Don't Let Anything Get in the Way of Your Child's Future! #startingisbelieving

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


As a parent, there is really nothing more important than my child and his future. We all know this.  Helping him find success in school is one of those things.  I grew up knowing I would go to college.  It was never a choice.  My parents just taught us that we would, as if everyone does.  So... we did.  

It was very important to me that I ensured that for my son. When we sold our home 12 years ago, we made a significant profit and were able to pay for a Florida Prepaid plan outright.  Not everyone is that fortunate.  But it's okay because there are many different payment plans and program options.  

There is a recorded webinar https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/1511/24661 you can watch and learn all about this. You will learn how families have been using Florida Prepaid for 25 years to send their children to college.  You will be able to connect with a Florida mom who can give you firsthand knowledge of getting started and how this will impact your children's future success.

The webinar is Tues. Feb. 20th from 12:00-12:45 PM EST.  There is no cost to register. Don't miss this valuable information that will help your child's future!


If you haven't already, NOW is the time to sign up.  Open enrollment ends February 28th!
Sign up using promo code Mindy1718 to get a discount. 
ENROLL HERE

Prioritize Your Child's Future! #startingisbelieving

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


Florida Prepaid enrollment is open from now until Feb. 28th.  This is the only time of year that you can sign up for one of Florida Prepaid's college savings plans.  You can lock in today’s plan prices, today’s college plan prices, and the future cost of college. Don't wait. Open enrollment ends February 28th!
Sign up using promo code Mindy1718 to get a discount. 
ENROLL HERE

People commonly believe the "myths" that they hear about signing up for Florida PrePaid. These are myths...

MYTH: Florida PrePaid is restricted to Florida Schools.  FACT: It isn't restricted to Florida schools; the amount covered by your Prepaid Plan can be used at schools nationwide.

MYTH: Florida Prepaid can only be used if my child remains a Florida resident.  FACT: If the beneficiary moves 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.

MYTH: If my child doesn't go to college, I lose all the money.  FACT: If your child doesn't go to college, you can change the beneficiary of the Prepaid Plan or get your money back.

There is no reason not to do this.  Don't let your child start their future in debt.  This is a simple and economical way to ensure that your child can get to college.


Florida PrePaid will be hosting a webinar on 2/20.  Stand by for more details. This will be a great time to get all of the information you need and they will be able to answer any questions that you have!


Signing up is easy! You will $25 off the application fee and it should only take about 10-15 to fill out the application.  It's is not scary or time consuming.  You can do it over morning coffee or while you wait in the doctor's office.  Don't wait.
Sign up using promo code Mindy1718 to get a discount at ENROLL HERE

Re-evaluate your New Years Goals now! ! #startingisbelieving

This is a Sponsored Post for Florida Prepaid. However;  all opinions are my own.

Today is the day when most people give up on their New Years Resolutions! Don't let that be you! The New Year is the time to evaluate your finances, prioritize, and set goals.  It's time to make sure that college savings is on that list! Florida PrePaid is an easy way to get started.

Sign up using promo code Mindy1718 to get a discount. 
  ENROLL HERE

When I graduated from the University of South Florida in 1996, (wow I am old) I had a HUGE amount of student loan debt. It was scary to see.  Being young, I was just thinking, "Hey, no biggie! I will just get to it later." Until my first payment came due... ummm what!!! I had just started working... I didn't have that kind of money! I realized that this debt was going to stay with me for a long period of time. It seemed insurmountable. And it was.  At 43 years old, I would probably still being paying this off if I hadn't had a blessing by my parents.  They inherited some money and paid my student loan off for me.  At the time, I had no idea how HUGE this blessing was, but my parents did. I am so blessed that I didn't have to deal with that loan.  I got to buy my first house and start my own family.

Knowing all of this, when my son was 2 years old and my ex-husband and I sold our home for a large profit. I made sure that we took some proceeds from that and paid for Florida PrePaid for my son, Bryce.  College these days is a must and I didn't want any reason for Bryce not to go to college. The idea that he won't be burdened by a huge loan leaves me feeling at ease. 

Did you know that student loan debt has reached $1 trillion of debt among Americans?  The time to start saving is now!  Enroll here!

Signing up is easy! You will $25 off the application fee and it should only take about 10-15 to fill out the application.  It's is not scary or time consuming.  You can do it over morning coffee or while you wait in the doctor's office.  Don't wait.
Sign up using promo code Mindy1718 to get a discount at ENROLL HERE

Give the Gift of College! #startingisbelieving

This is a Sponsored Post for Florida Prepaid. However;  all opinions are my own.

This holiday season, there are a ton of gift guides and suggestions for the perfect gift, but what gift would be better than the gift of college! It's an investment into the future! Every year I hear parents say, "Ugh, I don't know what to buy him. He already has everything!" Well, this is what he needs most right? 

You can give a year of college or the full four years! It's up to you.  When I bought my son's college plan, I was selling my house for a profit so I had a large amount of money to spend, but you don't have to go crazy.  You can start with a one year plan. 



1-Year Florida University Plan:

 Now there is a more affordable way to save for State University credit hours. The 1-Year
Florida University Plan is our newest offering

~ Starting at under $50 a month
~ 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
~ Great for gifting!!

Think about that... grandparents can buy a year, you can buy and year and then maybe next year add more.  

At a time when so much in the world is uncertain, saving for college through Florida Prepaid College Plans is guaranteed and secure. It is certain- a way to ensure a child's financial security. Florida Prepaid aims to reassure families this holiday season as they make purchases this season!


Please sign up using promo code Mindy1718 to get a discount  at ENROLL HERE

What is the most treasured gift you have been given for the holidays? Comment below!

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. 

Win a Florida 529 Savings Plan! #startingisbelieving

This post is sponsored by the Florida Prepaid College Board, through my role as a Believer Blogger. All thoughts are my own. 
The Florida 529 Savings Plan Scholarship Program and you could be one of 10 lucky winners of a $529 scholarship deposited into a Florida 529 Savings Plan account.
ENTER HERE! You can enter anytime between May 15th and June 11th. Visit HERE daily (You must be a Florida resident, 18 or over.)

Nothing stopping this guy from success! 

For me, it's simple. I had student loans that I would probably still be paying off if my parents hadn't paid them off for me from inheritance they received.  The last thing I want for my own child is to go to college and get out into the world with his own family and have insurmountable bills to pay. I don't want that. I am going to now, do everything I can. I have a prepaid plan for him and I know that I still need more in it. 

The average student debt of borrowers in the state of Florida is almost $24,000, and over half of the 2015 college graduates had student loan debt, according to the Institute for College Access & Success' recently released report on student debt. It's time to ensure that your child and mine are not going to have this problem. 

May 29th is National 529 day and Florida Prepaid is trying to increase awareness about college savings and the Florida 529 Savings Plan. In celebration of 529 Day, Florida Prepaid is giving 10 Florida families $529 in a Florida 529 Savings Plan!

Don't wait! Starting is Believing!

Last Call for Florida Prepaid Open Enrollment #startingisbelieving

Don't forget to sign up! Open Enrollment ends February 28th!

One big priority these days is doing everything I can to make sure that my son, Bryce goes to college! I don't want there to be any excuse for him not to have a college education. There were some concerns for us at first though... 

I didn't want him to be limited to staying in Florida for school.  Turns out that the amount covered by your Prepaid Plan can be used at schools nationwide!  We also wondered what would happen if we moved out of state. We would no longer have in-state tuition? Well, we found out that we would still be billed for in-state tuition rates! Wow! What a benefit! And God forbid, what would happen if he doesn't go to college (of course this would be only if he were drafted into the MLB... haha) Well, if he doesn't go to college, we can change the beneficiary of the Prepaid plan or get our money back!

So really, there is no excuse! Sign up today! Have you signed up yet? Tell me below. 

Get signed up today! Go to Florida PrePaid Plans and use promo code BLOG1617 and get 50% off the application fee! 

No Student Loans for Us Please! #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. 


The Future... it is coming sooner than we think. So how do we prepare for it? It's going to be here soon whether we are ready or not.  As moms, as parents, we want the best for our kids. We want them to finish High School and go to College. But what happens when that time comes to pay for college? Will you be ready? Will your children have to take out student loans to pay? 

This is my reason for having a prepaid plan!

There is a way to help and it doesn't involve crazy student loan payment plans.  Florida Prepaid will help you get prepared for your children to go to college. Open Enrollment is ending soon on February 28th. Don't delay!  Use promo code BLOG1617 and get 50% off the application fee!

There are different plans to choose from.

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

If your child isn't a newborn, you can still get in! The monthly prices will be a bit higher, but it's better to start now rather than never!  The time is now!

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 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!!

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!