Get that kid to college! #Startingisbelieving

If you have a child in the state of Florida, You can win one of TEN 2-year Florida College Plans from Florida Prepaid College Foundation. HERE  While, this post is sponsored by the Florida Prepaid College Board, through my role as a Believer Blogger, all thoughts are my own.

Bryce is first grade

As you all know, I am a proud mom of a sweet young man.  I still cannot believe how quickly time is going.  I remember the baby stages when I would wish that he could do things on his own, and now that he's older, he does. And most of the time, it is on his own with his friends.  He doesn't need me nearly as much as he used to. Now I long for those days.  I still get those moments every now and then, but they are few and far between. 

In the picture, Bryce was in first grade. It seems like just yesterday, but it wasn't.  Time is passing and it's passing so fast! Pretty soon he is going to be ready to go to college.  Am I ready? Emotionally? NO! Financially? Yes, I am preparing now.  

With Florida Prepaid I am giving Bryce, my son, the opportunity to go to college. His father and I purchased the plan when he was three years old.  I continue to add to it as well. 

Bryce and Coach

Doing this early in his life helped a lot.  Since he was 3 years old, I have been telling him that I have been paying for his college and I know he will be successful.  Think about that... when someone invests in you, you feel it inside.  You want to achieve what is put out there for you. It's been instilled in Bryce since he can remember that he
will go to college.  And I know he will because he now knows it.

Having this plan, will make it happen. My son knows that I did without so he could go to college.  And even though he tells me that he is going to get an athletic scholarship and won't need it, I know I have back up plan.  And if he does get an athletic scholarship, then we will use this money for something else. Florida Prepaid will allow that as well.

Did you know that a recent Georgetown University study estimates that a student with a bachelor's degree can earn $1.6 million more in their lifetime than a student with only a high school diploma? College matters!

For me, it's knowing that my child will have something set aside that will help us avoid the stress that others experience when high school graduation is imminent and they find themselves unprepared.

Florida Prepaid Open Enrollment begins October 15^th 

You can win one of TEN 2-year Florida College Plans!

With Florida Prepaid, you can save for college! It's simple and rewarding.  Register from now until October 29th for a chance to win ONE of TEN 2-year Florida Prepaid scholarships from the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.  Each day log into "class" for fun activities and complete "extra credit" to earn even more chances to win!

To enter click HERE  http://www.floridaprepaidscholarshipprogram.com/?utm_source=mindysfitnessjourney&utm_medium=ambassador&utm_campaign=scholarship

Once open enrollment begins (October 15th) you will use this link to enroll. http://www.myfloridaprepaid.com/?utm_source=mindysfitnessjourney&utm_medium=ambassador&utm_campaign=open-enrollment

You can save $25 off the application fee by entering Mindy1718  Using this promo code will also give you a chance to win more entries into the scholarship contest once you register.  The scholarship giveaway entry ends on Oct. 29th. 

My Son Will go to College thanks to Florida Prepaid #ad #startingisbelieving

Get your 2016 Florida Prepaid Promo Code below. This post is sponsored by the Florida Prepaid College Board, through my role as a Believer Blogger. All thoughts are my own. 

Florida PrePaid is the piece of mind that I needed to ensure that my son would be a college graduate.

As a parent, there are some many things for us to worry about. It's time to take one of those worries away.  Florida Prepaid will make it easier to do that. It will give you piece of mind.

In 2005, I was going through a divorce, and it wasn't too pleasant.  I knew that my life was going to change dramatically going from a two income home to a one income home (and on a teacher's salary.)  As we went through this gut-wrenching process of selling our house, and paying debts, I realized that there would be some extra money left over.

Knowing that I would never not struggle as a teacher, I worried about our future. What would happen when my then two-year old was ready to attend college? I spoke to my lawyer about signing my son Bryce up for a Florida Prepaid College Plan.  Thankfully it was agreed on and we bought a plan for Bryce.  We were lucky enough to have enough money that we didn't need to make payments on it.

There is another way to get a Florida Prepaid Plan for your family. Right now Open Enrollment is goign on.  This is the only time each year families can purchase Prepaid Plans and this year prices remain affordable for Florida families.The open enrollment period continues til Feb 28th. This year there are different plans that can fit within any budget!

2016 / 2017 Pricing
		Monthly
4-Year Florida University Plan	Newborn	$186.28
1-Year Florida University Plan	Newborn	$46.61
2+2 Florida Plan	Newborn	$147.24
4-Year Florida College Plan	Newborn	$116.98
2-Year Florida College Plan	Newborn	$54.20

To sign up, click HERE and use coupon code:: BLOG1617 to get 50% off the application fee!

Florida Prepaid Scholarship #Giveaway! Yay!

Florida Prepaid Scholarship Program Overview

Do you believe that your child will go to college? Now is the time to invest in his or her future! Learn how you can win a FREE Florida Prepaid College Scholarship and worry less about your child's future. 
This post is sponsored by the Florida Prepaid College Board through my role as a Believer Blogger. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

My story!

USF vs. FSU football game 

If you are anything like me as a parent, you are probably working hard to ensure that your child gets the best of everything. While I would love to hope that my son will get a scholarship to college somewhere (for football in his mind) I do know that the chances of that are slim. And if he does get one, there will be other expenses that I will be responsible for. If only I could wave a magic wand to be sure that he will have a chance to get a great education without racking up debt that he will pay for for many years to come. Well, there is... and frankly, I sleep better at night knowing that I have done that for my son. I am a single mom, and I have debt and bills and it seems never-ending most days, but this is something I know... My son will go to college because it was a priority! Now it's time for my family to look into the different plans and see what else we can add on this year. There is so much more!

Scholarship Giveaway! 

Would you like to be one of ten Florida families who will win 2 FREE years of college from the Florida Prepaid College Foundation who has launched the Florida Prepaid Scholarship Program Giveaway. It runs from September 19, 2016- October 23, 2016. So go enter!!! And enter daily!

This coincides with National College Savings Month and the mid-October launch of Open Enrollment, the annual period when families can purchase their own Florida Prepaid Plans. You can enter the scholarship contest and learn about the benefits of saving early for college- from getting more motivated to prepare academically for college, to avoiding the burden of student loan debt.

Registration takes place at www.floridaprepaidscholarshipprogram.com.  You get chances to earn extra entries by answering questions, learning more about saving for college, and sharing on social media.

More and more families across Florida are looking into the Florida Prepaid College Plans. 
And saving early really is feasible, with a little planning and budget consideration. A family can purchase plans all at once, over five years, or in monthly installments.  

This is why I invest in Florida Prepaid College

Open enrollments begins October 15th, 2016 and ends February 28, 2016. For more info visit www.myfloridaprepaid.com. But don't wait til October 15th.  Head over to www.floridaprepaidscholarshipprogram.com  and start learning about the program and enter for your chance to win!!!

Florida Prepaid Scholarship Program:

–      What: Florida families have the opportunity to win one of TEN 2-Year Florida College Plans

–      When: Register between September 19 and October 23

–      Where: Go to www.floridaprepaidscholarshipprogram.com

–      Eligibility: Open to legal residents in the state of Florida with children or grandchildren between the ages of newborn through 8^th grade.

“Hear it straight from last year’s winner! Every entry counts for a possibility to be one of 10 to win a FREE 2-Year Florida College Plan, courtesy of the Florida Prepaid College Foundation. Enter daily through October 23!”

What keeps you up at night as a parent? Share below! I am sure I am not the only one who has these huge concerns.

Florida Prepaid can be Used Nationwide! Last chance to enroll! #startingisbelieving

Did you know that Florida Prepaid isn’t just restricted to Florida schools? It's true, the amount covered by your Prepaid Plan can be used at schools nationwide. I didn't know that~ It gives me piece of mind to know that my son is not limited to Florida schools. I would love to have him close to me, but I am excited at the possibility of what he can do without limitations.

My son Bryce has a Prepaid plan.  When he was little he didn't understand why he needed one because he was OBVIOUSLY going to be recruited by UF or FSU and play football and go to school for free. I explained to him that this money will help Mommy with expenses. Let's hope that does happen someday, but I am not counting on it. I will be thrilled but right now I am planning, not hoping!

Bryce and his friend holding up the first place trophy!

Don't delay! We are at the end of the Open Enrollment period. It ends on February 29th! That is less than 2 weeks!

Prices are low and there are options for EVERY family's budget! Believe me! You can afford this, and you need to afford it!



Let me quiet your worries on 2 other myths too...
– If you move out of Florida after purchasing a Prepaid Plan, your child would still be billed at in-state tuition rates when using their plan at a Florida college or state university.

– If your child doesn’t go to college, you can change the beneficiary of the Prepaid Plan or get your money back.




For more information, visit www.myfloridaprepaid.com

What are you waiting for! Sign up today! Be sure to enter

code BLOG1516 to receive a gift from Florida Prepaid

Blog disclosure: This post is sponsored by the Florida Prepaid College Board, through my role as a Believer Blogger. All thoughts are my own.  

College would be a Great Holiday gift! #startingisbelieving

The worst part of graduating from college is the student loans! No one enjoys getting that bill every month. You now have to opportunity to stop that from happening to your loved ones. This holiday season, give the gift that will make college graduation better! Give a Florida Prepaid College Fund to the people that mean the most in your life.

Something I was personally thankful for on Thanksgiving was the piece of mind that I opened a Prepaid account and avoided debt for my future and for Bryce, my son's future.

This is the first post in my series of Holiday Gift Ideas! I know that Bryce wasn't terribly excited to hear that this is something that his father and I are doing for him, but in the long run he will be! Obviously when you are 12 you'd like an iPad or an iPhone... But this is something he will get a WHOLE lot more use out of for sure! And he does already understand that college isn't just something we hope he will do, it is something he WILL do no matter what!

You can open a Florida Prepaid College Plan for as low as $46 a month! The enrollment period ends Feb. 29th! There is literally a plan for everyone!

Be the superhero your child needs! Then they can soar to be the superhero you dream of them being!

Sign up today at http://www.myfloridaprepaid.com/

GIVEAWAY! 

I am giving away a Florida Prepaid "Swag Pack" to one lucky reader. Winner will receive a backpack, pencil pouch, pen, tshirt and water bottle.  All you have to do is comment below telling me who you know that would benefit from a prepaid college plan.  That will enter you to win. If you share this blog post and leave the twitter link here, that will count as a second entry. Winner must be in the US and will be announced Thurs. Dec. 10th. Good luck!

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by the Florida Prepaid College Board through my role as a Believer Blogger. All thoughts are my own.

Florida Prepaid Open Enrollment has Begun and giveaway~ #startingisbelieving

My son... my heart!

Open Enrollment has begun!  I am so excited that Florida Prepaid is still affordable to Florida family! Don't delay! Open enrollment will end Feb. 29th, 2016... yes, it is leap year, so you have an extra day! 

A college plan is so important to me because of this fella to the right. He is my world and I want the best for him. I don't know what my situation financially will be in 7-8 years, but with Florida Prepaid, it won't matter. Bryce, my son, will be ready to go to college. 

Parents are the "everything" for their children. Check out this video... It just makes sense!

 

Scholarship Giveaway! 

Ten lucky students will win a 2-year Florida college scholarship.

Florida Prepaid College Board is proud to offer 10 lucky families and opportunity to create a brighter future for their children and grandchildren. Our Florida Prepaid Scholarship Program gives you the chance to win one of TEN 2-Year Florida Collge Plan scholarships, valued at $9,200! The scholarships will be provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.

Florida Prepaid College Board is proud to offer 10 lucky families an opportunity to create a brighter future for their children or grandchildren. Our Florida Prepaid Scholarship Program gives you the chance to win one of TEN 2-Year Florida College Plan scholarships, valued at $9,200! The scholarships will be provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation. 

•The 2-Year Florida College Plan covers tuition and other specified fees for 60 lower division credit hours at a Florida College.
•A student earning an Associate's Degree at any Florida College is guaranteed admission to a State University.
•In addition to the 2-Year Florida College Plans, there will also be 10 weekly prize winners (a total of 50 over the five-week program).
•You can participate daily! The more entries you receive, the better your chances of winning.



The program runs from October 12, 2015, through November 15, 2015, at 11:59 p.m.

Entering is simple. Just visit floridaprepaidscholarshipprogram.com for Sweepstakes Rules and details for your chance at this remarkable opportunity!!

Is Your Child Going to College: Florida Prepaid College Fund

My Bryce... this is why I did Florida Prepaid!

One of the best things that we have ever done for my son is get him the Florida Prepaid College Fund. Starting is believing and the time to start is now! My son has the opportunity to go to college without having to take on HUGE student loans that he will spend the rest of his life paying back. That matters to me!!! I know you are probably worried about cost. I know... I was too. But this is doable! And worth it. When we purchased our plan for Bryce, we went for the 4 Year Florida University Plan. Yes, it was more expensive, but for us, we needed to do it! It just made sense. We are so glad we have it too. We didn't start when Bryce was a newborn either. You can start late if you need to! Check it out! 

Monthly prices for newborn are below:

4-Yr Florida University Plan	$182.63
1-Yr Florida University Plan	$45.69
2 + 2 Florida Plan	$144.35
4 Yr College Plan	$114.69
2 Yr College Plan	$53.13

There are a few different plans that you can choose from. The Florida Prepaid College Board is introducing the new 1-Year Florida University plan. You can purchase one year, or 30 credit hours, at a time according to your budget and timeline, without feeling the pressure of having to buy all four years at once

 The plan also allows multiple purchasers to buy a plan for the same child. So now you can team up with other family members to help pay for your child’s higher education.

For example, let Grandma and Grandpa buy one year and you purchase another. A child can have up to four 1-Year Florida University Plans.

Another plan is a 2 year Florida College Plan.  You can set your child up with a practical and affordable path for an Associate's degree or trade certification. This will give your child the advantage over those with only a high school diploma. 

If you want to go for the whole 4 years, there is the 4 Year College plan. This is a practical and affordable path to a Bachelor's degree. There are 28 Florida colleges and they've expanded their capabilities far beyond the two-year programs. In face, most now offer four-year bachelor's degrees. There is also a 2+2 Florida College Plan. Your child can start off at one of the state's 28 Florida colleges and you will save money on lower-level courses before transferring to a State University to finish off their degree. 

The last plan is the 4 Year University Plan. This plan will start your child off at one of Florida's 12 prestigious state universities and see them through their 4 years of college. 

All of the prepaid plans, every dime of the plan, can be applied to any university or college nationwide or if unused, refunded back to the student. 

Whether you’re already familiar with Florida Prepaid and still need some guidance or you’re just getting started, this Interactive Conversation will help you learn even more about the Florida 529 Savings Plan and Florida Prepaid College Plans. Click Here: http://www.myfloridaprepaid.com/college-savings-101/interactive-conversation/ 

What are you waiting for? 

Blog disclosure: This post is sponsored by the Florida Prepaid College Board, through my role as a Believer Blogger. All thoughts are my own. 

New Year's Resolution: Save for my child's college?

Yes, it is that time. New Year's Resolutions.... Everyone comes up with good ones... I want to lose weight... I want to save money.... I want to be a better person...

We come up with great ideas but without a plan, nothing can happen. I know that I want my son to go to college. I know that I will do anything and everything to make that happen. I know that the chances of me having the "extra cash" hanging around in my bank account in 7 years when he needs it are slim. I am just going to be honest. I don't save money well... something ALWAYS comes up right?

Luckily, I can save for my son's college easily with the Florida Pre-Paid Plan.  Starting is believing!
http://www.myfloridaprepaid.com/  Head over and check out the plans.

 

Fortunately, I paid for the Pre-Paid college fund when I got divorced. That was part of our agreement. We didn't get any of the extras though. I am currently looking into the Dorm plan. We are not prepared for housing. As we all know, with college comes extra expenses! Just like other prepaid plans, I can pay monthly or I can pay in a lump sum.

It's new years! It's time to get priorities straight! Join the 15,000 plus people who have prioritized their children's college this year so far! Check out the plans and find the right one for you!


What's your new year's resolution?

Make Sure Your Child Goes to College

Blog disclosure: This post is sponsored by the Florida Prepaid College Board, through my role as a 
Believer Blogger. All thoughts are my own.

 

Hey Mom and Dad friends... Have you started saving for your child's college education? Florida Prepaid’s most popular Prepaid Plans have been drastically reduced! Plus, the $50 application fee will be waived until December 31! This is a great investment! Check out all the plan options. I know that like me, you all recognize that your child HAS to go to college. Check out this graphic... Yikes! Times they are a-changing... College is WAY too important to miss. I want my son to have the best chance... I bet you do too! Head over to Myfloridaprepaid.com to set up your plan today.

As my son gets older, I start to realize that the years are passing quicker than I could have ever imagined (Isn't that what old people always said when we were young???)  My son will be 11 in a week, and I remember when we started talking about Florida Prepaid. My son was two... and it seems like yesterday. We had just sold our home and had a really great return on it. I convinced my ex-husband to use some of that money to pay for a Florida Prepaid.

I am thankful we did, but we are not done. This year, the Dormitory Plan is now sold in one-year increments. What a great time to add this feature! Even though my son has promised to live with me forever (Oh you have to love the innocence of a child... lol) I recognize that he will actually want to leave home to go to college. How great it will be that he will have this Dormitory Plan to help us with cost!

Yesterday was the beginning open enrollment for the Florida Prepaid. They now offer a university savings plan that starts at just $43 a month! The new 1-Year Florida University Plan lets you purchase up to four years at a State University, but
one year at a time! More affordable. Love that. This way, someone special in your life can also purchase a year for your child. I know that my parents would have been all over this!

If families didn’t previously believe they could
afford to start saving, now they CAN.

Head over to Myfloridaprepaid.com to set up your plan today. And if you need help making a decision, you can check out their Plan prices calculator: http://www.myfloridaprepaid.com/what-we-offer/

And last but not least....
Myth: Florida Prepaid can only be used at in-state public institution.
Truth: The value of plans can be applied to out of state institutions and private colleges.

Myth: A child has to use their plan as soon as they graduate high school.
Truth: They actually have 10 years from high school graduation to use it.

Myth: If a child doesn’t go to college, families lose the money they put into their plan.
Truth: Families can transfer a plan to another child/family member or get a full refund of the money they paid in.

So what are you waiting for.... Head over to Myfloridaprepaid.com and get started!

P.S. Where do you hope your son will go for college?
Me? Well, I am just hoping he doesn't go too far away from the nest :) Mama needs her baby boy around forever!