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SmartTips is a totally free weekly eMail newsletter featuring expert advise and tips on the topics that matter to you, such as:
- Tempated by new car deals? Check here first to avoid over-paying.
- End of the year anticipation? Did something change this year that will affect your taxes?
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| Get SmartTips Newsletters by Email |
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SmartTips is a totally free weekly eMail newsletter featuring expert advise and tips on the topics that matter to you, such as:
- Tempated by new car deals? Check here first to avoid over-paying.
- End of the year anticipation? Did something change this year that will affect your taxes?
- 529 College Savings Plans. Your children are never too young—or too old—for you to get started.
Save money with FREE tips on everything from budgeting, managing debt, buying insurance, and planning for retirement.

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Adjust to Your New Role
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Becoming a Grandparent
You're going to be a grandparent! The announcement comes in many different ways. It may be a phone call, or an e-mail, or a surprise visit. You may hear it at home, or in the office, or during dinner in a restaurant. However the news arrives, one thing is certain: Nothing will ever be the same again.
For most of us, news of a grandchild's impending arrival couldn't be happier. The thought of a new baby in the family is enough to send us into a dizzying array of emotions, ranging from joy, anticipation, and satisfaction to anxiety, sadness, and uncertainty. Like other major events in our lives, no single emotion fits the bill. How could it? The arrival of a grandchild signals the beginning of a new generation in a family. We are growing older. Life no longer stretches endlessly ahead of us. It is the price we pay for the joy of becoming grandparents. And it's a bargain.
© 1995-2007, AARP. All rights reserved
Becoming a Grandparent
You're going to be a grandparent! The announcement comes in many different ways. It may be a phone call, or an e-mail, or a surprise visit. You may hear it at home, or in the office, or during dinner in a restaurant. However the news arrives, one thing is certain: Nothing will ever be the same again.
For most of us, news of a grandchild's impending arrival couldn't be happier. The thought of a new baby in the family is enough to send us into a dizzying array of emotions, ranging from joy, anticipation, and satisfaction to anxiety, sadness, and uncertainty. Like other major events in our lives, no single emotion fits the bill. How could it? The arrival of a grandchild signals the beginning of a new generation in a family. We are growing older. Life no longer stretches endlessly ahead of us. It is the price we pay for the joy of becoming grandparents. And it's a bargain.
© 1995-2007, AARP. All rights reserved
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Notice
By clicking any of the link(s) on this page you will be transferring from this Marsh site to a site comprised of third party content. You hereby agree that Marsh is not responsible or liable in any manner for such third party content hosted on the linked site.
Notice
By clicking any of the link(s) on this page you will be transferring from this Marsh site to a site comprised of third party content. You hereby agree that Marsh is not responsible or liable in any manner for such third party content hosted on the linked site.
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Read up on Grandparenting Find answers to your questions and a wealth of additional resources published by a non-profit organization whose mission is to raise grandparent consciousness, and promote the importance of grandparenting as a role and function that both gives important meaning and empowerment to later life, and benefits all family members.  Source: The Grandparent Foundation
| Note | | The products and services listed on this page are presented as a service to you. Neither L-3 nor Marsh recommends any product or service; there is no guarantee that any listing on this page will be suitable for a particular purpose. |
Read up on Grandparenting Find answers to your questions and a wealth of additional resources published by a non-profit organization whose mission is to raise grandparent consciousness, and promote the importance of grandparenting as a role and function that both gives important meaning and empowerment to later life, and benefits all family members.  Source: The Grandparent Foundation
| Note | | The products and services listed on this page are presented as a service to you. Neither L-3 nor Marsh recommends any product or service; there is no guarantee that any listing on this page will be suitable for a particular purpose. |
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Find Local Grandparenting Resources Find out what types of local supports exist in your area. In addition to searching for local supports and resources in this section, you may also conduct a search for national organizations that offer helpful resources and information for grandparents.  Source: AARP
| Note | | The products and services listed on this page are presented as a service to you. Neither L-3 nor Marsh recommends any product or service; there is no guarantee that any listing on this page will be suitable for a particular purpose. |
Find Local Grandparenting Resources Find out what types of local supports exist in your area. In addition to searching for local supports and resources in this section, you may also conduct a search for national organizations that offer helpful resources and information for grandparents.  Source: AARP
| Note | | The products and services listed on this page are presented as a service to you. Neither L-3 nor Marsh recommends any product or service; there is no guarantee that any listing on this page will be suitable for a particular purpose. |
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Adjusting to Your New Role
Grandparents today are very different from grandparents of only a generation ago. We are generally healthier, busier, and more likely to still be working when our first grandchild arrives. As a result, our role as grandparent can vary greatly. There are so many different ways to be involved in our grandchildren's (and children's) lives. It's up to us to choose the ones we are most comfortable with.
If grandparents today are different, then so is everything else—approaches to childbirth and pregnancy, child-rearing practices, baby furniture, safety equipment, toys, etc. The key is to be open and flexible, which we all know is a lot harder than it sounds.

Source: AARP
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Note
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| The products and services listed on this page are presented as a service to you. Neither L-3 nor Marsh recommends any product or service; there is no guarantee that any listing on this page will be suitable for a particular purpose. |
Adjusting to Your New Role
Grandparents today are very different from grandparents of only a generation ago. We are generally healthier, busier, and more likely to still be working when our first grandchild arrives. As a result, our role as grandparent can vary greatly. There are so many different ways to be involved in our grandchildren's (and children's) lives. It's up to us to choose the ones we are most comfortable with.
If grandparents today are different, then so is everything else—approaches to childbirth and pregnancy, child-rearing practices, baby furniture, safety equipment, toys, etc. The key is to be open and flexible, which we all know is a lot harder than it sounds.

Source: AARP
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Note
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| The products and services listed on this page are presented as a service to you. Neither L-3 nor Marsh recommends any product or service; there is no guarantee that any listing on this page will be suitable for a particular purpose. |
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Congratulations! You’re a grandparent or soon to become one. Although this transition is less challenging than becoming a parent, it does have its challenges—and joys. The checklist below will help you make the most of your grand-parenting years.
Hard to believe, but you’re a grandparent or will be soon. Get ready for some rollercoaster emotions—and the time of your life.How can your child be a parent? Weren’t you changing diapers just a few years ago? Welcome to the wonderful world of grandparenting, where you’ll forge new relationships with your children, your grandchildren, and the world around you. 
Grandchildren develop so fast it’s hard to keep pace. Your challenge: to understand them—and accept them—as they grow.You’ve probably forgotten how quickly kids change. But now that you’re a grandparent, getting reacquainted with these changes will be a big help. 
When your grandchild visits your home, your little one’s safety is in your hands. Are you ready?Imagine how you will feel if your grandchild gets hurt while visiting. Don’t let it happen. Inspect your home and eliminate all safety hazards now. 
Traveling with your grandchild by car is more dangerous than you think. Take special precautions to keep your little one safe.A lot has changed since you drove your kids around. Today, buying and installing a child safety seat almost takes an engineering degree. Get help here. 
Your child has primary responsibility for your grandchild’s healthcare. But you play an important supporting role.The more time your grandchild spends with you, the more you need to know about today’s child healthcare practices. Start learning now. 
Caring for your grandchild is rewarding. But make sure to set limits.Most grandparents enjoy caring for a grandchild while parents work. It’s a rare opportunity to build strong bonds with the next generation—and to have fun. Just make sure it works with your current lifestyle and future plans. 
If your child is unable to care for your grandchild, you may need to take over. Don’t worry . . . you’re not alone.Raising a grandchild is the ultimate act of self-sacrifice. Say goodbye to retirement dreams of travel and leisure. But say hello to the rewards of love and commitment. 
A lesson grandparents often learn the hard way: Love has its limits.When your grandchild visits, it’s important to set limits—on behavior, snacks, and gifts. And don’t forget that you have your limits, too (of time, money, and energy). 
It’s natural to want to help your grandchild financially. Just make sure whatever you do is consistent with your financial goals and constraints.There are many options for gift giving and a variety of tax benefits available. Whatever you do, do what makes sense for your grandchild—and what makes sense for your current and future financial needs. 
Nothings warms a grandparent’s heart more than giving grandchildren gifts. But don’t let it burn your bank account.Giving gifts comes naturally to grandparents. Still, don’t feel you have to always give toys or spend a lot of money. Remember, it’s the thought—and the memories—that count. 
Giving gifts to your grandchildren while you’re alive is important. But also think about what to leave them when you’re gone.Providing money and other financial assets can open doors for your grandchildren later in life. To do this, make sure to update your will after a grandchild is born (or have one drawn up). And consider the advantages of life insurance. 
College is an expensive proposition these days. The good news: You can help your grandchildren by contributing to their college fund or by paying their tuition.Many grandparents gladly help their grandchildren with college finances. But be sure to consider all of your options before writing your first check. 
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