Family Matters

The spread of the coronavirus has closed schools for at least a few weeks. While many schools are giving students online schoolwork, that doesn’t necessarily fill the entire day.  Here are some (budget friendly) ideas to keep kids busy at home during this time of social distancing.

What is the annual cost of owning a dog?  When looking forward to the priceless moments you’ll gain from owning a dog, be sure to consider the costs that come with taking care of your new pet as well. Costs for owning a dog can vary depending on the size, age, and health of your dog, in addition to the personal choices you make as its owner.  According to the most recent estimates by the American Society for the Prevention

It’s that time of year again. You’re planning your last few days of summer activities, getting ready to pack the car, prepping yourself for good-byes, and buying the necessary school and dorm room supplies. Supplies that always cost more than you think they will. Financing a college education is far more than just the tuition and housing costs. There are the costs of everyday living – laundry, toiletries, computers, haircuts, seasonal clothing, doctor visits, etc. Then, there are the extracurricular

Back in the 70s and 80s there weren’t as many organized team sports. Schools, not city leagues or traveling teams, were the hub of youth sports. Most practices began after school and took place on campus, or very close-by. Kids even got to play different sports each season, not forcing one to pick a favorite at a young age. Now, it seems, those times are long gone. Motivated in part by ambitious parents and in part by a sports and

Unless you are very different from most other people, you do not want to spend lots of time handling your finances, do not want to worry about your finances, and do not want to make your financial life any more complicated than it has to be. Before you get overwhelmed between your retirement plan and your credit card bill, take a look at these tips aimed at streamlining your finances, so that you can simplify the stress and save some

A good financial education is an incredible gift, and one that begins in the home. Schools will only scratch the surface when it comes to teaching kids the difference between wants and needs, the value of something free, such as playing with a friend, or that late bills can hurt their credit history and their chance of getting a job. For all of these financial lessons, it’s up to us – the parents, grandparents, guardians and loved ones – to

If you are newly married, or planning on getting married soon, be sure to allocate some time to consider some of the financial aspects of marriage. Marriage will change how you handle your finances, and it can also be the source of anguish in a marriage. Here are some steps and conversations you may want to consider: Discussions Before Your Wedding Day After you are married, you and your spouse will be financially responsible for each other and to each other. This responsibility

A good financial education is an incredible gift, and one that begins in the home. Schools will only scratch the surface when it comes to teaching kids the difference between wants and needs, the value of something free, such as playing with a friend, or that late bills can hurt their credit history and their chance of getting a job. For all of these financial lessons, it’s up to us – the parents, grandparents, guardians and loved ones – to