Maybe you’ve seen the ads on TV, or while you’re out and about: Financial consulting, investment services, portfolio management, etc. It can sound impossible even to a person with a relatively comfortable middle-class income! Those services, though, can extend to anybody, as can the practices of smart money management and building a more secure financial future. Here are a few simple things that you can do.
Category: Job and Career Advice
Conquer the Budget Beast with Planning and Rewards
You’ve decided that you need a budget, but where do you start? It may seem overwhelming, but with a bit of planning, you can achieve your financial goals. Whether your goal is to be debt free, build up your emergency savings or save for the future, the first step in having extra money to put toward your goals is taking control of what you spend on a daily basis.
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Creating (and Sticking to) a Budget for Financial Health
A budget is a smart and easy step toward financial health regardless of where you work or what you earn. Simply put, a budget is an itemized summary of your likely income and expenses during a given timeframe, such as monthly or annually. Whether you create it in a spreadsheet or handwrite it in a notebook, a budget gives you an overview that helps you.
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Organize Your Finances in Three Steps
Set aside a couple of hours with some good music or your favorite podcast and treat yourself to a more confident financial future by taking three steps toward organizing your finances.
Setting Smart Financial Goals
When taking control of your finances, it’s helpful to set financial goals to keep you on track and build your confidence—that is, as long as they’re achievable. A simple trick can help you develop goals that are a stretch, but won’t leave you feeling defeated. Goals that are S.M.A.R.T.—specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely—lead to greater success.
Conquer the Budget Beast with Planning and Rewards
You’ve decided that you need a budget, but where do you start? It may seem overwhelming, but with a bit of planning, you can achieve your financial goals. Whether your goal is to be debt free, build up your emergency savings or save for the future, the first step in having extra money to put toward your goals is taking control of what you spend on a daily basis.
READ MORE from Conquer the Budget Beast with Planning and Rewards
Managing Finances If You Have an Irregular Income
If you’re one of the millions of Americans with an irregular income, then you know that managing your finances can be a challenge. Whether you’re a small business owner, an employee with fluctuating hours, someone who works on commission, a seasonal worker, or wait staff whose income depends on tips, you’ve probably faced weeks and months when it was difficult to make ends meet.
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Considering the Costs and Opportunities of College
Everyone knows that college is expensive. The good news is, there are many different education options at different price points. And even if you find that earning a four-year degree from a private college makes the most sense for your career goals, chances are you can find some sort of financial assistance to help manage the cost.
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Can I Earn a Living through the Gig Economy?
The gig economy refers to short-term jobs and opportunities that enable you to work for yourself rather than an employer. Websites and apps like Uber, TaskRabbit, Airbnb and Fiverr connect people who have a need with those who have goods or services to offer. The gig economy can certainly offer unique ways to earn money, but before you dive in head first, make sure you understand the reality of its earning potential and the related expenses and risks.
Tips to Keep Your Credit from Hurting Your Career
Could a bad credit report prevent you from getting a job? Maybe. How and when an employer can pull your credit report is governed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). All of the regulations on how an employer can use your credit report for employment screening can be found starting on page 60 of the Federal Trade Commission’s text on the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
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Advice for Women Re-entering the Workforce
Returning to the workforce after extended leave is not an easy process for anyone, but it can be especially challenging for women. With technology moving faster every day and the skills gap getting bigger the longer you’re out of the workforce, women returning to the workforce after an extended leave may worry that they won’t have the skills necessary to keep up with the ever-changing landscape. Here are some examples of how you can return to work after an extended leave.
Career Catch-22: What to Do When a Promotion Threatens Your Benefits
Promotions at work are great for your career, but they can mean putting any public benefits that you receive at risk. You’ve got a tough choice to make, and there are a number of factors you will need to consider in order to do what is best for your future. Advancing in your career and managing your money well will impact your well-being for years to come. Whatever path you choose, make sure you are investing in your own long-term best interests.
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