With the economic news looking somewhat bleak, everyone is looking to save money. Babies born last year will cost their middle income parents $204,060 by the age of 18.

 Here are a few tips for the up and coming frugal yet cool parent.

1.  Set up a regular, rotating car pool - Rotate parents for pick-up and drop-off at school or even practices.

2.  BUY USED! - Save by shopping at consignment stores, Salvation Army, Goodwill on children's clothing.  You can shave 90 percent off your clothes bill!! 

*My favorite, 'Once Upon A Child'  http://www.ouac.com

3.  Cut Your Kids Hair - Easy if it's a boy and they like the buzz cut.  Saves about $120 a year.

4.  Make Own Baby Food - It's cheap, easy and even easier to go organic on a budget.  Another tip...freeze individual portions in an ice tray.  Then just pop them in the microwave to soften.

5.  Cloth Diapers -  I personally diagree but some parents love them. 

MY TIP:  Buy generic for daytime use the good ones at night.

6.  Talk to Your Kids About Finances - Have an honest conversation about 'wants' vs. 'needs'.  Make it a point of pride to spend what you have and not rely on credit.

7.  Trade Services - Trade dance classes, art classes, horseback riding for something you can do or have.  Save your cash!

8.  Make Your Own Cleaning Supplies - Healthier & cheaper

9. Use the Library - Free books, DVDs and even audio books for long trips.

Some helpful websites...

www.mommysavers.com

www.tiphero.com

How sweet is this!!

Britney Spears 'Womanizer' Video!

We talked about all the things that women should know by age 30 this morning, and I just went through a list of 10.  Here's the rest full list:

1. How to hard boil an egg
2. Diplomatically tell Mom to butt-out
3. Ace a job interview
4. Ask a man out
5. How to properly write a thank you note
6. Listen to a friend in need
7. Ask for help
8. Effectiively end an unhealthy relationship (either romantic or platonic)
9. Beautifully wrap a gift
10. Say "no" gracefully
11. Whip up a great dinner with five items in the fridge
12. By 30 a woman should be able to tell her man exactly how to please her
13. Sew a button
14. Mix a really great cocktail
15. Take off her bra without removing her shirt
16. Apply lip gloss in the dark
17. Balance a checkbook
18. Create a budget
19. Find the best deal
20. Negotiate a salary and/or pay raise
21. Read a map
22. Hail a cab
23. Say something in French just because
24. Apologize when she's wrong
25. Dress for her body type
26. Change a flat tire (I still have to master this one!!)
27. Spot a fake (handbag, diamond, potential friend, etc.)
28. Feign interest
29. Figure out a tip without a calculator
30. Hold a baby

Can you do all of those?  Or are you beyond 30 and haven't mastered all of them yet???

Join us tomorrow morning as we talk to Jenny McCarthy in the 8 o'clock hour.  She is calling us around 8:15ish.  As many of you know, this interview means a lot to me with Aleks' recent diagnosis of autism.  Jenny's book, 'Louder than Words' was the first book I read regarding autism.  It was my personal launching pad into the autism world.  I'm looking forward to talking with her and learning more from her.  For me, she is one of my personal heros. 

Join Us Tomorrow Morning for Jenny McCarthy!!