household budget can be a real challenge. Expenditures can spiral out of control if you're not vigilant. Rest assured, there are more thrilling ways to allocate your funds than overpaying for auto insurance or other costs. By making smart changes, you can manage your household expenses better and start saving money each month.

Related post: Crafting an Effective Household Budget

10 Powerful Strategies to Reduce Household Expenses:

1. Prescriptions and Over-the-Counter Medications: Generics are a great way to reduce household expenses. They can cost up to 85% less than brand-name drugs. Try online services like GoodRx.com that compare prices to help you save more.
2. Entertainment: Find economical ways to entertain your family. Organizing a movie night at home or visiting the local park can be both fun and budget-friendly. Look out for free or low-cost festivals and fairs during weekends.
3. Cable TV: Consider...

By Kelly Greene

Your bundle of joy has arrived and through the endless laundry, sleepless nights and spit-up on your clothes, you don’t want to be stressing about money. We want the very best for our children but do they really need all the fanciest items and expensive gadgets as infants? We easily fall prey to these things, especially with our first child. Many of these items aren’t necessary or can be obtained in much cheaper ways.

Here are 10 money-saving tips for new moms:

1. Buy gender-neutral items. It’s hard not to want your baby girl’s nursery to be the epitome of a pink princess palace, but a few years down the road when you have your son you’ll wish you had opted for something more neutral. 
2. Consider convertible items. There are so many great options now like cribs that can convert into a big kid bed later. Car seats and strollers also come in more options that will last longer as your child grows. 
3. Don’t dismiss...

by Kelly Greene

It's that time of year again! Many moms celebrate the end of a summer full of video games, "I'm bored," and coming home to a sink full of dishes and cups (and what is up with those cups?!? How many cups does one child need in a day?) But, celebrating aside, this time of year can cause some financial stress. School supplies, activity fees, equipment, and, of course, CLOTHES. It seems the older your kids get, the more costly these things become. So what are some ways to save money?

1. Recycle school supplies from last year. Most kids didn't use the entire box of 24 pencils or 12 glue sticks that were on last year's list. Scissors last an eternity, markers still have some juice and a backpack can be washed. 
2. Stock up for next year during this year's back-to-school clearance sales. I've seen prices slashed up to 80% a few weeks after school started. 
3. Look on Craig's List, Offer Up and at thrift stores for athletic equipment. You'll be amazed at what you...