Mommy Ramblings | For Families Living The Dream & Everything In Between

November 17, 2018 · 7:54 pm

“Into The Deep” Blog Tour & Giveaway

Have you ever wanted to do something, but just could not due to your fear? I am sure like me, most of you can relate to at least one time, your fear held you back from doing something. For author Lauren Gaskill, it was on a family vacation when everyone but her, plunged off a boat into the ocean to go snorkeling. Lauren, an accomplished swimmer, could not get over her fear that there might be sharks in the water, and remained on the boat.

Years later, standing on a pier, Lauren felt that same fear as she was being cheered on to dive into the waves below. This time, she did not let that fear hold her back, and dove right into that deep blue ocean water.

Starting in high school Lauren had intense anxiety, panic attacks at night that continued into college. These attacks made her wonder why God was not helping her, why did it feel like she was drowning in a sea of despair. Lauren was lost in sea of anxiety, depression and chronic pain due to a health condition that continued to worsen.

Lauren began to lose her faith in God. She stopped believing God had a plan or his ability to save her. After graduating from College, Lauren found a Christian counselor and she was able to get out of the undertow and begin swimming with Jesus.

As I read this book, I could relate so well to the anxiety that Lauren faced in high school and college. I remember that in my own life, and I was hooked from that first chapter. If you want examples and tools to take your faith to the next level and help you control your reactions to overwhelming situations, you should read this book.

If you are ready to exchange fear and frustration for the boldness, courage and holy confidence that lead to a life of deep faith and joy, check out Into the Deep. You can also find this book on Mommy Ramblings’ 2018 Holiday Gift Guide.

You can see more in my video below:

Following Jesus doesn’t guarantee sunny skies and smooth sailing. In fact, the waters of life are often tumultuous, crashing over us. Sometimes we can feel that we’re drowning in a sea of confusion, division, frustration, complacency, or disillusionment. We need more than a shallow faith to survive these deep waters.Get ready to exchange fear and frustration for the boldness, courage, and holy confidence that lead to a life of deep faith and joy!

Giveaway

Audra Jennings PR is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky reader will win their own copy of Into the Deep! Thank you to Audra Jennings PR for the review book and for sponsoring this inspirational giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. Open to US residents.

Into the Deep Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter for your chance to win using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!

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Filed under Blog Tour, Books, Giveaway, Review, Spiritual

Tagged as Blog Tour, Books, giveaway, God, Inspirational, Into The Deep

· 3:34 pm

Saving Money On Your Next Home Move

It’s stressful moving to a new home. There is a lot you need to think about, from finding a new place to live, to packing everything up, to selling your current home. One of the more stressful aspects of moving however is simply the costs. There are many costs associated with moving, and if you aren’t careful, they can quickly skyrocket.

In an effort to help you with this, here are a few ways you can cut costs on your next move and make it a little more affordable. Hopefully, by reducing the costs, you’ll also be able to lessen some of the stress.

Compare Local Movers

First up, you should take the time to compare prices of local moving companies. Moving is a big job, and you’re probably not going to be able to do it alone. Having a team of professional and experienced movers on your side can make your day run smoother, and take a lot of the stress off of your shoulders. However, when you’re looking for a moving team, you’ll also want to consider the price.

Different movers charge different prices for your job. The bright side is most of them will provide you with a free estimate before you sign any papers. Using this estimate you can compare the costs of different movers in your area, and then select one that you can afford. Your goal is to find a mover that is both qualified for the job, but also affordable. For more information on finding a good mover, you can check out www.aandamoving.com.

Buy Supplies in Bulk

Next, you’re going to need some supplies in order to move. Boxes, bags, storage tubs, markers, bubble wrap and tape are all common supplies for moving jobs. You’re going to need more than you think though, so it’s a good idea to buy your supplies in bulk. By buying in bulk you can get a discount and save yourself a few dollars. When moving, it’s better to have too many supplies than too few. You don’t want to find out the night before you move that you don’t have enough boxes to fit everything, and suddenly you’re making a run to get more instead of packing.

Find Some Free Supplies

In some cases, you can even get free supplies. Boxes in particular, are easy to find for free, if you know where to look. One great place to check is a local grocery store or supermarket. These places get shipments all the time, but they don’t need all of the boxes. Rather than throwing them away, they’ll often give them to anyone who comes by and asks. You may not be able to fit all of your things in free boxes, but if it means having to buy a few less, it’s worth the trip.

Do as Much as You Can Yourself

When you’re in negotiations with a mover, they will tell you about all the services they provide. While it can be tempting to let your mover handle everything, you can save a lot of money if you’re willing to do some of the work on your own.

For instance, pack up your own belongings. If you give yourself plenty of time, you should be able to properly pack away all of your things before the movers arrive. Another thing you can do is help the movers load the truck. Many movers charge by the hour, so if you can speed up the process a little by helping out, it’ll save you some money. Grab some friends and at least move all of the boxes in your home closer to the exit, so that the movers can load the truck faster.

Stay Organized

Finally, the key to a successful move is organization. If you’re not organized, things take longer and are more likely to go wrong. This results in you having to spend more money. To keep yourself organized, create a moving checklist of things you need to do, and have it handy at all times. This will allow you to check things off as you complete them or add new things as they pop into your head throughout the day.

Look for Shortcuts, But Don’t Sacrifice Quality

When trying to save money on their move, many people look for shortcuts. While this is sometimes good, you don’t want to sacrifice quality. Don’t use old boxes that are about to rip just because they’re free. Don’t hire movers with no experience just because they are the cheapest. And don’t try to rush your move too much, or you may find someone ends up injured.

By taking your time and exploring your options however, you should find that you are able to not only save money on your move but ensure a smooth and safe process at the same time. Good luck!

This is a collaborative guest post. The views and ideas expressed do not necessarily represent those of Mommy Ramblings.

Best Classic & Retro Toys For Kids

Social media feeds are filled with posts from desperate parents looking for the latest toy fad their kids have to have, and is impossible to find. Why not go the other direction and take a stroll down memory lane? The very same toys you and the generations before you enjoyed, continue to delight kids today! Let’s take a look at some of the best classic toys.

You might think of shopping Amazon for the season’s hottest toys, but they also have a large inventory of the top classic toys. Who can forget the appeal of Mr. Potato Head?

I still remember where I got mine, and how it was one of my favorite toys. The spud is still a hot potato today. Today there are larger sets, a wife, kids and even Marvel Potato Head sets that add to the staying power of this creative toy.

For little ones who are just starting to walk the Fisher Price Corn Popper with it’s popping balls and fun sounds entertain and encourage walking, as well as counting and visual tracking. This classic has been a hit with toddlers for years.

The Chatter Telephone was introduced by Fisher Price in 1961. The ringing rotary dial and friendly interactive design make it the ultimate pretend play toy decades later. I remember my Chatter Telephone that I had as a child, and it was a favorite of mine. My kids had their own and loved it just as much as I did. With eyes that roll up and down, it is funny to think we had an Eye Phone way before Apple was even a company.

The Fisher Price Music Box Record Player was another favorite of my childhood, and one my children love as well. This iconic, musical toy has been a hit since it was introduced in 1971. Record player includes 5 playable records and is a great take-a-long toy thanks to the convenient handle.

The next toy was one of my absolute favorites, I loved it so much I still have mine! My kids were big fans of the Pull-A-Tune Xylophone as much as their mother. With two ways to make music, this is a budding musicians delight. Tap the color bars with the attached mallet or pull it to hear a happy tune.

What child does not love blocks? Amazon has so many different kind of blocks to choose from but one kind that I remember fondly as a child and my kids love today are the wooden ABC blocks.

Browsing Amazon , I found so many classic toys that are as perfect today as they were decades ago. Who didn’t love playing with the Magic Screen Etch A Sketch growing up? Today’s kids will enjoy it just as much!

The Spirograph Deluxe Design Set is still going strong. First introduced in 1965, the distinctive wheels and rings of the Spirograph cleverly combine the principles of art and mathematics in a way that has inspired and captivated generations.

Monopoly is definitely a board game classic! The appeal of building a fortune buying, selling and trading the world’s most favorite properties never goes out of style!

Another toy standing the test of time is LEGO Building Bricks. These creative building blocks let kids design and build whatever their imagination desires.

Play-Doh is another creative toy that has kept generations of kids entertained. There are more fun accessories than ever before! Who can forget the thrill and then smell of opening a brand new can of Play-Doh?

Amazingly Barbie, looks as youthful today as when she was introduced in 1959. No matter her real age, the iconic doll shows no signs of slowing down or retiring.

My kids love wagons, let’s face it, most kids do. A wagon has so many uses and really seems to be a childhood favorite of many. What child would not want to find the Classic Radio Flyer Red Wagon under the tree on Christmas morning?

radio flyer wagon

Let’s not forget the classic baby doll. While there are many dolls that do all sorts of things, the classic baby doll has lasting appeal for kids.

There is a reason these toys are as popular today as when they were introduced. They have staying power that lasts long after the tree and the decorations have been put away.

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Filed under Baby, kids, Toys

Tagged as baby, Blocks, Classic Toys, toys

· 1:16 am

Inspirational Art Journals From Ellie Claire Make Great Gifts

I love journals, I am a firm believer in “write it down and make it happen”. Beyond that, they are a wonderful tool to write down your feelings, thoughts, dreams and fears. In years to come, going through your journals can be so profound.

In high school one of my favorite English teachers had us keep a journal. I remember she told us, if we were truly honest that our journals would be amazing to look back on some day. She was so right. Sometimes I come across an old journal of mine and am just amazed at either things I had forgotten or how much I have grown.

The journal itself is important to me. I like a beautiful journal with quality paper and a great feel. Not too big, nor too small. I was happy to have had the chance to review 3 beautiful art journals from Ellie Claire. So much more than just a journal, they appeal to my crafty artsy side as well. Learn a new way to make your journals pop with style.

Illuminate Your Story Journal

Use the almost-lost art of illuminating letters to enhance your writing, Bible journaling, or sermon note-taking. Rich illustrated manuscripts in the Museum of the Bible’s collection inspired these gorgeous letters. Easy to follow instructions, practice pages, and encouragements in the Illuminate Your Story Journal will guide you through the creation of amazing start letters, flourishes, and more.

Faith & Lettering Journal

Drawing from more than ten years of graphic design experience, Krystal Whitten has cultivated a large following of creatives on Instagram who have embraced her unique combination of lettering and faith. The Faith and Lettering journal is available on Amazon.

The Illustrated World

The Illustrated Word Journal lets you create your own masterpiece with its forty glorious illustrations from ancient manuscripts that have been recreated as line drawings. Just as medieval monks brought Scripture to life through intricate inked illustrations in handwritten manuscripts hundreds of years ago, you can now create your own stunning keepsake that will be treasured for years to come.

Check out my video review of these great journals below:

We think these journals make great gifts so you will find them on Mommy Ramblings’ Holiday Gift Guide. Let me know what you think of these journals.

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Filed under Books, Home & Garden, kids, Life, Review

Tagged as Blog Tour, Ellie Claire, Gifts, Holiday Gift Guide, Inspirational, Journals

November 15, 2018 · 11:54 pm

Zoomer The Playful Pup – Interactive Dog- Giveaway

https://amzn.to/2DmQDWC

Interactive, robotic toys are always a huge hit that are bound to make the hottest toy lists for the holiday season. Zoomer Playful Pup is no exception, not only is Zoomer on the Holiday Toy List at stores like Amazon, Zoomer is also on Mommy Ramblings’ Holiday Gift Guide!

Zoomer is an adorable, interactive, robotic dog who responds to your touch and voice. The next generation of Zoomer interactive pets, this puppy behaves more dog like than any other Zoomer with realistic sounds and actions. Thanks to Zoomer’s multiple touch sensors, when you rub or tickle his belly, Zoomer will beg for more! Pet Zoomer’s head and hear cute barking sounds, nuzzle Zoomer’s nose for licking noises and so much more!

Check out my unboxing and demo video here:

Zoomer has a floppy tongue and soft furry tail. Zoomer is full of energy and as you can see in my video above, I would not classify Zoomer as a quiet toy. Zoomer will delight kids with playful yips, yaps and yelps and will keep going until he needs to be charged. Zoomer has a rechargeable battery that you charge via a mini-USB to USB charger which comes with Zoomer.

A back button will let you change modes and a microphone on your doggie’s back will let you give Zoomer voice commands. You can even give Zoomer a new name that he/she will respond to. In the manual you will find special voice commands to make Zoomer do things like dance, play dead and more. When you give Zoomer a name you will be able to unlock even more tricks!

Here is another Zoomer video for you to check out.

Spin Master is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will win their own Zoomer Playful Pup! Thank you to Spin Master for our review pooch and for sponsoring this doggone good giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! Open to US residents.

Zoomer Playful Pup Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Enter for your chance to win using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!

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Filed under Gift, Giveaway, Holiday Gift Guide, Home & Garden, Review

Tagged as dog, Holiday Gift Guide, Interactive, Playful Pup, review, Robot, Toy, Zoomer

November 14, 2018 · 1:06 pm

6 Creative Ways to Pay for Your Next Home Improvement Project

Your home is a special place, somewhere to spend time with family and friends, a haven to relax and unwind after a long day. It’s no wonder we want our homes to look inviting and attractive. For most homeowners, this means embarking on a home improvement project. However, even with opting for DIY instead of paying a professional home remodeler to do it, the cost of a home improvement project can be overwhelming.

Unfortunately, high remodeling costs mean that many have to put off their dream of renovating their home until they have saved enough money. Depending on the scope of the project, saving up could take months or years. Don’t get discouraged, there are other options to create your dream home. Here are six creative ways to pay for your home improvement project.

Declutter

You would probably be surprised to learn how much money some of the junk and clutter you have around and in your house is worth. If you are serious about funding your home improvement project another way, then it’s time to scrap your junk for cash. Find out the scrap price for cars, and get rid of that old clunker taking up space in your garage. Go through your basement and attic and put together all the old items you no longer want or need, then start selling them online or through classified ads. Just because you don’t need it, does not mean it’s not worth something to someone else. Remember one person’s junk is another person’s treasure.

Barter

Bartering is trading goods or services without using money. Bartering was very popular back in the day, but you may be able to benefit today. Do you have any items or skills you can trade in order to get the materials or services you need for your project? For instance, if you are a CPA, it may be possible to trade your tax services to a local handyman in exchange for their labor. Think outside the box, and reach out to your community to find someone who is interested in your offer.

Reuse and recycle

It’s possible you have all the stuff you need for your project already in your home. For instance, if you want to renovate a bathroom, consider reusing some of the pieces you already have in the renovation. For example, painting an old vanity can transform its look for just a few dollars. Adding new trim around your old mirror can give it new life, while painting light fixtures and hardware can update their look without breaking the bank. Instead of assuming you have to buy all new materials for your home, think about the ways you can reuse the items you have.

Use store credits, gift cards, and rebates

Most home improvement stores today provide you with all the tools and products you need to complete your project. Instead of buying everything outright, consider asking for gift cards to that specific store for your birthday and holidays. This way, you can save up these gift cards and use them to pay for the stuff you need for your project. In addition, if you have store credits or rebate offers, be sure to cash those in and use them to fund your project. These are great ways to eliminate the overall expense and still get the home you dreamed of.

Get a part-time job

Taking on a part-time job can help you fund your home improvement project. Although the thought of working more may not sound appealing, you’ll be happy when the home improvement project is finished. Think about opting for a job that lets you work on your own schedule, such as driving for Uber or starting a side freelance business. When you can generate some extra income and put that aside for your project, you’ll be knocking down walls before you know it.

Consider guest funding

It may be a long shot, but sites like GoFundMe, allow you to make an online, public request for donations to your “cause.” Starting a GoFundMe account for your home improvement project could entice others to fund the project for you. Requests like this are often best if the home improvement project is needed for health issues or to make your home safe. For instance if a family member is in a wheelchair and you need an entrance ramp or if your roof was damaged from a falling tree and is not covered by insurance.

Keep The Faith

Your home improvement may have a hefty price tag, but that doesn’t mean it’s out of reach. Implementing some of the ways above can help you create the house of your dreams in less time than you think.

This is a collaborative guest post. The views and ideas expressed do not necessarily represent those of Mommy Ramblings.

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Filed under Home & Garden, Home Improvement

Tagged as Creative Ideas, home, Projects, Renovation

November 10, 2018 · 12:38 am

5 Practical Ways to Save in the New Year

With the new year just around the corner, you might find yourself thinking about resolutions. Is financial freedom part of those resolutions? If so, having a well-defined savings plan is one of the surest ways for you to reach your short or long-term financial goals.

Even with the best intentions, saving money is not as easy as it sounds. How many times have unexpected expenses popped up and depleted your savings? Having a solid savings plan and sticking to it, will enable you to realize your goals effortlessly. Here are some expert tips to help you create a savings plan for the new year.

Set Your Goals

It is hard to succeed without a goal. Knowing your destination before embarking on a journey helps you avoid distractions and arrive on time. This is also the case with saving. The first and major step towards saving is knowing what you are saving for.

Maybe it’s the latest TV, tropical vacation or that gourmet kitchen you have been dreaming about. Perhaps you need to save for retirement or your child’s college education. Clearly stating these goals, will give you the vision and motivation to save.

When defining your goals, it’s possible to end up with a long list of things you want to save for. No worries, just go over the list and prioritize them. The best way to do this, is to categorize them according to their urgency. Then, separate long-term goals from short-term goals. When this is done, it will be easy to know what to start saving for first.

Set the Amount and Deadline for Your Goals

You already know what you are saving for, but that’s not all you need to get started. If you are not sure of the cost of your goal or fail to set a timeline, you may be setting yourself up to fail.

Imagine saving money for your dream vacation only to find out you underestimated the cost. What a huge disappointment that would be to learn you now have to wait months or more longer.

Eliminate any unpleasant surprises by finding out what your goal will cost right after you set it. Having this information will enable you to come up with a specific amount of money that needs to be deposited in your savings account weekly or monthly to reach your goal.

For example, let’s say you want to purchase a car that cost $23,000 by the end of the year. If you want to save monthly, you would need to save about $1,917 per month for the next 12 months to reach your goal and get your car. Knowing the cost of your goals and setting a deadline helps you plan and save more efficiently.

Evaluate Your Current Financial Position

You can’t save what you don’t have. Doing a through analysis of your income and expenses will give you a clear picture of what you are able to save each month. If you have a substantial amount of money left after you pay your necessary expenses, saving will be almost effortless. However, if you are living paycheck to paycheck, saving will be almost impossible.

Make Changes

If you find yourself discouraged due to the fact, you have little to no surplus money to save, there are some things you can try.

Reduce the cost of your target goal; take the car for example, you will need to find a different vehicle , one that will fit your budget.
Extend the deadline of your goal; if you are set on that car, you will have to extend your deadline. If you increase your timeline to 2 years, the amount you need to set aside each month, is cut in half.
Change your spending habits; do away with unnecessary expenses.

Have an Emergency Fund

You never know when an urgent and unavoidable financial need might arise. Setting aside some money to deal with such issues will help you stick to your savings plan.

Sometimes when people are faced with emergency financial needs, they prefer to dip into their savings rather than take out a loan. They will argue that loans from high interest short-term companies like lend up, net credit , cash net USA or nation21loans.com will result in more expenses, unlike the savings. When this becomes routine every time an emergency arises, it ends up depleting their savings and forces them to abandon their savings plan.

To avoid this pitfall, try setting aside some funds that are to be used specifically for financial emergencies, so you can stay on track with saving for your goal.

Automate Your Savings Deposits

It is unlikely for you to spend what you do not have in hand. “Pay yourself first” is an idiom that you might have heard before. It means that you should deposit money in your savings before you spend it on anything else. However, you might find it is harder to do when you have that money in your hand.

A great solution is to set up direct deposit of funds into your savings account. When you do this, you put your savings plan on auto pilot and ensure you stay on track to reach your goal.

Get SMART

The tips above will let you create a SMART new year’s savings plan (Specific Measurable Attainable Realistic and Timely).

Specific: You have set a goal and know what you are saving towards.
Measurable: You have determined and know how much your goal will cost
Attainable/Realistic: An evaluation of your current financial status confirms you can save for the goal.
Timely: You have set a deadline for your goal.

With a solid savings plan, you are on your way to achieving your financial goals and attaining financial freedom.

This is a collaborative guest post. The views and ideas do not necessarily represent those of Mommy Ramblings.

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Filed under Financial, Life, Resources

Tagged as Budget, Money, Planning, Saving Money, Setting Goals

November 7, 2018 · 12:26 am

Grace + Soul & Mother Wit Cookbook Giveaway

Who remembers when Will Smith’s character got in one little fight and his mom got scared? If you do, then you know he was sent to live with his auntie and uncle in Bel-Air.

Okay, I know it was just a sitcom, and Daphne Maxwell Reid was not Will Smith’s real auntie, but she is a respected artist, designer and education activist. She also has a new cookbook out called, Grace + Soul & Mother Wit, filled with much more than recipes, it is actually a mini-memoir dressed as a ring-bound cookbook.

The beginning of the book is filled with Daphne’s family photos and her travels around the world while working on and off of television. This cookbook takes you through the basics of starting your own family memories centered around home cooked meals.

Early chapters include setting up a kitchen, essential tools and supplies, basic cooking terms, how to set a formal table, and measurements & abbreviations. The recipes include sections for appetizers, soup, bread, poultry, seafood, red meat, side dishes, dessert, beverages and remedies.

Please see my in-depth video review of this cookbook below:

This cookbook makes a great gift for just about anyone. That is why you will find Grace + Soul & Mother Wit on Mommy Ramblings’ 2018 Holiday Gift Guide.

About Daphne Maxwell Reid:

Everyone remembers Daphne Maxwell Reid as an iconic TV mom of the 1990s, from her three seasons as Aunt Vivian on “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.” These days Reid is a Renaissance woman, respected artist and designer, and education activist. Working from her home in Virginia, and still happily married to pioneering television actor/producer/writer/director Tim Reid (“WKRP in Cincinnati,” “Frank’s Place”), Daphne Maxwell Reid is living proof that a passion for creativity and a dedication to hard work can ensure a lifetime’s worth of success.

Breaking new barriers is nothing new to Reid, who decades ago became the first African-American homecoming queen at Northwestern University and shortly thereafter one of the first African-American women to appear on the cover of Glamour magazine. But many fans of her modeling and acting career probably don’t know that Reid is a lifelong shutterbug, a hobby passed down by her father that has now become a focal point of her career.

With five books and 5 annual calendars already published, Reid specializes in fine art photography that features doors and doorways from around the world, including Cuba, Venice, France, China, Germany, and Belgium. Now she’s added to her publishing resume with her first cookbook, “Grace + Soul & Motherwit,” which offers her favorite recipes spiced with personal memories and reflections from her life and travels.

Reid has also been a seamstress for much of her life, creating many of her own outfits and costumes as a young actress and model, and has now developed those skills into an exclusive, custom clothing line called Daphne Style, making Chinese silk brocade jackets that are wearable works of art.

Daphne also keeps busy as the Host of Virginia Currents (PBS), and as a spokesperson for Virginia State University, a historically black college/university (HBCU), doing outreach, public relations, and speaking engagements that allow her to preach the importance of education and career prep for students of color.

A thoughtful, inspiring, and fascinating professional with over five decades of experience, Daphne Maxwell Reid continues to demonstrate that mastering a new skill is always possible for an artist with a generous spirit and self-determination.

Giveaway:

Enter for your chance to win your own copy of Grace + Soul & Mother Wit. Thank you to Daphne Maxwell Reid and her PR company for sponsoring this giveaway and for the autographed cookbook. Open to US residents.

Grace + Soul & Mother Wit Cookbook Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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Filed under Books, Cooking, Giveaway, Holiday Gift Guide, Review

Tagged as baking, Cookbook, cooking, Daphne Maxwell Reid, Fresh Prince, Grace Soul & Mother Wit

November 5, 2018 · 3:08 am

Practical Ways To Help Your Adult Children

Raising children is very expensive, and just because they reach the age of 18, doesn’t mean your responsibility ends. On the contrary, most parents continue to financially support their adult children in some way. Some parents want to ease their children’s financial burdens or to fund a business venture. Even retired parents find ways to assist their adult kids. If you are thinking about how you can best help your kids even if you are retired, we share a few common ways you can help below.

Set up College Funds

First, you could help to pay for college tuition. Going to college is expensive and it isn’t getting any cheaper. On top of that, professional jobs require a college degree, with even more requiring advanced degrees. If you want to help ease the financial burden of student loans, you can help out with their college tuition. This way, they won’t be graduating with a degree and a mountain of debt to repay.

There are several ways you can do this. You can open a separate savings account, then withdraw the money when your children or grandchildren are ready for it. You could also place the money in a trust, which would allow your child to access it when they turn 18. Finally, you could simply have the tuition payments directed to you and pay for the semesters as they come up. Whichever method you choose will depend on your own financial situation and how old your child is.

Help Then Become Homeowners

The other large payment many people have to deal with is their mortgage. Mortgage payments are large and last a very long time. If you want to help your children with a larger down payment for their new home, it will decrease the amount of the mortgage they need. If you son or daughter already has a home, helping them to pay off their mortgage sooner is very beneficial. While every dollar helps, you need to remember to keep your own future in mind. Talk to your kids about how much help they may need, then see if you can make it work.

Funding a New Business

If your child wants to start their own business, they may need additional funds to get it going. Starting a new business is expensive, if they don’t have enough money, they may not be able to do all the things they need to which could spell failure. If you believe in your child and their business plan, you should consider assisting them financially to get started.

Before you do, make sure the business plan is a solid one. While you want to help your kids, you don’t want to throw your money away on a bad idea. If you can, have an outside financial advisor review their business plan and give your their opinion if it is a wise investment. If not, consider other ways that you can help your child, or recommend ways they can improve their business model, so that you can help with funding.

Babysitting

Lastly, if you have grandchildren, you can always help with child care. Sending a child to daycare is expensive, and if your kids can skip it even once or twice a week by sending their kids to you, that will really add up in the long run. Not only do you get to help ease the financial burden of child care, but you get to spend time with your grandchildren as well.

Before you embark on this, make sure your home is safe and baby proofed. Have some fun things for the kids to do, as well as a safe play area with their favorite toys. You don’t have to turn your home into a daycare, but some preparation is a good idea.

How to Find Additional Funds

Now, maybe you want to help your children, but you aren’t sure you can afford it. If so, there are some ways that you can earn some additional funds during retirement. For starters, you could get a part-time job. Another option is downsizing your home which would lower your housing costs, especially your taxes. You could also talk to reverse mortgage lenders. You can use this reverse mortgage lender locater to get started. There are many options, you just need to consider what’s right for you.

Helping Them Succeed

Being able to help your adult kids out is a great feeling. Even though they’ve left the nest (or are about to), it still feels good when you can help make their lives a little easier. Hopefully, the tips above provided you with some good ideas about how best to help your kids out even during your retirement.

Magformers 36 Piece Paw Patrol Building Set Giveaway

My kids love magnets. It is no wonder why they have such a great time playing with Magformers. They could play for hours building all kinds of things. We were please to add the 36 piece Magformers Paw Patrol Pull Up Pup building set to our Magformers collection.

What makes this set different is the double-sided character cards, you can now add Chase, Marshall, Rubble, Skye, Zuma and Rocky-to Magformers magnetic shapes.

Packaged in PAW Patrol colors, the Pull-Up Pup Set contains 18 magnetic squares, 12 magnetic triangles and 6 inserts, as well as 6 double-sided character cards and 2 play mats to build pup houses, the Magformers magic ball and more!

Match colors, shapes and characters to 1:1 ratio play mats and pull up your 2D nets into 3D structures! Perfect for STEM education! Educational and fun, no wonder why you will find this great building set on Mommy Ramblings’ 2018 Holiday Gift Guide.

Check out my video below to see the set in action:

Giveaway

Magformers is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky winner will win their own 36 Piece Paw Patrol Pull Up Pup Magformers Building Set! Thank you to Magformers for the review set and for sponsoring this exciting giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. Open to US residents.