3 mins read

Online Safety: Protect Your Kids from Bullies

Kids are fascinated by the Web and more and more of them are spending huge amounts of time browsing the Internet. Since 2004, the number of kids online has increased 18 percent, and time spent online among children aged 2-11 increased 63 percent in the last five years, from nearly 7 hours in May 2004 to more than 11 hours online in May 2009. Parental controls are an important part of staying safe online. They should be openly discussed with children so everyone understands exactly how these services work to shield the entire family from Web dangers. Children don’t like to feel as if they’re being spied upon. Here are a few tips for parents and teachers to keep your kids safe.

3 mins read

What Is the Daniel Fast?

The Daniel Fast is a fast–a period of time when a person stops eating either certain foods or all foods and beverages–that many modern Christians and Jews observe as a either a New Year’s tradition or at any time of the year they feel the need to reconsecrate themselves with prayer and a closer attention to their relationship with God. Based on a particular segment of the Bible that relates the life of the prophet Daniel, the Daniel Fast has a specific list of foods that can and cannot be eaten during the fast.

4 mins read

10 Ways to Create a Personal Balance Sheet

You can create a personal balance sheet to gain perspective on your financial well-being. In its simplest form, a personal balance sheet details your net worth–basically the amount of cash and property you have, minus your debts and other liabilities. With a little tweaking, your balance sheet can serve as a financial planning tool. Use it to monitor your investments, flag dangerous debt levels and prepare for major expenditures (a home purchase or kids’ college fund) and retirement. Need help getting started? Consider 10 basic ways to create a personal balance sheet that meets your needs.

10 mins read

Avoid the April 15th Mad Dash With This Tax Prep Schedule

In eight short weeks, whether you like it or not, your tax return is due. Dont let it sneak up on you. Theres no reason tax time has to be a stressful flurry of last-minute preparations capped off with a sprint to the post office (or accountant). If you take a few little steps each week, youll be pleasantly surprised at how much easier it all comes together on April 15th. But, unless youre a financial-type, you may not be sure how to break down such a daunting task. That is why weve put together this tax prep schedule. Although it may seem like a lot of steps, the average appointment on the following list should take you no more than sixty minutes to complete and many may take less than five. Stick to this schedule and youll be more likely to make it through this tax season gauntlet mistake-free and with sanity in tact.

2 mins read

Buying Stocks for Kids

Teach kids about the value of investing money rather than spending it. Not much money is needed to start buying stocks or fractions of stocks for kids. Start when the child is born or when she is old enough to recognize certain brands and companies. Choose company stocks which are in line with your family values as well as the child’s interests.