Lifestyle

Planning for the Future with Florida Prepaid College Plans

This post is sponsored by Florida Prepaid College Plans. Use Florida Prepaid College Plans promo code SWEET1920 to save on your application fee. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Please see my disclosure policy.

March is here, and that means spring is in the air! While many kids and parents are preparing for spring break, this is also a great time to think about opening a Florida Prepaid College Plan. Don’t forget that Open Enrollment is now through April 30, and you can use promo code SWEET1920 to save $25 off your enrollment fee!

With Florida Prepaid College Plans, you can start saving for your child’s college education early. In fact, did you know that many parents open a Florida Prepaid College Plan for their child when they are born? Not only is this a wise decision that will help your child to attend college with little or no cost, but it will also keep your child from going into debt with college loans. The average student loan debt is over $31,000. Think of how long that would take your child to pay off that debt! Wouldn’t it be amazing if your child could graduate from college debt free? It can be done thanks to help from Florida Prepaid College Plans!

I have decided that there are things in life I am willing to sacrifice so that my children can have a good education. Just think, if you gave up a cup of coffee or snack at your favorite coffee shop several times per week you could be putting that money towards a Florida Prepaid College Plan for your child! In fact, Florida Prepaid College Plans are the lowest price that they have been in over 5 years with plans starting at just $44 per month!

Florida Prepaid College Plans allows you to plan for your child’s future education without stressing and worrying about the details. They do it all for you! Simply pick the plan that fits into your savings goals and lock in the cost of college for less! You will get such peace of mind in knowing that your child’s future is covered. In addition, Florida Prepaid College Plans are  guaranteed by the State of Florida — you will never lose your investment.

Which Schools Accept Florida Prepaid College Plans?

One of the biggest concerns that I hear from many parents is not knowing which Florida Schools accept Florida Prepaid College Plans. The answer to this question is almost all of them! While Florida Prepaid Plans were designed to be used at in-state public institutions, the amount covered by the plan can also be used at technical and vocational schools. Both Florida Prepaid College Plans and Florida 529 Savings Plans benefits may be applied to any eligible educational institution, as defined in s. 529 of the Internal Revenue Code. See the entire list of schools by using the Federal School Code search through the U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid Office. I have the entire list for you below as to which Florida Colleges and Universities that accept Florida Prepaid Plans.

Florida Colleges and Universities that Accept Florida Prepaid College Plans:

  1. Broward College – Fort Lauderdale
  2. Chipola College – Marianna
  3. College of Central Florida – Ocala
  4. Daytona State College – Daytona Beach
  5. Eastern Florida State College – Cocoa
  6. Florida Gateway College – Lake City
  7. Florida Keys Community College – Key West
  8. Florida SouthWestern State College – Fort Myers
  9. Florida State College at Jacksonville – Jacksonville
  10. Gulf Coast State College – Panama City
  11. Hillsborough Community College – Tampa
  12. Indian River State College – Fort Pierce
  13. Lake-Sumter State College – Sumterville
  14. Miami Dade College – Miami
  15. North Florida Community College – Madison
  16. Northwest Florida State College – Niceville
  17. Palm Beach State College – Lake Worth
  18. Pasco-Hernando State College – New Port Richey
  19. Pensacola State College – Pensacola
  20. Polk State College – Winter Haven
  21. Santa Fe College – Gainesville
  22. Seminole State College – Sanford
  23. South Florida State College – Avon Park
  24. St. Petersburg College – St. Petersburg
  25. St. Johns River State College – Palatka
  26. State College of Florida – Manatee-Sarasota
  27. Tallahassee Community College – Tallahassee
  28. Valencia College – Orlando
  29. Florida A&M University – Tallahassee
  30. Florida Atlantic University – Boca Raton
  31. Florida Gulf Coast University – Fort Myers
  32. Florida International University – Miami
  33. Florida Polytechnic University – Lakeland
  34. Florida State University – Tallahassee
  35. New College of Florida – Sarasota
  36. University of Central Florida – Orlando
  37. University of Florida – Gainesville
  38. University of North Florida – Jacksonville
  39. University of South Florida – Tampa
  40. University of West Florida – Pensacola

Do Private Schools Accept Florida Prepaid College Plans?

The answer is YES! With your Florida Prepaid Plan, the value that you pay to the other schools is the same as they would have paid to a Florida school. Even if you save with a traditional Prepaid Plan and your child decides to attend private school, you can still use your plan, you are just responsible for the difference. This is so great to know! I think most people are under the impression that their child has to attend a state school with Florida Prepaid and that is simply not the case.

Can My Child Attend an Out of State School?

I have good news! Your Florida Prepaid College Plan travels too! The plan will pay the same amount as it would pay at a public college or university in Florida. Plus, if your child returns to a Florida school, the Plan qualifies them for in-state tuition. I would encourage you to check out the full list of these schools by using the Federal School Code Search through the U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid Office.

How Do I Get Started With Florida Prepaid College Plans?

Now that you know a little bit about which colleges and universities accept Florida Prepaid College Plans, you are ready to start saving for your child’s future! I realize that many people such as myself may be on a strict budget and don’t feel that they have the extra money to set aside towards a college fund for their children. Think again! My husband I personally love Florida Prepaid because they make saving for college easy, affordable and stress free! Florida Prepaid has plans for every budget.

I would suggest that you use the Florida Prepaid Pricing Tool. This tool is a fantastic resource that will help you calculate exactly how much your monthly payments will be for each plan. You simply enter the child’s date of birth and it will give you the monthly cost for each plan! See, I  told you that they make it super easy! There is NO reason to not invest!

When it comes to plan options, there are many different options available. May I suggest that if you are looking for a budget-friendly option that you start small with the 1-Year University Plan? This is the plan that we enrolled Brady with last year and I could not be more pleased. It is such a flexible option and even allows for different family members to purchase an additional year if they want to, adding up to 4 years! It is better to start small than not have anything at all. You can see the entire list of plans available HERE.

So, what are you waiting for? Join my family and the over 1 million other Florida families who have already invested with Florida Prepaid! When you invest in the gift of education, you are giving your children to the opportunity to be the leaders of tomorrow! I am so thankful for Florida Prepaid and we know that Brady has a wonderful future ahead of him thanks to help from our Florida Prepaid College Plan! Use promo code SWEET1920 to save $25 off your application fee. Open Enrollment is now through April 30.

Do you still have questions? Be sure to visit the Florida Prepaid College Plans FAQ question page HERE. In addition, I have several other posts HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE that may also help answer your questions!

Creating the Perfect Nursery

(All posts may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. Please see my disclosure policy)

Creating a nursery is so much fun, but no matter how prepared you feel, it’s hard knowing where to start. When I was creating Brady’s nursery, I had no idea where to start. There are so many things that you are supposed to buy, so many things that you are supposed to do, and it can be very overwhelming. If you are in the same boat when it comes to creating a nursery for your bundle of joy that is on the way, keep reading. Here are a few ways that you can create a special and perfect nursery for your bundle:

Consider Your Space

First of all, you absolutely need to consider your space. What do you have room for? When it comes to creating a nursery (especially if it is your first one), it is very important to crawl before you can walk, no pun intended. Make sure you are not getting too carried away with all of the crazy things that you see on Pinterest and instead, focus on what is practical and what you can fit in your space.

The first thing you need to consider, like I mentioned, is the amount of available space that you have. You do not want the room to look too cluttered, so you might have to cut back on some of the non-essentials and only choose essential items, such as a crib, a recliner or rocker, and a dresser/changing table.

My favorite way to help yourself out with this process is by creating a tentative floor plan. Draw a rough outline of the room and then pencil in each piece of furniture. Of course, sizing will probably be off, but this gives you a great start before you actually take the time to measure.

However, you do not have to consider your space if you are moving, which a lot of couples choose to do when finding out that they are having a baby. If this sounds like your situation, make sure that you are making sure that the home works for you now and in the future, as well. So, look at the nursery size, consider the number of bathrooms and what is in the bathrooms (is the tub safe, etc.), will the home have a playroom, etc. Tell your real estate agent that you are expecting and need a home that is safe for your baby-to-be. The reason why you need to be so specific with your wants and needs is because “purchasing a property is most likely the biggest financial decision you will ever make. Whether this is your first purchase or you are an experienced buyer, this decision must be made carefully,” according to Erin King with Jax Historic Realty. “Erin, who previously worked in financial services and holds an MBA with an economics focus, brings a deep understanding of buying and selling historic homes. He enjoys sharing that knowledge with clients, from how to fit a 21st century lifestyle into a historic home and where to seek financing for renovation with a home purchase, to accurately pricing homes in Historic Districts such as Riverside, Avondale, Ortega, Springfield, Murray Hill, and San Marco. Erin, who prides himself on close attention to detail and quick response to clients, has put together a support team of contractors and other professionals who help transactions go smoothly.” So, no matter if you are looking for old homes for sale in San Marco, or a new build, talk with Erin, or your personal real estate agent to make sure that you are getting what you need for your growing family.

Choose A Color Palette

Next up: choose a color palette! This is a really fun part. Do you know that you are having a girl? Maybe you will go with a blush pink color, or periwinkle blue with a hint of purple in it. If you are having a boy, consider a gorgeous light blue color, or maybe an emerald green accent wall. There are so many colors to choose from and this just makes the process very real and fun. When you do choose a color palette, consider the nursery furniture, your flooring, and any ‘unchangeable’ items first. Then, you can choose all of the colors for the walls and decor options. My friend, Alex, chose to go with all neutrals: white, cream, and light beige, with just a few pops of light blush. I think that is a beautiful color palette for her first baby girl. Plus, it is simple enough to last a while.

Know Your Needs vs. Wants

Any new mom or dad is going to go a little crazy and that is okay, but definitely take the time to consider what is a need and what is a want, or you will end up with a very cluttered room, which is not so great or practical and it will only make your life harder in the long run. Diapers? Obviously that is a need. Wipes? Same. A cute unicorn jumpy house? Uhhh… maybe that is not so practical, especially not for a newborn. You get the point! What is a need vs. a want is somewhat similar for everyone, but it is also based on what will make your life easier as a parent. There is no right or wrong way to parent and you just need to see what works best for you! 

Add Personalized Touches

Last but not least, add personalized touches. Have you picked out a name yet? Maybe consider adding it above her or his crib. Do you have a special blanket picked out? Maybe embroider his or her name on the blanket. This is not only a cute touch, but also a great keepsake to have in the future. There are so many ways to add personalized touches to a nursery and in my opinion, it is the best part, so have fun with it.

Macy’s: Gibson 42 Piece Dinnerware Set Only $39.99 Shipped! (Reg. $120) – 3 Style Options

(All posts may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. Please see my disclosure policy)

These Gibson Dinnerware sets are back at Macy’s! I purchased these several years ago when this offer was available and we LOVE this set! If you need new dinnerware get this set, you won’t regret it! It has been such an awesome purchase!

 Macy’s.com is offering the Gibson 42 Piece Dinnerware Set for only $37.99! (Reg. $120) And, you will score Free Shipping on orders of $25 or more.  There are 3 style options to choose from.

GO HERE to take advantage of this offer.

Explore The Alley at Belleair Bluffs!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of The Alley at Belleair Bluffs; however, all thoughts and opinions are my own.  Please see my disclosure policy)

I recently had the amazing opportunity to explore The Alley at Belleair Bluffs here in the Tampa Bay area with my friend Marsha from Plate Girl. Located at 596 Indian Rocks Road in Belleair Bluffs, FL, this hidden gem is home to many cute, yet quaint stores that are filled with vintage and eclectic pieces as well as clothing and even delicious food options.

I actually visited this past Saturday, November 30, which was Shop Small Saturday. What fun it was for me as we toured some of the stores, and to hear from each owner as to how they began their business. It is evident to me that each owner really understands their business and takes pride in what they are doing! Everyone was so friendly and made me feel welcome!

We began our tour of The Alley at The Astoria Pastry Shop. This European Bakery has everything from homemade pastries to custom cakes, and they serve delicious ILLY coffee. We had the most delicious cappucinos and sweet treat that helped us get our day off to a great start! The Astoria Pastry Shop is so charming, and they offer both indoor and outdoor seating. It is the perfect stop for coffee with a friend, or you can pick up treats for the go!

Our next stop along the way was Petal and Vine Garden & Marketplace. This store offers exquisite floral arrangements, delectables and unique gifts. There are gift ideas for everyone on your gift list! I especially loved meeting Petals the Deer! This deer is a staple at Petal and Vine and they had him all decorated for the Christmas holidays! Whether you need fresh flowers, a gift for a friend, or a few new items to spruce up your space, be sure to check out Petal and Vine Garden & Marketplace!

Our next stop along the way was Victoria’s Parlour. This shop is unlike any that you have ever been to before and offers everything from paintings, jewelry, oriental rugs, buttons and so much more! The owner, Victoria, has a great love for oriental rugs. In fact, both her parents and grandparents were in the rug business! She has many photos of her family from years gone by showcasing their love of the rug business. Victoria also takes great pride in her button collection. You would not believe the collection of buttons that she has! I highly suggest that you stop by Victoria’s Parlour to see what goodies that she has to offer!

 

After Victoria’s Parlour, we headed over to Lemon Tree Vintage Market. This adorable store offers refreshed and repurposed furniture, the cutest home decor, gifts, clothing and more! I love all the cute lemon pieces! If you need a gift for that hard-to-buy for person, be sure to check out Lemon Tree Vintage Market. They offer something for everyone!

 

I thoroughly enjoyed our next visit along the way at Jewel Antique Mall. This mall houses over 10,000 square feet of antiques, collectibles and treasures from over 30 dealers! If you have been searching for that special something, chances are that Jewell Antique Mall has it!

We also stopped along the way to check out Reloved Resale Consignment and Shabby 2 Chic. If you are into vintage clothing, jewelry and shoes, then Reloved Resale Consignment is sure to be your new favorite stop! In addition, they offer new and designer items as well. I found a gorgeous Talbots Black Velvet Blazer on the clearance rack for $1! I also scored from the 50% off sale and purchased a brown leather Coldwater Creek jacket for only $12! If you have unwanted clothing and shoes, you can drop it off here and they will consign your items for you!

Shabby 2 Chic is such a wonderful store and I love their mission! They support single moms through Shepherd’s Village with all of the donations and items that they receive. They have the cutest designer clothing and shoes at unbeatable prices!

After all of the walking around, we needed a snack and drink so we headed to Belleair Market. Belleair Market is an establishment in the area and they are known for their selection of cigars, wines, Cuban sandwiches, snacks and so much more. The owners bought this an old convenience store six years ago, and it is now a favorite stop for so many in Belleair. I love how they take Cigar Boxes and repurpose them into gift boxes! They also offer homemade family meals like meatloaf and goulash for those nights you don’t have time to cook, as well as WonderRoast Fresh Rotisserie Chicken (one of the only left in the area) and fully catered meals for holidays or special gatherings. Belleair Market has it all! I had a delicious chicken salad sandwich made from their fresh rotisserie chicken and it was so delicious! 

Our last stop along the way was at Pallet Creations and More. This is the home to the She Shed and my friend Marsha’s space, Plate Girl. They offer stunning pieces of repurposed furniture, home decor, collectibles and more. Marsha’s space at Plate Girl is filled with plates, glassware and so many other collections. She definitely has an eye for finding gorgeous and unique pieces. Be sure to stop by and check out all the gift and home decor ideas!

No stop to The Alley at Belleair Bluffs is complete without a visit to Provence Art & Antiques. This space specializes in antique furniture, vintage accessories and creatively repurposed artisanal pieces. The garden out back is stunning. I felt like I was in a Hallmark Movie as everything was so lovely and quaint! The owner even grows fresh rosemary out front, and she was kind enough to give both Marsha and I some. It smells heavenly!

Some other shops that we did not have time to visit in The Alley are: Urban Nest Stationary, Orchid Interiors, Kay Keeling’s Art Adventure, Collum’s Antiques, Chloe’s Decor, Lady Angelo’s Art and Jewel Cafe. I will definitely be going back to explore these places for myself! 

Are you ready to go and check out The Alley at Belleair Bluffs for yourself? I have some exciting news! This Friday night, December 6, from 5-9pm, they are hosting a Winter Market! There will be vendors, live entertainment and holiday specials! Pile the family in the car and head over for a fun evening, and get some holiday shopping done while you are at it! Be sure to let them know that Heather from My Sweet Savings sent you! 

Tips for a Budget-Friendly Holiday

(All posts may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. Please see my disclosure policy)

A warm welcome to WTSP viewers! I am so glad to have you here at My Sweet Savings! A huge thank you to Jenny Dean for the feature! During the Good To Know segment, we discussed tips for a budget-friendly holiday, so I thought that it would be helpful to list those for you right here on the blog for reference.

Did you know that the average American spends around $1000 on gifts during the holidays?  But, many people don’t budget that amount and often go into debt. This can take up to 6 months to pay off! One of the main reasons that people go into debt is because they don’t plan ahead.

Set a budget and stick to it! Plan how much that you spend for each person and don’t go over. Set expectations and stay with them! One tip is to use cash and the envelope system. This allows you to delegate each person in the family their own envelope. Each envelope will have your set amount of cash for each person and will help you to not overspend. You can also use the envelope to keep track of each person’s receipts and rebates if applicable.

Ask yourself: “Who am I shopping for?”

How much do I want to spend for each person on my list?”

“What is my total gift budget?”

Use coupons and money-saving apps. Sign up to your favorite retailers email lists for coupon and special promotional offers. Many times they will send you coupons that you can’t find elsewhere. I also love the app Retail Me Not as it will show you coupons and coupon codes to use when shopping in-store and online.

Buy gifts online. Purchasing online allows you to buy only those things that you are searching for and not to make impulse purchases. Also, many stores are offering free shipping right now so you don’t even have to go to the store. Consider adding items to your cart now. Log out and then come back a few days later. Many companies will email you a discount to complete your checkout.

Buy discounted gift cards to help lower your holiday budget– Use online sites like Raise.com that offers discounted gift cards. Sam’s Club and BJ’s offer gift card discounts year round. Even the drug stores will offer promotional gift card discounts. A gift card is just another form of payment. You can really get some great deals when you stack the discounted gift card with coupons and promotions to your favorite stores.

Credit Card purchases– If using credit cards, use one that will give you cash or rewards back. If you are going to purchase items you might as well get something back in return. You might be surprised at how quickly these rewards will add u and some cards will even offer incentives during the holidays. Store cards such as the Target Red Debit and Credit card give you 5% off your purchases as well, so this can be helpful to get the most bang for your buck! Also, be sure to check and see if you have available rewards points to use right now for your holiday purchases. Through December 12, Target is offering a store coupon to save $40 off your purchase of $40 or more when you sign up for the Target REDcard!

Don’t overlook the dollar and discount stores– The Dollar stores and discount stores (like Five Below) offer name brand items that you may be surprised to find. Create a gift basket around family or friend’s favorite things. (Coffee, Cheese, Sports, etc…) I also love to utilize the dollar stores for my wrapping paper, gift bags and holiday cards. Their selection is fabulous and you can’t beat the price!

Photo Gifts– I find that photo gifts are always the most received of any of the gifts that I give. The drugstores often offer majorly discounted deals on these items. You can often get a Free 8X10 photo print. I like to add a nice frame from Michaels or Hobby Lobby that I bought with a 50% off coupon, and voila you have a beautiful and affordable gift idea.

Be Creative– Make gift baskets with items that you already have or from items that you got on sale throughout the year. I have made some fantastic gift baskets for friends and family with items that I scored on sale during the year. When I find sales on items I stock up during the year as my budget allows. This way at Christmas I am not going to break my budget trying to find gift items.

The Four Gift Plan for Kids– Consider buying the kids just 4 gifts this year. Something they need, something to read, something to wear and something that they want. This plan will really will help to keep your budget on track!

Wrap your gift in a gift– You can make a loaf of your favorite bread or muffins and wrap in a cute towel. Wrap a set of sheets and put in a pillowcase with a big bow. Place a bag of coffee or coffee gift card in a coffee cup. The options are endless!

Have fun! Having a holiday budget is important, but remember to cherish that moments that you have with your family and friends. Don’t stress out! You will remember the memories more than any item that you purchase. If you stick to your budget you will have extra reason to celebrate!

Give the Gift of Beautiful Skin this Holiday with Rodan + Fields!

Disclosure: I was provided with products from Rodan + Fields to facilitate my review; however, all thoughts are my own.  (Please see my disclosure policy)

Be ready to party in style this holiday season with beautiful skin from Rodan + Fields! Beautiful, healthy skin is the first thing that many people will notice about you, so why not treat yourself this holiday? Rodan + Fields has several bundle deals that will not only save you some money, but will also get you on your way to more radiant skin! I feel that beautiful skin is definitely something worth investing in!

Rodan + Fields Holiday Luxe Set

Get beautiful skin this holiday with the Rodan + Fields Holiday Luxe Gift Set! The Holiday Luxe Set includes: Lash Boost, Active Hydration Serum and Micro-Dermabrasion Paste. This set combines the three of the most popular ENHANCEMENTS products in one giftable set — Lash Boost, Active Hydration Serum + Micro-Dermabrasion Paste. I can’t think of a better gift to give to someone that you love!

Retail Price: $350, however, I have some exciting news for you! You can score the entire kit for only $279! Even sweeter, when you sign up to be a preferred customer (one time fee of $20) you can purchase the kit for $251! You can GO HERE to see the details of this set and for more information.

Rodan + Fields Pure Glow Set

 Get your glow on this holiday season with the exclusive Pure Glow Set. Featuring two of R + F most popular products — the updated Micro-Dermabrasion Paste (with a new look!) and Active Hydration Body Replenish. Micro-Dermabrasion Paste offers full face and body exfoliation. You’ll see smoother, more vibrant, even-toned, brighter-looking skin after just one use. Active Hydration Body Replenish delivers immediate and continuous body hydration and helps prevent future moisture loss, making this the perfect skincare power pair.

Retail price: $149, however, I have some exciting news for you! You can score the entire kit for only $118! Even sweeter, when you sign up to be a preferred customer (one time fee of $20) you can purchase the kit for $106! You can GO HERE to see the details of this set and for more information.

Just take a look at some of these awesome results that ladies have seen by using Rodan + Fields products. The results simply speak for themselves!

GO HERE to see more information about Rodan + Fields products. My friend Teresa will be more than happy to assist you and answer any questions that you might have about the products!

The 2019 My Sweet Savings Holiday Gift Guide is Here!

Disclosure: All of the products in this post were given to me in order to facilitate my review and gift guide. All thoughts & opinions are 100% my own.

I am so excited to finally share with you the 2019 My Sweet Savings Holiday Gift Guide! I have been working tirelessly on this since September and I am thrilled with the products that we are including this year! A huge thank you to all of our sponsors and clients for making this our biggest and best year yet!

GO HERE to see the 2019 My Sweet Savings Holiday Gift Guide.

Easy Canvas Prints: Large Photo Canvases Only $15.95 + Free Shipping!

(All posts may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. Please see my disclosure policy)

One of my favorite things to gift year after year are photo canvases. They allow you take a photo from a special occasion and treasure it forever in the form of a canvas. We have an entire wall in our hallway with canvas prints of photos from past years. Right now Easy Canvas Prints has a SUPER deal! In fact, they are offering 85% off + Free Shipping! You can create a Custom 11×14 Canvas Photo Print for only $15.99 shipped (reg. $108.55) or a Custom 16×20 Canvas Photo Print for only $20.99 shipped (reg. $156.47) And, no promo code is needed for this offer. Your discounted price will be reflected automatically! 

GO HERE to take advantage of this offer. These make the best gifts for parents and grandparents too!

Enter the 2019 Florida Prepaid College Plans Scholarship Giveaway!

Help to build your child’s college dreams together! Enter to win one of ten Florida Prepaid/LEGOLAND® Florida scholarship prize packs. Each Florida Prepaid College Plans Scholarship Prize Pack is valued at over $8,000 and entry takes just a few minutes. This post is sponsored by Florida Prepaid College Plans. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Please see my disclosure policy.

When you stop to think about preparing for your child’s future college education, how does it make you feel? Are you anxious about the cost? Maybe you are overwhelmed because you haven’t financially prepared for the future the way that you had originally planned. Honestly, I can’t think of anything better than saving for my child’s future education even if it requires sacrifice on my part. I want my boys to fulfill their dreams, reach for the stars, and to have the opportunity for a firm, solid college education. I tell my boys all of the time not to underestimate how their education now is preparing and building them for their future!

2019 Florida Prepaid College Plans Scholarship Giveaway

If the cost of college education keeps you tossing and turning in bed at night, I have some exciting news for you! Right now you have the opportunity to help build your child’s college dreams with the help of a scholarship from Florida Prepaid College Plans! There is nothing better than saving for college all while winning a scholarship to help with the costs!

For years, Florida Prepaid and LEGOLAND® Florida have been supporting kids’ big imaginations and helping families achieve their college savings goals. And this year, Florida Prepaid and LEGOLAND® Florida are partnering together to make college dreams a reality! Florida Prepaid and LEGOLAND® Florida are once again coming together to support our kids’ imaginations, dreams and their future education with help through a scholarship program. 

There’s even more Bricktastic news regarding this awesome partnership! On November 14, your toddler’s favorite air-conditioned place to play is getting a new look! The DUPLO farm at LEGOLAND® Florida is becoming the Florida Prepaid Schoolhouse, a space for parents and kids to imagine all about their child’s future while cooling off or escaping the rain. There will also be spaces for the kids to slide, climb, build and crawl as they start dreaming about what they want to be when they grow up.

Florida Prepaid Scholarship Program Information: 

Florida Prepaid is hosting a scholarship program which gives 10 lucky Florida students the chance to win a 2-Year Florida Plan College Scholarship valued at $8000 + 2 tickets to LEGOLAND® Florida valued at $200! That’s right! 10 scholarship prize packs will be awarded, and each prize pack is valued at over $8200! This means that 10 families have the opportunity to help make a bright future for their children!

Since college tuition can be expensive, a scholarship would definitely come in handy! And, I don’t know about you, but some down time with the family at LEGOLAND® Florida sounds like the perfect way to end the year! 

If that wasn’t enough, Florida Prepaid and LEGOLAND® Florida have even more exciting news…….

Registrants will also be automatically entered to win one of four LEGOLAND® Florida weekly prize packs!

  • Nov 1: 4 LEGOLAND® Florida park tickets
  • Nov 8: 4 LEGOLAND® Florida park tickets
  • Nov 15: 4 LEGOLAND® Florida park tickets + 1 night Beach Retreat stay
  • Nov 22: 4 LEGOLAND® Florida park + water park tickets + 2 night Beach Retreat stay

Have you ever been to the LEGOLAND® Florida Beach Retreat? My family and I stayed there several years ago and we had such a great time. You are sure to love staying where everything is awesome!

Enter the 2019 Florida Prepaid College Plans Scholarship Giveaway

Now on to the fun part! How can you enter the 2019 Florida Prepaid College Plans Scholarship Giveaway?

The Florida Prepaid Scholarship Giveaway runs from now through November 24 at 5pm EST. The best part? Entering literally takes just seconds! Just think, with the click of a button, you have the opportunity to can make a huge difference in your child’s future! 

While saving for your child’s college tuition can be a daunting experience, it is also an important one. Many students graduate from college with such huge debt that it can be overwhelming as they enter a new career. Florida Prepaid College Plans will not only give you and your child ease of mind about their future education, but your wallet will thank you too! While the Florida Prepaid College Plans Scholarship Giveaway is an amazing opportunity, you can start saving right now for your child’s college education with Florida Prepaid! They offer both College Prepaid Plans as well as 529 Savings Plans which allow you to save no matter how big or small your budget may be. 

We have a Florida Prepaid College Savings Plan for my son Brady, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to help him as he plans toward his future dreams and goals. For many families, (including myself) college seems like it is an eternity away. We often think that tomorrow will be the day to start saving. With Florida Prepaid College Plans, saving for college today is easier than you think and it will give you such a peace of mind. 

So, what are you waiting for? GO HERE to learn more about Florida Prepaid College Plans and to enter the 2019 Florida Prepaid College Plans Scholarship Giveaway! With Florida Prepaid College Plans, Starting is Believing!

*Winners will be notified by December 6, 2019.

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Do you Still Have Questions About Florida Prepaid College Plans?

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The Hillsborough County Fair is Coming!

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Tampa friends! The 2019 Greater Hillsborough County Fair opens this Thursday, October 17 for two weekends of fun and entertainment! This year’s theme: Let the Good Times Grow. The fair will run October 17-20 and 24-27. Livestock shows, carnival rides and fair food are a staple at this annual event and the excitement doesn’t stop there!

This year the fair is happy to introduce the new fair ambassador Farmer Sydney. Farmer Sydney will travel to Hillsborough County schools delivering seeds and showing children how to plant their very own gardens. During the fair, children will have the opportunity to join Farmer Sydney’s Kids Club. Membership includes an opportunity to meet Farmer Sydney, a fair food treat, a pumpkin and a hay ride. See HillsboroughCountyFair.com for pricing information.

In addition, this year’s free entertainment includes Robinson’s Racing and Swimming Pigs. Watch as they dash and splash for an Oreo cookie! The winner gets the cookie – the loser gets the crumbs! The popular Firefighter Show returns featuring educational entertainment. You can enjoy the show as firefighter extraordinaire Neal Snyder puts his young volunteers through their training. The Family Thrill Circus is back with amazing acts for the whole family to
enjoy.

The Hillsborough County Fair boasts some of the largest youth livestock shows among county fairs in the southeastern United States. Dairy and beef cattle, rabbits, poultry, sheep, goats and pigs round out an array of more than 800 animals that will be on display and competing in our show ring.

The market show and sale will include steer, lamb, swine and turkey. Buyers are welcome to come support these amazing youth and purchase one of these market livestock projects.

Saturday, October 19 will be the annual Soil and Water Conservation plant auction. A great time to purchase quality plants for your home or business. This year’s horse show will be held on Sunday, October 20. Check the fair
 website for all the details.

Florida’s future farmers at our annual FFA night on Thursday, October 24. The evening will feature competitions designed to showcase agricultural skills. All FFA members are welcome to attend.

October is spooky season and back by popular demand this year is the haunted hayride. This family-friendly hayride runs Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. Children and adults alike will enjoy a thrilling ride
 through the woods. You never know what might pop up! 

The fair has packed even more action into our grandstand events this year. The rodeo will be held on October 18 and 19 complete with bronc riding, barrel racing, bull riding and world famous rodeo clown Hollywood Harris!

The Truck and Tractor Pull is the featured grandstand event on October 25 and 26. Trucks and Tractors big and small will fill the arena with smoke, noise and excitement!

The famous Demolition Derby will round out the grandstand events on Sunday,October 27. Cars crashing into each other until the last one moving is declared the champion! Enjoy all of these activities and so much more this year at the fair! The Hillsborough County Fair has something to offer for the entire family! Oh, and let’s not forget the delicious fair food!

Ticket Information:

OneBlood will park its Big Red Bus outside the main gate every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Donate blood, save a life, get one free admission ticket to the fair.

Arnold’s Amusements provides some of the newest and safest family-oriented rides in the industry. Ride armbands are available every day for $20. Discounted Ride Armbands can be purchased online for only $15 by going to www. HillsboroughCountyFair.com.

New to the fair this year is our Megapass! It includes unlimited admission and unlimited rides during the entire fair. The Megapass, as well as other discounted tickets and ticket packages, can be purchased online. Visit HillsboroughCountyFair.com for more details.

Don’t miss Dollar Days at the fair. Thursday, October 17 and 24, fair admission is only one dollar and each carnival ride is one dollar.

If you don’t purchase your tickets in advance, you can still buy them at the gate. Regular adult admission to the fair is only $7, students K -12 are $5, seniors are $4, Five and under are free. Parking is always FREE!

From cooking to rug hooking and baking to picture taking, from sowing to growing and animals large and small there’s something for everyone at the 2019 Greater Hillsborough County Fair.

Let the good times grow and we’ll see you at the fair!