Three Ways to Control Impulse Buying at Christmas

The shiny decorations, the pretty lights, the wonderful smells, the bustle of shoppers, the increase in commercials, and the demanding kids all combine at Christmas to raise the risk of impulse buying. Many debt services report that the number of phone calls they get for help really drops off in December, as people put aside the idea of debt and just go ahead and spend. Of course, the calls in January are another story. These agencies often see their highest traffic then, as people find themselves in debt crisis. Don’t let this happen to you. Control your impulse buying at … Continue reading

Toys in Bed

I was talking with a friend, a first-time parent who has a preschooler and she was lamenting about the most recent troublesome development–now that her child is in a “big boy bed”–he is bringing all sorts of his toys into bed with him and falling asleep amidst the big pile. She is concerned it is not only a health and safety concern, but that he is developing bad habits. I hated to seem like that saucy and crusty old mother who couldn’t be fazed, but I have a nearly 18-year-old who STILL likes to have all her books, papers, and … Continue reading