Kids Ain't Cheap

10 Adorable Ideas for Throwing a Baby Shower on a Budget

February 17, 2025 | Leave a Comment

Hosting an in-person baby shower can be shockingly expensive. For a guest list of 50 people, the average cost ranges from $1,000 to $1,500. Luckily there are ways to cut down on certain expenses like food, venue rental fees, and decorations. Here are some of my favorite tips to help you throw a baby shower on a budget based on my personal experience.

How to Throw a Baby Shower on a Budget

A few months ago I helped organize a baby shower for my older sister. Here’s everything I learned about how to throw a baby shower on a budget.

1. Choose an Affordable Venue

If you’re trying to throw a baby shower on a budget, it’s important to control your venue rental costs. Event spaces can cost a thousand dollars even for relatively short timeframes. We ended up throwing my sister’s shower at a restaurant, but if we could do it over again, we’d probably host it at one of our houses. Buying some extra tables and chairs would’ve been cheaper than renting out a venue.

But if your guest list is too long for an at-home shower, consider affordable alternatives like hosting it at a park or local community center. Churches and organizations like the Elks Lodge and YMCA often have affordable event spaces. Conference rooms at hotels and community centers at apartments can also be reasonably priced.

2. Pick a Low-Key Theme

One of the keys to throwing a baby shower on a budget is choosing a low-key theme. My sister’s baby shower was right before Christmas, so we went with a blue and white color scheme and used puns like “Santa Baby” to personalize the event. Picking something fun yet easy to pull off will help you stick to your budget. I’m partial to this bee theme, which allows you to play with adorable puns like “Who will this baby bee?”

3. DIY Decorations

Making your own decorations (or recruiting friends and family to help) is one of the best ways to save money on your baby shower. Paying several hundred dollars for balloon arch and floral arrangements is out of the question when you’re on a tight budget.

But luckily you can accomplish a similar look for less by putting together this DIY balloon arch kit and making your own paper flowers. These faux bouquets can be given to guests as gifts or saved as decor for the baby’s nursery, making them even more special than regular flowers.

Another affordable decoration we used at my sister’s shower was a set of paper blocks that spelled out “baby.” It was easy to put together but made a big visual impact in the space because it was so tall. Wooden signs and banners can also help you jazz up any venue without spending a fortune. There are even all-in-one baby shower kits with everything you need to transform your party space, from garland to balloons to crepe pom poms.

4. Make Your Own Food

Making your own food is a great way to save on your baby shower and allows you to guarantee the quality. We’ve all heard horror stories about bad food or caterers bailing last minute. But what if you still want the elegant presentation you associate with catering? Keeping food hot can be the biggest challenge.

We recommend chafing dishes, but a set of four can cost over $100. If that is over budget, fear not, we found this great disposable set that comes with everything you need. From sterno heat cans to serving ware and covers, getting your food to your guests will be a breeze.

Another important piece that caterers often supply is the plates and cutlery for your guests. Fortunately, there are some really high-quality disposable options that won’t break the bank. This navy blue set comes with 50 settings of cutlery and two plates and is also available in white or pink.

Finally, we recommend a quality napkin. While you might not want to deal with the hassle or cost of keeping enough cloth napkins, finesse napkins can be a fantastic alternative. Finesse napkins are made of aerated paper that feels just like cloth without the cost. This set of 200 is only $0.15 per piece.

5. Play Simple Party Games

A lot of baby shower games can be played without having to buy anything, such as “Don’t Say Baby.” But if you don’t want to go the DIY route we recommend looking at some inexpensive sets. From baby-themed scratch-off cards to trivia and word searches, there are many inexpensive yet entertaining activity packs available.

6. Create a Signature Mocktail

My sister’s baby shower had a cash bar for guests, but we didn’t want to leave our special guests out. So we created a mocktail for our mom-to-be so she could celebrate with refreshments.

We kept things simple by mixing cranberry blood orange juice with sparkling water. But you could also buy a mocktail mixer like this lemon & basil lavender blend, or go with a canned non-alcoholic beverage. Serve it in baby-themed cups to add a special touch.

7. Set Up a Crafting Station

The crafting station that we set up at my sister’s baby shower was a big hit, especially with the kids in attendance. Guests were able to decorate wooden baby blocks and either take them home or leave them for the baby’s nursery. But you can also find affordable bib and onesie decorating kits to help guests unleash their creativity!

8. Budget-Friendly Invitations

Between design and printing, custom invitations can cost an arm and a leg. Fortunately, there are some really nice DIY kits available on Amazon, such as this floral invitation set. These kits have spaces to write in the location, date, and time of your shower, and even come with envelopes. If you don’t like flowers, you can find other designs that match your color scheme and theme better.

Another option is using services like Paperless Post or Evites to send digital invitations. They’re light on your wallet and the planet, making them a win-win.

9. Choose Affordable Party Favors

It’s always nice to give out a party favor that guests can remember the event by. We decided to hand out scratch-off lottery tickets in these fun holders that say “Baby is so lucky to have you.” But you can also find other affordable options like these baby-themed votive candles. The idea is that guests will light the candle on the day the baby is born and make a special wish for the child while blowing it out.

10. Consider a Virtual Shower

Unfortunately, many of our family members live across the country and couldn’t make it to my sister’s shower. To ensure they were included, we held a virtual baby shower as well as an in-person event. However, a virtual shower is a great alternative if you’re on a strict budget and can’t afford all the party trimmings.
These baby shower invitations are designed for virtual events. You can customize them with your address so guests know where to send presents and include the link to your Zoom meeting space. You can still play games and open gifts at your virtual shower, allowing distant family and friends to come together and celebrate the arrival of your little one.

10 Times Kids’ Stupid Mistakes Wrecked Their Parents’ Finances

February 14, 2025 | Leave a Comment

Kids mistakes that wreck family finances — Image Source: Pexels

Some types of kids’ mistakes are easy to laugh off, such as the DIY haircuts children give each other when they discover the kitchen shears. However, other mishaps and accidents can have real financial consequences for families. For example, parents may be saddled with serious costs if their kids cause property damage at a neighbor’s house or make unauthorized, nonrefundable purchases. To help make you aware of potential financial risks, here are 10 common kids’ mistakes that could cost you serious money.

10 Kids’ Mistakes That Cost Their Parents Serious Money

1. Game Microtransactions

Gaming microtransactions — Image Source: Pexels

One of the most common and costly kids’ mistakes is game microtransactions. Over the years, there have been many reports of children buying thousands of dollars of in-game content. For example, a six-year-old in Connecticut racked up a $16,000 bill in a mobile game called Sonic Forces: Speed Battle. His mom initially noticed the problem after $2,500 was charged to her credit card.

However, when she contacted her credit card company, she was told that the charges were probably fraud-related. Because she believed she was being scammed, she didn’t question her son about the charges, which continued to mount.

By the time everyone realized what was happening, her son had run up a $16,000 bill. Unfortunately, the 60-day refund window had passed, leaving her responsible for the microtransactions. Yikes!

To prevent this from happening to you, remember to enable parental controls that block in-app purchases and remove your credit card information from your devices.

2. Property Damage

Kids’ mistakes can also cause extensive property damage. Football star Tyreek Hill’s South Florida home, which he purchased for $6.9 million, was damaged in an accidental fire. Reportedly, a child playing with a lighter in one of the bedrooms started the blaze, which primarily engulfed the attic. Luckily the family made it out safely and no one was injured.

Although insurance covers property damage, homes hold many sentimental memories and belongings that often can’t be replaced. So it’s tragic when children’s unintentional mishaps cause fires.

3. A $4,000 Amazon Order

Amazon orders can be kids mistakes — Image Source: Pexels

Nowadays kids are so tech-savvy that a 5-year-old figured out how to place a massive Amazon order, costing her parents thousands. According to Today.com, Lila asked her mom for her phone one night to play some games. But instead, Lila actually logged into Amazon and went on a huge shopping spree.

She bought nearly $4,000 of merchandise using a saved credit card, including multiple dirt bikes and pairs of women’s cowboy boots. Her mom canceled the orders that hadn’t shipped yet, but several huge boxes still showed up at their door a few days later.

Fortunately, this was one of the kids’ mistakes that was reversible. All of the Amazon sellers agreed to take back the merchandise and issue refunds. Some parents aren’t so lucky and end up saddled with unreturnable products.

When Lila’s parents asked why she pulled this stunt, she simply said “I wanted it and I got it.” Hopefully, this sassy little shopper has learned her lesson and won’t put her parents in financial jeopardy again!

4. Roughhousing

Another common kid mistake is roughhousing. Children can get carried away while playing and forget their own strength, which sometimes results in injuries. If you leave your child unsupervised and cause harm to a peer, you could be responsible for the injured party’s medical bills. However, there are usually caps on how much money parents can be held liable for.

5. Unauthorized Donations

Tweens and teens have also made costly kids mistakes that messed up their family’s finances. According to Screen Rant, one teenager donated nearly $20,000 of his family’s savings to popular Twitch streamers. Luckily the parents were able to contact Twitch’s payment processor and get the vast majority of the money refunded.

However, the situation was a big logistical headache. It was hard to get in touch with anyone who could help, and some of the funds couldn’t be recovered, causing financial losses. Although this teen definitely should’ve known better, younger children also use Twitch, so parents argue that the platform needs better fraud detection methods.

6. Memecoins

Memecoin kids financial mistakes — Image Source: Pexels

Another financial kids’ mistake parents should be aware of is selling memecoins. These are cryptocurrencies that are created for fun or as a joke. One teen made his own memecoin and bought a large percentage of the shares.

Unexpectedly, the coin surged in value, prompting the teen to cash out and earn tens of thousands of dollars in an evening. However, many other investors lost money on the coin because the teen sold his entire supply at once, causing the value to plummet. Although this incident didn’t cost his parents any money, they received angry messages on social media from disgruntled investors.

Kids can easily be convinced to create or buy memecoins and end up on the losing end of the transaction. So make sure to closely monitor your child’s online activity so they don’t get taken in by crypto schemes.

7. Accidental Cable Purchase

Did you ever buy a pay-per-view movie without your parent’s permission? Even today, kids are still making unauthorized cable purchases, including a 2-year-old who accidentally bought an NBA League Pass.

While playing with the remote, she clicked just the right combination of buttons to purchase a pricey $200 cable add-on. Sadly, her dad wasn’t able to get the charge reversed, leaving him on the hook for a hefty unexpected expense. To prevent future mishaps, he added password purchase protection to his TV.

8. Online Auction Gone Awry

Online auctions kids bidding — Image Source: Pexels

Kids can also get into trouble with online auctions. A 14-month-old little girl gained access to her father’s eBay account on his phone. She placed a bid on a vintage car and ended up winning the auction for $225. Her dad’s first reaction was to panic and ask the seller to cancel the transaction.

Although the seller was willing to release him from the deal, he ended up deciding to keep the vehicle. He started working on it as a project car and hopes to give it to his daughter when she’s old enough to drive. While this purchase didn’t necessarily wreck her family’s finances, the car repairs will likely cost them thousands, making it an expensive kids’ mistake.

9. Damage to Neighbor’s Property

Another common kid mistake that puts strain on the family’s finances is vandalism. Some children act out their frustration on others’ property, resulting in hefty bills for their parents. One Reddit user’s glass greenhouse was broken by an unruly neighborhood child, resulting in nearly $3,000 in damages.

10. Huge DoorDash Orders

Kids mistakes DoorDash — Image Source: Pexels

The final kid mistake we want to highlight is placing an accidental food order. A Texas mother left her phone unlocked, allowing her 2-year-old son to gain access to her DoorDash account. Somehow he clicked the right combination of buttons to order 31 cheeseburgers from McDonald’s. He also left a generous 25% tip for the driver, which brought the total to a whopping $91.70.

His mom said the incident was funny because no one in the family likes cheeseburgers. She made a post on a local Facebook page to explain the saga and offer up the burgers for free. Her story ended up going viral and was even covered by CNN.

Have your children ever made any mistakes that had negative financial consequences? Share your stories in the comments.

5 Common Parenting Tips That Did More Harm Than Good

February 12, 2025 | Leave a Comment

When you have a child, everyone tries to give you parenting tips, including your own parents. But some parenting tips can do more harm than good, even if past generations swear by them. From the “one bite” rule to the “cry it out” method, here are 5 pieces of conventional parenting wisdom you should probably ignore and avoid.

5 Parenting Tips With Potentially Negative Consequences

1. Clean Plate Club

You can’t leave the table until you finish your food. — Image Source: Pexels

Sometimes kids refuse to eat what you’ve prepared or say they’re done after a few bites. This situation can be hard to navigate because you want to ensure they’re getting proper nutrition. Some conventional wisdom suggests that you should make your child sit at the table until they’ve cleaned their plate. Other parents withhold dessert until their child finishes the main meal. But both of these strategies can have negative consequences on their eating habits, especially if they’re refusing to eat because they’re already full.

Kids have natural hunger and fullness cues that they’re intuitively in touch with. Their appetite levels can fluctuate depending on a variety of factors, including their current rate of growth and the things they did and ate throughout the day. This can be confusing for parents because children may not want the same amount of food for dinner tonight as they did yesterday. But trying to get your child to eat past the point of fullness isn’t the answer. If you put too much on their plate, the best solution is to put it in the fridge and save it for later or tomorrow.

2. The “One Bite” Rule

You must try at least one bite of new foods. — Image Source: Pexels

One of the most common food-related parenting tips is the “one bite” rule. Parents have been advised to make their kids eat at least one forkful of new foods. However, experts say that forcing kids to eat foods they don’t like can create negative associations with that ingredient or even cause gagging.

If your child refusing to eat what you’ve made is a consistent problem, try getting them involved in meal planning and preparation to give them a sense of agency. They may be more comfortable trying recipes they helped choose and cook.

3. Kids Should Be Seen and Not Heard

One of the most common parenting tips we’ve all heard is that children should be seen and not heard. But encouraging your child to be quiet, meek, and obedient above all else can stifle their communication skills. Kids need to engage in conversations and ask questions to support healthy intellectual growth. It’s important to teach them to be respectful and avoid interrupting others. However, parents shouldn’t discourage them from sharing their opinions or expressing themselves in age-appropriate ways.

4. The “Cry It Out” Method

Babies should cry it out. — Image Source: Pexels

Because bedtime is challenging for many kids, there are lots of parenting tips related to sleeping. One of them is the “cry it out” sleep training method. Some believe that babies need to cry themselves to sleep to learn how to self-soothe. However, Psychology Today reports that this is one of the parenting tips you should avoid because it causes excessive stress.

Babies who are left to cry it out become dysregulated, causing their bodies to release stress hormones. This could potentially have negative consequences on their brain development and ability to regulate their emotions in the future. Meeting your child’s needs when they cry helps strengthen your relationship and build trust between you. Although some parents worry this could create dependence, it actually creates a strong emotional foundation that enables them to be more confident and independent in the future.

5. All Praise Is Good

Always praise your kids. — Image Source: Pexels

Experts say that too much praise, especially if you’re giving the wrong type of compliments, can actually harm your child’s development. Studies have shown that kids who receive too much praise are more cautious and afraid to make mistakes. Praising your child for their results or intelligence instead of their effort can also make them afraid to fail. Telling them that they’re naturally talented can make them feel like there’s a set standard they have to live up to. Praising them for their hard work instead can encourage them to keep being persistent in pursuit of their goals.

Which parenting tips do you think do more harm than good? Let us know in the comments!

Is Homeschooling Cheaper Than Public School? 10 Surprising Costs to Consider

February 10, 2025 | Leave a Comment

If you have children attending a public school, you know it’s not truly free. From activity fees for sports to lunch money, it costs the average American family $750 or more to send a child to public school each year.

With these high costs, you may be wondering, is homeschooling cheaper than public school? We’ll break down the costs and give you the information you need to make an educated decision about your child’s education.

1. Property Taxes

Instead of being funded through tuition like private schools, public schools rely on taxes to operate. You may be surprised to learn that a percentage of your property tax goes to your local public school. Even if you don’t have kids, are homeschooling, or are empty nesters, you are still paying school tax if you own your home. This is one cost you just can’t get away from.

2. State & Federal Taxes

Is homeschooling cheaper than public school when it comes to tax deductions? You may be surprised by the answer. On the federal level, some education-related expenses like activity fees fall under qualified education expenses and are deductible only if your child attends public school. Keep in mind that QEEs do not include necessities like supplies, transportation to and from school, or medical expenses. So make sure to familiarize yourself with the guidelines and only deduct eligible costs.

It is important for homeschoolers to note that the IRS does not allow any federal tax deductions for homeschooling. A few states like Minnesota and Illinois do allow textbooks and educational materials to be deducted for both public school students and homeschoolers.

3. Food

Food is a cost that’s roughly the same whether you decide to homeschool your kids or send them to the local public school. Although school cafeterias don’t aim to make a profit, they still have to cover overheads like food and salary costs. Even though cafeterias get bulk discounts from food suppliers, it could be cheaper for your child to bring a packed lunch to school if you’re a savvy grocery shopper. It’s important to pay attention to food costs and take steps to reduce them whether you’re homeschooling or sending your child to public school.

4. Transportation

Transportation is a huge cost for many families. Unless you live within walking distance of your child’s public school, you’ll have to buy extra gas to get your kids to and from class every day. Factors that can influence transportation costs include the fuel efficiency of your car, the distance driven, and the price of gas in your area. Even if your child takes the bus, many districts charge an added fee for that convenience. So transportation is one area where homeschooling can definitely be cheaper than public school because you don’t have to leave the house.

5. Educational Materials

Is homeschooling cheaper than public school when it comes to educational materials? Probably not. Public schools typically don’t charge fees for basic educational materials like textbooks. However, children often need to pay for and bring their own supplies to school, such as glue and colored pencils.

On the other hand, homeschooling parents have to purchase a curriculum and textbooks entirely out-of-pocket. And they still have to bear the costs of essential school supplies like scissors and copypaper. While the cost of workbooks and other educational materials may be tax-deductible in your state, this is still a significant cost you’ll have to shell out.

You can expect to pay several hundred dollars each year for all of the textbooks you’ll need. However, you may be able to find used materials in homeschooling groups to save money. There are also free resources for teachers online that can help you design your curriculum.

6. Activity Fees

When it comes to extracurriculars, is homeschooling cheaper than public school? Both options are on par in terms of cost. Homeschooled children have the right to participate in any activity the school district offers. If your child is involved in school-sponsored sports or any clubs, they will likely need to pay an activity fee to cover the cost of any equipment.

Likewise, some public schools charge full-time students activity fees for classes or extracurriculars that aren’t required to graduate. You’ll also have to pay out-of-pocket if your student chooses to do extracurriculars outside of school, such as taekwondo or ballet. However, if you’re able to offer your child enrichment at home, you may be able to save money by homeschooling.

7. Tutors and Private Teachers

Both homeschooling and public school parents sometimes hire tutors for their children. If you homeschool, you may need support from a tutor for certain complex subjects, such as math or science. Public school students may also require extra instruction from a tutor, especially if they’re falling behind due to lack of individualized attention.

Tutoring costs an average of $20 to $80 an hour. A shared private teacher that you split the cost of with other families costs significantly more—expect to spend anywhere from $1,300 to $4,000 per month. However, tutoring isn’t a necessity, so you can try to do without it whether you homeschool or send your kids to public school.

8. Field trips

Every student loves field trips, but when you’re homeschooling, the entirety of the cost will fall on you. From museum and zoo passes to camps, be prepared to spend at least a couple hundred dollars each year planning learning excursions. Your local library may have passes available for local museums, which can help lessen the cost of these family outings.

You can also pay for a museum membership to reduce the price per visit, or use discount sites like Groupon to save money. Many museums offer free days a few times per year or even reduce the cost of tickets for locals.

But if you’re wondering, is homeschooling cheaper than public school, this is one area that usually costs more. Public school parents say that most field trips cost them less than $20, likely due to the educational or bulk discounts that schools can get on tickets.

9. Child Care

One area where homeschooling is potentially cheaper is childcare costs. If you don’t get out of work in time to pick your children up from school in the afternoon, you may end up paying a lot for aftercare. On average, aftercare costs between $140 and $500 per month.

If some of your children are too young for public school, you’ll likely pay even more for childcare. The price of full-time daycare can be as high as $1,500 per month, which is a cost that can be completely eliminated if you decide to homeschool from a young age.

10. Your Income

Is homeschooling cheaper than public school? To make that determination, you also have to consider any loss of income from homeschooling. If you can’t find a side hustle or part-time job that fits around your schedule, homeschooling can have a high opportunity cost.

Losing one parent’s income completely could potentially set you behind on retirement and other important financial goals. It’s important to determine if living on one salary is realistic for your family. Sending your kids to public school so you can work could be better for everyone’s future, giving you extra disposable income for investing, enriching vacations, and extracurriculars.

Wrapping Up: Is Homeschooling Cheaper Than Public School?

Trustedcare.com says that the cost of one year of homeschooling ranges from $700 to $2800. Public school, on the other hand, only costs $100 to $1000 for extracurriculars. At the end of the day, is homeschooling cheaper than public school?

Usually, public school is cheaper. However, in certain cases, parents could save money on aftercare and transportation costs by homeschooling. Even if there’s an added cost associated with homeschooling, there are many fantastic reasons to teach your kids instead of sending them to public school. Kids form a special bond with their parents when they homeschool. They also get more individualized attention and a custom curriculum tailored to their interests, which can help support their academic success in college and beyond. It’s crucial to assess your specific situation to decide which option will be better for your family.

Daycare Vouchers in Florida: 7 Things You Need to Know to Apply Today

February 7, 2025 | Leave a Comment

If you’re struggling with the high price of childcare, you may be wondering how to get daycare vouchers in Florida. The annual cost of daycare in the state tops $9,000, so many parents and guardians need assistance to be able to afford it. That’s where the School Readiness Program comes in, which provides childcare subsidies based on your household size and income level. Here are 7 things you need to know about the process to apply today.

How to Get Daycare Vouchers in Florida

Understand the Program

Before we dive into how to get daycare vouchers in Florida, let’s go over how the program works. Childcare assistance is usually provided through the School Readiness Program. It helps families of kids aged birth to five afford childcare by offsetting the cost. You’ll still be responsible for a copay (check out a sample fee schedule here), which varies depending on factors like the county you live in and the age of your child. But the copay is much more affordable than the full, unsubsidized price of daycare.

Determine Your Eligibility

Wondering how to get daycare vouchers in Florida? First, you need to determine whether or not your family is eligible for assistance based on your income and number of children. To qualify for subsidies, your earnings must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty level for a household of your size. This FPL calculator can help you figure out where your family stands.

Additionally, there are work requirements parents and guardians have to meet. You must be employed at least 20 hours per week or attend school and take 12 or more credit hours to qualify.

Submit Your Application

Here's how to get daycare vouchers in Florida — Image Source: Pexels

Applications for the School Readiness Program are handled by each county’s Early Learning Coalition. You can use this directory to find your ELC’s location and contact information. Many offices allow you to apply for the program in person. But you can also submit your application online through Florida’s Early Learning Family Portal. Don’t forget that there are a few required documents you must send in with your paperwork, including your child’s birth certificate and proof of income, residency, and employment or school enrollment.

Waiting Lists

Sometimes there’s too much demand for childcare assistance at once. When this happens, the county starts a waitlist and ranks families based on factors like the application date, the age and ability of the child, and the level of financial need. The ELC often prioritizes at-risk children and kids with special needs.

It’s important to note that once you’re on a waiting list, you must revalidate your information every 6 months to renew your spot. You’ll be notified 30 days before your revalidation is due. Failure to provide information can result in your removal. A subsequent application would put you further down the list and force you to wait longer, so be sure to respond to requests for documentation!

Choose an Approved Daycare Provider

Daycare assistance — Image Source: Pexels

The School Readiness Program requires you to choose a state-approved childcare provider to receive the subsidy. The Department of Children and Families has a provider lookup tool that can help you find a reputable daycare for your child. Simply enter the name of your city to pull up a directory of trusted providers in your area. The tool can also be used to vet childcare centers that friends and family recommend by inputting their names. You can contact your local Child Care and Resource agency if you need further assistance with finding an approved daycare.

Renewals

Florida’s Daycare Vouchers are not permanent and must be renewed every time the benefit expires, which is often every 12 months. Going through a renewal is very similar to the original application process. About a month before your benefit ends, the state will notify you of the information they need. The state is looking to confirm that you and your family still qualify for benefits and will request a number of documents to prove your income and your education or employment status.

Eligibility Changes

Once you’re enrolled in the program, you must report any changes that could affect your eligibility, such as a salary bump. Your ELC should have an eligibility change form available on their website that you can fill out and send in. If you need to take a break from the program temporarily or change providers, you’ll also have to notify your ELC.

Still stuck? Your local Child Care and Resource Referral can answer your questions about how to get daycare vouchers in Florida.

If you’ve been through the process, share your experience in the comments to help other parents!

Everything You Need to Know About the New Family Leave Policies in Your State

February 6, 2025 | Leave a Comment

Navigating family leave policies can be complex, especially with recent changes at both federal and state levels. Understanding how these adjustments affect you is crucial for planning and ensuring you have the support you need during significant life events. Let’s explore the latest developments in family leave policies and what they mean for you.

Federal Guidance on Paid Family and Medical Leave

In January 2025, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued guidance concerning the tax treatment of contributions and benefits under state-paid family and medical leave programs. This guidance, detailed in Revenue Ruling 2025-4, clarifies how these programs are taxed and outlines reporting requirements for employers and employees.

For instance, employers can deduct their contributions to mandatory paid family and medical leave programs as an excise tax payment. Employees receiving state-paid family leave payments must include these amounts in their gross income. This ruling impacts states with mandatory paid leave programs, including the District of Columbia.

State-Specific Family Leave Policies

Family leave policies vary significantly across states. Some states have implemented mandatory paid family and medical leave programs, while others offer unpaid leave or have no specific provisions. It’s essential to consult your state’s official resources or the IRS website for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding your state’s policies. For example, California, New York, and New Jersey have established paid family leave programs, each with unique eligibility criteria and benefits.

Employer Responsibilities and Tax Implications

Employers participating in state-paid family and medical leave programs must adhere to specific tax obligations. Contributions to these programs are generally deductible as excise taxes. However, employees must include the benefits received in their gross income, with the employer’s portion subject to Social Security and Medicare taxes. Employers should stay informed about these requirements to ensure compliance and proper reporting.

Transition Relief for 2025

The IRS has provided transition relief for the 2025 calendar year concerning certain withholding, payment, and information reporting requirements for state-paid medical leave benefits. This relief aims to assist employers and states in adjusting to the evolving landscape of family leave policies. Employers should review the IRS’s guidance to understand how this relief may apply to their specific situations.

Staying Informed and Compliant

Given the dynamic nature of family leave policies, it’s imperative to stay informed about both federal and state regulations. Regularly reviewing updates from the IRS and your state’s official channels will help you understand your rights and responsibilities. Consulting with a tax professional or legal advisor can also provide personalized guidance tailored to your circumstances.

Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Family Leave

Understanding the intricacies of family leave policies is essential for both employers and employees. By staying informed about federal guidance and state-specific regulations, you can ensure compliance and make well-informed decisions regarding family leave. Remember, policies are subject to change, so continuous education and consultation with professionals are key to navigating this evolving landscape effectively.

Will the new changes to Family Leave help families in the long run? What are your thoughts? We’d like to know more about it in the comments below.

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Family Vacation Ideas on a Budget: 8 Destinations That Are Big on Fun, Small on Cost

February 5, 2025 | Leave a Comment

A one-week vacation for four people costs nearly $8,000 on average. So it’s no wonder that you’re looking for family vacation ideas on a budget! Luckily you can save thousands by being smart and strategic. Staying at a campsite instead of a hotel, packing your own food, and visiting free attractions will help you enjoy yourselves without breaking the bank. Here are eight of our favorite family vacation ideas on a budget, from Washington D.C. to Dry Tortugas National Park.

8 Family Vacation Ideas on a Budget

1. Washington, D.C.

First on our list of family vacation ideas on a budget is Washington, D.C. Although you may not think a big city is an affordable destination, D.C. has lots of free amenities that make it a budget-friendly choice. Many of the museums downtown offer free entry, including the National Museum of Natural History, the National Portrait Gallery, the National Museum of American History, and the Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden. You can also visit the Library of Congress at no cost and view the beautiful interiors, as well as walk around the National Mall.

The Metro is a convenient, affordable way to get around and see different parts of the city, such as Georgetown and Dupont Circle. If you can’t afford a hotel in the city, there are cheap campsites not far from D.C. in Maryland, including Greenbelt Park.

2. Boston, Massachusetts

Another city that’s surprisingly affordable to visit is Boston, Massachusetts. The subway system (called the T) is inexpensive and easy to navigate, allowing you to explore different neighborhoods. You could spend a whole day window shopping in Back Bay, admiring the historic houses in Beacon Hill, and enjoying the water views in the Seaport District.

You can also walk the Freedom Trail for free. It’s a group of 16 important historic sites, including Faneuil Hall, Paul Revere’s house, and the Old North Church. Certain sites may charge admission fees, but your kids can still learn a lot about the American Revolution even if you stick to the free areas.

Although hotels in Boston can be pricey, you can stay in the suburbs for less. Residential areas like Worcester and Watertown have budget-friendly chain hotels. You could also opt to stay in one of the tourist towns outside of Boston, such as Salem, Marblehead, or Concord, which all have historic sights of their own. If you visit during the summer, there are plenty of campgrounds in Massachusetts where you can pitch a tent or park an RV.

As in any city, food can also be more expensive, but using apps like Too Good to Go can reduce your food costs. Restaurants use it to sell excess meals and baked goods at a discount, enabling you to feed your family on vacation on a budget.

3. Traverse City, Michigan

Looking for family vacation ideas on a budget outside the city? Traverse City, Michigan is the perfect low-key getaway for families hoping to escape the hustle and bustle. It’s home to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, one of the largest freshwater dunes systems in the world. The dunes are over 450 feet high in parts, offering fantastic views of Lake Michigan. You can even camp there!

Michigan has more lighthouses than any other state and Traverse City has eight waiting to be explored. While certain lighthouses offer tours or charge admission, most are $5 per adult and all are free or $2 for kids which still puts this squarely in the budget realm. Window shopping at the Grand Traverse Commons provides a fascinating look into the past. Originally built in the 1800s as an asylum, this sprawling Victorian complex was converted into boutique shopping and dining in 2022. With 140 acres of garden, there is lots of room for your kids to run and play.

If you time your trip right, you can check out the annual Cherry Festival, which usually runs from the end of June to early July. They have tons of fun, free activities for families to watch, including cherry pit spitting contests, dog jumping competitions, and cherry pie eating contests. There’s also a kids’ club, games, rides, and more.

4. Dry Tortugas National Park in Florida

While South Florida is viewed as an expensive, luxury destination, just offshore of Key West is one of America’s least visited national parks, Dry Tortugas. While you can take a boat ride and explore the island just for the day, camping on the island is a great time. Besides food, the only expense will be the ride aboard the Yankee Freedom, the ship that makes a round trip each day.

Once on the island, you and your family can camp for up to three days. The island has a lot for you to explore and see, from a Civil War-era fort to the rotating menagerie of sea life. There is great snorkeling, and people often kayak to another nearby island for even more family fun.

5. Chicago, Illinois

Chicago is one of my favorite cities, but you have to be choosy to make sure you stick to your budget. My biggest tip is to stay in the surrounding suburbs like Naperville. Hotels that are far out from downtown charge far less and offer some fantastic deals if you can go at the right time. While parking downtown is a nightmare, it is easy to catch the commuter train from most of the suburbs and go straight into the heart of downtown for only $5.

There is no shortage of budget-friendly activities once downtown. The Lincoln Park Zoo is always free and a great stop if you have kids. Originally founded in 1868, it is the second oldest zoo in the country and houses everything from polar bears to flamingos. Chicago is known for its amazing museums like the Field Museum and the Art Institute. While both charge admission, they do have free days. The Garfield Park Conservatory is one of the largest botanical conservatories in the world. It offers free admission to Chicago residents and usually charges a small fee for out-of-towners.

Walking around downtown and admiring Chicago’s beautiful Art Deco architecture is an activity in and of itself. Don’t forget to stop by Buckingham Fountain and the city’s iconic Bean sculpture for a family photo op! There’s also no shortage of delicious, affordable food in the city, from deep-dish pizza to Chicago-style hot dogs.

6. Banff, Alberta, Canada

Banff is likely another place you don’t automatically think of as being budget-friendly, though you may be surprised. Staying in the iconic Fairmont costs several hundred dollars per night, but if you camp or stay in Canmore, the next town over, you can find much cheaper accommodations.

After making it to Banff, you’ll be amazed by the amount you can do while sticking to the budget. The majority of the iconic scenic spots, like Peyto Lake, are either free or in the national park that requires a small fee for a pass. The trails and roads inside the park will give you access to amazing views and animal sightings like Elk, bears, and bighorn sheep. Back in town, Cascade Gardens is free. Plus, the Cave and Basin National Historic Site has free days if you can plan to be there at the right time.

7. The Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is one of the best family vacation ideas on a budget. You can road trip to this bucket list destination and camp once you get there. However, spots fill up quickly, so make sure you reserve yours about six months in advance if you want to stay near the canyon. Bringing your own food to your campsite can help make this trip even cheaper.

Although there’s a small fee to enter the park, there are lots of fun, free activities to enjoy inside. The Rim Trail is a flat, scenic trail perfect for kids with shuttle stops along the way. The Yavapai Geology Museum is free to enter and explains the history and composition of the rock formations inside the canyon. The Tusayan Museum and Ruins in Grand Canyon National Park is also free to visit and covers the history and lifestyle of the Pueblo people. Last but not least, Kolb Studio is a historic photography studio inside the park with must-see art exhibits.

8. Staycation

Sometimes you don’t need to travel far to enjoy a family vacation! Finding fun attractions in your own neck of the woods helps you avoid lodging and transportation costs. Do some research and see if you can find any water or theme parks, museums, zoos, state parks, or other activities within driving distance. Entering your city’s name on TikTok or Instagram can help you uncover hidden gems you’ve never explored.

In addition to becoming a tourist in your own city, you and your kids can enjoy some bonding time at home. Woot, Amazon’s daily deals site, often has steep discounts on sports and outdoor equipment your kids will love, from inflatable pools to trampolines. Treating your kids to a special new toy or activity they can enjoy at home is often cheaper than going away on a trip, but can still create special memories.

Hopefully, we’ve given you some great family vacation ideas on a budget to inspire you to save money on travel. What are your favorite affordable destinations? Let us know in the comments!

Here’s Everything You Should Know About The New Child Support Bill

February 3, 2025 | 3 Comments

It’s only February, but a new child support bill has already been passed, and another has been proposed. With all of these legal changes, it is important to understand what is new for 2025 and what could be coming down the road. Here’s an overview of the impacts of the new child support bill.

New Child Support Bill

On January 4th, President Biden was presented with and signed the Supporting America’s Children and Families Act. Originally introduced to the House of Representatives in July of 2024, the SAC&F Act primarily focuses on supporting vulnerable children in foster care through Title 4 Social Security assistance. The new law also impacts child support and the ability of states to collect it. While the original bill passed in the House had a number of other measures centered on delinquent child support, those provisions seem to have been lost in the Senate.

The major impact of the SAC&F Act on child support is allowing states to use contractors to collect overdue payments through federal tax refunds. Plus, the bill expanded Native American tribal access to tax information, enabling them to run their own independent child support enforcement programs. This legislation will help ensure that caregivers receive the child support payments they rely on to make ends meet. It will also make it harder to evade child support.

The use of contractors to collect payments is expected to be a cost-saving measure, bringing in $5 for every dollar spent. The Congressional Budget Office has estimated the savings from the new child support bill will be nearly $800 million dollars.

Potential New Child Support Bill Introduced

In late January, Senator Kevin Cramer of North Dakota introduced a new child support bill. If passed, it would allow soon-to-be mothers to receive child support before giving birth. While Cramer is a conservative lawmaker, similar measures have been enacted by states across the political spectrum, from California to Alabama.

Currently, 25 states including North Dakota have enacted the Uniform Parentage Act. It was originally introduced in 1973 and gives women a legal mechanism to file for and collect child support while pregnant. If passed, Cramer’s bill would give this ability to women in every state.

In states without the Uniform Parentage Act, mothers are only eligible to collect child support after giving birth. This places the full financial burden of pregnancy, which can cost $19,000 on average, solely on the mother. While Cramer’s bill has the potential to be bipartisan, there are possible issues with blanket implementation on the state level.

Potential Ramifications

A requirement of child support is first determining paternity. Some states require that when a married woman is pregnant, the husband is automatically listed as the father. This legally establishes paternity even if there is a separation, pending divorce, or infidelity. The paternity could later be challenged and determined via DNA testing. However, this could leave uninvolved husbands temporarily responsible for child support in states that use marriage to determine paternity.

However, there’s no reason to worry about this bill’s potential ramifications yet. Cramer’s bill still has a long way to go before being made law. It was only introduced last week, so it still needs to be introduced and voted on in the House. As we’ve seen with the Supporting America’s Children and Families Act, there can be numerous revisions throughout this process. And if the bill were ultimately passed, it could look significantly different than the original proposal.

What do you think of the changes brought about by the new child support bill? Let us know in the comments.

7 Reasons Why Thrift Shopping May Be Bad For Your Budget

January 31, 2025 | Leave a Comment

Who doesn’t love thrifting? The thrill of the hunt and the unknown possibility of what you’ll find can be very exciting. You can also feel like you’re saving money or helping the environment by preventing goods from going into the landfills. But what if I told you there are also a lot of reasons why thrift shopping is bad? From fast fashion to reselling and bed bugs, you may not be getting the deal you thought you were.

Justifying Overbuying

Some of the visits to the thrift store may be a bust, causing you to walk away with nothing. During other trips, you might feel like you’ve hit the jackpot and found everything you’ve been looking for. When you find and buy item after item, you have to be careful and remember your budget. We tell ourselves thrifting is cheaper than buying new items and it’s environmentally friendly to give them a second life. But really, we’re justifying overbuying. Ultimately, you have to treat the thrift shop like any other store and only get what you actually need.

Impulse Buying

So many people love the hunt of thrifting. Unfortunately, this can easily turn into impulse shopping. One of the reasons why thrift shopping is bad is because it feels very urgent. If your local store didn’t have something the last time you were there, you may be worried they won’t have it the next time you stop by.

This contributes to the feeling that purchases are “now or never.” Unless you find exactly what you’re looking for, carefully consider whether you’d buy this product under normal circumstances, or if the pressure is pushing you to do it.

Reduced Lifespan

Since items at the thrift store are secondhand, it’s impossible to know just how much usable life they have left. The rise of fast fashion has accelerated this issue. Some clothing items may look great on the rack, but if they weren’t built to last, they could fall apart within a few months. The same goes for electronics, which may have hidden issues that cause them to fail.

Look for signs of wear like undone hems and rips and tears on clothing. It’s also important to consider the cost before you buy. Some thrift stores are more expensive than others and don’t offer much of a discount. So in certain cases, you may be better off splurging a bit more to get a new item, especially if it comes with a warranty.

The War on Reselling

Reselling sites like Poshmark and Mercari can be a great resource, allowing consumers to find the specific used items they’re searching for at lower prices than new merchandise. Many of the listings on these sites are items that the sellers thrifted themselves.

Unfortunately, this has resulted in many thrift stores raising their prices across the board to discourage reselling. Shoppers report that secondhand goods are costing more and more every year, so you may not be saving as much as you think. Sometimes hunting for clearance deals at Walmart can be cheaper, which is one reason why thrift shopping is bad for your budget.

More Productive Uses for Your Time

Unless you’re luckier than me, looking for a certain item at a thrift store takes a lot of time. Have you ever thought about the money involved in the time spent thrifting? Shoppers on the hunt usually have to drive to their local thrift shop multiple times and spend a few hours searching.

While you’re there, you may impulse-buy a few other items. If you skip the thrift store and spend a few hours on a new side hustle instead, you may earn enough to simply buy the item you’re looking for brand new. So if you’re considering why thrift shopping is bad for your budget, be sure to consider the opportunity cost of your time.

Bed Bugs

My top reason why thrift shopping is bad is bed bugs! While I have been lucky so far, I am always mindful of the risks. Thrifted items come from other people’s homes and are stored with thousands of other items. It only takes one item with bed bugs to potentially infest a majority of the items. Although bed bugs are associated with clothes and mattresses, they can even be in electronics and wooden furniture. They like to hide in nooks and crannies, which can make them hard to spot.

There are precautions you can take, such as drying clothes for over 30 minutes in high heat. If you live in a very cold area, you could leave furniture and clothes outside to freeze, but you can’t do that to electronics. Remember that the stakes are high and bed bug remediation is expensive! One slip up and you could end up with bed bugs infesting everything you own.

Rethrifting

To complete the thrifting circle of life, we may donate our own unwanted items when we’re done with them. Depending on where you choose to donate and how you sort through your items before donating, re-thrifting can be a wonderful idea. Just be careful to make sure you’re not donating something that would be better resold. You may be leaving a lot of money on the table by donating certain desirable brands.

Wondering why thrift shopping is bad? It all depends on your buying approach. If the pressure of the hunt causes you to make frequent impulse purchases, you may be better off staying home. However, if you have the willpower to only buy things you absolutely need, shopping secondhand can be a great way to save money and give items a new life.

8 Affordable Birthday Party Ideas That Won’t Break the Bank

January 31, 2025 | Leave a Comment

On average, birthday parties for kids cost an average of $300 to $500, which many parents can’t afford. If you have multiple children or you’re on a budget, you’ll likely have to find ways to cut costs. Hosting the party at home, making the food and desserts yourself, and choosing budget-friendly decor can save you money. To help you plan a festive celebration that won’t break the bank, here are 8 affordable birthday party ideas.

1. Board Game Party

First on our list of affordable birthday party ideas is a board game night at home. Depending on the size of your guest list, you may already have enough board games on hand to keep everyone entertained. But if you need to purchase a few extra games, family favorites like Trouble, Sorry, Battleship, and Guess Who can usually be purchased for under $20 each.

Keeping the decorations simple yet festive can help you cut costs. This fun backdrop says “Game on” and will set the tone for your child’s party perfectly. Adding these jumbo inflatable dice and game night-themed plates will round out the decor. For party favors, you can’t go wrong with gaming stickers and candy.

2. Dinosaur Party

Studies have shown that one in three children loves dinosaurs, so this affordable birthday party idea is sure to be a hit! Plus, the setup couldn’t be easier thanks to this dinosaur party kit. It contains everything you need for an at-home birthday bash, including cake toppers, balloons, table settings, and streamers.

No party is complete without food. Use these dino cookie cutters to transform fruit slices and sandwiches into fun shapes. Instead of buying an expensive cake, save money by making these Betty Crocker dinosaur sprinkle cookies. For entertainment, grab this pin the tail on the dinosaur game and have a Jurassic Park movie screening.

3. At-Home Escape Room

Escape rooms are popular party venues, but cost anywhere from $25 to $40 per person. Luckily you can cut costs by purchasing an “escape room in a box” from Mattel. It contains everything you need to create an immersive experience at home, including over a dozen puzzles and real locks. It even connects to Alexa to enhance gameplay.

4. Medieval Knights Party

Remember how fun it was to go to Medieval Times as a kid? Tickets for the real show can cost upwards of $65 per person. But you can turn this into an affordable birthday party idea by replicating the experience at home. This fun inflatable jousting kit will make your kids and their friends feel like gladiators.

These medieval birthday party decorations will help you transform your home into a castle. The kit includes banners, balloons, cake toppers, and more. For dinner, turkey legs (which can easily be cooked in an Instant Pot) are sure to be a hit. Finally, set the tone for the party with this medieval music playlist.

5. Under the Sea Party

If your child loves the ocean, beach, or aquarium, an under-the-sea party is a great choice! For entertainment, watch classic movies like Finding Nemo and The Little Mermaid. Kids will also enjoy this aquatic bean bag toss game. To save money, keep the decorations simple with this ocean decor kit, which comes with balloons, tablecloths, cupcake toppers, and more. Fish sticks are an easy, crowd-pleasing lunch option. Instead of buying a cake, whip up some cupcakes with blue buttercream frosting.

6. Spy Adventure Party

Looking for more affordable birthday party ideas? Consider hosting a spy adventure party. Playing espionage games like Codenames and Spy Alley will make your kids and their guests feel like secret agents. You can also watch detective movies like Inspector Gadget and Spy Kids.

For decorations, blow up these spy balloons and hang this top-secret backdrop. To complete the experience, pass out these secret agent party favors, which include mustaches, magnifying glasses, and detective ID cards.

7. DJ Party

Make sure your guests feel the beat of the music as they arrive for your DJ-themed party! Play this Kidz Bop soundtrack to create a fun, vibrant atmosphere. Hang up these DJ decorations to turn your home into a kid-friendly club. You could even turn down the lights, set up sound-activated party lights, and pass out glow sticks. To keep the partygoers entertained, play games like musical chairs and freeze tag. Finally, set up a snack table with treats like chips and dip, punch, and candy.

8. Unicorn Princess Party

Celebrate your little girl with a fabulous princess and unicorn party. Encourage guests to come dressed up as royalty to enhance the princess vibes. You can also pass out some extra accessories like crowns and faux jewels. For activities, pick up these mini bubble wands and a bracelet-making kit. Deck out your home with princess ba l loons and this unicorn party kit, and you’re guaranteed to have a magical day!

You don’t have to break the bank to create special birthday memories for your child. Hopefully, these affordable birthday party ideas have given you the inspiration you need to cut costs without sacrificing family fun.