In this special edition of the CarefulCents show, host Brian J. Roberts sits down with rapper, entrepreneur and New York Times bestselling author Rick Ross to talk money, real estate and more. For the full Rick Ross interview, visit CarefulCents.com

In this episode, we tackle a big question: how much does it cost to have a baby?

More specifically, what are the costs to expect during the first year you have a baby?

The nationwide average cost of a baby in the first year is $13,000 as per the USDA. We break down what costs that number consists of. Up until the age of 17, the breakdown looks like this:

• 18% Food
• 29% Housing
• 15% Transportation
• 9% Healthcare
• 6% Clothing
• 16% Childcare
• 7% Misc.

Are you a parent whose been tracking expenses and want to share your story? Write us!

Email an overview of your story and photo of you and your baby for a chance to be featured in the story on this episode: [email protected]

Tired of scrambling come tax time? Or always need to file extensions to get organized?

In the episode, we detail a step by step system you can follow to simplify taxes. Here's the short version:

1. Setup a separate tax savings account
We recommend: carefulcents.com/citbank

2. Automate your tax saving using apps
We recommend: carefulcents.com/digit

3. Pay quarterly taxes, not annually
Learn more via the IRS website here.

4. Get organized: hire a bookkeeper
We recommend: carefulcents.com/bench

5. Double check deductions/expenses
Again, use our pick: carefulcents.com/bench

Tired of being broke? Here's how to fix it.

Make Up Your Mind

• "Enough is enough, I'm all in."
• If you don't take charge, no one else will. 

Identify The Source

• Comb through your statements
• Income problem? Spending problem?
• "What's coming in, what's going out?"

Create A Budget

• What's essential? What's not?
• What can be negotiated? Cut outright?
• Don't overextend–start simple

Eliminate Your Debt

• Tackle high interest debts first
• Will free up + build your credit
• Save money on fees, interest
• Make lifestyle adjustments

Increase Cashflow

• Easiest: Overtime? Extra shifts?
• Sell your stuff: DeClutter, eBay, etc.
• Sell products via Shopify
• Freelance: Upwork, Fiverr, etc.

Remember: Money Isn't Everything

• Life doesn't happens in a vacuum
• Take care of your physical, mental health
• Be mindful of what you consume
• Have courage to confront the "monsters"

Learn more: 
https://www.carefulcents.com

Want to boost your credit score overnight?

Then bust out a pen and pad, or open up your favorite note taking application on your smartphone, and get ready to learn step-by-step how to boost your credit score overnight.

Host note: "This is critical information I wish I knew when I was younger. So, do someone a favor and share this episode with them today. They'll appreciate you forever for it, and so will I." – Brian

Here's an overview of Part I:

• Payment History is 35% of your credit score. This includes late payments, judgements, liens, bankruptcies. So, always pay on time.
• Credit Utilization is 30% of your credit score. This is your current debt load, or your current total outstanding debt (balance to limit ratio).
• Credit History is 15% of your credit score. This is how long your accounts have been established (or, your credit age)
• Credit Mix is 10% of your credit score. This is the type of credit you have (home loan, student loan, personal loan, auto loans, etc)
• New Credit is the final 10% of your credit score. These are your new credit inquires.

And here's an overview of Part II:

1. Pay down credit card balances.
2. Request a credit limit increase.
3. Transfer credit card balances.
4. Don’t close old cards: use them.
5. Avoid new credit.
6. Consider a free credit boost.
7. Also consider a business card.
8. Plus, much, much more..

Thanks to the power of money making apps, you don’t need to be in an office–or even in front of a computer–to make money. All you need is a smart phone and a few key apps that pay.

And that's what we'll be discussing on Episode 2 of The Careful Cents show. Here's the list:

• Get up to 20% cashback on shopping you'd do anyway: carefulcents.com/dosh
• Make money on price adjustments and late Amazon orders: carefulcents.com/paribus
• Set your savings and investments on auto-pilot: carefulcents.com/acorns