The time to set our clocks back is coming soon now that the long days of summer are over. Smartphones keep most of us on time no matter if we are springing forward to Daylight Savings Time, or falling back to Standard time. But, for some of us, if we don’t pay attention, the jump by an hour may come as a sudden surprise regardless of whether we live by our smartphones or not.

While I’m preparing for that move back an hour as winter arrives, I need to find a way to help my kids become accustomed to the time change too. “Alphamom” has thought of a few ways to get your kids involved in the time change routine by exploring the fun of Daylight Savings Crafts. The process of catching onto what may be a difficult concept for many kids can be more easily broken down with an educational and creative art activity.

My favorite idea from this website is the Spring Forward cards. The same concept can be applied for Fall Back to Standard Time. Print out these little cards for your children to decorate and pass out to friends and family.

DIY Fall Back Reminder Cards

What You’ll Need

• Cardstock
• A printer
• Pipe cleaners
• Markers, crayons, pencils, gel pens, or paint
• Anything else you’d like to use to decorate such as glitter glue or stickers
• Scissors

Card Assembly Steps

1. Using a word processing or other appropriate program on your computer, create a template for a small card that your children can decorate. The template provided by Alpha Mom features the words “Spring Forward!” at the top, and a reminder at the bottom: “Don’t forget to set your clock an hour earlier on Sunday.” You can follow the same pattern but with wordage that’s appropriate for Fall.
2. Print your template out and cut out the cards.
3. Let your children cut out small circles and create clocks to attach to the cards.
4. Wrap pipe cleaners around a pencil or pen to create a spring/coil effect
5. Glue or tape the pipe cleaner to the front of the card and the back of the clock to create a bouncy, springy effect.
6. Let the kids decorate the clocks and cards with crayons, markers, stickers… whatever inspires their creativity

Tips for Extra Punches of Originality

An easy way to give this particular craft some colorful flare is by using unconventional materials or effects that fit with a fall inspired theme.

Go Bold With Black

If we’re getting ready for shorter days and longer nights, why not accentuate that theme with black paper and vibrant neons or metallic writing materials? Mystery Metallic Gel Crayons are a beautiful way to decorate a pitch dark night sky made from black coloring paper. A card made with these pops of vibrant, glittery color will be sure to get everyone in the mood for fall while giving them a reminder card they won’t forget.

Try Metallics for Fall Flare

Another stunning way to decorate your card for adults and children alike is to use Modern Metallics Colored Pencils. Use glimmery reds, rusts, and golds to highlight the crispness of fall colored leaves. Or try covering the card first in a misty background of sparkly color created by Sparkle Watercolor Gel Crayons before adorning your card with fall leaves on top.

Whatever method you choose to create the look, these cards are the perfect way to teach your children about the complicated concept of Daylight Savings time. And they’ll have a ton of fun passing them out so that you and all of your family and friends will be reminded and prepared!

Buying a Rolex requires some research. After all, you will be spending thousands of dollars on one of the most treasured timepieces in the world and there are many models to choose from. There are so many details that will shed more light on why a particular Rolex model is distinctive from the rest. The mechanisms used by Rolex are also state-of-the-art and knowing about them adds to the wonderful experience of choosing your timepiece.

Before we get into the details, ensure that you are always browsing for watches in reputed sites like Frost NYC  Jewelry which have large collections and a great support staff.

Rolex is just one of many famous luxury watchmakers that have been in business since the early twentieth century and there are much older ones too. Some of the well-known ones are Cartier, Omega, and Patek Philippe. There is no objective way of choosing the best – they all make the greatest timepieces in the world. In fact, even luxury brands that usually deal with apparel and accessories are pushing out expensive watch lines. There are a lot of beautiful watches out there but if you are looking for a cultural icon, then the Rolex wins that category hands down.

Brief History of Rolex

24-year-old Hans Wilsdorf was a visionary. When he set up his firm in London in 1905, he had a vision that wristwatches were going to be the next big thing – provided the right innovations were made. In 1910, a Rolex wristwatch received the Swiss Certificate of Chronometric Precision, an accolade granted by the Bienne’s Official Watch Rating Centre. In 1919, Rolex moved to watch country – Switzerland. The change of base to Geneva would spur some of the greatest innovations in timepiece history.

The Oyster changed the industry forever. No longer was the wristwatch a dainty indulgence. The world’s first waterproof watch made the news when it was worn by Mercedes Gleitze when she swam across the English Channel in 1927.  The Perpetual Movement is the other great gift from the house of Rolex. A mechanism that ran from the natural movements of a person’s wrist, the Perpetual was the cutting-edge watch of the day. Rolex popped up in the history book once again in 1933, worn by the first aviators who flew over Mount Everest.

Rolex developed a reputation of being a company that tested its products in the most extreme conditions. In 1935, from motor car racing circuits to explorations across the world, the Oyster found its way into the outfit. It was a staple in the famous speed record-breaking sessions by Sir Malcolm Campbell, including the famous Bluebird drive in September 1935, when he broke the 300 miles per hour barrier at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. In 1945, Rolex introduced Datejust, which showed the date on the dial and also sported the exclusive Jubilee bracelet.  

Post-War Innovations – The Age of Professional Watches

By the post-war era, with the economic boom and the major advances in telecommunications and transport, Rolex started having a worldwide presence. The 1950s saw the release of many tool watches or professional models. Flying, diving, mountaineering, and scientific exploration were the disciplines for which Rolex designed timepieces. Oyster Perpetuals were part of Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay’s expedition to the summit of Mount Everest. The Rolex Explorer was created to celebrate this momentous occasion of human exploration history. The Submariner was introduced for divers and then transcontinental flights became a reality, Rolex introduced the GMT-Master, developed with inputs from Pan Am. These were the glamorous days of aviation and the GMT-Master was sported by navigators and aviators of all the top airlines in the world.

The innovations kept on coming. The Day-Date was available only in gold and platinum and showed the day of the week fully spelled out along with the date – a first for wristwatches. The Day-Date is often considered the favorite Rolex for leaders, business tycoons, and diplomats. The Milgauss was a watch that was developed to withstand very strong magnetic fields, confirmed by CERN, the most advanced particle physics laboratory on the planet. The Lady Datejust was released in 1957, yet another milestone of the Rolex story.

Made for the darkest depths of the Mariana Trench, the Rolex Deep Sea Special was another great achievement for the most adventurous watch company in the world.  The watch was attached to the Trieste, a bathyscaphe that was submerged in the deepest depression on Earth and it came up unscathed from the high pressure – more than 10,000 meters below sea level. The Cosmograph Daytona was a watch designed to celebrate the endurance required in the 24-hour Daytona race. One of the fascinating features of the Cosmograph Daytona was a bezel tachymetric scale that allowed the calculation of average speed. The Explorer II was introduced in the 1970s and was used for polar expeditions because of Rolex’s famed reputation for hard testing and robust mechanisms. 1985 saw the introduction of 904L, mentioned below. The sailing world rejoiced in 1992 when Rolex introduced the Yachtmaster, made for maritime indulgences and exploration of the rough seas. In 2012, another icon was released – the Sky Dweller.

This is just a scratch on the surface of what Rolex means to so many adventure and scientific disciplines. Here are some big reasons why the Rolex watch you plan to buy is absolutely special.

Everything In-house

Rolex is the only watch brand that has an in-house supply system for even the most common parts. They have their own type of steel and in-house gold and metal foundries. Today all horology enthusiasts are aware of the famous 904L – the steel that Rolex watches are made of. The Rolex variant of 18K rose gold is not available anywhere else in the world – you will find it only in a Rolex watch.

Completely handmade

Although Rolex uses a lot of precision technology to make their parts, there is still a very prominent human role in the manufacturing process. All the parts are assembled by hand. What we see as a complete product is a complex combination of different mechanisms and machinations – all patent technologies that are put together by hand. It takes on an average, a year, to make one Rolex watch.

Designed for a purpose

Rolex watches have a huge appeal because they have never been built as aesthetic compliments for an outfit. A Rolex is designed with a specific purpose in mind – it can be described more like a beautiful tool than just a fancy accessory. A Rolex watch encapsulates lifestyles that speak of adventure and exploration. You have watches modeled for aviators and dive watches made for the harsh conditions of the sea. The Datejust is one of the most celebrated lines of Rolex watches. The Yachtmaster and Daytona Rolex models are also made for specific purposes. The specific purpose of each Rolex model is made a reality by one of the best precision science labs in the world. A lot of research goes into the different extreme conditions that a Rolex watch may be exposed to, from high altitudes to a pressurized atmosphere. The parts and mechanisms are designed keeping in mind the purpose of the watch – not just the final features.

Rolex Watches are accessory-friendly

We usually associate luxury timepieces as being the finished product not to be tampered with. But Rolexes are made to be very accessory-friendly. Using different straps is the most common way to completely change the way the watch looks. Instead of the chain or leather straps, you can also add a Rolex bracelet or fix a different bezel to your main piece. Always get such changes made in a top watch store that is familiar with accessorizing and offers guarantees on your very expensive investment.

Rolex Watches as an investment

Watches from Rolex have high vintage value. The classic Submariner is expected to appreciate by 5% a year and there are many other models which have a very high value. A Rolex watch is not just a collectible that is appreciated by a niche audience. It is a brand that commands a following across the world. From a diplomat in New York to a club owner in Bangkok, the value of the Rolex watch is appreciated and acknowledged by everyone. Therefore if you are looking for a watch with a strong resale value and a recognizable brand, Rolex has to be your choice.

A Watch that Charts Human Achievement

From the heights of Everest to the darkest trenches of the ocean, Rolex has found its way there. It has accompanied the greatest human journeys of the 20th century and also created an industry niche in a discipline dominated by the best. Buying a Rolex is not just an expensive indulgence, it has a deeper meaning. Resplendent in design and a result of unique manufacturing processes, built from the best materials and boasting the precision only found in scientific instruments, a Rolex is a great gift for yourself or a loved one. It is a gift that lasts generations. Learn more about this most iconic of timepieces and bring one home.

As a parent, the only thing you would want for your children is to see them succeed. Although for the most part success emanates from obtaining a higher education, it is discouraging for most parents since the average cost of college education is quite high. Apart from that, as a parent, you have so many other obligations to meet such as paying off your mortgage, which may also put a strain on you. Fortunately, there are avenues you can pursue to ensure you can cater to your children’s educational needs without any problems. Find out the various steps you can take to help finance the education of your children even when you are in a financial strain.

1.  Ask Experts For Advice

If it’s your first time sending your kid to college, you would want to ask for expert advice on how to pay for their college fee. Start by talking to family members and friends who have children going to college to find out how they have been paying for their children’s college. You may also want to consult your financial advisors on how best you can handle your situation. If you have an excellent credit history, you may seek advice on what financial options are available to you, but this decision needs not to be made in a hurry.  

If you are working for a relatively large firm, take a closer look at the perks and financial packages available to you. Do not shy away from talking to your human resource manager about your current position and obligations as they may be more than willing to assist you.  

Before they can join college, talk to your children and advise them to meet with their high school guidance counselor. More often than not, these people have pertinent information about scholarships which may prove useful to you and your children. Scholarships must never be neglected as these can reduce the students’ bill significantly.

All in all, communication is important. Do not just sit down and wait for things to sort out themselves. As the parent, you will need to talk to various individuals to find out what options are available to you and your child.

2.  Help Your Child in Filling Out FAFSA

One of the most significant thing your child should consider during their college application is how best they can assist with the college fees as well. When applying for college, it is important to assist your child to fill out the FASFA. This Free Application for Federal Student Aid will allow your child or children to access federal financial aid which can be used in paying for college education.

Unfortunately, applying for FASFA can be a complicated process. Helping your child to fill out this form correctly will go a long way in ensuring they can get the most money possible. When handling this phase, it is necessary to consider it as a parent-child team effort because it can be daunting for a high-schooler to complete this process all by themselves. Guide them when they receive their loan offers and help them to understand what the loan means and how much they are going to pay back at the end. Although you may find yourself paying for some tuition costs, the FASFA will help you to cover a large part of the college costs.

3.  Private Student Loans

As opposed to the federal student loans that are offered and regulated by the United States government, the private loans are often issued by private entities. This means that the criteria for who would qualify will depend on factors such as income and credit score. A good number of college students may not be in a position to meet such requirements. Therefore, you as the parent may need to cosign so your child can qualify for the loan or obtain the loan at a favorable interest.

Cosigning is important as it will assist your child to get the funds they need to cater for their college education without you spending money upfront. However, although you are only a cosigner in your child’s loan, you need to remember that you’ll be on the hook just in case they refuse to pay. Before consenting to this loan, you’ll need to talk to your child about the terms of payment and how that is going to work out for both of you. It’s essential they know what their obligations will be when they decide to take a private loan so you don’t get stuck repaying the loan in the future.

The lender may offer a cosigner release after your child makes their payments for a certain period. That would relieve you of any burden and is something you need to discuss with your child and the lender before you can sign off any loan.

4.  College Credits in High School

As a parent, you should assist your child in earning college credits while still in high school. Just because they are not yet in college does not mean they cannot begin earning college credits. One of the best ways to cater to college tuition is taking AP exams. Each exam costs about $94 or even less for the low-income families. This is quite a significant saving as opposed to the $661 cost of college credit in a private college.  These exams are usually scored from 1 to 5, and most college institutions will offer credits when the child attains a score of three or higher.

Nevertheless, you need to remember that the AP exams are not the only option available for earning college credits in high school. Your child can obtain credits through the CLEP (College Level Examination Program) as well as a dual enrollment program.

Earning substantial credits before stepping in college also increases the chances of your child completing their college early, and this means saving more on other obligations such as food, housing, and other bills.

5.  Review Inheritances and Gifts

When a close relative passes on and leaves their money to a friend or member of the family, it is usually with the aim that those left with the gifts will use them for meaningful purposes. Nevertheless, a loved one may set up inheritance such that the child cannot access it until they attain a certain age, which could even be after college.  

If that is the case with your child, consider speaking to your attorney so you may understand what the terms of their inheritance are. You can use that opportunity to review the hardship clauses which your child may qualify for. Avoid inheritance advances or loans due to the risky terms and high rates of interest.

You might also consider seeking assistance from living friends or relatives who might be willing to offer some education fund. Encourage aunts, grandparents, and uncles to forgo the traditional gifts during holidays and birthdays so they can assist with your child’s tuition fee.

You can set up a savings plan, traditional savings account or Roth IRA where your friends and relatives can easily deposit funds.

However, you need to remember that some of the assets, particularly if they are in your children’s names, can affect your kids’ ability to qualify for any financial assistance.

6.  Home Equity Loans

After you have exhausted all the options available to you, getting a loan to cater to your child’s college education is your last option. It is important that your child first exhausts his or her borrowing option before you can incur any debt to pay for their education. Placing yourself in a debt situation to cater to the education needs of your child could have a disastrous impact on your financial future since there’s nothing like financial aid for retirement.  

An easy approach to consider is the home equity loans. Placing your home as a collateral for a loan that would be used in paying for your child’s college education may sound extreme. However, if you are working with favorable interest, then it is an option worth pursuing (after all, you are now out of options).

Nevertheless, you need to know that with this kind of loan, you may end up losing your property if you fail to pay. Another potential risk is that the funds received from this kind of loans are taken into consideration when the school or federal government awards financial aid. As a result, this makes it harder for them to qualify for such awards.

If you are shopping for a loan, you need to remember that there are private loans out there that have lower rates, especially when your credit history is appealing and some of these are unsecured. Therefore, you will not need to put your home at risk.

Conclusion

When your child is in high school, just about to join college or has already joined their college of choice, you need to make preparations on how their college education will be paid. If you have no idea of where to start, you can consider the pointers mentioned in this guide to help you understand the options available to you.

College is a huge step in life, which is why it’s so important to make sure that you have enough saved up in order to get you through the next few years of education. It’s an exciting and life-changing experience, but one that adequately needs to be prepared for. There are quite a few ways that your bank can help you to save up for college and get ready for the next chapter in your life, and five of them are listed below.

1. Open a savings account. This is really important, and it should be the first step you take with your bank. A savings account means that you can keep money separate from your spending, ensuring that you don’t spend it haphazardly and that you just keep adding to the amount every time you get paid. Everyone should have a savings account, and you may even be able to find one dedicated to saving up for things like college with your bank.
2. Use online banking. Pretty much everyone uses online banking now, and if you aren’t then you definitely should start ASAP! You can even download the app for your bank onto your phone, allowing you to keep track of everything no matter where you are. You’ll be able to view personal, business, checkings, and savings accounts, and see what where the money is flowing in and out. You can even look at pending transactions so that you are fully prepared for anything that is leaving your accounts. It’s a great way to get organized and make sure you are saving (and not spending) money.
3. Get paid early. During the end of the month crunch time, it can be a great idea to receive your paycheck from work early. Many banks now have a get paid early app that can be the perfect way to get those monthly bills paid without fretting. Banking systems like Chime allow you to receive your paycheck two days early. This is great for keeping on top of bills and rent as well as organizing your finances and ensuring that you have enough in savings.
4. Get financial advice. When it’s time to prepare for college, it’s always worth making an appointment with a financial adviser your bank. You can usually do this in person, over the phone, or even online – which means there’s an option for everyone in every location. They will take you through good spending and saving habits to help you overcome any issues you’re having, as well as help you save as much as possible for your future education. These sessions are often free, but it’s important to check with your bank first.
5. Learn more about interest rates. Some banks charge fees, and this can end up costing you quite a lot every year. Many online banks, however, have taken a modern approach and are now considered a no fee bank because you don’t need to pay in order to keep your money safe. Interest rates on savings accounts are also important to find out so that you know which type will work best for you. Accounts with higher interest rates are often good to pick as the more you deposit in them, the more the bank will give you, and there are plenty of free options to pick that have reasonable rates.

To Conclude. Hopefully, this has helped you with the first steps towards saving for college. It may take a while and can at first feel quite stressful, but your bank is here to help you out when you need them. There are loads of options for you, but make sure you start by opening up a good savings account and speaking with the financial adviser at your bank so that you have a clear idea of where to go. Happy saving – and learning!