School Year's Resolutions 

  September may be the ninth month, but for anyone with children, it feels like the start of school marks the beginning of the year. Why wait until January to make resolutions that you know will benefit you and your family right now? An added bonus is that you can get the kids on track by setting a good example. While each family has its own challenges, there is a common theme that most families struggle with: planning and organization. These two issues permeate every aspect of our lives and also greatly impact personal finances and household budgets. By taking steps in the right direction, you can start to feel more in control which begets calmness. Isn't that a wonderful way to start the school year? Below are some of the most common School Year's Resolutions and tips on how you can take steps in achieving these goals.

Eat Healthier.

Getting dinner on the table while juggling extra-curricular activities and homework can often lead to poor choices (as in unhealthy and expensive take-out). TIP: The simple act of meal planning before you shop for groceries can greatly decrease what you will buy and what you will spend. Using the local flyer as your guide for sale items, make up a week's worth of healthy dinners and lunches. Shopping with Pea Pod and other delivery chains may also save time and money, as old shopping lists are saved and a running tally of the grocery bill is ever-present. There will be time to gather your coupons, further reducing the bill. Whether you order on-line or physically go to the store, the one simple step of meal planning with the flyer will ensure you buy the best-priced items and will have ample food for all your meals. Furthermore, when you have a menu pre-set, you are less likely to pick up a pizza.

Organize Closets, the Garage and Pantries.

 Wherever stuff lurks there is the potential to save a lot of money. How many times have you had to run to the store to buy something you know you have but couldn't find (such as scotch tape, a hammer, a flashlight, etc.)?  TIP: Group like items as you would in a store. You don't need to spend a fortune on organizing supplies. Old shoe boxes, clear storage bags, over the door hooks and bags can all help consolidate items based on their use. Gift wrapping supplies, from scissors, tape, paper, bows, and generic cards can all be placed in one shopping bag; common household tools like measuring tape, flashlights, screw drivers and hammers can be placed in a box. Designate a space in the coat closet for umbrellas, hats, scarfs, and gloves so you are not left scrambling the first morning there is inclement weather. Don't forget to extend this exercise to the food pantry, as well.   Then you will know what you need (or don't need) next time you food shop. When you are organized, less time and money will be spent by your household, guaranteed!

Purge Papers.

From school handouts, to artwork, to junk mail and personal files - paper piles up and things get lost. TIP: Set-up a binder book or expandable file for each child that will house the class contact list, book orders, assignments, handouts, invitations, and artwork that you want to keep (consider framing or hanging a bulletin board to post larger items).  Toss junk mail as soon as it enters the house and get removed from mailing lists. Keep an eye on your financial files, as well. Here's what to keep and what to shred:  Click here to read more. 

Finding Financial Strength:

Planning for a Child With Special Needs 

 The daily demands of caring for a child with autism or another developmental disability are daunting enough without worrying about future care. That may be why, in a recent survey, 62% of parents with disabled children said they hadn't established a plan for what would happen when the parents were no longer around. Moreover, about half of the surveyed parents said they planned to leave assets directly to the child, and 58% expected to designate the child as a beneficiary. Those decisions could make the child ineligible to receive public assistance, which could be crucial for the child's long-term welfare.
 

A better approach may be to create a "special needs trust" that can be funded now or through your will. (The money often comes from life insurance death benefits.) Structured correctly, this irrevocable trust will enable a special needs child to receive public assistance benefits while the trust covers other expenses-including for travel, recreation, and rehabilitation-that aren't fully paid for by government funds. Click here to read more.