Suze Orman's Prepaid Mastercard

Moms can learn a thing or two from Oprah's money evangelist and debt advisor Suze Orman.

Just this year alone, the Suze has come out with her very own Approved Prepaid Mastercard tauted as a safer than cash alternative for splurgers like me. Like any prepaid card, you can only spend whatever amount you have on the card

"The card comes with a lot of free perks, including: unlimited access to your credit report and credit scores from TransUnion (one of the three big credit reporting agencies), credit monitoring and identity theft protection. You also get unlimited free use of Allpoint ATMs across the country each month, if you make a direct deposit or bank transfer to the card of $20 or more. Allpoint ATMs are in major retailers, like Costco, Target, Walgreens, Kroger and 7-Eleven."

I love the Suze, but like any debit card, its still about how you spend your money. If you can't control your spending habits then just use good 'ol cash so you can avoid running up unnecessary credit charges every time you leave the house.

Lactose Intolerance in Newborns

Cami, my newborn niece hasn't been responding well to formula, her face is breaking out with red rashes and cries a lot because of colic, leaving my sister with too many restless nights. For almost 2 weeks, they kept bugging the pedia, it can't just be colic- how can a baby just cry like this? Irritable after every feeding. Her pedia finally said it could be lactose intolerance. But we have to see and monitor how this plays out, if she responds well to the new lactose-free milk or not. Or if its a severe allergy, that she can only take in breastmilk, my sis has to go to the La Leche league or local milk bank. She doesn't have an adequate supply of breastmilk right now to feed Cami.

So for the uninitiated, what exactly is Lactose Intolerance?

An infant with lactose intolerance cannot produce enough lactose n his body. Lactase breaks down lactose, the sugar found in cow's milk and other dairy products.

When this happens, the undigested lactose stays in the baby's gut. This causes gastrointestinal problems. It may not be dangerous, but it is very distressing. It could mean that your child cannot properly digest milk.

Signs of Lactose Intolerance:

• Bloated Tummy (like a balloon)
• Gassiness
• Nausea
• Tummy Pain
• Fussiness/Irritability after feedings

 If your baby is not responding well to his infant formula and he is not breastfed, do ask your pediatrician to possibly recommend infant formula that is lactose free.

Everything on a Budget: Living for a Bargain

I'm a sucker for a good bargain. I want every penny to count. Real bad. I'm the type of person that's hogging the line at the check-out counter trying to cash in free coupons. Yes, people may stare all they want, but I'm getting my free can of chunky tomatoes or discounted bran flakes.

I'm a tight-fisted, budget-savvy monster who never gives into my kid's sudden wants, even when they get into a raging tantrum while out shopping at the mall. Mommy never caves in, the card stays shut- minted and never swiped. Unless, it is an absolute emergency and utmost necessity. Hmm... That's just me being me.

My hubby is my exact opposite. I wouldn't call him a big spender or impractical to the point of impulsive. But compared to me, he can't simply stay on budget, I think he's quite easily suade when it comes to these big ticket items like the latest gadgets.

He's a bit of a geek, so I understand why he's soo unto these touchscreen thingamagigs. So whenever he asks me if he could break the bank and go get one of these gizmos, the unthinkable happens- I can't say no to him. Though he gets a feeble 'Yes' from me, he's quick to race out that door, leaving me no room to change my mind. What can I say? His personal happiness costs money

And lately, and oh boy do I mean lately! I have seen his credit card bills and where he's been at online. I do understand how the web can be so addictive at times particularly if you're in the hunt for something or if a good deal is at stake. I've been telling my honey, if he's gotta shop- never at online retail stores, go for the auction sites and always as a cardinal rule, read reviews about the product you intend to buy. Call it a compromise of sorts, at least I'm trying to tame the gadget lust by letting him wander into online bargain bins.