1. Go shopping in your own closets and drawers

• Have your child collect their left over schools supplies from the previous year, and together, decide what can be reused (items like pens, erasers, and highlighters are usually most recyclable).  Use this example to teach your children about the importance of recycling and how it helps to save money.

2. Compare prices

• Make a list of only the supplies you need and research different stores to see where you can find each product the cheapest.
• Depending on the age of your child, have them help you with this and let them know the budget you have set aside for the item. Turn it up a notch, if they help you save a nice chunk of change, offer an incentive that you will give them a portion of the money they save.

Are the hallways of your high school appearing more runway-like these days? Does it seem as though some girls have unlimited bank accounts, sporting some new trend everyday? Whether it's wedge sneakers, tribal minis or tangerine skinnies, you may think you missed the memo on ways to afford all these fads.

Though the wardrobes of Emma Watson and Selena Gomez are likely out of your financial reach, you can still emulate your style gurus and have money leftover for lunch. Check out the following tips to turn heads in the hallway without breaking the bank.

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Road trippers everywhere are rejoicing in their ability to control costs as the airline industry continues to add fees. These days, everything from carry-on luggage to the privilege of herding your kids down the jetway before the masses will cost you some extra cash.

However, road trips can get pretty pricey too, unless you plan ahead. Consider these 10 money-saving tips before you embark on your next cross-country adventure.

1. Plan Ahead

Before you hit the road, research routes and destinations to make the most of your summer vacation. Map out places to visit, popular eateries (consult Food Network for recommendations) and pre-book your accommodations to avoid a no vacancy nightmare. Try using TripIt to keep all details organized in one place, but bring a map in case your GPS goes down.

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How do you teach your children to enjoy hiking?  Start early and make it fun! So says outdoor enthusiast extraordinaire and author Jeff Alt.

“Getting kids outside is more important than ever,” he says. “TV, computer and video game addictions are replacing outdoor play time. Passive inside entertainment is contributing significantly to the national obesity epidemic! It’s time to get off the couch America! Get the kids outside!”

Jeff is an avid hiker.  In addition to walking the 2,160-mile Appalachian Trail, he also walked the 218-mile John Muir Trail with his wife, and trekked across a 50-mile path of Ireland with his wife, young daughter, and extended family. He and his wife emerged from the church doors on their wedding day wearing backpacks, and his son was taken on his first hike at 8 weeks.

Jeff has lots of great advice about how to make sure you and the kids have a great time outdoors.

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Summer is almost over! Though parents breathe a secret sigh of relief, most kids dread the thought of going back to school. Whether your child is just starting preschool or going into her senior year of high school, the transition from summer freedom to the structured classroom can be difficult for many reasons.

This year my daughter is starting pre-kindergarten at a new school. With that comes the anxiety of the unknown; she won't know any of her classmates, there will be new teachers, new schedules and new things to learn. Though I'm hoping she's grown out of her teary phase and can put on a brave face when she walks into that classroom, I really don't know how she'll do on her first day of school.

To prepare for the unknown -- and help your kids transition from summer to school -- consider spending the next couple weeks doing the following, as I plan to.

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Eating healthy is something that all families strive for, but sometimes choosing healthy items can be tough, especially with the hectic back-to-school schedule. Having healthy snacks on hand can be an important step in keeping kids’ nutrition on track throughout the day.

Yesterday, I told you all about PBS KIDS and Whole Foods Markets launching the "Fantastic Organic" campaign aimed at providing educational tools and resources to help families learn to cook, shop and explore healthy foods together.  Keep reading for some tips from PBS KIDS on choosing healthy snacks for kids as well as some healthy snack ideas just for you!

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