How Your Teen Can Earn Money This Summer

With the summer job market being tight this year, your teens may have to come up with some unconventional ways to earn some money this summer. Here are some ideas for them to try. Host a Camp I know a couple of teens who created a thriving business hosting a camp in conjunction with the local ice rink. Parents can drop their kids off for fun and games with the hosts when they aren’t on the ice skating. Teens can check with local gymnastics programs, pools, bowling alleys and other places where a little extra child care would be welcome. … Continue reading →

Save Money and “Off to College”

Ah college memories. The years of eating ramen noodles heated up in a hot pot and an entire floor trying to scrape up enough money for pizza. I had to laugh when I saw one of those “off to college” commercial ads for one of the big box stores. It was a list of all of the college essentials that parents needed to purchase for their new college student. I couldn’t believe it. There were practically all of the comforts of home. Actually, there were more comforts in that dorm room than are probably in my own home right now! … Continue reading →

Frugal Gifts for Teens

Teenagers can be hard to purchase gifts for. They generally know more than you do about what is currently in, and most of the general gifts for teens fall into the electronics category which can get quite expensive. If you have a teen or two on your list, you might appreciate some good tips for getting them nice gifts while still staying on a budget. Here are some ideas. Snack Basket Teenagers are always hungry. Fill a basket or a box with yummy treats that they will be sure to appreciate. You can buy snacks in bulk and distribute them … Continue reading →

Teens Are Getting Frugal

Being frugal is a good thing, no matter what your age. But teens can have a hard time of it, just because of all of the peer pressure to fit in, be cool and have the best “stuff.” With sweet 16 parties costing more than weddings, and celebrity idols sporting seasonal accessories that cost more than a small house, it can be hard for a teen to save money. Teen spending is usually the last to go in a tough economy. Teens have more disposable income, thanks to money given by parents and part time jobs that yield income without … Continue reading →

The Frugal Dorm Room

Back to school is around the corner and big kids are getting ready to head off to college. It seems that the list of stuff they need is enormous, isn’t it? Your wallet might be hurting just about now (and I’m not even talking about the tuition!) So, it is nice when you can put your frugal hat on and get creative, especially when it comes to sprucing up the dorm room itself. There are plenty of great ideas out there for furniture and decoration that will make a nice comfy home away from home for your college student. An … Continue reading →

Frugal Summer Fun for Bored Teenagers

With summertime upon us, and long, lazy days that have grown in length, there are way too many hours in a day to keep a teenager entertained. If your teenager is to young to get a part time job, or has other commitments that prevent it, you might be faced with an extremely bored teenager. Boredom can lead to problems, so trying to get your teenager involved in other activities, seems like the thing to do. Encourage your teen to try volunteering at a community center, or at a camp for the summer. They might really enjoy the interaction with … Continue reading →