That was the question my girls posed to my own parents this past weekend. The economy, the past recessions and the mother of all depressions, the Great Depression are being discussed in almost every grade and every classroom at school these days.

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Because January 1 was a holiday, the girls did not get their allowance until this past weekend. And, because this was January, they also got a reminder about why they get an allowance.  It was a sobering discussion that sent my oldest back to the budget drawing board. Continue reading

It seems like a lot of school supplies are requested at the start of the school year. And, because sales abound — we are all tempted to get these supplies in quantities greater than we are asked because of the “sale.” This year, try an approach that has saved me time and money. Continue reading

Allison, 16, is working. This is her first job. She did this on her own. No pushing from us. Her allowance was not meeting her needs. (Allowance should never cover all of a child’s needs and wants, otherwise, they will never be hungry enough to go out and get a job.) So, needing more money in her life led her to the inevitable conclusion that she should get a job. She was exhilarated by the prospect. Surprised the heck out of both of us, but she pounded the pavement and has been working for over a month now.

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