10 Ways to Teach Your 10 Year Old About Money

When it comes to having kids, it seems like the days go by painfully slow, but the years go by incredibly fast. That’s why there’s no better time than the present to start teaching your kids about money. Money lessons learned in childhood will stay with them through the rest of their lives.

One of the most important things you can do is to make sure you tailor your teaching to your child’s age. Ten years old is a great time to start introducing really exciting financial concepts to your kids in a simple, fun way.

Read "10 Ways to Teach Your 10 Yr Old About Money" at the FlexScore Blog here. 




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Spring Cleaning the Green Way

It is just about that time of year again where the sun returns, energizing our bodies and homes, after a long, dull winter. Inevitably, the sun, warmth, and energy lead to a little spring cleaning.
Which household cleaners are best on the environment? Which have the most chemicals in them?
This article from the UK Telegraph answer all.

Green Spring Cleaning

How to make recycled paper at home

PooGloos

How cities in Utah are saving big money with the PooGloos

How to make almond milk at home

How to make almond milk at home from Organic Authority.

Everyday Organic: 50 New Years Resolutions

1. Banish high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) from your diet. Refuse to buy into the marketing campaign that says it’s the same as sugar. It isn’t.

2. Try the 100-mile diet. Eat only what’s been grown or raised within 100 miles of home.

3. Promise to mind your manners, especially on the Internet. It’s turned into an attack zone.

From the Salt Lake Tribune- read the rest here- Everyday Organic

Things the Diamond Industry Doesn't Want Consumers to Know--and What You Can Do About It

Long before the Leonardi DiCaprio movie Blood Diamond hit theatres, violence, corruption, and abuse was a problem in the diamond mining industry. Diamonds are valuable, but not as rare as many people believe. The diamond industry has exaggerated the rarity of the gems in order to increase their profits. There are companies that mine their diamonds ethically, but unfortunately, the problem of human rights abuses is widespread and has cost a number of lives in countries where mining is a vital part of the industry. Buying a diamond with no violence attached to its retrieval can be a challenge, and the Kimberly Process is based on "self-policing". By choosing to purchase from Eco Diamonds, you are guaranteed jewelry that is free of the abuses with which many diamonds are associated and that you are getting a stone and high-end setting that offers  quality unlike any other brand on the market. 

While the average shopper in the market for an engagement ring is not ever going to understand all of the issues behind diamond mining, they can make an effort to educate themselves before making a purchase. 

Blood Diamonds
It is important to understand the terms associated with diamonds that have been mined under abusive circumstances. A blood diamond is one that was mined in a war zone. The diamond is then sold and the funds are put toward a violent insurgency, given to a warlord, or sold to fund the army of an invading country, which is most commonly in Africa. The citizens of the country from which the diamond was mined receive no benefit from their natural resource and in most cases, suffer because of the sale. Conflict free diamonds are those not affiliated with any violence or abuse. They originate via ethical and environmentally responsible means, and generally found in Canada. The people of the mining country of the diamond are not injured or abused and in some cases, the country's economy benefits from the mining and sale of the diamonds. 

The Kimberly Process
After much media attention and public outcry, the Kimberley Process was created in 2003 to address the problem of conflict diamonds. A voluntary and self policing international certification system, the Kimberley Process established standards for certifying the origin of rough diamonds with member countries pledging not to import or export rough diamonds tainted by conflict. 

Unfortunately, the Kimberley Process does not oversee other human rights abuses including child labor, government sponsored violence, and worker exploitation. Currently, it only addresses the narrow UN definition of conflict diamonds as diamonds used to fund conflicts against recognized governments -- despite the fact that some recognized governments, in Zimbabwe, Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo for instance, have shown little regard for the human rights of their citizenry.

To date, the Kimberley Process also ignores cutting and polishing centers as an entry point for conflict diamonds to enter general circulation. Global Witness documents how inadequate government regulation over cutting and polishing factories can allow conflict or illicit diamonds to enter legitimate channels of trade. Because the Kimberley Process only oversees diamond mines and has no oversight over cutting and polishing facilities, child labor and other documented human rights violations in manufacturing centers remain unregulated. 
It remains to be seen whether the Kimberley Process will strengthen its system of oversight. Meanwhile, violent groups across the world continue to exploit the loose controls of the Kimberley Process to traffic illicit diamonds for profit. In its October 2007 report, Global Witness estimates that an illegal trade in rough diamonds worth tens of millions may be taking place between Kimberley Process participant and non-participant countries. 

The Alternative to Diamonds
Many times people end up with a conflict diamond because they are unaware of what goes on in the diamond industry. They also do not realize there are options that provide just as elegant and stylish a piece of jewelry. Eco Diamonds provides a completely conflict-free option for those looking for an engagement ring that is environmentally and socially responsible, but still impressive and elegant. Since Eco Diamonds are set in the finest quality metals, the same ones used by most of the reputable jewelers in the United States, your ring will be as beautiful as the most popular and expensive diamond engagement rings on the market. Eco Diamonds and their partner European company Swarovski have a science of precision cutting provides extraordinary brilliance and offers stones that possess an inner fire unlike any other. But because your piece of jewelry will be conflict and abuse free, you will be able to rest easy at night, knowing you have made a responsible choice.

How to find cheap travel deals

I've never met a person who bragged "I paid a lot of money for this flight!" Instead, we all like to feel secure knowing we got the most bang for our buck when it comes to travel (and everything else, really). So how does one go about finding cheap travel deals?

Having worked in the travel industry, I can offer the following advice-

Cheap Flights
For the most part domestic flights are going to cost the same from site to site. What really makes a difference is when you buy your ticket. It is very true that purchasing a ticket 6 weeks in advance makes a very big difference, as does 3 weeks. After 2 weeks chances are slim that a fare will change. But that doesn't mean that they won't! Or that you can't get a good deal!

Personally, my recommendation (when purchasing a ticket less than 6 weeks out) is to go to Sidestep.com and look up flights.

(click to enlarge)
Compare the fares to other sites that do not come up in Sidestep searches (especially CheapOair and Booking.com).

Take the lowest found fare, in this case about $450.

Next, go to the airline site and see how many seats/fares are still available. If there are at least 1/3rd of the seats available on the flight
(Continental airlines in this example)

Go to Priceline.com, bid your own price, and underbid it by at least 30%! (Be brave and bid at 50%! The worst that can happen is it rejects you and you just keep trying!)
This trick works best when trying to get a flight less than 3 weeks out, when an airline is trying to finish filling up a flight. It doesn't work as well around the holidays when an airline is assured that most flights will fill up.

The next trick- watch gas prices!
Allow me to explain why. The cost of an airline seat is simple. There is a basic "rental" of the seat, usually about $30. Next, passengers must pay the necessary fees and fares, which vary from city to city, country to country. Then you have to pay the brand markup, or the overhead the airline charges (this is where airlines make or lose money, as it is the only portion of the fare that goes to them. When you bid on a flight, this is the part you are reducing- the part that goes to the airline.). The final portion of the fare is made up by the cost of the fuel that it takes to fly the plane. When gas prices go down, the cost it takes to put and keep a plane in the air goes down.
When you see fuel prices dip by more than $0.25 a gallon for more than a few days, go watch flight prices!!
On domestic flights it may not make a significant difference. But on international flights a fluctuation of 25 cents or more can mean a $100 fare decrease.

Hotels
When looking to get a great deal on a hotel room, never underestimate the power of a good email newsletter!
It's true. Signing up for newsletters from major chains or retailers (Travelocity, Expedia, etc) can make all the difference in getting a good deal on a hotel room. This is the fastest and easiest way for hotels to share deals and discounts.
Also, don't forget to do a simple internet search for "coupon codes for hotel rooms" before booking a room. Coupon codes can be found on several affiliate sites and can save $10-$50 off rooms in many major chains with no other strings attached.

Dream Vacations
When looking for a great deal on a dream vacation (by which I mean, exotic or famous destinations, that include all-inclusive packages) always check out what the major retailers are offering, and also check out offerings from membership dealers like Sam's Club. These are often special deals promoted and exclusively through the retailers and could not be duplicated for less.

Black Friday- real deals?

Are Black Friday deals the real thing? Or are they just a gimmick to get you to wake up at the crack of dawn and into a store on a day you should be sleeping off turkey?

The truth is, at least in my opinion, is that there are some good deals for the early risers. A few cream puffs to get you in the door. The rest of the "deals" are just good old-fashioned sales you will see for the next 4-5 weeks till Christmas.

If you just happen to be one of the people in the market for one of the cream puff deals, it is well worth it.

Sears held its first "Black Friday Now!" sale last week. Big box favorite Best Buy also held their first not-exactly-Black-Friday sale called "Shop Early-Save Big" November 5-6.

Computer e-tailer Newegg.com has launched a Black November featuring "shell shocker"-priced (get it? eggs? shells?) merchandise.

Target will open their doors at 4 am on Black Friday for 2 days of deals, followed by Cyber Monday deals.  Sign up here to get their email alerts.

Walmart has not yet announced its' Black Friday deals, but has confirmed they are coming, as well as Cyber Week Deals.

Toys "R" Us' Great Big Christmas Book began arriving for customers' on Oct. 31, featuring sales that will end on Nov. 24.

Twitter and Facebook are a great way to track which retailers have specials, values, and deals going on each day, in addition to subscribing to your favorite retailers' email newsletters.

Lowes on Facebook
Sam's Club on Twitter
Target on Facebook
Target on Twitter
Home Depot on Facebook
Old Navy on Twitter

Catalina Coupons

What is a Catalina Coupon? It is the random little coupons that spit out of the machine at the grocery store checkout. They are both based on your shopping patterns, and manufacturer, or store promoted. Ever bought a cup on Dannon yogurt and 2 seconds later a coupon printed out? It is likely not going to be a coupon for Dannon yogurt, but instead probably for one of Dannon's competitors like Activia or Yoplait.
Before I better understood couponing I would ignore these or throw them away as soon as they printed. After all, I had just bought yogurt, why would I want a coupon for another brand 2 seconds later? But now I know better.
Catalina coupons are usually worth more than the Sunday paper coupons! (However, they usually cannot be doubled.) They will frequently be for free samples (the competition wants you to try their product!)
And the best reason to pay attention to Catalinas? "$10 off your next grocery purchase!" Stores will give you cash incentives to come back! They will actually pay you to shop!
So use customer reward/membership/loyalty cards so that the stores can figure out your shopping habits. You will get rewarded for it!

When life forces you to cut back financially

Everyone has their own reasons for needing to cut back financially, whether it be the desire to save money in order to spend it elsewhere, sudden new expenses, or a lack of income. For me it was the double whammy of getting laid off (and my unemployment coverage was approximately 15% of my old salary) and sudden new expenses. Not to mention, I'm just morally opposed to paying more than I have to for anything.
So how does a girl who loves to eat out, buy nice jeans, and travel get by on a shoestring budget and barely any money?
Well, that's where this blog comes in. I'm trying to journal my experiences (I just haven't done a very good job so far) as I attempt to cut back 85% of my expenses!
The first thing I did was start "extreme couponing." With this one tool alone I managed to save nearly 60% on my grocery bill, and stock up on essential items. Stick around, and later this week I will teach you everything I know about it!

Having fun and saving money all at the same time!

If you are a Harry Potter fan you are probably well aware of the fact that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows comes out in just a few weeks. May I make a suggestion? Save some money on your tickets by buying this CityDeals offer!

2 AMC Theater movie tickets ($26 value) for just $13! 
(If you don't have an AMC near you they also have a great deal for Cinemark!)

Save 50% off movie tickets to AMC. And while you are CityDeals find a great deal on eating out at places like Cold Stone Creamery!

Perfect date night if you ask me- ice cream and a movie!! (Hint, hint!)

For my Utah friends- savings at Seven Peaks!!

Save 70% off passes to Seven Peaks

This is a crazy deal and is available for this year through Labor Day 2011! Seven Peaks has partnered with CityDeals and is offering a pass to multiple locations that will be sure keep the kids -- or the kid at heart-- busy this year and next. We've listed out the details of the pass and provided a contact number in case there are questions.

Seven Peaks Pass of all Passes

NEW 4 pack-Pass of All Passes-Save 68%

List Price: $440.00 Your Price: $139.95 Save 68%

This package includes four (4) "Pass of All Passes"

Each "Pass of All Passes" includes all of the following through Labor Day 2011 -- yep we said 2011!

CityDeals

Ladies and Gentlemen, I bring you CityDeals - a fun way to save!

City Deals offers a wide variety of deals every day in your city.  This isn’t a one-deal-a-day site.  There are lots of deals to the places you play, eat, and relax. When you click the link (or sometimes just look at the ad here in the sidebar) you will see the deals for your specific location.
Just find the deals you want and check out.  There are restaurants, movie theaters, car washes, and more. If you love Buca di Beppo as much as I do (which, my friends, is a LOT of love), you will soon love CityDeals as much as I do because you can save up to 40% off at Buca. Also, you can save 20% off concessions and movie tickets at Cinemark theaters if you buy through CityDeals. 

You’ll normally receive your order by mail within 2 – 3 business days.  They will send you professionally designed certificates you’ll be proud to use and give as gifts. (no ugly homemade print outs that look sketchy)

Smart on Money

I highly recommend Smart on Money for personal financial advice. My favorite article? Personal Finance Basics: Live Below Your Means. Such a simple concept, and yet, it eludes so many people.

No Brainer, Beginners Tip

To those who naturally think environmentally friendly and cutting back financially at the same time, this following tip will be a no-brainer.
Save money with a refillable cup.

I admit it, I am a Diet Dr Pepper addict. When I'm really trying to save my pennies, I search my Sunday circulars and coupons and buy my favorite drink at the cheapest store, and keep it in the fridge. However, this doesn't cut it for me. I love my drink, but what I love even more is having my favorite drink, on ice, in a cup, with a straw. And preferably in a cup that won't spill in the car. (My worst habit? I am incapable of driving more than 2 miles without a cold drink with me. Doesn't matter what the drink is, as long as it is cold, on ice, and has a straw.) Years ago I learned the frugality of refilling my drinks at gas station soda fountains, or bringing along my own can. But I find that gas station cups are freakishly large and both don't fit in my cupholders, and cause bladder problems 10 minutes down the road. Oh, and I never finish the drink before it goes flat and nasty.
On weeks where I go to the gas station to buy a drink I spend $1.79 on the first cup, and then on average $0.79 twice a day ($1.58) five days a week. The math-I spend $9.59 on my caffeine habit a week. Which on my tight budget, is just too much.
Enter my new beloved Copco Cup. I bought it on sale at Bed Bath and Beyond 6 weeks ago for $6.99. At the time it seemed expensive, but I liked the size, indestructible straw, and that it was dishwasher safe (which most gas station cups are not).
Since then I have returned to my habit of buying cheap 24 packs of cokes on sale, and filling up my cup at home. That costs me approximately $4.99 a week. Maybe a little more with sales tax.
Savings difference of $4.60. Add in the cost of the cup at $7.99, and basically this little Copco Cup paid itself off in under 2 weeks. And saves me roughly $18.40 a month on my caffeine habit.
Not too shabby! Save money and go green all at the same time.




And bonus, today as I was searching for images of this cup, I found this blog- More Green for Less Green - reviewing the same product!

Cutting Back- get rid of the TV!

After several months of unemployment my finances are taking a hit. What I get from the state in unemployment coverage in a month is a little bit less than what I used to make in a week. I've had to cut back financially significantly. Saving just a few dollars here and there really starts to add up when you are trying to live off of 25% of your old salary.
My first major change was the TV. I had always had cable, and along with it a DVR. I was paying close to $100 just to watch TV! This was the obvious and first place to make a cutback. (Which, may I add, is hard when suddenly you are at home round the clock with nothing to do.)
A little bit of research indicated that I could watch all of my favorite shows on Hulu or the network websites. My two favorite shows, NCIS (NCIS: Seasons 1-6) and the Good Wife (The Good Wife: The First Season), are both on CBS. Neither show is available on Hulu. You have to watch CBS shows on cbs.com. If you don't catch it within the week of airing, you have to watch it on iTunes. I quickly learned that I was not saving any money by watching shows on iTunes!
I had expected that "watching TV online" would mean more freedom to watch whenever I wanted to. This was the first myth I encountered. "Watching TV online" means a little bit of freedom to watch shows whenever you want, but not complete flexibility and freedom. Some shows don't become available online for 8 days, some are only available for 1 week.
However, the majority of shows are available for free on Hulu. Hulu truly does make it possible to get rid of cable or the antenna. The major drawback to watching shows on Hulu (or other network sites) is that you have to watch them on your computer. For anyone used to watching shows from the comfort of the couch, on a nice big TV, you do lose that advantage. After spending a long day at work, staring at a computer, sometimes coming home to spend downtime on the computer, is a significant drawback of watching tv online. There are ways around this. You can hook your computer up to your TV (works best with a laptop) with a VGA or HDMI cable (HDMI TO HDMI 6 foot cable). If your laptop and TV are both HDMI compatible, you can hear the shows through the TV as well. If you only have a VGA connection, the sound will still be through the computer (another drawback). Be sure to disable any screen savers or instant messengers before sitting back to relax.
One perk to watching shows online is that the commercials are more customized to the viewer. Through the use of cookies and online profiles, the website is able to provide commercials that are more targeted. No more suffering through commercials that are completely unrelated and interesting.
Overall Costs:
High speed internet: $33
HDMI Cable: $2.30 from Amazon


Previous costs:
Cable: $54
DVR $18

Total savings: $72 -$34.30 = Savings $37.70