Results tagged “finance” from Momtourage: Need Advice?

Sadly--and scarily--your friend's family isn't the only one in this predicament; this mess of an economy has most everyone combing through their bank statements, re-evaluating what's financially feasible and what non-essential items need to get cut. And when it comes down to it, the ability to put food on the table and keep the lights on will trump tennis lessons every time. But kids aren't necessarily going to understand this; all they know is that the friend they looked forward to playing with at practice on Tuesday afternoons isn't coming anymore. And at the end of the day, this is really all you need to address with your child. There's really no need to hold a family summit to explain his friend's family's sketchy money situation. Pouring through the details--many of which I'll have to assume you're not privy to--will only scare and confound your son, and lead to more questions or, worse, confusion that could easily make its way back to the friend and his family. Rather than make an already sticky situation stickier, you'd be best served keeping your explanation about why your son's friend will no longer be coming to tennis lessons as simple as can be: Johnny's mom and dad decided to cut back on tennis lessons so that they can use the money they pay for the lessons on other things.

Yes, having a child is something that should be joyful and celebrated, but the expense of it all--paying for the formula, the diapers, the clothes, the medical bills, the daycare, etc.--can be a bit overwhelming, especially in these hard economic times. Your fiancé is smart to be concerned about how to finance it all, especially if he doesn't feel like he makes enough to do what he probably feels he's charged to do as a father-to-be: Take care of his family. My guess is that he's not so much unhappy about his impending fatherhood as he is worried about how he's going to adequately provide for you and the baby.

There are many opportunities for home-based work. Determine your skills and preferences first. There are many legitimate opportunities: telemarketing, sales, clerical work, secretarial or transcription support, mystery shopping, recruiting and so much more. But beware of scams while researching your options on the Web and elsewhere-- they're in abundance in nearly every area of work-at-home employment.