Welcome to Money Hip Mamas!
 |
| From back in the day---here's when we were "hooded" for our Masters Degrees: Lauren (left) and Lisa (right) |
Hello!
We are
ridiculously excited to introduce our blog to you!
We’ll
start right off with two confessions. 1. We are accountants. 2. We love
ourselves a good mommy blog.
Back in
April, Lauren and I were talking about how we’ve noticed the blogosphere is
filled with a million mommy blogs about cooking, fashion, parenting, etc., but hardly
any about money and personal finance. And the relatively few that do talk about
money seem to focus almost exclusively on the small stuff (*cough* couponing)
and never mention the big stuff--the things that really affect your financial health ("Hey! Are you maxing out your
employer's 401k match?--that's free money!" "Do you have enough life
and disability insurance?" "Are you taking advantage of
all the tax credits and deductions?").
all the tax credits and deductions?").
Enter moneyhipmamas.com. We created this website and blog as a fun and easy way to get all you smart people out there thinking about personal finance. We’ll cover the heavy stuff in a fun way (e.g. budgeting, retirement, college savings plans, etc.) and the light stuff (money saving tips, DIY home projects, organization ideas) to keep it interesting. We plan on having new posts and ideas for you every Monday and Thursday, so subscribe and stay tuned.
Who We Are
Feel free
to check out our About Us page to
read more about our journeys from the corporate/financial world to becoming stay-at-home
moms, but truth be
told, despite the fact that each of us has a financial background, neither of
us is a personal finance expert. We're just very, very interested (it's kind
of embarrassing how much we like personal finance--we're trying to
get help). The real
value of this blog will come in the comments section: we'll tell you what we
know and get the conversation started. Every post, we'll include questions in
hopes that you'll share your thoughts and ideas (please!).
Follow us! Giveaway--$25 Amazon Gift Card
Although
we hope you'll add us to your blog lists (moneyhipmamas.com) or subscribe by e-mail (see sidebar), "like" us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter (@MoneyHipMamas) and Pinterest because you're truly interested and want
to hear more, we're not above bribery to get the ball rolling. So we're kicking off our blog with
a giveaway (and plan on having more in the future).
You can
earn up to 10 entries by entering through the Rafflecopter giveaway widget, but
if nothing else, leave a comment below and we'll make sure you get an entry. In the comment, please tell us a topic you'd
like us to cover in an upcoming post.
Giveaway
ends on Saturday, August 10th (12am EST) so check back on Monday, August 12th to find out
if you won! And, again, WELCOME to Money Hip Mamas!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Speak Up - What topic(s) do you want us to cover in a future post?
I would like to hear about which credit cards offer the best rewards/ choosing a credit card company.
ReplyDeleteAmen re credit card rewards. Or about how to get and use free travel (is that even a possibility if you aren't a salesman who has to travel all the time for work?).
ReplyDeleteI would like to know more about student loans. I hear about them a lot in the news, but I haven't really followed what is happening. Also any tips either of you have about going through grad school and making it out alive :) My husband just finished his first year of a 3 year program at the Univeristy of Utah. We try to avoid debt, but we make too much to qualify for financial aid and too little to completely pay for school. Any tips?
ReplyDeleteWhat are things you should look for when investing money? Safe risks and highest returns. What would you suggest?
ReplyDeleteI would like to hear about how to get a good interest rate on short-term savings. Whenever we put money into savings we are afraid to do something that locks us into leaving the money there for a certain period of time in case we have an emergency and need the money out.
ReplyDeletekscott I went to school with Lauren and Lisa and I am planning to write a guest post in the next couple weeks about staying afloat as a SAHM. I quit my (good-paying, quality-health-insurance-including) full-time job when my first kid was born, right after my husband's first semester of law school. We said at the time that we would go as long as we could and as soon as we ran out of money I would go back to work. We made it through the remaining 2 1/2 years of school and 8 months of waiting for Bar results and I'm still at home.
Saving for college. Clearly it is too late for us :) but someone should know how to do it.
ReplyDeleteKids savings accounts
ReplyDeleteI'm with knowing more about picking the right credit cards, and would like to find out more on the best money saving websites for shopping and travel.
ReplyDeleteI am loving all the suggestions so far. I would love to know how to fly free, how to invest and how to get rid of medical school loans ASAP.
ReplyDeleteSome good tips on starting investments would be great!
ReplyDeleteSome good tips on starting investments would be great!
ReplyDeleteDitto the kid savings account--how soon and what are good options--as well as reviews on different budgeting software (the pros and cons of quicken, mint, and others I should know about). Specifics on setting budgets, sticking to budgets, budgets, budgets, did I mention budgets?
ReplyDeleteGet through school with as little debt as possible
ReplyDeleteHow much to have in savings and retirement accounts! I love the idea for your blog! I'll be following!
ReplyDeleteI would like to learn more about ways to make money as a stay at home mom.
ReplyDeleteAlso the raffle copter thing won't accept any of my entries, which is kind of a bummer. Is it because I am doing this from a phone?
Yes, tips for kids' saving accounts. And more favorite things!
ReplyDeleteHey I finally got some of them to work on the raffle copter, so we are good :)
ReplyDeleteI'd like to know what to look for in savings banks (national vs. online bank vs. credit union), investment banks (retirement? college savings?), and mortgage lenders.
ReplyDeletehow to save for the kids college without breaking the bank, and I always love me some good dyi projects for the home on a budget
ReplyDeleteI would like to know your thoughts on wills and trusts.
ReplyDeleteAlso, consolidating finances for a newly married couple.
Throw in some life insurance, car insurance thoughts.
How to save money on phone, cable, and internet services.
Kathleen
Hey guys! Great job getting this blog up and running! I'm interested to hear what kinds of college saving plans you think are best. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI want to know about using a credit union versus a traditional bank - what are the benefits and drawbacks?
ReplyDeleteI thought of another one... buying a home- uh pretty much I am clueless so anything with buying homes and money. mortgages/down payments/ how much can i ACTUALLY afford. etc.
ReplyDeleteI would love to hear about how to keep a financial record of subcontracting with something such as cleaning houses, and how to do taxes of that.
ReplyDeleteI need more info on filling out a 1099 tax form... I'm working as an independent contractor this year and I'm nervous!!!
ReplyDeleteBasic monthly budgeting (how much to allow yourself of your monthly paycheck for certain items i.e. grocery shopping... what's reasonable for a fam of 4 type thing?) and sticking to budgets. And if you can do it in a way for a person like me who hates these topics because I feel like they're over my head and not fun, that'd be great! haha. But serious. I love that you said you'd make it fun. That's what I need.
ReplyDeleteLove the blog already! I would like to know more about ways to prepare for big investments (like a house or a car).
ReplyDeleteI know you mentioned "are you the only one saving for retirement?"... what about those of us who still have a husband in school (3rd year medical student at age 27)? Thus not making any money. Any suggestions?
ReplyDeleteEstate planning, ditto on the credit cards and kids savings accounts.
ReplyDeleteI would like to know about different ways of investing and pros/cons of each. Example: benefits of credit unions and options they offer, what's a CD?(the bank kind)
ReplyDeleteI admit it, I know nothing about investing. SO while discussing investment sounds great, I have no base to understand and need the kindergarten tutorial.
ReplyDeleteI like the investing idea, I know to invest in the company's 401k matching, but I have no idea what or how to invest my money.
ReplyDeleteCreate ways to pay for college besides student loans.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to hear about the best place to save your money for the future when you don't have a lot to save.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to hear some tips about how to save money on clothes, baby stuff etc. I love the favorite things posts
ReplyDeleteI would love a post about comparing the cost of paying off loans early when you have extra money (especially student loans), versus taking the full term of the loan to pay it off and using extra money for other investments.
ReplyDeleteIt'd be fun to learn about finance careers that might work for stay at home moms.
ReplyDeleteI would like any tips on saving towards a college fund for children.
ReplyDeletekellywcu8888ATgmailDOTcom
I would love to see something about teaching kids about money/savings as well as how to have a joint account.
ReplyDeleteI once made a mistake where I didn't check with my heath insurance company to see if a lab was in-network. The nurse had referred me to that lab assuring me that it was, but it turns out there was a recent change and it ended up costing me an extra $400 just for going to an out-of-network provider. I couldn't help thinking that that tiny mistake that only took a few seconds to make wiped out hours and hours of past and future couponing!
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I love that this blog is about the "big things".
I would love to hear what you girls think is the best child education savings method.
I also really like Health Savings Accounts and think that would be a good topic.
For my husband's 401-k, we can split the money into different types of investments. I really don't have an idea of what to pick. I also like HSAs, budgets, and savings for children.
ReplyDeleteI'd also like to learn about kids savings accounts.
ReplyDeleteReal estate investing
ReplyDeleteLife insurance advice would be great!
ReplyDeleteMy husbands employer contributes profit sharing to his 401K but doesn't do any matching. Where's the best place to put our own retirement dollars. A Roth IRA?
ReplyDeleteI'd love some first-time homeowners tips! Financing, how to pay off the home as soon as possible, etc.
ReplyDeleteKids college accounts! :)
ReplyDeleteHow to minimize the interest paid on a mortgage.
ReplyDeleteFirst time home owner tips. You have no idea how much I need it!!!
ReplyDeleteI would like to know what savings options are available for people who don't trust investments on one hand, and don't want to bury cash in the backyard on the other hand.
ReplyDeleteI'm excited to follow your blog! I could really use some tips about life insurance and how to save for retirement, etc. when you're still in school and don't have a "real job" yet!
ReplyDeleteIs it possible to start a college savings fund for kids before you have kids? Is it smart? Not smart? What would happen to the money if you end up never having kids...?
ReplyDeleteHey girls what a great idea for a blog! I am finally now coming to it and have been meaning to since I first saw something a couple weeks ago. I will be a loyal follower and supporter - you go you frugal, accountant moms! I would love to see updates with deals you find online or in stores for kid products / favorite things AND i am pretty clueless about health insurance now that my husband's company offers HSA I'd love to know more!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
I would love a post about paying off student loans, especially in light of the recent legislation. Good luck! This is a great idea for a blog!
ReplyDeleteI would love a post about ways to start smart investing in early 20's.
ReplyDeleteHow about tips for buying a car. Used or new... I just had the worst buyers remorse ever because I bought a car that was too expensive pretty much because the salesman told me to. He was really pushy and I am bad at saying no/negotiating. And I can't return it - I tried. Grr.
ReplyDeleteI would a post about the best ways to save for big purchases (house, cars) and still save for those rainy days.
ReplyDeleteSaving money on excursions with children. Is it worthwhile to pay for a membership to the zoo, etc. I just wrote about this myself, but I'd love to read a second opinion on the topic.
ReplyDeleteonefrugalgirl AT gmail DOT com
I'd like to see basic accounting for small home businesses.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to learn more about different savings accounts - I always heard about money market, CDS, etc. but I have no idea what the differences are. Also, I think this blog is the bomb. :)
ReplyDeleteSetting up a retirement when your work doesn't offer a 401K. Seriously no idea but I keep staying I need to start a retirement.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a great idea!
I thought I'd left a comment, but just in case. I'll like to know more about housing loans, property taxes, how to maximize your tax refund with your home loans... something like that. I really have no idea.
ReplyDeleteI think this is such a great idea! Plus, Lisa you are hilarious! :) I would also love hear any ideas about getting through school with as little debt as possible.
ReplyDeleteI would love a post about how to choose a good rewards credit card. Or what really effects your credit score. We are looking at getting a rewards credit card but are nervous that opening one will negatively effect us.
ReplyDeleteUh, you've already explain it to me, but I understand nothing about being an independant woman, aka an independant contractor... ?
ReplyDeleteAnd "Wesly" means Mish. Just so you know...
ReplyDeleteI'd love to read something about staying motivated to pay off debt!
ReplyDeleteKaralee pointed me to this site- looks like a good one to follow!
ReplyDelete