Topics for Families
Updated - Nov. 9, 2009

In the Dollar Stretcher Family section you'll find articles and tips to help you save money in all areas of family finances, including the family budget, health, grocery and other family expenses, college financing, saving money and much more. So whether you're a single parent, a one-income family, or a two-income family, the Dollar Stretcher can help you stay within your household budget and save.



Baking Day on the Weekend
Give it a try and save yourself some time during the week!

An Experiment in Business
Could Junior learn his math and business skills at the same time?

Teaching Kids about Money
Helping children to become wise caretakers of their money.

Delicious Drinks for Kids
It's important to keep them hydrated.

Maternity Clothing
Don't let your enthusiasm overpower your common sense.

Convertible Cribs
Can you save money with a crib that converts into a bed later?

Food plus Family plus Friends equals Fun
Four basic meal ideas to feed and entertain the kids inexpensively.

Children and Identity Theft
Even our kids aren't immune to this high tech crime.

How to Set Kids Up For Success!
Teaching kids to budget.

Surviving Tough Times

The Frugal Egg
Versatile, affordable and delicious!

Beat Energy Costs: Hot Water
Exploring ways to cut the high cost of hot water.

Make Your Own Baking Mixes
Save money and time in the kitchen.

Subscribe to our "Surviving Tough Times" Email Alerts!
Each week receive tips and articles directly in your inbox on ways to help you survive financially as the cost of everyday items rise and economic times become tougher. Each issue features six or seven articles and tips to help you stretch your dollar!


Readers' Tips
The smartest readers on the web share their frugal living ideas!


Minors seeking a credit card will need a helping hand from parents
A 16-year-old reader wants to know how she can get her own credit card. The answer: with a little help from mom or dad.

Gift cards: Practicality is in for '09
Gift cards are still wildly popular, even as Americans struggle through the recession, but many people are rethinking how they use them.

Collectible gift cards can be both practical and fun
Although the holidays this year are expected to be heavy on practical presents, giving gift cards can still be fun -- including those featuring 'Twilight' and 'Star Trek' themes.

13 ways to get gift cards for less
Use these techniques to pay less than face value or boost buying power of a gift card..

Toys R Us joins retailers offering layaway plans
More retailers dangle layaway plans to spur sales, but some new versions of this old financing plan have limits, twists.

Paying off child's debt strains family ties
Paying off a child's debt is a lot more than writing a check. It involves money and emotions, dollars and sense.

Family Finances
Family Finances

To get a handle on your finances, it is going to take a team effort. The whole family has to be working in the same direction.

Family Finances without a Fight
Finances can be a major source of contention in a marriage. There is a simple solution to this problem that can help both sides be happy.

Money Is a Family Affair
Getting the family to work toward common financial goals.

Family Budget Counseling
If you think you can do better with your finances but don't know how, seek some help because it will pay off.

To Tell the Truth?
How much do kids need to know about the family budget?

Living With a Spend-Thrift Spouse
How do they handle family finances when he is a spender and she is a saver?




7 ways to save on baby costs
Food, clothing and other expenses can add up. Follow these tips so they don't add up too much.

Frugal mom has thrifty tips
Meet a mom whose daily money-saving methods got her national attention.

Skip the supermarket and save
You can find yummy groceries in places other than the supermarket.

Video: College savings plans for kids
The parents of young children need advice on the best way to save for their education.

Tips for tapping needs-based financial aid
In a last-minute push for financial aid, these tips will help you get the most bang for your buck.

6 ways to get free gift cards
Gift cards are offered as incentives for lots of things you already do. See how to get them.


Bankrate's College Financing Basics

A guide to understanding the fundamentals of college financing.

Sizing Up the Challenge
Get the most out of financial aid and get your student into the right school, as painlessly as possible.

Building a College Fund
Create, grow and harvest your very own college money tree – in a handy investment plan!

Last Minute Financing
Facing four long years of ramen noodles? There are other ways to cut expenses and college costs.

Where to Find Financial Aid
Stop looking under rocks for financial aid, Bankrate will just tell you where to find it.

Paying Off Student Loans
Learn everything you'll ever need to know about student loans after you already have one.


Single Parenting
Single Parenting

Being a single parent is full of challenges, but you can succeed with the right attitude and a plan.

Single Parents: A Survival Guide
If you are recently divorced or widowed, it can be tough to make ends meet while playing the role of both parents.

Success as a Single Mom
One mom's story of survival as a single parent.

My Story: Single Mom's Tips for a Frugal Life
It takes a bit of sacrifice but these tips can help a single parent successfully provide for the needs of his or her children.

Single Parenting
Is single parenting hard? Yes, sometimes it's very hard. But as a single parent you can raise healthy, well-adjusted kids.

A Single Parent's Guide to Financial Security
If you're winging parenthood on your own, you know it's difficult to carve out time to pay the bills let alone do financial planning. Here are some suggestions for streamlining your financial life and building up your net worth.

Single Parent Finances
Saving money as a single parent is no different than saving money in a two-income family. You must simply spend less than you bring in each month.


One Income Families
One-Income Families

More and more families are making a go of it on one income. Many more would like to try. Here are some ideas to help you achieve your one income goal.

Going from Two Incomes to One
A decision to transition from two incomes to one begins with a detailed examination of household finances.

A Decision to Stay Home
If you're a working mother that yearns to be home raising your children, here are some valuable lessons.

Confessions of a One Income Family
14 tools to make one income living possible.

One Income Beats Two
If one income isn't enough to pay the bills, many women will go to work when they would rather be home. However, a better solution is to help your husband make more money.

Maintaining the One-Income Lifestyle
It is not easy, but it is possible for a family to live on one income even in today's "everybody works" two-income world.