Remember: Make Wise Financial Decisions

Knowing what to avoid is useful but it doesn’t fulfill a need. When we experience financial troubles, it is important to remember that it can be worse. The debt can become larger by making poor decisions.  We can create a household budget and examine our finances and obligations.  In tough times, we need to stay tough and make some tough choices.  Everyone has a different financial situation but we may be faced with some situations that require tough decisions. Do we need two vehicles? Can we afford our rent/mortgage? Do we need cable television? Do we need cell phones…Internet…a tv in every room…to eat out?  Why not use www.taxact.com to file our income taxes for free? Or…stop by the local voluntary income tax assistance site for free tax prep?   

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Avoid predators.  There are many compnies in our area that make a living by taking advantage of people. Examples include payday loan companies, some auto dealers, some tax preparers and rent-to-own companies.   Becoming involved with such companies can be one of the easiest financial mistakes one can make. A payday loan is basically an advance on your next paycheck. They give you money today in exchange for you postdating them a check for the loan amount plus fees. The fees may seem minimal but to get a true measure, ask them for the APR (annual percentage rate) and you will be amazed.  Some auto dealers and tax preparers advertise quick refunds and “file your taxes for free”.  Be aware that nothing is free and if you want something quickly, it will come at a cost.  Rent-to-own companies are attractive to those with poor credit.  Items are advertised with a “per week” rate. When the weekly rate is multiplied by four to determine the monthly rate, then times 12 for the annual rate, it is easy to see that you could pay three times the actual value of the item.

Utility costs are skyrocketing. The top two energy hogs in our homes are our heat pumps and water heaters. Some low cost options to reduce the cost is a programmable thermostat for our heating device and a water heater blanket to help hold the heat in our water heaters.  Programmable thermostats allow you to lower your heat demands during the night while you are asleep under a warm blanket and resume the normal temperature in the morning just before you wake.  Programmable thermostats can be purchased locally with prices starting at $39. Water heater blankets cost less than $20.

Tips To Help Reduce Your Expenses

Today’s economy has taken a toll on the financial resources of our nation. Head Start and Early Head Start families are really beginning to feel the weight of the financial burden.  In times such as these when it is more difficult to obtain revenue, we must consider some adjustments to allow us to hold on to the money we have.  The following paragraphs will provide some tips for weathering this storm.

$taying  Tough During Tough Times

 

Fun Activities With Your Child

Our Education Specialists came across this fun list of things you can do at home with your child to learn more about letters.

 

Contact us for more information at  1-800-286-8106

Want another way to earn more KCI Bucks? Volunteer to work in our store at the Esserville Center.

KCI Bucks Store Volunteers Needed

  • Parent or Center meeting attendance – Three KCI Bucks 3
  • Policy Council Meeting attendance - Five KCI Bucks
  • Education or Health Advisory Committee Meeting – Five KCI Bucks

  • Classroom Volunteer – One KCI Buck per hour of volunteer service    1 Per Hour

  • Field Trip Chaperone – One KCI Buck per hour of volunteer service    1 Per Hour

  • Center Event – Three KCI Bucks

  • Socialization Event – Three KCI Bucks

All KCI Bucks received by Parents during the fiscal year will have to redeem them during the same fiscal year. The KCI Bucks for 2009-2010 are printed in various colors with lettering denoting the denomination. After May 31st, 2010 this edition of KCI Bucks will not be redeemable.

The merchandise in the Parent Store was purchased with Policy Council funds or was donated by merchants for use by Kids Central, Inc. to increase the participation of parents in the overall program of Kids Central, Inc.

Kids Central, Inc. thanks all those people responsible for this program and especially thanks those who avail themselves of the program.
 

The following list of parent activities is the way to earn KCI Bucks.  KCI Bucks are redeemable for merchandise from the Parents Store.  The Parents Store will be operated on days that the Policy Council meets or on dates posted by the Policy Council.  KCI Staff will not be able to redeem the KCI Bucks. 

The KCI Bucks Store is now open daily at our Esserville Office.  Hours are 8-12 and 1-4 Monday thru Friday.

KCI Buck Store Business Is Good

 

Take a look at this article that lists the skills your child should have upon entering kindergarten. Even if your child is a year away from the transition you can get an idea of the skills that might need more attention.

Is your child ready for kindergarten?

 

Articles and resource links for child related information

KIDS CENTRAL LIBRARY OF ARTICLES

Serving the Head Start Community Since 1965

This area of our web site is designed as a center for helpful information for parents of pre-school children

Parent's Resource & Information Page