By Audrey van Petegem, Senior Editor
I am pretty good with not overspending money, but I can’t say I am the best at teaching my children the same. For that, I found Moonjar, a simple teaching tool for children (age 7 – 12) that teaches them the concept of Save, Spend and Share. And what better time to do this then at the beginning of a new year.
The Moonjar money boxes are divided into the three sections of Save, Spend, Share. The concept is that when your child receives their allowance, they divide the money into the three categories. The children [...]

By Audrey van Petegem, Senior Editor
Every parent to a high school student knows that a certain amount of volunteer hours is a requirement for graduation.
Here’s a great – and fun -way to get in some of those hours: Teens Turning Green has an initiative in October called the Project Green Challenge. This nationwide challenge is for students, a group of friends or an entire classroom to see how a school can transition from conventional to conscious living. The 30-day challenge will raise awareness about the choices we make and about the impact that these choices have on, not only our [...]

The school year has barely begun and the stress is already palpable. You feel it too? Especially if you have a high-schooler and most especially if that kid is a junior; ACTs, SATs and trying to keep those grades up for college admissions. Oh, the stress indeed. And, we’re not sure whether parents stress out more than the kids themselves, but we know that a good tutor could help overcome learning humps.
And then, just the thought of finding the right tutor with the right credentials compounds the general level of anxiety. How much can you trust the advertising flyer posted [...]

By Audrey van Petegem, Senior Editor
Finally a spend-smart credit card for teenagers! When my son was 16 years old, he had an opportunity to go England and train with the coach of the Manchester United soccer team. Chase (my son, not the bank) had a bank account but due to under-18 age status, he was restricted with his ATM debit-only card which he could not use as a credit card. So, we nervously gave him cash to take with him. I bought several travel type garments (socks, money belts) in which he could hide the money. Not a great solution [...]

By Kristin Thomas, College Consultant & Guest Contributor
Part of being a college consultant – and an aspect I love – is attending conferences and visiting universities. As I type from my 11th floor beautiful, ocean view dorm on the University of British Columbia campus, and reflect on the major changes young people are experiencing in this phase of their development.
Being a college coach is all about relationships. In one of the many excellent sessions I attended today, Mike Haykin shared his interesting perspectives and knowledge on the importance of addressing developmental changes directly with both the students we work with [...]

As the parent of two teens, one already driving and the other about to get her learner’s permit, the subject of teen driving is one that makes me cringe but also one to which I pay close attention. And now that it’s summer, our still-wet-behind-the-ears drivers have more time on their hands and abundant excuses, uh I mean, reasons to borrow the car.
Bt, let’s not despair, here is the kind of news on teen driving that might be calming instead of anxiety-provoking: Speedbump™ is a smartphone app that allows parents to monitor their teenager’s safe driving on neighborhood streets, secondary [...]

By Kristin Thomas, College Consultant & Guest Contributor
Whether it is a close relative or a friend’s child you barely know, gifting the young college graduate with an appropriate, unique, practical, fun or thoughtful present doesn’t have to be a challenge. Here are a few suggestions for a  gift that reflects your style … or that of your recipient.

The Classic – Personalized gifts are always in style: tote bags, pen/pencil sets, key chain, letter openers, and toiletry kits. Beau-coup has a great selection of gifts that can be personalized, such as this toiletry bag or this cosmetic case for example. If you [...]

By Kristin Thomas, College Consultant & Guest Contributor
Your teenager might still envision summer as the time completely disengage, but the reality is that more and more college bound students do actually plan ahead and think about what they do with their summers.  What would be the best use of their time? What activity meets their goals and would make them happy? Whether it’s related to travel, academics, service or employment, there’s a fit for your teen’s plans. Perhaps your high-schooler can commit to something that they wouldn’t have time for during the school year. Keep in mind that leadership roles and [...]

By Kristin Thomas, College Consultant & Guest Contributor
Plenty has been written about saving money for college, but just as important is helping students save money while in college.
BEFORE THEY GO
It is essential to start the conversation early about managing money. The majority of teenagers haven’t thought much about the monetary decisions they will need to make in college. Try to increase your child’s knowledge and responsibility with money as they move through high school in preparation for post high school independence. Open bank accounts with them, help them read statements, encourage them to be organized, save documents and track finances.
NEEDS vs. [...]

By Kristin Thomas, College Consultant & Guest Contributor
It is no surprise that colleges want to know what your student did with their time while in high school.  No, I won’t be discussing the pros & cons of the social scene in high school or hours plugged into headphones listening to music or playing computer games. I’m talking about the kinds of things that they will be writing on a resume or on the “activities” section of their application to colleges: extracurriculars, clubs, sports, community service, work. There is no correct list of mandatory activities nor is there a magical formula [...]