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5 ways to Invest for Kids

5 Ways to Invest for Kids Let's talk ways to invest for kids. As a parent, you are not obligated to invest for kids. BUT, this is an extraordinary gift if you can swing it. Of course, you should provide all of the basic needs for your child(ren), and the majority of us go above and beyond that! You need not be a millionaire or come into a windfall of money to do this. You may be wondering how do I start investing for my child? Let's take a look at some of the best ways to invest for kids.  1. Put your oxygen mask on first You can't truly help someone else unless you've addressed your own needs. Your future is just as if not more important than your children's. If you tend to yourself properly, it follows that your child(ren) will likely also be cared for. Your child(ren) can take out student loans to fund an education, but you cannot borrow money for your retirement. Educate yourself. Follow financial content creators, use your local library, sign up for classes and...
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5 Reasons to Consider Cutting Back on Caffeine

5 Reasons to Consider Cutting Back on Caffeine Caffeine is considered the most popular, legal, psychoactive substance in the world.  Over 90% of Americans consume caffeine according to  foodinsight.org ,  Caffeine is most often consumed in coffee and tea , but can also be found in soda, energy drinks, supplements and chocolate (commissions earned). Caffeine is a stimulant that promotes alertness and improves concentration and mood. Sounds great, right? But when it comes to caffeine, you can have too much of a good thing. Let's look at 5 instances where you might consider cutting back on caffeine.  **This post contains affiliate links. I earn small commissions for clicks that result in product(s) purchased, at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support! 1. Anxiety Caffeine is a stimulant. If you struggle with anxiety, the last thing you would want to do is exacerbate the symptoms. Such symptoms can include sweating, restlessness, racing thoughts, rapid heart beat ...
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10 must have baby registry gifts that keep on giving

  Let's talk must have baby registry items. Perhaps you or someone you know is expecting. It's common to shower the expectant with gifts for their little one. Now that my daughter is a toddler and we are blessed to have all the things, I've grown to appreciate the items I've continued to use beyond the newborn stage.  It may not feel like it when you're in it, but the time truly goes so fast. Before you know it, you won't need as much when your baby is not so little anymore (unless perhaps you plan to have more children).  This list will suggest baby registry items to include on your baby registry (or give as a gift) that can grow with your child (commissions earned).  DaVinci Jenny Lind convertible crib .    Most cribs are convertible in the sense that you can lower the bottom as your child grows so they may remain in the crib as long as safely possible. I love this one, because you can purchase the  DaVinci Jenny Lind Toddler Bed Conversion Kit ...
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6 bridal registry gifts that keep on giving

  Let's talk bridal registry gifts. Wedding season is approaching. But before the walk down the aisle, there is often a bridal shower. At the time this post is being published, it has been about nine years since I created my bridal registry.  Let me take the guessing out of which gifts to include on your bridal registry or give as a gift. Let's look at the bridal registry gifts I'm still using years later! Gift givers, I now speak directly to you (in my best Lord Voldemort voice). Before you buy, here is some unoriginal advice. Money is the universal gift! Gift cards are great, particularly if they're for stores where the couple registered.  USE THE BRIDAL REGISTRY. A lot of time and effort is put into creating a registry, so anything from it is sure to be a hit. Gifts purchased from the bridal registry come with benefits such as an extended return policy. There is often a discount to purchase any remaining items from a bridal registry once the gift giving slows down....
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Should You Use Talc-Free Makeup?

Should You Use Talc-Free Makeup?  Let's talk talc. Say that five times fast! Talc is the ingredient that caused me to toss half of my make up stash in the trash. Talc is a common ingredient across many products in the makeup and personal care product industry; in fact, it's often the first ingredient listed! Talc may sound familiar to you as it was at the center of the multibillion dollar Jonson & Johnson lawsuit. To summarize, many of the plaintiffs claimed that the talc used in Johnson & Johnson baby powder was contaminated with asbestos, a known carcinogen. And that this exposure to asbestos from using the product led to the development of gynecologic and lung cancers. As of 2020, talc has been replaced with cornstarch in  Johnson & Johnson baby powder  (commissions earned). For more information on the case, check out this  New York Times article . Now, back to makeup.  The problem. Talc is a common ingredient in makeup and personal care products,...
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Is it a Good Idea to Get a Pet? 10 Things to Consider Before You Get a Pet.

  Is it a Good Idea to Get a Pet? 10 Things to Consider Before You Get a Pet. This post is going to highlight some of the not so glamorous parts about having pets. Please, don't come at me! The truth is if done right, owning pets can be costly among other challenges.  At the time this post is being published, there is an epidemic of "Covid pets" - animals that were adopted while people were spending more time at home during the pandemic that are now being surrendered to shelters.  If you take on a pet without truly knowing what you're getting into or being in it for the long haul, then that's not fair to the animal either. Don't mistake me for a pet hater. I have two cats, and there was always at least one pet in my childhood home. I'm not denying the benefits of having pets, and realize that they can be beloved family members.  But let's explore some of the things pet owners might not realize they're signing up for when they get a pet. Is it a Goo...
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You need a living will!

  Let's talk living wills.  Sorry if I'm coming on too strong, but we are all going to die. And everyone deserves to die with dignity. This is why YOU need a living will. No one knows you better than you - not your partner or children, etc. Kudos if you've even had these conversations, but even better to put your wishes in writing! A living will is one part of estate planning. As you might have guessed, estate planning increases with age ( legalzoom.com ); unfortunately, not everyone grows old. While discussing death may be uncomfortable, actually dying without having your affairs in order could really be uncomfortable - for you, as your wishes may not be satisfied, and for the loved ones who may find themselves in the difficult situation of having to make decisions on your behalf while grappling with their own feelings. As a physician assistant, I've helped many clients create living wills. I've helped family members make informed decisions regarding the content ...
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Suffering from dry skin?! 5 things to stop doing to relieve dry skin.

Suffering from dry skin?! 5 things to stop doing to relieve dry skin.  Let's talk dry skin. Your skin is your largest organ, your body's interface with and protection from the environment. Keep it moisturized and intact! I trained in a dermatology office as a physician assistant student. Dry skin was a common complaint. Many clients were shocked at the advice they were given: "I paid a specialist copay for this?!" was a common sentiment. Relieve dry skin by stopping these 5 things, and you may save yourself a trip to the doctor's office! 1. Bathing Frequently  Water exposure can be drying and irritating. Reevaluate how many times you are bathing, and for how long. Consider decreasing the overall amount of time you are immersed in water.   2. Bathing in hot water Hot water is especially drying. In addition to the amount of time you spend in water, consider lowering the temperature of the water. Check out this  article  that says ideal water temperature is be...
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Why Can't I Sleep? 10 Steps for Good Sleep Hygiene

Why Can't I Sleep? 10 Steps for Good Sleep Hygiene Sleep is essential to function properly. Good sleep hygiene supports the ability to regulate emotions and hunger, manage stress, concentrate and complete tasks, learn, process and retain new information.  NOT getting enough sleep increases the risk of certain medical conditions  (nih.gov) . I’m sure you’ve heard or said the phrase, “I’ll sleep when I’m dead.” Or you’ve gotten the impression that the lack of sleep that accompanies parenthood is considered a badge of honor.  But there’s nothing admirable about sleep deprivation; in fact, it is  a torture method. Thankfully, our culture seems to be shifting its attitude towards rest. There’s no shame in resting; in fact, sleep should be a priority!   If you sleep well, then I don't care what you do (as long as it's safe)! But if sleep is a struggle, then you may benefit from implementing a good sleep hygiene routine.  Lifestyle changes should almost alway...
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5 Benefits of Yoga

5 Benefits of Yoga Namaste. Let's talk Yoga. Yoga was one of the most common “prescriptions” when I worked in psychiatry. In fact, yoga can be offered as part of the therapeutic program at inpatient psychiatric hospitals. According to this  article , “yoga is the most commonly used complementary health approach in the United States.” And do you want to know the best part? There are no side effects! There are many reasons we could all benefit from practicing yoga. Let’s look at five benefits of yoga.   1. For your mental health Y oga is wonderful for your mental health because it teaches you how to breathe and focus on the present moment. When I worked in psychiatry, my mentor told me this: people who focus too much on the past are depressed, and people who focus too much on the future are anxious. Because you can’t change either. Learning how to focus on your breathing and to be fully present in the now can be a powerful emotional regulation skill and coping mechanism. Yoga ca...
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