RSS Email

How Grandparents Can Go About Saving for their Grandchildren’s Future

For some overly financial health-conscious grandparents, simply saving for their children’s future is not enough. Upon reaching their retirement years, certain grandparents wish to make it a priority to begin putting money away for their grandchildren out of financial need or out of good old generosity.

One way to do so is by saving money for their education, their first car, or even a down payment on a house. However, navigating the world of savings and investments can be overwhelming. That’s why it’s important to have a plan in place and utilize the right tools, like a mortgage calculator, to help us achieve our savings goals.

But despite making saving for the grandkids a priority, retired grandparents aged 62 and older might find that they simply don’t have enough cash on hand to make it possible. This is where a reverse mortgage loan could come in quite handy.

If the retired grandparents don’t plan on moving out of the family home they’ve been paying the mortgage on for decades, they can tap into all that equity they’ve built up.

If approved for a reverse mortgage, they can potentially collect up to a six-figure sum or more in one lump sum payment, or they can take it in monthly disbursements. The best part of this financial opportunity is they need never pay back the loan until they either leave the house or die.

You can easily find out how much of a reverse mortgage you qualify for based on this calculator.

But what if you’re a grandparent who hasn’t yet reached retirement age and who is, in fact, quite a few years away from 62 years old? How can you go about saving for your grandchild or grandchildren’s future?

Untitled design(131)

According to a new report, it’s generally believed that most grandparents enjoy helping their grandchildren whenever possible. Some grandparents are the type to watch the grandkids while their parents are both working full-time jobs, and others feel that their role is better suited to help out financially.

But it’s important to note that not all grandparents are in a position to help their grandchildren monetarily, especially in these hyperinflated times. Still, they feel the need to set at least something aside for the grandkid’s future.

The reason will vary. Some grandparents had to struggle to pay for their education and for their first home. With that in mind, they wish to give their grandchildren “an easier start to their life.”

Still, others will see it as a priority to help their children and avoid the massive burden of taking on the grandkid’s student loan debt. But no matter the reason, there are several good ways grandparents can go about saving for their grandchildren’s future.

Here are just a few options you can look into right away.

The Savings Account

This might sound overly simplified, but one of the most effective ways to save for your grandkids is to open a savings account on their behalf. But beware that the easiest choices for saving are not always the best choices.

While placing money in an account for your grandchild will not decrease in terms of dollars, the interest rates on today’s savings accounts remain way below that of inflation.

This means the purchasing power of the money you are saving today will decrease over the course of many years.

If you decide to open a savings account at an FDIC-insured bank, you need to look for a “high-yield savings account.”

Untitled design(132)

CDs or Certificates of Deposit

Despite low-interest rates, you can get a higher return than a savings account by opening up a CD or certificate of deposit. In general, CDs will give you a higher interest rate on your cash so long as you make a contractual promise that you will not be withdrawing the money for a specific period.

CD terms are said to be as brief as a few months (or even a single month). But longer-term CDs will offer much higher interest rates. That said, you might not want to lock into a fixed rate long-term certificate of deposit if interest rates are rising.

The Brokerage Account

The gutsy grandparent who is willing to withstand some risk for potentially much higher returns than a savings account and/or CD might wish to invest their cash into a brokerage account.

By opening a brokerage account, you can invest for your grandchildren in bonds, ETFs, mutual funds, stocks, cryptos like Bitcoin, and other varieties of investments like real estate and precious metals.

The best part about a brokerage account is that given time (ten years or more), brokerage-related investments will always “provide higher returns than savings accounts.”

However, you must keep in mind that the money you invest could also lose some of its value, and this is why it’s important to maintain a diversified portfolio.

But if you’re investing in your grandchild’s future from the very beginning of his or her life, you have a full 18 years to go about investing before they require even a single dollar of what you’ve been putting away for their future.

That’s a long time, and when it comes to investing, time is always on your side.




5 Comfort Shows That Will Make You Feel Better

Can we all just agree on one thing? The weather is insane these days. The heat is scorching hot, and you have no other option but to drown yourself in cold frozen water or take a dive in a freezing swimming pool, but this is not a permanent solution. Because if you keep doing this, trust us, you’ll get sick. You’ll come down with awful flu that would make you feel awful. But hang on! Don’t let it bum you out so much; grab your herbal tea, your laptop, or smartphone and get ready for some stream time.

But when you are preparing for a day full of streaming to make you feel better, it is always recommended to get an internet connection that offers lightning-fast speed along with unlimited data, which you can get from Spectrum since this telecom company is known for its excellent services. Of course, while being so sick, you don’t want to encounter lousy customer support, and this company knows it too well. This is why servicio al cliente Spectrum, which is dedicated to Spanish speakers, provides you a way to get in contact with customer support agents any time you want and you can definitely expect them to solve your problem in a jiffy, without having to make you wait long in line.

With that being said, here are some of the best sitcoms that will make you feel better instantly.

Untitled design (32)

Gilmore Girls

You have probably rewatched it like umpteen times by now. It is the show you watch when you want to feel good, it is the show you go back to whenever you come down to anything. For starters, it is lighthearted and does not require you to pay much attention. To put it simply, Gilmore Girls is quite a comfort show for many people.

It follows the life of Lorelai Gilmore, who is an independent woman who had our daughter at a very young age. Ever since then, she has not taken help from anyone. Lorelai and her daughter Rory share a very close bond that may even come off more as friends than mother-daughter. The show introduces us to their willful characters that are super amazing.

The Good Place

To be honest, we have even lost count of how many times we have watched this show but it never gets old. The show is hilarious, yet so relatable. It makes you think about serious stuff without making you feel bummed out.

What happens when you wake up to find out that you are dead now and in “the good place” despite you being not so morally right person? Eleanor can tell you because she finds herself in a heaven-like afterlife but the case is a major example of mistaken identity. She keeps trying to hide her past to spend more time in this heaven, but will she be able to fool everyone?

Brooklyn Nine-Nine

Want a good laugh while sick in bed? You can count on Brooklyn Nine-Nine to have you in laughing fits. The show is incredible. It gives you a taste of reality in this sitcom, which is rare for comedic content but the taste is so on point that you can’t help but praise the creators for it. Brooklyn Nine-Nine has everything, LGBT representation, strong female leads, and persons of color, it addresses serious issues and also deals with them in a very healthy way.

Raymond Holt is a commanding officer, a very brave and assertive man who leads a diverse team of quirky, intelligent, and talented detectives in the 99th precinct of Brooklyn, New York City. They are on a mission to solve the crimes of Brooklyn while also doing them in a very entertaining and hilarious way.

Fresh Off the Boat

If you are a fan of Constance Wu’s Crazy Rich Asians, then you will love Fresh Off the Boat. She really knows her art around comedy and this sitcom is the best example. It gives you a hilarious, fun, and entertaining look into the everyday life of a Chinese immigrant family that consists of a couple, their two sons, and a grandma.

Back in the 1990s, an immigrant family from Taiwan tries to get themselves adjusted to their new life while living in the United States. The Huang family gets a reality check in terms of the socio-cultural and socio-economic situation of the US.

The Golden Girls

If sarcasm is your thing then trust us, these four powerful ladies are going to have you in fits with their witty dialogues and sarcastic one-liners. They are sassy, savage, elegant, and humorous. The Golden Girls is a must-watch for everyone who looks for content that is light yet touching with some of the most emotional moments.

Four women; Dorothy, Sophia, Blanche, and Rose live together in Miami while experiencing joys along with the ups and downs of life. They are fearless and quick-witted and they have every skill needed for four women to live on their own as they navigate through life.

Untitled design (34)

To Sum Up

Well, there you have it. The abovementioned shows are one of the most comforting ones you can find to make you feel better when you are home-bound and sick. So, don’t let yourself feel miserable and get yourself a bowl of popcorn because these shows are going to keep you company.




11 Cult Classics, Movie Favorites You Never Knew

What is a cult classic you ask?

Sometimes despite the a movie companies best efforts a film is released in the theaters to little fanfare; ticket sales are low and it’s just expected to disappear in the annals of films of yesterday. There are times instead a cult classic is created from that film. A mysterious chemistry happens and a particular movie captures the attention of society because of it’s theme, language, actors and even pop culture trends. A Cult Classic is born.

Cult Classics have a following that doesn’t follow mainstream.  Movies fall into this category despite reviews and analysis from critics.  These movies now have a following that support the graphic tees, memes and future productions of the writer, director or producer. Do you have a favorite cult classic film or television show?  Here are a few on my list.

Heathers

This black, cynical comedy portrays 4 teenage girls while they maneuver high school and it’s cliques. The “Heathers” are feared and hated for their treatment of others and better then everyone else attitude.  Winona Ryder plays the victim/hero, Veronica.

Cult Classics on Netflix, movies that people love

Friday

A hilarious and raunchy comedy of life “in the hood”. It’s recently achieved a new level of fame with re-introduction of “Bye, Felicia”.

All Time Favorite Cult Classics Bye Felicia #streamteam

Tremors

Featuring Kevin Bacon (who is all over Hollywood) as Val, a down on his luck handyman who battles snake like creatures that live underground and is attacking the town of “Perfection.

Night of the Living Dead

The zombie movie that started it all, Night of the Living Dead has rewarded it’s cult following with 5 sequels, some better than others. This is the original and a must see.

Donny Darko

You’ll be left with unanswered questions while you watch teen Donny twist and weave through a world led by a giant rabbit. This dark and often mind-bending sci-fi thriller will keep you coming back for more.  Keep an eye out for the director’s cut, it’ll be much more satisfying.

Hackers

A look into the underground computer crime-world with names such as Angelina Jolie and Johnny Lee Miller as high school teenagers.

All Time Favorite Cult Classics

Rocky Horror Picture Show

Stranded couple, Brad and Janet find themselves upon a bewitching estate, home to mad scientist Dr. Frank N. Furter and the Annual Transylvanian Convention.

The Big Lebowski

A unemployed slacker bowler is mistaken for a millioniare Lebowski whose wife has been kidnapped. The ransom drop obviously goes wrong.

All Time Favorite Cult Classics

Clerks

Clerks is just a day in the life of Dante and his sidekick Randal. And to think he wasn’t even supposed to be there that day.

Office Space

A group of miserable, IT workers in the midst of company lay offs devise a scheme to embezzle money from their employer, Initech.  Wouldn’t you know a fire erupts at the office just as the theft would be found out.Let’s not get started on the faulty copy machine found in every workplace in the world. Watch the crew take out all their frustrations on a piece of antiquated machinery. Definitely NOT SAFE FOR KIDS OR WORK

Fight Club

Stuck in a deadend job, suffering from insomnia and craving the acceptance and affection of others the “Unnamed” main character befriends a soap salesman and they form an underground fight club where they beat the shit out of one another and other participants. Or do they?

——————————————————-

Netflix is our go to for movies old and new but it’s also my first stop when looking for something different. I’ve already seen most of these films but have a couple more to go.  NetFlix #StreamTeam




Summer Release BoxTrolls on Netflix #StreamTeam

Looking for a great movie for the whole family this summer? Sit down with a box of eggs and enjoy The Boxtrolls on Netflix.

Boxtrolls on Netflix a Laika movie

Boxtrolls on Netflix a Laika movie #StreamTeam
As a huge fan of Laika productions, I thoroughly enjoyed going to see it with my sister in theaters. It’s an interesting and unusual story about a little boy, called Eggs, who is kidnapped by trolls that live under a city. As he grows up, he realizes the danger that the sweet and harmless Boxtrolls are in. Believed to be evil, thieving monsters, the town hires Lord Snatcher to capture every Boxtroll in the town. Will Eggs be able to save his family before it’s too late? What wild secrets will he discover on his journey? How adorable can the Boxtrolls get? Find out answers to these questions and more with The Boxtrolls!

ParaNorman, another Laika production, is one of my all time favorite movies but sadly it had been taken off of Netflix. However, there are plenty of other great family friendly movies you can watch this month on Netflix this month.

Boxtrolls on Netflix a Laika movie #StreamTeam

How To Train Your Dragon 2
The Road to El Dorado
Chicken Run
James and the Giant Peach
Fern Gully: The Last Rainforest
Brother Bear
The Dark Crystal
LabyrinthNetFlix #StreamTeam




Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt on Netflix #StreamTeam

The newest obsession on our house is Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. This series is found on Netflix by creators Tina Fey and Robert Carlock. It has one of the most depressing premises that I’ve ever heard but it’s actually one of the cutest and most light-hearted shows that I’ve ever seen. The show follows Kimmy Schmidt, a girl who was kidnapped and held captive for 15 years by a preacher who “believed” that the world was going to end. This doomsday cult leader restricts all that is evolving in the world around them. He captured her and three other women and kept them in a bunker underground.Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt Netflix #StreamTeam

The first episode opens with their release and the rest of the season follows Kimmy on her path to a new life in New York City. See, it sounds really dark but it specifically steers clear of the that side of the story. Kimmy meets new friends with a variety of their own quirks and personality traits and has unique adventures as she gets her first job, finds her first apartment, and kisses her first boy.


Kimmy is a kind and helpful person to everyone she meets, even if she is a bit naive and depends on “The Babysitters Club” books for life advice. She doesn’t quite understand today’s society but she does everything she can to brighten the days of those around her and figure out her life in a new and strange time.  Jane Krakowski from 30 Rock is on the show playing a very similarly vain and dramatic character, it’s what she does so well. It’s actually mostly family friendly and free of cursing which is surprising of a show that was made for Netflix. My favorite quote from her, when asked what filter she had used for a photo, Kimmy replied “None. Hasbrown No Filter.”
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt Netflix #StreamTeam

To be honest it took 2 episodes to get hooked. Everyone I know who had watched the show said to give it a chance. It could come off as slapstick and corny at times but there’s a reason for that; Tina Fey.  She’s the genius behind 30 Rock, many many many SNL Skits and one of my faves Mean Girls.

Give it a tray for yourself.  Netflix is one of the greatest things ever.  I use it alllllllll the time.  I stream from my phone even if I can’t watch it, I’ll listen to my favorite comedies just to get laughs throughout the day.

NetFlix #StreamTeam




Movie Favorites for Guys

Last week we celebrated my dad’s birthday.  He’s a simple man and didn’t really want much but I created this special post for him and his birthday. I’ve compiled a list of a few of his favorite movies that can be found on Netflix for you to share with the dads in your lives. My dad and I watch movies together pretty frequently. Invincible has always been one of our favorites but Blades of Glory was the first adult comedy that we watched together and it’s still one of my favorite movies. Thank you dad for introducing me to some of my favorite movies that I still watch today. Happy Birthday, I love you!

Days of Thunder

Bad Boys (I and) II

Karate Kid

Karate Kid on Netfix, Movies for Guys

Redemption

Beverly Hills Cop

Mr. Deeds

Anchorman 2 (and Anchorman and Talladega Nights and Blades of Glory)

Top Gun

Resevoir Dogs

and most importantly
Team America: World Police

Team America, inappropriate movie for guys

I remember my dad watching this on a vacation to Great Wolf Lodge and he wouldn’t stop singing the theme song for a long time, which was a problem because it’s like 50% curse words and completely inappropriate and politically incorrect. He’ll still sing it occasionally but only the first two words.

NetFlix #StreamTeam




Oscar Worthy on Netflix #StreamTeam

The BIG SHOW is over and the awards have been handed out.  Honestly I didn’t get a chance to see too many of the nominated films this year while they were in theaters. Seeing all the fanfare and accolades during the Academy Awards makes me even more excited to see them now. So while you won’t find these films on Netflix yet I found some other movies starring some of this years winners.

NetFlix #StreamTeam

The director of this year Best Picture Winner, Birdman, Iñárritu is a Spanish language director and features many Hispanic actors in his films. Two of his films are available on Netflix if you would like to get a feel for his work. Biutiful featuring Javier Bardem and Amores Perros both of which are totally in Spanish. So if you do watch and you don’t speak Spanish, you’ll have to pay attention to subtitles. I loved the Swedish version of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, the subtitles I think made me pay even closer attention and not get distracted during the film.Academy Award Nominated Biutiful by Iñárritu

Eddie Redmayne won Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role this year for his part as Steven Hawking in The Theory of Everything. This was a movie that I really wanted to see but I didn’t get the chance.

While there aren’t many movies featuring him, there is one excellent one on Netflix. For example there is no Les Miserables (hint, hint). My Week with Marilyn, which earned Michelle Williams a Golden Globe and a nomination for an Oscar, tells the story of Colin Clark, played by Eddie Redmayne as he spends a week with Marilyn Monroe in London when her husband, Arthur Millar leaves the country. Clark is in charge of keeping her entertained while her husband is away and keep her out of the public eye. The movie focuses on learning who Marilyn was as a person and not who the media made her out to be.

Julianne Moore was awarded an Academy Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role for Still Alice. I had not heard about this movie until I read the nominations but from what I can tell it is about how Julianne Moore’s character’s family deals with her Early-onset Alzheimer’s.

Some other movies with Moore are; What Maisie Knew, a movie my mom and I actually just watched a few months ago. It was really good and had a satisfying ending that didn’t make me sad, which I was happy about.  If you’re looking for more Oscar nominated movies with Julianne Moore, The Kids are Alright is on Netflix as well. I was too young to see this when it came out in 2010 but I’ve always wanted to go back and watch it. But it was nominated for Best Picture and Best Actress and Supporting Actor and Best Original Screenplay.The Kids Are Alright on Netflix

Patricia Arquette was the winner for Best Supporting Actress this year for her role as Olivia Evans in Boyhood. I did not see Boyhood, I don’t think it even came into any theatres near me. But I’ve heard lots of great things about it and I’m sure it’s wonderful. There are shockingly few movies with her on Netflix but you can always go back and watch her show Medium.

Holes is the only movie of hers that I had heard of that was on Netflix. It is technically a kid’s movie but it’s still a really good movie and she plays an awesome character in it. Watch it with your kids, it is a great movie for the whole family.

Other Oscar Winning and Nominated movies that can be found on Netflix

The Wolf of Wall Street

Silver Linings Playbook

Django Unchained

Hugo

Netflix is not only great for entertainment but it’s a great resource for finding actors and directors you never knew about.  I love seeing what else they recommend when I add something to my watch list.




House of Cards is Back #StreamTeam

House of Cards! House of Cards! It’s so close, I can almost taste it. It was a total accident that we started watching this show in the first place. We had just gotten our Netflix account for the first time and dad was lining up a queue of shows and movies that he wanted to watch. House of Cards had just been added to the collection on Netflix so he tossed it in with the rest of his choices. I didn’t really pay it any mind, we have never been a family that watches political dramas, we are more crime show people. I also knew nothing about it until after we started watching it. I was walking through the living room while my mom and dad were watching the second episode and I instantly sat down and started watching it with them. I was blown away. We were all instantly addicted and we watched it every night until it was done. My dad stayed up late to watch it and he doesn’t stay up late to watch anything during the week, not even football. It would be all we would talk about together for weeks. We would pause between episode to discuss what was going to happen next and my mom was always right because she’s way more deceptive than we are.
House of Cards Season 3 Trailer on Netflix #StreamTeam

House of Cards Season 3 Netflix #StreamTeam
And then when the second season came out I had started work so they watched it without me and I was sad. And then it took me a long time to watch it because it’s not really the kind of show that I like to watch by myself because I really enjoy the discussion and the conspiracies. Also, when I watch tv alone, I like to do other things at the same time like be on my phone and play Animal Crossing so I’m never really paying attention. That’s why I just rewatch Bob’s Burgers, Parks and Recreation, and Archer in rotation because I already know all of the episodes.

Back to my original point, it’s just under one month away until Season 3 of House of Cards and we are all incredibly excited. I’m still not sure if we will be watching together or not but I’m looking forward to it either way. I highly recommend it to anyone who hasn’t seen it. Start watching it now and get caught up before the new season so you don’t get accidently see any spoilers from your friends. And if you have already seen it, rewatch it because I’m sure you’ve forgotten some things and you’re going to be really confused when the new season rolls around. Plus, who doesn’t want to see Francis and Claire Underwood and all of their friends/ enemies/ victims in action again. It’s truly and incredibly show and everything you’ve heard about it is true.

NetFlix #StreamTeam




What to Watch in 2015 Netflix #StreamTeam

The New Year is here and I’m so excited for all of the new things that Netflix has coming out next year. Orange is the New Black Season 3 is coming some time in mid 2015. Hopefully the next seasons of Archer and Bobs Burgers will be out soon too. I know my sister is excited about the new show, All Hail King Julien, which is all about the King of the Lemurs from Madagascar.All Hail King Julien Netflix #StreamTeam

There have been tons of great movies and shows on Netflix this year. We can expect new seasons of many of these next year so everyone needs to get caught up soon. These are the 15 shows and movies I think everyone should watch in 2015.What to Watch in 2015 on NetFlix, Movies, Shows and Cartoons #StreamTeam
Shows
1. Parks and Recreation
My all time favorite show. With 6 seasons to go through, there is plenty to catch up on. This is a perfect show if you love binge watching and laughing and Chris Pratt.
2. Orange is the New Black
An amazing look into a women’s prison based on an autobiography. Every character is developed and interesting and bring their own zest to the story. The best part for me is looking into the histories of the inmates and learning how their lives lead them to prison.
3. Criminal Minds
The best crime show ever made. Look into the minds of serial killers and learn way too much about the psychology behind murder. There are a ton of episodes to keep you occupied for weeks.
4. Walking Dead
Because it’s currently on TV, Netflix isn’t caught up completely but there are still 4 full season to watch. It’s got zombies and excellent characters and an elaborate story, all of which make it a great show. There are four seasons to go through and the new one is usually added some time in the fall.
5. The Killing
This show was originally on television but was canceled before it was finished. Netflix picked it up for the last season and gave us an incredible finale. It’s a crime thriller with tons of suspense but every seasons finale is incredible. This is a show I would highly recommend.

Cartoons
6. Archer
A weird concept with great execution; Archer follows a team of spies as they go on secret missions and also while they deal with dumb interpersonal conflicts. It’s funny and really weird and everyone should give it a try. It might not be everyone’s sense of humor but it could take some of you by surprise.
7. Bobs Burgers
This follows a family running a burger restaurant deal with low income and all of the other curves life can throw at you in a hilarious way. It shows events that are possible in real life but unlikely to actually happen to any sane person. They’re hilarious and strange but it’s an adorable show that anyone can laugh at.
8. Courage the Cowardly Dog
This is an older show from when I was a kid. It’s really bizarre but for me it’s a classic. It’s also more for older kids because it can be a tad scary and disturbing at times.
9. The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy
Another cartoon from my childhood. The saddest thing to me is that all of the episodes aren’t on Netflix but I’ll take what I can get. This show is the definition of weird. The episodes don’t go in order and they don’t follow any kind of logic. It’s a show about two kids who force the Grim Reaper to be their best friend forever and they meet all kinds of paranormal and supernatural creatures including a giant spider that thinks Billy is his dad and Count Dracula in his later years. Just watch it, I can’t explain it.
10. Adventure Time
Your kids probably already watch this show. I did even before Netflix and I have a few seasons on DVD. It’s adorable and fable-esqe with each episode teaching a lesson. But it also a lot of fun with adventures and monsters and a little bit of romance. This is a show mom and dad would approve of their kids watching. It also has a deep backstory which only the older viewers would be able to comprehend.

Movies
11. Silver Linings Playbook
It was Oscar nominated so you know it’s great but I didn’t hear a ton of buzz about it when it was in theaters. Even if you’ve already seen it, watch it again, it’s a great movie about family and mental illness and how the two are related. And Jennifer Lawrence is in it and she’s adorable.
12. Django Unchained
Not quite the same scope as the other movies on this list. It’s a Quentin Tarantino movie so it’s crazy violent but it’s also incredibly funny. It’s an all around great film that’s a lot of fun for mom and dad. Definitely make sure the kids are gone when you turn this one on though.
13. Annie
Watch the original on Netflix and then go see the reboot in theaters. Both are terrific in their own ways and Annie is a great introduction to the world of musicals and theater for young kids.
14. Camp Takota
It’s indie, it’s adorable, it’s all about friendship. It’s just a cute story about a girl who gets cheated on so she heads back to her childhood camp for the summer; you know a classic storyline. But it is a lot of fun.
15. What Maisie Knew
My mom and I watched it together and we didn’t know anything about it going into it but it turned out to be incredible. It’s so sweet to follow this little girl through her life and her parents dysfunctional life and separation, remarriage and more. But it ends in a great (but odd) way and I enjoyed every minute of it.

You don’t have Netflix? Let us change that for you. We have a 1 year subscription to giveaway to a LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! reader. Let us know what you’re looking forward to watching just from the list above.

EXTRA ENTRIES:
To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry above. Please note the changes to the entries and frequency, entries that don’t follow rules may be disregarded/ignored/deleted

  • SUBSCRIBE to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! via NEW Email Subscription.
  • COMMENT on a recent Review/Our Life/Our Travels/Our Thoughts post, let us know where to find it
  • FOLLOW @Melinda & @NetFlix on Twitter and TWEET this giveaway (1 time per day), please leave your twitter link each time: What to Watch in 2015 on @NetFlix plus 1yr Subscription #Giveaway from @melindababiak http://bit.ly/1Ila4qA 
  • SHARE this giveaway & below image on Google +, leave your link in comments below
  • SHARE this giveaway & below image on Pinterest, leave your link in comments below
  • SHARE this giveaway & below image on Instagram, leave your link in comments below
  • SHARE this giveaway & below image on Facebook, leave your link in the comments below

Your entries must follow the rules or they won’t be eligible for prizes. This contest ends 11:59 pm, Tuesday , January 27, 2015. The winners will be emailed and will have 48 hours to claim their prize. This contest is open to Contiguous US residents, age 18 or over. For complete rules please read our blog contest rules page.




My Favorite Movies as a Kid

As a little kid I had about 75 VHS tapes in my room and I watched every single one of them hundreds of times. I’ve always loved movies and I love re watching all of the movies that I loved as a child. These are the movies that I always ask for on DVD when Christmas rolls around. Some of them are classics and some of them are just my favorites. But all of them are on Netflix and they’re all great picks for you and your kids to enjoy together. This is my list of my Top Ten Favorite Movies from My Childhood.

Classic Kids Movies on Netflix

Dumbo
An adorable but incredibly sad story about a flying baby elephant shrew. Baby Mine is one of the saddest lullabies ever written but it’s so beautiful. This movie is super weird though, those pink elephants still freak me out. Only 60 minutes though, great if your kids have short attention spans!

The Prince of Egypt
This is actually the biblical story of Moses. It’s a great way to introduce these kinds of stories to kids who may be having trouble understanding the complex story telling in the bible. However, there are some graphic scenes in this movie involving slavery and death so parents should use their  best judgement on whether it is appropriate for their kids.Favorite Classic Kids Movies on Netflix #StreamTeam

Treasure Planet
Great adventure tale, a journey of a young boy to find riches for his family and redeem his past mistakes. It also has excellent role models for girls and boys including the tough female captain of the ship and the fearless young man who is leading the expedition.

Lilo and Stitch
Everybody loves Stitch. He’s adorable and destructive but he loves and protects Lilo no matter what. This movie sparked a TV show and two sequels but the original is one of my favorite movies. The soundtrack is a hilarious compilation of Elvis tracks and beautiful Hawaiian music. It’s a must watch!

Tarzan
Phil Collins is one of my favorite musician. He went all out on this soundtrack and they are still some of my favorite songs. And it has talking elephants and gorillas. There is a rather dark ending though involving the antagonist falling to his death through some tangled vines but it’s still a great movie for kids. Do not watch Tarzan and Jane though, it’s terrible and you will feel disappointed.  If you must watch a sequel watch Tarzan 2, that ones okay.Favorite Classic Kids Movies on Netflix #StreamTeam

Hercules
Kind of unknown but one of my favorite movies of all-time. The Muses are my favorite Disney characters and they help pull the whole story together. My sister and I both love this movie and I highly recommend it for all ages. As Shae put it, “I like it.” Shae Babiak everyone, such a way with words:P

FernGully: The Last Rainforest
This movie is secretly propaganda against the destruction of the environment but it’s still great and interesting and heartfelt. You follow a little fairy as she pulls a human into her world to show the effects that cutting down the forest has on those who live in it. This movie also has on of the best villain songs in any movie which is sung by Tim Curry. And the late Robin Williams plays a crazy bat so you know it’s going to be funny.

Anastasia
A forgotten princess since she isn’t a part of the Disney family. Anastasia however has strength and resilience and is an excellent role model. She is true to herself and wants nothing more than to find her family. As she and her friends travel from Russia to Paris they face trials but in front of them by the evil Rasputin and must work together to get to Anastasia’s grandmother. Rasputin is hilarious and so is Bartok, his adorable bat friend. I wish Bartok’s movie was on Netflix, it might be even better than Anastasia.

Pocahontas
While it’s not the most accurate tale it is a great way to show the way Natives were treated by the settlers when they came to America. And the songs are beautiful and the animals are cute and the princess is strong and wise and fearless and I wish I was her. This is a great movie for anyone of any age. Also the sequel is pretty good so you’re cleared to watch that one too.

Mulan
Hardcore and honorable, Mulan is a powerful warrior who dresses as a man to protect her aging father from war. She must work together with her unlikely friends to save China from the Huns. Plus this movie has “I’ll Make A Man Out of You” one of the greatest Disney songs ever written. Mulan kicks butt and doesn’t back down from any challenge. The sequel is good but the animation looks really weird so if you do watch it make sure you watch the weird snoopy faces they all make.

Runner-Ups

Robin Hood
It’s the story of Robin Hood but with animals, what’s not to love!

The Emperors New Groove
Such a weird movie but definitely one of David Spades best roles. Maybe his best role. He’s basically playing David Spade but he’s a llama. It’s a really weird movie.Favorite Classic Kids Movies on Netflix #StreamTeam
Chicken Run
Might be weirder than The Emperors New Groove. It’s the story of some chickens who try to learn how to fly from a flightless rooster. It was weird when I was a kid too. But it’s funny and the claymation is incredible. It’s just a silly movie to watch with your kids.