Changing from your Maiden to Married Name

Some women prefer to keep their maiden name rather than take on their husband's last name.  Not in my case.  I was happy to take on my husband's last name, however, I wasn't happy with the fact that I would have to drive around the world to get my name change!  There are some websites that will allow you to pay a fee and have all your information gathered in one sitting so that you can change your name.  But don't quote me, I believe you still had to send or drop off that information to the designated areas before anything would be changed.  

Here I am going to list some areas of importance on how you should go about getting your name changed.  The first few are most important and then the few afterwards are up to you and what timeframe you feel the need to change your name.

The number one priority item you will need for your name change is a CERTIFIED copy of your marriage license.  I was allowed to apply for a copy when I applied for my license to marry.  You could also go to the courthouse to request a copy.  Copies are charged by the fee so check with your local courthouse to see what the fees are.  

The number one place of importance of where you need to go to get your name changed is the Social Security Administration.  There you are going to need a picture id, as well as a CERTIFIED copy of your marriage license.  Also, you have to fill out an application with your new name change.  You will not have to pay anything (at least I didn't) while you are there.  They will give your a letter stating that your new social security card will be mailed within in five to ten business days so make sure you have an updated address.

Next, is to get your new license.  Of course again you will need the CERTIFIED copy of your marriage license, your old license, and a completed application.  According to DMV of Virginia, you will needed a completed "Driver's License and Identified Card" application (click here for link).  If you are like me with an out-of-state license, they just require that you have a license, that is VALID and up-to-date (unexpired).

If you are employed you want to be sure that your employer knows you are changing from your maiden name to your married name because you will have to refill out forms such as a W-4, and a state tax form (Form VA-4 in Virginia).  Also, you will have refill out your information for your medical/dental/vision insurance, life insurance, and any 401k, 403b, retirement plans, etc.

The last big ticket item will be going to your bank and/or credit union to inform them of your change.  You will have to go to the bank, in person, with your CERTIFIED copy of your marriage license.  There you can change all of your information on your account, apply for new debit/credit cards, and order new checks.

The following places can be contacted at your convenience:

• Notify creditors
• Landlord or mortgage
• Other insurances (auto, life, home, etc.)
• Doctor's offices
• Professional Licensing Boards
• Attorney (to update legal documentation)
• Utility companies
• Post office
• Passport (if you are going on a honeymoon that requires a passport, it is HIGHLY recommended that you change your name AFTER you come back).
• Voter Registration card
• Alumni Association(s)
• Checks and Credit Cards
• Student Loans
• Vehicle Titles
• Gym Membership 
• Social Media sites
• Home Address labels
• Email address/Email signature
• Business paraphernalia (business cards, brochures, etc.)
• Library card
• Online & Magazine subscriptions

I'm sure they are other places to change your name, but do as you see fit.  This is just an idea to get you started or help you with some places you may have forgotten.  Hope this helps!

Peace & Happiness!

~Erika B

Legit Work from Home Opportunities

For a while now, I have been trying to search for LEGIT work from home jobs.  I would like a job that would provide a good income for me to stay at home and raise my children.  I have a good job now and I don't plan on leaving it any time soon, however, I would still enjoy (and like) the option of staying at home if I could.  I have a Masters degree, but since I can remember I have always wanted to be a housewife.  I'm not talking about one of those 1950s or a Stepford housewife.  I like to call myself "Betty Homemaker with an Income."  People laugh at me, look at me crazy, and then of course they point out the obvious, "but you have a MASTERS degree.  Why would you want to be a housewife?!?!"  I like the freedom of working on my time, leaving the house when I need to, and just being flexible.  I don't feel like I can get that in the working world and if I can I feel that the "job" would take over my family life.  Meaning I like to travel, but I don't want to have to travel the world and leave my husband or my children behind.  Also, I would like it to be with my children and working.  If its during their nap, I can work.  If its between their feedings, I can work.  Just having that flexibility is something that's not only important to me, but will be important to my family.

Another big reason that I want to be a "housewife," is so that I can stay at home and TEACH my children.  Some people fail to understand that school isn't were your children learn EVERYTHING.  They have to learn from home.  And that overall is the most important goal for me to reach with my kids.  Knowing that I am not only their provider, I am their teacher and whatever they learn from home and go out to the world to do, I taught them that FIRST!

I have some tricks up my sleeve that may work but I know wouldn't bring in half or three-quarters of the income I have now.  But overall being with my babies and knowing that I am making the most of their world...priceless.

Please feel free to share your ideas with me.  I'll make sure to keep them to myself!!!

Peace & Happiness
~Erika B.

Get in Gear for the New Year!

HAPPY 2015!!!  I can't believe that the new year is here but happy that it is because 2014 was ROUGH for me.  Although rough, I gotta give it to the man upstairs because he put those trails and tribulations in my life for a reason and I am so grateful for those experiences because they have made me a stronger person today and I can go through ANYTHING!  

For the new year I went and got hitched on the 2nd!  Had a small justice of the peace wedding with my now husband and my family members.  We were able to just enjoy the bonding and vows between each other and went out to eat to celebrate.  I am also 10 weeks pregnant with TWINS!  I am very nervous yet excited as these are my first babies on the way.  I guess I may be one and done after this.  God willing (and husband accepting) we may try for one more lol.

I was inspired today to get in gear for the new year.  There are so many things that I want to do and I know that I won't get them sitting and researching the information or being envious of those who already have it.  I gotta go get it!!!  Go getter, go getter, go getter!!!!  So I am inspired to at at least blog 3-4 times a week as well as follow up with my YouTube channel at least 1-2 times per week.  My overall goal is to become a stay at home mom with income when my children are here.  I would like more than part time work but not necessarily full time work because I'm going to have my hands full with twins!  Overall, I know my thoughts, my goals, and my ambitions.  It's just time that I be about it and stop talking/thinking about it!


I hope you all are starting out with a great new year as well.  And as I say...Peace and Happiness!  Here's a note on what a go getter is.  Is that you?  Do you want it to be you?  Then like Nike "Just Do It!"

~Erika B.