Considering Hybnobirthing?

Whether you come along to a group session or on your own, everyone gets a warm welcome at a Hypnobirthing session. That’s what it’s all about, relaxation and the beginning of the realisation that your journey to having your child can be an enjoyable and under your control, not something to endure or ‘get over with’.

Over the years, the whole business of having a child and raising them has moved from being a normal part of life to being something to worry over and quite stressful. Of course being pregnant can be uncomfortable and you may wish it was all done with and the baby in your arms as if a magic wand had been waved! No one can’t promise that but what Hypnobirthing offers are techniques you can learn to help you feel more in control of the process of giving birth. Empowering women and their partners is a large part of the easibirthing philosophy – the motto is ‘calm, confident and in control’

At the first session we spend some time discussing what your expectations of childbirth are, your fears and hopes. Although this is not an antenatal class, we will look at some of the natural changes that occur to you and your baby so that you can feel happier about what to expect as the pregnancy progresses.

In group sessions some interesting ideas crop up. Often by talking these through, women and partners feel relieved that ‘it is only me’ worrying about this or that.

We cover some research to put hypnobirthing into context alongside all the help available from medicine and other specialists. We are very lucky to be living in an age when there is so much advanced medical knowledge that makes things possible that would only have been dreamed of not so long ago. However these advances can have the effect of taking control of the birth from the woman and her partner – we seek to have the woman as the most important person in the process, of course with the baby an equal!

After an overview of what to expect from the rest of the easibirthing programme, we learn the first of 6 self-hypnosis scripts. All of these can be used at any time in the pregnancy, with the later ones to be used in the birthing room, whether in hospital or at home.

Our first script is a gentle relaxation which you and your partner will find very useful at various times in the pregnancy, perhaps to help you relax, sleep and generally chill out.

So, the time has flown by in the first session and you can look forward to the next! Later sessions cover more of the physical changes and hypnosis scripts covering all aspects of the birth process

I am a Master Hynotherapist and Master NLP Coach, a member of the British institute of Hypnotherapists and the American Board of NLP and qualified hypno-birthing practitioner (CHBPP)
I have been fascinated by NLP for many years and have used the techniques to help my day-to-day life, in particular to set and achieve the goal of working for myself as a therapist!
I also work part-time in IT in education at University level and carry out consultancy at Senior Management level.

Visit http://www.tryanewapproach.com/ for more information

photo credit

Making natural choices in parenting can really save you money. We’ve all heard the staggering statistics of what it costs to raise a baby in these times. But did you know that making smarter choices not only saves you money, it is also healthier for your baby!

Breastfeeding saves money…BIG TIME

Not only is breastfeeding best for your baby, it also can take a huge chunk out of your wallet! I had no idea just how expensive baby formula really is! You can use a cheaper formula if you must, but the good stuff can be almost 90 bucks a container! Now that you’ve picked yourself up the floor! You can see how this is a huge expense! Not to mention the extra work you have to do just to warm a bottle! The middle of the night is not the time you want to be fumbling with hot liquids! Know what? Your breastmilk is always ready and always the perfect temperature! Okay, I know, this is a post about money and not breastfeeding. Moving on….
According to websites like KellyMom, formula feeding can run anywhere from 1k to 3k per year! WOW!

Cloth Diapering

Okay, cloth diapering has many benefits as well as saving money! According to Tiny Tush the cost of using brand name diapers can run over 2300 dollars from birth to potty training. The cost of cloth diapers can be more than half of that. Although this idea is controversial if you only have one child. The Simple Dollar has a great write up about this.

Baby Gear

I saw a great example of baby gear overload this past week. I know this isn’t true always, but it can be a a common occurrence. While watching my kids play in the sand at a local museum, I heard a baby crying and really pissed off! the Mom was pushing the baby in a ultra chic baby stroller. The baby didn’t seem to care about their “wheels” that must have cost over 1k. Along came a Mom slinging her baby in a Moby Wrap Babies are usually much happier being carried close to mom in a baby sling. Babywearing saves money! Not that you don’t need a stroller sometimes, but wearing you baby not only cuts down on crying, it’s great for bonding!

Crib? Why not co-sleep

With our first we headed to a high end baby shop, spent thousands on the new hip, Italian designed baby furniture, complete with crib and changing table. Our baby didn’t see that expensive furniture until a nap in her sixth month! Yeah, I’m sure she saw the value in that eh? Honestly, I know how fun it is to shop for these things, but a Pack N Play is all you really need. Or a co-sleeper. If used correctly these can last well into baby’s first year.
If you are questioning if co-sleeping is safe? Check out Eco Child’s Play article about co-sleeping. Co-sleeping is very safe, and can spare you not only sleep, but cash as well!

Visit Craigslist

You won’t believe the baby products you can find on Craigslist. Why not reuse and recycle and buy locally and save a buck or several! I sold most of my gently used baby gear on Craigslist.

photo credit

The Itzbeen is really awesome! Yup! I’m not the type of blogger who gets free “stuff” in return for a great review!
I really want to show you the best maternity and baby products out there!

This is one of those products that I HAD TO SHARE!

I recently visited a great friend and her newborn baby. I saw this nifty little contraption and just had to learn more! Here are my thoughts as to why it was created!

• short term memory loss due to sleep deprivation
• confustion due to sleep deprivation
• cloudy head due to sleep deprivation
• scatter-brains due to in-law visits
• confusion— just because!

This Itzbeen timer is a great tool for new parents because it makes up when our brains give out. It’s an iphone sized timer / slash stopwatch keeper that helps you keep track of the last time you

• fed the baby
• changed the baby
• put the baby down for a nap
• what breast to use for the next feeding

It also comes with a soft glow nightlight and a clock built in.

If you don’t know what to get the Mom who has everything, I’d suggest this!
OH! And I love that it was invented by a stay at home dad!

Here is a video review!
PURCHASE ITZBEEN HERE PURCHASE ITZBEEN HERE

When shopping for a newborn baby, it is difficult to remember everything you will need to buy for your
baby. It can also be expensive if you don’t do a bit of planning beforehand. Since you’ll want to buy
many things in bulk, for the first year you may want to look into having a membership at a bulk buying
store, such as Sam’s or Costco. In addition to discounts on bulk items, they also have reduced prices
on things like cribs and strollers. To help you make sure you don’t get home with your new baby, and
realize you have no diapers, here’s a list of things you’ll need.

Bottles and Feeding:

Whether you’re going to breast feed or use formula, you’ll need bottles. There may be times that you
are not available for feeding, so you should use a breast pump so that you can fill bottles with your milk
to have on hand. Therefore you will need bottles, nipples for them, and a cleaning brush to clean them
out, no matter what your feeding plan is. If you are going the formula route, keep plenty on hand, and
have several bottles ready so you are not trying to mix formula on the fly.

Diapers:

Let me say that you are going to need a LOT of diapers. If you’re using disposable, plan on needing
around 80 diapers per week for the first six weeks, and 50 diapers per week after that. If you’re going
the cloth diaper route it is less expensive, but you’ll still need to make sure you keep up with having
clean diapers on hand at all times; to that end, plan on having a total of 20 or 30 cloth diapers to ensure
you do not run out. You’ll also need alcohol free diaper wipes, diaper cream, and changing pads. It is a
good idea to create a few changing stations throughout the house using the changing pads, so you are
not running all over the house with a baby and a full diaper.

Cleaning and Care:

Your new baby is bound to have multiple accidents, so you’ll want to have at least one change of clothes
with you at all times. You’ll want to have about four short sleeved onsies, four long sleeved onsies, and
four footie sleeping outfits. You can probably skip buying newborn baby shoes, it’s usually better to
swaddle babies in blankets for the first few months to keep them warm.

Instead of bathing your baby in your tub, it is better to have a baby bath tub. Look for one that has
padding on the bottom, and make sure to buy baby shampoo and baby soap. Regular full size towels are
too large and cumbersome, so you’ll want to get soft baby size towels. Additionally, you’ll want a digital
rectal thermometer, a nasal bulb, saline nose drops, and safety manicure scissors.

Furniture:

Your baby will need a crib with slats that are no more than 2-3/8 inches apart, a firm mattress that fits
tightly in the crib, along with a few sets of well-fitting sheets. You’ll want a few waterproof mattress
pads and to make sure that at least one set of sheets is clean at all times, in case of accidents. Only
put the baby in with light blankets since babies don’t have the strength to roll away from or push away
stuffed animals. You’ll also want a baby monitor so you can leave the room while the baby naps.

Traveling and Misc.:

Since most people can’t keep their babies at home for the first several months, with the family visits,
you’ll want to get a baby sling and a car seat. There are also car seats that can convert into strollers,
making transitions in and out of the car a simple task. Keep your diaper bag on hand, and make sure you
put baby sunscreen on your infant’s sensitive skin whenever you go out.

When planning to bring home a new baby, there is a lot of preparation involved. Utilizing coupons, sales,
and purchasing items that you will need a lot of in bulk will help keep the cost down. You may even be
able to find deals online for items you don’t need right away. Be sure to plan for every “just in case”
you could possibly run into during your time as a new mother and you will find your time with your new
baby even more enjoyable.

As a stay at home parent, Mary Blanchard understands the importance of making her dollars stretch.
She frequents the site couponcroc.co.uk to help her stay
within budget and still have a little left over to splurge.

Bringing your new baby home is an exciting day. It is one rich with joy and also thick with precaution.
There are a lot of things to worry about when you prepare to bring your new baby home. Many first
time parents will worry themselves over a multitude of factors based solely on the fact that this is new
to them. Worrying about baby’s first car ride is a concern that you can and should address long before
it’s time to leave the hospital. Here are a few tips on ways to give yourself peace of mind when leaving
the hospital with your new baby.

Tune it Up:

About a month prior to your due date you should schedule a general tune up for your car. Have the
mechanic check important factors like tire tread pressure and balance as well as having your fluids
checked. You should also ask them to make sure your brakes are in solid working order. An additional
service is to have your car battery measured for strength. You do not want to have your car battery die
and leave you stranded either on your way to the hospital to give birth or on the way home with your
newborn.

Check It Out:

A few weeks before your due date you should schedule some time to go out to your car and play with
your new car seat and base. If possible, take a newborn sized baby doll with to complete this task. You
should work on a few techniques ahead of needing to put a live baby into a car seat. Important areas to
focus on include how to adjust the sizing of the traps and how to click and un-click the straps.

Most importantly though, you’re going to want to know how to install the quick release base and how
the car seat itself clicks into the base. You will want to be very familiar with this process ahead of time.
You will be feeling overwhelmed and confused enough as a new parent without the added stress of
understanding a car seat with your newborn already inside of it.

Ask for Help:

Once you think you’ve got the swing of things you should call your local fire department. Most offices
will offer free car seat checks to make sure your seat is installed correctly and that you know the best
ways to strap your newborn in. The added peace of mind you will get from hearing a professional tell
you that you are doing this correctly will be well worth the time you spend making and keeping that
appointment.

For Winter Babies:

If you’re expecting a baby that will be born when the temperatures outside are colder then you have
additional preparations to make. These can generally wait until labor begins and you feel like it might be
time to head to the hospital. Remember to pack extra blankets not only for yourself, but also baby sized
blankets to bundle around your newborn for that first ride home. You’ll also want to make sure that you
have a warm knit hat for the baby to wear home. It is also a smart idea to have your spouse warm the
car up before transporting your newborn from the warm hospital to the waiting car for the ride home.
Newborns are still learning to moderate their own body temperatures and this jarring loss of ambient
heat can be quite startling to little babies.

Park Close:

When you arrive at home park as close to your house or apartment as possible. If an attached garage
is not an option, aim for a spot as close to your front door as possible. Many doctors will advise you to

keep the newborn inside for several more days to weeks in order to build antibodies and create a strong
immune system.

Finally, remember to relax. The world is a new place for your newborn and they will be able to sense
your fears. Try to enjoy these first few stressful days at home with your new addition as they will all too
soon be nothing but a memory.

Samantha Matthews is an expert on Car Tax Bands, a site
offering information on changes in car tax
rates.

There are a lot of changes a woman’s body goes through during pregnancy. Some of the changes
actually stop you from doing the things you love and things you need to do. Riding in the car is one of
those things that shouldn’t be affected, unfortunately is. Motion sickness, especially car sickness, is one
of the side effects of pregnancy that affects your everyday life and chores. From doctor’s appointments
to shopping, pregnancy is a busy time and most women can’t afford to let the discomfort of car sickness
stop them from living.

Morning sickness is believed to disappear after the first trimester. However in some, the morning
sickness just stays and adapts. This will include motion sickness. Motion sickness occurs when the
internal sense of balance is disrupted by the constant motion of a car, plane or boat. The feeling of
queasy and nausea is common throughout pregnancy so pregnant women are more susceptible to car
sickness. With most women constantly on the move, this can be a hassle. There are many ways to battle
the sickness. By eating dry crackers, sucking on lemons, drinking cinnamon tea and even opening the car
window while driving can help with the sickness.

Sometimes the car sickness is needs more than that. With so many restrictions on medications, it is hard
to determine what is safe for you and your baby during pregnancy. There are however medicines for
motion sickness that are safe, but like most things, you should consult with your doctor before taking
any type of medication. If you choose to keep your pregnancy natural and shy away from over the
counter and prescription drugs, there are ways to keep motion sickness to at bay.

Limiting the amount of driving will be one of the most effective ways to battle car sickness. If you have a
day of errands ahead of you, take a few minutes to prioritize and create a route. Going from one end of
town to the next, just to find yourself back across town again will add opportunity for motion sickness. If
you know where you have to go, plan the closest stop first and work your way across town. This will give
your stomach a chance to settle and the end result is a non-stop trip home.

Another way to fight the sickness is with fresh air. If you are driving, keep your window open and let
the fresh air in. Stale air can add to motion sickness making it uncomfortable and unpleasant. Keeping
crackers with you will also help in situations where you can’t stop and is one of the best ways to settle
an upset stomach.

If you are riding in the car, sit in the front seat rather than the back. You are more likely to feel the
circulating air in the front. This also makes it easier to concentrate on the horizon ahead of you or a
distant object rather than watching the blur of buildings and people you pass, which will help keep your
inner balance.

Don’t try to read while in the car. Reading, working on crosswords, texting, or writing will make your
body more prone to the movement of the car. This will increase your chances of motion sickness. Keep
your eyes straight, talk to the driver, and concentrate on anything in front of you to keep yourself
distracted.

If you are taking a long trip, don’t eat a heavy meal beforehand, stop every hour to stretch your legs,
bring back circulation and let your stomach settle. This is also a great time to enjoy a light snack or lunch
so you’re not traveling on an empty stomach. You will also want to carry a bottle of water in the car
with you. During your stops you may want to get fresh water as stale water can increase nausea.

Whether you are going around town or out of town, car and motion sickness can be a hassle when
pregnant. Take the time to pack a care package for when you are in the car. Even with the many ways
to settle your queasy stomach, sometimes motion sickness gets the best of you. Pack a change of
clothes, plastic bags and moist towelettes just in case. But above all, don’t let motion sickness ruin the
wonderment of pregnancy.

Marcie McDonald is an insurance consultant who writes for cheapestcarinsurance.org.uk.
She recommends getting a comparison online for cheap car insurance and also to see if you qualify
for cheap deposit car insurance before making your choice.

You’re swollen, bloated, and sore, but you are beautiful. Pregnancy gives a woman a glow and a presence that can inspire those around them. You may feel less than perfect during your maternity however, there is a way to turn your self-image around and start enjoying your pregnancy. Maternity photography started as a niche but has evolved into an art form, a business and a therapeutic method of improving self-image.

It is obvious that a woman’s body goes through changes during pregnancy. It is even more obvious that some women are affected emotionally by those changes. Other than hormones, a woman’s self-image is lowered during pregnancy. During this time it is not uncommon for a woman to feel less attractive, unwanted, and in some cases, disgusting. For some women it is hard to see past the belly to the true beauty of pregnancy. That is why there are many benefits to having you photographed during pregnancy. Here are a few reasons why you should consider having a maternity photo shoot.

See the Real YOU!

We all fall victim to self-image. During our most uncomfortable and less than primped times, we may even exaggerate our flaws. When you have a maternity photo shoot you get the opportunity to see the true beauty that your pregnancy brings with it. The glow of a pregnant woman lights up the lives of those around them even if the mother-to-be doesn’t see it herself. Shake off the doubt of how attractive you are and allow the camera to show the real you. After all, the camera doesn’t lie.

There are photographers that specialize in maternity photography. Some utilize natural and artificial light to accentuate the curves and beauty of pregnant women. Others may use airbrushing techniques to find the inner beauty. Regardless of how you want to be portrayed, there is a photographer whose only interest is to make you see the beauty of pregnancy

Archiving for the future:

As our children grow, we enjoy showing them pictures and mementos of when they were babies. Why stop at baby booties and umbilical cords. Showing your child how beautiful you two were together can bring you closer. It is also a great way to slowly slide into the conversation about where babies come from. Sharing the joy of your pregnancy and remembering carrying your child can instill a sense of accomplishment and tenderness during times when the terrible twos set in.

Bring the Pregnancy to Reality:

There are times, especially with unplanned pregnancies, where the mother-to-be doesn’t truly believe it is happening. Whether the denial is just a symptom of an underlying problem or just so much of a surprise that the reality just hasn’t sunk in yet, maternity photography can help to bring it to reality. The images of her growing, glowing, and carrying her unborn child can help a mother connect with the unborn baby. In turn, it can help the mother take better care of herself, prepare herself and the home for the addition, and even start the emotional bond she will need to have to care for her child.

Support Local Business and the Niche:

Maternity photography is an art form. However, it is also a business for someone else. Most maternity photographers are small business owners, mothers, or artists that see the beauty in bringing life into the world. They are usually freelance photographers, hobbyists, or may have just started out in the field and are trying to build their portfolios. These photographers work towards bringing the beauty out of people and places. Supporting their craft, business, and their niche, will assure it strives for future mothers-to-be.

If you are having doubts about yourself or the pregnancy, seeing the true beauty creating life brings with it may lay it all to rest. Knowing you are giving another person a chance to live and experience life may help you come to grips with the reality of it. Bringing another life into the world and offering unconditional love is something only a mother can do. Choose whether maternity photography can help you see the real you as you carry your child. Pregnancy is beautiful, let the world see it.

Author Tony Pomilia also enjoys writing for Brainz, an interesting website that suggests we learn something new, then share it; whether it’s the best board game of all time or 33 ways to fund your startup business.

Green ways to Save for your Baby

With a baby on the way every penny counts. At the same time, we all want to give our children the best planet we can. Some are able to make the larger life changes to help preserve our natural resources such as install solar panels or buy a hybrid. Some of us however are unable to make such large changes. If you still want to be able to contribute to the preservation of the planet, and save money, there are some free and inexpensive ways to go green while saving for the addition to the family. Here are a few ways to help:

Schedule errands back to back:

With gas prices as high as they are, taking care of your errands in one outing will help save the planet and your wallet. From shopping for onesies, to getting the nursery ready, there is a lot of travel involved in baby preparation. Plan out your errands for the day and get them all done while conserving gas.

Rent a hybrid:

Family loves to get together when a new child is coming. If you take a trip to allow your family to bask in your pregnant glow, renting a hybrid will help you do your part to conserve the earth. As well as being eco-friendly you will also enjoy the savings of the extended gas mileage, saving you money on your trip that you can put towards other expenses.

Read the news online:

Recycling is a great way to help save the earth, however if you read the news on the internet rather than getting a daily newspaper delivered, that will help save trees and money. Newspapers base their printing on the amount of subscribers. One less newspaper printed doesn’t seem like much, but 365 newspapers a year does. There is also the added bonus of saving on the subscription price.

Trade paper for cloth:

Instead of using paper towels and napkins, use cloth napkins and towels. Trees are a renewable resource; however the amount of time it takes for a tree to fully grow plays a huge part in renewing the resource. The fewer trees cut down, the more fresh air your baby can breathe.

Start a compost pile:

Millions of Americans enjoy gardening. Starting a compost pile will give you the fertilizer plants love while reducing the amount of trash in the landfills. This will not only help save the earth but also save you money on your next gardening project.

Lower the use of electricity:

There are many ways to save on electricity; however this can also save the planet. One of the worst side effects of pregnancy is hot and cold flashes. Turning the heat up and down uses a lot of electricity and can raise your bill. Bundle up before deciding to turn the heat up, keep your room temperature at a comfortable level, clean the coils on your refrigerator, and throw a couple of tennis balls in the dryer to speed up drying time and save on energy costs. These simple suggestions will also show progress on your electric bill.

Choose paperless billing:

Most companies are joining the green band wagon by offering paperless billing. Banks will also allow you to use e-checks to pay bills such as rent and credit cards. Utilizing these services will reduce the amount of paper mail and save a few trees.

Use reusable containers:

By using reusable storage containers, bags, and lunch carriers, you can reduce the amount of resources it takes in production of plastic and paper bags. It is also a great way to get others into eco-friendly living. Personalize your bags and containers so others will be inspired to do the same.

You don’t have to trade your entire way of life in order to help the environment, there wil be plenty of changes when the baby comes. By making small changes to your everyday routine, you can play a small part in conservation while saving money. Do your part to give your child a greener planet to grow up in.

London resident Samantha Hathaway is a financial consultant and a content contributor for Payday Loans, a company which helps you out with advance pay day loans when you need money before your paycheck comes in.

Aside from being a childbirth advocate, I am also a techie at heart!

I love finding unique apps and resources for my readers. This app, from MJH apps is one of those hit you over the head ideas that I wish I would have had. What it is, is an app that gives you an opportunity to watch your body change as your pregnancy progresses. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to capture your memories of pregnancy.

What the app does is give you a reminder to take a photo of yourself every day. Then it keeps them stored (or you can also store them in your camera roll) and then creates a moving timeline of your changing body. You can set it to music, set the time each picture shows, and then you can upload it to your email, YouTube or Facebook to share. You can even export it in HD mode.

It’s simple to use, with an easy interface and helpful answers right inside the app.

There are several versions of this app, one is for pregnancy, one is for weight loss, and one is for faces. I suggest you get the pregnancy one, and then continue on to the faces one to keep track of your newborn. We all know how fast our little ones change and what an amazing way to track their growth!

I think this is a fantastic app, and you can get the full version for .99 cents. If you just want to try it out, then there is also free versions of all the apps.

Personally, I’m buying the faces apps for all three of my kids. Now if I could just slow them down to take a photo, then we’re all set!

** I did get this app complimentary for this review, but I am head over heels in love with this and really wish I’d had this when I was pregnant!

There is a video guide to watch here Watch Me Change- Pregnancy

*** When I get enough footage of my Watch Me Change – faces app for my kids, I’ll post a preview!

Starting a College Fund: Is it too soon?

Every parent wants the best for their child. They want to give them the best foods, best
shelter, best start for the future. One of the best ways to give the best is to plan for the
best. In today’s business world, education is everything. Most parents tend to wait a few
years before starting a college fund, some decide to start when they first find out they are
pregnant. But is it too soon? Here are some facts to help you decide if you should start
now or wait a bit longer.

Facts about Tuition:
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, college tuition increases an average of 8%
every year. If your child is born tomorrow, they will pay 3 to 4 times more in tuition
when they enter college than they would today. Today the average tuition of a private
4 year college is $27,293 per year after fees. In 2028 when your child turns 17, at an
8% increase each year will make the tuition cost around $64,404 per year for the same
institution.

Out of that $64,000, parents should expect to pay up to 2/3 of the tuition which will not
be covered by grants and scholarships. That 2/3 will have to be paid either by savings,
current income, or loans. That is a hefty expense for most families and sadly most
children are unable to attend college due to inability to afford it. This is a harsh reality
that should inspire parents to begin planning their child’s future as early as possible.

Facts about Loans:
When I attended college I paid for it through loans and grants, combined with my income
at the time. That was a method that I am still paying for years later. Student loans are
a huge expense that can cost a graduate the start they deserve in the business world.
In 2009, 8.8% of graduates defaulted on their student loans. It is also the reason that
graduate bankruptcies are on the rise. This is a statistic that your child can avoid being a
part of.

Facts about Saving:
With the economy the way it is today, saving is easier said than done. Prices are
consistently rising as our salaries stay the same. The cost of living takes its toll on any
extra cash we once had.

When planning your child’s educational future every little bit counts. Every dollar saved
is a dollar less you will have to borrow. A decade ago some of the best high yield savings
accounts had APY of 4% to 5% depending on the account. Today the high yield accounts
are 1% to 1.10%. It doesn’t seem much but it can still add up. If you began saving $50 a
month from the day your baby is born, it ill total around $10,300 by the time they turn 17,
assuming your interest rate stays at 1%. If you are able to contribute $200 a month in the
same account it will total $41,200. That is also assuming you choose an account that does
not offer bonuses.

It is also smart when deciding the type of account to invest in, to see what your state

offers. Most states offer a Section 529 Account. This account allows you to lock in
today’s tuition cost for your child’s future education. Other options to look at are IRA’s,
Coverdell ESA’s, and UGMA/UTMA Custodial accounts. Along with great rates and
security for your child’s education, they also offer tax benefits.

When deciding whether or not it is too soon to save for your child’s college fund, you
need to ask, is it too soon to give them security? It is never too soon to give your child a
great future and education. Starting before your child is born can guarantee extra funding
and piece of mind as the child grows and learns.

Amy Southerland is a career advisor and writes for The Best Degrees, a website providing essential information, rankings
and reviews of many programs, including accredited online business degrees.