MBA sahm

26
Jan
2015

Why You Need to Set up a 529 College Savings Plan for Your Kids

categories: Financial Freedom, Investing, Saving Money

I originally published this post last summer (if you can believe it, it was actually my FIRST EVER post!), but I feel like it’s really important to bring it back with everything I’m hearing in the news lately.

If you haven’t been keeping up, here’s what you’re missing: First, there’s the constant reminder that the projected cost of college for a child born in 2013 ranges from $150k to a whopping $400k. Then, there’s the pending reality that in one year 1% of the world’s population will own 50% of the world’s wealth. So if you’re not in that 1%, you’re actually more likely to get poorer than richer.

So why does this matter for college savings? Well, lots of reasons. And of course, I’ve written them all down for you. 🙂

So without further ado, here are the reasons why you need to start saving now for your kids to go to college. And more specifically, why you need to put that money in a 529 College Savings Plan.

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19
Jan
2015

7 Parenting Secrets All New Moms Need to Know

categories: Parenting, Tips & Tricks

A couple months ago, my son turned 1. I have no idea how it happened, but somehow we made it. Almost like clockwork he turned a corner and transformed from a baby into a toddler. He’s walking, babbling with purpose (thinks he’s talking), listens to me, kisses me, and is starting to hand me the things he used to put right in his mouth. While I loved every minute of his babyhood, I’m so happy and ready for this to happen.

Despite everyone’s warnings that time will fly, the past year has actually been very long. I quite literally spent just about every waking and sleeping moment with my son, so I didn’t miss a thing and watched each and every development take place.

When I look back, there are definitely things I wish I would have known (or actually believed) that would have made my life easier. So here’s my advice for all the new moms out there that are about to embark on the most amazing journey of your lives: (more…)

05
Jan
2015

MBA SAHM’s Best Posts of 2014

categories: Randomness

2014 was a major year for me and my family. I transitioned to being a stay-at-home parent, managed to keep my little one healthy and happy, re-adjusted to a traveling spouse – and of course, launched this blog.

I wouldn’t trade being home with my son for anything, but I also can not deny that I would probably go absolutely crazy if I did not have this blog to keep me mentally challenged and fulfilled. I still love business and the working world, so this has been my way to stay engaged and feeling adult-ish.

One of my absolute most favorite aspects of this blog is reading what everyone thinks and watching which posts get the most attention. I put a lot of thought and effort into each and every one, but it can still be very surprising to find out which are the most popular.

Sooooo….without further ado, here are MBA SAHM’s best posts of 2014! (more…)

04
Dec
2014

10 Gifts 1-Year Old Boys Will Love

categories: Christmas, Gift Guides, Gift Guides for Children, Holidays, Parenting

The 10 Best Gift Ideas for 1-Year Old Boys

Technically it isn’t hard to find gifts for a 1-year old boy. There are thousands and thousands of options. BUT…that doesn’t mean that they’ll like your gift – or that their parents will.

My husband and I have the “luxury” of a child with a November birthday, so we get a double whammy of gifts each year for his birthday and Christmas. With so much out there it can be really hard to know what is actually worth a purchase, so I’ve done the leg work for you and tested out just about every product under the sun.

Here are the winners! The best gift ideas for 1-year old boys:

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01
Dec
2014

DIY Christmas Gift Wrap Paper Flowers

categories: Christmas, Christmas Crafts, Holidays

My plan to wrap all of my Christmas gifts in shipping paper is going really well and I’m so excited to have figured out how to make these cute little DIY paper flowers! I won’t lie, they’re not nearly as simple as the DIY photo labels that I’m also making, but they’re just so darn cool looking that I can’t resist!

Luckily, when all is said and done they don’t really take that much time. And they are a great way to use up the extra scraps of wrapping paper, shipping paper, and scrapbook paper that I’m already using (so basically they cost nothing!).

So without further ado, here’s how to make these little beauties for yourself: (more…)

10
Nov
2014

Reindeer Noses

categories: Christmas, Cookies, Food & Cooking, Holidays

If you’re not a pro at making cookies for the holidays, but still want to impress your guests, then this recipe is for you. Reindeer noses are as simple as you can get and absolutely delicious. They only require 3 ingredients and they look awesome in little gift bags, so they’re perfect for dinner parties, parting gifts, or “just because” occasions.

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03
Nov
2014

The 5 Best Ways to Make Money on Zazzle

categories: Financial Freedom, Working from Home, Zazzle

I’ve said it time and again, and I’ll say it once more – I love Zazzle. There are so many fun components about it and best of all, it pays (I’m not going to lie…that’s one of my favorite parts).

I’m a huge fan of making money from your hobbies and Zazzle is perfect for that. And honestly, once you get good at it, it can pay far more than what your accountant will consider hobby income.

So how, exactly, can you do this?

Not to overwhelm you, but there are literally hundreds, if not thousands of options on Zazzle. It didn’t start that way, but it has done some serious growing over the past few years and now it is shocking what you can make. Amidst all the options, I’ve done my best to highlight the easiest, most profitable, and coolest products to focus on. (more…)