Americans are expected to spend more than $8 billion to celebrate Halloween this year, according to financial expert Andrea Woroch. Retail traps such as store displays, creative marketing and inflated claims of discounts can take your budget and your holiday to a spooky place if you don’t anticipate -- and avoid -- some of the gimmicky temptations of the season.
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How to Spend Less on Halloween
For many families, Halloween's one of the most fun nights of the year — but costumes, parties and decorations can seriously stretch a budget. In 2011, the National Retail Federation predicted that Americans would spend more than $1 billion on children’s costumes alone. A spooky time doesn’t have to break the bank, though. With some creativity and cost-saving tips, this ghostly holiday can spook the entire family without incurring a scary credit-card bill.
Mama’s Boys: Doing things together enhances the mother-son bond
Published September 2012: Mom.Me Mama's Boys Doing Things Together Enhances the Mother-Son Bond Article Excerpt: Ann Morgan James believes in turning minutes into moments with her 13-year-old son. “It is just Jack and me,” says James, “so we get to spend a lot of quality time together.” In addition to running a business together that educates kids about financial literacy, the two strengthen their mother-son bond with fun activities. And so can you. From indoor playtime to outdoor adventures, seek out the fun with your son through bonding activities perfect for both of you.
Halloween Parties
As the leaves turn colors and the winds pick up, the timing is right for a special night filled with ghosts and goblins. With some Halloween sorcery in the air and minimal planning, pull off the party of the century with out-of-the-ordinary ideas to frighten and delight children, families and adults.
New Beginnings Disguised as Chaos
As a working single mom, I’ve never been one to wallow in the challenges of the balancing act. I’ve accepted the fact that I live in my car 6 out of 7 days a week transporting my kiddos to and from dance, football and soccer practices. I’ve accepted the fact that no matter how hard I try, we will run out of milk before I buy a new gallon and it’s likely that we will be late to at least three events each week. I’ve also accepted the fact that I am going to mess up … a lot. This summer, especially, has been a summer of chaos and mess ups. The kids and I were dealt a challenging blow with the end of long-term relationships, delays with selling and buying a new home, and the task of rebuilding some of the bonds we had lost in the shuffle of just plain busyness. These challenges were a blessing in disguise. While sleeping on mattresses on the floor, we’ve had a chance to cuddle as a trio to watch movies. While selling old furniture and long-forgotten toys, we’ve been given a chance to wash away some of the old pain in search of new beginnings. While packing up our memories, we’ve talked at length about the new memories we are about to make. I’ve learned so much about my children this summer than I have in a long time – without these challenges and a complete release of baggage wearing us down, this would not have been possible. At the end of the day, as tired as I am physically and emotionally, I’ve realized that I have the best job in the world as a mom. Not only do I get to have these wonderful people to myself, I also get to see their smiling faces each and every morning. I get to congratulate them when they master a triple or conquer a tackle. I get to talk with them about their day while driving through Starbucks and kiss them good night, no matter how many times they tell me they are getting too old for that. I get the opportunity to ‘be’ something to them, like no one else. In a few days, I get to provide them with a new beginning that will change their lives forever. And, I can’t wait to make it a reality. - Shannon Philpott Blog Entry: July 18, 2012
Frugal Shopping Myths DeBunked
Frugal Shopping Myths DeBunked Find Your Own Truths About Frugal Grocery Shopping Article Excerpt: The list of frugal grocery shopping tips seems to go on forever. Typical ideas include buying in bulk, cutting coupons and stocking up during the off-season. But are all of these really the best practices when it comes to saving cash and filling the fridge for the family? Don’t be deceived by common myths that may end up costing you at the checkout. Dig into fresh strategies, and you could end up saving more than a few dimes every time you fill your cart with fruits, veggies, meats and name-brand goodies. Read the Rest of the Story Here
Making Your Apartment a Home
Moving into a new apartment can be an adventure, but it can also feel limiting, as most leases bar any big design changes. Even though you don't own the property and can’t make drastic renovations, that doesn’t mean you can’t make it feel like home -- and you don't need drills, bits and hammers in order to make it happen.
When Grown Kids Return to the Nest …
After your children leave home, it’s likely that you’ve packed up the trophies and posters on the wall and converted their bedrooms into an office, sewing room or even a guest bedroom. When an adult child returns to live with you, a struggle for space and comfort might show up, too. A few space-saving techniques that won’t involve an emotional battle or pricey home remodel can help smooth the transition for all.
The Christmas Balancing Act
Even though Christmas cards and family portraits portray an image of a season of joy, the holidays often lead many on an emotional roller coaster ride that can easily run off course. From the hustle and bustle of shopping to preparations for family get-togethers, the spirit of the season can dwindle without the opportunity to recoup.
Classy Christmas Dining Decor
When it comes to Christmas gatherings, the tree may be the focus of the room, but the food is the center of the action. The table is where friends and families come together to celebrate the festivities of the season.
Shannon Philpott-Sanders 