There is nothing like the unconditional love of a pet, whether it is a cat that snuggles up to you while watching TV or a dog who greets you so enthusiastically when you walk in the door, even if you just left to take out the garbage. It’s no wonder that these animals are treated like family members. Caring for our furry friends can get expensive. Here are six things you must know about pet insurance.

1. Pet health care is pricey.
Veterinary care accounted for $14 billion of the nearly $56 billion Americans spent last year on their pets. One reason: Vets are recommending many of the same advanced medical treatments available to humans. To cover the escalating cost, pet owners are turning to insurance. Pet insurance works a lot like human health insurance when you go out of network: You may take your pet to any vet, but you pay directly, then submit your claim. Policies cover illness and accidents, and many insurers now offer wellness riders to cover routine care, such as checkups, vaccinations, and spaying and neutering.

2. But he’s your best friend.
Pet insurance probably isn’t a good deal if all your pet needs is routine care. What a policy buys you is peace of mind in case your pet has a serious illness or accident. And if you buy a policy when your pet is young, you minimize the chances of an illness being deemed a preexisting condition that won’t be covered. Older pets, especially those 7 to 10 years old, may not qualify for coverage.

3. What to look for.
The average policy costs about $30 to $35 a month. The more expensive the policy, the more it will cover–for example, you can get accident-only coverage (say, if Fluffy takes a spill and breaks her leg) for $10 a month, but a comprehensive policy (including preventive care) with a $100 deductible and $15,000 annual payout limit could run $100 a month. There are about a dozen insurers to choose from, and it can be difficult to compare policies. Go to www.petinsurancereview.com for a rundown on each company.

4. What you’ll get back.
Only one company, VPI, uses a benefits schedule; for each diagnosis, there’s a ceiling on how much the company will pay. The upside is that premiums tend to be less expensive, and you know exactly what you will receive. The downside is that in more-expensive areas of the country, the schedule may not reflect what you’ll be charged. Most companies pay a percentage of the vet bill–typically 80% to 90%.

5. Know the ins and outs.
Preexisting conditions are never covered, which adds an incentive to purchase a policy before your pet has health issues. Hereditary disorders may not be covered, either. Read the fine print, or ask a company rep if you own a breed with known problems, such as hip dysplasia in golden retrievers. Pay attention to deductibles and maximums. Deductibles may be annual, per visit or per incident (you may have several vet visits for one illness). And a company may impose an annual maximum, a maximum per incident or a maximum over your pet’s lifetime.

6. Discounts for members.
You may be able to cut costs with a membership plan. For example, Banfield Hospitals (a national chain associated with PetSmart) offers coverage for routine care starting at about $20 per month, with discounts of up to 20% on other serv­ices. Pet Assure offers a discount program at participating vet practices; $99 a year for dogs and $79 for cats gets you a 25% discount on all medical services, and family plans are available for those with multiple pets. If you don’t want to prepay, you could use a CareCredit health card at participating practices; it offers special financing options.

Copyright 2014 The Kiplinger Washington Editors

A friend recently decided to fix a leak in his daughters’ bathroom on his own to save money. He is not a plumber, a contractor or even a handyman by profession — he is an economist. To his credit, though, he grew up in one of the former Soviet republics where everything was in short supply and learned from his dad how to fix almost anything with almost anything. He’s tackled many projects around his home, but I wasn’t sure his MacGyver-like skills (remember that ’80s TV character?) would help him solve this problem or turn it into a major disaster.

I shouldn’t have doubted him. Within a couple of hours, he replaced the leaking pipe and saved — by his estimate — at least $200.

Now, I’m not suggesting that anyone can fix plumbing problems. But before you turn to Angie’s List to find a professional to tackle your next repair, consider whether you can do it yourself. Here are tips from some of our favorite personal finance bloggers that can help you decide whether to DIY or hire a pro.

You Can Learn to Do It Yourself [Well Kept Wallet]
“Whether it’s on home repairs, car repairs or nearly anything else, if you’re willing to take the time to learn how to DIY it, not only are you teaching yourself a valuable skill, but your bank account will show the rewards of your efforts in fine form.”

3 Simple DIY Projects That Will Save You Money [Yes I Am Cheap] 
“With all of the help out there online, there is certainly enough information to learn how a project is done, and that DIY project can typically be completed with ease and for an incredibly minimal expense.”

DIY Tips for Any Project [Financially Blonde]
“I would like to share my top ten DIY tips, things you should do to make your own DIY projects go better.”

5 DIY Projects That Will Cost You More in the Long Run [Money Under 30]
“Some jobs should be left to the pros. If you’re feeling confident about your DIY skills, you should read this before you leave yourself with a flooded house or gnarled hairdo.”

4 Times You Should Splurge and Hire a Pro [Wise Bread]
“There are times that you can lose more than you save by risking to do the job yourself. Here are four scenarios in which is best to hire a pro.”

Copyright 2014 The Kiplinger Washington Editors

Here are the Top 5 blog posts you loved in 2014.

#5 How to Build an Emergency Fund — The following steps will help you start saving more right away. Read the entire article.

#4 Is Your Golf Game Ready? — Here are some tips to help you prepare yourself for a good start to the season. Read the entire article.

#3 Recovering from Holiday Debt — You went a little overboard during the holiday season. Here are some tips to help you get back on track. Read the entire article.

#2 5 Stress Busters You Can Use Anytime, Anywhere — Here are some simple relaxation techniques you can use whenever you start to feel overwhelmed, wherever you may be. Read the entire article.

 #1 Give Your Child Some Credit — Instead of avoiding the issue, the key is to teach your children how to use a credit card wisely. Read the entire article.

Ever wish you had a little more notice about those once-in-a-year (or lifetime) astronomical events?  Why not add these dates to your 2015 calendar now?  Even if life is too hectic to “stop and smell the roses,” perhaps you can step outside on a few special evenings, gaze upward and enjoy the show.

Jan. 19: Neptune and Mars planetary conjunction

Feb. 6: Jupiter at Opposition

March 20: Total Solar Eclipse

April 22: Lyrids Meteor Shower

May 5-6: Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower

June 16: New Moon

July 28: Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower

Aug. 13: Perseids Meteor Shower

Sept. 27: Total Lunar Eclipse

Oct. 21: Orionids Meteor Shower

Nov. 17: Leonids Meteor Shower

Dec. 13-14: Geminids Meteor Shower

For best viewing, try to get a few miles away from city lights. As each date approaches, check your local forecast (with fingers crossed) to see if skies will be clear that evening. Also, you’ll likely find more information online about the astronomical event from your local news and weather websites.

So you promised your friends and family you would host a party for this weekend’s big game. If so, here’s a list of some must-haves for your party, and don’t forget that having a good time doesn’t need to be expensive.

Decorations

Grab some streamers or a banner to add to the festivity of the room where you and your friends will watch the game. People will be impressed by your effort.

Drinks

Alcohol is a big game party staple, but be careful not to offer too many drink choices or you will spend your entire party making drinks. Think about choosing a cocktail that you can make in a large quantity ahead of time. Don’t forget the non-drinkers; make sure you have a variety of sodas, juice and some water too.

Bottle opener

Another must-have is the bottle opener. Nothing creates an awkward mood like having your guests trying to open bottles with their teeth.

Ice

You’ve done everything else right, but friends don’t let friends drink delicious beverages without the option of ice. Make sure you have a few 5 lb. bags of ice on hand. Your friends will thank you for it.

Coolers

Where are you going to keep the ice and refreshments cool and within reach? It would be wise to purchase a cooler or some kind of large container you can fill with ice and drinks.

Plates, napkins, trays, utensils

If you don’t have enough disposable plates, utensils, etc. on hand, you will end the night doing dishes. And it’s best if you purchase the sturdier (but potentially more expensive) items that can hold heavy foods such as pizza and nachos.

Food

Speaking of pizza and nachos, have different types of food available, balancing finger foods (sandwiches, chips, wings, pizza) with chili, barbecue and the like. Serve the food buffet style, with a table off to the side so people can easily reach the food throughout the evening.

Garbage bags

Think about placing garbage bags strategically around the party venue so cleaning up will be significantly easier after everyone has left.

Seating

Estimate the number of people who will attend your party and arrange the seating in front of the TV for the attendees. Have extra seats in case someone brings along a guest.

Mindset

As kickoff nears, you may find yourself becoming stressed. No worries! Since you’ve already done most of what it takes to have a successful party, you can focus on enjoying your great food, great drinks, and awesome family and friends. Hut! Hut!

Each year, you are faced with the same dilemma – what to do for Valentine’s Day.

Buying overly priced flowers can show a lack of thoughtfulness or imagination. After all, it’s the thought that counts, right? So this Valentine’s Day, really put some extra creativity into your gift. Instead of flowers, here are some ideas that your significant other is sure to love:

• Make your own truffles
• Create a mix tape
• Buy something that will last all year (i.e. chocolate tasting club or sock of the month club – there’s just about an “anything you could want kind of club” out there)
• Make a personalized collage of your pictures together
• Cook a romantic meal at home
• Make homemade valentines
• Buy them a new book
• Take a class together (cooking, photography, art)
• Volunteer together
• See some live music
• Go ice skating
• Set out on a food tour around your city
• Attend a wine tasting
• Go to a museum
• Invite another couple over for a game night
• Reenact your first date

If you are looking to surprise your Valentine with something other than flowers, these ideas are sure to sweeten their day. There are several things you can do that are inexpensive, yet thoughtful and most of all…romantic!

To those who fell in love with bicycles as children in the ‘50s and ‘60s, there were two types of bikes: boys’ and girls’. It was easy to speak knowledgeably of the differences.

Now, all these years later, many are rediscovering their love for bicycles. But, if you’ve visited a bike shop recently you’ve no doubt been overwhelmed by the options. Yes, there are still boys’ bikes and girls’ bikes, but there is so much more.

Before you begin to seriously shop for a new bike, ask yourself: What types of riding will I do? Your answer will help a bicycle shop associate point you in the right direction. Below are a few options for you to consider.

Recreation/Leisure

Mostly, these are short, infrequent rides on flatter courses. Speed isn’t necessary, enjoyment is. Almost any type of bicycle will do.

Touring

This refers to riding long distances. That could be commuting to work or a week-long camping trip. Frequently, you may need to carry additional equipment. Longer journeys usually require a touring or expedition bicycle.

Road Riding

For road riding, assuming the roads you’ll be riding on are in reasonable condition, almost any type of bicycle can be used. If, however, you’re considering a triathlon or joining a bike club, you may want to step it up a notch and consider a bicycle specifically designed for road racing.

Off-Road Riding

This category covers a variety of surfaces, ranging from a shortcut through a lawn to avoid traffic to a rough, rocky trail. For these situations, a mountain bike or hybrid bicycle might be the best choice.

Racing

If you think you’ll be entering races – or if you just like to go fast – you may need a bicycle that’s specifically built for speed and performance. The broad category for these bicycles is “racing bikes.”

Once you’ve decided what kind of riding you’re going to do, your bicycle shop associate can take it from there. Finding the right bike for you and your needs can make you fall in love with your bicycle all over again.

Source: eBicycles, June 8, 2009.

That’s right, we have a legitimate reason to break our routine, be silly and procrastinate.

For one day, avoid the “musts” and “shoulds” of your life and give yourself permission to play.

It’s good for you. Really. It’s widely accepted that goofing off can relieve stress, increase productivity and improve our normal activities. Your rejuvenation can lead to enhanced creativity, experimentation and discovery.

Think about it. When do you have your most creative moments? Some say in the shower, while outdoors or relaxing on the porch doing nothing. Letting lose of control opens the door for new ideas, solutions and understanding.

For one whole day – and a little bit every day – celebrate the art of slacking off. Turn off your digital devices and:

• Daydream
• Nap
• Look at things that visually appeal to you (flowers, fashions, art, etc.)
• Go for a walk in nature
• Take funny pictures
• Get on the playground equipment
• Run around with the kids
• Start a tickle contest
• Indulge a hobby
• Go for a long car ride
• Dance, wiggle, sing, play tag, jump rope, sip lemonade, ride a bicycle

Above all, join Bertrand Russell and commit to the fact that “the time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.”  

One day devoted to such fun isn’t enough. National Nothing Day, National Lazy Day and National Relaxation Day are coming soon.

How will you goof off?

Sources:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20130903153825-8244-how-goofing-off-can-make-you-more-successful
http://time.com/87784/slackers-productivity/
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goofing_off

Coming from your children, “How much do you make?” is the kind of awkward question that makes parents squirm. Your first inclination may be to blurt out a top-of-the-head answer, such as “That’s none of your business.” You don’t feel comfortable sharing the information, and you’re naturally worried—not without reason—that your kids may let it slip to their friends, if only in innocent conversation. You’re entitled to your privacy, and you can’t be blamed for not wanting your affairs broadcast around the neighborhood.

But don’t panic. Kids aren’t looking for an accounting of every dollar and decimal point. It’s likely that what they really want is a general idea of how you’re doing or where you stand relative to other families. Plus, you’re probably more self-conscious about the subject than they are. As with questions about sex, kids often pose questions about money out of innocent curiosity and youthful naiveté. If you don’t raise an eyebrow, neither will they.

How to Respond
In fact, when you get a question like this, it’s often a good strategy to answer with one of your own: “What makes you ask?” Maybe they’re worried because they’ve seen a news report on homeless families. Perhaps they’re curious about the new car you just bought. Or maybe they just want to know if now’s a good time to ask for the bike (or cell phone or videogame) they have their eye on.

You can tailor your answer to their age and their response. With young children who are seeking reassurance, for example, you could say, “We have enough money to buy the things we need and also save some of it.” If they’re a bit older and curious about the new car, you could tell them how you shopped for it and fit it into your budget. If they want you to buy them that new bike, you could tell them whether you think it’s a reasonable request.

Put Things in Perspective
Remember that no matter how much you make, whether it’s $50,000 or $150,000, it will sound like an enormous sum because children of all ages have trouble putting money into perspective. As your kids get older, you may choose to be more forthright about how much you earn. But it will make more sense to your children, and be more comfortable for you, if you put your income in the context of your expenses.

Teenagers need to know, for example, that after taxes and other deductions, your take-home pay is a lot less than your actual salary. They need to know that you have to cover certain fixed expenses, such as the mortgage and car insurance, before you buy a new flat-screen TV. Before they even start applying to college, they need to know how much you can afford to pay and how much they’ll be responsible for.

In the years I’ve been writing about kids and money, I’ve encountered parents who have handled this touchy subject in a number of ways. I once appeared on a network television talk show to give advice to a family whose two teenagers were in dire need of fiscal discipline. To show the kids how the family’s income was parceled out, they were given a stack of play money representing their dad’s monthly take-home pay plus a stack of the family’s actual bills. Then we all sat around the kitchen table as the kids “paid” the bills. When all the bills were covered, Mom gathered up the $500 or so remaining on the table, “That’s for groceries,” she told the wide-eyed kids.

By Janet Bodnar, Editor of Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine (@JanetBodnar)

Between studying, activities, friends, social networking, jobs, and other responsibilities, teens experience a lot of stress. It’s no wonder they are moody. What can a parent or guardian do to create an environment that is calming?

Here are three easy and inexpensive ideas to try:

1. Show your affirmation. Sometimes a few simple words of positive affirmation can change a mood. Make sure to tell your teen how much you appreciate them. Acknowledge something good they did or how hard they worked and remind them frequently by leaving notes or telling them in person.
2. Give hugs and kisses. Granted, teens may not want you to hug and kiss them like you did when they were little, but you can still show affection in a way they’ll be more open to receive it. Leave Hershey’s “hugs and kisses” chocolate candy in a place where they’ll find them.
3. Enjoy meals together. This may take some planning if everyone is busy, but when you sit down to eat together on a regular basis, you create an opportunity for relationship-building. This is a great time to reinforce the meaning of family and the importance of connecting with each other.

It may be easier than you think to create a calming environment for your teen. Try these three suggestions today and see what happens. Maybe you’ll discover more ideas to add to the list! 

Are you curious about what life would be like in another city, but think the move would be too stressful on you and your family? The logistics of long-haul moving can be hectic, but if you prepare in advance, you can leave the stress behind in your Do Not Pack box.

Here are some of the best ways to move to a new city, while keeping you and your family’s sanity in check.

Create a Checklist

You won’t be able to stop by your old house if you forgot something and there is a lot to do before you leave it behind. Create a “packing” checklist, a “before the move” checklist and an “after the move checklist.” These checklists will make sure you don’t forget anything and can start crossing things off months in advance.

Establish Financial Feasibility

Design a spreadsheet of anticipated income and realistic monthly expenses in your new city, keeping in mind living expenses may be higher there. Consider monthly charge card and loan payments that will come with you. It’s recommended to set aside at least 6 months of living expenses as a cushion.

Hold a Family Meeting

Communication is key to any big life change as a family. If you have children, gather them in one place, share your own feelings about the move and encourage them to do the same.

Have Your Children Help you Make Decisions

If you have children, chances are they can navigate technology pretty well. Give them some research assignments to look up on a computer or iPad (apartments, schools, neighborhoods, ice cream shops, parks, things they might like to do in the new city). Here is some more information: 10 Moving Tips: Stress-Free Moving With Kids.

Get a Sense of Public and Private Transportation

Visit the city before the big move. Navigate the transportation scene and map out where you will be living and working. Check out the Internet for the best ways to navigate your new routes.

Join Meetup Groups

Major metropolitan cities have active Meetup groups and resources for new residents. These help create a social springboard and can help you get involved in your neighborhood, making you feel like you are a part of the community right away.

Self-help Will Save You Big Bucks

Hiring a container company, such as ABF U-Pack Moving or PODS, to make a cross-country drive will cost more than twice as much as renting a truck, but only about one-third of the cost of a full-service move. You could even hire college students to help you pack and unpack.

App It

Certain startups offer services that can help streamline your move — and help you avoid a complete meltdown. Many of these even have moving Apps that can help, depending on what you need. Check out 30+ Services to Make Your Move to a New City Less Stressful for more information about the Apps.

Anyone who has taken the plunge and moved to a new city can attest to why moving is consistently labeled one of the most dreaded life events, but it doesn’t have to be. If you get that new job, your spouse or partner gets a promotion or maybe you’re just looking for a new adventure – take a deep breath and know that it’s all going to be OK.

All couples should have durable powers of attorney for finances and health care, but these documents are even more important if you and your partner aren’t married.

A durable power of attorney gives you and your partner the authority to manage each other’s finances if one of you becomes incapacitated. A power of attorney for health care, sometimes referred to as a health care proxy, gives you the right to make medical decisions on your partner’s behalf if he or she is unable to do so.

Without these documents, you could be prohibited from making decisions on behalf of your partner, even if you’ve been together for years. A court may grant a family member authority to make decisions about your partner’s finances.

An estate-planning lawyer can help you draw up power-of-attorney documents for your state. Some banks and brokerage firms won’t honor power-of-attorney documents unless they meet certain conditions, so make sure the form you use will be accepted by your financial institutions. Both the power of attorney for finances and the health care proxy should be easily accessible in an emergency.

By Sandra Block, From Kiplinger’s Personal Finance (Follow @sandyblock)

The practice of giving kids an allowance seems to have caught on in a big way. In the 2015 Parents, Kids & Money survey from T. Rowe Price, 70 percent of parents reported giving an allowance to their children ages 8 to 14. That’s way up from 47 percent in 2013. Among kids who receive an allowance, 85 percent are required to earn it, versus 15 percent who get it with no strings attached.

Experts have mixed feelings about those results. They are not convinced that an allowance is one of the best hands-on teaching tools for children who aren’t yet earning money of their own and are glad that allowances are becoming more popular. But one thing the experts have learned from speaking with hundreds of families over the years is that tying an allowance to chores isn’t necessarily the best way to go.

For one thing, you don’t want to turn your children into little mercenaries who balk at washing the dishes unless they’re paid. Kids should help out around the house without expecting anything in return because they’re part of the family.

It is also tough keeping track of whether children have actually done their assigned jobs. As a result, the kids often end up getting their money even if they don’t do the chores. Or they end up getting nothing and miss out on learning how to manage their own money, which should be the purpose of an allowance. Either way, the system falls apart.

At the same time, 15 percent of kids get their money with nothing expected in return. In that case, the allowance becomes just another handout, and kids don’t learn the connection between work and pay.

So what’s a parent to do?

A System That Works
A possible solution is a two-tier allowance system. Kids get a base allowance that isn’t tied to basic household chores, such as doing the dishes and making their beds, which they’re expected to do without pay. But it does come with financial chores—spending (and saving) responsibilities that the kids take over from you. So, for example, young children may be required to pay for their own collectibles or refreshments at the movies. As they get older, they can take responsibility for more expenses, such as after-school outings with friends, concert tickets and even clothing purchases.

To make the connection between work and pay (and to earn extra money), children can take on extra jobs, such as taking out the trash or recycling, vacuuming the family room, raking leaves, washing the car, or whatever you define as service above and beyond.

This system has three pluses: It sets up a sensible, and workable, arrangement for tying allowance to chores. It’s easy to keep track of—you can pay for jobs on the spot, assuming the work meets with your approval. And it’s an effective way to make kids responsible for managing their money.

How Much to Give
Not only are more children getting an allowance, they also seem to be getting more money. Compared with 2013, fewer kids in the T. Rowe Price survey are getting $10 a week or less (50 percent versus 68 percent), and at the very top the number of kids getting $51 or more per week jumped from 2 percent to 9 percent.

For 8- to 14-year-olds, the $10 figure sounds reasonable. A good guideline is to start with a weekly base allowance equal to half a child’s age, and then increase it as necessary depending on where you live, how old your child is and what he or she is expected to pay for.

So for an 8-year-old, $4 a week should be plenty. A 14-year-old could need more than $7 per week, especially if he’s paying for his own entertainment and school-related expenses.

By Janet Bodnar, Editor, Kiplinger Magazine (Follow Janet on Twitter) 

For many Americans, monthly grocery spending is eating up a big portion of their budgets. On average, a family of four spends up to $1,300 a month on the food they consume at home. To make matters worse, most are spending more than they need to because of mistakes they are making when shopping at the supermarket.

Here are three big mistakes that many supermarket shoppers make, as well as advice on how to avoid them:

Many of people buy groceries week to week, which isn’t a smart way to take advantage of supermarket deals. These shoppers are often forced to pay full price for 50 percent to 80 percent of what goes in their carts. The better way to shop is to stock up on items you know you will always use when they go on sale. Store the surplus in your freezer or pantry. Also, plan your weekly purchases of perishable items around what’s on sale. Be sure to check weekly sales flyers or use an app such as Favado to see what’s on sale at your local stores before you shop.

Most supermarkets provide the cost per unit of products on labels displayed on shelves. This is an easy way to get a true price comparison across brands and package sizes. If you don’t check the cost per unit, you might end up paying more for fewer products in the long run. For example, a container of name brand orange juice might be on sale and appear to have a lower price than the store brand. But if the brand-name container is 59 ounces while the store brand is 64 ounces, the cost per unit can help you figure out which really is the better deal.

You don’t have to give up an entire weekend to clip coupons to use them. Many supermarket websites and apps let you load coupons directly to your store loyalty card. Also, remember that some products come with coupons already attached to their packaging that can be redeemed immediately at checkout. When it comes to using coupons, the biggest way to save is to use them when you purchase household and personal hygiene products, which can be especially pricey.

This is just a start. Do you have any tips to share on how you save money at the grocery store?

Andrea N. Browne, Online Editor, Kiplinger.com, (Follow @AnBrowne)

Parents traveling on the plane with small children get it. It might be the “put your bag on the empty seat next to you” move. Or it’s the “pretend to talk on your cell phone” maneuver. Either way, the message from fellow passengers is clear—I can’t handle a three-hour flight with an energetic youngster next to me. Sitting shoulder-to-shoulder for an extended time is difficult no matter who sits next to you. But toddlers seem to raise the stress level for many. The key is not to suppress your child’s energy, but to redirect it.

Here are five ideas to make your next plane trip more enjoyable:

1. Rehearse – Kids feel more comfortable when they know what to expect. So play act what they’ll see on the trip. That might include going through security, boarding, fastening a seat belt, or take off/ landing. Books like The Airport or A Day at the Airport can also help to set the stage.
2. Pack a Busy Bag – Help preschoolers prepare by putting together a bag of items to interact with on the trip. It might include a few books or a small stuffed animal. One parent brings Cheerios to string on dental floss (which they eat later). Let them pack the bag and help carry it during the trip (so keep it light). Draw on the activities as needed.
3. Get Charged – If you’re going to use electronics to entertain your kids, be sure they’re fully charged ahead of time. Take a recharger with you to use during layovers. Wi-Fi connectivity may not be optimal for games or videos so download those before you leave. Don’t forget the headphones or earbuds for private viewing.
4. Picture the Destination – Pack pictures of your final destination to look at during the flight. It might include photos of relatives you’ll see when you get there. Have them identify what family member is pictured. If Disney is your destination, have pictures of characters you’re likely to see. Ask what you child will say to them. Don’t forget photos of their home for the return trip.
5. Keep a Secret – Even the best of plans can sometimes go awry. So have a secret weapon just in case. Surprise your child with a new coloring book that has their favorite cartoon characters.  Have new children’s music loaded on your smartphone. Or tell them about a special activity you have planned.

In reality, many travelers have been in the same situation traveling with small children. They understand the challenge. Make your trip (and theirs) more enjoyable by considering these tips.

Tired of tracking sand into your car or home after a day at the beach? No matter how hard you try to remove the grainy stuff from your feet, it can be infuriatingly stubborn. Here are three tips to help minimize the trouble sand causes.

Baby powder or flour – Seriously! Take along a bottle of baby powder or throw some flour into a plastic bag and keep it in your car. When you leave the beach, dust off the bigger clumps of wet sand with your hand then liberally apply the powder or flour to your feet. The moisture that causes the sand to stick will be absorbed so you can easily brush it off.

 Welcome mats or carpet remnants – It works at home, so why not try it at the beach? Buy a few extra welcome mats or find carpet remnants to keep in your car. When leaving the beach, set them down next to your car before you get in. Brush off any big chunks of sand and then wipe your feet on the welcome mat or carpet to clear off the rest.

Portable water and a scrub sponge – One obvious, but often overlooked, solution is water. Save a few gallon milk jugs to fill with water and place them in your car before heading to the beach. Throw in a scrub sponge—the kind with an abrasive back—and you’re all set. Before you get in your car, run the water over your feet and use the scrub sponge to lift the sand off. Be gentle, though, as it can be rough on skin when combined with the grainy sand (think exfoliation).

Keeping your car or home sand-free during beach season may feel like fighting an uphill battle. But with a little preparation, you can tackle sand’s stubbornness head on … and win!

Few things are more satisfying in life than watching your children grow and progress through the transitions we all face. Throughout their lives, but especially when the kids are young, parents may experience higher highs and lower lows than the children themselves. Such is the case for many parents when their children go off to kindergarten.

Here are a few tips as your family experiences this transition:

1. Bedtimes are sometimes more flexible during the summer months. Seven to 10 days before school starts, re-establish a regular bedtime that will become the routine during the school year.
2. Children’s emotions are just like yours, but most lack the verbal capacity to express themselves. They’re probably feeling a range of emotions: excitement, nervousness, anticipation and more. Gently probe your kids in the days before school starts and talk to them about their feelings.
3. The expectations, rules and rigors of school are new for your child. During the first couple weeks of school, kindergartners often are tired, agitated and uncertain. Be patient and remember that little misbehaviors during this time are true expressions of love because kids feel safest to “be themselves” around you.
4. Little ones expend a lot of energy, but it’s extra important that they have the right fuel to burn during the first days of school. Make sure they eat well, especially a full, healthy breakfast.
5. Take the kids to their school a day or two before classes begin. Show them the building, the playground and anything else you can. This might take a little of the edge off.
6. You’re likely going to be emotional, too. Kids follow their parent’s example, so model the actions and behaviors you want your children to emulate.
7. Don’t forget your camera and bring plenty of tissues for the car ride home.

If you just got married, there are some things you need to do about taxes, insurance and other financial decisions. Newlyweds need to work together to make key decisions about their financial strategies and future goals. But you and your spouse should also take steps right away to take advantage of valuable benefits available to married couples. Here’s what you can do to save money and protect your finances.

1. Check out new health insurance options.
Getting married is one of the special situations in which you can make changes to your health insurance in the middle of the year—whether you have coverage through work, on your own, or from Healthcare.gov or a state exchange. Compare the cost of adding your spouse to your policy, adding yourself to your spouse’s policy, or keeping separate policies. One employer may have much better coverage than the other, for example, but some charge a lot more for dependents.

Compare coverage for both your and your spouse’s doctors plus out-of-pocket costs for your prescription drugs and other expenses. Think twice about switching policies midyear if you’ve already paid a lot toward this year’s deductible. If you qualified for a subsidy to help with the costs, let the marketplace where you bought coverage know you’re now married so you don’t have a surprise at tax time; you may qualify for a higher (or lower) subsidy now that your household size has changed.

2. Make the most of each other’s employee benefits.
Find out whether your employer offers other benefits to your spouse, such as dental or vision insurance. Consider disability insurance, especially if your spouse depends on your income. You may also be able to sign up for a flexible spending account or health savings account and use the money tax-free for either spouse’s medical expenses. And look at your 401(k)s and other retirement savings plans as one big portfolio. If one spouse’s plan has better investing options and lower fees, consider investing more money in that plan.

3. Save on car insurance.
Tell your auto insurer about your wedding. Your rate may drop now that you’re married, and you’ll get a multi-car discount if you combine coverage under one policy. Even better, shop around for coverage, especially if you’re moving. The company that offered the best rate in the past may not be the most competitive for your new situation.

4. Update your homeowners or renters insurance.
If you move after getting married, let your insurer know your new address—your rate may rise or fall depending on the risk—or shop around for new coverage. You may get a 10 to 15 percent discount by consolidating auto and home insurance with one company. You may also need to adjust your possessions coverage after you combine your households and add in big-ticket wedding gifts. And you may want to get special coverage for valuable items, such as an engagement ring.

5. Decide whether you need life insurance.
You may not need coverage if you and your spouse both work and could cover the bills with either income. But you do need coverage if you depend on both incomes to cover certain expenses, such as a mortgage—and you’ll definitely need coverage after you have children. If you already have life insurance, whether on your own or through your employer, update your beneficiary designation. How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?

6. Adjust your tax withholding.
Now that you’re married, you may need to adjust the amount of money your employer withholds from your paychecks for taxes. Otherwise, you may get an unexpected bill at tax time. Complete the worksheets with Form W-4 to determine how many withholding allowances you should claim. If you plan to file a joint return, use your combined income, adjustments, deductions, exemptions and credits to come up with the number, then split up the total allowances any way you want between the two of you.

7. Figure out if you still qualify for a Roth.
If you’re married anytime before December 31, 2015, the IRS considers you to be married for the full year, and your combined income may bump up against or exceed the limit for Roth contributions. In 2015, you qualify if your income is below $131,000 if you’re single or $193,000 if you’re married filing jointly. If you no longer fall below the limit, you have until your tax-filing deadline to withdraw any contribution you’ve already made (and any earnings on that money) or convert it to a traditional IRA without penalty.

8. Change your beneficiary designations.
In addition to updating your beneficiary designation for your life insurance, update your beneficiary for IRAs, 401(k)s and other retirement plans. That’s a must even if you have a will giving everything to your spouse. If you named your parents or other relatives as your beneficiaries when you first signed up for your 401(k) at work, for example, they’ll get the money in your account after you die unless you change the beneficiary designation. Also create a will to control who inherits your assets, and consider other key estate-planning documents.

9. Contact the Social Security Administration if you change your name.
Fill out Form SS-5 to get a new Social Security card. See this Name Change FAQ for details. Don’t forget to change the name on your bank and investment accounts, driver’s license, passport, and other accounts and documents. Make sure your employer updates your name for tax withholding. Your tax refund could be delayed if the name on your return doesn’t match the name Social Security has for your number.

10. Figure out how to blend your finances.
Decide whether to open joint bank accounts or keep separate accounts; many financial experts recommend you have both kinds. Also, determine whether it’s better to add your spouse to your credit card accounts or keep separate cards. If you have a much higher credit score than your spouse, having combined credit accounts can drag down your score. Also, start talking about your long-term financial goals.

Copyright 2015 The Kiplinger Washington Editors

Let’s face it: None of us is perfect. We all make mistakes every now and again. And while it’s easy to get down on ourselves and focus on what went wrong, the healthier (and more productive) response is to use these times as a learning opportunity.

 Lessons in Failure
Thomas Edison once said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” In other words, it’s not the act of failing — inevitability — but the perspective we take afterward that can set us up for future success. If that seems easier said than done, here are three simple steps for turning failure into success:

1.     Look at the problem from all angles
Taking a 360-degree view allows us to explore the whys behind our failures. It also allows our minds to open up to new ideas that may eventually lead to a final solution.

2.     Brainstorm new ideas
Sit down, either alone or with others, and come up with a list of potential fixes for your problem. Keep in mind that there are no bad ideas at this point in the process — simply allow yourself to examine all the possibilities.

3.     Start down a new path
Now is the point when you can take a more critical eye to all the ideas you came up with during your brainstorm. Once you narrow your list down to the best choice, make a plan and then put it into action.

Peace in Second Chances
When we allow for second chances, we practice the art of forgiveness. For many, it’s easier to forgive others than pardon ourselves. But once we let go of the stigma of failure and open our eyes to the opportunities it can provide, we can begin to grow from the experience.

Applying for financial aid will soon be less of a hassle for college students and their families. Beginning with the 2017-2018 academic year, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)—used to determine financial aid from the government as well as colleges—can be filed three months earlier, or as early as October 1, nearly a year before a student would start classes the following fall. This shift in timing will allow completed tax returns to be used to report income and assets on the FAFSA.

Under current rules, families have to wait until January 1 to start filling out the FAFSA and often file the aid application before completing the income tax return required to verify income for the previous year. For example, if you file the FAFSA in January 2016 for the 2016-17 academic year, you’ll have to scramble to file your tax return early or estimate your 2015 income and verify it later, after you’ve filed your 2015 tax return. But under the new rules, when you file the FAFSA for the 2017-18 academic year, you’ll use your 2015 tax return rather than your 2016 return to report income and assets.

With the new FAFSA schedule, you’ll be able to start thinking about financial aid earlier in order to maximize an aid award. You’ll still have until June 30 to complete the form, but applying as early as possible remains important. Most schools dole out financial aid on a first-come, first-served basis, and a college’s free money runs out fast.

Steps to Take Before the End of 2015

If your child is currently a high school senior, college freshman or college sophomore, your 2015 tax information is doubly important because 2015 income will count twice for financial aid purposes—first for the 2016-17 academic year, before the FAFSA changes go into effect, and then again for the 2017-18 academic year, when FAFSA switches to the new timeline. Taking steps to reduce income before the end of 2015 could lower your expected family income and boost your student’s financial aid award two years in a row.

Few colleges fill the entire gap between your expected family contribution and the cost of attendance, but lowering your income can lead to substantial increases in financial aid. Income, not assets, is by far the biggest factor in financial aid. “Generally, every $10,000 increase in parent income will cause about a $3,000 decrease in need-based financial aid,” says Mark Kantrowitz, publisher of Edvisors.com, a college planning Web site. If possible, hold off on taking distributions from retirement plans or realizing capital gains because the money will count as income on the FAFSA.

The financial aid formula excludes assets held in retirement accounts, the cash value of life insurance policies, and the value of your home and other personal property (including cars, clothing and furniture). So consider directing a larger portion of your paycheck to your retirement accounts during your FAFSA-filing years.
A fat savings account can also lower financial aid because the federal financial aid formula considers up to 5.6 percent of parents’ assets to be available to pay for college. If you’re planning to use cash to buy a new car, do a home-renovation project or make some other large purchase—even to pay down debt—pull the trigger before you file the FAFSA.

By Kaitlin Pitsker, Copyright 2015 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc.