By Guest Post on March 3, 2010
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When it comes to planning a fun birthday party a little imagination beats a lot of expense. Your child’s party can be fun to plan and host with these suggestions,
Keep It Simple. Your child’s birthday party isn’t about showing off to the neighbors and trying to impress your friends and family. It’s about celebrating one of the most important days in your child’s life. Don’t worry about serving expensive foods. Provide juice and healthy snacks instead. Apple slices and grapes aren’t just healthier than pizza, they’re a lot cheaper too.
Keep It Safe. While inflatable castles and pony rides can be fun, they’re also expensive and potentially dangerous. Look for activities and entertainment that engage the imagination and channel your young guests’ energy safely. While a professional magician can keep kids happy they tend to cost a good penny. Consider hiring local high-school aged amateur magician. Just be sure to see the act before you book it.
Keep It Short. The younger the birthday child, the fewer guests. If you have a toddler, just invite a handful of kids. Make your party as short as possible for younger children. It’s not only cheaper but the parents will appreciate it.
Focus on Fun. Don’t try to plan a perfect party, it will never happen. Just think of ways to make your child and his or her friends happy. Stumped on ideas? Ask your babysitter to come by and help run some games.
Timing. If you can, consider planning your child’s birthday party during the week instead of the weekend. Plan the party during winter recess or summer vacation on a weekday and you’ll save money on party rooms and party entertainment. Be sure to ask for a mid-week discount.
The biggest money-saver is time. By planning early you’ll have time to make your own decorations, cakes and activities.
Brian is a magician in New York City who entertains at countless birthday parties every year.
By Guest Post on February 25, 2010
This is a guest post by Claire Anderson, a UK based debt adviser and personal finance expert.
Proper debt management etiquette would tell us that when struggling with juggling our bank balances, the luxuries go right out of the window. Yes, that includes your morning Starbucks, deli bought lunches, impulse purchases and the new jacket [...]
By Heather Sokol on February 8, 2010
Whether you are celebrating Valentine’s Day with a sweetie or looking for ways to connect with your significant other on a regular basis, finances can often get in the way. Even if you are already married, a regular date night is a complete necessity. You need to spend time together without the distractions of daily [...]
By Heather Sokol on February 1, 2010
In less than a week, the biggest game of the year is on television, and the parties are on! Whether your hosting a small gathering, throwing a huge shindig or attending one of your own, we’re here to share tips & tricks for keeping it on a budget.
One of the best things about hosting [...]
By Heather Sokol on January 11, 2010
One of our favorite things to do in the winter is visit the children’s museum. It isn’t free (although they do have a free day once per month) but investing in a family membership sure makes it feel that way when I’m looking for something to break cabin fever. You can purchase a membership to [...]
By Heather Sokol on January 8, 2010
A monthly family fun outing is a great way to spend time together, but our choices become more limited in colder months. Here’s a little know fact (unless you happen to know me personally to hear me complain all the time): I hate snow! It’s cold, it’s wet and it takes away my favorite activities. [...]
By Guest Post on January 7, 2010
Joining us this week is Joanna from It’s Just Change, giving us a peek into (free) date nights with her hubby. Joanna is a computer programmer by day, gardener by night in central Indiana where she lives with her husband and their dog. She writes about saving money & spending it ethically at It’s Just [...]
By Heather Sokol on December 23, 2009
The Countdown to Christmas is almost over—only 2 days until Christmas.
Several years ago, I purchased the Precious Moments Advent Calendar in lieu of the chocolate calendar my girls usually undertake. Each day included a sweet suggestion on a way to help others through the holiday season. It was a lot like the 30 Day Giving [...]
By Melissa on December 18, 2009
Our Countdown to Christmas continues—7 days until Christmas.
My family LOVES Christmas lights. We have always loved to put them on the Christmas trees and the house. Over the last few years, however, we have had to appreciate them more on others houses then we have our own. My dad got cancer and then passed away. [...]
By Heather Sokol on December 14, 2009
Our Countdown to Christmas is going strong—11 days until Christmas.
Today, we’re inviting you to share your holiday own tips as we combine our holiday series with this week’s Money Saving Monday.
With less than 2 weeks to Christmas and only a few days until the school’s winter break, it’s time to start planning some holiday fun! [...]
