MoneyDigest - Personal Finance, Lifestyle, Money Saving Tips

Fun & Inexpensive Halloween Crafts For Kids

One of the events that children look forward to every year is Halloween. It is possible to stir up a spooktacular Halloween celebration while maintaining an inexpensive budget. Simply use the art materials and common craft supplies that are readily available in your home.

Create these projects with your children to see for yourself!

THEME: UNDER THE SEA

There are two types of activities that you can do to with little preparations. You can either do the Water Balloon Pop or the Jellyfish Paper Craft. The former is a messy activity, which is best played outdoors. Gather twelve vivid balloons corresponding to three colored papers. Cut several circles out of your colored papers. The colored papers must match the color of the balloons. Then, fill up the balloon with water. Stick the papers on the wall. The objective of this game is to pop the balloon directly to its corresponding target. The person with the most accurate throws will win.

For the latter, you must gather yarns or strings, markers, paper plates, and paint. Cut a paper plate in half to create the dome-shaped head of the jellyfish. Staple holes on the bottom of the plate and attach the yarns or strings. Paint the paper plate to complete this lovely sea creature.

THEME: MONSTER SMASH

For a monster-themed Halloween, you may start by building your own monster out of modelling clay. Attach art materials such as moving eyes and fuzzy wires to your sculpted monster to complete its look. You may also create monsters using popsicle sticks. Attach five to seven sticks together to form a vertical file. Paint on the sticks and add refinement of details by using markers. Let your creativity shine through!

Image Credits: iheartartsncrafts.com

Secondly, you may use a green and a black paint to create your own Frankenstein handprint. Half of your child’s hand will be painted black (i.e., Frankenstein’s hair) and half will be painted green (i.e., Frankenstein’s head). Press your hand on a paper and let the paint dry. Finish the craft by drawing details on your hand print such as its signature screws.

Image Credits: rd.com

THEME: THE MUMMY RETURNS

If you want to embrace the “Mummy” as your spooky theme, you may use two rolls of tissue paper to create a mummy race. Let your children use one roll of tissue paper to wrap you and your spouse. The person who wraps the mummy the fastest will win. You may also encourage them to decorate the mummy afterwards by using washable markers and non-toxic paint.

THEME: SPIDER HUNT

If your child is fond of spiders and Spiderman, fill up the room with spider décor. You may create a spider Halloween wreath or a spider sticks web. For the Spider Halloween wreath, all you have to do is to gather twigs that have fallen from the tree. Glue these twigs onto a piece of cardboard to create a base for your wreath. Embellish the wreath with some cut-out spiders.

Image Credits: buggyandbuddy.com

For the spider sticks web, you will need scissors, yarn, paint, glue, and popsicle sticks. Stick the popsicle sticks together to create this shape: *. Then, paint it white and add some black or orange yarns. This will enable you to tie the craft to your doors or ceilings. You may add some cut-out or toy spiders to increase its effect.

THEME: BOO – THE FRIENDLY GHOST

You can either put ghosts on your candy paper bags or your Halloween cards. Start by purchasing white paint and brown paper bags. Turn your ordinary paper bag into a glowing ghost bag by painting on it. You may put the candies inside once you are done.

The last craft is quick and easy. Cover your child’s feet using white paint. Let your child press it on a colored paper. Once it is dry, you may decorate your very own ghost. Enjoy!

Sources: 1 & 2

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Importance Of A Will

The importance of a will cannot be underestimated, yet it is often one of the most neglected actions. In the absence of a will, intestacy laws will determine how the deceased’s estate is distributed to the beneficiaries. For instance, if you have a spouse and child, your parents will not get a piece of your estate in the event of your death. On the other hand, having a will allows you to dictate how your estate will be distributed and ensure that your intended beneficiaries will be taken care of.

Furthermore, you get to appoint your own executor and trustee to manage your assets and execute your will. This not only gives you peace of mind but is also a financially responsible act to your loved ones. Having a will helps you prevent unnecessary disputes amongst your loved ones.

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How To Deal With Finances As A Married Couple

A CLOSER LOOK AT YOUR SPENDING HABITS

Getting married marks a significant chapter in one’s life. This new chapter comes with overwhelming changes and unique transitions that go beyond your personal boundaries. You are now planning a life that is beyond taking care of yourself. This huge responsibility comes with financial trials.

Start with being transparent with your partner when it comes to your finances and spending habits. Awareness is the first step. After all, you are responsible of your partner’s well being too. It is your duty to remind each other about making conscious efforts when it comes to money. Many of our spending habits are influenced by marketing traps and mental biases. These hinder us from thinking straight. You are stronger as a team. Keep that in mind.

Let me give you an example of the common traps or biases that both of you can encounter. Firstly, you the status quo bias may consume you. This bias occurs when you are more likely to prefer the product that you know more despite having better options available in the market. For instance, you may prefer an Apple iPhone over a Samsung Galaxy phone due to your familiarity with the iOS software. You simply want to maintain the routine that you have started.

Similar to status quo bias is the familiarity bias. This happens when you favor products or services that you are exposed more of. Start-ups and smaller companies are not able to afford hefty advertising, thus you may skip on the products or services that they offer. When this happens, it is best to help each other out. Purchase appliances or home decorations together. Do you want to purchase a Samsung Inverter or a Kolin Inverter? Be mindful when you are buying an air-conditioned or other items. Do it for reasons that will both benefit you and your spouse.

Lastly, you may fall for the post-purchase rationalization. This is something that most of us experience. Many of us are stubborn to admit that we made a mistake. We would rather settle for what we purchased. We make excuses to convince ourselves that we made the right decision. Please, ask your partner’s opinion. If the quality of the product does not suit your standards, consider returning it within the company’s terms. Retailers often offer 7 to 30 days return policy. Ask for it!

Do not put yourself into harms way. Accomplish big financial decisions as a team and discuss your spending habits with your partner. You are in this ride together!

THE POSSIBILITY OF SHARING A BANK ACCOUNT

As you build a relationship on mutual trust and honesty, it is normal to gravitate towards having a joint account. Trusting your partner with significant decisions, such as choosing your own home, can pave the way for having deeper understanding to each other’s finances. Some couples experience difficulties when it comes to spending habits and financial priorities. This is why some opt to have a joint account, while others do not.

Finding a mutual ground begins with having the same financial goals. Your goals can vary from paying off your household bills or going to an expensive honeymoon. Set up a joint account for financial goals that you both want to accomplish. You may put your household fund here too.

Then, have concrete rules such as how much each of you will contribute each month and where each portion of your funds will go. Consider having individual bank accounts too. These individual accounts will enable you to treat yourselves or your partner without affecting the household fund. To keep things transparent, you may communicate about your spending habits bi-weekly or every month. Stay on track when it comes to each other’s expenses and goals. Help each other out!

Image Credits: Freepik

You may also discuss if you can make cutbacks or if switching banks are necessary. To put it in simpler terms, you are merging two companies when you have a joint account. Everyone has an equal say and contribution to this shared account. So, respect each other’s views and practice compromise to minimize potential disputes.

Low-Maintenance Cat Breeds To Bring Home

Cats are wonderful companions, especially as pets kept indoors. They are generally low-maintenance and are not difficult to provide care for. There are many breeds of cats that go beyond the black or white cat you see in the television. In fact, the International Cat Association (TICA) officially recognizes 71 breeds as of 2018. That is a lot!

If you are keen to own a cat, you may choose from these adorable low-maintenance cat breeds.

#1: SCOTTISH FOLD

What makes the Scottish Fold unique is its ears that fold forward and lie close to the head. This cat is a lovely addition to any home due to its adaptable personality and its short stature. They are unlikely to attempt any grand leaps or obstacle courses. It can get along with other cats, dogs, and children. Their thick coat is surprisingly easy to maintain as it requires brushing once or twice a week.

Global singing sensation Taylor Swift is a proud owner of Scottish Folds. Her Scottish Folds Meredith and Olivia were both named after fictional television characters.

#2: SPHYNX

The Sphynx is a hairless cat breed, which is often the first choice of cat owners with allergens. The Sphynx’s fur feels more like fine hair or peach fuzz. Not only will its owner get less allergy attacks, but it will not need to groom its fur regularly.

This is an independent cat that is happy to amuse itself while you are busy indoors or outside with your friends. You may invest in a cat tower as the Sphynx enjoy jumping around.

#3: BRITISH SHORTHAIR

Known for its easygoing temperament and undemanding personality, the British Shorthair is popular amongst many cat lovers. It is affectionate, but not needy. It is the perfect companion for people who are looking for cats that stay away from trouble while they are not home. This cat’s short and dense coat is easy to maintain. A good weekly combing should be sufficient to remove the debris and to distribute the skin oils for a healthy coat.

#4: MAINE COON

The Maine Coon originally descended from ship’s cats. It is the largest domesticated cat breed. It is known for its chill, almost dog-like personality. They love the outdoors and can even be walked on a leash. Despite its long coats and large stature, it only requires minimal grooming. This is because its fur is silkier. You just need to comb it once a week and you are good to go!

Although it enjoys human interactions, it can easily entertain itself and is not considered as clingy. Let it freely play on its own.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Always remember that although these cat breeds are seemingly simple to take care of, you are still responsible for your cats. Love and treat them properly.

Sources: 1 & 2

Effective Methods To Sleep Train Your Baby

DEFINITION

Sleep training refers to the methods that parents or caregivers use to adjust their child’s sleeping behaviors. Sleep training helps your child to fall asleep with little to no help from you. It also teaches the child how to fall back to sleep when he or she wakes up overnight.

Experts recommend to start sleep training when babies are 4 to 6 months old. This crucial period is when babies are able to last for six to eight hours overnight without needing to be fed.

COMMON METHODS USED

Parents use different methods to train their babies to fall asleep. Here are some of the efficient ways that you can apply on your home. Let us start with the Cry It Out Method.

The Cry It Out Method involves putting your child to bed and letting him until he dozes off. It is also called the extinction method as it entails letting your child fall asleep without any comfort or help from you. You need to ensure that your baby was put to bed with a full stomach and in a safe sleeping environment.

It is the most controversial sleep training method as it may seem harsh. If it works for your child and his developmental stage, do it. Consistency is the key. Your baby should begin falling asleep on his own within day four, give or take.

The next method is called the Ferber Method. If you are not a fan of letting your baby weep for hours, you may employ the graduated extinction or check-and-console sleep training or the Ferber Method. It allows your child to cry for a period of time before checking up on him. These timed intervals get longer by a few minutes within each interval until the baby falls asleep.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Reassure your child with statements such as: “Mommy loves you” or “I will pat you”. You will gradually reduce your presence in your baby’s room until there is no need for constant comfort check-ins. Eventually, your child will learn how to self-soothe.

The Chair Method is an interesting method as it works for older babies. Sit in a chair next to your baby’s crib until he falls asleep. Do not pick him up. Move the chair farther away each night until you are near the door. At some point, your baby will be able to fall asleep without you being there. Out of sight, out of mind.

The Bedtime Routine Method involves creating a routine that will ease your child’s mind and prepare his body for quality sleep. Include soothing techniques such as reading books, singing lullabies, and warm baths. Steer away from stimulating items such as electronics and loud toys. Following a consistent routine can help your child develop an internal body clock.

The last method is called the Pick Up & Put Down Method. It refers to putting down your baby to bed drowsy, but awake. When and if he cries, wait for a few minutes and see if he settles down by himself. If not, you may go inside the room to pick your baby up and soothe him. You may put the baby back to the crib or the bassinet when he calms down. Repeat the process until your child falls asleep. This method requires a great deal of patience.

CONCLUSION

Sleep training helps your child to fall asleep with little to no help from you. It is recommended to start it when your child turns 4 months old. There are different methods that you can employ to train your child to fall asleep. It is important to do your research or talk to your doctor during the process of sleep training. This will help you find a method that will best suit your child’s needs.

Sources: 1 & 2

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