As promised, here is the first post (of many!) about some specific states' 529 college savings plans. We are focusing on regions of the United States, and maybe because I'm still cold here in Buffalo, NY, I chose to hone in on our opposite coast (where California's warmth is calling my name!). While here, we focus on California, Oregon, Washington, Hawaii and Alaska, all to bring you the West Coast 529 highlights.

Alaska

Have you ever folded on a financial issue because it was easier? Maybe you wanted a different outcome but were too tired of having the conversation to continue, or perhaps you didn't want to make waves in some financial decision that was "kinda sorta ok with you." If this has happened to you, don't worry: it happens to everyone and is not the end of the world...or the end of the discussion.

Every Christmas, my father-in-law dumped out his spare change drawer and gave the cash to my husband and me. Generally, his simple spare change savings tactic amounted to a very generous $200 gift to us. And that’s just from one farmer’s change.

Now imagine if you and your family were to do the same; every time you spent money, you saved the change. Perhaps you put it into a large mason jar or (if you had a really good year) into a five quart ice cream pail. How much do you think that change would amount to at the end of the year?

Doing the Math

In 2005, it was super-simple to obtain a mortgage. Most lenders were happy to accommodate any borrower. In the days of easy money, no down payments, and huge appraised values, we were all skipping toward financial freedom...until we came to a screeching halt. The housing crisis opened our eyes (and the eyes of our lenders) to the problems in our easy-money system.

Despite cringe-worthy gas prices, the long car trip is not a thing of the past. In fact, my hubby and I have just about become experts in the art of driving cross-country with two kids in tow. No, I assure you, we haven't taken leave of our senses; rather we are sane, rational adults who have chosen to drive instead of fly ever since our two precious bundles entered the world.

If you have a long car trip coming up, here are some thoughts on how you can get to your destination with your sanity intact and your wallet fat (or at least not completely deflated).

Whether you've watched the newest reality show dedicated solely to the topic of extreme couponing or not, there's no doubt couponing is a hot topic (as well as a hot button). I have to admit, I am fascinated by those multiple carts full of products worth hundreds of dollars and the extreme couponers who nab the stuff for next to nothing.

As we continue to delve into our money and relationships series, we find ourselves standing in front of the first big joint purchase. Now, it doesn't matter whether a couple's first virgin joint spending is on the wedding ring combo, the wedding, a car or a house; the same nervousness and excitement are sure to be present.

As you’ve travelled through life, I’m sure you've encountered some surprises along the way. The average life goals of growing up, getting a degree, finding a job, falling in love, getting married, having children and retiring may not have happened in that order (if at all). Instead, you probably had to adjust some goals along the way, but thankfully, if you had a support system, setting off on a new path seemed much more possible.

We at MomVesting thought we'd have a little fun with facts and figures about women and finances. 'Cause, seriously, women have a lot to offer when it comes to making money, investing and starting their own businesses. We'll focus on statistics about women who have found the secrets to finances, and then we'll offer some tips on how to find and keep your own cash. So let's dive in!

Learning About Financial Management

Growing up on a farm, I can still remember the feelings of peace of comfort that come along with thinking your little family is all that actually exists in the world. I used to pick up dandelions that had gone to seed, made a wish, and then blew all the seeds off. I was sure this was the quickest way to get what I wanted without actually having to tell anyone.