Are You Raising an Entitled Child?

It’s no secret that kids today have more than ever before. The majority of the elementary school classrooms I walk into have children with much nicer phones than I have. They also have ipods and all sorts of other things we didn’t have as children. They have no concept of the value of a dollar because things simply get handed to them without any expectation. As a parent we want to provide our children with as much as we can, but we also want to teach them the value of hard work. If you feel that your child may be … Continue reading

The Worst Genealogy Blog of the Year

Many genealogists take time out of their research to work on their very own, personal, genealogy blog. While some of these blogs are entertaining, informative, and inspirational, others are a chore to try and read. Here are some tips to keep your blog from being deemed “the worst genealogy blog of the year”. Anyone can make a blog. There are several websites that will let you sign up and instantly start creating a blog about whatever topic you like for free. This is both good and bad. It allows every genealogist who desires to make a family history blog the … Continue reading

Do Debt Consolidation Loans Work?

Consolidation loans, or consolidation of debt may work for you in your goals to get out of debt. Consolidation has some benefits, but it also have some risks as well. Find out if consolidation loans would work for you. To consolidate your debt, you would take out a new loan that covers the cost of all of your pressing debt. The new loan pays off all of the others, leaving you with one loan. This consolidation loan must still be paid off, of course. Consolidation loans can make it a little easier to keep up with your debt, since it … Continue reading

5 Ways to Save on Gym Memberships and Workouts

Ready to fulfill those New Years Eve Resolutions for a healthier body and a more active lifestyle? Gym memberships are a great way to make a regular commitment with professional equipment and classes that are sure to keep you on track. Here are five ways to save money on a gym membership. 1. Negotiate the Gym Fee When you are considering making a commitment to a gym membership then it is time to speak up. Tell them that you are thinking about joining but want to save some money. The health club may go ahead and waive the sign up … Continue reading

Mother’s Blog About Mentally Ill Son Goes Viral

A mother has written a blog that has been passed around the internet via Facebook and in links in several other blogs and news articles. In it, she discusses her fear that her son will someday do something similar to what Adam Lanza did in Connecticut. It is an eye-opening piece of writing. Yesterday, I wrote a blog that clarified that not all people who have Asperger’s Syndrome are violent. Some can, and do, express loud, verbal, outbursts or may push someone away from them. Typically, the violence that people with Asperger’s Syndrome express is not premeditated or planned out. … Continue reading

Would Mystery Shopping Work for Your Family?

Through mystery shopping, you and your family can enjoy free restaurants, shopping outings, movies, bowling, and more. Plus, you often get paid for the privilege as well! Here is what you need to know about mystery shopping and how to determine if it is the right fit for your family. 1. Understand mystery shopping Understanding what mystery shopping is all about is important before you embark on this adventure. Basically, you pose as a customer for the company and will need to fill out a report of your experience. The different shops have different requirements. You may be asked to … Continue reading

Alaska Calls Medicaid an “Entitlement Program”

Every state has its own Medicaid program. You can learn a lot about the political environment in a state by the wording it chooses to use on its official Medicaid website. Alaska refers to Medicaid as an “entitlement program”. The state put that phrase in quotes. This speaks volumes. Medicaid is a public, or government run, health insurance program. It is designed to cover individuals and families who are low income and who cannot afford to purchase a health plan from a private insurance company. Medicaid is funded, in part, by the federal government. It is also funded, in part, … Continue reading

Olive Garden and Red Lobster Rob Workers of Insurance Coverage

Olive Garden and Red Lobster are using a sneaky trick to prevent their employees from qualifying for health insurance coverage. They are giving them just under the number of hours that would allow the worker to qualify for health insurance coverage. That number also exempts the company from covering them. It is absolutely imperative that people have health insurance coverage. In the United States, lack of coverage results in putting off preventative care until an avoidable condition becomes very serious. This is exactly what causes people to file for bankruptcy due to medical bills that they cannot afford to pay. … Continue reading

Let Your Age Work for You

Instead of bemoaning the fact that you aren’t getting any younger, celebrate it, especially if you love to travel. Times are tough; the economy is in the dumpster and no one seems to know when the nation’s financial situation is going to improve. However, that doesn’t mean you have to put the brakes on exploring the four corners of the globe. If you are 50 years or older, travel discounts are easier to obtain now than ever before. One of the best ways to score discounted travel is to join the American Association of Retired Persons or AARP. Known as … Continue reading

Freebies From Lipton, McDonald’s, Bath & Body Works, and More!

Ready for some more freebies? This week, I’ve found some from brand name companies as well as some from companies that are new to me. I’ve got a mixed bag of freebies with everything from treats and drinks to skin care and pain relief products. Lipton has a free sample of their new Lipton Tea & Honey. To get this freebie, you must click “like” on their Facebook page. Next, fill out the form that appears. McDonald’s is giving away a free small cup of coffee every day from today, September 23, 2012, through September 29, 2012. This is their … Continue reading