Tips for stretching your money:

• Spend in a disciplined manner: Buy only what you’ve budgeted for.
• Pay attention to coupons: Yes they’re a pain but they actually do save money when used for planned purchases.
• Take public transportation: Not a fan? Then at least carpool as often as possible.
• Track all spending: Keep a diary of all your purchases and try to use cash as opposed to debit or credit cards;
• Pack your lunch: You don’t need a $5 coffee and $10 sandwich from the local cafe to feel full.

Know more ways to care for your “money tree?” Share your tips!

Helping you help yourself,

Nothing spells family like inheriting them via your spouse (*ahem* sarcasm *ahem*). But what happens when in-laws become ex-laws? Whether you like them or not, your children need their grandparents. Where else are they going to learn that teeth soaking in a glass full of water are to be left alone? Or be given the chance to ingest a life time’s supply of candy in one visit? These reasons and many more are why it’s important to connect, and stay connected, with your ex-laws in order to help your child heal post-divorce. Don’t know how? Here are some tips:

• Break the ice: If you haven’t spoken to your ex-laws, call or send a note. Unsure of where they stand? Chances are they’ve been waiting to hear from you.
• Acknowledge the pain: Divorce hurts the entire family, so show empathy by saying something along the lines of “I know this has been tough on you too,” or “We’re all hurting.”
• Make it about the kids: Don’t get into detailed talk of the divorce. State clearly that your main concern is continuity for the children and that they need their grandparents.
• Be firm, but not rigid: It’s a good idea to have ground rules if your standards differ from theirs. At the same time, expect some over-indulgence because even after a divorce, grandparents still live to spoil their grandchildren.
• Imagine yourself in their shoes: Treat them the way you’d want to be treated. If you’re feeling short-tempered, trust that they will take it personally so try to cool down before saying something you don’t mean. And remember, they’re going out of their way to show your kids a good time so make sure you give them the thanks they deserve.

Have your own advice on dealing with the ex-laws? Share it!

Helping you help yourself,

Don’t talk about divorce with everyone you know. Have a select group of family and friends that you confide in and use as support. The cashier at your local grocery store doesn’t need to know the details of your struggles with your soon-to-be-ex or the problems you’ve encountered with the family court system. Limiting who you talk to about your divorce means less divorce talk and thought, but you should never come to a point where you close yourself off from everybody.

Helping you help yourself,