Verizon Smartphones Isis Mobile Wallet App Review for Shopping Convenience + Security

Technology

This is a sponsored post

Being a member of the Verizon Wireless Lifestyle Blogger team is an ongoing non-stop adventure. Not only do I get the opportunity to learn about new-to-market innovations that make life easier and more convenient as well as to try out advanced technologies, I feel privileged to share these discoveries enhancing Mommy Blog Expert readers lifestyles.

Image by MommyBlogExpert.com

One of my latest finds is a handy wallet app called Isis Mobile Wallet that makes it possible to pay with your phone, virtually eliminating the need to carry cash in some cases. I don't have a huge number of downloaded apps on my smartphone. In fact I have just a handful -- I mean screenful -- of them that I think are really useful day-to-day but I think this new one I will actually turn to frequently.

The Isis app allows you to consolidate many of the other wallet services, coupons, offers and more you may already have clogging your screen on your smartphone all within a single app.

Image from VerizonWireless.com

It's not only convenient, it's also a secure PIN protected app, thanks to a specially-developed chip that comes with smartphones like my LG G2 as well as the Droid Ultra and Moto X -- all which run on the Verizon network. If you ever lose your smartphone with the Isis app uploaded on it, all you have to do is make a single call and click to freeze your wallet's contents.

Even if you don't have one of those three phones just mentioned with the proper SIM card already installed, you can still use Isis with about 20 popular Verizon devices (like the Samsung Galaxy S4, HTC Droid DNA and others) after picking up an enhanced SIM card at your local Verizon store and switching it with your existing one.

Get $10 Credit With this Deal
Verizon Wireless customers that sign up for a new American Express Serve account with the Isis app will receive a $10 Serve credit added to your account through March 31, 2014.

Image provided by Verizon Wireless

FTC Disclosure: I disclose I am a Verizon Wireless Lifestyle Blogger brand ambassador and that I received compensation to facilitate this post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Mom Retirement Savings Mistakes to Avoid

Family Finances

Guest Post by
Indexed Annuity Leadership Council

Whether you're a working mom or stay-at-home with the kids, saving for retirement can often be put on the back burner. 

Between staying on budget and wanting to build college funds, finding a little extra to invest in your retirement can be a daunting task. Moms are usually the driving force in the household when things need to get done.

Image by “Mike” Michael L. Baird, flickr.com

10 Tips to Avoid Biggest Mistakes When Saving for Retirement

Here are some tips for moms to avoid common retirement planning mistakes when they're considering their financial future. 

1. Waiting to save

Start saving early so your money has time to grow. If you're worried about sticking to your budget, start small. Even $20 a week in savings can go a long way over time, and when your budget allows, contribute more. 

2. Failing to plan 

It is important to understand expenses for the type of lifestyle you want, so you can save enough money. Figure out what your retirement goals are, and start planning your retirement finances now. There are helpful interactive calculators that can help you determine how much you will need in retirement. 

3. Saving for college before retirement 

Moms want the best for their children, but there are many factors when deciding which savings take priority. Consider this: U.S. News & World Report points out that your kids have access to loans and scholarships to help pay for college. But, if you don't save enough money for retirement, you may not be able to afford your own expenses.

You could also have separate savings for college and retirement, and contribute to both. Even if you're contributing less to each than you would like, the longer the money is in the account, the more the interest will accumulate. 

4. Retiring with a lot of debt

Find a way to pay down or pay off consumer, student loan, and mortgage debt before you retire. These recurring payments will be harder to make when you're on a fixed income. 5. Relying on Social Security. Your Social Security benefits are a valuable source of income during retirement, but with an average benefit of just $1,237, according to the Social Security Administration, it is unlikely that this amoung will be able to cover all your retirement expenses. Before you retire, visit ssa.gov to find out what benefits you should plan for. 

6. Failing to research options to increase savings 

The key to growing your retirement fund is balancing risk and reward. Look into different options and how they could fit your retirement goals. If you want a low-risk option, check out fixed indexed annuities (FIAs) at FIAinsights.org. Market-driven options like mutual funds or securities have higher risk, but also the potential to really increase your savings. You can research a variety of retirement plans here.

7. Individualizing your accounts

If financial assets are in one account under one name, it may be hard to access those funds in the event of a family death. According to USA Today, having joint retirement accounts will protect you, your family, and your finances in the event of an unexpected death.

8. Using your retirement funds before retiring 

Let the money in your retirement fund grow, and if you need money earlier, consider other sources. It is harder to save the closer you get to retirement, and many retirement accounts have steep penalties for withdrawing early. 

9. Failure to plan for taxes

Keep in mind that you will still have to pay taxes after leaving the workforce. Plan ahead so you'll have enough money to pay your taxes as well as enjoy your retirement. 

10. Depending on a specific retirement age

You may plan to work until you're 65 or older, but sometimes unexpected circumstances alter your retirement plans. That is why it is important to start saving for retirement early, so you won't be short of your retirement goals if you are unable to work earlier than expected.

Image by AJ Batac, flickr.com

What mother's retirement savings tips, advice and experiences do you have? You are encouraged to share your thoughts as a comment below this post.

FTC Disclosure: The Indexed Annuity Leadership Council provided all content and images for this post. However, no payment or other compensation  was exchanged in connection with this post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's home page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Edible Arrangements For Valentine's Day - Free Shipping with This Code at Checkout

Deals

This is a sponsored post

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FTC Disclosure: This is a compensated post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's home page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Twitter Party Calendar This Week February 2 - 8 Parties w/ Prizes

Twitter Parties

Constant Updates, Keep Checking Back + Sneak Peek at Future Weeks!

Get all the details in this free constantly updated Twitter Party Master Calendar listing tons of family friendly parties including specifics on prizes you can win and links to RSVP and participate. Includes Twitter Parties in the U.S. and Canada. Be sure to check back often every week as new events are added on an ongoing basis -- often with new prize-winning opportunities added several times per day. You'll also get a sneak peek at Twitter parties coming up next week and in the month ahead. Now listing Facebook, Pinterest and Google+ parties with prizes too.

Be the first to know when the latest Mommy Blog Expert Twitter Party schedule goes live by following MBE on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and YouTube.

Please note: This coming week there aren't very many Twitter parties due to the holidays. But stay tuned -- I'm working hard to keep you updated and will add new parties for the current week and future weeks as they are announced. In fact, get ready now because there will be a huge number of new parties with prizes listed here that are happening after January 1st and onward. Most parties are for U.S. only, unless indicated otherwise highlighted in pink.


THIS WEEK

Sunday, February 2

Toyota Latino Super Bowl Twitter Party at 6 pm ET with @LatinaMomBlogs @QueenofSwag4u and others. Prizes: ONE (1) 42 in HDTV ARV $400, ONE (1) iPad Mini ARV $300, TWO (2) $100 giftcards. #NoCabeElAburrimiento

Monday, February 3

So Fab Con Twitter Party at 11 am ET with @SoFabCon @Brandijeter and others. Prizes: FIVE (5) free passes to the 3-day So Fab Con. #SoFabCon

The Wright Breakfast Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @dawnchats @freebies4mom and others. Prizes: FIVE (5) $100 Sam's Club giftcards. #TheWrightBreakfast

Treat Valentine's Day Twitter & Pinning Party at 1 pm ET with @resourcefulmom @treatcards. Prizes: ONE (1) Grand Prize $500 Amazon giftcard, ONE (1) $250 Amazon GC, ONE (1) $100 Amazon GC, ONE (1) $50 Amazon GC. #SendMoreLove

Active for Life Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @PRMomOttawa @TeacherMomofTwo. Prizes: TBA - Canada residents ONLY eligible to win prizes. #AFLkids

Weekly Traveling Moms Twitter Party at 9 pm ET chatting about sports travel with @TravelingMoms and others. Prizes: TBA. #TMom

My 1 Valentine Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @Brylane_Home @DiscoverSelf. Prizes: TBA. #My1Valentine

Tuesday, February 4

Melissa and Doug Twitter Party at Noon ET with @MelissaandDoug. Prizes: TBA. Participate in party with hashtag #MDParty

Florida Memories Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @PTPA @CASSCO. Prizes: TBA - Canada residents of South Central Ontario ONLY eligible to win prizes. #CAAOrlando 

Valentines Best Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @Outnumberedmama @EightyMPHmom. Prizes: Delicious gift baskets and boxes of beauty items valued at about $50 each; Grand Prize is $50 Amazon GC + gift set. #ValentinesBest

Weekly Win Chat Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @WindowsBlog @KristinaLibby. Prizes: TBA. Follow handles and hashtag #WinChat for more info

SplashCore Twitter Party at 3-4:30 pm ET. $200+ in Prizes: TBA. #TasteofNature

50 Shades of Red Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @Redenvelope @Dawnsandomeno @LTPreppyGlasses. Prizes: TBA. #50shadesofred

Team Sparkle Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @SparkleAthletic. Prizes: TBA. #TeamSparkle 

Bathroom Routines at 8:30-9:30 pm ET with @TodaysParent. Prizes: TBA. Participate in party w/ hashtag #BathroomRoutines

Finding Conference Sponsorship Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @BloggyMoms @BloggyCon. Prizes:  ONE (1) Family Pack of 4 tickets to Cedar Point and ONE (1) Udderly Smooth gift basket. #BloggyCon14

Recipes for Romance Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @Listen2Lena @FeistyFrugal @SassyModernMom. Prizes: $900+ in prizes TBA. #Recipes4Romance

Work Hard Train Hard Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @OfficeDepot @Fitzness @Momitforward and others. Prizes: TWO (2) $200 Office Depot giftcards up for grabs in associated giveaway. #WorkHardTrainHard

Wednesday, February 5

Wood Watches Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @SJBlahBlahBlog @Barefootinblue. Prizes: ONE (1) $25 FTD giftcard and ONE (1) wooden watch ARV $139. #woodwatches

Used Everywhere Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @UsedEverywhere @MomsTownMedia and others. Prizes: Full list on RSVP page - Canada residents ONLY eligible to win prizes. Participate in party with both hashtags #UsedParty

30 Second Mom Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @30secondmom. Prizes: TBA. #30secondmom #workingmoms

Thursday, February 6

Home Innovations Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @Katlean @Wellconnectdmom @MommyBlogExpert @StyleBeat and others. $2600 in Prizes: FOUR (4) prize packages ranging in value from $500-$7oo each from Kohler, Wilson Art and other well-known consumer home brands. #NextpertInnovate

Estroven Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @lomargie @allmommywants. Prizes: TWO (2) Samsung Video Cameras; EIGHT (8) Estroven Weight Management prize packages. #EstrovenCW

Homemade Simple Twitter Party from 7-9 pm ET with @Chatelaine. Prizes: Prizes include a $150 Visa giftcard - Canada residents ONLY eligible for prizes. Participate in party with hashtag #savingmadesimple 

WWE Moms Twitter Party at 7 pm ET with @WWEMoms @WeGiveBooks. Prizes:  WWE Encyclopedia and book bundle, a Longchamp tote bag, or an iPod Nano! #WWEMoms 

Mom Inspirations Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @Cafeyak. Prizes: Gaiam Yoga gear and more. #Mominspirations

Go Maple Go Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @Dempsters. Prizes: TBA - Canada residents ONLY eligible for prizes. #GoMapleGo

Friday, February 7

More Love Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @Kmart @KmartDeals. Prizes: $200 in prizes. #MoreLove 

Weekly Verizon Insider Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @theonlinemom @RobynsWorld and others. Prizes: ONE (1) Jawbone UP activity tracker, ONE (1) Mini JAMBOX wireless speaker, ONE (1) Samsung Galaxy S4 smartphone. #VZWBuzz

Flashback Friday Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @YesVideo @ahelicoptermom and others. Prizes: ONE (1) Apple TV, THREE (3) $50 YesVideo e-cards; ONE (1) $100 YesVideo ecard, ONE (1) Vintage Popcorn Maker, ONE (1) Godiva 19-piece chocolate assortment. Participate in party w/ hashtag #RememberWhen

Hasbro's Marvel Super Hero Mashers Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @hasbronews @momitforward and others. Prize: ONE (1) Hasbro Marvel Super Heroes Mashers prize pack ARV $45. #gno #Mymashup

NEXT WEEK

Monday, February 10

Jungle Fresh Twitter Party at 7 pm ET with @dentistmel @aboutamom and others. Prizes: FIVE (5) $100 Walmart giftcards. #junglefresh

Cans Get You Cooking Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @resourcefulmom @CansGetUCooking and others. Prizes: FOUR (4) prize packs that include tote, cookbook + $50 Target giftcard; ONE (1) Grand Prize that includes tote, cookbook + $100 Target GC. #CansGetYouCooking 

Weekly Traveling Moms Twitter Party at 9 pm ET chatting about sports travel with @TravelingMoms and others. Prizes: TBA. #TMom 

Shari's Berries Random Acts of Kindness Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @SharisBerries @JollyMom and more. Prizes: Shari's Berries prizes for you + sweets for you to give away to others. #RAOBerries

Michael's Craft Pinterest Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @MichaelsStores @HomeTalk. Prizes: SIX (6) $25 Michael's giftcards. #CraftParty

Tuesday, February 11

Melts Best Feelings Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @Glade @aleamilham @dawnchats @mudpiesandtiara @athriftydiva @jmanmillerbug. Prizes: FIVE (5) $100 Visa giftcards. #MeltsBestFeelings

Disney Jungle Book Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @SocialMoms @DisneyPictures. Prizes: Thirty (30) Disney Jungle Book Bluray combo packs. #JungleBookDiamond

Tiny Hearts Twitter Party at 2 pm ET with @Twiniversity. Prizes: Prizes TBA from Step 2. Participate in party with hashtag #TinyHearts

Surviving Winter Twitter Party at 7 pm ET with @MomsandBrands. Prizes: TBA. #SurvivingWinter #Momsandbrands

Family Mobile Max Your Tax Twitter Party at 7 pm ET with @blm03 @amomsimpression. Prizes: FIVE (5) $100 Walmart giftcards. #FamilyMobile #MaxYourTax

H&R Block Canada Tax Time Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @HRBlockCanada @ThirtySixMonths @MoneyAfterGrad and others. Prizes: TBA - Canada residents ONLY eligible for prizes. #HRBTaxChat

Mi Mashup Hasbro Marvel Super Hero Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @LatinaMomBlogs @HotMamaNtheCity and others. Prizes: FIVE (5) Hasbro Marvel Super Hero prizes. #MiMashup

Pure Goodness Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @HalosFun @Somedayilllearn. Prizes: $500 in Visa giftcards.#PureGoodness

Mom Travel Chat Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @FamiliesGo. Prizes: TWO (2) $50 Urban Sitter gift certificates and ONE (1) Griffin Tech Skyview Seatback Mount. #MOMTravelchat

What's in Your Feminine Products Twitter Party at 9-10:30 pm ET with @BookieBoo @NaturallySavvy and others. Prizes: Products & gift certificates. #AlwaysTell

Wednesday, February 12

Blame Mucus Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @Smiley360. Prizes: SEVEN (7) $25 giftcards plus branded merchandise. #BlameMucus

Choose Smart Twitter Party at 6 pm ET with @AleaMilham @Formulamom @tsue1136 @Smartfinal. Prizes: FIVE (5) $100 Smart & Final giftcards. #ChooseSmart 

My Pick N Save Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @PickNSaveStores @Kellysluckyyou @Sweeptight and others. Prizes: FIVE (5) $100 Pick N Save giftcards. #MyPickNSave

Sara Lee Snack Cakes Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @Resourcefulmom @Saraleesnacks. Prizes: TEN (10) prize packs that include a branded lunch bag and 5 boxes product; FOUR (4) $50 American Express giftcards. #SaraLeeSnacks

Love Cloth Pads Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @LoveMCO @PinkLemonadeSue @ParentingPatch. Prizes: Product gift certificates. #LoveClothPads

Thursday, February 13

This is Style Twitter Party at 11 am ET with @SuburbiaU @Blueviolet @Thedomesticexec @KristaK2 @SearsStyle. Prizes: FIVE (5) $100 Sears Style giftcards; THREE (3) fragrance prize packs ARV $87.50 each. #Thisisstyle

Crest Be Bold Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @Shespeaksup @Crest @Walmart. Prizes: $1000 in prizes that include Crest in all 3 flavors + Walmart giftcards including a $250 Grand Prize Walmart GC. #BeBold

Pamper Yourself Twitter Party 1-3 pm ET with @VitaminShoppe. Prizes: Prizes from lots of brands participating. #PamperYourself

Cook in Comfort Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @MsMissy62 @DoDomesticdad @Wicproject @Freebies4mom @Kraftfoods. Prizes: FIVE (5) $100 Walmart Giftcards. #CookinComfort 

Be a Great Pet Owner Twitter Party at 7 pm ET with @CharlotteReed. Prizes: Lots of pet friendly prizes and giftcards. #Beagreatpetowner

Diaper Divas Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @Clothdiapergeek @Chgdiapers. Prizes: Diapers, gifts and gift certificates for baby. #DiaperDiva

Friday, February 14

Weekly Verizon Insider Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @theonlinemom and others. Prizes: TBA. #VZWBuzz

COMING SOON

Monday, February 17

Weekly Traveling Moms Twitter Party at 9 pm ET chatting about sports travel with @TravelingMoms and others. Prizes: TBA. #TMom

Tuesday, February 18

Disney Side Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @MomTalkRadio. Prizes: TBA. #DisneySide

Friday, February 21

Weekly Verizon Insider Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @theonlinemom and others. Prizes: TBA. #VZWBuzz

March 5, 6, 7 & 8

Moms and Brands Expo West Twitter Party series at 7 pm ET each night with @MomsandBrands. Prizes: Lots of brands participating. Participate in party with hashtags #MomsandBrands #ExpoWest

About this Weekly Twitter Party List
Compiled by MommyBlogExpert.com Twitter Parties are listed free of charge in this weekly schedule. However keep in mind that each party is run by a different brand and/or hosts and MommyBlogExpert, unless specified otherwise, is not responsible for any dealings readers have with these events including, but not limited to, prizing of any party on the calendar. Add an event to the Mommy Blog Expert Twitter Party Calendar free by emailing janis at janiselspas.com with Twitter Party in subject line including all details and links in the body of your message.

Also available, for a nominal fee, to host, co-host or serve as a panelist for your own brand Twitter party. To inquire, please email janis at janiselspas.com for information with Twitter Party Consulting Query in the subject line.

FTC Disclosure: MommyBlogExpert does attend some Twitter parties as a guest and also works as a host, co-host, and panelist on others. I disclose that I'm being compensated as a panelist for the #NextpertInnovate Twitter Party on 2/6/14. However, I did not receive any other payment or compensation associated with this particular post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one

Ethel M Chocolates Valentines Giveaway

Valentines Day

Chocolate Giveaway, Discount Code

MBE partnered with Ethel M for this story

Who doesn't love chocolate? I mean, especially really good quality chocolate that is beautifully packaged for Valentine's Day? I know I do! Since chances are good that you agree, I'm excited to announce that I'm hosting an Ethel M Chocolates Giveaway exclusively for MommyBlogExpert readers.

Beautiful Valentine Candy

Giveaway plus Discount Code

In addition, I am pleased to share a great savings deal with you from this delicious brand. You'll get FREE SHIPPING on any $55+ Ethel M Chocolates candy order when using the special code CUPID14 at checkout.

Read on to enter for your chance to win a gorgeous box of Ethel M Chocolates filled with candies in an assortment of six flavors, each enrobed in a different festive seasonal color chocolate valued at $65.

Ethel M Chocolates
Valentine's Day Gift Box

GIVEAWAY

This Ethel M Chocolates MommyBlogExpert (MBE) Giveaway ends February 14, 2014 at 12 am PT. Contest open to legal residents of the U.S. only. Winner of this MBE contest will be selected at random from all entries and will be notified via email and must respond within 24 hours to claim their prize.

Ethel M Chocolates will award one Grand Prize Winner a Valentine's Day Heart Chocolate box valued at $65.

GOOD LUCK!

More Family-Friendly
Mommy Blog Expert Giveaways

ENTER Them All HERE

FTC Disclosure: This is a sponsored post for SheSpeaks/Ethel M Chocolates and I am receiving compensation in exchange for my time hosting this giveaway as well as for writing a separate upcoming product review blogpost. However, all opinions here are my own. In addition, Ethel M is providing the prize and shipping for the giveaway. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.