Overdraft fee changes are on the way
There are new regulations going into effect this summer that could change the way your bank charges overdraft fees for debit card purchases. Are you ready? Officials hope the changes will help consumers avoid unexpected fees, but even after the new government rules go into effect on July 1, many banks will continue to charge a fee if you opt in to their overdraft service. It's important to know how these changes might affect you and your money.


The surprisingly affordable, culturally educational child care alternative: au pairs
If you're a working-parent family with school-aged children or younger, you know first-hand the price of child care. Child care costs are not only high, but are rising, according to a report released by the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies.


Serve up spuds for a healthy meal in minutes
Nutritious, affordable and delicious, but are potatoes convenient for today's time-strapped mom trying to get dinner on the table in a hurry? Yes.


Amusement parks offer new thrills
In early fall, theme park thrill-seekers and amusement park aficionados prepare to flock en masse to these attractions across the country. While the big-name parks are always fun, don't overlook some equally exhilarating, but smaller, regional parks. You'll likely find smaller crowds and save on travel costs.


Want to get kids into the kitchen? Start simple, encourage creativity
Experts agree that getting children involved with cooking has many benefits - from getting them to try new foods and learning about nutrition, to providing bonding time with other family members. No matter what age you begin introducing your child to culinary skills, keep in mind it's best to start simple and with foods that are already familiar to them.


Avoid 'lost' signs by tagging your cat
You've seen the posters decorating mailboxes, telephone poles and trees in your neighborhood. The picture of a cat - usually curled up in the sun or giving a curious look to the camera - with "LOST" in bold, capital letters and a contact number underneath. Sadly, less than 5 percent of lost cats make it home. Whether your cat stays inside or roams the outdoors, tagging is the best way to keep him safe.


Hot tips for cool crops: Get growing on your fall garden
You might think the end of summer means bidding farewell to fresh, homegrown veggies. Not so - many cool-season crops hit their heyday as autumn temperatures drop, and some even taste better when nipped by a light frost. Here are some tips for growing a fall vegetable garden.


Five time-saving tips for simplifying your back-to-school routine
As summer winds down, it means fewer backyard barbecues, shorter days, and most of all, kids headed back to school. The transition from summer to school can be daunting for any parent and each year it seems the to-do list gets longer. Lisa Gurry, one of Working Mother Magazine's 2009 Moms of the Year, has some ideas with the help of Bing.com that can make it a bit more manageable this fall.


Smart household savings start in the laundry room
For many families, household budgets are still tight in the wake of the recession. But whether times are tough or not, it makes sense to save money wherever you can. There are plenty of small ways to start cutting costs. One of the best places in your home to start saving is the laundry room.


How to get the full NASCAR experience in your living room
As NASCAR hits its peak in the midst of the 2010 Sprint Cup Series, masses of fans will make their way to the races. But if you can't score tickets and sitting in traffic isn't quite your speed, why not try living the race experience away from the speedway with a group of friends?


What you should know before choosing a home fire sprinkler system
In response to growing concerns about fatalities caused by household fires, as well as enhanced education regarding the effectiveness of fire sprinkler systems, building codes are changing to prompt an increase in the number of homes having sprinklers. Here's what you need to know before you choose a system for your home.


Layaway: It's back and easier than ever to use
In decades gone by, layaway was a staple for budget-conscious customers in retail stores across the country, but its popularity waned as credit cards became more available and consumers sought alternate finance methods to buy clothing and necessities. With household budgets tighter than ever due to the recent recession, layaway is once again emerging as a viable shopping tool.


The modern family (video) game night
Playing video games, once considered a "no parents allowed" activity, has become one of the most popular ways for families to have fun, interact and even stay healthy - together.


Improving your child's math skills with fun, educational programs
How do you tell the difference between an online game that is a valuable educational tool and those that are merely fun? It may be difficult to assess the educational value of computer programs aimed at children - especially those aged 4 to 9.


Help your kids turn your house into a green zone
As a parent, you'd like your home, community, and children's schools to be greener. Going green doesn't have to be difficult, time-consuming or expensive. In fact, a smart and savvy parent can go green and save green at the same time. Here are a few easy ways you can change the world for the better, and even have fun while you're at it.


Tips for planning a last-minute family vacation
Whether it's the sudden need to get away or the last chance to escape before the kids head back to school, many families find themselves in a position to book a last-minute vacation. With the fluctuating economy wreaking havoc on the airline and hotel industries, there is now a greater chance of finding availability and bargains for savvy researchers.


Create a playful kid zone on a budget
Nothing better sums up kids' personalities than their favorite spaces: their bedrooms or playrooms. And in today's design-conscious society, there's no limiting the ways you can create inviting, kid-friendly spaces that reflect your children's personal tastes while encouraging imaginative play and creativity.


Five tips for cutting your kids' hair at home
Cutting your kid's hair at home is convenient and saves money. In fact, a majority of people say they are confident using a hair clipper in three haircuts or less, the same amount of time it takes for the clipper to pay for itself. Also, a family of four can easily save $500 annually when three or more family members cut their hair at home. Here are five simple tips from WAHL to use with your kids.


Simple fixes that will make your kitchen feel brand new
When it comes to your kitchen, details make all the difference. It's often the most used and best-loved room in the house, so having a room that meets your needs and expresses your personality is key. If your kitchen's design has been frustrating you by creating clutter and giving your home an out-of-date feel, it's time to make some changes.


Parents: Tips for giving kids a DIY after-school activity center at home
Many American families may still be tightening their belts, as the economy continues its slow climb out of recession. If your family has decided to save money by foregoing traditional after-school programs, you can bring the experience home.


A wag is worth a thousand words
Ever get the feeling that your dog knows what you're thinking, without saying a word? Many canine parents report that they've had an entire conversation with their dogs despite the obvious language barrier. From "can I have a treat" to "let's go for a walk", dogs have a special way of sharing their feelings. According to a new survey, it's the wags, not words that tell the story when it comes to canine communication.


Affordable ways to make your new house feel like home
Even though numbers are down, 35.2 million Americans changed residences in 2008, according to a report by the U.S. Census Bureau. There are many ways to make your new house feel like home sooner than later.


Sun is still sizzling ... warm-weather products to keep family fun going through fall
Kids are heading back to school, but that doesn't mean summer fun has ended: The season of burgers, back flips, roller coasters and rolling coastlines lasts well into October for most of the United States. While parents and kids across the nation enjoy the rest of the season, they should also stay prepared for sun exposure and bug bites.


Safety on the road: 10 tips to keep you safe on your bike
Bicycling for fun, exercise and to commute to work is exploding throughout the United States. In fact, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of Americans biking to work has increased 43 percent between 2000 and 2008.


Help for modern families: inexpensive bathroom additions
Two important housing trends are both emerging and merging today: Older adults increasingly want to "age in place," while a record number of households have united across multiple generations. The second trend is in response to both the flagging economy and to support elder parents' desire to stay at home.


Tractors can be safer with seatbelts and rollover protection
Tractor rollovers are all too common among both professional operators and rural lifestyle families alike. So what can you do to help keep yourself and your family safe? Make sure that your tractor is equipped with a Rollover Protection Structure (ROPS) and a seatbelt.


Seven ways to get more money out of your garage sale
Ridding yourself of things you no longer need is something that requires periodic attention, but can be a cathartic experience. The next time you decide to purge your household junk, follow these easy tips to help make your garage or yard sale as profitable as possible. The extra space and money you'll gain is worth the time you put in.


Feeding your baby's potential - supporting your baby's first milestones
Every milestone, no matter how small, is thrilling when you become a parent. Not only are these moments memorable and exciting, but they are also important indicators of your baby's development. Parents can follow these simple tips to support their baby's cognitive and physical development during their first year.


Create lasting memories with a personal and visual memorial
From the Egyptian pyramids to the Vietnam Veterans Wall in Washington, D.C., the emotional importance of memorialization transcends history and cultures, and it satisfies a basic human need to remember and to be remembered.


Don't throw away your child's art
Every day your child has a new "masterpiece" to show you. And while you do see his talent improving each and every day, you're running out of room and magnets to proudly display his art so that everyone who comes over can admire it and comment on his or her improvements.


Family fun at your fingertips
With summer around the corner, you might be thinking about a vacation or what to do to keep the kids busy. Luckily, you've come a long way from the days of guidebooks and day planners. Today, you have smartphones to help plan summer vacation activities with ease.


Five creative tips for packing healthier school lunches
It's that time of year again: back-to-school season. Amidst the jam-packed schedule of a child's school day, it's nice to know there is one area where parents make a difference - lunchtime. The mission is to create a nutritious lunch that your hungry kids will look forward to eating.


Tips for treating a cough caught at school
Children catch six to 10 colds a year and coughing is the symptom that most commonly prompts a visit to the doctor. Here is some expert advice for parents treating their children's coughs.


Planning an outdoor adventure? Tips to stay safe and have fun
Outdoor adventures in domestic destinations can offer a plethora of entertainment and eye-catching attractions. Take advantage of some of the country's breathtaking natural beauty within driving distance and budget allocation. If you're considering an excursion to the great outdoors this summer, here's some advice to get you started, as well as keep your family safe, healthy and happy during your vacation.


Back-to-school safety: Follow these tips to keep your child safe and healthy
The back-to-school season can be both an exciting and anxious time. As a parent, you can teach your child a few lessons, and take a few precautions yourself, to put your mind at ease when children leave home to go back to the classroom.


Ten tips on how to be a good neighbor - and avoid lawsuits
Treating your neighbor as you would like to be treated is wisdom that is thousands of years old. And it may be more important than ever in today's litigious society where a growing number of Americans - nearly 80 percent - live side-by-side in urban and suburban areas, in many cases separated only by a wall.


Is your baby cover model material?
Practically all parents are convinced that their little one's smile is worthy of gracing the cover of a magazine - or of winning a photo contest at the very least. Now, you have the opportunity to show the world just how cute your baby is.


Create a kids room that inspires learning and creativity
As the cold weather approaches, kids spend less time outdoors burning off all that wonderful energy. There's an easy and inexpensive way to turn any room into an environment that fosters your child's learning and creativity. What's even better: You are very likely to think, "it's too quiet in there," while the kids play intently in their new space.


Tips to get a leg up on back-to-school shoe shopping
She lived in sandals all summer long and he barely took his cleats off, even to go to bed. Summer fun and casual style may leave your kids facing back-to-school season in serious need of some new shoes. Parents should consider these important factors before buying new shoes for their children.


Flu season is here: What you need to know
The flu season is here and many consumers have questions about who should be vaccinated and when, especially given the H1N1 flu outbreak last year.


Fast, frugal fall fix-ups
The ebbing sun and dropping mercury in the garden thermometer signal the end of summer. The shorter, cooler days also mean you might be coming back inside from the great outdoors to discover your home could use a little pizzazz. After all, you spent the past few months soaking up the rays while you worked and played in your yard rather than inside the house.


Soft water contributes to more comfortable living
Ensuring they drink enough glasses of water each day to be healthy is second nature for most people. But how many think about the advantages of soft water for their families?


Family budgets stay on track with new and convenient coupon sources
Collecting coupons remains to be one of the best ways for families to save on everyday expenses - from cleaning supplies and health and beauty items to food and paper products.


Teens: Join Twilight's Nikki Reed to 'do something' good this summer
Are you a teen that is going to camp, hosting a neighborhood block party, or playing baseball this summer? Are you a parent who wants to encourage your child to do something good for others or get more involved in their community? This summer, join the Do Something 101 school supply drive: www.dosomething101.org.


S'mores is the right activity for more than just camping
Americans have a love affair with that classic campfire treat, S'mores. The good news - S'mores are no longer reserved just for campfire cooking. Did you know you can enjoy the chocolate, marshmallow and graham cracker goodness every day, inside and out?


Plan smart for your family's financial future
Few things in life trigger a sense of personal responsibility like having children. Part of that responsibility is ensuring both your own and your children's financial futures. However, a recent survey released by TD Ameritrade shows that many parents cite the expense of raising children as one of the top reasons why they have fallen behind in retirement planning. A good first step in getting back on track for retirement is determining what you need to do to secure your future, as well as your children's.


Tips to dress your tot without breaking the bank
Many new parents find the cost of keep their little ones comfortable and stylish can add up as quickly as the cost of diapers and formula. Budget-savvy parents should look for clothing sources that offer both durability and affordability.


Why the recession can be a good thing for those in debt
It's been a tough few years for most Americans, facing a constricting national - and world - economy, job losses, pay cuts and a tough employment market. It can certainly be difficult to see the good in those circumstances, but helpful things can come out of these challenging times. You don't need to be a Pollyanna, but taking a practical look at how the recession affects your personal finances can show that there are some positives.


Riding escalators: a summer safety reminder
Whether traveling on vacation or staying home, the summer means more time spent out and about. With activities ranging from swimming at the local pool to attending festivals, amusement parks and sporting events, people are visiting new places and new buildings.


Tips to sharpen your child's reading skills
The end of summer vacation may be approaching, but there is still plenty of time for youth to read a few books to refresh their reading skills before starting school. While many grown-ups jump at the chance to read books and magazines on vacation, children are often quick to drop the book and run toward the waves when hitting the beach, pool or campground. While everyone reminisces about those summer days from childhood, the truth is that in this age of video games, DVD players in cars and text-messaging teens, youth are less likely to pick up a book than ever. That may come at a price.


Why online learning might be a better option for your student
Today's middle and high school students, who have been called the "iGeneration," are the first to crave and benefit from on-demand education - or, in other words, the option to choose where, when and how they want to learn. To reach them in their high-tech, high-touch world, many parents and educators are looking at how to rewire schools to match how the iGeneration learns.


Technology tips for traveling with tots
Traveling with children can sometimes seem like a challenge, even for the most patient parents. Long stretches in car or airplane seats can easily leave kids bored and hungry. Packing plenty of snacks can fill the hunger need, but what's a parent to do when the Goldfish are all gone? Technology is a great tool to keep kids entertained while traveling.


Fall vacations offer big savings, learning opportunities and no crowds
In the fall, many families are thinking about getting their kids back to school. But, perhaps contrary to popular wisdom, the season offers great vacation opportunities for families.


Fall grilling spices up family mealtime
The end of summer doesn't mean you need to head indoors to cook your meals. The ease of operating gas grills ensures that grilling is a great way to prepare a meal any time of year, and seasonal food can inspire grillers to try new recipes.


Jump start this school year with the perfect recipe for success
After a summer filled with sunny beach days and sleepovers, getting kids motivated to head back to school and adjust to a new routine is often a challenge. To make the transition a little easier for kids and parents, here are some tips and fun ideas to get creativity flowing and wake-up brains for learning.


College-bound? Do your homework on insurance
If you or your child is college-bound this fall, don't forget to review your insurance. Doing your homework now could save you money and headaches in the future.


Want peace and joy in your home this Christmas? Start planning for it now
Legend has it that Santa Claus spends the whole year prepping for his big night. While you don't have to go to that extreme, you can still enjoy the benefits of planning for the holidays a few months in advance. Don't let waiting until the last minute interfere with your Christmas fun this year. Here are three areas where you can get a jump-start on the holiday.


Virtual schools 'clicking' for many students this school year
A record number of students are heading back to school this year - without ever stepping foot inside a classroom. A growing number of virtual schools (also known as cyber schools or e-schools), combined with booming parent (and student) demand for high-quality virtual education, have more students than ever logging on, instead of boarding a school bus, this back-to-school season.


Light eating for families: Experts suggest seafood
Health experts recommend young families, especially expecting moms, should aim to eat a variety of nutrient-rich foods -- those that, like seafood, are bursting with vitamins and minerals in every bite. Warm weather is the perfect time to learn light, delicious ways to make fish your family's new favorite.


Enjoying life after the kids leave the nest
It's a scene right out of summer blockbuster "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen." While not many parents are faced with a child destined to save mankind from the attack of an alien species, many can certainly identify with the life changing event that can lead to "empty nest syndrome."


Summer fun doesn't have to cost a fortune
Many American families will opt to save money this summer by foregoing a vacation at the beach, theme park or other destination. But deciding to stay home doesn't mean you have to give up summer fun altogether. You can have plenty of fun close to home - even right in your own backyard - with a modest cash investment and a little planning ahead.


Ten tips to keep teens safe behind the wheel
Waiting for a teen driver to return home safely probably causes the most anxiety and lost sleep for parents. And with good reason - car accidents are the leading cause of death among teenagers, accounting for 35 percent of all fatalities among young people 15 to 20 years old, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.


Backyard grilling: Sliding into summer with savory sliders
The backyard barbecue grilling season is in full swing and hamburgers continue to reign supreme as one of America's favorite grilled foods. Whether you cook with gas or charcoal, nothing beats the flavor of a juicy burger right off the grill. And, whether you're into bold flavors or basic toppings, nothing tops off a burger better than a great glass of wine.


New moms working to save the environment and some money
Diapers. They are a way of life for new parents. But how many parents really think about their diapering decision? In these tough economic times, more budget-strapped parents are considering making the switch to cloth diapers to save money.


Consider long-term storage for the still-at-home college grad
For some parents, it feels like just yesterday when you were dropping your young adult off at college. You met the roommate, cleaned the dorm room from top to bottom, then played movers for a day as you hauled all their items into a tiny room for two. It was emotional. It was a breath of relief. And it made your house rather empty. Then four years later, you found yourself in the same situation.


Bring back the summer memories and share them with your kids
Remember the summer days when you held a camping adventure under the stars in your own backyard, played board games with your parents or enjoyed an ice cream bar on a hot night? Do you remember learning to ride a bike through the neighborhood, waving to everyone sitting out on the front porch or working on their landscaping? Now that you have children of your own, summer is a great opportunity to repeat those memories and share them with your kids.


Expecting? How to look your best
It's no secret that pregnancy does not always bring out one's inner glamour girl. As your waistline and bust balloon, it's easy to lose all sense of fashion and hide in baggy sweats, oversized button downs, or even your husband's jeans. Here's expert advice on maintaining your sense of style while waiting for your bundle of joy.


Is your teen with diabetes hitting the road? Take these precautions
Any parent who's had a teen leave the house in the car alone for the first time knows that anxious feeling. But for parents of teens with diabetes, there are a few extra things they should make sure their child knows before they are handed the keys for the first time.


Simple rules to keep family travel fun, affordable and stress-free
If you've watched any of the "Vacation" movies, you've seen what can go wrong on a family vacation. While hilarity is the end result of the mishaps in the movies, certain blunders aren't as funny in real life. Therefore, it's important to ensure that you and your children will remember your trip for the right reasons.


Worried about your tap water? How to fight drinking water contaminants
In many parts of the country, drinking water contaminants may be a real issue. Some drinking water contaminants may be harmful to your health. Others may simply be things you'd really rather not ingest or they could make your water taste bad. There are ways however, you can help to ensure that the water your family drinks is as clean and high quality as possible - without having to turn to bottled water that can be expensive.


What you need to know to prepare for natural disasters
Whether it's a wildfire, hurricane, tornado, flood or another natural disaster altogether, your family should know what to do when in danger.


Make your home your summer getaway
Summer is a time to take long weekends, enjoy the pleasant weather and make new memories with family and friends. It's also a time to take a moment for yourself and find ways to savor that relaxing vacation feeling.


Six ways to feel like a kid this summer
With summer here, the nights have gotten longer and the watermelon juicer. The kids are out for the season, so it's time to find ways to relate to them by bringing out your own inner child. Here are six fun-filled ways to feel like a kid again - all without the pressures of a looming school year looming or a pesky curfew.


Don't let fall asthma triggers foil your child's fun
Fall means back-to-school, cooler weather - and an increase in asthma attacks. In fact, childhood asthma statistics show that children with asthma are nearly twice as likely to visit the emergency department when school starts as at other times of the year. That's largely because autumn allergens and viral infections can unleash childhood asthma symptoms.


Kids are using more and more electronic devices this school year
Kids are using more electronic devices throughout the school year than ever before. They're on cell phones to connect with friends and family, handheld computers for homework, downloading music videos and searching the net and carrying MP3 players for jamming to music.


Teach your children about good money management
Children learn the basics - math, English and science - at school. But when it comes to learning about saving and spending money wisely, the lessons begin at home.


Six signs a senior needs living assistance
By many estimates, two-thirds of older Americans will eventually become dependent on others to complete everyday tasks. But realizing that you need help or convincing someone else that they do is often more difficult than arranging long-term care. Look for these signs to help determine your elderly loved one's needs and the best ways to meet them.


Conquer your canine cleaning challenges for a pet-friendly home
Pet owners understand extra cleaning is part of the deal when bringing a puppy into their homes and lives. Cleaning up after a dog is enough work in itself, so the last thing any owner wants is a pooch that is agitated by the sights and sounds of cleaning. There are several techniques that can help your dog stay calm when you reach for your sponge.


Keeping kids safe this summer
For most families, summertime means outdoor fun. From day camp to the swim club to the playground, summer is a time for kids to let loose. But what about kids with chronic diseases that may require extra attention? Can they enjoy the same summer activities as their peers?


Creative fundraising helps to keep schools strong
Times are tough, as every parent is keenly aware. But while everyone knows how the economy is affecting household budgets, families with school-age kids are feeling an extra crunch that is being put on their children's schools.


How to host a family reunion potluck
A family reunion can be one of your extended family's most memorable shared experiences, providing new family stories and deepening bonds for years to come. If you are in the coordinator's seat, it can also be a daunting amount of work. With a bit of advice from the experts on planning, delegation and, the centerpiece of any family gathering, food and drink, it can be a bit easier.


Fight summer 'brain drain' with online summer schools for K-12th grades
Cash-strapped school districts across the country are cutting summer school programs in record numbers. In fact, more than a third of administrators polled in a recent American Association of School Administrators survey said they are considering eliminating summer school for the 2010-11 school year. The good news for parents is that the recent boom in online K-12 education means many high-quality, engaging online summer school programs are now available to students.


Cut potential exposure to cancer-causing agents by filtering your water at home
Home water filtration is no longer just about taste. People increasingly rely on it for healthy home benefits. In fact, home water filtering devices should be used to decrease exposure to potential health hazards according to the President's Cancer Panel (PCP).


How to keep your morning run healthy - for your feet
Physical activity like running, brisk walking and playing sports can be great for your body; exercise improves cardiovascular health, burns calories and builds muscle strength. Summer is a great time to stay - or get - active, but you still need to take precautions to ensure your exercise routine is also healthy for your feet.


Five things your kids should be doing this summer
In only a few weeks, school will be out and your children will suddenly have endless hours of free time at their disposal. Without proper planning, summer vacation can be a wasted opportunity for learning and growth in children of any age.


How safe is your debit card?
Many people choose to use a debit card over a credit card or cash because it's more convenient, but did you know it can also protect you from theft and help you better manage your money? Knowing more about your debit card's features will help you get the most out of your banking relationship.


What to do if your child is being bullied
If your child is being bullied, she's not alone. About 160,000 children in the United States miss school every day due to fear of attack or intimidation by other students, according to the National Education Association.


Create a comfy 'school zone' for studying at home
With the arrival of the new school year, now is the perfect time to "zone out" and get your family and your home in gear by creating a comfortable, yet functional study zone in your home.


Get your teen's attention when teaching the dangers of distracted driving
Teens are inundated, and rightfully so, with statistics and horrific stories that point to the dangers of driving while intoxicated. However, new research shows that distracted driving is among the leading causes of auto accidents, and the problem is getting worse. Here's some advice of helping teens avoid the dangers of distracted driving.


Is going green worth it?
You've stopped buying bottled water, opting instead for a reusable bottle you carry everywhere you go. When you go shopping, your list leans toward the organic and recycled. But when you get home, going "green" seems a lot more daunting.


Smart moves: Five tips that will make moving to college a snap
As summer winds down, college freshmen - and sophomores, juniors and seniors - are gearing up to move onto campus. Whether you're moving to college for the first time or the third, you'll find there are ways to make your move smarter and, believe it or not, more enjoyable.


Five must-use sites for a recent grad
The Internet has morphed from a luxury to a utility in the last two decades, and it is now the premiere way to establish oneself as a desirable job candidate. It can be the best tool for college graduates entering the workforce, if you're using the right websites.


Tips to make the most out of everyday family fun
If you thought a day of family fun would bust your budget and take a lot of time to plan, think again. Contrary to common belief, it is possible to plan fun, family-friendly activities without breaking the bank. Here are some valuable tips to get you on the road to celebrating, saving and offering your family more throughout the year.


Smart online shopping tips to save Moms time and money
The average American mother spends nearly an hour a day purchasing products and services and more than two hours a day on household activities like housework, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Clearly, streamlining tasks like shopping can help mothers save money and make their lives easier.