The Economy Issue
Yes we can — feel better about our finances.
by The Babble Editors
November 10, 2008
The media never saw the recession coming, eh? Well, not to be obnoxious, but Babble did. Back in March, we ran Melissa Rayworth's "New Economics of Parenthood," which warned that our generation was living on credit and that there would be hell to pay.
And here we are. Unemployment, foreclosures, loss of health care: it's a bleak time financially speaking. So let's talk about it.
Babble went to the playground and got financial advice from kids. (Big surprise: they think we should buy less coffee.) We visited three families: a well-off Connecticut family, a working-class Nebraska clan, and a middle-class Georgia household, to photograph them and see how the economy is affecting them in little ways (no more shopping at Whole Foods) to big (moving in with the folks).
We also have some fun, original tips for saving money and for handling college funds (if you're lucky enough to have one of those). And we have great essays by Nan Mooney, who's raising her toddler in an austere, toy-free environment, and by Shelley Abreu, who did everything right financially but now finds herself broke and supporting three generations of her family.
AND be sure to check out our upcoming Gift Guide, which has a million cheap gift suggestions, plus a few hilarious selections in the "What recession?" category. Because nobody may be buying Bugaboo rims these days, but we can all enjoy gawking at them. — Ada Calhoun
TABLE OF CONTENTS |
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By Brett Berk
No more candy, coffee or child labor laws. |
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Jeanne Sager
Beat the recession with our five favorite kid ATMs. |
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By Nan Mooney
Is my anti-materialism hurting my child? |
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By Brett Berk
Three families, three classes, one financial crisis. |
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By The Babble Editors
Expert advice for panic-free saving. |
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By Shelley Abreu
There are three generations in my house — and I'm supporting them all. |
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By Babble Staff
How to replace your expensive habits with cheap ones. |
FROM OUR ARCHIVES |
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By Melissa Rayworth
We're saving less and spending more — much more. |
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By Meg Wolitzer
The Ten-Year Nap's author on whether to work or stay home. |
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By Logan Hill
Why I'm happy to pay for help. |
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By Gillian Clark
The single-mom chef's best recipes for busy families. |
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By Heather Cassell
What your family needs to know about the new credits. |
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By Kate Tuttle
Is breastfeeding really cheaper than formula? Not always. |
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By Kim Mance
Which candidate's plan is better for our kids? |
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By Keri Fisher
I bribe my kids to do everything. |
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By Gwynne Watkins
A gorgeous family film full of inarguable child's logic. |
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©2008 Nerve Media
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