children

Planning for Trouble: Money and Estate Tips for Every Age

Many people put off doing estate planning on the grounds that it's too complicated. But it's not that difficult, and the right moves can save both you and your family a lot of trouble down the road. Here are a few things to keep in mind for the various stages of your life.

Family Money: Tips for Raising Saving-Savvy Kids

Last week was America Saves Week, but the organizations hoping to spotlight the importance of saving money have their work cut out for them. Not only are we failing to sock enough away, our kids aren't getting the message to save either. Here are four tips for passing on smart savings habits.

The Financial Upside to Buying Your Kid an iPad

How does this savvy business journalist justify buying a new iPad for an 11-year-old? Three ways that are educational, one way that's parental, and one -- believe it or not -- that's essentially financial.

7 Ways to Teach Kids About Saving ... and Giving

As the season of giving brushes elbows with the cabal of commercialism, we're presented with an ideal "teachable moment." Here are seven ways to show material boys and girls that saving -- and giving -- can be just as rewarding as getting.

Back-to-School Shopping: Buyers Get a 'C' for Careful

Even before Hurricane Irene interrupted back-to-school shopping, the nation was cautious about spending for the new semester. A teetering economy is affecting the purchasing choices of 75% of families with school-age children, and 70% say they plan to spend the same or less as last year.

Where America's Children Are Going Hungry

Hunger is not discriminatory, and it's everywhere. That's the message of a new study that shows children are struggling with hunger in every county and congressional district in America. But the Map the Meal Gap report also shows which states and regions are suffering disproportionately.

Why Are LEGOs So Expensive?

It's a question that echoes across the Internet, on blogs and message boards, and in the content of a specialty wiki called Brickipedia: "Why are Legos so expensive?" Our search for an answer starts in Denmark, and ends in the playrooms of countless children around the world.

Moms' Best Back-to-School Savings Tips

As the new school year approaches, families head to the shops for new supplies. But the back-to-school shopping season can be hard on the wallet. Follow these money-saving tips from moms across the country and you'll have plenty of cash left for apples for the teacher.

Financial Tradeoffs Parents are Making for Their Families

Every parent knows that having a child isn't cheap. The average cost of raising a family has grown higher than ever, and parents are making some sacrifices to pay it. Here are some of the common tradeoffs new mothers and fathers are making.

McDonald's Happy Meals Get a Healthier Overhaul

For more than 30 years, the standard McDonald's Happy Meals have been exactly the same -- a burger or chicken nuggets, fries and a soda. But no more. In an attempt to help youngsters make healthier food choices, the fast food chain is making big changes to its kid's-meal-in-a-box.