Being divorced for several years, I have tried my hand at online dating, experimenting with a number of different sites, and I know from experience that for someone new to the process, it can be rather intimidating and confusing.You might be wondering which site is best for you, and if you should bother paying for a membership or not. To help answer that question, keep the following in mind: Free sites are geared toward casual daters, while paid sites tend to be for people looking for a serious relationship. Of course, it's not always that simple, and there are exceptions. But the key to … [Read more...]
Susan Borowski
12 Ways to Lower Your Heating Bills and Save Money
I grew up in an old, uninsulated farmhouse, and winters were cold, both inside and out. I swore that when I grew up I'd never be cold again. Though you'd think that this requires me to keep the heater blasting full all winter long, I rarely bump the thermostat up to 70 degrees. As a frugal person, I strive to save money on my energy bill by maximizing my heat output, as well as finding ways to stay warm that don't involve turning up the dial.Saving money on heating doesn't necessarily require a full winterization of your house - sometimes you only need to make a change in your habits. Here … [Read more...]
Leaving Kids Home Alone – At What Ages Are They Ready?
It's tempting to try to save money by eliminating daycare or a babysitter to care for your children in your absence. Although being home alone can help kids learn to be independent, it is imperative for them to be mature enough to handle the responsibility. Kids mature at different rates, so going by age alone is not necessarily the answer.Open and honest communication between you and your children can help you make a determination. However, there are additional guidelines that you must consider as well. How to Determine Readiness Readiness to be home alone depends on both age and … [Read more...]
7 Ways to Prevent a Cold or Flu and Stay Healthy
During flu season, if people start coughing and sneezing around you, it might be wise to run. Those viruses are equal-opportunity invaders, and any nearby host will do.However, as you know, it's not possible to barricade yourself within a germ-free fortress when the cold and flu season comes around. Although it may seem like getting sick is inevitable every winter, there are several ways you can strengthen your defenses and minimize the chances of coming down with an illness. Your First Lines of Defense 1. Refrain From Unhealthy Habits Your immune system is there to protect you. But … [Read more...]
13 Affordable Ways to Have Fun on a Tight Entertainment Budget
I am a single parent with a teenage son, and as a writer with an ever-changing level of income, I'm always watching what I spend. Many Americans are in my situation, and many have slashed their entertainment spending to allocate cash for their emergency fund or college savings account - or, they simply worry about being able to afford necessities, such as groceries and rent payments.However, being on a tight budget doesn't mean that all fun has to stop. By looking for deals and making wise choices, you can enjoy yourself without going broke. There are plenty of things to do for free or for … [Read more...]
Allowance for Kids – Types & How Much You Should Pay for Chores
There are two general schools of thought in regards to paying kids an allowance: Kids should earn money in exchange for doing chores, or kids should not be paid for regular contributions that are expected of every family member. In the latter case, kids are either regularly given money unconditionally, given money as needed, or they must earn it some other way.There are pros and cons to every method of administering an allowance to children. However, the ultimate point of the allowance, regardless of how it is given, is to teach your kids money management skills. It is apparent that the … [Read more...]