Talking with children about saving and spending wisely is perhaps more important than ever, that’s why T. Rowe Price collaborated with Disney to create The Great Piggy Bank Adventure®. Through the online game and interactive experience at INNOVENTIONS at Epcot® at the Walt Disney World®, T. Rowe Price wants to help parents talk with their kids about money and good financial habits. Please take a moment to learn about it, maybe you can even use it as a teaching tool with your children!

Personally, Jon & I try not to go into specifics about our financial situation with the girls, but we are honest.  If we can’t afford something we tell them, or if something is outrageously expensive I try to break it down in a way they can understand.  For instance, if one of them wants to participate in an activity that will cost thousands of dollars I try to explain that with the same money we could go to the beach or Disney World, for example.  It’s important for us, as parents, to not scare them with financial truths, but to help them better understand the situation in terms they comprehend.  In our family we talk consistently about the importance of saving for the things we want, ie: that trip to Disney, or the iPod, or even a new outfit.  We want our girls to understand that you save for the things you want after you have paid your bills, or been responsible with your finances.  Do you talk with your kiddos about money? Or is it taboo in your family?

Want to win a NEW Flip camera? Here’s all you need to do to win

Post your answer to one (or more) of these questions in the comments:

Each answer counts as a new entry, so you can answer them all if you want!

1. Do you think it’s appropriate to discuss your family’s financial situation with your kids?
2. If so, at what age should you talk to them about family finances?
3. Was the topic of money “taboo” in your family growing up?
4. If so, how have you overcome that “taboo” with your kids?
5. At what age do you start introducing financial concepts such as saving and spending or inflation with your kids?
6. What advice would you give to other parents trying to use every day moments to teach their kids about the importance of saving and spending wisely?

I can’t wait to read your answers and to give one of you a Flip camera!!

I will be using random.org to choose a winner Sunday, July 24th, at midnight, so hurry!!

Disclosure: “A gift card and the Great Piggy Bank Adventure-branded Flip camera have been provided courtesy of T. Rowe Price. T. Rowe Price is not involved in or responsible for the outcome of this giveaway.”

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If you’re looking for a way to save money quickly, I have 5 tips to share with you that you can implement to save money quickly.  With the economy still as slow as it is we can all use a little help saving money.

• Use coupons. Yes, I know this sounds like a no-brainer, but seriously how many times have you left home for the grocery store without coupons for the items you buy most? Yeah, me too.  I do it pretty often.
• Stop using ATMs that charge fees and start using online banking. Many banks are now charging for paper statements and charge for the use of any ATM that isn’t part of their network. You can save yourself some quick cash by avoiding foreign ATMs and doing all your banking online.
• Skip the Starbucks, and make your own specialty coffee from home. It’s really simple: brew a nice strong pot of coffee, grab your favorite mug and toss 2 tablespoons of hot chocolate in the bottom, fill the mug with the coffee, and add your favorite cream.  Instant mocha!
• Stop buying bottled water. I know it seems counter-intuitive to spend money on a reusable water bottle, but investing in a good quality, BPA-free, reusable water bottle will save you tons of money in the long run.  Refill your bottle every night and stick it in the fridge so it’s ready to go when you wake up.
• Mow your own lawn, do your own laundry, or wash your own car. Think of all the money you could save just by stopping these extra paid services, if you pay for all of these things now and cut it off you could save over $100 a month in some places.  That equals over $1000 a year in savings, how’s that for fast money?!

We’re currently implementing all of these in our household, what are you doing to watch your budget?

Image Credit: epSos.de

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Thank you to TurboTax for sponsoring my writing about household finances.Learn more about how TurboTax can help you find every tax deduction you deserve. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do.

As part of our journey to financial independence, Jon and I have both become actively involved in what we call the “financial state of us”.  What this really translates to is an active participation and thorough knowledge of all aspects of our finances; everything from the budget to our stock holdings.  Here’s what we’re doing to be proactive in our finances and our family’s future.

Immerse yourself in finances. Everyday spend some time reading about money, finances, or stocks.  Start small if you need to with just the headlines in the business section of a newspaper or financial website.  Gradually add more resources as you understand more. It is also important to know what the Bible says about finances, God should guide your money moves also.

My husband and I have subscriptions to Money, Kiplingers and Smart Money, we both read the entire magazine (even the parts that don’t apply to us) every month.  I struggled at first to understand all of the “slang”, but the understanding has come with time.  I love knowing what I’m talking about when we talk finance with people, it’s empowering. Which leads me to…

Discuss your finances. Don’t be afraid to speak up! You’ve been doing your research (haven’t you?), so naturally you have formed your own opinions of your financial state (if you figure anything out about the world’s finances let me know…or ya know some one who can do something with that kind of information)–speak your mind. But be open to other opinions, talk to people who know more about finances than yourself.  Talk to your spouse. Keep the lines of communication open with your honey. 50% of marriages end in divorce…the leading reason?  Irreconcilable differences.  How many of those differences came about because they weren’t willing to talk about finances?

Listen in. Whether it’s to Dave Ramsey or some other radio show use the time you are in the car to learn.  Listen in to the advice, learn from it.  Try listening to different shows ever day/week.  Learn about Christian personal finance one day, then listen to a talk show about stocks and bonds…mix it up and maximize your drive time.

Track Your Finances. How will you know how much to budget for groceries…or your monthly date if you don’t track your finances?  Tracking your finances keeps you in control and helps you keep a handle on your spending.  Use a free online service like Mint to track your finances, your spending, your worth, and your budget.

These are just a few ways for you to immerse yourself in finances for some part of your day…even if it’s just 15 minutes.  I mean we make time for everything and everyone else. Do this for yourself. You deserve it.

I’d really love to hear any steps you have been taking to take control of your financial future!  If you’re already financial secure, was there something particular that you did to help get there?

*These are all just suggestions and should not be take as advice.  I can’t be held liable for anything you do to mess up your finances. *

Photo Image Credit: xJasonRogersx

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Step 2: see how many card games you can learn.  I’m looking to relearn how to play hearts, spades, and maybe something a little harder by the end of the month.

Step 3: play cards games with your family instead of going out for entertainment.

Step 4: “Take the money you would have spent on expensive entertainment and put it into an account where it will grow with interest until you have a large enough sum to invest elsewhere.”  We’re planning to save $25 for each weekend we don’t go out and we’re going to add it to our Disney fund since Disney Social Media Mom’s Celebration is just right around the corner.

I’ll let you know at the first of March how we did and what March’s Money Game will be!

Update: Last month we practiced speaking affirmations each night {and throughout the day} and were blessed to have several lucrative projects manifest.  We will be continuing these affirmations through-out the year as it is my goal for Jon to be working from home by 2011.

What are your doing to save money this month?!  Are you saving for something special?

Image Credit: DNAMichaud

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So last Sunday I wrote about how Jon and I were embarking on a new Journey and would be playing some Money Games each month of 2011.  This month’s Money Game requires positive thinking {which ties in beautifully with what I’ve been reading recently} and speaking affirmations aloud.  I have been praying for, affirming, trusting, and expecting a specific amount of money that I would need to make before I go to Blissdom at the end of this month.  Yesterday when I sent out a quote to a potential client concerning my helping them with some social media work it never occurred to me that the quote was the exact same amount that I had been believing for.  Today, I met with the potential client and after chatting for a short period of time the client was signing me a check for the exact amount I needed. I was struck by the significance.  God is so amazing.

What this means is I get to do a job that I love for an amazing client, who is in the business of helping people, and can now afford to travel to Nashville, TN and enjoy Blissdom without charging a penny or worrying about how it will affect our budget.

I feel lighter almost.

Thank YOU God!

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With this new column, Money Games, you can follow our family on a journey to save money and still have a good time. We’ll be trying one activity from MONEY GAMES: 85 Fun Ways To Save Money And Attract Abundance {affiliate link} – by Randy Patrick each month and saving the money in a separate account. You’re invited to join our family in the activities as I’ll be blogging my way through to savings and I’m sure will need your encouragement. At the end of the year we’ll take a look back at the activities our completed and compile a list of our favorites to share with you (or a family member).

Our first “game” is called Pillow Talk and can be found on page 14 of the book. Here’s a short description of the game:

”…take a few moments each night to say some positive things to yourself. Such positive thoughts are called affirmations.” “…You can speak – or affirm – positive statements about money in your life any time, anywhere. The things you talk about are very likely to show up in your life. (Yes, you are to say these things before they are actually true. The act of repeatedly saying them actually helps them come true.) …” “Instead, learn to say, ‘I always have plenty of money’ and ‘I love to pay my bills!’…The more you say these phrases the more your brain will work to find ways of making them come true in your life.”

Here are some examples of positive-abundance affirmations the author suggests you use:
Do you practice positive thinking? Have you seen any results?

• 1. “All my investments are successful and benefit everyone involved.”
• 2. “I always have everything I need. Abundance flows to me simply and naturally.”
• 3. “New ideas come to me effortlessly when I need them. God reveals them to me whenever I ask and remain open to following His lead.”
• 4. “Through God’s unfailing grace and His perfect timing, all sorts of abundance arrives in my life. I am quick to express my thanks for all good things.”
• 5. “I always have plenty of money.”
• 6. “My income increases as I share my abundance. The faster I give, the faster new and increased abundance shows up in my life.”
• 7. “I enjoy bountiful abundance and give thanks for it continually.”
• 8. “My wealth and abundance increase twenty-four hours a day, whether I am at work, at play, or at rest.”
• 9. “As I open myself to God’s guidance, I find myself exactly where He wants me to be and am profitably engaged in just the right activities.”
• 10. “My value to the world and the abundance I enjoy increase in wonderful ways as I learn and grow every day.”
• 11. “There is always more money in my life than I need because I give from my heart and freely allow God to direct my actions.”
• 12. “I enjoy a financial life of ease and am free from worry.”

Mr. Patrick issues this warning though: “Do not underestimate the power of this game. I have had friends make only this one [emphasis mine] change in their lives and completely transform their finances. Be careful to speak aloud only what you want to be true in your life. This technique works and has tremendous power. Stay completely aware of what you are saying about money.”

He recommends following these “Action Steps”.

• 1. Have a good talk with yourself each night before you go to sleep.
• 2. Talk aloud!!
• 3. Say only things that you want to be true.
• 4. Let your brain and the universe take it from there.

It should also be noted {for those of you following along with me} that Randy also suggests repeating these phrases a lot saying “The more you say these phrases, the more your brain will work to find ways of making them come true in your life.”

Here’s what I’m going to do:

Jon and I will follow the action steps every night of the month and on February 6th I’ll write out our thoughts, how we did, and give you the scoop for the next month. At first I wasn’t sure how I would track the amount of money we save during this game, but I’ll trust that I will attract the right amount of abundance and that I will know to save it/track it when the time comes. I’m looking forward to doing this exercise and seeing the fruits of positive thinking.

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Price: $2.44

It was love at first site.  I mean I could virtually see my coupons organizing themselves.  Ok, well maybe it wasn’t going to be that easy, but anything had to be better than what I was currently using. You know, the-stuff-everything-in-an-envelope-and-search-through-it-all-whenever-I-want-to-use-a-specific-coupon method.

Come on, don’t tell me you don’t use that method too?!

Well, No More!

Thanks to this handy organizer {and my ever-so-helpful-hubby) my coupons are looking drastically more organized.

The sleek gray binder has two sets of clear pockets on each clear plastic page.

A pocket for my full-sized coupon ads, which I have separated by date.

And a smaller, close-able pocket on the front of each side for my loose coupons.

This new system makes grabbing the coupons I need a fast and easy process {read: no more long searches through useless coupons}.  Now I can hop on CouponMom, find the coupon matches I need, and then I only have to search through my binder by date; cutting out only what I need.

This post can be found on WFMW at We are THAT Family.

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Well, as I said I am in desperate need of some new clothes {or new to me} for Type A Mom Conference at the end of September where I will be speaking {!!}.  So Lisa and I hightailed it out of church 30 minutes early {I know.}, headed out to the sale armed with a budget of $10 each and the knowledge that we must find bargains.

Exactly 17 minutes after the sale began we were done. Having been some of the first to the sale {the idea all along} we were able to secure the best deals on the clothes we wanted. Now the clothes were already picked over having been up there most of the summer anyway, but I was still able to find some really great deals and stay within my budget. Wonder what I got?

Check it:

Total spent: $10.76

Now I went .76 over my budget, but come on…it’s .76 cents! Look at the great stuff I got! I’m thrilled with my purchases and can’t wait to wear them. They are {mostly} my style and the ones that aren’t are just outside my spectrum of comfort {and since my spectrum of comfort is blue jeans and a tee-shirt it’s probably a good thing I branched out a bit.}

Anyway, did you find any good deals this weekend?

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Well, I’m here to help. I took to Twitter and Facebook (as well as my own brain) to collect the 10 affordable summer activities for younger children.

• *See a movie for free (or very cheap). Many movie theaters offer summer viewing programs, which offers a specific movie (usually an already released to DVD film) for free or extremely discounted one or two mornings a week. I should also state here that not all small people are ready for movie theater viewing so please use your discretion. Another factor to keep in mind is more often than not the theaters are quite full during these mornings.

Some of the theaters participating in these programs include: Regal Cinemas (free), AMC Theaters ($1 donation to The Children’s Charity and the Will Rogers Institute), Cinemark (.50-$1), Dickinson Theaters (free or cheap), Marcus Theaters ($2.75 + free children’s popcorn), National Amusement ($3.50), and Harkins Theaters (.50-$2).    *Call ahead to your local theater for more information on pricing, availability, and schedules.*

• * Take your little one (and big ones too) to a local farm. What a great way to get some fresh air, exercise, and good old family time.  Your children will also have the opportunity to learn where much of the food they eat comes from (relatively).  Some farms will let your little one watch as they work and answer any questions your curious child might ask.
• *Plant a family or community garden and track your progress through photos.  Your child will love to look back at your progress and you can use this opportunity to discuss creation, photosynthesis, and responsibility.
• *Invest in some new craft supplies & kits. Let’s face it, it is going to rain at some point this summer or hey, you just might not feel like going out of the house some day {happens to all of us}.  Walmart, Michaels, JoAnnes, insert other crafty store here have a plethora of crafting supplies. I have bins of this stuff at my house {I am not a crafter, I only play one at home}.  My girls make all sorts of robots and aliens out of some pom-poms, googly eyes, and chenille stems.
• *Spruce up your backyard. Clean up the swingset, dig out the hula-hoops and slip-n-slides {unless yours is ruined from last year…not that ours is or anything}, pull out the Tball bases and tee and create an obstacle course, or just play hop-scotch with you kids. It doesn’t matter. They’ll love the time you spend with them.
• *Join your local library’s reading program. We do this every year and it is easily the highlight of our day-to-day.  Not only does our library provide storytime, crafttime, and a reading contest every year they also offer neat things like Family Movie Thursday which includes a family-friendly movie, popcorn, and lemonade…not to mention the great quiet time for Mommy { all for free!!}.

Social Media Suggestions

• *Tara, from This Military Mama, suggests on Facebook: “Picnics! It’s just moving lunch out doors! Include popsicles or some light fun dessert! Go to a park and you can play after you eat! … Plant watermelons in a pot [they vine out so it works] but make an afternoon of painting the pot then planting. Have the kids water it threw the summer and maybe even keep a log on the growth, then they get a tasty treat at the end, the watermelons they grew!”
• *@OurOrdinaryLife (Our Ordinary Life) suggested via Twitter: “The park, many of our local parks have water play areas that are free. The kids all like the water during the summer.”
• *@MorethanMommy (Quirky Fusion) says “@HighImpactMom Get passes to museums/zoos from local libraries, geocaching/letterboxing, hiking, beach…”
• *@SandyBasker (Nates Stories) reminds us “Even very young children can hike and backpack. We took our for a backpack when he was 5. Great times!”

Have you got any great tips to share?!

I’d love to get some new ideas of activities to try with my girls!

Linked to: Works For Me Wednesday

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After the optometrist assured KG she did not need glasses…yet…and I chose the “look” I would have for the next 2 years, we headed out to Meijer and Walmart to do our weekly shopping.  We had the opportunity to meet and enjoy dinner with my dad at Tumbleweed.

On our way home we pass a city police officer in the small town next to ours and think nothing of it.  As we weren’t speeding, we continued to think little of it when he pulled in behind Jon and followed us out of the city, out of his jurisdiction, and five miles out of his jurisdiction. As soon as Jon turned on the signal of for our driveway, the officer turned on his lights also.  We were pulled over in our own driveway.

The officer gave Jon a ticket for the expired tags (which we didn’t realize at the time were expired) and I took the girls in the house.  Jon was furious…not because we got a ticket we deserved, but because the officer pulled us over out of his jurisdiction…and questioned the officer’s jurisdiction.  Officer P. told Jon that yes, he was a city officer, but he has jurisdiction all over the county (not true).

Now granted our tags were expired, but should the officer have pulled us over outside the city limits and his jurisdiction?

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