Jessica's Friday Five: Pet bandanas, smartphone legacy setting, & cruising
Published about 1 month ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader,
I'm writing this about a week before you're receiving it. Why? Well, many years ago, I told my kindergartner at the time that when she turned ten years old, I'd take her on a trip - just her and me - wherever she wanted to go. That child moved into her double-digit age era last month, so per her request, she and I are on a cruise visiting Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Mexico. Here's hoping there are beautiful sunsets, good food, and no seasickness!
Here's your Friday Five!
Follow strategically on social media. What are your personal and professional goals? Does your time on social media support those goals? One way to create that reality is to ensure you are following accounts that inspire and educate you related to those goals and unfollow any that are holding you back. For example, I care a lot about the future of my country and how it treats our people (I'm based in the USA), and one account that informs and inspires me on this topic is Sharon McMahon (Instagram | Substack). Maybe you care about being a great parent? Or about exercising more? Getting involved in your local community? Follow accordingly.
iPhone Legacy Contact: Have you set this up already? This gives someone access to your phone when you pass away. Here are the directions; it's easy to do and might support your loved ones to help close out your affairs when it's time. You can do the same for your Google account (directions), which is also the approach to take if you have an Android phone.
Got a Teenager or Young Adult in Your Home? My friend Sarah Ponder is one of the people I go to when I've got personal finance questions. She has these checklists that are SO helpful for different life moments (she shared one with me when my mom passed, and it was beneficial at a challenging time). I wanted to share this checklist for what you should consider as your child becomes independent. It covers a wide range of topics, including healthcare, driving, moving, taxes, legal issues, and, of course, budgeting. You can get it free here - I hope it supports you! (Sarah's company, Real Wealth Planning, is one of our Friday Five sponsors - thank you to her for helping keep this newsletter free for readers!)
Books for Parenting: I get asked about parenting books a lot, so I put a roundup on the website of my 9 favorite parenting books and organized them by stage (baby, toddler, elementary age, and preteen - those are the only stages I've got experience with so far myself!). If you don't see your favorite on this list, I hope you'll reply to tell me about it so I can add to my reading list!
Got a Dog, Cat, or Goat? My daughter spent the last few weeks in an entrepreneur camp for kids ages 10-13. The business she created is Fashion, Fur, and Friends - and her first product is bandanas for your pet. She's already sold 35 of them and the adorable pictures of pets across the country are coming in from happy customers. Would you like to order one? She's ready to take your order (just $7) and get it in the mail for you ASAP! Click here to order.
Bonus Friday Faves: As I've been doing for the last few months, here's a roundup of what I purchased this month on Amazon. If those colored pencils are still under $3, hop on that deal! As always, any clicks to shop through that link generate donations to charity (thank you!).
There may be affiliate links in this email which means I may receive a commission if you purchase something through a link. However, please be assured that I only recommend products I have personally used and love!