This week we talked to Meijer about all the ways they are helping shoppers save.  One of the biggest ways to save time and money is with the Meijer Mealbox Online Program.  Through this online tool you can access thousands of recipies and hundreds of coupons and plan  your weekly meals.

Check it out at www.meijermealbox.com

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If you’re worried about the current economic conditions and what it means for your family, chances are your kids are too.  Below are some tips for talking to your children about finances and how the current situation is affecting your family.

• Remember that kids live in a black and white world.  It’s a common reaction for people to joke about their economic predicament.  Unfortunately, kids don’t often understand the difference
  between a joke and reality and may literally think your family will end up on the streets even though you mean it in jest.
• Be honest.  Give your children a basic understanding of your financial situation, but only provide them the amount of information appropriate for their age.  Reassure them that while you may need to cut back in places, you’ll still be able to provide for their needs.
• Add context to financial conversations.  Showing older kids your monthly bills can help them gain a better understanding of your situation and identify ways they can contribute.  Seeing the actual bills and how you pay them is a good way to bring financial discussions to life.

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In this week’s show both financial guru, Dave Ramsey and Jennifer Ranville of Fifth Third Bank stressed the importance of creating a budget.  Both recommend starting with a simple formula that will give you an idea of your monthly income vs. expenses.  Click on the link below to download Dave Ramsey’s free budget template that will help you get started.

http://www.daveramsey.com/fpu/home/index.cfm?fuseaction=dspJustContent&intContentId=3006

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MIChild is a low cost health insurance program for uninsured children of working families.  If you are self-employed or your employer doesn’t offer insurance for your children, this plan is for you.  For one low cost of $10 a month, all of your children are covered.

MIChild coverage includes:
-Regular medical check-ups
-Immunizations
-Emergency care
-Dental care
-Hearing and vision
-Prescriptions
-Mental health and substance abuse

To qualify for MIChild you must live in the state of Michigan, be under 19 years of age and meet income requirements.  For more information on the program, call 1-888-988-6300 or visit www.michigan.gov.

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According to Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital parent educator, Pat Crum, being a parent is one of the most challenging jobs in the world.  “Parents are pulled in many different directions and under various pressures,” said Crum.  “As a society, we fail to recognize how hard parenting is and don’t acknowledge what it takes to be a good parent.”

Here are 12 guidelines she recommends every parent follows:

1. Take care of yourself. It is easier to meet your child’s needs if you take care of your own.  Over-commitment and fatigue are two of the greatest distractions from positive parenting.  Take time to relax and enjoy the company of your children.

2. Speak calmly and firmly to your children when they misbehave.  Tell them what they have done and what would have been a better choice.

3. Realize it is okay for your child to say “no.”  Disagreeing respectfully is a skill that must be learned and one parents can teach.  Keep in mind that you want them to have the skill to say “no” to peer pressure and inappropriate situations.

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