You made it through the holiday bustle and maybe even found a few quiet moments to reflect on the year behind.  For me, the anticipation of returning to a “normal” schedule again is more appealing as each day passes.  As our family prepares to resume the regular routine, we are doing what many families do – plan ahead.  But, if you spent a little more during the holidays than you had intended, you may be dreading the looming holiday bills.  Here are a few tips from some of my past blog posts that might be helpful to get your family started on the right financial foot this year:

Create a Teachable Moment from Holiday Money Mistakes

January – A time for reflection

Money Tips from Octogenarians

Cash in those gift cards now!

The January “Allowance” Lesson

Wishing you and your family a money savvy year ahead.

Susan

Most people think the phrase “charity begins at home” means taking care of you and your family first.  It does. And taking care of your family includes teaching your children the concept of charity – helping others and the experience of feeling generous – should be taught at home. 

Here are some ideas I shared with my friends at Parents’ Choice Foundation for their blog about teaching your kids how to be charitable – not only this time of the year, but all year long. Enjoy!

Claire Green, President of Parents’ Choice Foundation, a nonprofit organization that helps us all make the most out of play for our children, was explaining to me recently what she looks for in choosing a really great toy as a gift: “The best toys prompt children to think, feel, or do; they encourage curiosity, empathy and creativity.”

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No, it’s not money, or another designer something or another.  It’s advice.  Advice Millennials really don’t want – but they need. Now.  Before it’s too late. Here are a few showstoppers to weave in to the upcoming holiday time you’ll spend together:

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