The Beauty Battalion - Featuring Beauty In All Shapes & Sizes April 2017 | Page 14

Having a Baby?

There's more to being prepared than just diapers and fluffy blankets. Here are 5 things you should know before bringing that bundle of joy home.

If you or someone you love has welcomed a baby recently, you know that there are countless things to think about when you’re adjusting to life as a parent. All too often, selecting strollers, getting feeding schedules established, and finding time to SLEEP can be all consuming – and bigger picture priorities can be pushed aside. Whether it’s in your last months of pregnancy or the first weeks of your baby’s life, below are five crucial items that should sit at the top of every new parent’s to-do list.

Remember, your new baby needs you to care for them and think ahead – it’s part of responsible parenting and none of these tasks require more than an hour of two of your time.

Plan for the Inevitable

It’s an uncomfortable thought for most people, and many younger couples put it off for years because it’s the last thing on their minds in their 20s or 30s. Get Wills, Living Wills and Power of Attorney documents drafted by a lawyer. It’s quick and inexpensive – often less than $1,000 to have husband and wife documents completed. If you fail to establish a Will, state law governs how your estate gets distributed and the guardianship of your minor children.

Life Insurance

A term life insurance policy is very inexpensive when you are young and healthy, especially for non-smokers. The annual premium for a 20-year term policy with $1 million dollars of coverage is typically less than a few hundred dollars per year. Name your children as beneficiaries, and the proceeds can even be directed for education, healthcare or other essential expenses.

Start Saving

With college tuition continually on the rise, you need to start saving as early as possible – possibly even before your child is born! A 529 College Savings Plan is a great way to start socking away money. The money grows tax-free, and it’s not taxed when taken out for college. Most plans are very hands off; you can set up automatic monthly contributions and the funds can be used for all qualifying educational expenses. You can adjust your contribution amounts, and even grandparents can gift money to the account at any time. A terrific answer to “what does Johnny need for his birthday?” when your playroom is bursting at the seams!

In-Home Care Protocol

Face it, you are going to need some help when you have young children. Babysitters, handymen, night nurses and perhaps even someone to help with meals, laundry and cooking. Unless they are family members, run background checks, get a copy of their driver’s license and have an interview process and job application form. It may sound like overkill, but there is nothing more important than your and your children’s safety. Online services abound for forms and background checks – use them.

Neighborhood Awareness

You may think you know everyone in your neighborhood, but it doesn’t hurt to use the public databases available today to confirm there’s no one questionable near your home. For peace of mind that there are no registered sex offenders living in your neighborhood, coaching your children or giving your children music lessons, conduct a quick and simple online search for registered offenders in your community. Some of the websites are free, others require payment. Run a search every few months – it’s an easy investment toward your most precious assets!

Scott Reidenbach is the founding principal of Reidenbach & Associates, based in Wayne, Pennsylvania. Reidenbach & Associates, LLC concentrates its practice in the areas of Real Estate, Condominium and Community Association Law, Business and Civil Litigation. The firm provide innovative and strategic representation to planned communities, individuals, families, professionals, non-profits and small, privately-held businesses.

By Scott Reidenbach

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