ML Holiday Tag: black friday

Here’s How Much Parents Are Spending on the Holidays This Year

by Shahrzad Warkentin

How much is too much when it comes to giving for the holiday season? According to a new survey, there is such a thing as going overboard and it can have some long-term negative effects. So, how much will you spend on the holidays this year?

T. Rowe Price’s 2018 Parents, Kids & Money Survey, surveyed 1,013 parents of eight- to 14-year-olds across the nation. The survey revealed that parents who give their kids everything on their holiday wishlists are more likely to go into debt and have kids who are less likely to save their own money. This is pretty alarming when you consider that 45 percent of parents surveyed agreed with the statement, “I try to get everything on my kids’ lists, no matter the cost.”

Just over half of all parents who planned to get everything in their kids lists said they were more likely to finance their holiday spending while 48 percent said they’ve gone into debt to buy something their kids wanted. Sixty-one percent of  parents said they used credit cards to pay for holiday shopping, but only 28 percent reported repaying that balance in full within a month.

Despite going into debt, many parents intend to shop wisely, but their spending may not always end up that way. In 2017, 72 percent of parents shopped on Black Friday or Cyber Monday, but that didn’t necessarily add up to money well spent. Big sales often lead to big splurges as 62 percent of parents who shopped on a promotional day admitted that they overspent for the holidays.

So how much are parents actually spending on the holidays? According to the survey, 58 percent said they normally spend less than $1,000—while another 19 percent said they spend more than $2,000 on the holidays.

Even with such big budgets, chances are this year parents will still spend even more this year. The National Retail Federation reports that consumers plan will spend an average of $1,007.24 during the holiday season this year. This is up 4.1 percent from the $967.13 parents said they would spend in 2017.

As much as parents want to fulfill all of their kids wishes, at the end of the day saving some of that money for a rainy day (or even more importantly college and retirement) might be a better idea.

“Parents who try to get everything on their kids’ wish lists need to keep in mind the financial consequences. They need to ensure that they aren’t taking on additional financial burden at the expense of other goals, such as saving for a vacation, home renovation, new car, their kids’ college, or their own retirement,” says Stuart Ritter, CFP, a senior financial planner at T. Rowe Price and father of three.

Ritter adds, “Kids may be picking up the wrong lessons from their parents when they don’t have to prioritize the items on their holiday wish lists and make trade-offs. Creating a holiday wish list can be an opportunity to help them understand that even the generous holiday spirit has limits, and we all must make trade-offs.”

No matter how much do spend for the holidays, don’t forget: those bills always come due!

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: Matthew Henry via Burst

 

RELATED STORIES:

2018’s Top Gifts for Every Age, Stage & Interest

10 Crazy, Ridiculously Expensive Gifts You Can Actually Buy on Amazon

Amazon Is Giving Away Free Tech Gifts at Whole Foods This Week

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Funniest Parenting Tweets of the Week: November 23, 2018

by Karly Wood

Photo by Ryan McGuire via Gratisography; composite by Karly Wood for Red Tricycle

How on earth is it Thanksgiving? The kids are off from school, you’re probably busy prepping for the big meal and planning your Black Friday strategy. We hope this week brings you plenty of family and friends as you gather in the spirit of thanks. Enjoy the calm while you can—the holidays will be here before you know it!

 

1. Sounds like a plan!

2. Insomnia at its best.

3. #momgoals

4. Thanks but no thanks.

5. Nothing is more stressful.

6. Justice is also sweet.

7. Mantra.

8. Stop interrupting me: And other things I say every day.

9. You can’t have it all.

10. Silver lining!

Happy Thanksgiving!

––Karly Wood

 

RELATED STORIES

Funniest Parenting Tweets of the Week: November 16, 2018

Funniest Parenting Tweets of the Week: November 9, 2018

Funniest Parenting Tweets of the Week: November 2, 2018

 

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Target, Walmart & Macy’s Have Jumped on the Amazon Prime Day Sales Train

by Erica Loop

As all good shoppers know, Jul. 16 is Amazon Prime Day. And even though it’s on a Monday, think of July 2018 as the new Black Friday. Yay!

With the deep discounts that the online mega-retailer has for eager shoppers, other stores with dollar signs in their eyes don’t want to miss out on all the potential buyers out there. Yep. Target, Walmart and Macy’s are also offering super-sale prices that you’ll want to check out.

Target

So yes, Amazon Prime Day is July 16. But the sale doesn’t end there. This year the online retailer is extending deals for 36 hours. That means Amazon’s discounts will overlap with Target’s July 17 sale.

What can expect from Target’s Tuesday sale? To start with, spend $100 on Target.com (July 17 only) and get yourself a free six-month membership for Shipt same-day delivery service. As if that’s not enough, Target will have 30 percent off Target-exclusive home brand items, 25 percent off discounts on beauty and personal care items, 30 percent off Target-exclusive home brands for kids, prices up to 30 percent off select baby gear, discounts (up to 30 percent off) Google products and sale prices on select toys.

You can also get $5 of a book purchase of $40 or more and free shipping on next-day Target Restock deliveries (July 17 only). Oh, and if you spend at least $35 online, you can get free two-day shipping.

Walmart

Walmart doesn’t want to be left out of the sale craziness either. Their summer sale includes discounts and rollbacks on everything to keep you cool—such as above-ground pools, portable air conditioners and fans.

The big box retailer will also have sale prices on home goods, toys, apparel and your favorite electronics (think Black Friday-ish discounts on TVs, tablets, smartphones and more).

Macy’s

https://twitter.com/SydneySoSweet2/status/1017616940691591171

Macy’s is celebrating their very own “Black Friday in July” now through Jul. 15. Look for deals across your fave categories (such as clothing, shoes, beauty, jewelry and handbags) in stores and online. You may also qualify for 25 percent off plus free shipping (with a $49 or more purchase).

Well now it looks like you’ll have plenty of July sale options. So if you don’t find it on Amazon, your other favorite retailers might just have a better deal.

—Erica Loop

Featured Photo: Courtesy of Walmart

RELATED STORIES:

Here’s How You Can Score Amazon Prime Day Deals Before Anyone Else

When Is Amazon Prime Day? This Year’s Sales Will Last a Whole Lot Longer

Amazon Prime Day Is Coming to Whole Foods Market, Too

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Black Foods to Eat on Black Friday

by Amber Guetebier

While you might not convince your kiddos to try squid ink pasta or charcoal crackers, we’re betting black olives, raisins and maybe even black beans are a regular part of their rep. This “Black Friday” instead of shopping ’til you drop, try serving up something dark and yummy. Read on for the list. 

photo: Kate Ter Haar via flickr

For the Sweet Tooth

Black licorice, especially in the form of Scotty Dogs

Blackberries (try frozen this time of year)

Black sesame macarons, get the recipe here.

photo: ronamae via flickr 

For the Staples

Black beans/black bean soup

Black rice

Black lentils

Black quinoa

photo: megan via flickr

For the Snacker

Raisins

Black olives

Figs

photo: Ivan Lian via flickr

For the Foodie

Black Pasta

Black Garlic

Charcoal Crackers

Black sesame seeds

What black foods have you tried? Did your kids like them? 

—Amber Guetebier

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

26 Websites Every New or Expectant Parent Should Read

by Christal Y.

What are you going to do with that two-hour nap window? Or that precious evening when baby’s asleep? Surf the web! (After taking a shower in peace, of course.) Here are our favorite sites for parenting tips, tricks and inspiration. You’ll get your fill of straightforward advice — and some funnies, too.

photo: Tom & Katrien via flickr 

Name Berry
Royal names, unisex names, currently trending names … basically everything you ever wondered about baby names is located on the easily accessible Name Berry. And we do mean everything! Search from how unique to how internationally well known the moniker is.

Best Click: Find the right name down to the last stroke with the search engine.
Online: nameberry.com

Scary Mommy
Learn to be okay with not having a perfect family through Scary Mommy. This judgment-free community is where moms post their funny stories, provide insight and navigate the roller coaster ride of parenting. There’s even a useful “What to (Really) Expect Month to Month” pregnancy calendar.

Best Click: The laugh-out-loud page of Mommy Confessions.
Online: scarymommy.com

Weelicious
It’s always best to stock the pantry in the case of emergencies. And while your little slurper might not be ready for solids yet, Weelicious has a plethora of puree recipes filled with yummy ingredients that mom and dad won’t mind practicing on first. Plus, their Weekly Meal Plans really ease the headache that comes with grocery shopping.

Best Click: All eyes on that Creamy Vanilla Cinnamon Pudding!
Online: weelicious.com

Momtastic
Cut to the chase with Momtastic for smart, practical and detailed advice on everything you want to know. The community at Momtastic is a friendly bunch — moms who’ve lived through the experience you’re about to embark upon. They’re willing to offer first-hand accounts of parenthood and maintain relationships all around the board.

Best Click: Sort through the most popular (and current) articles by navigating the Most Popular tag.
Online: momtastic.com

Bundoo
Instead of frantically calling your doctor and waiting for a callback, check out Bundoo for all the answers to every question that’s ever crossed a new parent’s mind. Got a ultra-specific question that hasn’t been answered? For $9.95, Bundoo has several pediatricians online who can question them for you, but leaving a comment in their stories can also prompt helpful advice too!

Best Click: This 411 on how the body changes before and after pregnancy is pretty reassuring.
Online: bundoo.com

PhD in Parenting
While scientific notes, proven recipes and tricks to getting your tot to fall asleep are definitely all helpful tips, there are quite a few cultural and social variables in parenthood that are harder to cover. Thankfully mom of two, Annie, created PhD in Parenting, a site that helps us think deeper about the ethical, social and feminist roles of bringing a kiddo into the world today.

Best Click: Helping children feel good in their skin (aka: their birthday suit).
Online: phdinparenting.com

Inhabitots
Having a new addition to the family is often the turning point of many lives. What kind of bed should we get? How should we arrange the room? Turn to Inhabitots, the IKEA of parenting advice, that proves you don’t have to sacrifice style when including your lil’ one in the design process.

Best Click: The world’s coolest (and eco-friendliest) playgrounds for your visual pleasure.
Online: inhabitots.com

CafeMom
Connect with moms all over the world at CafeMom, an online meeting space where you can divulge and glean information on all kinds of topics. Get advice on navigating the stages of pre-baby life, or skip over to Mom Confessions to find out you’re not alone when it comes to parenting problems. Don’t forget to stop by The Stir, a blog about everything from fashion to home care.

Best Click: Find your Mom Group for a place to vent, share and laugh.
Online: cafemom.com

Huffington Post Parenting
For a hub of pages and pages of relatable content and stories that might have never crossed your mind when it comes to the realm of having kids, Huffington Post Parenting is your one-stop shop. Read touching stories of other parents to funny (and only barely exaggerated) lists of how life will be different after that newborn enters the front door.

Best Click: This newborn helping his pops propose will make you go, “Aww.”
Online: huffingtonpost.com/parents

MomLifeTv
Do you prefer watching videos to get your information? As a 2013 Webby Award Honoree (the official Internet awards), MomLifeTv is a lifestyle network that’s all about helping moms create a balanced, strong and peaceful family life. Get the essential 411 on all stages of mom-hood.

Best Click: Learn the three big things to consider when setting up your nursery.
Online: momlifetv.com

Reddit’s r/Parenting
New parents will find the r/Parenting community invaluable. Lurk the forums for über-specific content like “What do you do if you cancel your sitter? Do you pay or not?” or make an account to contribute your personal experience so that a new parent isn’t left hanging. Sort through threads by hot (current popular posts), new (just created posts) or top (all time popular) to see what’s trending. It pays to read the rules in the sidebar before jumping into r/Parenting culture. Tip: The text in parenthesis next to the title tells you what webpage you’ll end up at. Sometimes it’s a link to a photo; sometimes it’s website or just a regular thread you can comment on. To add a comment to a thread that goes to an external link, click “comments.”

Best Click: This dad showing how “It’s tough being a single daddy.”
Online: reddit.com/r/Parenting

Aha Parenting
Being a first time (or third time) mom or dad can be quite an adjustment, especially when your kids aren’t going “by the book.” And you want your kids to enjoy displaying good behavior instead of being bribed into it. Aha Parenting is all about finding the “ooh, yes!” moment in the ever-changing and growing relationship with your kiddo, from birth to teens.

Best Click: Tips of raising a happy family.
Online: ahaparenting.com

Ask Dr Sears
Little ones will have a harder time sticking through an ear infection than ol’ pops, which is why Ask Dr Sears is like the web-tonic for all the health concerns might have crossed your mind (way before they’ve become a reality). This is the A to Z guide to maximizing your tiny tot’s well being.

Best Click: Rashes can be a big concern — but figure out what it might actually be before rushing to the hospital.
Online: askdrsears.com

Google HelpOut
Leave it to Google to help parents hop right into the digital age with Google HelpOuts. Get live advice via Google Hangouts without ever leaving your home (cheers for stay at home or work from home parents) by simply connecting to their Parenting 101 hub. We’ve covered everything you need to know about this awesome service here.

Best Click: Learn how to get back in shape after having your new baby!
Online: helpouts.google.com

Lay Baby Lay
The idea of a tiny human running around the house might make you want to wrap everything in bubble wrap and call it a day, but Lay Baby Lay shows how your lil’ tastemaker can actually contribute to beautifying your home even more than ever. For DIY home building projects to room inspirations, check out Lay Baby Lay.

Best Click: This delightful shared room makes the case for having more than one kiddo.
Online: laybabylay.com

Stroller Traffic
Want the latest updates on products? Then you’ll need to put Stroller Traffic on your radar. Be the first in the mom circle to know about living the four-wheeled carriage life (kids 3 and under) in trend setting style. In addition, Stroller Traffic will keep you in-the-know about product recalls on food, gear and other baby related things.

Best Click: A complete guide to baby carrying.
Online: strollertraffic.com

weeSpring
Shopping as a mom is like waiting at the doors of Target on Black Friday — overwhelming and you’re not 100% sure if you need that product or what good it will do, but it’s brightly colored and says “America’s Favorite” so, buy it right? (Psst … the answer is no). Clear your head by visiting weeSpring. It’s a review site for parents, by parents, where you can see how items have fared with other families before purchasing them for yourself.

Best Click: You’ll need to make an account to see what products made it to every mom’s “Sick Baby Survival Kit” bag.
Online: weespring.com

The Bump
This website is all about the bump — from way before your mini-me has come existence to the preschooler years when they’ve gained independence (well, the first level of it). Over thousands of questions are answered every day on The Bump, so you can be sure to find everything you’re afraid to ask (like weird pregnancy dreams) to hot topics like finding baby appropriate food, toys and more.

Best Click: Sigh, there’s no argument for indulging in coffee during pregnancy, but at least, The Bump details why.
Online: thebump.com

Rookie Moms
Your friends without kids are exaggerating because life is not over, first-time moms and dads. Rookie Moms shows you how to spell fun differently, at different life stages (like 1-3, 4-6, 7-9, 10-12 months), and sometimes without kids! Read other moms’ success stories or fails to know you’re not alone. This is about as real as mommy life gets.

Best Click: Take part in a Rookie Mom Challenge to try something new and get out of your comfort zone.
Online: rookiemoms.com

BabyCenter
With over 10 Webby Awards, BabyCenter is a go-to resource for everything parenting and pregnancy. Sort through expert advice and make use of all the on-hand tools, like the ever-so-useful First-Year Baby Costs Calculator to keep yourself within the budget.

Best Click: “Is it Safe while I’m Pregnant?” is a great resource for new moms with all the questions.
Online: babycenter.com

KellyMom
Breastfeeding can be a he-said-she-said topic, but KellyMom provides all your need to knows with evidence-based research. If the non-formula route is more your style, consider joining KellyMom’s close-knit support group on Facebook for real-time advice. The site even covers the most obscure questions a new mom might have about breastfeeding.

Best Click: This list of Breastfeeding Helplines is a great if you’re looking for person-to-person interaction.
Online: kellymom.com

Parent Hacks
Browse this site for ideas on how to give all those empty baby wipe containers (yes, you’ll go through them in a heartbeat) a second life. But Parent Hacks isn’t just limited to making use of old jars and boxes either. Find hacks on potty training, baby proofing, organizing and more without breaking bank.

Best Click: Save those little heads from bumping into sharp corners with tennis balls!
Online: parenthacks.com

reCrib
Bargain hunters love this online marketplace. At reCrib, you can score some really amazing deals on gently used baby gear, clothes and anything else your kid might need. It’s the reliable version of Craigslist, and a lot less overwhelming than eBay. A stroller marked down to $150 instead of the retail $450? Yes, please!

Best Click: Strollers can be pricey, so we do appreciate this push-car section of reCrib.
Online: recrib.com

PBS Parents
As soon as they’ve popped into this world, your baby is absorbing information at a rapid pace. Get a view into their world through PBS Parents, an amazing resource for kid-based education. Get an idea of your short stack’s skills by the year with their Child Development Tracker — PBS Parents can even recommend age-appropriate activities and programs.

Best Click: English, Chinese, German or French — forget that, the first language you’ll need to learn is Parentese.
Online: pbs.org/parents

Mom.me
For a more light hearted (but still factual and good advice) approach to parenting, check out Mom.me. Delve into insightful stories from other moms around the world or take a break from new info overload and read humorous columns like “Bad Vintage Pregnancy Advice.” You won’t have to leave the site to find what you want.

Best Click: These words of wisdom from real moms.
Online: mom.me

Highlights
Raise your bundle of joy by learning how to channel their inner creativity, confidence and curiosity into fun activities. Highlights Hello is a growing library of content of quick-read articles about bonding as a new family. Their Your Child & You section is organized by age so that you can easily find age appropriate content, from helping your kiddo take their first step to soft pretzel recipes.

Best Click: Feel more reassured about your toddler’s first steps with this article here.
Online: highlights.com

What websites did you use as a new or expecting parents? Share them with us in the Comments below!

— Christal Yuen

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement