Finance Friday - saving for your child's college

Have you started saving for your child's college? If not, get started TODAY! With college costs rising at more than double inflation, it is increasingly important to start saving early. Whether you choose an ESA or a 529 Plan, just get started! I just opened a 529 for my daughter last night; it took me all of about 10 minutes, and it will alter her future forever! And even if you only put in a few bucks a month, it will add up over time. Just $50 a month could easily be worth over $11,000 in 10 years. Check out SavingforCollege.com for more information about the saving options and where to start. It will be well worth it.

thredUP - exchange kids clothing online

As all parents know, when you have kids, you feel like you are always buying clothes. And the costs can quickly get out of hand as your child grows like a weed. Well, the folks at thredUp have come up with an ingenious solution to help you out! It's an online kids clothing exchange. Simply search their listing for a box of clothes your child's size, pay for the shipping, and it's on its way to you. In return, you just need to prepare a box of your child's old clothes to list on their site, and then send it for free when someone else picks it. So, at the end of the day, you can typically get an entire box of "new to you" clothes for about $13, and you can pass on your outgrown clothes to someone else who needs them.

Terracycle - upcycle your trash to cool products

Terracycle is a company you should know about, and here's why. First, they pay you for your trash! You heard me right. They partner with schools, non-profits, and some major companies, and typically pay about 2 cents for each waste item they collect - from Capri Sun packages to Skittles bags. Secondly, they then take those waste items and "upcycle" them into cool new products! For example, those Capri Sun packages you send in are turned into fun lunch boxes! With Terracycle, you can make money, go green, and look cool all at the same time!

Groupon - save through collective buying power

For the few of you who have not yet experienced it, Groupon can offer you huge savings on everything from a nice meal out to a rental car. Here's how it works; Groupon negotitates deep discounts with companies based of the collective buying power they can bring to the table. Think economy of scale. Simply sign-up, receive daily email deals, buy the ones you like, and save lots of money!

Gas Buddy - find local gas prices and save

Have you ever bought gas only to then drive down the block and see it for cheaper? Well, that's where Gas Buddy can help. Just visit their site, put in your local zipcode, and waahlah, you can see your local gas station prices. Hey, a few cents per gallon here and there can save you big bucks throughout the year....we're talking hundreds! I know I could find a use for those savings. How about you?

Finance Friday - allowances are for adults too!

An allowance for adults? Really? Yep, and it works in two ways. First, you'll have your pile of cash every month that you can spend on whatever you want, without having to get approval from your spouse or feeling guilty. Secondly, you'll end up saving money, because you'll be more aware of what you're spending it on, and when your money is gone, it's gone! Just budget a set amount every month (maybe $50 to $100) and keep it as cash in your wallet. Then spend it on lunches, books, CDs, or whatever else you want! Go ahead, give it a try, and see what happens! You may just find that allowances really are for adults too!

biz in a boxx - ignite your kid's entrepreneurial spirit

Would you like to get your kid off the couch and ignite their entrepreneurial spirit? Well, bizz in a box may be the answer you are looking for. They offer three age appropriate kits that walk kids through starting a business, from brainstorming ideas to trademarking the name. So, if you want your kid to think outside of the box, biz in a boxx could be just what they need.

Gazelle - get big money for your old electronics

Not sure what to do with that old cell phone? How about turn it into a pile of cash? Well, the folks at Gazelle can help you do just that. Simply enter the electronics (cell phones, laptops, calculators, etc.) you want to sell, and they'll spit you out an offer. If you accept it, print a prepaid shipping label and send your electronics off to a better place. Now that's a green solution!

Dropbox - easily email large files

Ever have trouble sending your friends or colleagues large files through email? Or maybe you just want to be able to edit some of your files on your home computer and then again later on your mobile device. Well, Dropbox has the answer with their online file hosting service, and it's free for up to 2 GB of storage. Check them out and stop being tied down by your files!

Honeyfund - registry for your honeymoon expenses

Getting married, but already have a home full of housewares? Well, so did founders Josh and Sara Margulis. Rather than get another toaster, they wanted to experience an incredible honeymoon, so they created Honeyfund. It's a wedding registry for your honeymoon expenses. Goodbye blue blender; hello sunset caribbean cruise!

Beggar Bags - helping the homeless just got easy

Ever pass by a homeless person and want to help, but figure they'll just blow cash? Well, now you can give them something more practical - Beggar Bags. Beggar Bags are snack packages for the homeless that contain a nutri-grain or trail mix bar, sun-maid raisins, slim jim, mints or gum, and a purell hand-sanitizing wipe. At just $4.99 for four bags, it's an easy way to truly help someone.