January 10, 2025

Family Resources Newsletter – January 2025

Dear CDA Families,

As we step into the new year, it’s the perfect time to focus on financial wellness and set a strong foundation for the future ahead. After the holiday season, many families may feel the impact of extra expenses, making January an ideal time to evaluate finances, create budgets, and prioritize savings.

Financial wellness doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Small, consistent steps can make a big difference over time in building financial stability. Whether it’s meal planning to reduce grocery costs, revisiting subscriptions, or teaching children about saving, these simple steps can help your family thrive.

This month, we’re sharing tips, tools, and local resources to help families navigate post-holiday financial challenges. These strategies can help you save money, set goals, and reduce stress so you can focus on what truly matters—spending time with your loved ones.

Tips for Financial Wellness

1. Create a Monthly Budget

  • List all income sources and expenses to track spending and budgets.
  • Involve older children to teach them about financial management.
  • Libraries like San Diego Public Library often offer free workshops on financial literacy.

2. Set Financial Goals as a Family

  • Discuss short-term and long-term financial goals as a family.
  • Short-term: Saving for a family trip or paying off a small debt.
  • Long-term: Building an emergency fund or saving for education.
  • The website MyMoney.gov offers free resources for setting financial goals.

3. Plan Meals to Save on Groceries

  • Plan weekly meals and stick to the shopping list to reduce food waste and save money.
  • Consider affordable family-friendly recipes and shop sales for seasonal produce.
  • Visit Feeding San Diego to locate free food distribution sites.
  • Check for grocery deals in your area.

4. Take Advantage of Free or Low-Cost Activities

  • Enjoy family time without overspending, like game nights or outdoor fun.
  • Check out free parks, libraries, and events in your area.
  • Visit 211 San Diego for a list of free family activities and community resources.

5. Review Subscriptions and Bills

  • Cancel unused subscriptions and review monthly bills to identify savings opportunities.
  • Libraries offer free Wi-Fi and media, reducing the need for some paid services.

6. Save on Essentials

  • Use coupons, cashback apps, loyalty reward programs for grocery and household items.
  • Check local discount stores for household essentials.

7. Build an Emergency Fund

  • Set aside a small amount from each paycheck to create a savings for unexpected expenses.
  • Aim to save $10–$20 a week in a dedicated account.
  • Visit America Saves for tips on creating an emergency fund.

This year let’s prioritize financial wellness by making small, intentional changes. Together, we can create a more stable and secure future for our families. Take advantage of the resources available in our community to make this journey easier. Remember, every step counts toward achieving your goals.

 

Local Resources to Support Financial Wellness

1. Feeding San Diego
Access free food distributions across San Diego County. Use their Find Food Map to locate the nearest sites.

2. 211 San Diego
Connect with financial assistance programs, childcare resources, and more. Dial 2-1-1 or visit 211 San Diego.

3. San Diego Public Library
Local libraries offer free workshops on financial literacy, budgeting, and credit repair. Check their events calendar at San Diego Public Library.

4. The Salvation Army
Offers free or low-cost financial assistance, food programs, and other support services. Find your nearest location at The Salvation Army Locator.

5. SDFLC (San Diego Financial Literacy Center)
The SDFLC provides workshops, resources, and free one-on-one counseling for families. Learn more at SDFLC.

Free Online Resources

1. Mint
A free budgeting tool to track spending and set financial goals.

2. MyMoney.gov
A U.S. government resource offering free tools and guides on financial literacy.

3. Flipp
A free app to find grocery deals and save on purchases.

Upcoming Workshops

We have FREE workshops all year round. Click the button below for more information and register today:

Workshops

We’re Here to Help

For individualized assistance with resources or referrals, please contact our Family Resources Team via the contact form on our workshops page:

Contact Form

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CDA Reimbursement Schedule
Family is authorized with a variable schedule

Variable schedules are reimbursed for the actual care hours provided that are within the hours authorized. The reimbursement will not exceed the amount billed by the provider or the full-time (FT) or part-time (PT) RMRC listed on the certificate for child care services. CDA will not reimburse for child absences, provider holiday or closure days on a variable schedule. If the full billed/invoiced amount is not paid, the parent is responsible for the difference directly to the provider.

Reimbursement of provider non-operation days/holidays

The number of reimbursable provider holidays and/or non-operation days is limited to a maximum of 10 days per fiscal year. Once these allowable limits are exceeded, reimbursement will be prorated for future closure days.

Reimbursement of registration fees, material fees, insurance fees

Fees for registration, material and/or insurance may be reimbursed if the current reimbursement amount does not exceed the Regional Market Rate Ceiling (RMRC). Reimbursement of these fees is limited to one (1) per child, per fiscal year and will be made in a single payment when requested on the child’s attendance record.

Note: For providers with programs that have multiple fees in one year or where it has been determined that the reimbursement amount exceeds the RMRC, the excess fees will be the responsibility of the parent.

License-Exempt Providers

When child care is authorized for a total of 25 or more hours per week the Full Time Weekly RMRC will be used. When child care is authorized for a total of less than 25 hours per week the Part Time RMRC will be used.

View the State’s RMRC by County See the full Program Guidelines

Congratulations! You may be eligible for CDA’s program.

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We’re sorry, you may not be eligible for CDA’s program.

If you would like to receive a personal eligibility screening, please complete the form below:

We’re sorry, it appears you may have different need for child care services than those listed.

To receive a personal eligibility screening, please call us at: (619) 427-4411 ext. 1400