Birthday Parties and Holidays

Tonight Logan and I went to one of his friend’s birthday parties at Jungle Jim’s here in Utah. This little boy’s mother and I have been friends for several years and have watched each other go through the many struggles of single parenting. However, tonight I watched as her and her ex put aside all their differences so that they could both be there to celebrate their little one’s birthday. They stood beside each other as they took their son around to each of the different rides and laughed and joked with each other about how cute the kids were … Continue reading

Are Separate Birthday Parties Necessary?

Is your child’s birthday one more day that you dread because you have to figure out how to share it with your ex? When I was first divorced Hailey’s birthday loomed over me like a dark cloud. I didn’t want it to be one more holiday that she would have to split between mom and dad’s house. That first birthday after the divorce was hard. Hailey was sad, her family was glaringly divided. After that year I decided never again. I wanted Hailey’s birthday to be a celebration for and about her. So I called my ex husband and hashed … Continue reading

List of Budget Categories

Whether you are just getting started on your first budget or taking the time to renew your money management systems, the following list should help you. Often the hardest part of a budget is simply separating your spending into different categories. So grab your checkbook, bank statements and credit card bills, and get started on a budget today. Typical budget categories include: Cash: Have an budget account for miscellaneous cash you take out for little expenditures. This is simpler than trying to keep track of each piece of gum or soda you buy. Childcare or babysitting: If you have kids, … Continue reading