Life with the Rogers

Kids and money 💰

Disclaimer: This is a personal blog post based on the personal views of one individual and should not be used as the sole source of financial advice. Always seek advice of a professional and do your own research. This post contains affiliate links.

Teaching kids about the value of a dollar at a young age can set them up for a great financial future.

Money management skills are essential for children to learn at an early age. It not only teaches them the value of money but also helps them understand the importance of financial planning and responsibility. As parents, it’s our responsibility to guide our children and provide them with the necessary tools to manage their finances.

One of the most critical lessons that children need to learn is that money is earned through work. Teaching them the concept of earning money will help them develop a strong work ethic and a sense of responsibility. Encouraging them to do simple chores around the house, like cleaning their room or washing dishes, and rewarding them with a small amount of money can be a great way to start.

Another important aspect of money management is financial planning. It’s essential to teach children the importance of setting financial goals, such as saving for a new toy or a future expense like college tuition. This will help them develop a sense of purpose and direction when it comes to their finances.

Two New Zealand brands that can help with teaching children about money are Sharsies and Square One.

Sharesies

Sharesies is an online platform with an app that allows users to invest in the stock market, even with small amounts of money (as little as $5!). A parent or other adult with a Sharesies account can manage kids accounts where you can invest in stocks when you choose or even set up a regular investment. This can be a great tool to teach children about investing and the potential returns of smart investments. Watch your accounts grow over time!

The Sharesises website is jam packed full of helpful advice and tips around money and investing including terms and meanings of those tricky jargon words you may not know the meaning of. You can invest in the NZ, Aussie and USA markets and they even have a kiwisaver scheme on the way. The fees are low and the potential returns are awesome. Always remember that investing is a risk, do your research before investing your money as there is always a risk to loose money.

SquareOne

SquareOne provides your child with their very first bank account and even a card which can be used in store and online!

The account is managed by a parent on an easy to use app on your phone and your child can log in to view and manage their money with the restrictions set by you. Setting up a weekly pocket money transfer is super easy, and kids earn extra pocket money by completing jobs you set for them. They can have an account that is linked to their card as well as multiple savings accounts which can even be locked by you if you choose to. Check out the Square One website for more details about the parental controls available and how easy it is to get started today. Some of the features include

Automatic pocket money
Locked savings accounts
Parental control over spending limits
Parental control over the card number access for online payment
Set chores or jobs for extra money
Easily send money to your child via your account
Notifications on when are where they are spending money

The cost of the app is only $3.99/month (as of April 2023) and you can have multiple children linked to your account .

Squareone has a “Share to earn” program. If you use my referral code BKUUX we each get $5 added to our accounts!

Teaching children about money management is not just about saving and investing. It’s also about being responsible and accountable for their finances. Children need to understand the importance of budgeting and how to manage their money effectively. Setting an allowance and encouraging them to make their own financial decisions, such as purchasing their own toys, can help them develop a sense of financial responsibility.

It is important to start teaching your kids about money and finances early on in their lives. Talking to your children about money and how you handle your finances can help them become more financially literate and prepared for their future.

One key aspect to discuss with your kids is the concept of a mortgage. Explain that a mortgage is a loan that you take out to buy a house, and you make regular payments, called repayments, to pay off the loan over time. You can also discuss the concept of a deposit, which is the initial amount of money you pay when you purchase a house.

Another important concept to teach your children is interest. Explain that interest is the amount of money that is charged on top of the loan amount and is paid to the lender for borrowing the money. This can apply to various financial products such as loans, mortgages, and credit cards.

It is also important to discuss tax with your children. Explain that tax is a fee that is paid to the government on the money you earn or the goods and services you purchase. It is important to pay taxes because they help fund public services and infrastructure.

Investment is another important concept to teach your children. Explain that investment is when you put your money into something with the hope of receiving a return on your investment in the future. This can include investing in stocks, bonds, and real estate.

Teaching your children the difference between principal and interest is also important. Principal refers to the initial amount of money borrowed or invested, while interest refers to the amount of money paid on top of the principal amount.

Finally, discussing the term is important. Explain that the term refers to the length of time it takes to pay off a loan or investment. This can apply to mortgages, loans, and other financial products.

Owning a home is a fantastic investment and is a great goal to set for your future self

By teaching your children about these financial concepts, you can help them become more financially literate and prepared for their future. Encourage them to ask questions and help them understand how to manage their money wisely.

In conclusion, teaching children about the value of money, working for money, financial management, and taking responsibility for their money is crucial for their future financial success. By starting early and providing the necessary tools and resources, we can help our children develop a strong sense of financial literacy and responsibility. Sharsies and Square One are two New Zealand brands that can be excellent resources for parents who want to help their children learn about financial literacy. Let’s give our children the gift of financial literacy and set them up for success in the future.

Using a piggy bank with physical money is a good way for you get children to understand the amount of money they have

The keto diet

A healthy lifestyle choice

This post contains affiliate links

An example of foods to eat on the keto diet

The ketogenic, or keto, lifestyle has been growing in popularity over the past few years as a way to lose weight, improve health markers, and even address certain medical conditions. But what exactly is keto, and what are the benefits of adopting this lifestyle?

At its core, keto is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that shifts the body into a state of ketosis, where it burns fat for fuel instead of glucose. This is achieved by drastically reducing carbohydrate intake and replacing it with healthy fats and moderate amounts of protein.

The benefits of the keto lifestyle are many, including:

Weight loss: The high-fat, low-carbohydrate nature of the keto diet has been shown to be effective for weight loss, as the body is forced to burn stored fat for energy. Studies have also found that people on the keto diet tend to feel less hungry and more satiated, which can lead to a reduction in calorie intake.
Improved blood sugar control: By limiting carbohydrate intake, the keto diet can help improve blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity. This is particularly beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes or those at risk for developing the condition.
Increased energy: Once the body adapts to burning fat for fuel, many people report increased energy levels and improved mental clarity.
Reduced inflammation: The keto diet has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body, which is believed to play a role in the development of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Better cholesterol levels: Contrary to popular belief, the keto diet has been shown to improve cholesterol levels, particularly by increasing levels of “good” HDL cholesterol.

So, what does a good keto diet look like? A typical keto diet consists of:

High-fat foods: Avocado, nuts, seeds, fatty fish, and healthy oils like olive oil and coconut oil.
Moderate protein: Meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products like cheese and Greek yogurt.
Low-carbohydrate vegetables: Leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower, and other non-starchy vegetables.
Very limited carbohydrates: Grains, sugar, and most fruits are off-limits on the keto diet.

My Keto Box – for when you are craving a treat that will fit in with your low card lifestyle

It can be tough to stick to a new lifestyle change when you feel like you’re depriving yourself of the foods you love. Fortunately, My Keto Box has a solution to help you indulge in your favorite snacks without derailing your keto journey.

My Keto Box is a service that delivers a variety of keto-friendly snacks right to your doorstep. You can expect to receive a carefully curated selection of low-carb ( less than 5g per serve) goodies that will satisfy your cravings and keep you on track with your keto goals. From crunchy snacks to sweet treats, My Keto Box has it all.

By ordering from My Keto Box, you can avoid the temptation of reaching for high-carb, processed junk food when you’re feeling snacky. Instead, you’ll have a selection of wholesome, keto-friendly options to choose from. Plus, the convenience of having these snacks delivered straight to your door means you won’t have to spend time searching for keto-friendly options at the grocery store.

Incorporating My Keto Box into your routine can help you to maintain your keto lifestyle by making it easier to stick to your healthy eating habits. So go ahead, indulge in a tasty keto snack, and feel good about staying true to your health goals.

Example of the selection of treats you can expect when you order from My Keto Box

It’s important to note that the keto diet is not for everyone, and it should be approached with caution, particularly if you have any underlying medical conditions. It’s always a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional before making any significant dietary changes.

In conclusion, the keto lifestyle can offer a variety of benefits for those looking to lose weight, improve their health, and manage certain medical conditions. By following a diet rich in healthy fats, moderate in protein, and low in carbohydrates, you can achieve a state of ketosis and reap the rewards of this increasingly popular way of eating.

Rachel xx

Loosing my identity

Becoming a parent can cause you to lose your sense of yourself and as a couple, as your life starts revolving around your child. They want to be with you all the time, even when you shower or go to the toilet. Although it’s hard to cherish these small moments, such as snuggles and their dependence on you, let’s try to remember that it won’t be forever.

Recently, I saw a social media post about the 2-2-1 rule, where you should have a date night every two weeks, a night away every two months, and a week-long vacation every year! I went straight to the comment section, and there were a lot of parents who felt the same way as me. This is just laughable and whoever wrote this obviously did not have kids !

With three kids, limited finances, and little family help, we’re lucky to have a date night once a year. Since our first child was born seven years ago, we’ve only had one night away together, and a week-long vacation will be like 15 years away!

I think it is natural to feel like you’ve lost your identity as a person and a couple when you become a parent. Your child’s demands can be overwhelming, and it may feel like your entire life revolves around them. Even though it may be hard to find time for yourself, it’s essential to try to prioritise looking after you ! And to cherish the small moments of connection with your child. Spending time together, even during mundane activities like going to the grocery store, can be an opportunity to bond and find joy in the everyday moments of parenthood.

It’s also so important to prioritize time together as a couple. Although it may be difficult to follow the 2-2-1 rule, it’s still vital to make time for each other. You can try to find creative ways to spend time together at home or reach out to friends or family members for help with childcare, so you can have some time alone together. My husband and I are not very good at this and sometimes it feels like we are just passing flatmates in the night .

In conclusion, if you are a parent and you feel like you have lost your identity, you are not alone ! Let’s try to find ways to connect with other adults , our partners and find some time for ourselves! A happier mum is a better mum !

School holiday fun

Free ways to entertain the kids this school holidays :

As a parent, keeping the kids entertained during school holidays can be a challenge. With so much free time on their hands, finding engaging and fun activities is hard but with a bit of enthusiasm and patience, you can keep the kids entertained even on a budget.

Here are some school holiday activity ideas that are sure to keep the kids entertained:

Create Your Own Obstacle Course

An obstacle course is a great way to get the kids active and encourages them to use their problem-solving skills. You can create your own obstacle course in your backyard or local park or even in your lounge room! Use skipping ropes, hula hoops, cones, pillows and anything else you have around the house to create a challenging course.

Movie Night

A movie night is a simple but fun activity for everyone in the family. Choose a movie that everyone will enjoy and get some fruit , popcorn and drinks to snack on while you watch it. How about a next level movie night and set up a slumber party in the lounge! Get the kids to help set up and pick out their favourite snuggly toys to join you.

Visit a Local Museum

A trip to a local museum is an educational and fun activity that the kids will love. Many museums offer interactive exhibits and hands-on activities for children, making it an exciting and engaging experience.

Bake Together

Baking can be an enjoyable activity that everyone in the family can participate in. Not only will this activity be tasty, but it also teaches the kids valuable life skills. Baking with children can involve mess and requires patience! I always like to make 2 batches so my kids get their own bowl and there is no fighting over who is going to measure what.

Arts and Crafts

Arts and crafts are perfect for children of all ages. You can help them in creating their own masterpieces or just let them go wild . Use paint , markers, and other craft supplies. Even using natural objects like leaves and flowers to create art. Here are some craft ideas you can do it home

– Make a crown out of paper and staple together. Decorate with whatever you have at home

– Using only natural resources (rocks, flowers , leaves etc) create a 3d picture outside on the pathway

– Build a tower out of paper , toilet rolls , cereal boxes etc . Who can make the tallest tower ?

– Paint a portrait. Get your child to paint a picture of the family pet or a family member

– Chalk on the pavement or on the trampoline is such a fun way for kids to express themselves. Draw a hopscotch , big rainbows or do some spelling

Scavenger Hunt

A scavenger hunt is a fun and engaging activity that everyone in the family can participate in. You can hide clues around the house or backyard, and the kids need to solve them to find the treasure.

Backyard Camping

Camping is a fun and exciting outdoor activity that the whole family can enjoy. You can set up a tent in your backyard and take all your comfy blankets and soft toys with you . A yummy BBQ dinner then roasting marshmallows on a fire pit will make it feel like a real camping trip.

Overall, these activities should keep you and your family entertained during the school holidays. No matter which activities you choose, spending quality time with your kids will create valuable memories that will last a lifetime.

The 9-5 for pennies?

Working is not even a viable option for me as a Mum with 3 young kids in a minimal paying career so what is the point?

As a stay-at-home mum, I often find myself wondering how I can provide for my family while living on a limited income. My husband works a good paying job, but with three children to take care of, expenses can add up quickly. It’s a constant juggling act to balance the needs of our family with the financial realities of our situation.

Recently, we had to make some tough choices in order to make ends meet. I started working on Sundays to earn extra income to help with our rising mortgage payments, but it was still a struggle. Childcare for three children can be incredibly expensive, and we had no family support to rely on. It was up to us to make things work.

I researched every possible option to bring in additional income, but the cost of childcare and afterschool programs for three children left me with little to no profit if I were to work full-time. It’s frustrating to feel like my contributions aren’t enough, but I know that I’m doing my best. Being a stay-at-home mum is a job in and of itself, and it’s not an easy one.

There are moments when I feel like I’m stuck in the “mum game,” constantly cleaning, doing laundry, and prepping meals. It’s not glamorous work, but it’s essential to keep our household running smoothly. And while it may feel like I’m not contributing as much financially, the love and care I provide for my children is invaluable.

The fact remains that childcare for multiple children is incredibly expensive, and it’s a struggle that many families face. It’s hard to balance the cost of childcare with the desire to bring in more income, and it can feel like an impossible choice. When you have no family support to rely on, it’s up to you to make things work.

But as a stay-at-home mum, I know that I’m able to be there for my children when they need me. I can take care of them when they’re sick, and I can be a constant presence in their lives. It’s not always easy, but I know that the sacrifices I make are worth it.

To all the stay-at-home mums out there who are struggling with the financial limitations of their situation, know that you’re not alone. It’s a tough job, but it’s also an important one. Keep doing what you’re doing, and know that the love and care you provide for your family is invaluable. And to all the families out there facing the high cost of childcare, know that you’re not alone either. It’s a struggle, but together we can find a way to make things work.

Nursery children playing with teacher in the classroom

Family review

The Macpac baby carrier – adventure superstar

Note: This post is not associated with Macpac in any way and this blog is based on our personal experience with this product and our own opinions.

13 month old Grayson riding in style in our Macpac baby carrier

As parents of 3 young kids , we all know how important it is to have the right gear when it comes to traveling with young children. There are so many essential items that we need to make sure we have with us. But one item that often gets overlooked is the baby carrier. That’s why we want to share our experience with the Macpac baby carrier, which we recently used on a trip to Bridal Veil Falls in the Waikato.

First of all, let’s talk about the main reason we chose to bring the Macpac carrier with us: The trail to Bridal Veil Falls has a lot of steps, which meant that a stroller or pram was out of the question. Instead, we needed something that would allow us to carry our 13 month old baby safely and comfortably. The Macpac carrier was perfect for this. It allowed us to have our hands free while still keeping our little one close and secure.

One of the things we loved most about the Macpac carrier was how comfortable it was for our baby. Unlike some carriers, where the baby is pressed up against your body, the Macpac carrier is more like a seat with a seatbelt harness. This meant that our baby was sitting up nice and high, with a great view of everything around us. It also meant that we didn’t have to worry about our baby overheating, as there was plenty of space between our bodies.

Another feature that we loved about the Macpac carrier was all of the pockets and other extras that it came with. There were little foot stirrups for our baby to rest their feet on, a zip-off backpack that we used to carry our food and water, and lots of easily accessible pockets for our phones, wallets, and other essentials. We also loved the fact that the carrier came with a sun shelter and rain shelter for our baby, which meant we were prepared for any weather conditions.

Getting our baby in and out of the carrier was also super easy, thanks to the flip-out stand that held the carrier upright while on the ground. There were also lots of handles to help us lift the carrier, which was especially helpful when we were navigating tricky terrain. And perhaps most importantly, the carrier provided excellent back support, which meant that we were able to wear it comfortably for extended periods of time.

Overall, we highly recommend the Macpac baby carrier to anyone who loves hiking or walking trips with young children. It’s comfortable, versatile, and packed with features that make it easy to use and customize to your needs. We can’t wait to take it with us on our next adventure!

From the Rogers xx

Family Adventures

Bridal Veil Falls / Wairenga – Our Adventures Start Here

Our family recently took a trip to bridal veil falls and we were blown away by the beauty of the falls and the surrounding forest. Located 13km off State Highway 23 (the main road between Hamilton and Raglan) and approximately a 45 minute drive from Hamilton, this is definitely a great day trip adventure.

There are several viewing spots for the falls, including from above, mid-way, and below. The walk to the bottom of the falls is suitable for the family but there are a lot of stairs so it is not Pram friendly and requires a reasonable amount of fitness . We saw lots of young kids on the trail and even took our one year old our macpac baby carrier, which was a great way to keep him close, and safe while still enjoying the beautiful scenery.

As we got to the end of the trail, we stumbled upon a post with a sign for “Kiwi Guardians”. We signed up for the program when we got home and have printed out the booklet, which includes cool places to visit all over New Zealand and learn about nature while getting outdoors. Plus, for every place visited, you can enter the secret code online and your kids will receive a real medal and adventure certificate in the mail! Our kids are patiently awaiting their first medals and are excited to continue our adventures and earn more. The program is run by DOC and is a great way to get the kids involved in the outdoors including tasks you can do from home as well as adventures. Visit http://www.kiwiguardians.co.nz to learn more !

The falls themselves are beautiful, and the surrounding forest is truly enchanting. Just be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water. Unfortunately you can’t swim here as the water has come through farmland and is not safe to drink or swim in.

Overall, we highly recommend Bridal Veil Falls as a fun family outing or day trip . Pack a picnic and have it at the platform at the bottom of the falls , or carry on to Raglan afterwards for a day at the beach . Raglan is only 15-20 minutes drive from Bridal Veil falls.

After exploring the forest we decided to carry on our adventures and head to the coast and followed the road to Ruapuke beach . What we did not know was how windy the road was, and it was a skinny gravel road a lot of the way . Unfortunately, 3 out of 5 of us get travel sickness so we had several stops along the way to settle our stomachs. BUT the drive ended up being worth the struggle. At the end of the gravel road was the most beautiful west coast beach. Basically deserted with a long stretch of sparkling black sand, stunning cliffs , sea mist and rolling waves. The kids loved getting out of the car and running in the waves soaking up the fresh air and sunshine . It was a truly stunning backdrop!

After getting covered in salt and sand, we headed back along the coast enjoying the stunning scenery and winding over the hills and cliff ridges until we got to Raglan . It was a big trip for the kids and lots of twists and turns but they all handled it so well and we played lots of eye spy to distract them from their squeamish tummies and get them looking out at the beautiful views.

We ended our day with a play on the playground at the beach in Raglan and a classic kiwi fish and chips picnic. What an amazing afternoon exploring our gorgeous country . We are excited to go on more adventures as a family now, earn some more Kiwi Guardian badges and get outside , off our devices and see our world .

Where shall we go on our next adventure?

The Rogers Family xx

Single Mums : how the heck do you cope when you are sick !

I am currently stuck in bed with a stomach bug, so forgive any misspelling or errors 🙈. I can’t help but feel grateful for my partner’s help in taking care of our children. What would I be doing right now if I didn’t have him to help me hold the forte ! It got my thinking about the struggles of those single Mums out there . Sure there are normal everyday struggles , but try being sick and parenting alone !

4 hours ago I was balling my eyes out trying to gather enough energy to get 3 kids into the car to go and collect our grocery order , spew bowl at the ready . I managed to get there and home and then my 4 and 7 year olds unpacked the groceries while I was occupied 🤢 . Thank Goodness my husband finally checked his phone and got my plea for help and came home to take over at lunchtime .

However, I also know that many single mums don’t have that luxury to just phone up their partner when they need help and have to deal with these challenges alone!

From the moment you become a single mum, you have to be both mum and dad to your children. You have to provide emotional support, financial stability, and physical care all on your own. Every decision you make affects your children, and you have to be strong for them even when you don’t feel strong yourself.

As a single mum, you have to be everything to your children. You have to be the provider, the caregiver, the disciplinarian, and the comforter. You have to be there for them when they’re sick, when they’re upset, and when they just need someone to talk to. You have to be the one to make sure they’re fed, clothed, and taken care of, even when you’re feeling sick or exhausted yourself.

Being a single mum also means that you have to be creative in finding ways to make ends meet. You may have to work multiple jobs, or not be able to hold down a job !, go without luxuries, and make sacrifices in order to provide for your children. You have to constantly juggle responsibilities, all while dealing with the emotional toll of being a single parent.

And when you’re sick or dealing with an emergency, there’s no one to turn to for help. You have to rely on your own strength and resourcefulness to get through it all.

So to all the single mums out there, I want you to know that I see you, I appreciate you, and I know how hard you’re working. You are superheroes, and your strength and resilience are an inspiration. Keep fighting the good fight, and know that you are never truly alone. There are people out there who understand what you’re going through and are ready to support you when you need it most.

Rachel xx

A juggling act

Juggling motherhood and a job can be a daunting task for many women, and it’s not always easy to find a balance between the two. As a mum of three young children, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to make it work.

The truth is, I don’t really juggle being a mum and working. I simply can’t. The cost of childcare for three children is so high that it would take up a significant portion of my paycheck, leaving me with very little to contribute to our family’s finances. On top of that, the time and energy required to care for three children, especially when one is still at home full-time, makes it difficult to maintain a steady job.

Currently, I’m only able to work 10 hours a week, and that’s when my husband is home to take over childcare duties. On Monday nights, we tag team – he gets home at 5, and I leave for work at 5:30, allowing me to get a couple of hours in. Then, on the weekends, we get Saturday off as a family, but I work on Sundays.

It’s tough, and I feel like we don’t get nearly enough family time. However, I take solace in the fact that I’m able to be there for my kids when they need me. I can pick them up from school, attend their sports days, and be there for them during school holidays and after-school activities.

I’ve come to realize that being a mum to multiple children means making sacrifices. I’m learning to be okay with sacrificing money and material things for the sake of time and support for my kids .I want to be there for my children as much as possible, and I know that means I may have to give up some of my career aspirations for the time being.

It’s not always easy, and some days are harder than others, but I’m grateful for the moments I do get to spend with my children. I know they won’t be young forever, and I don’t want to miss out on their childhoods. So, for now, I’ll keep doing what I can, when I can, and cherish the moments I have with my family.

Rachel xx

Family Adventures

Te Kopua Beach Review Raglan: A Perfect Day Trip Destination

If you’re looking for a beautiful beach to spend the day with your family or friends, then Raglan beach is definitely worth a visit. Located just 40 minutes from Hamilton, Raglan is a small town on the west coast of New Zealand’s North Island. With its stunning coastline and relaxed atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to escape the city and enjoy some fun in the sun.

Te Kopua beach, where we set up for the day, is a popular spot for families. It is located just past the town centre , across the bridge . With plenty of trees providing shade, a toilet block, changing rooms, and a playground for the kids, it has everything you need for a comfortable day at the beach. Lots of car parking right near the playgrounds and beach made it easy to access with our family and all the things we needed for our day out.

Te Kopua beach is in the estuary and not the surf beach meaning It was calm, with no waves and we felt safe while our children played in the water. We spent a couple of hours playing in the water and building sandcastles and little pools before packing up and heading over the footbridge to Raglan town.

We brought our own food and drinks for the day in a chilly bin, but there was also a food outlet across the carpark from the beach where other families were enjoying fish and chips for lunch. It’s great to have the option to buy food if you didn’t pack a lunch or feel like treating yourself to some local offerings.

If you are into surfing or boogie boarding then heading out to the coast and down to the surf beach is a great option. Ngarunui beach is the ocean beach which is well known for swimming, surfing and boarding and provides fun in the sun with the benefit of being patrolled by lifeguards during the summer months. Perfect if you have older children in your family.

Raglan town is a small, laid-back community with plenty of local shops and cafes to explore. After a busy day at the beach, we enjoyed walking around the town and grabbing an ice cream before heading back to Hamilton. It was the perfect end to a perfect day out.

Overall, we had a fantastic time at Te Kopua beach in Raglan. The facilities at Te Kopua beach make it an ideal spot for families, and the stunning scenery and relaxed atmosphere make it a great destination for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Raglan beach is definitely worth a visit.

Thanks for reading our review

The Rogers Family