Last weekend, I was listening to the Beyond the To Do List Podcast with Erik Fisher and caught bits and pieces (in between my kids screaming) of an interview with Rachel Cruze, Dave Ramsey's daughter. They were chatting about a new book she co-authored with Ramsey on raising money-smart kids: Smart Money Smart Kids. I … Continue reading How to Instill Work Ethic in Your Kids With Paid Chores
Category: Family & Kids
Teaching Young Kids About Money: Here’s What I Do
As a parent of a 4-year-old and a personal finance blogger, people often ask me what kinds of lessons I try to teach my kids about money and whether 4 is just too early to make any kind of meaningful impact on a child's financial future. I wholeheartedly disagree. The mantras, habits, and emotions kids … Continue reading Teaching Young Kids About Money: Here’s What I Do
Be Wary of Hospital Pre-Pay Requirements
Buyer beware! More and more hospitals are apparently using the tactic of collecting pre-payments in part or in full for non-emergency services rendered at their facility. While this makes good business sense for the hospital, and is probably warranted given the potential for non-payment by patients after treatment, you should be aware of these practices, … Continue reading Be Wary of Hospital Pre-Pay Requirements
How Much Life Insurance Should I Buy?
Given my recent responsibilities of new children and having now moved into a more permanent home, I'm turning my thinking to planning for any unfortunate accidents. I'm attacking this from several fronts, including preparing a will & testament, an emergency guide to our family's finances and my personal information, and purchasing some kind of financial … Continue reading How Much Life Insurance Should I Buy?
The Cost of Dental Care for Dogs
One of the first and most popular posts on the blog deals with the lifetime costs of a dog, which can be staggering. A few months ago, I did something I would have never imagined doing as a novice dog owner 5 years ago: I took my dog to the dentist. Some of you will … Continue reading The Cost of Dental Care for Dogs
Frequently Asked Questions About Baby Expenses
We have two plus years of baby care and the expenses that come with it now under our belt. At the same time, a lot of our friends and family are now having babies for the very first time, as are many of you, my dear readers. As a result, I’m constantly encountering questions about … Continue reading Frequently Asked Questions About Baby Expenses
Is Your Money Better Off Single or Married?
Most people don’t consider the financial implications of marriage when they take the plunge. Inherently, this isn’t a good or a bad thing, it’s simply that we have too many other things on our mind when we’re in love and ready to pop (or answer) “the question.” But...as we all know, marriage can have a … Continue reading Is Your Money Better Off Single or Married?
Thoughts on 2 Years of Fatherhood
Our son turned two last weekend. Developmentally, this marks a point in his life where we're starting to see emotion, a sense of preference and improved communication, otherwise jointly known as the Terrible Twos. People randomly ask me if I'm scared of what's coming next, as if some impending doom is about to descend over … Continue reading Thoughts on 2 Years of Fatherhood
Should I Buy New or Used for My Kids?
New parents face what is, on the surface, a simple decision when it comes to "stuff" for their kids--to buy new or buy used. Buying used is a frequently cited means of dampening the cost of kids, both because prices for used items are much lower and because the secondhand market for children's gear is saturated … Continue reading Should I Buy New or Used for My Kids?
Considering Money in Family Planning
Many couples are deciding precisely when to get pregnant and have their first or subsequent children. The decision-making process considers a lot of factors, but money definitely plays a big part.
Fiscal Fizzle 