Sample issue

Hi there,

This issue's idea: the back-to-school box

Before you open the supply list, open your drawers. Put every pencil, crayon, glue stick, ruler and half-used notebook in one box on the kitchen table. Then check the list against the box. Most families find they need to buy far less than they thought.

Keep the box after school starts. It becomes next year's first stop. More in Spend less on school supplies.

Spend-less tip: ask about the scholarship

Many sports leagues, music programs and camps offer scholarships or sliding-scale fees, but they don't always advertise them. It's always fine to ask, and nobody else needs to know.

Five-minute money activity

Find three clear jars and label them Save, Spend and Share. Next time your child gets money, let them split it between the jars and draw their saving goal on the Save jar. Count the jars together each week. See Teach kids to save.

Here's to money-smart kids,
Family Nickel Saver