Every parent wants to send their child off school with a good, healthy lunch. Mine did. However, many parents mistake a good lunch as one filled with attractively-packaged, sugary, expensive items. This should not be the case. Packing a brown bag lunch will be less expensive than having your child buy lunch. Also, on top of saving money by making lunches this article explains, through personal experience, how to save even more money by watching what you put into those lunches.

My typical lunch growing up was a PB&J sandwich, a bag of chips, some variation of fruit (applesauce, fresh fruit, or yogurt), and two cookies. I had this lunch, with a few changes once in a while, every day at school… for twelve years. It’s not a huge lunch but I survived, my parents saved money, and you and your kids can too.

So, you’re probably asking, “Well then, what should I put into my child’s lunch?” The answer begins at the grocery store. Divide the lunch into four categories- a main item (sandwich or leftover pizza), a side (chips, crackers), a fruit/veggie or variation (apple, banana, applesauce), and a small dessert (cookies). This will ensure that the lunch has enough to fill its owner and give him or her the necessary nutrients to succeed in school. To start saving money you need to follow these easy steps:

1. Avoid expensive, unnecessary items (i.e. juice boxes, soda, fruit roll-ups, and other sugary packaged foods)

   1. Drinks. Kids do not need juice boxes or sodas in their lunch. Every school and business place has some sort of a drinking fountain or water dispenser. Water is the best drink for you and best of all, it’s free! I never had in 12 years of school any kind of drink in my lunch. It saved my parents tons of money and forced me to be healthier.

   2. Treats. Avoid those unnecessary treats like fruit roll-ups or ding dongs. These items are full of sugar, are not filling, can cause obesity, and are very expensive. Eliminate these from your shopping list. I still believe something sweet is a good way to end a meal so instead replace the expensive items with cheap store brand cookies. They come in large packs, are cheap, and taste very close to the brand name. This way, you can stick two little cookies in a baggie and still have a treat in your lunch (except this way it will be a lot cheaper). By the way, if you are worried about the store brand thing, it’s a cookie! It can’t taste that much worse than a brand name cookie.

2. Buy your items in bulk

   1. Sandwiches. If you’re going to be buying sandwich items such as peanut butter or lunch meat, buy the biggest package possible for the best price. You’re going to be using it every day and that means it probably will not be going to waste. Buying a small jar of peanut butter every week or two will end up costing a whole lot more over the course of a year than if you bought a big jar that lasted a month or two.

   2. Side Items. Buy the big boxes of chips or Costco-sized packages of individual applesauce. Smaller packages are going to cost much more than buying the big box or bag. It might cost a little more up front but will save lots of money in the end.

3. Be Smart.

   1. Buy the cheapest bread. Your kids will not know a difference.

   2. Shop Around. Invest some time viewing the ads that come in your local newspaper before going to the grocery store. Clip some coupons and be sure you are buying at the cheapest price. A box of chips might be on sale for three bucks at one store and regularly-priced at five at another. It might take a little more time but you’ll know it is worth it when you start to see the money you save.

   3. Store brands. Stick to the store brands (unless it is in fact horrible, but in most cases, they won’t be).

   4. Lay down the law. If your kids are with you in the store, tell them that if they ask for it, they won’t get it.

Once you have your groceries, it is time to pack the lunch.

1. Have the kids make their own lunch. They will appreciate the lunch much more once lunchtime rolls around. It will give them a sense of accomplishment and force them not to take you for granted. I’ve made my own lunch since the second grade so do not think your child can not.

2. Set limits. Set a limit for what each person can bring each day. If you decide to buy cookies, make sure to let everyone know that two is the maximum per day, etc.

Note: If your children are used to much bigger lunches full of sugary treats, they might be upset at first. Do not give in. Remember, you are saving money and helping to ensure your child does not become obese.

Follow the steps mentioned above and I guarantee you will save plenty of money.

© Copyright 2009 BeatTheEconomy2009.com. This article may be reprinted with the author’s consent and proper citation.

Jason Lutterloh
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/how-to-save-money-kids-lunches-and-yours-too-725132.html

Even really young kids can make a little spending dough this day. Truly, there are many jobs out there for even the youngest kids. Look at some of these ideas to beef up your piggy bank (and perhaps your resume, too!)

Yard Work

Few adults have the time or devotion to do all their yard work. Thus, these jobs are perfect for kids to pick up! Jobs such as weeding, raking, and planting can be accomplished by even very young persons of 8-12. In fact, kindergarteners could probably do some very light work! More involved yard jobs, like gutter cleaning, deck painting, and mowing can be finished by teens (and some pre-teens). These jobs are rewarding in many ways – and the feeling of accomplishment is going to make any youngster feel great.

Household Chores

Again, many families just don’t have the time to work on the “little things” like clearing out closets, organizing attics, or cleaning up the basement. That’s where a savvy kid can come in and snag some of these jobs! Are they dirty? You bet! Are they hard work? Sometimes! But are they money-making opportunities? Without a doubt! These jobs will give a child a healthy respect for the importance of work and just how long it can take to make a buck!

Babysitting

This has often been one of the mainstay jobs for teens and pre-teens looking for employment. Babysitting jobs are always available; but you need to be careful. Make sure you’re devoted to performing these jobs to the best of your ability; otherwise, no one will be happy. Babysitting jobs can be found by simply walking around your neighborhood and asking parents if they need a little help.

Mother’s (or Father’s) Helper

This is kind of like “babysitting lite”. These jobs involve playing with children while the adults in the house are busy but onsite. In fact, many times, the parent is working at home at a part time business. This means that he or she, though occupied, would be available if any emergencies occur. Thus, this kind of employment is perfect for the kid who is hesitant to stay alone with his or her charge but wants to learn the art of watching children.

Pet Sitting

On a similar note, pet sitting jobs are practical for the child who is reliable and loves animals. Often, people who are going on vacation actively seek out individuals to look after their pets. Again, this is probably not one of the best jobs for a very young kid, but for any child over 12, it’s a reasonable option. Just be ready to do some “dirty work” – jobs like this often involve the art of “scooping” the droppings of large mammals!

Remember that jobs are always available to the person willing to do the work. Sometimes, it takes a little bit of self-advertisement to unearth what’s out there, but even the youngest workers can find something to do to make a bit of spending cash. (Or, better yet, “saving” cash!)

Jason Roberts
http://www.articlesbase.com/careers-articles/great-jobs-for-kids-63456.html

As a kid, can you get enough money from your parents? If not, perhaps you are thinking how to get a kid job for extral money. It is a pity that less jobs for kids are available by law. However, we know that you are not going to find a real job, you just want a job for pocket money. Well, the following jobs will be good choice for you, all of them are hourly kids jobs.

Handwriting Job

If you have good handwriting and want to take advantage of that, you can find a handwriting related job and make extra money with it.

Birthday celebrations, wedding parties and other celebrations usually need handwritten invitations and thank you notes, you can find a job there. You can seek out clients through wedding planners at nearby churches and temples, also you can find some information about elebrations in local newspaper, then call them and ask if they need handwriting service%uFF0C if they need the service you can send your handwritten invitation to them, to see if they are satisfied with your handwriting.

Movie Theater

Some teens at age 14/15 work at a local movie theater, such as AMC Theaters,Regal Cinemas. you can not only earn pocket money but also learn to communicate with others, as well, it’s a very funny job.

Following jobs are available for you: usher, ticket taker, cleaning up, projectionist, customer service, food service and so on. Some like to clean up, beacuse it’s easy. This sounds wierd, cause no one likes to clean up, but in reality when you’re on clean up you’re doing nothing at all like 80% of the time. All you do is clean a theatre when a show ends.

Teen Writer

How to start? You can try to start out writing for your school paper (articles, opinions or short stories). You could also try submitting to local writers’ club anthologies & teen magazines often have a reader submissions section for poems, short stories, etc. These won’t be paying jobs, but they might get you noticed. Also, if you are good at basic copywriting & layout, you can get people to pay you to prep their resumes. You’d be surprised how many people can’t manage that on their own.

Camp Counselor

For getting a job as a camp counselor, you can try your local YMCA.They may still have openings for summer counselors or assistants. Otherwise, go to your neighborhood boys and girls club. It helps to have those certifications and some do require CPR.

Recycling

If you don’t mind,you can get money for recycling. One of my friends used to get his gas money by collecting bottles and cans all over Southern California and turning them in for cash.He used to get money for newspapers, too.

To promote recycling, you will pay 5-10 cents for each bottle or can you buy, and can redeem your money if you turn it in to a recycling place. If you return every can or bottle you use, you will break out even. But, if you return extra bottles and cans you find in public places, you can actually make a pretty good profit.

Be a Tutor

If you have a good understanding of one subject, you can find a job as a tutor.Try go to your local youth center. Many youth centers pay tutors for math, English, History and Science in their after-school programs.

If you’d like,ask your counselor at school if they pay tutors for after-school programs at your school.

Also, you can advertise on your own and once you get a following the word of mouth referrals will start coming in quickly. You should dvertise your offer in places where parents will see the advertisement. The parents are your clients.

Wei King
http://www.articlesbase.com/teenagers-articles/unusual-6-available-jobs-for-kids-719836.html

People are always looking for free stuff and free money but never find it. Why? Because it doesn’t exist! I hate to be the one to say “i told you so…” but come on.

Today, I will show you & your kids a simple way to make money fast and several ways for teens to make money! Making money online is not rocket science and it doesn’t take a computer genius to do it. You don’t have to know anything about technology well except for the basic terminology of it. Which most people already do even if you don’t know it.

My system works for everyone who puts forth a little bit of effort every week. I will show you how to make money on the internet. My system works and it’s not a gimmick! Most people have gotten ripped off because of “Get Rich Quick” solutions that were ridiculous. Once you buy my product you will have access to the Members Only Area where you will be able to download all of the newly revised ideas and solutions on making money online! We continue to do the research and testing for you. If we make money doing it then we document the procedure and steps and dump it into the Members Only Area for all of our members to download and use! So in the long run you will get loads of options to use for earning money online.

Need money for teens? No problem. This is something that is perfect for teens, college students, or part time workers. Kids and Teens now have a way to earn their own money and teach themselves the power of being their own boss!

Forget about all the bad press you’ve seen about products like mine. I’m different because my product offers real services to other real people and companies. So it’s win/win! That’s why it’s different because you actually give people something they need and not want!!!

Derek Johnson
http://www.articlesbase.com/internet-marketing-articles/a-simple-way-to-make-money-online-for-you-your-kids-676436.html

People are always looking for free stuff and free money but never find it. Why? Because it doesn’t exist! I hate to be the one to say “i told you so…” but come on.

Today, I will show you & your kids a simple way to make money fast and several ways for teens to make money! Making money online is not rocket science and it doesn’t take a computer genius to do it. You don’t have to know anything about technology well except for the basic terminology of it. Which most people already do even if you don’t know it.

My system works for everyone who puts forth a little bit of effort every week. I will show you how to make money on the internet. My system works and it’s not a gimmick! Most people have gotten ripped off because of “Get Rich Quick” solutions that were ridiculous. Once you buy my product you will have access to the Members Only Area where you will be able to download all of the newly revised ideas and solutions on making money online! We continue to do the research and testing for you. If we make money doing it then we document the procedure and steps and dump it into the Members Only Area for all of our members to download and use! So in the long run you will get loads of options to use for earning money online.

Need money for teens? No problem. This is something that is perfect for teens, college students, or part time workers. Kids and Teens now have a way to earn their own money and teach themselves the power of being their own boss!

Forget about all the bad press you’ve seen about products like mine. I’m different because my product offers real services to other real people and companies. So it’s win/win! That’s why it’s different because you actually give people something they need and not want!!!

Derek Johnson
http://www.articlesbase.com/internet-marketing-articles/a-simple-way-to-make-money-online-for-you-your-kids-676436.html

Can you help me finding the great ways for kids to make extra money?

it depen on the age of your kids, you can be a large or small part of the business venture. Some children are more business minded than others and do not need so much help. Let them choose what they want to do to earn money and then support them.

There are many ways for kids to make extra money and suitable to them, such as lemonade stand, dog walking, window washing, house cleaning, mother’s help, plant watering, pet sitting, car washing, wake up service, toy rental and much more.

For more detail, you can refer to this site if you want to know more about great ways for kids to make extra money:

http://the-ways-for-kids-to-make-money.blogspot.com/

The bachelor degree is the new high school diploma. If you’re not going to college to study either engineering, medicine, law, then you’re wasting your time and will end up in a job making the same amount without a college degree.

Nowadays, the only reason to go to college is to either prepare for law school, medical school, or studying for an engineering degree. If you’re going to college and not doing any of the above, then you’re wasting time and money.

Why do college kids think that they’re going to make a lot of money after they graduate?

well IT, health related careers, and some business degrees are still worth something. but besides that you’re right.

The bachelor degree is the new high school diploma. If you’re not going to college to study either engineering, medicine, law, then you’re wasting your time and will end up in a job making the same amount without a college degree.

Nowadays, the only reason to go to college is to either prepare for law school, medical school, or studying for an engineering degree. If you’re going to college and not doing any of the above, then you’re wasting time and money.

Why do college kids think that they’re going to make a lot of money after they graduate?

well IT, health related careers, and some business degrees are still worth something. but besides that you’re right.

I need help with making online money. Anyway is fine, I just need to know how to make money (high or low). For example, BLOGGING, CHECKING OUT OTHER WEBSITES, OR ANY OTHE IDEAS. Thank you very much!

http://mypaidsurvey.blogspot.com