Its a Hero

money

Invest in their future on 529 Day!

by 29 Comments

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions herein are my own.

We have been on a roller coaster lately. Times of uncertainty have been upon us and our children are going through something that will forever change their lives. Their education has been transformed overnight. Parents are working harder than ever to keep up with working and schooling, whilst also planning for the future.

There isn’t just one way to educate

Education happens in so many ways. Over these last few months, I’ve come to not only appreciate my children’s educators even more, but I’ve also learned that education comes in so many forms. Playing outdoors, making kitchen science experiments, and even planting a garden are incredible ways of learning. My 7-year-old even took part in an online coding camp!

Education doesn’t stop at school

We all now know this (whether we wanted to or not!). Our children are always learning, always listening, and always growing. Literally every single part of their days are spent learning about the world around them. And it’s our job to help nurture the process of education.

Invest in your child’s future with Ohio’s 529 Plan

As an adult with a decent amount of student loan debt, I can attest to the fact that the cost of higher education can be daunting. Regardless of your child’s age, opening an account with Ohio’s 529 Plan right now is the perfect way to invest in their future education.

Ohio’s 529 Plan can be used across the country at both 2- and 4-year programs and technical schools. Using the College Saving Planner you can see how an investment of any amount today can truly help cover the cost of schooling later!

boy with truck

Your child doesn’t need to know what they want to be today. My son still says he wants to be a YouTuber. But tomorrow he may say he wants to be a video game engineer. And, heck! He’ll probably at some point say he wants to be an electrician. The point is, any financial investment in Ohio’s 529 Plan today will help him to be whatever his heart desires. He can use the funds for a 4-year school as an engineer, or he can use the funds towards a technical school to be an electrician.

You only need a few items to start the process of opening Ohio’s 529 Plan and you do not need to be a resident of the state of Ohio! In fact, if you are an out-of-state grandparent or relative of a child and would like to give the gift of education, this is a great way to start. You can open and contribute to the plan for the beneficiary of your choosing.

Ohio's 529 Plan - Invest with Confidence

What better time to make an investment in Ohio’s 529 Plan than on May 29th?!

May 29th, or “529 Day,” is a day to highlight the importance of higher education. Ohio’s 529 Plan has partnered with BlackRock Investments to host a webinar (which you can find here) to provide helpful tips on how to save and prepare for the future during a volatile market. The webinar is completely free and will provide you with all the tips to help you invest in your children’s future with confidence!

The benefits of investing in Ohio’s 529 Plan

Investing in Ohio’s 529 Plan means you’re accruing tax-free compound interest towards your future education expenses. You’ll also receive a tax deduction of up to $4,000 per year for each beneficiary. You can use this tool to see the real Cost of Waiting to see just how much your money can grow by investing in an Ohio’s 529 Plan versus a low-interest savings account.

But what about market turbulance?

Ohio’s 529 Plan has teamed up with BlackRock to discuss this very thing during a live webinar on May 28th. You can register for this webinar at no charge here.

Check out my video for information on how to get started!

Tell me — how many of you could use $250 to start your Ohio 529 Plan?!

PIN ME - Invest in your children's education with Ohio's 529 Plan

Finding Value as a Stay-at-Home-Mom

by 18 Comments

I’m coming up on three years as a SAHM (WAHM/part-time earner) and I’m only recently becoming confident in my self-value.

See, just three years ago — only one month before I was due to deliver Remy Bea — I lost my job of ten years. I was completely devastated and 100% exhausted. Devastated because I felt like I let my family down; exhausted because I knew in my heart I couldn’t keep up with the back and forth of primary parenting while working any longer.

The burden had shifted.

Without my financial contribution to our family, I felt completely lost and isolated. In truth, I felt unworthy. My husband would now be the sole provider of our family. And the guilt that came along with that responsibility tore me to pieces. As I grappled with the notion that my previous income would not have been worth two kids in daycare full time, I was also coming to terms with my new identity.

Stay at home mom.

What would people think? Would my husband lose love for me? Would my valid as a person decrease because my role had (drastically) changed in society?

Truthfully, it’s something that took a couple of years to come to terms with. My role adjusted several times, as I returned to the workforce part-time just weeks after Remy was born — but with both kids in tow the whole time. Also, I monetized my side-hustle and shifted more energy in that direction. Working at home meant juggling diaper changes with photo edits, cooking dinner while sending emails, and often times not setting proper expectations for myself or my time.

But now, three years into this chaos… I feel whole. My role is not necessarily any more defined than before. But I know just how worthy I am.

I am a master of chaos.

I am the keeper of appointments.

I am the juggler of to-dos.

I am the ringleader of a tiny circus.

I am the family calendar.

I am the multitasker extraordinaire.

I am the boo-boo kisser.

I am the errand-runner.

I am the disciplinarian.

I am the mid-day snuggler.

And all of this is important. Undervalued, but important. 

It’s time to shift that paradigm. Your value is not based on your income; your value is not based on your financial contribution to society; your value is not based on the hours you put in. You are more than your work. You are important because of everything you have to offer the world.

Your value is not based on your income; your value is not based on your financial contribution to society; your value is not based on the hours you put in. You are more than your work. You are important because of everything you have to offer. Click To Tweet

Remember this, friends. When you’re in the depth of it — the ‘OMG what am I doing here?!’ — remember that you are enough. You are invaluable to so many. ♥ ♥

 

Family & Budget Friendly Ways to Have Fun this Summer!

by 14 Comments

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #GiantEagleSlashedPrices #CollectiveBias

It’s no secret that our lives will be turned upside this Summer. Between welcoming baby number 3 in June, and prepping Ari for kindergarten this Fall, I’m trying to keep our lives as sane as possible. Oh, and did I mention that I’ll be taking unpaid leave from my job, too? Yeah, so sanity-, and budget-friendly activities are a must for this family of (almost) five!

Here’s how we plan to stay on budget and STILL make the most of our Summer!

1. Find community sponsored events for kids.

I did a simple google search of events going on in our area this Summer and the results were amazing. Not only does the city of Cuyahoga Falls offer Tot Time in the Park every day of the week (hellooooo, free arts, crafts, and playtime!); but there’s also a free Touch a Truck event in July that my kids will simply EAT UP.

We’ll also be taking full advantage of the Regal Cinemas Dollar Movies all Summer long (more here). Because the best way to try and see if a kid is ready to sit through a movie is to only spend a single dollar on that movie! 😛

2. Research free admission days.

Our local art museum, the Akron Art Museum, does free admission on every single Thursday — which is an awesome way to introduce children to art! There are always some hands-on exhibits, which the kids obviously love; but I’m forever amazed at how much they actually like to walk through the galleries!

Other museums, such as the Cleveland Museum of Art, are always free of admission! How cool is that!? I love knowing that any day of the week I can just load the kids up and head to see world renowned art — at zero cost!

Additionally, the Akron Zoo offers several free admission days throughout the Summer. The first of which is on June 17th! In honor of Father’s Day, all dads and grandpas will receive free admission!

Many of the big-box hardware and craft stores also do free build and crafting events on the weekends, so be sure to check those out (and sign up!), too! We’re already on the schedule for a build workshop and a LEGO workshop in the month of May!

3. Keeping our groceries on-budget with Giant Eagle’s slashed prices.

We have been keeping our family grocery budget in check with the competitive NON-sale, slashed pricing, at Giant Eagle! For us, this means we can still get all of the good stuff — the fruits, the veggies, and the meat — without breaking the bank. Even frozen goods and dairy have seen slashed pricing!

Giant Eagle stores across Akron, Canton, and the Cleveland area have slashed prices on over 5,000 items. Considering how frequently we grocery shop at Giant Eagle (I’m notorious for poorly meal-planning so we shop about 2-3 times a week), I’m happy to know that these items are not on sale and are permanent price reductions.

I’m able to fill up my cart without breaking the bank — and get more of the cereal and snacks my children always beg for! Also, the convenience of having frozen and dairy items along with cuts to produce means that I can spend less time cutting coupons for items and spend even more time with my family this Summer!*

4. Expect the unexpected. 

I had visions of how life would be as a mom. I thought “Oh, for sure if I plan this extravagant party my son will adore me forever.” Friends I’m here to tell you that this is not the case. Often times it seems that the more time and energy that goes into something, the more lackluster the response I will get from my children (insert eyeroll).

So instead of thinking of ‘amazing,’ pinterest-worthy ways I will keep my children occupied this Summer, I’m going the realistic route.

I’m keeping a heaping amount of chalk and bubbles in our shed. That’s right. When in doubt, chalk and bubbles come out. Why are these two simple items both the bane of my existence and the highlight of my childrens lives? One may never know. But I keep them in excess for when I’m mommy’d out. And they don’t even seem to notice that it’s me taking the easy way out because, guess what!?, they are enjoying every second of it.

So do yourself a favor this Summer — keep it simple. Keep the planning simple; Keep the playing simple; and keep your grocery budget simple with slashed prices at Giant Eagle.

 

What’s your favorite budget-friendly activity for Summer??
And how are you taking advantage of price cuts at Giant Eagle?!

*Price cuts available at select locations. Check with your local Giant Eagle for more details!

Life Lately + A Last Minute Gift Guide //

by Leave a Comment

I’ve had grand plans of all of these amazing things I want to share with you before the holidays. But, realistically, my time management has not been great lately. Combine that with a sleep regression (thanks, Remy Bea) and the stomach bug? Well, that’s a recipe for dirty dishes and takeout every night.

So many-a posts have gone neglected.

That being said, there are a few things I want to share with you before we all get completely overwhelmed with the holidays.

  • Ari had his first Christmas program at school and it was every bit as adorable as you might imagine. He knew we were taking video and photos, so instead of singing, he was saying “cheese!”
    Melt my cold as stone heart!

fullsizerender-23
 

  • If you’re frantically looking for last-minute gift ideas, I leave you with these:
  • We were given a #JustBecauseCard at Chick-fil-A the other day. It was an awesome experience. And I still have butterflies from the whole experience! It turns out the movement was started by a local church. Even though we are not church people (at all), I’ve already had mega respect for this church. And this just elevated them even more.

 

  • For those of you trying to find the perfect wine to bring to your upcoming holiday party, run — fast — to Aldi. You heard me right. Aldi. Grab a bottle of their Flirty Bird Red Blend. It is incredible. No joke. And it’s less than $6 a bottle. Yep. You read that right. Less than $6 a bottle and an amazing wine!
    flirtybird

 

  • I’m still totally okay with cancelling Christmas obligations. Right now the only thing on my radar is getting through the next two work days, shopping for last minute gifts, and taking Ari to the movies Saturday morning. From there? We’re staying in. That’s it. Nothing else. Nada.

get fit! // workout clothes // stylish + affordable

by 7 Comments

Confession: I love Lululemon.

But I don’t love their prices. A hundred bucks for a pair of workout pants?? Hell to the no!

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve bought my fair share of Lulu in the past. But I flat out just can’t afford it these days. Their products are top-notch, but their prices are ridiculous.

I’ve tried not to compare myself to the Lulu-wearing mamas on the running trails or in yoga class. Cause I flat out can’t afford to wear their uber-comfy workout clothes. Well, at least not all the time.

But guess what I’ve discovered? Target has freakin’ adorable workout clothes that are just. as. cute.

No joke.

At first I thought “really?? Target??!” but I’m a complete, 100%, Target workout clothes believer these days.

The quality may not be 100% the same, but when you’re losing weight [hooray for us!] you’ll likely be going down in sizes. So who wants to spend a gazillion dollars on a workout outfit that they’ll quick size themselves out of? Not this gal!

target vs lulu 1

The Target top on the left is actually a bit more similar to Lulu’s Power Y tank (which comes in at $52 versus the Target $18.99). And if you’re into the more open & flowy top, this Target tank & bra combo is a lot like the Lulu top pictured above.

target vs lulu 2

I have experience with personally wearing and working out in all of these clothes. I’ve got a few of the Lulu Power Y tanks, I own both of the Target tanks linked above, and after lusting and lusting over the Lulu running skirt on the right, I happened upon a nearly identical Target running skirt a few weeks ago. OMG. I was so excited. And it is so comfortable to run in!

When all is said and done, I’ll probably still lust over the Lululemon website.

And my ‘reward’ for (eventually) fitting back into my pre-pregnancy jeans still stands — those $90 pair of Lulu yoga pants are just additional incentive! But until then, you can find me wandering through the Target racks. 😉

the good, the bad, and the budget.

by 7 Comments

The good: this year is going to rock. I can just feel it.

The bad: I somehow have the stomach flu again. Yuck.

The ugly: last year I pretty much ignored my budget. And I can’t afford to do that again this year. Blah.

But in all seriousness, I’ve had a goal for a while to pay off as much debt/student loans as possible. And I’m not saying that I didn’t make a dent, but I know that if I had buckled down I would be in a much better position than I am today.

But I didn’t. We ate out a lot {and of course our tastes are for one-of-a-kind, non-chain, a bit pricey type restaurants}, fell victim to the daily deals {thanks, Groupon; I swear this is where most of my money went}, and so on. So fast forward to today.

It’s no secret that a great deal of my stress comes from the fact that I am afraid of losing my job. It’s become a serious source of anxiety for me. Mostly because I think “Holy crap. I wouldn’t be able to pay on any of my debt.” 

And that’s a terrifying thought. And I’m tired of living like this. 
So I’m officially 100% doing something about it.

How: 

No purchase goes unjustified. — Before I choose to purchase something, it has to be a necessity.

Work as much as possible. — Overtime offered? I’m in! 

Stick to the plan. — Track my purchases using Mint.com. Also, keep as little cash in my pocket as possible {and yes, I know this goes against many of the no-debt plans, such as Dave Ramsey, but I have my reasons}; if I have cash, stick it into my locked safe, and don’t touch it! That way all of my purchases and progress are tracked on mint.com. 

Eat out no more than 2 times a month. — That includes lunches! I’m tired of throwing my money away on food that not only is bad for my wallet, but bad for my health. I’m over it! 

Take advantage of more free services {and fee-free services}. — Like the library. And Amazon Prime kindle lending. and community yoga classes.


So what are your tried and true stick-to-budget, pay-things-off methods?? Sharing might be able to help me {and others} out! 🙂