"We're on a Budget"

I'm not sure where I read this terrific idea - probably one of my wonderful weekly Dollar Stretcher newsletters. If you don't want to buy what your child is asking for but don't want to lie and say you can't afford it, instead say, "We're on a budget." Not only are you telling the truth, you're also teaching your child the important skill of money management. I already use the phrase with Alex even though he's too young to understand, and I'll be using it for many years to come.