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Monopoly Game Expansion #1: Personal Savings Account

Expansion difficulty/complexity level: Easy This is a basic savings account add-on for the Monopoly game to teach the principles of personal savings. The rules are few, with easy to calculate interest rates and a simple form to keep track of each player's individual savings. While the interest rates are higher (for easy calculation) than they would be in a real-life savings account, this game can teach children the basics and benefits of saving money and how banking and savings accounts work. Objective: Learning Basic Money Saving Techniques and Principles Develop a regular habit setting money aside for a rainy day or future investment. Watch ...

Using Nature’s Gift Wrap: The Eggshell

An elegant and unforgettable way to wrap a present Mimic one of natures miracles by giving jewelry, money, a small gift or an engagement ring inside a pretty eggshell that must be cracked open by the recipient. The broken eggshell may be kept as a memento of the occasion. You will need: 1 egg per gift Clear nail polish or white glue Nail polish in color of your choice* or spray paint/enamel If making a speckled egg, choose a pale background color and brown or gold for the freckles. *A nail polish color with iridescent sparkle is best to conceal the crack (the sparkle adds opacity). If your ...

Frugal but Thoughtful Mother’s Day Gift Suggestions

While gifts are a great way to show that you care, an important thing to keep in mind is that most mothers and grandmothers would probably prefer to spend quality time with their families on Mother's Day rather than receive a fancy and expensive gift. The most frugal and meaningful gift would therefore be a family get-together: watching movies at her house, a backyard barbecue, playing games, a picnic at the park or going to the zoo with her children and grandchildren. If you do have such as family outing, make sure someone takes lots of pictures and provides her ...

Who’s to Blame for Your Spending? You or You?

Bible Money Matters wrote yesterday on how credit card companies act like they're your friends when they really just want your money. This is true, of course, but frankly it neither surprises nor bothers me. Credit card companies and banks are businesses – just like your health insurance carrier, supermarket and baby sitter. The Business of Business No one starts a business for the purpose of making friends. "Making friends" by providing cheerful service and offering "helpful" advice is merely a means to an end. When a business advertisement says "Your satisfaction is our #1 priority," the word "satisfaction" is really a metaphor ...

7 Cost-Cutting and Safer Alternative Household Tips

These are some ways we save money without sacrificing the management or enjoyment of our home: Clean with Rubbing Alcohol Our favorite cleaner is isopropyl, which looks pretty in clear spray bottles around the house. It is not perfumed, does not leave toxic residue like other cleaners, and costs only $1 to $2 for a large bottle. We acquired the mentality of scrupulous sanitizing from singing teachers, some of whom insist upon spraying everything with Lysol before touching. Lysol, however, damages the skin and leaves you with toxic fingers while rubbing alcohol evaporates cleanly away. Only be aware that rubbing too hard ...