There is a lot for moms to manage around the holiday season. It can be magical and exhausting all at the same time! Bethany gives a pep talk this week to all the women out there doing their best to make this the best Holiday season yet!
Welcome back to another week of Motherhood and Money! This week Bethany is talking about ways to save money when shopping this holiday season--but these same tips apply all year!
- ALWAYS do your research. Check camelcamelcamel.com or Honey for good prices and cash back rewards
- Use a shopping portal like Southwest to compare prices online (check out this awesome article with a Shopping Portal Guide)
- Install browser extensions like Honey, Rakuten, or RetailMeNot for Cash Back and/or coupon codes
- Sign up for the marketing emails then use unroll.me to add them to your rollup
- Check opened box options on Amazon–examples of baby steamer and rumble seat
- Always check on facebook marketplace for giggles or join buy sell trade groups on Facebook for good deals on items
Things are really different the second time around--especially with babies! Bethany shares the things she did differently before the arrival of the baby, in the hospital, and nursing.
Some of our favorite breastfeeding resources on Instagram are:
@the.breastfeedingmama
@LALactation
@LegenDairyMilk
@MilkyMama
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
Knowing When to Say No
Water Llama
Breastfeeding the Second Time Around Article
What are Milk Ducts and Alveoli?
She is back! Going Bethany for the second week in a row, Marissa Lyda shares the birth story of her second son, Jack.
Before Marissa dives in to the full birth story, Bethany and Marissa catch up. Marissa fills Bethany in on the major events that have happened in the last week including her husband being laid off from his job (and why she is grateful for their emergency fund). They also discuss how much Bethany's recent dental work will cost (and why SHE is grateful for the HSA).
Bethany is back from maternity leave with real time episodes! Tune in to hear how life is going with Baby Bayless #2 (Ella) and get the details of her birth story. Also as a special treat, Marissa Lyda joins the conversation and hear the full story for the first time! She also catches us up on what life is like for the Lydas as a family of 4!
Also, for Bethany's birth gown, check out the Lila birthing gowns (not an affiliate).
What would the body positive conversation be without talking about moms bodies after babies?
Amanda Tice is a plus sized model, mom to George, and author of The New Mom Code: Shatter Expectations and Crush It at Motherhood. this week on The Motherhood and Money Show she chats with Bethany about postpartum bodies.
Amanda discusses her journey with body image and becoming a plus sized model. She also shares her journey of becoming a mom and fighting against "bounce back" culture. She talks about pregnancy "gems" and how we can get ahold of the mental component that comes along with body positivity.
Find Amanda on Instagram @AmandaTice or her website, https://www.amandatice.com!
Come back next week for up to date episodes as Bethany returns from her maternity leave and shares her birth story!
There's a big connection between our relationship with food and money.
This week on the show, Bethany is chatting with Jillian Lama, who is a master certified life and health coach and creator of the Body You Crave Method. They dive deep into the connections we have with food and money, as well as where we find our worth.
Jillian talks about "Buffering" which avoiding emotions by replacing them with something else like eating. Bethany talks about why she is no longer apart of the clean plate club, and how that came from a scarcity mindset. Jillian talks about how we have similar mindset with money as well.
Bethany shares how she believes that we have to fix our relationship with food or money in order to be a good model for our children. And Jillian shares how we can detach our self worth to those numbers on the scale or in our bank account.
As moms and as women, we have so many thoughts and feelings around our body image. With fads and diets and a beauty industry that makes billions each year off insecurities, it is no wonder we can some times feel as though we aren't measuring up.
Join Bethany in the first of a three part series on body image and our relationship with food as she shares her personal journey with weight, her relationship with food, and how she learned to be comfortable in her own skin.
October is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. So many members of our community have walked this journey of miscarriage or infertility. The comment we hear a lot when discussing these issues is that it is not talked about enough. It is very natural and understandable that we shy away from deeply personal and painful subjects such as this one, but today I want to dedicate an episode to talking about this subject that is more common than we realize.
Today on the podcast sharing her trying to conceive journey is Natalie Torres-Haddad. Natalie talks about the treatments they have tried and the money that is involved. She also discusses the support she has received along the way. She also touches on things NOT to say to someone on this journey as well as helpful ways we can support them as well.
Resources in this Episode:
Real Simple Money Confidential Podcast: How Do I Pay for IVF and How Much is Too Much to Spend
The Egg Whisperer: How You Can Be Supportive as a Friend
How can we communicate in relationships to elevate each other and connect with empathy, assertiveness and respect to make the most out of your relationships?
Melissa Giller, founder of Life with Soul, comes on to talk about just that. She and Bethany discuss the balance between empathy and assertiveness in relationships, and touch on several aspects of healthy communication. In the second half of the episode, they talk about friendship breakups, which can sometimes be as painful as romantic breakups. Listen as Melissa gives practical advice on how to handle friendships and how to set boundaries post-friendship.
You can find Melissa Giller on her website www.melissagiller.com or on Instagram @Melissa_Giller.
What do you do when you are trying to be financially responsible and your spouse isn't interested?
On today's episode, Bethany talks to Tammy Trenta, the founder and CEO of Family Financial (and former Apprentice contestant), on what it looks like when your spouse's financial values don't align with yours.
In this episode, Tammy talks about her personal journey with financial literacy and being married to a finically irresponsible spouse. She also discusses what do you do if you are married to someone who is not financially responsible, how to navigate getting on the same page with your spouse, and how to protect yourself if they are unwilling to change.
Attorney, mentor, and coach Sabrina Shaheen Cronin joins Bethany on the show discussing a massive topic of navigating the waters of separation, divorce, and co-parenting.
Before they get to that though, the first part of the episode is talking about habits to build a strong marriage and getting on the same page financially. Here are some sample questions Sabrina suggests to ask a potential spouse:
- What are your values?
- How much debt do you have?
- Are you a spender or saver?
- Do you have any medical bills or prior illness to keep in mind?
- If you are blending families--how are you going to treat your children vs how they treat your children when it comes to gift giving, extracurricular activities, etc.
Sometimes people might be forthcoming with values or even their income, so it is important to look for clues during those dating days. Sabrina talks bout how it is important to know where the bank accounts are, how much money is in the accounts, and not take it for granted that your spouse will pay all the bills. It is important for both people in a relationship to be involved, hands on and aware of your finances and business.
The second part of the episode, Sabrina discusses prenups, postnups, divorce and co-parenting. Never sign a postnuptial, prenuptial or any legal document without reading it first!
You can find Sabrina on Croninlawfirm.com or sabrinashaheen.com. You can also find her on Instagram @sabrinashaheencronin.
As moms we think we can and should be able to do it all in order to make us "good" moms.
This week, Bethany is continuing the conversation around this topic with coach and accidental entrepreneur Suzanne Culberg.
After discussing Blue and Hamilton, they dive into the big topic about the habits that can help overcoming over-giving and how to say No in a way that feels good. They touch on Mom-cations, daycare, self-care, and the guilt associated with why moms have a hard time being "selfish". Suzanne also talks about modeling good boundaries with our children so they are able to take these habits for themselves in the future. They also discuss gender roles and the part partners play in parenting, household chores, and bringing in income.
Motherhood is no joke. Between the mom-shaming, mom-guilt, trying to do ALLL the things, and failing to live up to our own (sometimes unrealistic) expectations for ourselves, we are often in danger of total mom burnout.
This week on The Motherhood and Money Show, join Bethany as she talks with LaKeisha Entsuah, founder and Chief Wellness Officer behind the Well Beauty Lab podcast and blog, about ways to deal with burnout. The touch on painting the picture of your ideal day and seeing how it differs from your reality, clearing the clutter out of your schedule and knowing your limits.
The conversation turns personal as LeKeisha shares her story of what lead her to turning her career in pharmaceutical manufacturing into a plant based beauty brand and how she shifted her focus to wellness. Bethany and LeKeisha both share stories of burnout as moms and what they did to handle those seasons of life.
You can find LaKeisha on Instagram at @wellbeautylab.
As Mamas, we all face the wide spectrum of medical incidents with our children. Wether it be a scrape or cut, fever, allergic reaction, or worse, it is hard to know when to call the doctor or if it warrants a trip to the ER.
On today's episode, 12 year nurse and mama of twins Kristen O'Brien joins us to talk through several different medical scenarios and how to react. She and Bethany discuss common visits for fevers, recognizing an allergic reaction, common medications given, frequent injuries in kids, as well as what to call the pediatrician/doctor for versus go to urgent care or go to the ER.
Kristen also explains the emergency room visit process to provide a better understanding of what to expect when you visit. Bethany and Kristen also touch on the importance of water safety and why every parent should know the basics of CPR!
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Steve Jo on TikTok
TinyHood Infant CPR Online Course Baby 101: The Parenting Prerequisite
You can find Kristen over at Twin Mama Blogs!
Motherhood requires a lot when it comes to planning for the best should the worst happen. An important conversation to have is who will watch your kids if something was to happen to you or your partner.
This week, Rebecca Salgado returns to The Motherhood and Money Show with important questions to ask when picking out a guardian for your child, including:
- Would the kids be uprooted?
- How old are your kids? How old are your guardians?
- Do your values align
- Are they financially responsible
- What’s their relationship with the children
- Do they have to be family
- Are they willing to be a guardian?
These questions are taken from the Huffing Post Article "Who Should Get Your Kids If You Die? There's More To It Than You Think."
Do Self-Employed mamas get "maternity leave"?
On the podcast today, Jordis Small, graphic designer and entrepreneur, joins Bethany talking about the pros and cons of being self-employed and preparing for baby. This is a great conversation that touches outsourcing, preparing financially to step away from business, and the tight rope moms take when working and mom-ing full time.
Spoiler: we don't have the answers! But Bethany and Jordis have a great conversation about the difficulty balancing it all.
Resources mentioned in this Episode:
Jenna Kutcher
Book a one-on-one call with Jordis!
How can we raise MOSTLY money smart kids?
On The Motherhood and Money Show today, Bethany has Robin Taub of The Wisest Investment on talking about three easy-to-implement strategies for time-starved parents who want to raise responsible, independent, money-smart kids.
Robin is passionate about helping parents, grandparents and other teachers have money conversations with their children. Beginning at age five, right through to their twenties, she lays out a financial roadmap and shares strategies for teaching them about the Five Pillars of Money: Earn, Save, Spend, Share and Invest.
To find out more about Robin visit her website!
Life is all about balance - especially while parenting.
On today's episode, Bethany talks to Allie Gabelman of Financial Intentions about how being intentional with your finances is a process of diligently reviewing and being mindful with your money. She reminds us to make sure that you are only spending money on things that are necessary or actually bring you and your family joy.
Allie also talks about how intentional spending is NOT extreme frugality. It is instead, ensuring you spend on what you truly need, or what brings you joy, and minimizing or eliminating the rest. The purpose of intentional spending is to be able to maximize how much money you have each month to send to your investments and savings goals. So it is important to know your "WHY" and keep that in mind when aiming to spend intentionally.
Welcome back for week two of talking about documents needed after having a child!
This week Bethany and returning guest (and social media manager for The Motherhood & Money Show!) Rebecca Salgado discuss Estate planning--including setting up your will, trust, guardianship for your children, and power of attorney.
Every state is different. For information about your state please see https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/estate-planning-your-state.
These conversations are incredibly important and timely as we plan for the best should the worst happen. If you missed Part One, head back to last week's episode to hear about life insurance.
Today on The Motherhood and Money Show, we have our very own social media manager Rebecca Salgado! Rebecca also happens to be a health advocacy attorney in California.
Today Bethany and Rebecca go over documents you need after having a child. This is part one in a two part series where they will be covering Life Insurance. Next week they will cover Estate Planning (will, trust, appointing a guardian to care for your children, advanced healthcare directive, and power of attorney for financial decisions).
Rebecca goes over the two main types term and whole. Term is for a specific amount of time like 10 years. Whole life generally lasts your entire life. Beware with whole life insurance policies because if you’re late or miss a payment it could invalidate the entire policy, meaning your beneficiaries get nothing.
Everyone’s personal situation varies, but generally people are better off getting term life and building their investments. Usually 150 a month to an investment account will provide better financial security than the risk that comes with a whole life insurance policy.
Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
Term vs Whole Life Insurance
Let's have some fun this summer--and maybe consider some self care in the process!
You deserve a break, Mama! Here are a few ideas you can do this summer to give yourself a little pick me up. We talk about healthy budgets having a space for spending money, and here are a few ideas of summer fun that might fit that self-care list.
Ranging from free to a tad bit more of a splurge, consider taking time to do something for yourself today. You deserve it!
Here are a few ideas we had:
- A floppy sun hat
- Pretty dress/outfit
- Some snazzy sunnies (sunglasses)
- Iced coffee/water cup
- Library card for you or your kids
- A light beach read
- Mani/pedi
- Blowout
- Laundry service or housekeeper
- Day at water park
What are some of your favorite self care splurges?
Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
Little Libraries
Libby App
Mother's Day Episode with Bethany's Mom
We have heard it some many times--every pregnancy is different and every baby is different! In this episode, Bethany dives into the experiences and expenses she is discovering with Baby #2!
Resources Mentioned in this Episode (may contain affiliate links)
Glucose Test Article
Preparing for Baby #2 Episode with Marissa Lyda
Babylist
I listened when you asked for it--we talk all things Investing today!
If you haven't yet, please listen to Part 1 of this episode to hear Amanda talk about the basics of investing!
This episode centers around your questions on investing, including what are the best funds to invest in, how much of your monthly income should go to investing, and what are the best apps to help with investing?
If you want a chance to submit your questions for future episodes, make sure you are following over on Instagram @motherhoodandmoneyshow!
Resources Mentioned in this Episode (may contain affiliate links)
I listened when you asked for it--we talk all things Investing today!
Amanda Holden compares investing to learning a language. It required a lot of education and practice when it comes to these concepts of invest, so don't beat yourself up if you aren't born knowing about Investing. For many women, finding the right teacher or network.
Amanda also discusses the role women have when it comes to investing and who statistically actually invests better over the long run. We discuss where to get started in investing as well as excellent people to follow as you continue your investing journey and education.
Resources Mentioned in this Episode (may contain affiliate links)
Holiday Season Pep Talk
42:58
Saving Money This Holiday Season (and All Year Round!)
28:11
Things I Did Differently With Baby #2
34:31
Marissa Lyda's Second Birth Story!
1:12:26
SHE'S BACK! Life Update and Birth Story From Bethany
1:00:35
Bodies After Babies with Amanda Tice
39:12
The Connection with Food and Money with Jillian Lama of The Body You Crave
39:50
My Journey with Body Image
40:30
Walking the Trying to Conceive Journey with Natalie Torres-Haddad
44:00
Communicating to Elevate with Melissa Giller of Life with Soul
44:59
Being Married to Someone Financially Irresponsible with Tammy Trenta of Family Financial
46:09
Finances Concerning Prenups, Postnups, Divorce, and Co-Parenting with Sabrina Shaheen Cronin
37:51
Overcoming Over-giving with Suzanne Culberg
35:43
Dealing with Burnout in Motherhood with LaKeisha Entsuah of Well Beauty Lab
43:47
Tips from the ER with Kristen O'Brien of Twin Mama Blog
42:59
Questions to Ask When Selecting a Guardian for Your Child with Rebecca Salgado
44:46
Maternity Leave for the Self-Employed with Jordis Small of Stellen Design
42:41
Raising Financially Responsible Kids with Robin Taub of The Wisest Investment
25:02
Having a Financially Intentional Mindset with Allie Gabelman of Financial Intentions
33:43
Documents Needed After Having a Child: Pt. 2 Estate Planning (Will, Trust, Guardianship)
38:02
Documents Needed After Having a Child Pt. 1: Life Insurance
31:02
Mama's Summer Self-Care Ideas
30:04
Unexpected Experiences and Expenses with Baby #2
41:23
Investing 101 with Amanda Holden of Dumpster Doggy Pt. 2
31:00
Investing 101 with Amanda Holden of Dumpster Doggy
31:36