I'm currently in the thick of a long home renovation project and let me tell you—decision fatigue is real! Can anyone else relate? With the endless cycle of trends and the pressure to choose something that feels both true to my style and timeless, it's been a challenge to say the least. Every choice, from paint colors to fixtures, feels monumental.

Speaking of trends, tell us your take on a new design trend in today’s poll (don’t miss it at the end). We’ll reveal the results in our next newsletter. Now, here’s to a new week of Birdie content.

• Designing for Wellness: Elevate your mental health through interior design.

• Smart Saving: Navigating college costs with ease. 

• Potty Like a Pro: Top tips and common mistakes for National Potty Training Month.

HEALTH

🏠Designing for wellness.

Ever noticed how your surroundings affect your mood? From the colors on the walls to the amount of clutter, every aspect of your environment plays a role in shaping your mental well-being. In this guide, we'll explore how you can harness the power of interior design to create a space that promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and cultivates a sense of peace and harmony. Whether you're revamping your home or office, these insights will help you transform your space into a sanctuary for your mind and soul.

• Prioritize function. Streamline your space to improve energy flow and mood elevation. Choose furniture that suits your needs and incorporates design principles like balance and symmetry.

• Choose color carefully. Harness the psychological effects of color by opting for calming tones like green, blue, and violet to reduce anxiety and promote tranquility.

• Let the light shine in. Increase natural light to boost mood, energy levels, and overall well-being. Incorporate mirrors, doors with windows, and light color schemes to maximize brightness.

• Embrace nature-inspired design. Integrate plants into your space to enhance air quality, reduce stress, and elevate mood.

• Find joy in design. Personalize your space with elements that bring you happiness, whether it's artwork, photographs, or cherished decor items.

🔗Check out these additional resources for using interior design as a therapy tool and to boost your mental health.

BUDGETING

💸From diapers to degrees.

📈More than a decade after graduating, 7% of Millennials still carry over $50,000 in student loan debt. Determined to help their children avoid the same financial burdens, these Millennials are taking steps to ensure their kids are set up for college success. Here's how you can do the same 👇🏼

Starting Early: Baby Years

• Open a 529 Account (more on this below): Invest money for your child's education, growing tax-free.

• Automate Contributions: Even $10 per week can amass $18,000 by school time.

• Channel Financial Gifts: Birthday cash can be more fruitful in a 529.

Elementary Years

• Utilize a UPromise Credit Card: Cash-back goes straight into the 529.

• Increase Contributions: As childcare expenses diminish, boost your savings.

• Teach Financial Literacy: Lay the groundwork for responsible money management.

Middle School Years

• Maintain Contributions: It's never too late to start saving for college.

• Foster Earning Opportunities: Encourage odd jobs for extra income.

• Introduce Investing: Consider a brokerage account to familiarize teens with investing.

High School Years

• Pursue Scholarships: Start exploring scholarship opportunities.

• Dual-Enrollment: Earn college credits while in high school, saving time and money.

• Discuss Affordability: Have open conversations about the financial realities of college.

• Encourage Saving: Instill habits of financial responsibility.

College Years

• Complete FAFSA: Access financial aid opportunities.

• Prioritize Affordability: Choose colleges based on cost.

• Navigate Loans: Discuss the implications of student loans.

• Utilize 529 Funds: Cover educational costs from your savings.

• Beware Parent PLUS Loans: Avoid taking on additional debt.

• Protect Retirement Savings: Prioritize retirement to avoid dependence on your children later in life.

👉🏼Learn 10 effective methods to prepare financially for your child's college education while estimating costs to ensure a secure future.

🤔Understanding 529 Plans. 529 plans offer tax advantages for education expenses from kindergarten through graduate school, with two main types available: educational savings plans and prepaid tuition plans. Sponsored by states and the District of Columbia, these plans vary in rules and fees. Funds can be accessed through state platforms or financial advisors, and surplus funds can be rolled over into a Roth IRA, up to $35,000 if the account is at least 15 years old.

TRENDING

SNIPPETS

CHILDREN

From diapers to dry.

DID YOU KNOW? June is National Potty Training Month! 🚽To celebrate, we’ve compiled top tips and highlighted common mistakes to help your little one tackle the potty with ease and confidence.

• Timing is Key: Don't rush in too early or wait too long; find that sweet spot—the AAP recommends anywhere from 18 months to 3 years old.

• Chair Charades: Skip the premature potty chair introduction; otherwise, it might become just another household item.

• Keep It Simple: Fancy potty seats aren't necessary; sometimes, simplicity reigns supreme.

• Reality Check: Three-day potty training isn't a magic fix; brace for consistent reinforcement over weeks.

• Accident Etiquette: Stay cool when accidents happen; getting emotional won't help anyone.

• Diaper Detox: Ditch the diapers during training to ensure real learning moments.

• Strategic Prompts: Offer gentle nudges instead of constant questioning to encourage bathroom breaks.

• No TV Time Toilet: Keep distractions at bay; potty time is all about focus.

• Slow and Steady: Rushing through training can lead to setbacks; take it one step at a time.

• Poop Positivity: Normalize bathroom talk to ease any discomfort.

• Chill Out: Don't stress too much; every child learns at their own pace.

SOMETHING TO MAKE YOU SMILE

🐔Chick-fil-A turns up the heat. Get ready to spice up your summer with their new sandwich. 

🫧 Bursting with creativity. Fun bubble art craft for kids.

🚫 Swipe left on bullies. Instagram unveils new tools to combat harassment.

🍔 Prime bites. Amazon Prime members can now order Grubhub directly from Amazon with exclusive perks

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