CATEGORY: FAMILY LIVING
Teach your children about good money management
| By : Isabella Miller 
Submitted 2010-05-19 03:03:04 | Children learn the basics - math, English and science - at school. But when it comes to learning about saving and spending money wisely, the lessons begin at home.
"Helping children understand finances is very important, so that when they graduate and live on their own, they can fend for themselves and be financially secure both in their daily lives and their future," says Nick Fyntrilakis, assistant vice president of Community Responsibility for MassMutual, at Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co., Springfield, Mass.
According to a National PTA article on FamilyEducation.com, "money gives people -- both young and old -- decision-making opportunities."
"Educating, motivating, and empowering children to become regular savers and investors will enable them to keep more of the money they earn and do more with the money they spend," the article says.
Here are some tips to help you educate your children about good money management:
* Help them establish a savings account.
Children accumulate money in many different ways - ranging from birthday presents to jobs they've organized like walking a neighbor's dog or mowing lawns. But putting that money into a piggy bank doesn't do anything. Explain about interest, and find a bank or credit union that offers accounts that don't charge monthly fees, don't require a minimum account balance, have good interest rates and are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Company (FDIC) or the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF).
* Set a budget - both for yourself and your children.
Children follow by example, and you can make a good impression by showing them how you stay within a budget - whether it's for food, utility bills or fun activities. Help your kids establish a budget, and explain the differences between needs and wants.
* Make it fun with an app.
Check out Save! The Game, a free app parents can help their children download from iTunes for a fun "needs vs. wants" game. Also, consider speaking to children about establishing a savings plan, and how much of their income they should put away for the future. This is a good time for them to plan for larger upcoming expenses like owning a car, paying college tuition or renting an apartment.
* Discuss ways your children can add to their income.
Determine if you want to establish an allowance, or encourage them to be an entrepreneur and start their own business: set up a lemonade stand, wash cars, mow lawns and rake leaves, clean garages, babysit, etc. Helping them develop a good work ethic when they're young will also help them foster excellent employment skills when they join the real world as adults.
* Encourage them to contribute back to society.
Children may have an organization close to their heart or family they want to support. Visit MassMutual's Time for Kids website (www.TimeForKids.com/RightMoney) to see how they can narrow down the list of numerous non-profit organizations in the United States to just a couple they might have an interest in.
"Talking with your children at a young age about money matters will help them establish good financial skills before they're ready to enter the world as an adult," says Fyntrilakis.
Visit MassMutual's family finance website (www.MassMutual.com/FamilyFinances) for more education tips you can pass on to your children, and for up-to-date tips and calculators for adults as well. | Author Resource:- Online Web Article
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CATEGORY: FASHION/BEAUTY/ FITNESS Things You Should know before buying Silver Rings
| By : Alex Know
Submitted 2011-06-12 23:57:33 | In the United States, any alloy that contains less than 90% silver cannot be technically termed as “silver”. The only form of silver that is universally accepted for jewelry making is sterling silver, which contains 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. Owing to its softness, silver alone is not fit for jewelry making. Copper lends a certain hardness to the metal, which makes it ideal for making silver rings, earrings, chains, pendants and several such items.
When you choose to buy silver rings online or from a brick-and-mortar jewelry outlet, making an informed purchase is important. There are plenty of hidden facts about silver jewelry that a buyer might not know. Reading up on some relevant facts is therefore a great idea.
Silver Rings: Making the Right Choice
Listed below are some of the most relevant facts you need to know before buying the silver rings of your choice.
1. Sterling silver rings will either be marked as “sterling silver” or will have the number 925 engraved on it. If both or one of these is not present, it is certainly not sterling silver and you have been fooled into buying something less worthy.
2. When you buy silver rings from a jewelry store, make sure the term “sterling silver” has been mentioned in the receipt that has been given to you.
3. Do not ever confuse sterling silver with fake terms like “Nickel Silver” and “German Silver.” Both these alloys do not contain any silver! Therefore, they should not be called silver at all. Beware of jewelry retailers who cajole you into buying these makes.
4. Sterling silver is of the same quality, no matter where you purchase it from. The proportions are standard and the metal bought from one online outlet would be just the same as any other, provided it is duly marked. Therefore, jewelers who speak of selling “high quality” silver jewelry are actually fooling you into paying more for the same make.
5. All silver rings will get tarnished over time. They will need to be polished at regular intervals and there are a host of products available for cleaning purposes. Brand new jewelry items have a coating of lacquer on them, which wears off over time. Therefore, if a vendor is promising ornaments that would never tarnish, he is attempting to fool you into buying some other metal.
6. The only reason why two pieces of silver jewelry of the same weight can be differently priced is that one might be handmade and the other manufactured via machines. | Author Resource:- If you want to buy silver rings, choose to shop at a trusted online retailer like Eves Addiction. For a wide range of high quality jewelry at the most competitive prices, visit www.evesaddiction.com.
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Comfort tips for all shoe styles
| By : Emma Davis
Submitted 2010-05-19 03:07:54 | Spring is here and summer is around the corner, which means it's time to refresh your wardrobe. Shoe trends for the warmer seasons include bright colors, nudes, fringes and ruffles. And with heels and wedges getting even higher, some women may wonder what the future holds for their feet.
Many women struggle with finding a balance between fashion and comfort. That's why Stacy London, style expert and host of TLC's "What Not To Wear," is helping Dr. Scholl's(R) For Her show women across America that they can have both.
"It's no secret that women love their shoes, but we also know they can be a pain in the foot," saysLondon. "That's why I use Dr. Scholl's(R) For Her Insoles to cushion my feet because I'm a firm believer that you should never have to sacrifice comfort for fashion."
London offers the following tips to help women look and feel their best.
* Love your heels: Stylish heels add a touch of glamour to any outfit and even make your legs appear longer. Since they can sometimes hurt (and pain ruins the look) use an insole for comfort.
* More cushion please: When standing for a long time it's important to give your feet some extra TLC. The balls of your feet feel the most pressure so add cushioning to the area before slipping on heels.
* Practice makes perfect: If you're wearing new shoes, give yourself time to break them in (and practice walking). Wear them around the house for a week so you can address any discomfort beforehand.
* Go for flats: If heels aren't your thing, wear a pair of flats. For a sophisticated look, choose styles with a rounded point or a pointy toe. Distinct fabrics like patent leather, metallic colors or embellishment with rhinestones add even more flair.
* Be yourself: No matter the trends, wear what best suits you. Choose clothing and shoes that look and feel good for the body you have - not someone else's. And of course, confidence is a key fashion accessory.
| | Author Resource:- For more information on products designed specifically to meet women's unique foot care needs, visit the Dr. Scholl's(R) For Her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/drschollsforher. |
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