Savings Pointers for Parents
It’s never too early or too late to start saving for college, the important thing is that you are putting away money for the future.
savings
Have You Heard of M-Perks?
We all love saving money and our friends at Meijer have a very cool new way to do it!
Save Money While Shopping
Here are five ways to enjoy your next shopping trip without breaking the bank.
Setting Good Financial Examples
As a grandparent, you can have a deep impact on your grandchildren’s financial futures. As soon as your grandchildren can count, you should introduce them to money – what it is and how it works – because observation and repetition are two important ways children learn.
1. Set goals, and encourage your grandkids to reach them. If you know they want a toy, tell them you’ll match what they save – and help them buy it themselves.
2. Open a bank account for them, and contribute to it regularly – even if it’s in small denominations here and there. When they visit, go over the balances and help them set goals on how to spend the money when they’re older. Will this go towards their first car? A college education? A wedding?
3. Start talking about college early, and show them you mean business. Grandparents can open a 529 account for grandkids, or if they already have one contribute to it.
These are three tips to give your grandkids a good financial foundation without breaking the bank!
Financing College Without Breaking the Bank
Here are five ways to sending your child off to college, without breaking the bank!
Tip 1: Remember the ABC’s of borrowing wisely
· Always take advantage of free money such as grants and scholarships, before taking out a loan to pay for college. Look for easy money, like your parent’s place of employment, which sometimes offers scholarships for college-age children.
· Be sure to maximize your Federal Stafford Loan eligibility, as federal student loans generally have lower interest rates than private student loans.
· Consider alternative or private student loans only after all federal money options have been exhausted.
Tip 2: Open a Student Checking Account
Whether you’re attending school close to home or far away, you need a checking account that’s simple. When you move onto campus, stop by your local bank and open up a student account. Student accounts are specially designed with students in mind, with less fees, no minimum balances, limited free wire transfers so parents can put money into the account from back home, and more.
Tip 3: Use Credit Cards Wisely
Use credit cards wisely because this is a chance to establish a solid credit history. Watch your interest rates, and pay your balance off each month. Don’t use the card for routine living expenses or a night on the town – those expenses add up quickly. It may be a better idea to opt for a debit card for your student instead. Read all »
Home Cookin’ with Jaye Beeler
This week we dropped in to visit Jaye Beeler, Food Editor of the Grand Rapids Press. One of the easiest ways to save money is to eat in. Here are some great recipies that she shared with us.
Terri & Jaye’s Pesto
Ingredients:
6 large cloves garlic
1 1/2 cups fresh basil leaves
3 cups fresh spinach, stems removed
3/4 cup walnuts
12 ounces Asiago or Parmesan cheese, grated
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Preparation:
In a food processor, mince garlic. Add basil, spinach and walnuts. Process until the texture of coarse meal. Add cheese. With motor running, add oil in a steady stream and process until pesto is a smooth paste. Add more oil, if necessary. Serve on cooked pasta, grilled meats or with bread or crackers.
Additional Information:
Makes 4 1/2 to 6 cups pesto.
Per ¼ cup: 172 calories, 15 grams fat, 7 grams protein, 2 grams carbohydrate, 1 gram fiber, 12 milligrams cholesterol, 281 milligrams sodium.
Helping Shoppers Save
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
Get the Look for Less at Goodwill
Often times you look through the fashion magazines and think, how can I afford to be trendy? Well, this week we stopped by Goodwill Industries of Greater Grand Rapids and found five of the seasons hottest trends for a fraction of the price!
1. Cold Weather Chic – When you look at this season’s ads for Gap and Express there are tons of cute stylish sweaters, hats and scarves. We found very similar styles at Goodwill for under $5 a piece!
2. Denim – With so many fun fits like bootcut, skinny leg, wide leg and colored jeans, it’s hard to afford a bunch of pairs. All of Goodwill’s jeans are $5 or less, so you can afford to have an assortment in your closet.
3. Black & White – This month, Glamour Magazine features a fashion spread on the classic look of black and white. Whether it’s pants, a skirt or chic top, Goodwill has it.
Back to Basics Supermarket Savings
1. Keep a grocery list. Gas for an extra trip to the store easily can add a dollar or more to your grocery bill. Keep a grocery list where it’s easily accessible and stick to your list for added savings. Saving on gas $1.00 or more.
2. Garbage check. We lose money whenever we toss food because it spoiled before we got around to eating it. Make planning to avoid tossing foods a priority and try to recycle leftovers. Saving on tossing out a half bag of lettuce is $1.00.
3. Brown bag it. If you normally eat out at noon, consider brown bagging it at least once a week. The typical fast food meal easily can cost $5.00 or more. Eating a sack lunch once a week can save you $2.50 or five days a week will save $12.50.
4. Coupon common sense. Use coupons only for foods you normally would eat, rather than for “extras.” If you have access to a computer, check online for coupons. For starters, check the www.meijermealbox.com web site for meal planning, recipes and coupons. Using seven $0.50 coupons for items you use will save $3.50.
The Arts on a Budget
Looking for some affordable ways to introduce your kids to the arts? Here are some low-cost options that won’t break the bank.
1. Call your local art museum and ask what types of deals they offer for families. At the Grand Rapids Art Museum they offer dollar days on Tuesdays from 1-5. Admission is completely free!
2. Does your town have a theatre guild? Broadway Grand Rapids offers a Broadway in Education program which awards schools and non-profit organizations tickets to local broadway shows. Read all »
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Maranda's Go-To Gal
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Whitecaps Blog
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Cruiser's Blog
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Health & Wellness
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Healthy Living
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