Category: Family Life

As a parent, you want what is best for your children. You want them to grow up and become better than you. To live a life that is good, healthy and happy.

This journey starts from infancy. By making the right choice when it comes to your baby’s toys and accessories you can help shape their future.

Yet, that can often be easier said than done. The market is flooded with toys, and prices that seem to grow every week. How do you know if you are making the right choice? How can you be sure you are not buying a toy that will stunt or not enable your baby’s development.

Well, keep reading, because in the coming paragraphs we are going to look at the best smart baby toys. We want to help you give your baby a brighter tomorrow, today.

1. Building Blocks are a Great Gift Idea

When it comes finding a great gift that will make your baby smarter, building blocks are a great choice.

Not only are they widely available, but they are a highly versatile toy that can be suitable for multiple age ranges. This is great for encouraging interplay between your children.

On top of that, their abundance makes them a great gift if you are living on a budget.

2. An Abacus Is One of the Best Smart Toys for Babies

Another classic baby toy that you can invest in is an abacus. Teach your children how to count and solve basic maths sums from an early age with this timeless teaching toy.

Buying wooden toys, or juguetes de madera is perfect because their hardwearing nature is ideal for intensive use. If there is one thing a smarter baby toy needs to be, it is durable.

3. Shape Sorting Toys Are a Smart Choice

Another wonderful toy option for promoting and nurturing a smarter baby are shape sorting toys.

There are hundreds upon hundreds of options for you to choose from, and while the basis of each is the same, the variation will keep your child engaged while developing an unshakable intelligence. Repetition is a fundamental part of learning in small children, and so by offering multiple shape sorting toys, you are stimulating development.

4. A Toy Kitchen or Grocery Store

When thinking about how to make your baby smart, there is a logic behind looking at toys that develop their IQ alone, but social skills and interaction is a crucial element behind intelligence.

Toys like a play kitchen or grocery store will stimulate both emotional and intellectual intelligence, as well or increasing your child’s skills at social interaction.

5. Crayons Stimulate Creativity and Coordination

A box of crayons is a wonderful gift for any child. Allowing them the emotional freedom to explore their own creativity from a young age is beneficial for their development.

Crayons allow your child to develop their coordination skills, as well as craft the ability to accurately express through a meidum other than speech. If you want to make your baby smarter, then nurturing their artistic side is a great way to go.

Buying Smart Baby Toys is Investing in Your Child’s Future

Any toy you buy your child should be well considered. Their development is so rapid at such a young age, making the right choice is imperative. It is also almost too easy at times, meaning you may find it hard to decide which smart baby toys would serve you best.

The trick is to trust your gut. You know your child; their likes and interests. Nurture them and provide them with a loving home to develop themselves and any choice you make will be the right one.

Check out some of our other posts for more advice on children and raising a family.

Private school for an elementary student averages $7,770 per year. For high school, that number climbs to $13,030 each year. How do those numbers fit into your budget?

You want the best education for your child. But you also need to pay your mortgage on time and keep food on the table.

How do you balance your regular budget demands with the extra cost of private school tuition? 

Luckily, you don’t have to give up all your comforts. But you may need to cut back in some areas.

Keep reading to explore eight ways to make private school more affordable.

1. Check into Financial Aid

Don’t let the sticker shock of private school cost scare you away from applying. Private schools offer financial aid to offset the costs.

Parents often think they make too much money to qualify for financial aid. That’s not always true. 

Your child may qualify for private school scholarships or grants to cover part of the tuition cost. That makes the remaining portion much more affordable.

It’s always a good idea to apply for financial aid even if you don’t think you’ll qualify. 

Some states offer scholarships and other programs to cover the costs of private school. The Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program is just one example. It covers private school costs for kids from low-income families.

You can learn more about financial aid options by visiting the websites of any private schools you’re considering. Check with your state’s department of education for state financial aid options.

2. Ask about Payment Plans

Worried you’ll have to cut a check for the full tuition cost when you enroll? Paying upfront often saves you a little on tuition. If you have the money, that may be the best option.

Most private schools offer payment plans if you can’t pay it all. This option lets you spread out the cost throughout the year. If you’re on a tight budget, the payment plan can make it more feasible to cover private school tuition.

Payment plans vary by school. Some offer a semi-annual plan to break the tuition into two payments. Others let you pay monthly for even smaller payments.

3. Cut Back on Spending

If the cost of private school doesn’t fit into your budget, can you cut back in other areas? You can’t eliminate your mortgage or other fixed expenses. But you can ease up on extra spending.

Here are areas where most families can cut back:

• Dining at restaurants less
• Skipping the movie theater in favor of a movie at home
• Replacing cable with low-cost streaming services
• Planning cheaper meals to cut grocery costs
• Waiting to replace furniture, vehicles, and other major expenses
• Taking cheaper vacations or skip a year or two
• Refinancing or consolidating debt to reduce payments

Not sure where your money’s going? An expense tracker can help you spot areas where you can cut back.  

4. Save on Uniforms

Tuition is only part of the private school cost. You’ll likely need uniforms and other equipment for your kids.

Ask if the private school offers a uniform swap program. These programs let you get free uniforms from other families whose kids have outgrown theirs.

If you know other families who go to the private school, you may be able to get old uniforms from them that no longer fit. Check local children’s thrift stores or garage sales for uniforms. 

Some schools have a specific uniform and retailer you have to use. Look for discount codes through those retailers. You might get a bulk discount for ordering multiples or a free shipping code for a large order.

Other schools have a general dress code, such as dress pants and a polo. Look for clothes that fit the requirements on clearance racks to save money.

5. Look for Discounts

We already talked about getting discounts for paying tuition in full. You may find a few other discounts if you ask.

One common private school discount is for families with multiple children. Many private schools offer a sibling discount for enrolling more than one student.

Even if you only have one child, it doesn’t hurt to ask for a discount. The school may offer discounts for other reasons. Some provide a tuition discount for school employees.   

6. Get Tax Breaks on Savings Plans

Educational savings plans help you grow your money for tuition. These investment accounts let you earn interest on your savings. They come with tax perks that can help you save money.

A Coverdell Education Savings Account works for elementary, secondary, and college expenses. Each child can have up to $2,000 in contributions every year. It won’t cover all the tuition, but it helps.

You can’t deduct your contributions on your income taxes. But the money grows tax-free in the account. 

Distributions are also tax-free in most cases. The distribution has to be less than the qualified education expenses to be tax-free. If it’s more than the expenses, a part of the earnings may be taxed.

A 529 plan is a way to save for private school tuition. You can choose your investment portfolio to help grow your money.

Each state runs its own 529 plan. The specifics and investment options vary. You can open a 529 plan in another state to take advantage of better terms.

Tax advantages happen a few ways. Some states offer tax benefits on your contributions. You might be able to deduct the amount from your state taxes.

If you withdraw the money for qualifying educational expenses, you don’t have to pay federal income tax on the earnings.  

7. Ask for Family Donations

Do your kids get way too many toys as gifts? Maybe the grandparents always ask for gift suggestions, but you don’t know what to say.

Why not ask them to donate toward your child’s education? It’s a practical option that helps you and your child. 

Some relatives like to give a physical gift other than cash. One option is to ask them to buy a uniform or two. 

8. Look for Other Money Sources

Still trying to figure out how to cover the costs of private school? We have a few more potential sources of money that may work.

If you don’t mind taking on some debt, you can take out a loan to cover the tuition cost. Check the terms of the loan, including the interest rate and penalties for paying off the loan early. Make sure you can afford the loan payments in your budget.

Another option is making extra money to cover the costs. Selling items you no longer need is one idea when you need money now to cover tuition. 

You can also take on a small part-time job. Ideas include babysitting, lawn care, rideshare driving, and running errands for people. Put any money you earn through these side gigs toward tuition.

Save for Private School Tuition Now

How are you saving for private school tuition? It can take a little creativity, but it is possible to work it into your budget.

Leave a comment to let us know how you afford the costs of private education! 

Ahh, yes, summertime. The sun is out, school is finished (for now), and you’re ready to hit the road for an amazing vacation or just hang out near home and explore the community. Either way, you know you can easily have tons of fun without breaking the bank.

With kids in tow, finding fun outdoor summer activities is paramount. And doing that on a budget makes it a tad bit challenging.

Pondering all of this incredible summer action should inspire you to come up with a few ideas that might just help you enjoy your next big summer break on a budget.

Don’t know where to start? Keep reading to discover our guide to the best summer activities.

1. Hit the Beach (It’s Free)

If you live near the beach, or even if you don’t, it’s fun to stroll the sandy shore as a family. Not only will you get to enjoy the soothing sounds of the surf hitting the sand, but the kids will love it, too.

After everyone’s done swimming and building sandcastles, take a leisurely stroll down the boardwalk. A few ice creams and maybe a souvenir later, and everyone’s happy.

One word of advice: always remember your sunscreen, and make sure you apply it multiple times if you’re hanging out for a few hours.

2. Explore the Great Outdoors

Nature has a lot to offer, and other than perhaps some park fees, you can explore it for a low price. Consider heading out to your nearest camping grounds and pitch a tent for a few nights. Memories are guaranteed to be made.

3. Go on an Adventure

If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, why not try your hand at something completely new, like whitewater rafting with Quest Expeditions? When summer ends, you and your kids will have plenty of amazing stories to tell.

The number of outdoor summer activities is endless so get creative and look at hiking trails, local ranger programs, or fishing trips to truly immerse yourselves in the great outdoors.

4. Make the Backyard a Haven for Outdoor Summer Activities

You can easily transform your own backyard into an outdoor play area. Set up a space for some fun arts and crafts where you can build things like birdhouses or planters. 

Get creative and come up with some awesome outdoor games the kids will love. A simple sandbox is a fabulous choice for toddlers. Invite neighbors over, and you’ve got yourself a party. 

Have water balloon fights, roast marshmallows over a fire, and go exploring for birds and insects. These activities aren’t just inexpensive, they’re also a fantastic way to teach your kids and have some low-cost, authentic bonding time. 

Summer Doesn’t Have to Break the Bank

Whether it’s a chill day at the beach or a camping trip, you can experience a myriad of awesome outdoor summer activities all at a reasonable cost.

Remember that your kids want to spend time with you, and in the long run, they’d much prefer that over an expensive luxury vacation.

Be sure to check out our blog for some more awesome frugal travel tips so you can make this summer one you’ll always remember.

Getting rid of clutter gets rid of 40% of housework.

Is your disorganization costing you time?

If so, you need to pause and re-assess. You have heard the term, “time is money“, right?

Here are 10 random organization hacks to stop wasting time by decluttering your home. As a bonus, these are things you can find around your house or for cheap at a dollar store.

1. Plastic Lids

I can count on one hand how many people I’ve met my entire life that have their Tupperware cabinet under control.

It gets hectic quick, which is why you need to use an old CD holder or file rack to organize that mess.

2. Plastic Bags

We shouldn’t have any of these things considering what we know about how harmful plastic is to the environment.

Nonetheless, we’ve all been to the grocery store and forgotten our reusable bags.

When that happens — keep them!

You can store them neatly in an old, washed out Dura-lite container with the lid cut off. Then you’ll get two birds with one stone by re-using two plastic items.

3. Bath Toys

This works the same with loofahs and sponges, 

Use a hanging basket (perhaps a fruit one) to keep bath toys from dripping outside of the tub.

This trick works with loofahs and sponges, too.

4. Office Supplies: Pens and Scizzors

All right, there are a few things you can do in this department.

The first is to repurpose soup cans into pen holders. You can even decorate them for style points.

5. Office Supplies: Drawers

The second is to use old baking sheets or muffin tins inside of drawers. This is great for shallow spaces or those junk drawers we cram shut (oops).

6. Bobby Pins

Do you lose more bobby pins than you use?

Try storing hairpins in an old Tic-Tac container or on a magnetic strip.

7. Jewelry When Traveling

It’s easy to throw your jewelry into a tangled mess when traveling…and then spend forever untangling necklaces and earrings.

Put small earrings and rings in pill organizers to keep you from having to sort them out after your trip.

8. Loose Cords

Am I the only one who has drawers and piles of random cords?

Hopefully not… Regardless, we should all make use of binder clips by clipping cords in a bundle.

9. Tank Tops

Besides the kids’ room, our own closet might be the most disorganized space in the house.

To slowly start tackling that mess, put your cami tank tops all on one hook or hanger. When you’re ready, check out these other closet organization tricks.

10. The Most Versatile of Organization Hacks: Repurposing Old Glass Jars

I could go on all day about the various uses for mason jars. Cupcake liners, cotton balls, flour, you name it.

Here’s one way you can clean out used jars for repurposing.

All Organization Counts — No Matter How Small

To hype yourself up about getting the little and big stuff cleaned up, tell yourself this:  

It’s one small step for organization hacks, one large step for time well spent.

Once you get fully organized and regain 40% of the time you were spending due to chaotic clutter, now you can move on to saving money on cleaning.

Even though the number of babies born in the US each year is dropping, 3.8 million couples still welcomed a new member of their family into their homes last year. A baby is a bundle of joy, and is totally worth every penny, but with every bundle of joy comes a bundle of costs, too.

If you’re one of the people who’s letting a new child into their life, one of the most important expenses you’re going to be looking into is a bassinet for your baby. After all, every parent wants to make sure that their baby is comfortable, gets sound sleep, and stays healthy.

Here, we’re going to help you figure out how to choose the best bassinet, all while keeping the upcoming money-crunch of having a baby in mind.

Research Different Options

The most important thing that you can do when choosing a bassinet for your little one is to look online at all your different options. When you’re buying on a budget, it’s important to look at different websites to find the best deals.

Even if cost is a huge concern, though, don’t just buy something because you see that it’s cheap. Look at the online reviews for it, too, and make sure that other parents find it safe and comfortable for their baby. You wouldn’t want your baby not getting restful sleep, or worse, falling out and hurting herself.

And speaking of hearing from other parents, try asking people you know in real life, too, what worked for them when they had a baby. Even if you aren’t in a group for new parents or parents-to-be, you likely have friends or family who’ve been there that you can ask.

To get started, check out this review of the top five rocking bassinets!

Safety First

Remember earlier when we said that cost wasn’t the only factor in choosing a bassinet? Well, it isn’t the most important one, either. All good parents value the safety of their children above all else, and since your baby will spend a lot of time in her bassinet, you might want to make the investment to get a good one.

There are bassinets out there that can keep your baby safe by detecting their movement and making sure that she doesn’t take a tumble. It also has microphones that can tell the parents when she starts crying or making sounds, so you can take care of your baby when she needs you.

Plus, these bassinets can perform other functions like regulating temperature and rocking, depending on which ones you decide to get. So you aren’t just investing in your baby’s safety, but their comfort, too! Plus, a comfortable, sleeping baby means a good night’s sleep for you, too, so it’s a worthy investment on all fronts.

There are a lot of bassinets like this. They’re meant to keep baby comfy by mimicking the shape and warmth of the womb so the baby can make her transition into the world as smoothly as possible.

Look For Discounts And Used Bassinets

That being said, smart bassinets like this can be super expensive. The good news is that there are a lot of used bassinets out there just waiting for you. Since bassinets are really only used for the first few months of a child’s life, getting a used one really isn’t all that different from getting a new one. It’s definitely worth it, too, because it’s a lot less money.

If you don’t like the idea of getting something like this used, there are also a lot of discount bassinets out there. A lot of these are new and completely safe and comfortable. Heck, you can even get smart bassinets like we talked about earlier used, if you want!

If you get discount or used items like this, it’s probably just as good as getting a new one. Just do your research and make sure that what you’re getting is really what you want, and you’ll be golden!

Buy In Bulk

When you have a baby, you’re going to be buying large quantities of a lot of items. Mushed bananas, diapers, you name it–you’re going to have a full cart and a suffering wallet.

This might sound weird, but a great way to save money on bassinets is to buy multiple at the same time. If you have more than one child, you’re going to need more than one of these items, and so you probably will want to get more than one at once. To save money, look into a bassinet set.

This is especially important if you have twins. If you’re lucky enough to be welcoming twins into your family, check out a twin bassinet set for your little ones. With these, you can put both your twins to sleep at the same time and get some sleep- no need to take turns!

Plus, lots of these sets match, so your friends will envy how cute your twins are as a set.

Get An Amazing Bassinet

Even though having a baby can be stressful, it’s entirely worth it when you hold a new life–and one you created, at that–in your arms. Get a bassinet that will keep that life and love safe and happy, but don’t break your bank! After all, saving money will let you give more to other expenses in raising your baby.

Now that you know the best tips for choosing bassinets at an affordable price, check out this link to discover free samples for parents of new children.

Get ready to welcome your baby to the world and for a lot of love and a lot of laughter!