Mixed emotions about sending our children back to school, right? More virtual learning? How are things going to change (again)?? How is this impacting their overall educational development? So. Many. Questions!

Yes, it has been a challenging and interesting journey so far. First of all, I think we as parents should be proud of what we accomplished under very tough circumstances this past school year. Seriously, since you’re probably not getting it from anywhere else, I want to share that I think you are amazing for adapting on the fly to become a steadying force in your child(ren)’s education.

Prepare yourself though. It doesn’t end here. The pandemic will be changing the landscape of secondary and higher education. I think we are all curious as to how but it’s a little too early to tell. The takeaway? Change is constant so we need to be prepared. Mentally, emotionally, financially… We got this!

The learning never stops and either does our role in thinking about what else WE can do to support their educational development. I don’t know about you but my daughter engages more when we participate in activities together. From stacking blocks as a 1 year old to reading chapter books together now. Omg she is getting so old…

A good parent is constantly thinking about how they can best enrich and support their child’s academic development. Yes, we have schools for that, however, the guidance and encouragement from us is key. We need to foster aspirations of higher education.

I’ve said it before, and I will say it again. You need to think about saving for their future education. Now. That is our role, not theirs. Yes, I get that the hardest part is getting started. But, let’s be honest, it’s like that with most things new, right? Especially things that are good for us – diet, exercise, saving money, etc. But once you are in that routine – it becomes habitual. Just like that. Magic!

And it’s not just me telling you to get your butts in gear! Leaders in educational finance understand the barriers and, to their credit, are continuously finding ways to help us get kickstarted. Kudos!

In Massachusetts, a new savings program, fittingly named BabySteps, launched this year. The BabySteps Savings Plan is Massachusetts’ first statewide seeded college savings account program. BabySteps jumpstarts families into saving for their children’s future college and vocational costs as soon as they enroll. Every child born or adopted on or after January 1, 2020 who is a Massachusetts resident will be eligible to receive a $50 seed deposit when a U.Fund College Investing Plan is opened. Families simply need to open a U.Fund account within one year of their child’s birth or adoption to receive their funds.

If you haven’t already, my advice is to do your research on the topic of saving for college. Whether you live in Massachusetts like myself or in another U.S. state or country, there are resources out there to help you get this established. Just needs your time and effort. It’s so worth it. And, as always, I am happy to help as I can so don’t hesitate to reach out

The resources available are so helpful that I am going to keep talking about this topic and share all I can to help you start saving for college. Or trade school. Or a vocational program. Whatever it is. Just get in that routine. Build a culture centered on saving for the future! You’ll really thank yourself later.

This post is sponsored by Fidelity & MEFA. However, all views expressed are my own.