June 9, 2026

Family Resources Newsletter – June 2026

Dear CDA Families,

As summer begins, many families are balancing additional expenses, such as summer activities, vacations, and rising household costs. While managing finances can sometimes feel overwhelming, small intentional steps can help build financial stability and create opportunities for the future.

One thing I’ve been working on personally is setting financial goals and creating a plan to pay down debt while building savings. It has taken time, patience, and consistency, but I’ve learned that progress doesn’t happen overnight. Over time, these efforts have helped improve my credit, create more financial flexibility, and move me closer to long-term goals. My biggest takeaway is that every small step counts.

Whether you’re just getting started or continuing your financial journey, remember that small changes today can help create a stronger future for your family.

Five Financial Wellness Tips

1. Set Clear Financial Goals

Write down one or two financial goals that are important to your family. Whether it’s building an emergency fund, paying off debt, saving for a vehicle, or purchasing a home, having a goal can help guide your financial decisions.

Example:
“My family wants to save $500 for unexpected expenses. By setting aside $20 each week, we can gradually work toward that goal.”

  1. Create a Simple Budget

Track your monthly income and expenses to better understand where your money is going. A budget doesn’t have to be complicated; it simply helps ensure your spending aligns with your priorities.

Example:
“After tracking expenses for one month, you may discover you’re spending $50 on takeout meals each week. Reducing that amount by half could free up money for savings or other family needs.”

  1. Focus on Paying Down Debt

If you have multiple debts, consider focusing on one balance at a time while continuing minimum payments on others. Celebrating small milestones can help keep you motivated.

Example:
“If you have a credit card balance of $300, consider paying a little extra each month until it is paid off. Once it’s paid, you can apply that same amount toward another debt.”

  1. Build Savings Gradually

Even setting aside a small amount each week can make a difference. Having savings available for unexpected expenses can help reduce stress and improve financial security.

Example:
“Saving just $5 each week can add up to more than $250 in a year. Small deposits made consistently can help create an emergency fund over time.”

  1. Monitor Your Credit

Reviewing your credit report regularly can help you track progress, identify errors, and better understand how your financial habits impact future opportunities.

Example:
“Making payments on time and reducing credit card balances may help improve your credit score, which can be important when applying for housing, a vehicle loan, or other financial opportunities.”

Teaching Children Healthy Money Habits

Children begin learning about money at an early age. Simple conversations and everyday activities can help build lifelong skills.

Easy Ways to Teach Children About Money

  • Use a savings jar or piggy bank to help children save toward a goal.
  • Talk about the difference between needs and wants while shopping.
  • Let children help compare prices and make simple spending decisions.
  • Encourage children to save for a toy, game, or special activity.
  • Model healthy money habits by showing children how you plan, save, and make thoughtful spending decisions.

Financial Resources

Money as You Grow
Provides age-based activities and conversation starters to help children develop healthy money habits from preschool through high school.
Money as You Grow | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Sesame Workshop Financial Education Resources
Offers free videos, activities, and printables that teach young children about saving, spending, sharing, and making choices.
https://sesameworkshop.org/topics/financial-education

Money Smart for Young People
Provides free financial education activities and lessons for children and teens.
Money Smart for Young People | FDIC.gov

America Saves
Offers savings tips, goal-setting tools, and family savings challenges.
Home | America Saves

Family Challenge for June

Choose one financial goal to work on as a family this month.

Ideas include:

  • Save $20 this month.
  • Start a family savings jar.
  • Pack lunch one extra day each week.
  • Talk with your child about needs versus wants.
  • Create a simple family budget.

Remember, progress is made one small step at a time.

Warmly,
Jennifer Ordinario
CDA Family Resources Supervisor

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

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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

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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:

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