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Family & Kids

Raising kids, family budgets and building money habits that last for generations.

Family & Kids covers the money side of raising a family: allowances, childcare, activities, health costs, emergency funds and teaching children good money habits at every age.

It's for parents, grandparents and caregivers who want to manage a family budget calmly and pass on skills that last. The guides are practical and realistic about how expensive raising kids can be.

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Teacher playing with wooden blocks with two toddlers in a bright, plant-filled daycare classroom

Family & Kids

Childcare Costs Average $13,000 a Year. Here Are the New Plans to Bring Them Down

3 min read · Oct 15, 2026

Family & Kids

The U.S. Releases a New National Plan for Financial Literacy: What It Means for Families

A federal commission led by the Treasury released its 2026 National Strategy for Financial Literacy on Oct. 2, focusing on youth money skills, saving and investing, digital money tools and scam prevention.

Kiara MillerOct 7, 20264 min read

A mother and young son look at a phone together on the couch, a piggy bank nearby

Family & Kids

Investing for Your Kids With a Custodial Account: How Apps Like Acorns Early Work

Custodial investing accounts let parents invest money for a child. Here's how they work, how Acorns Early fits in and what to know about control and taxes.

Kiara MillerOct 6, 20265 min read

A parent and young child at a bank counter, the child sliding a clear piggy bank full of coins toward a smiling teller

Family & Kids

Savings Accounts for Kids: How to Choose One and Get Started

A savings account can make money feel real for kids. Here's what to look for in a kids' account and how to use it as a teaching tool.

Kiara MillerOct 5, 20265 min read

Kids playing a pretend grocery store game with toy coins, a toy cash register and play food on a living room rug

Family & Kids

Fun Money Games and Activities for Kids

Kids learn best through play. Here are simple games and activities that teach counting, saving, budgeting and smart choices.

Kiara MillerOct 5, 20264 min read

A family of four seated around a kitchen table holding a relaxed weekly money meeting with a notebook, coins and a laptop

Family & Kids

How to Hold a Family Money Meeting

Regular family money talks build teamwork and teach kids skills. Here's how to run a simple, positive family money meeting.

Kiara MillerOct 5, 20265 min read

Parents at a laptop comparing college savings accounts, a graduation cap and piggy bank on the desk

Family & Kids

Ways to Save for College: 529s, Coverdells, Roth IRAs and More

There are several ways to save for a child's education. Here's how the main options compare.

Kiara MillerOct 5, 20265 min read

Expectant parents inspecting a secondhand stroller and car seat at a community consignment sale, checking the buckles carefully

Family & Kids

How to Save Money on Baby Gear Without Cutting Corners on Safety

Babies need a lot of stuff, but not everything has to be new or expensive. Here's how to save while keeping safety first.

Kiara MillerOct 5, 20265 min read

An expectant mother and partner at a laptop planning finances, a baby crib in the background

Family & Kids

How to Plan Financially for Parental Leave

Time off with a new baby can mean reduced pay. Here's how to understand your options and prepare your budget.

Kiara MillerOct 4, 20265 min read

A parent at a kitchen table looking over a child's report card while the child waits hopefully, a few dollar coins on the table

Family & Kids

Should You Pay Kids for Good Grades? Pros, Cons and Alternatives

Paying for grades is a common debate among parents. Here's what to consider and other ways to motivate kids.

Kiara MillerOct 4, 20265 min read

Older parents handing keys and a moving box to their adult son at the door of a first apartment

Family & Kids

Supporting Adult Children Without Derailing Your Own Finances

Many parents help grown kids with rent, phone bills or more. Here's how to help in a way that doesn't hurt your own future.

Kiara MillerOct 4, 20265 min read

A teenager in a cafe apron holding a first paycheck envelope, smiling behind the counter

Family & Kids

Your Teen's First Job: A Money Guide for Parents and Teens

A first job is a great chance to learn about paychecks, taxes and saving. Here's how to help your teen make the most of it.

Kiara MillerOct 4, 20265 min read

Parents with a baby meeting an insurance advisor at a desk, reviewing a policy document

Family & Kids

Life Insurance for Parents: How Much Do You Need?

If your kids depend on your income, life insurance can protect them. Here's how to choose the type and amount.

Kiara MillerOct 4, 20265 min read

Parents in a nursery reviewing receipts and a calculator beside a crib, stroller and stacked diapers

Family & Kids

How Much Does It Cost to Raise a Child? A Practical Breakdown

Raising a child is one of the biggest expenses most families take on. Here's where the money goes and how to plan for it.

Kiara MillerOct 4, 20265 min read

A teenager and parent standing beside a used compact car in a driveway, the parent handing over car keys

Family & Kids

Your Teen's First Car: How to Budget for Costs and Insurance

A first car brings freedom and big expenses. Here's how to plan for the purchase, insurance, gas and maintenance.

Kiara MillerOct 4, 20265 min read

A family loading a car with suitcases and a cooler for a road trip in a suburban driveway

Family & Kids

How to Plan a Family Vacation on a Budget

Family trips create memories without having to cost a fortune. Here's how to plan a vacation the whole family can afford.

Kiara MillerOct 4, 20265 min read

A simple backyard kids' birthday party with a homemade cake, paper decorations and children playing games on the grass

Family & Kids

How to Throw a Kids' Birthday Party on a Budget

Birthday parties don't have to be expensive to be memorable. Here's how to plan a fun party without overspending.

Kiara MillerOct 4, 20265 min read

A blended family of two adults and three kids of different ages around a table with a shared budget planner

Family & Kids

Managing Money in a Blended Family

Combining households brings new money questions. Here's how blended families can handle finances fairly and avoid conflict.

Kiara MillerOct 4, 20265 min read

A parent at a kitchen table filling in a tax form beside a laptop, a toddler playing with blocks nearby

Family & Kids

The Child Tax Credit Explained: Who Qualifies and How to Claim It

The Child Tax Credit can lower your federal taxes for each qualifying child. Here's how it works and what to check.

Kiara MillerOct 4, 20265 min read

Parents signing a will with an attorney at a desk, a framed family photo nearby

Family & Kids

How to Name a Guardian for Your Children

If something happened to you, who would raise your kids? Here's how to choose a guardian and make it legal.

Kiara MillerOct 4, 20265 min read

Two separated parents at a cafe table calmly splitting a stack of kids' receipts with phones out, a child's backpack handed between them

Family & Kids

Co-Parenting and Money: Managing Shared Expenses After Separation

Raising kids across two households brings money questions. Here's how co-parents can manage costs fairly and reduce conflict.

Kiara MillerOct 4, 20265 min read

A mother sitting on a sofa calmly talking with two children, a simple household budget sheet on the coffee table

Family & Kids

How to Talk to Kids About Money During Tough Times

When money is tight, kids notice. Here's how to talk honestly and reassuringly at every age.

Kiara MillerOct 4, 20265 min read

A child holding a tablet showing a game purchase prompt while a parent reaches to review it on the couch

Family & Kids

Kids and Online Spending: How to Prevent Surprise Charges

In-app purchases and online games can lead to unexpected bills. Here's how to protect your accounts and teach kids digital money skills.

Kiara MillerOct 4, 20265 min read

Grandparents sitting with their teenage grandchild at a laptop, setting up a college savings account together in a cozy living room

Family & Kids

How Grandparents Can Help Grandkids Financially

Many grandparents want to help with college, savings or everyday costs. Here are smart ways to give that protect everyone's finances.

Kiara MillerOct 4, 20265 min read

A mother with two kids at a pediatrician's front desk handing over an insurance card, a calm clinic waiting room

Family & Kids

How to Manage Your Family's Health Care Costs

Health care is a major family expense. Here's how to choose plans, use tax-advantaged accounts and lower costs for kids and parents.

Kiara MillerOct 4, 20265 min read

A parent dropping off a young child at a bright daycare room with cubbies and small chairs

Family & Kids

How to Save on Childcare Costs

Childcare can cost as much as rent. Here are practical ways to lower costs, plus tax breaks that can help.

Kiara MillerOct 4, 20265 min read

A parent on bleachers at a youth soccer game, writing in a budget notebook, kids playing on the field

Family & Kids

How to Budget for Kids' Sports and Activities

Sports, lessons and clubs can cost more than you expect. Here's how to plan for activities without overspending.

Kiara MillerOct 4, 20264 min read

A couple at a dining table moving cash into a labeled savings jar beside a laptop, kids' drawings on the fridge behind

Family & Kids

How Big Should a Family Emergency Fund Be?

Kids raise the stakes when surprises hit. Here's how to size and build an emergency fund that protects your whole family.

Kiara MillerOct 4, 20265 min read

A parent and child in a store aisle choosing backpacks and notebooks with a shopping cart

Family & Kids

How to Budget for Back-to-School Shopping

Back-to-school costs add up fast. Here's how to plan, shop smart and avoid overspending.

Kiara MillerOct 4, 20264 min read

A parent showing a teenager a credit card and a phone banking app at a kitchen counter

Family & Kids

Teaching Teens About Credit Before They Get Their First Card

Teens who understand credit early can avoid costly mistakes. Here's what to teach and how to help them start building credit.

Kiara MillerOct 4, 20265 min read

A single father at a kitchen table paying bills on a laptop while his daughter does homework beside him

Family & Kids

Money Tips for Single Parents

Managing money on one income while raising kids takes planning. Here are practical steps to build stability and protect your family.

Kiara MillerOct 4, 20265 min read

A child dropping coins into three plain clear glass jars while a parent watches at a kitchen table

Family & Kids

How to Give Kids an Allowance That Teaches Real Money Skills

An allowance can be a powerful teaching tool. Here's how to decide how much, whether to tie it to chores, and how to make it count.

Kiara MillerOct 4, 20265 min read

A high school senior and parent at a laptop filling in a college financial aid application, college brochures on the table

Family & Kids

The FAFSA Explained: How to Apply for College Financial Aid

The FAFSA is the gateway to federal student aid. Here's what it is, when to file and tips to get the most aid.

Kiara MillerOct 4, 20265 min read

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