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How to Avoid Library Fees

Using the library can save your family quite a bit of money each year. In fact, if you are careful, you may be able to eliminate your entertainment budget completely. From books to movies to games, there is so much to borrow at your local library. Plus, you can also take advantage of free crafts, clubs, educational events and even music concerts. Unfortunately, the down side to using the library is the danger of having to deal with library fees, which can range from a few cents for a book that is overdue by one day to a large fee … Continue reading →

Flying Fees Add Up Fast

Think you have enough money saved to fly to your niece’s upcoming college graduation?   Add up the litany of airline fees and you may be forced to drive to the commencement ceremonies. These days the cost of an airline seat is only part of what you will likely have to pay before you take flight.  Most carriers are making a killing by charging hefty baggage fees on domestic flights.  On average, you can expect to fork over $25 each way for your first checked bag and between $30 and $35 for the second.  Think about how deep you have to … Continue reading →

7 Ways to Manage Kids’ Sport Fees and Costs

There are so many reasons to give your kids the opportunity to be involved in sports, and one big one not to do so–the costly fees. Before you decide to give up the sports altogether, consider trying the following strategies that will help you manage kids sports fees and reduce the amount you spend. 1. Get some perspective Parents can get a little crazy when it comes to sports. They all want their kids to succeed and will provide them with all of the extras that they think will make this happen, such as extra training or lessons, top of … Continue reading →

8 Things Kids Need to Know about Money

It is never too early to start teaching your children about money. While many parents shy away from discussing financial issues with their kids, this can be one of the biggest mistakes that they make. Instilling good habits and a basic understanding about how finances work can give your child an edge that will stay with him or her for a lifetime. 1. There is a difference between the things that you want and the things that you need. Wants versus needs can be a tough concept for kids to understand, but teaching them that real necessities must be met … Continue reading →

Love Your Pet but Not the Cost? How to Reduce the Cost of Raising Your Best Friend

Have you ever taken the time to calculate how much your furry or feathered friends are costing you each month? There is food, vet care, that regular application of flea and tick protection, grooming fees, litter or bedding, and of course toys, treats and equipment such as carriers, cages and the like. Depending on where you live and how eco-friendly or upscale you want to go with food and supplies, expect to pay up to $1,500 for a cat and $2,000 for a dog during the first year. Rabbits, hamsters, birds and fish are somewhat less expensive. Let us take … Continue reading →

Ways to Save on Airline Fees

Just when you thought commercial carriers couldn’t possibly penalize your pocketbook any more with their exorbitant baggage fees, Spirit Airlines just announced it plans to charge passengers $100 for carry-ons. Fortunately, there are ways you can avoid being hit with this outrageous fee. Beginning November 6th, Spirit will slap passengers with the 100-buck fee if they wait until they get to the boarding gate to pay. If you fly the discount airline and pay before getting to the airport, you will save a substantial amount of money. Here’s how you can avoid being hit with the sky-high baggage surcharge: Option … Continue reading →

Stupid Fees

Stupid airline fees. Or, stupid you for paying them? According to the CEO of a popular no-frills airline, passengers shouldn’t complain about having to fork over fees for certain services because in most cases the payment could be avoided if they weren’t so “stupid.” Last month, the outspoken CEO of European discount carrier Ryanair, Michael O’Leary, called a female passenger “stupid” after she took to social media complaining about a hefty fee charge. In August, Suzy McLeod of Berkshire, England, was charged 300 euro (roughly $400) for failing to print her family’s boarding passes prior to their flight from Alicante, … Continue reading →

The High Cost of School and Activity Fees

This year, our school district is charging activity fees for its students. This means that if any students want to participate in after school sports or other activities, they must first pay a fee. The amount of the fee depends on the child’s level in school. So, an elementary student who wants to participate in a school activity must pay $25, a middle school student must pay $50, and a high school student must pay $75 per year. Granted, these aren’t astronomical fees, and this particular fee gives a free pass to all activities, but they aren’t the only fees … Continue reading →

Money Saving Ways to Prepare for Christmas Now!

Yes, the summer is still here, and temperatures may still be in the 90s or higher, but it is a perfect time to start making some preparations for Christmas right now. From gifts and decorations to food and entertainment, making the right moves now will be big savings during one of the toughest seasons for the budget. Stock up on the following items during the summer and fall, while you still can. Fresh Produce You’ll get the best prices on fresh produce right now, thanks to the bounty of late summer. Blueberries, strawberries, cherries, corn and other fruit and vegetables … Continue reading →

Watch Out for New Fees

If you aren’t careful, you may be hit with fees on everything from banking to pizza. Businesses are now charging fees for things that they once gave away for free. In many cases, these fees are hidden, and you might not be aware of that you are paying for them. Delivery Fees Did you happen to notice that your pizza now costs an extra bit to have it delivered. I’m not talking about the tip. Major chains are adding on a delivery fee now. One of our local (non-chain) pizza places is doing so, but in a different way. They … Continue reading →