MoneySmart

Got a hungry kid?  

IHOP recently announced a "Kids Eat Free" dinner promotion, which will run until September 13.

Each night between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m., IHOP will give one free Kid's Meal per every adult entree that is purchased. Kids 12 and under can partake. Drinks aren't included unless specified. Not valid with other offers or coupons.

Find your nearest IHOP here.

---Samantha Maziarz Christmann

Starting July 1, Save-A-Lot is offering a free $5 printable coupon for shoppers who join the Smart Shoppers Club.

The coupon is good for $5 off any in-store purchase of $20 or more and is e-mailed to your inbox when you sign up online. It's free to join the Smart Shoppers Club.

You'll need to divulge your name, e-mail address, zip code and birthdate. Once you do, you'll be sent digital coupon and promotional alerts.

---Samantha Maziarz Christmann

School's out for summer and Family Video is kicking it off right by offering one free rental for every "A" on a student's report card.

Students in kindergarten through college can bring a report card to any Family Video location until July 12 to receive rental vouchers for every report card "A." The vouchers are good for a one-night rental of any game or movie in the store.

---Samantha Maziarz Christmann

The Discount Diva needs your help with an upcoming article.

What frustrates you most about the way your significant other manages money? We'll be asking expert help to solve the stickiest financial issues that plague your relationship.

So what is it? Is he a penny pincher while you live like there's no tomorrow? Do you carefully file receipts while hers are crumpled on the floor of the minivan?

---Samantha Maziarz Christmann

Both today's MoneySmart cover story, "Saving Money on Child Care" and Discount Diva column talk about coping with the high cost of quality child care in New York State.

What has your experience been paying for child care? Is there a caregiver you'd like to give a shout out? Have you come up with a way to pay less for day care, a nanny or babysitter? 

---Samantha Maziarz Christmann 

In today's edition of MoneySmart, David Robinson outlined a bunch of ways to save on pet expenses.

Have you found ways to get a leg up on pet care? Have you had to surrender a pet or hold back on buying one because of budget constraints?

In Monday's MoneySmart, we gave one particularly spoiled girl as an extreme example of how far children's birthday parties have come from the traditional cake and ice cream around the kitchen table.

Click here to see Audrey flip out because her parents bought her the wrong car (a brand new Lexus) for her birthday on MTV's "My Super Sweet 16." Please be advised there is some profanity.

How aware are your kids of the country's current economic condition? Are you making sure they're informed or trying to shield them from the gory details? How much do you think they should know? How are you broaching the subject or fielding difficult questions?

---Samantha Maziarz Christmann

Where is your favorite place to spend a $10 bill in the city? How could you make 10 bucks last an entire day? Could you spend the day with less?

---Samantha Maziarz Christmann

Share your money saving tips and ask the opinions of Janice Okun and the Discount Diva Wednesday September 23 during a live chat on www.Buffalo.com at noon.