Cheap (mostly free!) parent-friendly kids party tips

As a mom to four kids, ages 24 to 14, I've planned a plethora of kids' parties. I'm also a teacher and have hosted numerous classroom events. I've had some great successes and colossal fails. From those experiences, I've compiled a list of tips for parents on planning kids' parties. These parties are geared toward preschool and elementary age kids. These parties work great for large families and parents with toddlers and babies. Speaking as a mom whose husband worked a lot and wasn't always able to help, these tips work great for single-parent parties and those where mom or dad has to pull it off alone.  Being a frugalista, these hints focus on cheap or free homemade party ideas. I've linked online sites with free printable party supplies and decorations, too. Cheap, parent-friendly kids' birthday party tips 

Ways Save Money on Back to School Shopping

As summer winds down, parents and kids are gearing up to go back to school. For parents, kids returning to school means back to school shopping. Written for Detroit local, this article offers tips for back-to-school shopping in any area. In 2012, the Detroit News reported that families will spend an average $688 per child on back-to-school purchases. Detroiters, if you're looking to save money on back-to-school purchases, here are places in the metro area to do it. Ways Save Money on Back-to-School Shopping