10 Real Coupon Sites That Don’t Cut Corners
September 7, 2011
Have you ever gone to a coupon site and been confused, disoriented and frustrated? Want just printable coupons you can take to the store? Then here are ten coupon sites that make it easy to save in the real world.
- CouponNetwork.com – A simple and easy-to-navigate site, Coupon Network features nationwide deals and a “your bucks” offer that gives you points towards your favorite stores every time you use the site. They also match you with deals at your favorite stores, making it even easier to save.
- Coupons.com – The Big Mama of online couponing, Coupons.com is a fun and easy to use website. The boldly displayed discounts and simple system allow you to pick and print coupons quickly- giving you more time at the store. Plus, if you sign up with them, they’ll send local coupons right to your inbox.
- MoneySavingMom.com – An upbeat and encouraging site dedicated to helping you find great deals, stretch your hard-earned dollars, and live on less than you make so you can save more and give more. This site offers more than coupons; with advice, giveaways, and meal planning ideas, Money Saving Mom is the beginners guide to living on less. Not just for moms!
- RetailMeNot.com – Featuring both coupons for online retailers and printable in-store savings, Retail Me Not is simple and convenient. The online coupons even allow you to click and automatically go to the retailer’s site. So easy!
- SmartSource.com – Another easy-to-use site, Smart Source has a few non-coupon offers (like sweepstakes) but offers something the others don’t: tweets! Yes, that’s right, this site will tweet you with the latest offers and discounts.
- CouponCabin.com – This site started out offering online-only coupons, but has now expanded to printable ones as well. Use this site for clothing retailers, restaurant discounts, and other stores besides groceries. You’ll be sure to find a bargain.
- RedPlum.com – You may recognize the name from your local newspaper. Red Plum regularly sends out coupons in newspapers, but you can find a lot more at their website. Check it out and see for yourself.
- Valpak.com – Do you remember that fat envelope of coupons you got in the mail? Well, this is who it came from. Valpak sends out valuable coupons to your home, but now you can access them online as well. Best of all, this site offers mobile coupons on your phone, no cutting required!
- SearchAllDeals.com – Not really a coupon per se, Search All Deals does just what it says- searches out all the deals! Just input the product, food, restaurant, whatever you want to save on, and this site will dig through the internet muck for you. A great site for when you have something definite in mind to buy.
- GroupOn.com – Group On negotiates huge discounts, usually 50-90% off, with businesses. They send the deals to thousands of subscribers in a free daily email, and the businesses get a ton of new customers. They are strictly get-what-you-get site, but the deals are fantastic. Everything from spa services to pottery classes is up for grabs. Sign up to save today!
So, whether you’re looking to plan your next meal or save a bundle on your grocery bill, these sites can help you do it quickly and easily. While you’re searching for that perfect coupon just remember to have fun. You’re saving money, after all!
Posted in Nanny Shopping | Comments Off on 10 Real Coupon Sites That Don’t Cut Corners10 Good House Rules for Nannies
September 4, 2011
As a nanny, you are more involved with the families of children in your care than you would be as a babysitter. This means that there are some differences in the general rules to go along with the specific rules of any house in which you work. Here are 10 good, general rules for Nannies.
- Your Friends. As a nanny, it is a good idea to avoid ever inviting friends to drop in while you’re working, unless you’ve discussed it with your employer ahead of time.
- What’s Theirs is Theirs. This may seem obvious, but sometimes lines are blurred when you work with one family for a long time. Always remember that what is theirs stays with them, and does not go home with you unless it has been gifted to you.
- Vehicle Use. You may, in the course of your employment as nanny, have the use of a family vehicle. Although the specific rules of use will vary from family to family, always remember that this is your employer’s vehicle, not yours. Use it only for transporting kids and performing errands related to the job, unless there is a specific purpose that you’ve received permission to pursue.
- Outings. This could almost be part of the vehicle use topic, but is actually a separate issue. Outings with the kids should always be related to the job and their care. For example, you are not at the park to exchange war stories with other nannies; you are there to allow the kids to play under your watchful eye.
- Food. It is wise to never introduce anything new into the diet of a child in your care, unless it is done with a parent’s prior knowledge. There is no need to risk triggering an allergic reaction or other food intolerance symptoms.
- Family Values. Part of your job as a nanny is to reinforce the family’s values with the children in your care. Not your own family’s values, but theirs. It’s okay to disagree on priorities, but keep it to yourself in front of the kids.
- Discipline and Reporting. It’s good to establish from the beginning, what sort of disciplinary actions are expected of you, and when and what the parents want reported to them. Don’t make assumptions when it comes to these issues, discuss them ahead of time and revisit them as you feel is necessary.
- Media. This is another case where the general rule is to establish the rules. Use of television, computers, game consoles, and related items, should all be discussed and set with the parents from the beginning.
- Kids’ Friends. There will be times when the kids in your care will have friends over, and you will be responsible. Treat this as you would as a parent. Make sure and speak with a parent of the visiting child, ask about any allergies or other concerns to be aware of. It’s good to take a moment to tell the visiting child’s parent what sort of activities you expect to be taking place while the child is visiting.
- Discretion. Respect the privacy of the family you work for. All will have quirks and habits that might make great fodder for amusing stories to share with friends. Resist the urge to do so. Ask yourself whether you’d want someone discussing your own family’s private issues outside of your home.
You will obviously be dealing with as many different sets of rules as the number of families that you work with over time. These 10 will give you a good foundation to work from in any house.
Posted in Articles, Nanny Tips | Comments Off on 10 Good House Rules for NanniesMr. James Combs: Nanny scam ad on Craigslist
August 28, 2011We received a tip from one of our readers that they unfortunately had been scammed by someone on Craigslist. It appears as though they only got a little bit of information from our nanny but we wanted to get the word out to others in case they might come across Mr. Combs. We would like to think Amy for reporting this to us and would encourage everyone to let us know if they feel they have been a party to a nanny scam.
Here is the communication Amy got from Mr. Combs:
Hello Amy,
Thanks so much for your interest in our nanny advert placed onCraigslist. My Name is James Combs, my wifes name is Lisa with our children Sarah and William.We are in the process of re-locating from Burmingham, United Kingdom to your city. I will be coming there with my family to work on contract basis with United States Environmental Protection Agency on a private research work. I need of someone who can help me with some of the house hold chores running some errands when necessary and babysitting my kids Sarah and William taking care of them as yours around these hours of 2pm – 6pm from Mondays through Fridays. You would only be needed for few hours per week at your convenience and will like you to get back to me with your available hours.
My kids are lovely and very smart and fun to be with and they learn very fast. I will be needing your service till the end of the year but am offering $350.00 per week as compensation for a trustworthy and honest candidate. I have a Personal Assistant who is helping me with the re-location process. It’s okay if you prefer to be a live-in or live-out nanny as i can drop my kids at your home everyday and will greatly appreciate if you will be delighted to accept this offer as we would be arriving soon.
If you accept this position, I will instruct my finance manager to forward to you a check for your first week upfront payment by express mail so that i can be rest assured of your availability for the job and wouldn’t need to search for a nanny anymore. I will as well run a background check on you as soon as we arrive in the State because it’s not easy to leave a child with someone just like that and i hope you understand my concerns.
If this employment opportunity is acceptable to you, kindly get back to me asap with the information below required for confirmation and further proceedings to take place:
Full name:
Contact Address: (No P.O. Box)
Apt #:
City:
Zip Code:
Home & Cell numbers:
Our expected arrival date is 15th of September but you will be paid beginning immediately, as i will have several small assignments for you to complete prior to our arrival, such as checking our new apartment for necessary supplies, purchasing what may be needed before our arrival, etc. All we ask from you is honesty and sincerity. And am sure you will enjoy the time you will spend with my Kids.
Please do get in touch on time so that we can start making arrangements with our travel agency while i await your swift response regards this employment offer and the requested details.
Sincerely,
James Combs.
10 things Live-In Nannies Should Request
August 27, 2011
A nanny is a child-care professional, and deserves to be treated with proper respect and professional courtesy. Many families have never hired a nanny before, and may not be sure how to handle the new situation. Every family is different, and every nanny is different, but there are certain areas that pertain to all, and here you will find a sampling of what a nanny should be able to expect from an employer. Some of these are flat out obvious but this is just meant to be a quick checklist that you should have handy when looking for your next job as a nanny.
- Fair Wage – Wage scales vary from area to area, with highest wages in metropolitan areas. Nannies should receive appropriate pay for their location.
- Room & Board – These should be considered as inclusions for live-in caregivers. Nannies are often considered “part of the family”, but should be provided with a measure of privacy in their living accommodations.
- Vehicle – Nannies should not have to use their own vehicles for work-related driving, and are often given the use of a vehicle for personal reasons as well as for work.
- Duties List – Responsibilities should be clearly delineated, with a nanny’s primary sphere revolving around child-care, not house cleaning or errands. If extensive household work is required, compensation should reflect the additional work. Hours and days of employment should also be clear to all parties.
- Safe Home – A nanny has every right to expect a safe and healthy work environment, and shouldn’t have to work in a house full of smokers unless he/she agrees to do so beforehand.
- Harassment – The nanny shouldn’t have to worry about being chased around the dining room table by a lecherous parent or relative; there is no place for any such behavior in a reputable household. No live-in employee should ever feel physically or emotionally threatened in his-or-her own residence.
- Health Insurance – Health insurance and medical benefits, if any, should be clearly laid out in any contract, and these are negotiable items in the employment agreement.
- Paid Vacation – Two weeks of paid vacation per year is a rule-of-thumb standard, but this is something decided between employer and employee, and also applies to paid holidays and scheduled time-off.
- Payroll Service – Any household employee should be free from worry about proper withholding, and whether-or-not an employer is paying the right amounts of Social Security and Medicare.
- Out-of-Pocket – It is fair to expect compensation for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in the course of childcare duties. Snacks and parking fees are two common examples, and a nanny should have a way to report these expenses so that an employer can make the necessary adjustments.
The time to deal with these points is before entering into an employment agreement, and this will protect everyone, as well as allow for the best relationship possible.
Posted in Nanny News | Comments Off on 10 things Live-In Nannies Should RequestMr Robert Moore: Nanny scam ad on Craigslist
June 24, 2011This was sent in this morning by a nanny applicant who replied to an ad on Craigslist. I love the question: Do you have a valid bank account? How is this a question an employer asks a candidate. Please do not be fooled by these types of “job offers.” To read more about how these scammers operate, go here.
<,Thanks to the internet access that made me locate you, my name is Mr Robert Moore, My wife died Six months ago of Car Accident,I don't want to talk about this but I think it is important since you would be working as John's Nanny. John is 5 year's old . I am out of the city based on my business that is really booming here and my son will be arriving shortly back to the city next week, precisely on July 24, John is here with me right now for holiday .After a serious discussion with my father-in-law concerning a proper care for my son, we finally decided to search for a good and responsible Nanny/babysitter. Below you see our offers.The hours are 9:30 am - 3:30 pm Monday - Thursday, on Friday until 4.00 pm. If you can't work the hours you can work during the Weekend while I get someone else to do the this hours. The monthly pay is $2,000.00 for live out and $2,500.00 for live in. We will be responsible for your transportation which in exclusive of your weekly salary regardless of the distance. You will be working with my sister and also a housekeeper for a while before I fully arrive back to the city We are strongly searching for someone of well mannered attitudes, neatness and good sense of relationship. We are a Christian family and we love our religion so basically everything we do is according to our doctrines, I don't mind your religion but just letting you know so we don't offend you. If you are interested in this offer, please answer all the questions below so i can have a brief idea of your personality : 1) What academic qualifications do you possess? 2) Do you have any relevant certificate to back up your babysitting/Nanny career? 3) How old are you? 4) Are you married? 5) What is the name of your City? 6) Do you have any crime records? 7) Do you have a valid Bank Account? 8) Tell us more about your temperament . 9) Can we have one or two reference's from you, please send email and phone number of them. 10) Can you handle money if you are given an assignment to carry out? 11) Is your husband/boyfriend/parent in support of you doing this job? Let me know if you will be available for the work offer. If you have any questions as regards this offer, feel free to get in touch with me.You can work during the Weekend if you can work during the week due to other job or studies. I await a response at your earliest convenience. If the hours are not okay by you let me know your schedule. Mr. Robert
Posted in Nanny News | Tagged craigslist, nanny job offer, nanny scam, Robert Moore | Comments Off on Mr Robert Moore: Nanny scam ad on CraigslistLatest Scam Tip: Johnson Wilson on Craigslist
June 6, 2011This was sent by a nanny today. It is a typical scenario. Remember, employers who offer money to a nanny without ever speaking to them, without conducting a background or reference checks, and coming from outside of the US, are always red flags.
> From: Johnson Wilson
> Date: June 5, 2011 7:19:07 PM EDT
>
> Subject: Re: Caring Nanny Needed –
> Reply-To: Johnson Wilson
>
> Good Afternoon,
>
> Thanks so much for your interest in our nanny advert placed on Craigslist. My Name is Johnson Wilson, my wife’s name is Katherine with our first child Michael. My wife is 5 month’s pregnant and we are in the process of re-locating from Paris, France to your city and will as well appreciate if you can recommend a good doctor for her when we arrive.I will be coming there with my family to work on contract basis with United States Environmental Protection Agency on a private research work… I need someone who can help my wife with some of the house hold chores running some errands when necessary and babysitting my Son Michael taking care of him as yours around these hours of 2pm – 6pm from Mondays through Fridays. You would only be needed for few hours per week at your convenience and will like you to get back to me with your available hours.
>
> Michael is a talented child and very bright. He is fun loving, kind and lovely. I will be needing your service till the end of the year but am offering $300.00 per week as compensation for a trustworthy and honest candidate. I have a Personal Assistant who is helping me with the re-location process. It’s okay if you prefer to be a live-in or live-out nanny as i can drop him at your home everyday and will greatly appreciate if you will be delighted to accept this offer as we would be arriving soon.
>
> If you accept this position, I will instruct my finance manager to forward to you a check for your first week upfront payment by express mail so that i can be rest assured of your availability for the job and wouldn’t need to search for a nanny anymore. I will as well run a background check on you because it’s not easy to leave a child with someone just like that and i hope you understand my concerns.
>
> If this employment opportunity is acceptable to you, kindly get back to me asap with the information below required for confirmation and further proceedings to take place:
>
> Full name:
> Contact Address: (No P.O. Box)
> Apt #:
> City:
> Zip Code:
> Home & Cell numbers:
>
> Our expected arrival date is 13th of June but you will be paid beginning immediately, as i will have several small assignments for you to complete prior to our arrival, such as checking our new apartment for necessary supplies, purchasing what may be needed before our arrival, etc. All we ask from you is honesty and sincerity. And am sure you will enjoy the time you will spend with my son.
>
> Please do get in touch on time so that we can start making arrangements with our travel agency while i await your swift response regards this employment offer and the requested details.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Johnson.
Coupon Code for Care.com
May 22, 2011Care.com is currently offering a 15% discount just click on the banner below and Use Promo Code: PRO15 for 15% off your subscription. Offer expires June 30, 2011.
International Nanny Association Annual Conference: May 12 – 15, 2011
March 19, 2011
Every year the International Nanny Association holds a three day conference for professional nannies and nanny agencies. In addition to all of the great learning that goes on at this conference, the re-fueling that goes on is equally as important. Being a nanny is a tough and often thankless job. INA’s annual conference gives nannies a break from the every day routine and provides a chance for nannies to feel like professionals and respected in their career choice.
Three full days of workshops, networking events, Nanny of the Year Luncheon, exhibitors and much more makes this event the MUST ATTEND event for all nannies, child care professionals, businesses and industry services.
For more information and to register click here: http://www.nanny.org/conference.php
Nigerian Scammers now Using Facebook
December 30, 2010I received this message today through Facebook. I do not have a profile on “Great Nanny” for starters. Secondly, I can’t believe he actually mentions Nigeria. This is a typical scam attempt, but what was new about it was that I received this message through Facebook.
< I am iversen jones, i found your profile on Greatnanny.. am from United Kingdom, am into communication and network installation, i lost my wife 2years ago and i have two kids...i have an urgent assignment in Nigeria with a newly opened communication company..and i will need a nanny for my kid when am away ...just want to know if you can fit in to be a nanny for my kids and will pay you any amount your heart desire per week..hope to hear from you.>
Posted in Scam Alerts | Tagged Facebook, nanny scam, nigeria | Comments Off on Nigerian Scammers now Using FacebookNanny Agencies: Questions a Nanny should Ask
October 22, 2010Nannies, Here are some questions you should always ask a prospective nanny agency before entering into a contract.
What types of caregivers do you place? Is there one particular type you place more than others?
(Full-time, part-time, live-in or live-out, temporary?)
What is the average salary range of the nannies you place?
How do you gather information about families? Do you interview them in person? Is a written application part of the process? Are references requested?
How long does it usually take to make a placement? How long do you think it will take me to find a position?
Will you assign one person to be my contact at your agency throughout my search?
How many placements have you made in the last year? In my geographic area?
Do you have the names of some nannies who you have placed whom I can call for references?
What kind of education or training do I need? High school? First aid? CPR? Other? What kind of training does your agency provide?
What support services do you provide for the nanny after placement is made? Do you have a nanny network or support group organized in my geographic area? Do you have regular social or educational events for the nannies? Do you have a newsletter? Do you provide telephone support?
Does your agency provide a work agreement for the family and nanny to use? Do you assist in negotiations when needed?
For more helpful tips on Finding a Nanny Position, visit our sister site at http://www.4Nanny.com
Posted in Nanny Agency Information | Tagged hiring, nanny, nanny agency, nanny job | Comments Off on Nanny Agencies: Questions a Nanny should Ask ← Older posts Newer posts →