Tax Series #3: What are some easy ways to file my return? (Includes Coupon Code!)

Tax time. It rolls around every year. How are you going to get that pesky return filed? Here at Money Hip Mamas, we're here to help. There are a million different tax preparation services, so I polled my friends (many of which are tax accountants themselves) to get the scoop on the best options out there.

Do-It-Yourself Software

For A Basic Return

Taxslayer.com - My good accountant friend Nate has

Getting Your Toddler (or Baby!) to Sleep In

How much would you pay to get your toddler or child to always sleep in (or at least happily stay in bed) until a decent hour? If your answer is $30, keep reading...

***UPDATE: Just used this clock successfully with my 10-month-old as well. I love my life.

Not too long ago, I was fighting the almost-daily battle of a two-year-old waking up too early. I found the most glorious solution and have been singing its praises so loudly and so often, I finally decided to write up a blog post so I can send a link rather than re-typing my explanation of this marvelous invention.

It's called the "Ok to Wake Children's Alarm Clock and Nightlight." Lauren recommended it to me a long time ago and I must admit, I hesitated several months before buying it ($30 isn't a fortune, but I'm pretty cheap and was skeptical it would work). By the time I got frustrated and exhausted enough to order it, I almost paid extra for the one-day shipping. In addition to a toddler, I had a newborn and was desperate for any extra sleep.

How It Works:

Budget Boot Camp - To Do #1: Calculate Your Net Worth

Pop Quiz: 

How is it possible that rich, famous MULTI-millionaires can end up not only broke, but in huge amounts of debt? I hate to call out the beloved “U Can’t Touch This” creator, but MC Hammer is the perfect example. And how is it possible that my own dear Grandpa was able to comfortably provide for his large family and have plenty saved for retirement working as a humble dairy delivery man? Budgeting, baby. Many people think the solution to financial stress is to make more money, but that's just one part of the equation. Without budgeting, it doesn't matter how much money you make because it won't ever be enough. Not only will budgeting help you avoid financial disaster, it's how you'll reach your financial goals (Don't have any specific financial goals? You will next month--stay tuned!).

Just like regular boot camp, if you're out of budgeting shape, this isn't going to be easy. Adopting any new habit takes dedication, but we're here to help by breaking it down into one manageable task (or “To Do” Item) per month. Stick with us and you'll end 2014 with a

Free (and Easy) Budget Bootcamp - Join Us!

Pin this here--> http://bit.ly/1mkKw1N
A lot of people have been asking for help with their budgets, so during 2014, we're determined to help you all become pros at the foundation of personal finance: BUDGETING! We decided to make a cool (and free!) once-a-month budgeting boot camp.

Basically, we're offering to be your FREE budget consultants. So if you've been wanting to get in the habit of budgeting, this is a great opportunity! Take advantage of our overzealousness. Both of our families have recently expanded, so who knows when we'll ever have the energy for an opportunity like this again. :)

How to join?

If you already subscribe to our blog through e-mail, Feedly, etc., don't do a thing. You'll already get the Budget Boot Camp as part of our blog. Otherwise...

Send us your e-mail (it will only be used for the once-a-month MHM Budget Boot Camp):

Sign me up for Budget Boot Camp!

Email Address *

Cute (and Cheap!) DIY Valentine's Day Decorations

This post has been moved to my new blog MoneyFitMoms.comx

See DIY Valentine's Date Decorations post here.

Plus, here are the BEST Stay at Home Date Ideas.

By the way, check out this post if you're looking for how to save money fast.

Our Top Posts of 2013

It seems like just yesterday, Lauren and I were joking about starting a blog. We've had so much fun these past few months (and learned a LOT--we promise MHM will keep getting better). We can't thank you enough for helping us by reading, pinning, and sharing. Our monthly views have grown 300% since we launched our blog in August. For 2014, we'll be providing more personal finance tips and fun projects. Keep the comments coming--we're always looking for feedback for topic ideas.

In case you missed any of our top posts for 2013, here they are. Even though our "fun stuff" posts are usually the most popular, we'll never abandon our goal to help everyone become more financially prepared and money savvy because it's something we're passionate about. We like to think of our "Fun Thursday" posts as the medicine that helps the "Money Monday" posts go down. :) Thanks for sticking with us!

1. DIY Fabric Headboard
2. DIY Ornament Wreath
3. How to Host a My Favorite Things Party
4. Saving for Kids' College Education
5. 10 Money Making Jobs for the Stay-At-Home Mom
6. 3 Easy Ways to Make a Room Brighter
7. Best Birthday Freebies
8. How to Survive When Your Toddler Breaks His Leg

Any specific topics you want us to cover in 2014?

Your 2014 Financial Goal

In What About Bob, Richard Dreyfuss' character Dr. Marvin talks about BABY STEPS, "It means setting small, reasonable goals for yourself, one day at a time, one tiny step at a time."
Obviously, for people who've seen this movie, hilarity ensues ("I'm sailing!"), but the advice still works. What's the best way to become a financial rock star? By setting small, reasonable goals for yourself, one day at a time, one tiny step at a time.

A blurry picture of my first little guy's baby steps.

Do you think you're the only one who has need for improvement? Just since we started this blog, I've been reading Lauren's posts with interest and making improvements to my own finances. Specifically, just in the last few months since we started this blog, I