Living on a Shoe String - from one mom to another

Word Count: 546
Character Width: 60
Resource box: 4 lines plus web link to ebook "Living on a
Shoe String"

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Fun for the kids without spending a dime.
- by Denise Lombardo
(c)Denise Lombardo - all rights reserved
http://www.moneysavingtips.biz

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Have you ever asked yourself, "Why everything is so
expensive?".
Taking your child to the movies has turned into an event
that you must save for.

Even if you plan a day with great intentions of not
spending a fortune, it can easily backfire. For example,
Chuckee Cheese. I've personally taken my children there
and said to myself, "Okay, I am not going to spend more
than $30.00 today". When it comes down to it, I've got two
choices when the end is near. Either I will go over my
planned budget or two children will be crying because they
don't want to leave. (Thirty dollars does not go far at
Chuckee Cheese). So in the end, I leave frustrated, my
kids are disappointed and they whole day is shot.

Quite honestly, it doesn't need to be that way. For
families living on a budget, there are many ways to show
your children a good time without taking a second mortgage
on the house to do so.

Here are some suggestions:
* Go to the park - Kids love to play at the park and it
doesn't cost a penny. Find a nice park near your house,
pack a picnic basket, bring a soccer ball and enjoy the
day.
* Go to your local library - Most libraries offer programs
for the children. While you are there, take out books and
also videos. (The videos are free)
* Family Fun Night - Find a night during the week when
everyone is available and spend quality time together.
Play board games, cards, watch a movie (of course, one that
you took out from the library), read, do whatever you want.
* Home Depot Workshop - The program is free for children.
Your child will get a Home Depot apron and will build a
project they will take home. The workshops are held on a
monthly basis. Call your local store for details and
scheduling.
* Rainy day fun - Do something crazy. Do you remember
being a child and wanting to play in the rain. Well here's
your chance. Put raincoats on, grab your umbrellas and
have some fun. Bring the camera because you are going to
want a picture of this.
* Go hiking - take your child on a nature walk. Kids love
the outdoors and there's something special about exploring
nature together.
* Go for a walk - just taking your child for a walk around
the block can be special. It is a wonderful opportunity to
talk and enjoy the little things in life such as the
changing leaves, an animal behind a fence or even a car
that drove by real fast.
* Turn the music on - When is the last time you danced
around the house with your children. What are you waiting
for? Turn the music on and have a great time. You may
surprise yourself at how much fun you'll have.

All of these ideas are simple, fun and free. The special
part about doing the simple things in life is they create
the best memories for you and your children. Isn't that
what this is all about? Creating memories for our children.
The little things you do now may end up being that one
memory your child will take with them forever. Fortunately,
memories are free.

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How can you save hundreds of dollars a month? Denise
Lombardo has created the *ultimate* guide. "Living on a Shoe
String - from one mom to another"
For more information on saving money log onto
www.moneysavingtips.biz.

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