Paige and Gretchen take some time to answer a few questions from their favorite people, the viewers!

An important part of “being there for your new family” is planning for your children’s college education. So as part of our New Beginnings series, sponsored by State Farm, Gretchen and Paige checked in with State Farm Agent Felicia Everett for advice on how parents can get started saving for that big step out of the nest! Felicia talks about several different plans parents should consider, and emphasizes that most families will use a combination of savings, scholarships, and loans. Take a deep breath and click here and here for more information about planning for college.

Gretchen and Paige talk with State Farm agent Eric Hamilton about how parents can protect their families by planning for the future. Eric recommends a multi step plan that includes flexible, liquid savings and insurance to protect that savings. Watch the show to learn more about how smart moms manage their money in these tough economic times.

September is National Life Insurance month and as part of our State Farm sponsored series, New Beginnings: Being There for Your New Family, the Mommies spoke with State Farm agent, Eric Hamilton about making plans to protect our families, in case the worst happens.

Paige and Gretchen both have friends who have died young and unexpectedly, and they wanted to learn what steps parents can and should take to “plan for the worst.” Follow along as Eric walks them through the first steps to setting up a will and a trust, and explains the two types of life insurance and the benefits of each. No one likes to think about dying, but making plans for our children now is the right thing to do and brings a lot of peace of mind.

Paige and Gretchen speak with State Farm Agent, Felicia Everett, about the importance of taking inventory of your family’s possessions in case of a house fire or other unfortunate event.

Check out StateFarm.com for more useful tips and tool for protecting your family possessions.

State Farm has partnered with Dr. Ian Smith of ABC’s The View and VH1’s popular reality series Celebrity Fit Club to create “The 50 Million Pound Challenge” to promote healthier lives and more nutritious diets.

As part of our series “New Beginnings: Being There for Your New Family,” sponsored by State Farm, Paige and Gretchen visited with a mom-and-daughter duo who are serious about taking the Challenge! Danielle Williams decided to join the Challenge because of her concern for her daughter Dasia’s health. When Dasia’s doctor warned that she was at risk for type-2 diabetes, Danielle knew she had to do something. Now, inspired by the Challenge and armed with online tools available at www.50millionpounds.com, Danielle is taking charge of her family’s health. Watch the show to get your own inspiration and learn what the Williams are doing — from restricting fast food to banning television. It is awesome! .

Gina Lincicum is the creator of the website MoneywiseMoms.com and she is one saving savvy lady! As part of our series “New Beginnings: Being there for your new family,” sponsored by State Farm, she gave Paige and Gretchen some helpful tips and insights into how moms can manage their money better and end up saving money. And who doesn’t want to do that? Gina talks about where to shop and what to look for if you’re buying second hand, she also recommends several great websites to visit for deals on all your baby needs. Be sure to stop by her website for even more great ideas at www.moneywisemoms.com.

There’s a lot that goes into keeping your home safe for your family, some of it is obvious, but some of it… not so much. To help new families keep on top of everything, State Farm is sponsoring the series, “New Beginnings; Being There for Your New Family.” Watch as Gretchen bravely opens her home for an evaluation by Rebecca Morley, the Executive Director of The National Center for Healthy Housing. Rebecca checks for the main elements of a healthy home: dry, clean, pest free, ventilated, contaminate free, and maintained and shares where to check for potential problems. For even more information, visit the NCHH healthy home checklist by clicking here.

As part of our New Beginnings Series, sponsored by State Farm, Paige and Gretchen continue their tour of a baby safe home with Michele Spahr, President of Safe Start Baby. Michele focuses on the nursery and points out what parents can do to ensure that their baby not only has sweet dreams, but a safe place to sleep too! Check out Michele’s blog here.

Michele Spahr, President of Safe Start Baby, has literally tons of information on great products and easy ways to “baby proof” your home. Gretchen and Paige took a tour of a baby safe home with her as part of our New Beginnings series sponsored by State Farm. Watch to learn what you can do to make your home a baby haven, and for even more ideas on making your home baby friendly visit here and here. Also make sure to check out Michele’s blog here.