WFHM Family Features

Free eBook: "Rikki Tikki Tavi"

Mon, 20 May 2013 17:09:00 GMT

*Please note that the price is currently $0.00, but that could change at any time. Be sure to check the price before checking out.

Preserve Your Marriage by Making 5 Smart Money Decisions

Mon, 20 May 2013 17:09:00 GMT

You met and sparks flew. You couldn’t imagine your life without him (or her). You had so much in common. You loved the same movies, same music; you finished each other’s sentences. Before you knew it, you had your future children’s names picked out and you were planning for the BIG day. Life couldn’t get any better!

Then “money” happened.

According to a poll by USA TODAY, nearly two-thirds of married couples talk little or nothing about money before they say, “I do.” The majority decide to join their lives without talking about joining their bank accounts. While agreeing on a place to live, how many children to have, and what the children’s names will be, most have no plans on how to spend, save and give their money.

Another statistic from the USA TODAY/CNN/Gallup Poll states that spending too much and saving too little is the most common issue that causes strife among married couples.

Since we know that family and strong marriages are the fabric of our society, what can we do to preserve them?

Here are few practical steps every couple (married or engaged) can take to protect and strengthen their relationship, while implementing sound financial habits. Taking these few simple steps can save much heartache and bring more peace, not only to the couple but also to the entire family.

1. Straight Money Talk

Money has been a taboo subject among couples for way too long. It’s time to break the silence and start talking. Set aside one night a month for your “money talk.” Do it over coffee and desert, or after your children go to bed so there are no interruptions. Be honest with each other and listen. Use that time to discuss problem areas and possible solutions. Don’t waste it on playing the blame game.

2. Wisdom in the Multitude of Counselors

Admitting financial problems is never easy. However, finding a trusted and objective source of counsel is often critical for couples who simply can’t figure it out on their own. Do you know a couple that’s making the right financial decisions? Befriend them. Ask them questions. Learn from their experience. If they can do it, so can you! If you are further along on your financial journey, look for a sound financial advisor who shares your values and will be able to guide you as you look ahead to retirement, saving for kids’ college education, investing, etc.

3. Spender or Saver – Which One Are You?

Learning each other’s money personalities is key to helping you succeed financially. Most likely one of you is a spender while the other one has a tendency to save. Forget the traditional roles regarding who should handle money at home. Let the one who is a saver manage your home finances. Build a budget together, agree on how much you’ll spend on each budget category, and let the saver keep you accountable for sticking to the plan! Think of creative ways to reward the spender for sticking to his or her allowance each month. It’ll keep them motivated to keep it up.

4. Make Budgeting Fun with Technology!

Budget does not have to mean boring and complicated excel spreadsheets. Today, technology offers many great budgeting solutions to help you and your spouse not only track every single penny but also plan on how you will spend it. Once you find a solution that fits your needs, both you and your spouse will be able to have much more fun in the process.

5. Break the Yoke of Debt - Start Saving

If you are in debt, the one sure way to break that cycle is to start saving. Too many couples use their debt as an excuse not to save. Make a list of small, doable goals. Start with saving $1000 as an emergency fund and then keep going. Your goals should include having 3-6 months of living expenses set aside. If you have a hard time leaving that saved money alone, talk to your bank about putting restrictions on your savings account not to allow withdrawals. According to the FPA poll, only one in five couples make investment decisions together. Work hard on breaking that trend. Plan together, set goals together and celebrate every accomplished milestone together.

Money does not have to be the cause of relational breakdowns. You may have heard this saying before: Money is a great servant but a bad master. Learning how to master your money will eliminate relational stress. It will create financial breathing room and a solid foundation for your family’s future. So take it one step at a time. Fight for your marriage by making daily smart money decisions.

Megan is one of the new additions to the Finicity (provider of Mvelopes and Money4Life Coaching) team. She comes with over 13 years of experience in the Biblical Finances area. Her content has been published by Money Matters, Do Well and Lifeway's More than Living. She is a mom of two young boys, and lives with her husband David in the Atlanta area.

Publication date: April 29, 2013

Money Saving Moment: Eat Healthy. Save Money

Mon, 20 May 2013 03:36:00 GMT

Is it possible to eat healthy AND save money at the same time? You Bet! Our Coupon-Crazy Mommy shows you some simple ways to give your family more nutritious foods, AND spend less for it!

The Coupon Crazy Mommy, began couponing as a young girl (back before it was “cool” to be frugal). Decades later, she’s still passionate about saving money and shares the latest HOT deals and bargains at www.couponcrazymommy.com.

Pregnancy and Feeling Insecure

Mon, 20 May 2013 03:06:00 GMT

The other night I overheard my husband’s friend ask him how I was doing with my pregnancy. I braced myself, hoping my husband wouldn’t say that his wife eats all the time, is often over-sensitive and never knows what we’re having for dinner. He would have been telling the truth if he said those things (he didn’t), but I would have been embarrassed. The last five months of pregnancy haven’t been easy. On top of dealing with nausea and food aversions and other lovely pregnancy symptoms, I also battle a lack of confidence. Here are a few insecurities I often face:

1. I look fat
For me, pregnancy awakened a whole new trial when it comes to physical insecurities. Now I not only struggle with comparing myself to women who aren’t pregnant, but also to my pregnant friends. That’s double the comparison temptation! Before I got pregnant, I looked forward to having a cute baby bump. But I had to suffer in an awkward muffin-top phase for a little over a month before my stomach started looking more rounded out. At 21 weeks, I’m noticing that my clothes are fitting much differently and I have to put away all of my favorite shorts, tops and dresses from last summer.

It’s not easy to watch the numbers on the scale go up, either, especially when this is the time of year that I’d normally be trying to lose my holiday weight for summertime. Thankfully, I’m surrounded by sweet family and friends who celebrate my growing belly and remind me that every pregnant woman grows differently. I should be focusing on the Lord and praising Him for the life inside of me instead of allowing vain thoughts to creep in.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2 (ESV)

2. My friends are going to abandon me
I backed out of a lot of plans during my first trimester. My morning sickness was out of control and I never knew when I was going to have a good day. The baby wasn’t even three months old in utero and it was already affecting my relationships! I began to fret, wondering how my friendships would change after the baby arrives. The group of friends my husband and I made after moving to Maryland last year all had something in common — we were all in our late twenties/early thirties, and none of us had kids. One of my first thoughts when I got the results of my blood test back was oh no, our friends are going to hate us!

I know my relationships will look different after the baby is born, because caring for my child will be put first over coffee dates and book club. But it’s silly for me to spend time dwelling on situations that haven’t even happened yet. It’s also silly for me to be insecure over this issue because I have fabulous friends! Adding a baby into the mix will be new for all of us, but I know my friends will be supportive and understanding.

“A friend loves at all times.” Proverbs 17:17a (NIV)

3. I don’t feel capable of making decisions.
There are a LOT of decisions to make when you’re a new parent. Some are obvious, like picking items to register for and deciding on whether or not to find out the sex of the baby before he or she is born. But you also have to choose if you’re going to change your diet and habits, if you’re going to get an amniocentesis, what kind of birth you’re hoping for… the list goes on and on.

My insecurities over making decisions stem from two issues. The first is that I am often exhausted and the smallest choice (such as what to have for dinner) seems impossible to make. Secondly, this is my first baby. I don’t know all the answers! I can’t tell you how many times over the course of a week I have to take a deep breath and ask God to take control of my jumbled brain. I’m constantly humbled by how little I can do without the Lord’s guidance and assurance.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 (ESV)

I encourage you to go to the Lord with your insecurities, whether they’re the same as mine or completely different. Don’t let your doubts consume you. Do not let your hearts be troubled. Our God is a God of peace.

Laura Rennie lives in Maryland with her hilarious husband and constantly shedding dog. She loves reading, writing and playing word games. Her greatest desire is to share Jesus through her words and actions as she learns how to be a better wife, daughter, sister and friend.

Free eBook: "Tangerine Morning: Jezzica's Story"

Wed, 15 May 2013 11:18:00 GMT

*Please note that the price is currently $0.00, but that could change at any time. Be sure to check the price before checking out.

Weight Loss Tips for Real Life

Mon, 13 May 2013 02:56:00 GMT

Chances are you've been down the weight loss road before. And chances are just as good that you've gained it all back. But don't despair; there are ways to avoid the dreaded yo-yo. Harley Pasternak, best-selling author and the go-to trainer for A-list stars, answers some common questions about how to lose weight - and the tools needed to keep it off.

What's the biggest mistake people make when it comes to weight loss?
Too many people set unrealistic expectations from the start. Extreme diets don't work. You can't sustain that kind of deprivation over the long haul, and you're setting yourself up for failure. For sustained weight loss, you need a diet and exercise plan that you can maintain. It starts with setting realistic goals. Check with your doctor first, but for most people, losing one to two pounds a week makes sense.

How should I get started and pick the right plan?
Instead of starving yourself or risking injury by over-exercising, focus on being active throughout the day. Park your car farther away from your destination, take the stairs, make social plans walking distance from home or work; every step adds up. When deciding on a diet plan, do your research. I believe in Shaklee 180 because it is consistent with what I've been teaching my clients for years and is incredibly convenient for those of us with busy lifestyles.

How can I eat healthy when I'm so busy I don't have time to cook?
Planning ahead is a must if you're going to avoid temptation. Spend some time on Sunday evening preparing simple, healthy meals for the week. Keep staple ingredients like fruits, veggies, Greek yogurt, beans and whole grains like oats and quinoa at home at all times.

What tips or tools I should use to keep myself on-track and motivated?
I'm a big fan of using technology to stay fit. I like mobile apps, which help track calories and exercise. They take the guesswork out of losing - and make it more fun because you can get instant support. One of my new favorites is the Shaklee180 app, which includes meal trackers, recipes, workouts, nutrition info and inspirational tips from health and fitness experts. The other cool thing is when you use the Shaklee app to track your progress you get the chance to win weekly prizes. You can learn more about it at www.shaklee180.com.

I hate to exercise, and gyms are too expensive. What can I do?
You don't need to spend hours a day in the gym to improve your waistline or your health. As little as 5 minutes a day of resistance training can help strengthen your body. The key is consistency and making sure you're physically active throughout the course of the day. I always advise my clients to use a pedometer (a small device that counts your steps) and try to hit 10,000 steps each day.

(photo of two women)
Photo courtesy of Getty Images

SOURCE:
Shaklee 180

Video: Groom Surprises His Bride With a Flash Mob - She Was Overjoyed!

Fri, 10 May 2013 16:19:00 GMT

Groom Surprises His Bride With a Flash Mob - She Was SHOCKED! from saraserves on GodTube.

Watch this handsome groom surprise his bride on their wedding day with something awesome. She loves being part of flash mobs, but she is about to get her own personal flash mob! She NEVER saw this comin'! =)

Two Sisters Are Overwhelmed With Joy at Some Great News!

Fri, 10 May 2013 15:19:00 GMT

Two Sisters Are Overwhelmed With Joy at Some Great News! from ourprecioussavior on GodTube.

A young couple told their precious little girls wonderful news...and they couldn't have gotten sweeter reactions! Watch, as these little girls become beyond excited about this special news.

Why God Made Moms

Thu, 09 May 2013 12:15:00 GMT

Why did God make mothers?

1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.

2. Mostly to clean the house.

3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.

How did God make mothers?

1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.

2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.

3. God made my Mom just the same like he made me. He Just used bigger parts.

What ingredients are mothers made of?

1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.

2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.

Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom?

1. We're related.

2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's moms like me.

What kind of little girl was your mom?

1. My mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff.

2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.

3. They say she used to be nice.

What did mom need to know about dad before she married him?

1. His last name.

2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook?

3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?

Why did your Mom marry your dad?

1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my Mom eats a lot.

2. She got too old to do anything else with him.

3. My grandma says that Mom didn't have her thinking cap on.

Who's the boss at your house?

1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof ball.

2. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.

3. I guess Mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad.

What's the difference between moms and dads?

1. Moms work at work and work at home, & dads just go to work at work.

2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.

3. Dads are taller & stronger, but moms have all the real power 'cause that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friend's.

4. Moms have magic, they make you feel better without medicine.

What does your Mom do in her spare time?

1. Mothers don't do spare time.

2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.

What would it take to make your Mom perfect?

1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.

2. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd diet, maybe blue.

If you could change one thing about your Mom, what would it be?

1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that.

2. I'd make my Mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it and not me.

3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on her back of her head.

Printed by permission of HomeWord. For additional information on HomeWord, visit http://www.homeword.com/ or call 800-397-9725.

FREE Summer Reading Programs

Wed, 08 May 2013 12:10:00 GMT

School is almost out for the summer and I thought this would be a great time to share this huge list of FREE Summer Reading Programs I have compiled for you.

If you like this then you might also be interested in this list of Good Report Card Freebies.

There are a LOT of great programs that your children can take advantage of to earn FREE books, prizes, and cash!

You can print out this list of FREE Summer Reading Programs here.

Junie B Jones Reading Club – Sign up and get a FREE starter Kit that includes a copy of Junie B Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus, Activity sheets and a membership ID card while supplies last.

Book Adventure - Sylvan offers this FREE reading incentive program. Basically your child reads books and then takes a simple comprehension quiz to make sure they understood what they read. The quiz is usually about 10 questions long. They earn points based on how much they remember from reading the book.

There are hundreds of books to choose from in all reading levels. These are common books that can be found at your local library. Once they have earned enough points they can trade them in for some really neat prizes!

Half Price Books – They are offering kids ages 14 and under a chance to earn a $5 Gift Card for reading just 15 each day throughout the summer!

Showcase Cinemas Bookworm Wednesdays - Your child can earn a FREE movie ticket from National Amusements Theaters when they read a book and complete a book report.

Barnes & Noble Imagination Destination - This summer reading program through Barnes & Noble gives your child the ability to earn a FREE book after reading 8 books and keeping track of them in a reading log.

Local Public Library - Don’t forget to check out your local libraries to find out which programs they’ll be offering this summer. My kids have participated in several Summer reading Programs through the library and it always includes FREE books & prizes.

TD Bank Summer Reading Program – Read and keep track of 10 books this summer and your child will get $10 added to their Young Saver Account FREE!

Chuck E. Cheese - Earn 10 FREE tokens every time your child reads for 2 weeks in a row. Just fill out the form and bring it in to claim your free token.

Scholastic Summer Challenge - Log in your reading minutes to the Scholastic site and your child will be able to participate in a World Record challenge as well as earn digital prizes!

Programs like these are a great way to encourage our children to continue reading throughout the summer months. If you know of any other programs that aren’t listed here, please feel free to leave the information in a comment below.

You can find LOTS more Educational Freebies here!

Used with permission - http://savingdollarsandsense.com/free-summer-reading-programs/