Happy Monday,

I hope everyone had a great weekend and welcome to all of those who joined us! I’m absolutely exhausted after my Philadelphia Eagles tried their hardest to give me a heart attack yesterday. Fortunately, my daughter went relatively unscathed this weekend and didn’t give me any additional grey hairs.

Proud to announce I also started out the month on a dad high by installing a baby gate, and I think I did a pretty damn good job, but feel free to reply to this email and let me know so yourself. If you have tips, feedback, or even a new DIY dad challenge for me, hit reply. I'll be sure to share my experiences (and maybe a few of your suggestions) in our next editions.

Loving Parenthood? Be sure to share it with your family, friends, and social network and encourage them to join our community!

One Big Idea

Unlocking the power of the 529 Savings Plan

Becoming a parent opens up a world of joys and challenges, and surprisingly, a lot of financial planning. One of the major future expenses we often worry about? Education. Enter the 529 savings plan: arguably the most powerful tool parents can use for this purpose. Its primary allure? The potential for tax-free growth, provided the funds are used for qualified education expenses. This feature makes the 529 plan a robust buffer against the unpredictabilities of market fluctuations.

But the 529 isn’t just for college. Its versatility extends to K-12 tuition, apprenticeship programs, and even student loan repayments. Think of it as a multifaceted instrument tailored to various financial needs. With over 100 different plans on offer, there's bound to be one syncing perfectly with your family's aspirations. In an era where education costs are skyrocketing, leaning into a 529 plan is a prudent move towards future-proofing.

Here are some tips to get started:

• Start Early: The sooner you launch your 529 plan, the longer it has to grow. Even modest contributions can accumulate into a significant college fund over time

• Explore Your Options: With numerous plans available, take the time to explore and select one that aligns with your financial situation and educational goals. It's worth considering the tax benefits offered by your state’s plan, but you’re not confined to it

• Diversify Your Investments: If you opt for a college savings plan, diversification can help mitigate difficult financial times. Consider consulting a financial advisor to help chart a course that balances growth potential with risk management

Trending Stories & Insights

• Congress failed to address the child care cliff. Congresswoman Sara Jacobs discusses what’s next

• You tell me, is this going to far? Parents are hiring concierge services for their college students, leaving to professionals some duties usually done by mom, including hugs

• When asked about his legacy and future, Mick Jagger said he wouldn’t be selling his recording catalogue, because “the children don’t need $500 million to live well”

Tip of the Day

• A neuropsychologist shares 3 phrases that parents should never use in order to raise kids with a high degree of emotional intelligence

F**k it, here’s a dad joke

Have you ever had a bad sausage?

Scroll to the bottom of the newsletter for the answer!

Time(out) for Memes