Fewer Babies? Blame It on the Economy

Would you let the economy dictate how many children you have, or if you have children at all? For many couples, the poor state of the economy has forced them into remaining childless, even through they have always dreamed of having children, they say. If you’ve noticed fewer babies and young children at the park lately, you aren’t imagining things. According to the Centers of Disease Control, the U.S. fertility rate has dropped sharply since the country went into recession (2007), and it shows no signs of bouncing back any time soon. Experts predict that when the economy does eventually … Continue reading

Free Vacations for Teachers

  It’s said that teaching is among the most underpaid and underappreciated careers in the world.  The men and women who help shape our children’s futures are often overworked, and in a time when the economy is incredibly dismal, the idea of an educator spending precious cash on a luxury vacation is almost laughable. Well, if you are a creative leader in the classroom, who has always dreamed of traveling to the ends of the earth, get ready to smile. Thanks to Hilton HHonors, you can jet-off on a vacation to remember for FREE.  This year, the company is giving … Continue reading

Is The American Dream Dead?

According to financial expert Suze Orman, the American dream, as we’ve always known it, is dead. Hasn’t it been our goal to keep up with the Joneses, to look and feel successful, to have a nice home, three nice cars, a boat, to take family vacations, and a cute little dog? Well, Suze didn’t say anything about a dog, to my knowledge, but she definitely feels that we need to refine our ideas of just what the American dream means. She has just released a new book titled “The Money Class,” and states: “The whole purpose of this book is … Continue reading

Southwest Airlines Vacations Cinderella Castle Stay Getaway Sweepstakes

Disney enthusiasts, have you ever dreamed about staying in Cinderella’s castle for the night? Well, now your dream can become a reality when you enter the Southwest Airlines Vacations Cinderella Castle Stay Getaway Sweepstakes. This sweepstakes includes a vacation package for four people. You will receive: * A roundtrip airline flight for four people on Southwest Airlines to Orlando, Florida * Two nights accommodations at a Walt Disney World resort * One-night accommodations in Magic Kingdom at Cinderella’s Castle in a Cinderella Castle Suite * A four-day ticket for four people with Park Hopper privileges Your luxury accommodations inside Cinderella’s … Continue reading

What Are Your Summer Vacation Plans?

Are you planning to take the kids to Disney World or are you opting to travel to Hawaii or the Bahamas with just your spouse? Has the slumping economy forced you to stay closer to home, or is this the summer you finally take your dream European vacation? According to a new American Express survey, the family vacation is alive and well, and the current economy is not putting the brakes on summer travel plans. So, where do you stack up against survey respondents? According to the study, more than half of 2,000 adults questioned will be traveling with their … Continue reading

Introducing the Disney Dream

If it’s possible to bask in more luxury while floating on a glittering ocean in the warm sun, then one would be hard-pressed to conceive of it. With the Disney Dream, the newest addition to Disney Cruise Line’s fleet, families can spend their vacation in an opulent city on the sea. At least, that’s what Disney would like you to think. Disney Cruise Lines aims to dazzle, and the effect from the announcement of the Dream is nearly blinding. In these tough economic times we need to be careful with our money, so trying to make decisions about taking expensive … Continue reading

Cash-Strapped Parents Look to Hit Jackpot on TV Game Shows

I guess it beats scrounging around for loose change to buy lottery tickets. According to a new USA Today report, a record amount of laid off parents are looking to make ends meet by appearing on television game shows. Producers from popular game shows, such “Wheel of Fortune” and “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” say the recession has forced many moms and dads to look for creative ways to feed their children. Parents, who would have never dreamed of applying for a spot on a game show, are now standing in long lines to secure a spot on … Continue reading

Free Vacations

Just because you don’t have the budget for it doesn’t mean that you can’t have one! Here are some ways to snag some great free vacations. Explore the city I just got a list of all of the fun and free things that we could do nearby in Philadelphia! There are historic sites, museums, music concerts, walking tours and more that are absolutely free. I also found out that one famous theater opens its doors free to the public for the final dress rehearsal before the show. The rehearsal is just like the normal show, complete with costumes, lights, props … Continue reading

Home Bartering

If you have a home, then you have a valuable asset, even if it is worth less now than what you might have originally paid for it. Now is a great time to use that home of yours to barter for things that you may want or need. You can barter your home in exchange for home improvement services. If you have some extra space, you might be able to barter a room in exchange for professional improvements to your home. Craigslist is full of professional carpenters, electricians, landscapers and contractors who would be willing to offer their services in … Continue reading

Great Deals on Couples-Only Vacations

If being home all day with the kids this summer has got you dreaming of a couples-only getaway with your favorite adult friend then you are in luck. Sandals resorts is offering incredible savings on travel packages to their locations in the Caribbean. From now until December 20, 2009 (some blackout dates apply) you can get three nights’ accommodations, meals, airport transfers, and hotel taxes and fees for just $354 per person based on double occupancy. (There are no single bookings.) The “Fly Free” promotion also includes an airfare credit of up to $550. Note: The credit varies depending on … Continue reading