Google Checkout

So Google came out with Google Checkout today. Basically, it means that you sign up for one account with Google and can then shop at various stores through Google's website and don't have to make a new user name for each web site. Pretty nifty if you ask me.

In order to jump start the program, Google has partnered with Citibank so that you can recieve $5 or 5 Dividend Dollars or 1000 ThankYou Points if you make a purchase using your Citi Card by September 15, 2006. I think that I'll give it a try.

Free Backup Service

Mozy.com is a free remote backup service that securely stores your data on its servers. You get 2 gigabytes of free storage and can pay to receive more backup space. Or you can refer friends and you get more space for doing that, too. It's a secure and convenient way of backing up your important information. If you've ever lost a file (or worse, your entire hard drive), you know how important backups are. If you've never lost a file, don't learn the hard way.

To read more about Mozy, check out this article at PCMagazine.com.

Help Your Child Save Money

I read a good tip from my Credit Union (BECU) on helping children to save money. I copied the following text from their website.

Consider matching part of what your child saves

By doing this your child will be apt to save more. And as your child gets older, this may help him or her to better grasp the benefits of company matching plans for 401ks or other profit-sharing opportunities.

I think that matching our children's money will encourage them to save more because they will see their savings increase quicker. Also, we need to implement some withdrawal policies so that they won't abuse this benefit (just like there are limitations on 401ks).

Another point that BECU made is that children learn how to handle money by following the example of their parents. If we're spending money haphazardly, then chances are that our children will tend to do the same.

Are there any parents out there with more advice for helping our kids (or us as parents) to save money?

Click here for the whole article for tips on teaching your kids lifelong financial lessons.