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School Is In Session! Protect Yourself From Scams

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Beware of Back-to-School Credit Card Fraud

back to school tips, beware of scams, credit card scams

With the school season starting again, education is job number one for students and parents alike. A proper education includes an education in personal finance, and one of the best ways to start is to learn how to protect yourself against scams.

You can and should learn fast, too, because scams can become more common during the back-to-school buying season. Here are some practical suggestions on how to avoid credit and debit card fraudsters:

    • Only patronize known retailers.
    • Avoid jackpot online deals that offer items like $3,000 laptops for $400. These are often scams.
    • “Good PC hygiene” cannot be overstated for every handheld device, laptop, and phone. Anti-virus and anti-malware programs are key to staying safer online.
    • Avoid pooling or sharing credit card information in a dorm setting. There is no reason for students to share credit or share their logins and access to their online accounts with each other.
    • Watch out for “card cracking,” or “card popping,” which targets younger people in particular via their frequent port of call – a social media site. It may be a post announcing a contest, but soon you’re being asked for your banking information. That’s it – run away, it’s a scam.
    • Make sure to monitor each of your credit card accounts for unfamiliar transactions, and report any suspicious account activity to your card issuer directly.

 

  • Check with your financial institution: Many credit card companies now offer online fraud alerts that warn the card issuer of any unusual activity, and several card issuers also provide credit card controls that enable you to literally turn your payment cards on and off at will.

In all cases, the key thing is for the student to be paying attention and proactive – qualities known to be helpful in other areas of study!

This article was provided by our partners at MoneyTips.com.

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Store Reward Programs – Are they Worth It?

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We’ve all seen them advertised. We’ve all been asked at checkout if we are a member of a store’s membership or discount program. But are store reward programs worth it?

My answer is, yes! Hands down, they have been wonderful for my family. However, I can’t say that without adding a warning label.

reward cards

Buyer Beware

Store reward programs have two main purposes.

  1. To upsell or increase your spending level with coupons, rewards and promises of future savings.
  2. To target a store’s marketing campaigns to your interests by tracking your purchases, analyzing market trends and having access to your communication channels. This could be through printed coupons, direct mail flyers or even smartphone app notifications.

Make sure you are aware that when you sign up, you are giving them permission to track your shopping and contact you. If you have any privacy concerns, do not sign up. They will contact you and they will target you with their marketing campaigns.

Tips and Tricks

While the coupons and rewards are great, it is up to you, the consumer to be aware of the psychology behind the marketing ploys involved in reward programs. There are a couple of rules of thumb to follow to stay on track and get the most rewards for the least amount of spending.

  • Don’t buy what you don’t need. No matter what the “special offer” is. I attended a class on couponing a few years back. I thought it would be a great way to save money. It was sorely disappointing. The teacher saved tons of money on her shopping. BUT she bought a TON of stuff she had no use for, spending time and money on things that were not applicable to her life. That is counter-productive to me.
  • Shop on special days. Find out if your favorite store has “double reward” days or trending days and break up your shopping over that timeframe. Some offer bonuses like gift cards for spending a specific amount of money within a designated timeframe. I know our local Ingles Advantage Card offers double gas points on Tuesdays and Tanger Outlets’ TangerClub lets you track receipts over a year to earn gift cards. These can add up!
  • Track expiration dates. Rewards are great, but expired rewards, not so much. Make sure you read the fine print and are aware of how long you have to use a reward. Some expire monthly; others have specific dates. Many clothing stores offer “bucks” where if you reach a particular spending amount, you can return later to redeem “free” or special discounts on additional shopping. I know Dress Barn, Lane Bryant and Kohls all have programs like this.

I love reward programs. They have made a huge difference for my family when living on a strict budget. And I will admit they do influence where I choose to shop at times. But always weigh the cost of what you are purchasing against your budget and needs — don’t just buy because of a dangled reward!

Tell me about your favorite reward programs. What’s your favorite earned reward?

The Goals of Kids’ Activities

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I miss the preschool years. With my younger two, just being a year apart, I was able to keep them in the same activities for years and years. Until they were 5 and 6 respectively, I had them to everything together.

It started with infant swim classes, my mom went with me so they could both participate. As they became toddlers, we went to Mommy & Me gymnastics classes. They did dance, music, soccer and even Tae Kwon Do.

boy in football helmet holding basketball

I enrolled them in the same Mother’s Morning Out program at our church. And it wasn’t until I began to teach Princess to read earnestly that they began to separate a bit. (I needed Gymnast gone while I worked with her on sounds and letters.)

The Goal of Activities

There are several reasons for these activities:

  • Get out of the house a bit. As a work from home mom, we did not socialize a great deal. Having a weekly activity was a great way for the kids and I to get out and around other kids their age and interact with other moms.
  • Improve their gross motor skills. Dance, gymnastics, soccer, they all work a different motor skill.
  • Develop character. Even if they never got good at a sport, they learned a ton of important life lessons. Taking turns, being supportive, handling disappointment to name a few. I could not find a better way to teach these lessons!
  • Become well-rounded. I always thought trying everything would help them find their path. Saying you didn’t like something never flew in my house unless you had tried it. I even made them try food they didn’t like at least a dozen times before accepting it. (I saw some statistic that made this seem like the right plan.) When they started an activity, they had to commit to the session or a year. Quitting was never an option.

Time for them to Choose

Now that they are older, little has changed except that now they drive their choices. Due to costs and logistics, they are typically limited to one activity at a time. But they choose what they want to do.

They must still stick with their commitment…a session, a season or a year whichever the activity demands.

Princess has played basketball, volleyball, software and even completed her Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do. In the end, volleyball is what won her heart and at 13 earned a spot on the high school varsity team.

Gymnast found his first passion at 5 years old when he was recruited to join a competitive gymnastics team. Now in his 7th year of gymnastics competition, he is now reconsidering his choice and trying football on for size.

Following their lead can be hard. But having set the stage early with boundaries and encouraging them to try what they wanted, I trust them and am happy to facilitate their desires.

Not that it’s always easy, especially on the wallet or logistically…but it is fun to watch them blossom and see them excel and find their passion.

 

Homemade Baby Wipes – Disposable and Reusable

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Since we talked about diapers last week, I thought it only made sense to discuss the other part of that equation – the baby wipes. I do not know about you, but I used baby wipes for everything when my kids were still in diapers. And even after the diaper phase was over, I kept them on hand.

In addition to cleaning up my baby’s bottom, I would wipe down any messes on the changing station, wipe their messy faces from food or crafts and anything that was sticky. They were life savers.

Even as teenagers, I can still find uses for baby wipes. (They much prefer a baby wipe to my licking my finger to wipe off their faces. Don’t tell me I’m the only one who does that!)

Check the Ingredients

But let’s face it, just like the materials used in the various diapers can be hazardous to your baby’s skin, so can the ingredients in the publicly marketed baby wipes. Especially if you child has any allergies or skin sensitivities.

baby ready for diaper change

I high recommend you check the ingredients in your chosen wipe against the European Cosmetics Database for safety and warnings. I prefer the European database but the US industry also has a database as well as organizations like Campaign for Safe Cosmetics that strive to help regulate and protect the public from hazardous chemicals being included in personal care products.

Make Your Own

There is the alternative of making your own baby wipes. And I have found it to be far more economical and super easy to do. There are lots of recipes for them out there. Many include essential oils and all natural ingredients.

Here is a list of some of my favorites:

  • Wellness Mama offers some details on the chemicals in popular brands and an all natural recipe for baby wipes.
  • DIY Natural encourages making reusable wipes from old flannel shirts or even baby wipes.
  • Earth Mama Organics includes a video to make following her directions super easy.

 

 

The Cost, Quality and Convenience of Diapers

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Let’s talk about diapers. Every parent must consider the Cost, Quality and Convenience of Diapers.

The Cost

Diapering your child from birth through potty training can be expensive. No matter where you purchase them, what brand you use, the cost adds up.

There are ways to save though. You can:

  • Buy in bulk at your local warehouse store. (Sam’s Club carries a wide variety of options for all price points.)
  • Purchase from online retailers.
  • Use coupons at your local grocery store or pharmacy.

Diapers and Wipe at Sams Club

The Quality

While cost is a big factor, using a quality diaper may trump cost is this one instance. Purchasing the diaper that works best for you and your little one can be dependent on several factors:

  • Your child’s skin. Sensitive skin and different skin types react differently to materials and our bodies’ waste. A little trial and error is required, but I found that a diaper that worked for one of my children, worked for the next as far as material goes.
  • The fit. Let’s face it, all bodies are shaped differently, even infants. And without the right diaper fit, you can be in for some exploding messes. If you think models require outfit changes, try an infant with a poorly fitting diaper.

Convenience

You would be remiss if you don’t consider all the options. In addition to the modern disposable diaper, you also have the option to use cloth diapers. And they have come a long way in the last few years. In addition, to being made of natural materials, you can add a layer of protection with a lined plastic cover.

But if convenience is important to you, you can not beat a disposable diaper. And with all the options to shop with free shipping, they can be delivered to your door within a couple of days. Just don’t forget to order them…midnight runs out for diapers are not something any parent wants to experience.

 

Entertaining Children on a Budget

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My youngest two children are now 13 and 14. When they were newborns, I always bemoaned the fact that they didn’t come with a manual.

And now that I look back, I think I could write a novel on “advice I wished I had listened too.” And why!

One of the most expensive failures was my desire for my children to have the latest and greatest, the most colorful, the most entertaining toys. Christmas and birthdays were insane!

Here are my top 10 tips for entertaining your children. These are not only important for your budget, but also for raising well-balanced (read, less spoiled children.)

Infants

1. They don’t need it. Don’t buy the toys or the fancy dressings for their rooms. They can’t focus on them. Instead, read to them, sing to them, dance with them. Seriously, clothe them, feed them and spend time with them. Nothing else necessary.

Toddler and Preschoolers

2. Wrap the box. Let them play with the box. No toys necessary. No bells or whistles. They will climb in it, scribble on it, even drum on it. Let their imagination go wild.

empty box

3. Play peak a boo, play hide and seek, roll the ball and even toss the ball into the box. Chase them, tickle them and let them learn to climb on the couch and up the stairs. Supervise them but let them start to branch out a bit.

4. Continue to read to them, sing to them and dance with them. While the picture books are great, you can read anything still. They will listen. They love to hear the sound of your voice, they will improve their language skills and there is nothing more bonding than sitting next to you or in your lap and knowing that they are the focus of your attention (even if you are reading your lawn mower’s manual or your textbook for school.)

Elementary

5. This is when the “gimmees” will start. They will see a toy on a playdate or on an advertisement. It’s not to early to talk about costs. It’s not to early to let them earn money and save. It is not to early to teach them to wait. And it’s important that they learn to hear and respect “No.” 9 out of 10 times when you are ready to go purchase, they will have already changed their mind.

6. It’s time to start listening to them read. And even if they can’t read, encourage them to tell you a story. Use their imagination. Let them put on a play for you, let them dress up in your clothes, in your shoes. Put on your imagination hat and play along with them. This time will pass so fast.

Upper Elementary and Middle

7. Not only are they reading now, but they are writing. Read it. Encourage them to express themselves. Tell them to add pictures, write a novel. As a homeschool mom, I was taught to find one correction I would make and point it out. Don’t make a list. Just focus on one thing at a time…and also read it, laugh about it and ask for more.

8. Teach them about electronics. Be firm with the boundaries but empower them to find their own answers. Choose some educational experiences and games. Balance screen time with face time. You can’t keep them from it, so make sure they are prepared for it.

9. While the latest gadget is always in demand at this age, it’s the experiences they will remember for the rest of their lives. Give gifts of experience rather than stuff: art lessons, rock climbing, ice skating and bowling. Take their friends, play with them. Challenge them to try something new.

Young Adult

10. Your reading time might turn into documentaries or classic movies now. Your writing time may be replaced by study time. Electronics may have taken over their lives by now. But nothing will ever, ever replace a one-on-one face to face conversation with your child. Make time for it, even demand it. I promise you, you will not regret it and your child will not forget it.

Raising kids can be expensive. But the cost of “stuff” is not necessary to raise healthy, happy children. No toy in the world can replace the lessons learned from the time and attention of a parent. And no, it’s not too late, start today. Make a date! Grab a book. Call their name.

 

Four Things You Can Do to Help Your Child Succeed at School

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With school beginning across the country within the next month, the back to school ads and excitement are rampant. And I find that most kids and parents are ready for the return of a regular schedule after the fun and crazy of the summer. Although, many will lament the loss of sleep due to early wake times, missing their pool time and general tiredness for the first couple of days or weeks.

Whether your child is starting their first day of kindergarten or their last year as a senior, there are things that we as parents can do to help them succeed.

back to school

Four Ways to Help Your Child Succeed

Feed your children at home.

Studies are very clear, children who eat home cooked meals are less likely to be overweight, have better mental health and are generally happier. And if money is a concern, cooking homemade meals is significantly cheaper than eating out all the time – just ask your wallet!

Set boundaries. 

As easy as it is to check in with them when they get home, feed them dinner and then let them loose, it is important that you set boundaries for their down time. Limit their screen time. Encourage outside time. Give them responsibilities. On average, a child has 5 hours of free time between the time they arrive home and bed time. While some of that will be taken with activities, dinner and homework, help teach them to manage their time wisely by giving them responsibilities and set expectations.

Remember, bright screens can adversely affect sleep, no matter their age.  Scientific American has a great piece on this back in 2013.  Here is the relevant bit for you parents:

Mariana Figueiro of the Lighting Research Center at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and her team showed that two hours of iPad use at maximum brightness was enough to suppress people’s normal nighttime release of melatonin, a key hormone in the body’s clock, or circadian system.

Source: Scientific American, 2013

So, this means not letting them spend too much time on their cell phone or and, if necessary getting a tracker to be sure they aren’t getting exposed to harmful content on their phone.  A free phone tracker can help.

Talk to your children.

Let’s face it, this can be one of the hardest things to do, especially when your child gets into those teenage years where they know everything and you know nothing. But there are lots of resources to guide us as parents in being effective communicators specifically with our children:

Spend time with your child.

Between work and school and activities and life. The school year is when you have the least quality time with your child. And no, sitting at the table with your phone out or watching a TV show together does not quality as quality time. Schedule a one-on-one date at least once a month with each of your children. Block it out, talk about the special time, make it a priority. Put your phone away, tell everyone else you will be back and take your child out alone. Just he/her and you. It doesn’t have to cost money. Just your time and attention. Make it count by:

  • Look at your child. Make eye contact, let them know that you are present and right there with them.
  • Listen. Whatever they want to talk about, just listen. Don’t advise, don’t offer your two cents, just listen.
  • Share. Tell them about what is going on your life. The parent child relationship is not a one way street. Be open with them (in an age appropriate manner.)
  • Tell them how much you value you them. Praise the good you see.

Our children are our first priority. Whether that means working several jobs to support them or staying home to raise them, the requirements are the same, they need YOU, not your money, not more stuff. They need your time and attention.

Have you come up with any unique ways to spend time with your children during the busy school year? What about traditions that they will remember for the rest of their lives?

 

The Power and Economics of the Phone Upgrade

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My younger two children have had cell phones since they were 6 or 7. (They are now 13 and 14.) It started because I could add lines for just $10 per month. And I needed my cell phone for work purposes.

Because their dad and I were divorced, this gave him and then uninhibited access to one another without me having to be in the middle. It worked for us.

Fast forward 7 years and the cost of phones and service has gone up astronomically! But the need is still there.

Equipment Upgrades make a Big Difference

Now that my kids are old enough to want a smartphone, it’s become a lot more challenging for this single mama to maintain. And with the “break-ability” factor, it’s even worse. Especially when your 13 year old son is known for breaking EVERYTHING!

This year, when my son broke his year old iPhone SE, I refused to replace it. And told him that he would have to pay for his next phone. While he was disheartened, he took to the challenge.

Thankfully, he has a summer birthday and grandparents who needed a lot of “paid jobs” done while he was visiting them in Texas for a month. He managed to save and earn all the money to purchase his “dream” phone…with one caveat. He used the “upgrade” price to make it happen, when gave him almost 50% off his phone.

cell phone

The Cost of an Upgrade

While this upgrade meant that I had to commit to another 2 year contract, I was okay with that. Being only 13, I knew I would provide service for him for several more years. (My oldest child is about to turn 20 and he will start paying for his service this fall while he is in college although he too is still on our family plan.)

We have not had a home phone for over 13 years. While our cell phone use has evolved from just phone calls to texting and then on to daily internet usage, the cost has also increased exponentially. Even if I subtract the cost of a theoretical “home phone” it is high.

Tell me your thoughts on your children have a cell phone? What are your plans for the equipment and phone service charges when it does come time?

 

Four Ways to Deal with Unwanted Behavior

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Whether you are facing back to school shopping or the holiday season, we have all heard a child with the “give mes.” I have found that the best way to deal with unwanted behavior is the same way we should deal with other negative behavior.

Not only will these behavior adjustments help save your wallet, but also your sanity.

  1. Catch them doing good.
    I don’t know a person alive who doesn’t thrive under positive attention. Rather than focusing on the things your child does that drive you crazy, catch them doing good, and praise them. Give them the attention they seek then.
    It is awfully hard to ignore the trials, but it proven that just that will cause those types of behaviors to lose their value and eventually cease.
  2. Expose them to reality – those with limited resources and living in poverty.
    There are many ways you can expose your child in an age appropriate manner to those less fortunate. In addition to seeing the homeless on the street and beggars at the side of the road, you can talk about the differences they see at birthday parties and when visiting friends and family.
    Talk to them about the impoverished holding signs at the side of the intersection. Drive through those “other” neighborhoods.homeless man
  3. Learn to Say No (and stick with it.)
    Do not start the precedent of backing away from your “No.” When you say it, mean it. Stick to it, even if it is as tough for your as it is for your child.
    Believe me, your child will quickly learn where your soft spots are and how to change your mind. This does not mean there is no room for compromise. But it does mean, your child must learn that “No means No!” And the earlier they learn it, the better.
  4. Make giving a tradition.
    In addition to giving your time and volunteering to serve others, you can model giving all year long. Whether it’s writing a check, or buying gifts for an Angel Tree child, teach your child to give.
    I have always encouraged my children to give of themselves. I even built it into our school curriculum when I was homeschooling. My daughter has volunteered at the local animal shelter since she was old enough to go with me.
    My eldest son has voluntarily cut neighbors yards who couldn’t take care of themselves. And my youngest son visits shut ins with his great-grandmother, and then he started visiting and calling them on his own as well.

lawnmower

 

 

 

Why Your Child Should Get a Job

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At the beginning of the summer, I challenged my two youngest children, then ages 12 & 13 to make some money this summer. Then life happened and our lazy, boring summer grew quite busy and my plans flew out the window.

Now before you jump down my throat, there are lots of odd jobs a 12 & 13 year old can do to make some spending money. Cut grass, babysit and help with random chores around the house and so on. That is what I had in mind.

And while my 12 year old son did do odd jobs for his grandparents during his month long visit, it wasn’t quite what I had in mind.

I Can’t Get a Job because…

As we sat down this week to discuss the upcoming school year, I again charged my 13 & 14 year olds to get a job.

Now Hiring sign

My 13 year old son immediately chirps up that he is not old enough to get a job. And he is right. Legally, you cannot work until you are 14 and that’s with a special permit.

Then my 14 year old says, what about my sports? She has practice every school day until 5:30pm and games a couple nights a week. I reminded her that her Saturdays are completely free and the perfect time for a high school student to work.

Why Children should Work Part Time

Now I’m now asking my young teenagers to get a job to pay any bills. Although they have been challenged with paying for their summer camp next year if they choose to attend.

There are numerous studies that indicate a child working part time hours excel in numerous areas:

You can join the debate and cast your vote here.

Even if they Don’t Actually Get a Job

My 13 year old has already locked in some neighbors for mowing their lawn for the rest of the season. And I’m confident that if he does a good job, they will call him when the leaves start falling or they need help with other manual labor.

He’s already excited about the money he knows he can early over the next couple of months with just a couple hours of work each week.

My 14 year old has not begun her job search yet. She’s waiting to get through the first week of school before hitting the streets.

And even if neither of them actually makes any money, they will have both learning some valuable lessons:

  • How to apply for a job. Filling out applications can be a beast. And knowing what information you need on those applications is a lesson they will use forever.
  • How to handle rejection. We all face it. Learning to hear “No” and not take it personally is an important lesson.
  • How to be assertive. Just getting out and asking for work or for an application takes some character. Not everyone is outgoing, it takes some courage.
  • How to search for a job. While most professionals do their searching online. There is still some value to getting out and “pouding the pavement.” Going door to door can teach lots of lessons, including knowing you do not want to have to search for jobs all the time. There is value in keeping a job.

There are several things you can do as a parent to prepare your child for the job search.

When They do Earn their Own Money

When they do earn their own money, they will learn several additional lesson.

First and foremost, they will learn the value of money. Every parent wants their child to value the hard work they put in to provide for them. Working for minimum wage, and seeing part of their pay go to taxes and social security is just a small dose of reality.

They will also see just how far their money can go, or not go in many cases. They quickly learn to be grateful for what mom and dad provide when they try to reproduce it on their own.

Second, hello money management! As they have more “wants” they learn how to save their money. And saving their money means they must do without sometimes.

Finally, the beginning of independence. Making their own money, managing their own money are the first steps to true adult independence.

There are many more reasons a teenager should work, you can find another list here.

Doing it under the watching eye and guiding hand of responsible parents gives them a leg up on the rest of the world. The key is that we as parents must let them fall at times too. If we correct every mistake and save them when they get in a bind, are they really learning?

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