Product Reviews for Parents Archives

These 7 Trending Toys Are on Every Kid’s Wish List

December 26, 2024 | Leave a Comment

The holiday season is here, and kids everywhere are writing their Christmas wish lists. Wondering what’s hot this year? These seven trending toys are flying off shelves and are sure to make any child’s holiday magical.

1. LEGO Dreamzzz Sets

LEGO’s has a cult following and you’ll find something from this brand on many children’s Christmas wish lists. With so many different builds to try out and imaginative structures you can make, it makes a wonderful gift idea for adults and kids alike. One of the newest LEGO crazes is the latest Dreamzzz series. The sets combine classic building fun with imaginative storytelling, making it a top pick for creative kids. The sets are priced at around $19.99 upwards of $200.

2. Magic Mixies Crystal Ball

Magic Mixies is a fun and interactive toy for kids of all ages. With the use of a crystal ball and magic wand, kids can conjure up magical creatures. The toy combines pretend play with enchanting surprises. If this toy is at the top of your kid’s Christmas wishlist, most average around $62.

3. Squishmallows

Squishmallows are all the rage where I live. The toys are soft, cuddly, and collectible. You can get them in all sorts of characters like the little ones I got from Kroger of Jack Skellington. Squishmallows continue to dominate wish lists for kids of all ages. They can be found at many stores in all sizes so prices will vary. If you’re looking for a knockoff version, Dollar Tree has their rendition for just $5.

4. Barbie DreamHouse 2024 Edition

All my niece wants for Christmas is a Barbie DreamHouse. The house is iconic and the new version of it has a tech-savvy upgrade with interactive features and modern furniture. It’s a must-have for any Barbie lover and will set you back about $125.

5. Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Glow Racers

Hot Wheels are always a good buy. There are so many cars, tracks, and accessories to choose from. One of the Hot Wheels vehicles is the Glowing Monster Truck. They bring the excitement of racing to life with an extra dash of thrill. These monster additions to your child collection will run you around $40 for the truck, glow accessories are sold separately.

6. Bluey Ultimate Playhouse

Bluey has fans around the world. Children who adore the loveable character may have the Bluey Ultimate Playhouse on their list. The playhouse is detailed and does a great job of bringing their favorite characters and stories to life. The playhouse features lights, sounds, phrases, and figurines.

7. Nintendo Switch OLED Model

The Nintendo Switch OLED Model is a versatile gaming console with a vibrant 7-inch OLED screen, enhanced audio, and an improved kickstand. Its rich colors, sharp contrast, and immersive audio create a captivating gaming experience in both handheld and docked modes. With a vast library of games and seamless transitions between play modes, the Nintendo Switch OLED is a must-have for gamers.

Make your child’s Christmas wish list dreams come true by getting them the hottest toys of the year. These trending toys are sure to be a hit and will make this Christmas unforgettable. Don’t wait too long, these popular items will sell out fast!

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Shay Huntley

Shatel Huntley has a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Georgia State University. In her spare time, she works with special needs adults and travels the world. Her interests include traveling to off-the-beaten-path destinations, shopping, couponing, and saving.

Pop the Pig Game: A Review

January 12, 2024 | Leave a Comment

My kids, ages 8 and 5, had seen the ad for Pop the Pig by Goliath at least a half dozen times before Christmas. Thinking that it would be an entertaining family game for the four of us, I picked it up at Amazon for less than $20. There were several options, but I chose the upgraded version, which Goliath claims is new and improved. The kids were excited to play it, especially after they saw the adorable mini hamburger pawns. I consulted the directions to make sure we were setting things up correctly and we began a game. Here are our honest thoughts.

How Pop the Pig Works

Here’s how the game is supposed to work. During their turn, players roll the die and pick a burger that corresponds with the color shown. There are four colors (red, green, yellow, and purple) on the die, plus a wild option that lets players choose any color burger they want. Next, you flip over your selected burger to reveal the number on the bottom, which ranges from one to four. Finally, you press down on the pig’s chef hat the number of times indicated on the burger.

The pig’s stomach (which has a balloon-type device underneath it) is supposed to get bigger and bigger with each press of his hat. After about 30 presses, he finally “pops,” causing his belt to open. My kids thought this concept was hysterical and could not wait to see the pig “pop.”

Pros of Pop the Pig

My kids really enjoyed this game and said they’d love to play again, so that’s a big win in my book. Finding games that are entertaining enough to keep both of them engaged can be a challenge, so I’m happy they’re in agreement about Pop the Pig.

In the previous version of the game, you couldn’t really notice the pig’s stomach swelling, which disappointed some reviewers. We’re glad that Goliath fixed the problem with this edition. We were able to see the pig’s tummy visibly grow after each turn. This feature helped build the anticipation and made the “pop” at the end even more exciting.

My kids wanted to play again right away, and luckily the game is easy to reset. All you have to do is press on the chef’s hat once to flatten the pig’s belly and clip his belt back together. All of the game’s parts, including the die and burgers, fit inside the pig for easy storage.

I also appreciate the educational aspects of Pop the Pig. It’s a great tool for teaching kids about colors and numbers. Pushing down on the chef’s hat can help children improve their dexterity and build fine motor skills. Even if your kids are a bit rough with the pig, it feels durable and sturdy enough to withstand many games. Just make sure to keep an eye on the mini burger pieces, because they’re easy for kids to drop and lose.

Last but not least, I love that Pop the Pig comes with a bonus card game called Greedy Granny. It’s an Old Maid style matching game with a cute cookie theme. Even without this extra content, Pop the Pig would still be a great value at under $20.

Things to Consider Before Buying Pop the Pig

Pop the Pig is tons of fun — Image Source: Amazon

Although my family loves Pop the Pig, there are a few things you should be aware of before you buy it. My five-year-old found it difficult to push down the chef’s hat and had to use both hands to do it. I can’t imagine a child much younger than him having the hand strength to pull off this maneuver. So if your kids are still toddlers, it may be better to wait and buy the game when they’re a little older. Goliath states that Pop the Pig is suitable for 2-6 players who are 4 or older, which I agree with after trying it out.

Another thing I noticed during our test is that the pig seems to pop after roughly 30 presses. The mechanism is apparently designed to pop once it reaches a certain level of inflation. Although the pressure of each press can lead to slight variations in the popping point, you’ll definitely notice a pattern after a few games. My kids didn’t seem to mind, but I wish there was more randomness to create a bigger surprise factor. However, I do appreciate that the inflation mechanism is entirely manual, so it doesn’t require batteries.

What Others Are Saying

Should you buy Pop the Pig? — Image Source: Amazon

According to Goliath, Pop the Pig is a top-selling game for preschoolers. The reviews on Amazon reflect the game’s widespread popularity. Over 800 happy customers gave Pop the Pig an average rating of 4.7 starts out of 5. Most of the comments proclaimed that it was fun, exciting, and perfect for toddlers. One person even noted that “they can’t stop popping with the kids.” They went on to say the game was not only bursting with excitement for little ones, but also nostalgic for the adults.

The bottom line? This game is new, improved, and fun for the whole family. The concept is charming, and customers agree that Pop the Pig delivers tons of “pops” and laughs!

Have you played this game? What was your family’s experience?

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Shay Huntley

6 Fun Money Games for Kids

September 11, 2023 | 2 Comments

More parents are realizing how important it is to teach kids about money. How can we teach them in a way that’s both engaging and educational? There are several money games for kids designed just for that purpose. Here are some ideas for money games.

6 Fun Money Games for Kids

Dollars and Dice

This is a simple money game that will have kids polishing their math skills without even realizing it. Using a single die and a variety of coins, kids roll the die to earn one of the following values:

1 = a penny

2 = a nickel

3 = a dime

4 = a quarter

5 = a coin of their choice

6 = lose a turn

The first person to collect exactly one dollar wins. If a player is close to hitting the dollar mark but goes over, they lose their turn.

Escape From Barter Island

This is a fun, interactive online game from the Federal Bank of Cleveland. Each player has to learn how to barter his or her way to a new sail for their boat. Navigating through the signs, they learn how to trade up using items they already own. If they trade right, they’ll eventually get their new sail so they can get home.

Play Escape from Barter Island.

Hide and Seek

Yes, your kids can play hide and seek and learn about money at the same time!

First, parents gather several coins of multiple values. If you have younger kids who are still learning to count, use pennies only. Then hide the coins in various places around the house. The kids are then set loose for a preset time period to find coins.

When the time is up (or when all coins are found – parents’ choice) kids count up their totals. The player with the highest number of coins (or the highest value total) wins!

Mad Money

The PBS Kids website has a great money game called “Mad Money”. The game starts out by giving players a choice of several items to save up for. Players are given a weekly allowance, but the allowance has to cover items on their shopping list.

Then, players go throughout the town, looking to find deals on what they need and working to earn more money. They win if they have enough money to buy what they need and pay for what they want.

Play Mad Money.

Bonus Reading: “5 Apps That Teach Your Child a Cool Skill”

Net Worth

Similar to crazy eights, Net Worth is a card game that will help kids learn to manage money. The different cards allow players to pay off debt, collect assets, and hinder other players’ finances. Players also learn to use strategy to protect themselves from financial setbacks such as job layoffs.

This game is a quick, easy play for kids age 8 or older, and very affordable.

Save Perry’s Pennies

This game from the U.S. Treasury has three skill levels in which players catch dropping coins for their piggy banks. But there’s a catch – players have to save the targeted savings amount within the specified time period. Be careful, though; if you accidentally click on a falling hammer all of your savings could be lost!

Play Save Perry’s Pennies.

There are also several board games that can help kids learn how to save and manage money. The Game of Life, Monopoly, Payday, and Dave Ramsey’s ACT Your Wage are all games that teach players money skills. By using games to teach children healthy money skills we can help them become financially responsible adults.

For more financial fun, check out “4 Creative Money Challenges for Kids.”

Do you have any favorite money games for kids to share?

Image Credit: David Lofink (Creative Commons)

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Best Travel Crib for Twins? Hands Down It’s The Joovy Room²

July 30, 2023 | Leave a Comment

Traveling with babies and toddlers is always interesting. First, you have to plan the actual trip. How will the baby do? What can you do as a parent to make your baby more comfortable and able to pass the time while you’re traveling? But then there are other considerations, namely, all the gear that you have to pack so you can travel with the baby. Think playpens, strollers, portable changing tables, etc. If you have twins, the planning is likely to double. However, if you choose the best travel crib for twins, you get a lot of your travel gear in one purchase.

Best Travel Crib for Twins

Now that more people are having twins, the market has exploded. Lucky for us as buyers, that means there are many choices available, but you really only need one that is superior to the rest.

Joovy Room²

Hands down, the best travel crib for twins is the Joovy Room².

This product comes with a thick pad for the bottom as well as a soft, fitted, waterproof sheet. This playpen can accommodate children from newborns to those 35 inches tall, which means you’ll be able to use it for several years. (The manufacturer asks that you discontinue use when the child can climb out.)

Pros

There are many pros with the Joovy Room².

Spacious

This portable playpen is bigger than standard pack n plays, which makes it ideal for twins. In fact, it’s nearly 10 square feet in size and can easily accommodate two children.

Additional Features

The Joovy Room² has wide mesh on all sides, so you can more easily see your children.

It also comes with a storage bag that you can use when traveling with the Joovy.

Finally, it has two wheels on the bottom to allow you to easily move the Joovy Room².

Twin Nursery Center Bassinet Playpen Accessory

For newborns and infants, you can purchase the Joovy Twin Nursery Center Bassinet Playpen Accessory.

This handy accessory turns your playpen into the perfect portable crib for twin babies. It includes:

Bassinet,
Bassinet divider (so each baby has their own separate space to sleep in), and
Changing table (which sits on top of the bassinet area)

For convenience, the changing table flips to the side when not in use.

The bassinet holds up to 30 pounds, which means the twins can use it until they weigh 15 pounds each.

Cons

Although twin parents love the Joovy Room², it does have some drawbacks.

Heavy

Because it is large and comes with a high-quality, thick mattress, some parents say that it’s heavy. A few even say it’s too heavy to travel with. However, that is a minority of parents.

Bunching Sheet

Other parents complain that after the sheet has been washed a few times, it has the tendency to bunch and not fit as snugly as when it was new.

Why the Joovy Room² Is the Only Twin Travel Crib To Consider

There are many twin travel cribs on the market, but since the Joovy Room² is superior to the rest, it’s the only one you need to consider. It beats the competitors in several aspects:

Affordable

The Joovy Room² is $179.99 no matter which retailer you buy from. The Joovy twin nursery center bassinet playpen insert is an additional $99.99. For the price, you get a twin travel crib that is approximately 50 percent bigger than others on the market. In addition, the shape is square rather than the typical rectangular shape, giving your children more room.

Flexible Buying Options

Some other twin travel cribs on the market include the twin bassinet as part of your purchase. You can save money if you need the bassinets because the set is about $50 cheaper than buying the Joovy Room² playpen and bassinet accessory. But not everyone needs the bassinet accessory. If you simply need a travel playpen, the Joovy Room² is cheaper and bigger than the competitors.

Excellent Reviews

Read reviews on Amazon, and you’ll see that customers give the Joovy Room² 4.7 out of 5 stars. Specifically, 85 percent of customers give it 5 out of 5 stars.

Where To Buy The Joovy Room²?

The Joovy Room² is available on Joovy’s website, Amazon.com, and Walmart. As of the writing of this posting, all three are selling the Joovy² for the same price: $179.99. Also, shipping times are comparable between the three retailers. Joovy’s website says they ship in 2 to 5 business days. Amazon also ships in 2 to 5 days and Walmart offers a similar shipping time.

So, where to get it is up to you. Here are three main options, click on the price in each table cell to buy the crib.

Joovy	Amazon	Walmart
Price: $179.99	Price: $179.99	Price: $179.99

Joovy is not available on costco.com.

Don’t forget to use a cash-back credit card – but keep the balance paid off.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for the best travel crib for twins, consider adding the Joovy Room² to your baby registry or buying it. This product will continue to serve your family for several years.

Discounts for Parents of Twins and Multiples

What I Love Most About Having Twins!

Tips on Buying Gifts for Twins

Melissa Batai

Melissa is a writer and virtual assistant. She earned her Master’s from Southern Illinois University, and her Bachelor’s in English from the University of Michigan. When she’s not working, you can find her homeschooling her kids, reading a good book, or cooking. She resides in Arizona where she dislikes the summer heat but loves the natural beauty of the area.

Costco LEGOs Q & A: The Best Deal In Town or Not Worth the Trip?

July 25, 2023 | Leave a Comment

Costco can be so beneficial for families. You can often find quality products at a great price. Their various organic food selection is an example. But, what about something like toys? More specifically, what about Costco LEGOs?

Worth the trip to find a deal or keep on looking?

LEGOs have been one of the most popular toys for boys and girls since their start in 1932. The colorful, interlocking bricks give kids a chance to put down their screens, engage their minds, and unleash their imaginations.

The problem is, buying new LEGOs can get expensive quickly. Sets that follow a certain theme, like Star Wars or Harry Potter, charge more than normal for the affiliation. If Costco is known for its competitive prices, then are Costco LEGOs the best deal?

Let’s do some Q & A and find out:

Costco LEGOs Q & A: Best Deal In Town or Not Worth the Trip?

Q: Does Costco sell LEGOs?

A. Yes. There is often an assortment of LEGO products available at Costco, although it does vary. You can also shop online at Costco.com. Overall, you will see considerably less variety than a place like Walmart, Target or Amazon.

Q: Why does Costco have less selection than other stores?

A: According to Costco’s Wholesale Disclosure:

Costco operates membership warehouses based on the concept that offering members very low prices on a limited selection of products will produce high sales volumes and rapid inventory turnover. This rapid inventory turnover, when combined with the operating efficiencies achieved by volume purchasing and reduced handling of merchandise enables Costco to operate profitably at significantly lower gross margins than traditional wholesalers.

Translation: Costco sells hand-picked, quality brands faster and with fewer employees than supermarkets.

After speaking with an administrative representative at my local Costco who declined being named for this interview, he explained that Costco doesn’t carry any particular product year-round. Their mission is to find the trend, buy it early, mark down the price considerably, and sell it at the peak season.

Q: How can I save the most money on LEGOs at Costco?

A: Knowledge is key. Costco’s LEGO selection is very limited during the first two-thirds of the year. Your best bet during those months is to glance at the selection online and keep in mind other options like Amazon or Walmart.

The best ways to save money in general at Costco are:

Browse your monthly Costco flier. It’ll come to you in the mail right before the beginning of a new month and includes every sale, including toys.
Sign up for email offers. You’ll receive exclusive coupons and deal alerts from Costco via email.
Follow deal hunting blogs like Krazy Coupon Lady to receive the most up-to-date information about Costco products. For example, KCL created this detailed post on every LEGO toy available during the Christmas shopping season of 2016. Many of the LEGO products were discounted significantly!
Sign up for an Executive membership. If you don’t have a Costco members, definitely get one. By doing so, you’ll receive 2% cash back on every qualified purchase. At the end of year, you receive a check in the mail – redeemable only at Costco – for all the money you earned back. Costco also has a ton of deals on travel, food and kids furniture. You can get a Costco membership here, or you can click on the button below:

Get Your Costco Membership Here

In Conclusion

Is Costco the best place to buy LEGOs? Not until the holidays, and not if you’re looking for a wide variety.

If you just want to buy some new LEGOs within your price range, then I suggest using some of the money-saving techniques mentioned above. The great thing about Costco is that you can’t loose, their return policy is outstanding. If you find a better price on LEGOs, and want to return them at Costco, they’ll probably take them. So, keep your eyes open for a deal, follow a blogger who’s going to do the leg work to keep you informed during the holidays, and go find yourself a great deal.

What’s your favorite thing to shop for at Costco?

Image Credit: Roger Ahlbrand (Creative Common)

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Dyper Review

October 8, 2020 | Leave a Comment

As a parent to a young child, nothing beats the convenience of disposable diapers. Even if you feel inclined to use cloth diapers, which most parents don’t, you’re not always able to do so because many daycares only accept disposable diapers. However, for eco conscious parents, disposable diapers may morally be tough to use. After all, they take decades to decompose (some estimate as many as five hundred years!). The decision to use disposable diapers is a bit easier if you consider an eco-friendly company like Dyper.

Dyper Review

Dyper is an eco-friendly company that offers diapers and services unlike any other on the diaper market.

What Makes Dyper Different

There are many ways that Dyper is different from other diaper companies.

Eco-Friendly Diapers

Dyper’s diapers are made of bamboo. Unlike other disposable diapers, Dyper’s contain no print or decoration; the diapers are solid white. These diapers also are free of many chemicals found in other brands. Specifically, they do NOT contain any of the following:

Chlorine,
Latex,
PVC,
TBT,
Antioxidants,
Perfumes,
Lotions, or
Phthalates

SOS Program

When you buy from Dyper, you sign up for a monthly delivery of diapers. However, should you run short on diapers, Dyper has an SOS program. This program, available a maximum of two times per year to active subscribers, will give you diapers within four hours (if you live in the 12 large cities currently offering this feature.) Otherwise, diapers will be sent to you the next day. Even better, they’ll be sent to whatever location you’re currently at, even if it’s at the beach while you’re vacationing.

Recycling Program

Dyper offers a ReDyper program (extra fee applies). The company will send you eco-friendly bags, a shipping box, and prepaid label. When you’re ready to empty your diaper pail, don’t put the contents in the garbage, which will go into the landfill. Instead, put the diapers in the bag in the shipping box, seal and label and put it out by your front door. Dyper will pick it up and recycle your diapers, keeping them out of the landfill.

This option is something that really sets Dyper apart from other diaper companies.

How Much Is Dyper’s Monthly Service?

A monthly subscription to Dyper is $68 a month. The first month, you get 30% off, making your total $47.60.

The number of diapers you get per month depends on the size diaper that your child is wearing:

Newborn – 264 diapers/delivery
Small – 224 diapers/delivery
Medium – 184 diapers/delivery
Large – 140 diapers/delivery
Extra Large – 120 diapers/delivery

Other Products Dyper Offers

In addition to disposable diapers, Dyper also offers

Training pants,
Cloth diapers,
Baby wipes,
Alcohol wipes,
Diaper cream,
Diaper pail, and several other products

Basically, Dyper has your diapering needs covered.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, this review has helped you to see that if you’re looking for an eco-friendly diaper company, look no further than Dyper. Their convenient subscription service saves you the hassle of making trips to the store for diapers, and their recycling program keeps disposable diapers out of the landfill.

How to Save Hundreds on Diapers,

Free Diapers for Low Income Families,

Cloth Diapers Vs. Disposable Diapers

Melissa Batai

4 Best Hoverboards for Kids

April 12, 2019 | Leave a Comment

With summer looming ahead, many kids are requesting outdoor equipment that will keep them entertained while on a break from school. Hoverboards are a hot item, and many parents are concerned about the cost, safety, and which ones are going to be the most durable. Today, we explore four of the best hoverboards for kids. Note that all have been UL 2272 Certified for fire and electrical safety.

[Read more…]

Owlet Smart Sock 2 Review: Is the Owlet Worth It?

November 16, 2018 | Leave a Comment

Bringing home your baby from the hospital is a joyous occasion, but it’s also scary, especially for first-time parents. You may be even more scared if your child has health issues. For this reason, many parents turn to baby monitors for help. The Owlet Smart Sock 2 is the most unique type of baby monitor on the market. Created by Kurt Workman, Zack Bomsta, and Jordan Monroe, the Smart Sock is getting rave reviews after just a few years on the market. Is the Owlet worth it? Here’s what you should know.

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My FreeCreditReport.com Review: How Does It Measure Up With Its Competitors?

July 24, 2017 | Leave a Comment

The latest studies show that over $16 billion was stolen from consumers in 2016 thanks to identity theft. One way to monitor your personal information for signs of potential identity theft is to keep track of what’s on your credit report. A popular place for checking your report is FreeCreditReport.com, but is it secure and reliable? We’re going to find out in my FreeCreditReport.com review.

My FreeCreditReport.com Review – Is It Reliable?

What Does Freecreditreport.Com Offer?

If you read the name, Free Credit Report sounds obvious, right? Although many of the older reviews I found included complaints that the services offered by Free Credit weren’t really free, the company has changed things up and now offers some items with no monetary obligation.

Here is what Free Credit Report offers with their no-cost plan.

You can get your Experian credit score and credit report completely free of charge. The sign-up process with Free Credit Report is easy. First, fill in basic information such as your name and address.

After that, verify some personal credit or other information for security reasons. Questions may reference your mortgage lender or what your eye color says on your driver’s license.

When you’ve answered all questions correctly, you’ll find your credit score.

Since Experian owns Free Credit Report, you’ll only get your Experian FICO, and not your TransUnion FICO scores.

Here are a few other things you’ll discover:

Your current revolving debt balances
How much available credit you’re currently using
Your revolving credit limit
Any recommended action steps like credit card balance transfers.

The site also shares how you compare to others in your area regarding your credit score and credit card balances. There are call-to-action boxes that offer Free Credit Report’s upgraded membership that will allow you to view all three credit reports (Experian and TransUnion) or sign up for advanced identity theft protection.

When you sign in to the site in any follow-up visits, the first landing page will be an offer to sign up for their upgraded plan. The plan says it is $4.99 for the first month, but after that, you will pay $19.99 per month for their upgraded plan.

Below is a “no” box that allows you to continue using their free plan, so there is no obligation to upgrade and you won’t be asked to enter a credit card number with the free plan.

How Does Free Credit Report Compare to Other Companies?

Other companies offer free credit reports too, but are they legit? Do they really give you your credit report for free? Here are some of the more well-known competitors of FreeCreditReport.com and what they offer.

Credit Sesame

Like Annual Credit Report, Credit Sesame offers you a picture of your financial situation for free. However, it is a compilation made from your credit reports and credit scores, and not your actual credit report or FICO score. Here is the statement from their website:

The annual free credit report that you get from the major credit bureaus is different from the free credit report card that Credit Sesame provides its users.

So while you will get a free picture of your creditworthiness from Credit Sesame, the reports and credit scores are different from what you’ll find on your actual Experian, and TransUnion credit reports.

Credit Karma

Credit Karma does give consumers free access to credit bureaus and their FICO scores as well, but only from TransUnion. They’ll also send you a notice if anything important changes on your credit bureau.

Based on the information listed in their reports they will recommend products and services to you, but your membership to Credit Karma is totally free.

In Conclusion

Free credit reporting companies are everywhere, it seems. Therefore, you should thoroughly research a company before signing up. Your goal is to avoid hidden fees and costs. FreeCreditReport.com is one company that delivers what it promises: your Experian credit report and credit score, free of charge.

Next Up: Loans for Stay-at-Home Moms: What Are Your Options?

How do you check your credit? Was this FreeCreditReport.com review helpful? Let us know in the comments!

You can also check out this great credit score tool online:

How to Afford Being a Stay-at-Home Mom

May 29, 2017 | Leave a Comment

When I was pregnant with my first child, every day held excitement about the future. But I couldn’t quite shake the weight I felt on my shoulders when I thought about returning to work six weeks after her birth. I wanted so desperately to stay home, but simply couldn’t imagine how to afford being a stay-at-home mom.

It just doesn’t come up much in school, does it? “Living On Half Your Income 101.” Yeah, not so much. Today’s culture often says things like “Put it on credit” or “You deserve more” or good ‘ole “YOLO.” But some dreams involve spending and earning a whole lot less.

And they sure are worth it.

See, my husband and I really needed a roadmap, some kind of guidelines to help us navigate these tumultuous waters.

If that’s you, then let me encourage you. Our “get-your-financial-act-together” journey started in 2011. In 2012, my husband and I paid off $22,000 to become debt-free right before our daughter’s birth. We stockpiled as much as we could into our emergency savings and learned to continually live within our means (MUCH harder than it sounds!).

This led to one of the happiest days of my life. It was in May of 2014. I was 30 weeks pregnant with our second child and kept having labor symptoms when I’d work on my feet all day at my job. Rather than risk a premature delivery, that became the catalyst for our leap of faith.

That was the day I quit my job and officially became a stay-at-home mom. I waddled to my car with astonishment stamped on my face. It really was happening.

You need to understand the primary reason for this astonishment. We would now be living on less than $2,000 a month. It seems impossible that we could have done this (especially if you knew how bad we were at budgeting when we were single!). The thing is, we hustled our hineys off and no longer had debt. We’d been budgeting like paupers and renting from family instead of rushing into a home we couldn’t afford.

Even on such a small income, we really were ready. Hence my amazement.

Every dream is different. And that’s OK.

Your dream may not be to stay home. That’s totally fine! If you love working outside the home, then embrace that and enjoy your work. Nor are you required to generate an income if you do decide to stay home full-time. Let’s just get that out there.

So many of the steps we took as a couple had very little to do with me making extra money from home. They set an important foundation that centered around three major components:

Communication
Changing habits
Financial freedom

Let’s pull back the curtain a little further and explore what I mean.

How to Afford Being a Stay-at-Home Mom

Here are some practical first steps you can take in your journey toward spending more time with your kids!

Step #1: Kick debt to the curb.

When my husband and I committed to paying off our outstanding debt in two years instead of seven, we forced ourselves to:

Budget every month
Snip our credit cards and always pay with debit or cash
Live intentionally on less
Communicate in healthier ways about money

For example, the biggest way my husband and I melted debt was to intentionally begin living on his income. It took months, but eventually, we were able to apply every dime from my paycheck toward debt.

After that, our small income became that much more powerful. Imagine what you could do with your money if you didn’t have any payments. That one thought spurred us on.

Step #2: Save for the unexpected.

Saving for emergencies is the most powerful way you can create financial stability in your home. Smaller emergencies like an oil leak can be covered in the “auto repair” portion of your budget. But what if your income-generating spouse loses his job? That buffer is the difference between you remaining a stay-at-home mom through that transition or scrambling for work alongside your partner.

A great place to start with a savings buffer is $1,000. More can be accumulated once you’re out of debt, but that first $1k is your Kevlar vest against calamity.

Step #3: Act.

We covered the basics. Whether you’re a mother or would like to be one someday, you can begin this journey today. It’s time to choose your next step and ACT.

A great place to start is a conversation with your significant other. This plan requires openness and commitment from both of you. It’s also going to take time. Best to start the conversation now.

For example, when I messed up the budget, I knew I could approach my husband about it instead of burying my head in the sand like I’d done in the past. We worked through many problems that way. Extend grace. Talk about your dreams. Re-commit.

Another great next step is to further your education. Try joining a Facebook group that centers around whipping your family finances into shape. The added support is tremendous. Here are two great groups you can join:

Build on the foundation.

If you’ve read this far, it means you’re dead serious about your dream of becoming a stay-at-home mom. That’s awesome.

I believe you can do it, but this is just the framework. It’s not going to keep the rain or wind out of your house. To add siding, insulation, a roof, and even some shiplap if that’s your fancy, then I strongly encourage you to check out my eBook called “The Stay-at-Home Mom Blueprint.” In it, I expand my story on climbing out of debt and achieving my dream of staying home. I also walk you through 150 practical strategies that my husband and I used (and still use today) to communicate better, chop debt, and save money.

This is the roadmap I wish I’d had when we first dreamed of transitioning into a single-income family.

Also, if you do want to earn money from home, “The Stay-at-Home Mom Blueprint” includes dozens of ideas to sell your stuff, earn gift cards or cash from home, or build an online business. My business didn’t happen until nearly two years after I became a SAHM. Since then, I’ve made nearly $20,000 just working part-time as a freelance writer. I know without a doubt that this business wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t safely transitioned into a stay-at-home mom first.

Ready to take your journey toward staying home to the next level?

Grab your copy of “The Stay-at-Home Mom Blueprint” today.

Your Turn: What advice would you give someone on how to afford being a stay-at-home mom? Share with us below!

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Image Credit: AI Photography

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