Khan Academy - free classroom to the world

Do you enjoy constantly learning? Does your kid need a little more help progressing through fractions? Then, with over 2,000 short educational videos, the Khan Academy is a site you need to check out. This site has a mission of "providing a world-class education to anyone, anywhere." The founder Sal Kahn creates short (typically 10 minute) videos that teach on all number of concepts. Recently, it has even been praised by Bill Gates, and Google gave them $2 million to keep the site growing - and to keep it free. The site's a little clunky to navigate, but it is truly a treasure trove. And while the videos are simple, they are far from that boring history professor that will put you to sleep. So, keep learning and help your kids get ahead in school with these great, free educational videos.

Finance Friday - Charity Navigator & Guidestar

If you want to get a better understanding of the charities you are currently giving to, or maybe one you're thinking about giving to, you can check them out on Charity Navigator and Guidestar. Both of these organizations compile tons of data, mostly financials, on thousands of charities. Whether you want to know how much their CEO makes or how much goes to programming versus administration, you can find it all here. Just remember, at the end of the day, it's not about the dollars, it's about the impact those dollars actually have on the community. Some charities have low administration costs, but also low impact, while others have high administration costs, but also huge impacts. So, just be sure to look at the whole picture.

Support Our Soldiers - donate your candy

Do you have extra candy that you didn't hand out last night from Halloween? Well, you can either eat it yourself and gain way too many extra pounds, save it for next year (and get kids sick!) OR you can donate it to our soldiers overseas who didn't get to celebrate Halloween back home this year. If you've got extra candy, check out Operation Gratitude. You just need to make sure you ship it to them before Dec. 3rd. You can check out their site for more details.

Operation Gratitude/California Army National Guard

17330 Victory Boulevard

Van Nuys, CA 91406

Charlie Othold: 818.437.6201

Compassion International - sponsor a child

Growing up in extreme poverty in other countries is a statistic to many, but through Compassion International, last year it became a single name to us - Yoselin. Last fall we began sponsoring a young girl named Yoselin in Guatemala. By simply donating $38 a month, we are able to help her break the bond of poverty and grow into a strong, fulfilled Christian adult. We write back and forth with her and exchange pictures. It is awesome to know that we are changing the trajectory of her life forever. I highly recommend Compassion International, and I challenge you to think about sponsoring a child. Now, how "Oh, Cool" is that!

2-1-1 - need help or want to help?

Did you know you can dial 2-1-1 from almost any phone in the U.S. and be put in touch with a trained referral specialist who can help you locate programs and services if you're in need? Whether you're down on your luck and need help with groceries, you're a single mother needing childcare, or you're in need of job training to get back on your feet, 2-1-1 will help you get in touch with the relevant agencies. Additionally, if you want to volunteer, but don't know what agency to call or how to help, call 2-1-1. They can refer you to the agency that best fits where you're looking to volunteer. 2-1-1 is a service through the United Way, and it is a great service. Next time you need or help or want to help, give them a call.

Finance Friday - the virtual family bank

How would you like to teach your kids a little more about spending wisely, saving patiently, giving thoughtfully, and setting/achieving goals? Well, dang, what parent wouldn't! Lucky for you, FamZoo created a pretty cool Virtual Family Bank that can do all that and more. So, if you need a little help managing the allowance vs. chores relationship, want to track your kids' personal savings goals, or just want to create some family time and teachable moments around money with your kids, then you need to check them out. They have a two-month free trial period, so there's no risk...other than your kids may actually learn some life lessons that will change their lives!

Here's their video that gives you a little more detail.

There's a Monkey in My Chair - help sick kids

Are you looking for a great way to help others and teach your children about the benefits of giving? Consider sponsoring a Monkey! Medical issues aside, one of the hardest things for sick children is feeling disconnected from friends, family, & the outside world. That's where There's a Monkey in My Chair comes in. A large stuffed Monkey quickly becomes a best friend and important link to normalcy. The Monkey will go to school in the sick child's place and in its backpack it can transport notes, cards, pictures, gifts, etc between the child and classmates, providing that essential bond with peers. Brighten a sick child's world with a gift of hope and love!

Plastic Jungle - sell / buy discounted gift cards

Still have that gift card laying around from Christmas that you'll probably never use? Or maybe you just want the flexibility to use the money from that gift card anywhere, not just the company on the card? At Plastic Jungle, the folks understand the difficulties of gift cards, so they created a site where you can buy (at a discount!), sell (for cold hard cash!), exchange, or even donate gift cards!! Transactions are guaranteed, and the site is very easy to use. With money as tight as ever, don't let those gift cards go to waste, sell them at Plastic Jungle. Or do just the opposite and save money by buying gift cards to places you already go at discounts of up to 30%!

Kiva - loans that change lives

What kind of lessons could you and your family learn by getting involved with Kiva? How about money management, investing, cultural differences, the value of charity...and many many more? Kiva connects people through microloans in order to alleviate poverty. They empower people just like you to lend to an entrepreneur in a developing country anywhere across the globe. This is a great way for you as a single person/family to make a huge impact! Lending amounts are typically $25, so it's easy to get started!

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.