If you've been through bankruptcy, you probably think your credit is as shattered as Humpty Dumpty's shell. It may be, but the difference is you can put it together again.
How to Easily Pay Off Your Debts Fast
Many people who have debt thoughtlessly make
their minimum payments each month without a single thought of paying off the
debts. Showing interest in reducing your debt is quite a big step. Therefore let
one big step lead you to another by finding out ways to put together a plan to abolish
your debt.
When you are overloaded with debt, it can be very difficult
figuring out how to best tackle the debt. You need to figure out which accounts
you should pay, in what order should you pay them, and how much you have to pay
to eliminate your debt.
Calculate Your Total Debt
To make a plan for hopping out of debt, the first thing you need
to do is figure out who you owe and how much you owe. Start by getting a copy
of your credit report. The report should contain all of your financial obligations
from institutions which report to the major credit bureaus. Your credit report
might not contain all your debts, therefore you should also use recent
statements from your creditors to complete your list. Then take a piece of paper and pen,
write down the name of each creditor, total amount owed, monthly payment, and
the interest rate for your accounts. Depending on your goals for getting out of
debt, you may desire to consider only bad debt, such as credit cards and maybe
small loans.
Prioritize Your Creditors
Once you have the complete list of your debts, you should figure
out how you wish to pay them. When it comes to the cost of debt, the best way
to repay your debt is to pay off the highest interest rate debts first before
others. Rank your debts in order from highest to lowest according to their
interest rate. This is the order you will repay your debts. As an alternative,
you may consider paying off your smallest debts first. You should select the
method that will keep you motivated to pay off your debts. If optimizing your
payments is more important, then the high interest method is best. On the other
hand, if you may become unmotivated by paying on a large debt for a long period
of time, then the smallest debt technique will be better for you. There may be
one creditor you want to get rid of completely. Therefore, pay off that credit
card first. The goal is to order your credit cards and start paying them off or
by cash.
Determine How Much You Can Pay
Another vital component of your plan to hop out of debt is the
amount which you can afford to pay on your debt every month. To come up with a certain
amount, you need to figure out your optional income. This is the amount
you have for spending (extra) after all your financial obligations have been
met. Use your monthly budget to enable you figure out what you are able to
spend on debt each month. Aggregate your income from all dependable sources
including wages, alimony, child support payments, bonuses, or dividends. What is
left-over after you have covered all your necessary expenses is the amount you
can spend on your debt.
Make the Plan
As know how much you will be spending to pay off your debt, you
can complete your plan. Put all of your debt spending money towards your
highest priority debt. In most cases, this will either be your smallest debt or
the debt with the highest interest rate. Pay the extra amount plus the minimum
payment every month toward that debt until the debt has been completely repaid.
Keep making the minimum payments on your other debts. You can use a debt refund
calculator to figure out how long it is going to take you to pay off each of
your debts. Plug in your monthly payment plus the interest rate to get the
number of months it will take to repay a particular debt. Some refund
calculators let you calculate the repayment for a single debt while others let
you put in several debts at a time. Once you have paid off the first debt, move
to the next debt on your list.
Put Your Plan Into Action
The plan is just one part of getting out of debt. The next part
the part that takes the most time is actually making the plan happen. If you have
plugged your debt into a debt repayment calculator then you know it can take
several months, even years to completely pay off all your debt. Reconsider and
update your plan frequently as you make payments on your debt. If your
financial situation changes, for instance, when your income reduces or
increases or you take on or get rid expenses. Do not be depressed by setbacks you
may experience them from time to time. The key is to pick back up immediately
and not get derailed by complications. Put additional money towards your debt
as often as you can; the more you can pay, the sooner you'll be out of debt.
Basics To Ease Your House Rent Payment
Paying your rent in full and quite on time is a
fundamental requirement of any apartment lease. In other to avoid problems, not
only do you have to be in a position to afford your rent, but you also
should be aware of some basic issues involved with making your monthly
payments. The last thing you would want is to get a notice
from your landlord that you are in arrears even though you assumed
you paid what you owed.
Here are things you need to know concerning rent payments in other
to avoid misunderstandings and disputes between you and your landlord, which
could lead to late charges or even put your tenancy at risk:
1. Choosing a rent payment method: Some
apartment tenants pay their monthly rent by check. But more landlords
are accepting rent payments by credit card, bank payment, cash payment, along
with the ability to process transactions online. Switching from check to credit
card payments has its benefits, but sticking to checks may still be best for
you. Weigh the advantages and disadvantages of credit card rent payments
and then decide for yourself. If you are thinking of paying cash, whether you
plan to do it regularly or at once, learn about the possible pitfalls so
you can avoid trouble with your landlord that may put your tenancy at risk.
2. Splitting rent with roommates: If
you have one or more roommates, chances are you have come to some agreement
concerning splitting the rent. You may split rent equally among your roommates,
or come up with a more equitable solution for your situation. If you share a
two-bedroom apartment with someone, you may agree it's only fair that you pay
more if you've got the bigger room. Whatever arrangement you finalize with your
roommates, it is important to get a formal commitment in writing. Also remember
that your landlord doesn't care how roommates choose to split their rent.
If a landlord doesn't get the full amount of rent due even if you paid your
share, you could still face eviction.
3. Prorating your rent: If
your lease begins in the middle of the month, chances are your landlord will
want to prorate the rent for the partial month. For instance, if you are
planning on signing a one-year lease to take effect before the first of the
month, your lease term would technically last for just over 12
months. You would pay a "prorated rent" for that first days or weeks,
and then the full month's rent would be due on the first of each month. Learn
more about when to prorate rent and also how to prorate rent, so
you can be sure your landlord performs the calculations correctly.
4. Making rent payments: It
is normally best to deliver your rent payments in the manner in which
your lease or landlord directs. You may mail your rent check to some
person's attention at a management company, pay online using a safe web site,
or walk the rent payment down the hallway to deliver to your landlord yourself.
If you try taking a different route or make a mistake with an address, your
rent may not arrive on time or even get lost. If you are splitting the
rent with roommates and paying by check, one of you can send the full payment
each month to the landlord (and get refunded by the other roommates), or maybe
send checks from each roommate in one envelope, making sure the sum is equal to
the total amount of rent due.
How to Startup An Investment
When you vigorously manage your money, you have
the prospective to make more of it. That is what investing is all about. If you
reason that investing is for nerdy, accountant types, think again.
Step 1: Take your financial image
to see how much money you have to play with. In finances, work comes before
play. First, take care of your daily living expenses. Pay down your debt and
build up a backup fund that preferably contains six months of living expenses.
Then you'll be ready to invest.
Step 2: Take a good and honest
look at yourself to determine how you should invest. If you are the worrying
type who would obsessively check your portfolio every day and stress about it,
you perhaps want a safer investment. Choose a mix of stocks and bonds, or maybe
sticking with mutual funds, which are pooled funds of thousands of investors.
Step 3: You should decide whether
you are going to make use of a full-service broker or a discount broker.
Full-service brokers do offer advice on selecting what investments to buy, but
it is the more expensive way to go. You will save money with a discount broker,
but you have to do your own legwork, researching companies on your own.
Step 4: Differentiate your
portfolio. You want a lot of variation in your closet, and your portfolio
should not be any different. Asset allocation, or diversification, is dispersing
your money around to different investments. You will be limiting your risk
without sacrificing potential gain.
Step 5: Purchase shares at steady
intervals with a static dollar amount. This is called dollar cost averaging and
benefits you by taking away any speculation and guessing. Because you are continuously
investing the same dollar amount, you may be buying more shares at one time and
less at another, depending on the market. Making consistent investments often
works better in the long run than if you tried to time the market.
Step 6: Update your portfolio frequently,
such as quarterly or annually. As you or your broker selects an appropriate combination
of investments, you want to make sure the sizes stay the same. Over time, some
investments probably will grow faster than others. Your stocks may increase,
leaving you with a greater percentage of stocks in your portfolio than you
want. You can sell those and buy new assets that keep in line with your
original portfolio mix. Or you can keep the extra stocks and buy more of the
under-weighted investment category.
5 Movie Quotes That Teaches Hard Pure Money About
Hollywood is not typically known for teaching us about the real world. Explosions are perfectly timed for heroes to either jump or walk away in slow motion, and there’s always a random cat in the bushes that snarls.
Things To Do Concerning Money When Getting Married
There is nothing more romantic other than the
giddy days after you ask your sweetheart to marry you. Now is also the perfect
time to start to prepare for one of the most essential aspects of a successful
marriage: Money.
Before you grunt that bringing money into the marriage equation will
bring the death of romance, remember that money issues are cited as one of the
top reasons for divorce, just behind infidelity and communication problem. If
promising fidelity and good communication are not romance-killers, then
preparing financially shouldn't be one, either.
Here are money moves you and your betrothed
should make the moment you choose to get married:
1. Share Your Money Backgrounds
As you and your fiancé should know about each other's health,
family, romantic, and work backgrounds, it is essential that you share
financial backgrounds with each other. This starts with the obvious, such as
outstanding debts and current assets. It's not possible to move forward
financially as a couple if you do not already know where you are and keeping
financial secrets from each other is an emotionally unsafe way to start a
marriage. But understanding each other's money background also includes knowing
how you each think and feel about money. The way you view money is generally unconscious
and tied to how you feel about everything from relationships to success.
2. Start a Wedding Fund
A wedding is a blissful event, but the finances can create some
complications. This dynamic can get more pronounced when the extended family is
paying for some portion of the wedding. To reduce this friction, create a
wedding fund, and transfer money to it regularly. This will help you create the
financial freedom necessary to say no to those who attach strings to wedding
money.
3. Set Financial Ground Rules
There are few couples in the world who are not driven a little
crazy by each other's financial habits. We just had different expectations for
fun money. Financial ground rules allow you to both feel comfortable within the
framework of your finances. You may also set rules on spending thresholds over
which you have to discuss issues before spending the money, or how you may use
joint accounts.
4. Think About Worst-Case Scenarios
Marriage is a common time for people to obtain or update their
life insurance and wills. These are essential to have in place in order to
protect yourself and your spouse in case life takes a turn you do not expect.
Whether you do not yet have life insurance or a will, or you need to change
your beneficiary to your spouse. Taking the time to make sure these documents
are thoroughly completed, updated, and signed can give you both some peace of
mind.
5. Adopt a Team Mentality
One of the ways to build a strong financial basis for your
marriage is to adopt a team mentality for your money. It could be easy to see
money as "yours" and "mine," particularly if you have each
been out on your own for a while. But keeping your money separate in your mind
can be the first step toward bean counting and money fights. This is particularly
true if you have varying income levels or different money priorities. Getting
on the same team monetarily means seeing money as something you share which
means that you also share your choices about money.
There are several ways to adopt a team mentality, from circulating
all funds into a joint checking account to setting up a yours-mine-and-ours
system. But the essential thing is to recognize that you are in the same
financial boat and to treat the majority of your money as shared.
Marriage and money go hand-in-hand, and taking the time before you
wed to discuss finance is an investment in your long and happy married life.
Effective Ways To Save Money Fast
During tough economy or times of troubles, many
people need to know effective ways to save money fast. If you have lost your
job or may have suddenly mounted some unexpected bills, you need to figure out
where to cut expenses immediately to redirect money towards essential costs
such as housing, feeding or even towards debt. With some assessment of your
budget and some quick action, you should be able save money to bridge your
immediate situation but will also learn some valuable lessons in how to save
money long-term.
To learn how to save money fast, you need to understand the
difference between essential and non-essential spending. Your mortgage or
rental payment is an essential expense, cable bill is non-essential. Make a
list of all your monthly expenditures and label each expense as essential and
non-essential.
Prioritize your non-essential expenditures based on how important
they are to you and then begin cutting the least important ones out. And if you
have a gym membership that you use infrequently, cancel it. If you rarely watch
TV, cancel your cable bill. Get rid of as many expenditures as you can that are
unnecessary.
After you have cropped away the easy non-essential bills, it is
time to look further at what is left. Can you cut costs on the expenditures you’ll
like to keep? If you have chosen to keep cable, is there a cheaper package
available? Do you pay for both a land line and a cell phone could you get rid
of the land line? Could you cut back on your cell phone plan and pay less per
month for less minutes? These are the things to look for in your budget when
you are learning how to save money fast.
As you have eliminated some bills and modified other bills to
cheaper plans, start looking for areas of negotiation. Phone, cable, and
internet plans are a good place to start, exclusively if you have a bundled
package. Search online or call competitors of your current provider to see if
you could get the same packages for cheaper price. Also check with your own
provider to see if they offer cheaper rates for new customers. With this information
in hand, call your current provider and negotiate a lower price based on modest
prices.
After cutting back on regular monthly bills, your grocery budget
is the next good place to evaluate when you are looking at how to save money
fast. If you eat out, stop. If you buy all name brand food items, begin to try
generic brands. Start cutting coupons and checking the weekly grocery flier to
try and buy mostly food items which are on sale and for which you have a
coupon. Start keeping a price book where you list the lowest prices of common
items in your pantry to understand what is the lowest cost you can pay for a
particular item and pay no higher.
Besides groceries, learn how to shop smarter all around. Try to
only buy clothing or other necessities. If you are not use to spending within a
budget, learn how to save money fast by learning to dislike spending.
Lastly, if you want to learn how to save money fast because of a
very desperate time, start cutting out every unimportant expense you have. You
may not think you can live without cable TV, but you definitely can. If you
cannot afford your car payment, consider selling your car and buying a cheap
used car with cash. Desperate times call for desperate measures, and you will
be better off making difficult changes to your lifestyle now than taking years
to dig yourself out of debt.
Computer System Home Based Businesses That Would Earn You Cash
If you have been thinking about starting a
computer home based business because you are a guru with computer hardware,
software and Internet, here are some home based business ideas for you.
Computers have become a new way of life. Which means there are
potentially loads of customers for you to approach and begin to build a
home based business you will enjoy. Lots of people just do not understand
them, making your home based computer business all the more in demand.
1. Web Design Business
Building websites is a great computer associated home based
business because the Internet keeps on expand. As the amount of home based
businesses grows, your client base expands, too. As you get knowledgeable and
build a pronounced web design portfolio, you can service larger business
clients from the comfort of your home office, too. With this computer home
based business you decide if you want to work only with local
clients with whom you'll meet face-to-face, on a worldwide or nationwide
basis offering your services virtually from home all the time, or a combination
of both.
2. Internet Marketing Services Business
This computer home based business is not so much about computers
themselves, the techniques essential for successful Internet marketing. It
is all about knowing what is available, like SEO, PPC, website
promotion and social networking. Other home based businesses would
provide a great source of leads and you would not be restricted to servicing
clients only in your local neighborhood as this home based business is perfect
for working virtually. The latest rage is mobile Internet marketing and if you could
specialize in this area you could build a very lucrative client base for your
home based business for many years to come.
3. Desktop Publishing Business
If you have been considering a computer home based business and
you are good with page layout and graphics, you may consider a desktop
publishing small business from home. Among the tasks desktop publishers do are
producing books, newsletters, magazines, brochures, Internet content and graphic
design for logos and signage. Other home based businesses are great
potential clients as they often need marketing collateral to get or
keep their business going
4. Computer Tutor Business
Because we live in a computer age does not mean that everyone is
computer-savvy. That is where the computer tutor comes in. A home based
computer tutor teaches people and businesses how to use their computer programs
and the Internet, usually by appointment at the client's location. If you can
understand the needs of the pupils who became your client and could relate to
them on a level they can handle, then you could prosper in this computer
related home based business.
3 Colors You Shouldn't Wear For a Job Interview
You do not want to look like you are going to a funeral, but you don’t want to look like a clown, either. While color choice actually depends on the type of job you are looking for, there are some colors that just would not cut it.
How to become a Positive Thinker
Whether you believe in the Law of Attraction, The Secret, the
power of positive thinking, or you think positive thinking is a bunch of new
age bologna, few can argue with the fact that people simply are happier and
feel more optimistic when they have positive thoughts. For those in sales,
positive thinking can lead to more creative thinking which can lead to more
closed sales.
Knowing how to think positively is as important and wanting to.
Here are a few steps to how to be a positive thinker from the business world.
Determine Your Desired Outcome
The problem with most people is that they really don't know what
they desire out of life or a particular situation. Take a moment to decide what
it really is that you desire out of a life event. Clear intentions yield clear
results as fuzzy desires yield fuzzy results.
Make A List of Things Your Are Grateful For
No matter how much money you may have in your accounts, if you are
not grateful, you are poor. Gratitude is an amazing emotion that it’s almost
impossible to feel negative thoughts when you are focusing on things you are
grateful for. If you make a list of ten things that you are grateful for every
day, you will put yourself in a very positive mindset that will last your
entire day.
Learn to Count to 5
We spend our lives reacting to events. How we react is commonly
governed by how we either learned to react or have reacted to similar events in
our past. But simply reacting doesn’t allow any room for creative and targeted
thinking, when next you find yourself in a situation that presents a challenge
to your decision to be more positive, hold your reaction and count to 5. This
brief break will give you the opportunity to decide how you want to respond,
instead of simply reacting.
Cut Back on the Nightly News
Whichever nightly news program you may prefer, you probably are
aware of how much negative news is reported. Bare yourself to an abundance of
negativity and, like it or not, you’ll begin to be more negative. Negativity is
like a drug. As you expose yourself to negativity and negative people, the more
you adopt negativity into your life. Instead, try to surround yourself with
positive people and positive exposures. If you totally must know what's going
on in the world, read the headlines on the Internet news stream and only read
those stories that really affect your world.
Take Care of Yourself
The benefits of exercise, a healthy diet and getting enough sleep
have been well documented. But just knowing about all the benefits does nothing
for you unless you actually take action. Someone who can exercise but who
chooses not to is no better off than someone who cannot exercise. Daily
exercise, when coupled with a healthy diet and enough rest can do wonders for
your outlook. When you feel good, it really takes effort to make yourself feel
bad.
Track Your Progress
As with any goal, the person who you become as you growth into
towards your goal is more important than accomplishing the goal itself. As you headed
for being a positive thinker, you should expect that you will have as many
"negative thinking" days as you do "positive focused" days.
Unless you keep track of your progress, you may not realize that the numbers of
days are shifting more towards the positive and away from the negative.
What You Need:
- A
list of your goals
- A
journal
- A
commitment to living a more positive-thought based life
Get One of The Best (Paid Part-Time) Jobs In Nigeria Now
Accountant
Accountants are responsible for the preparation, upkeep and
analyses of financial records, bills, invoices, and taxes. In addition to the
day-to-day maintenance and monitoring of financial operations, accountants must
also ensure that a company's financial systems are working efficiently and
within the scope of the law. They are expected to propose different ways for
clients to decrease costs and increase profits. Accountants should hold a
Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field, and depending the job they
may need to be a CPA (Certified Public Accountant). Accountants are in high
demand around tax season, which is when organizations or individuals might hire
part-time accounting support.
Computer Programmer
Computer programmers write different computer software, though
many programmers possess skills in software engineering and can troubleshoot
computer code as well, such as Java or C++. A successful programmer is fluent
in the technical, back-end of the software, while also keeping in mind the
front-end user experience. Computer programmers must have a Bachelor's degree
in computer science or similar field, though many have Master's degrees or even
doctorates, as well. According to CareerCast.com, since not all companies can
afford in-house programmers, many will resort to part-time IT expertise to
address any technology issues on a case-to-case basis.
Graphic Designer
Graphic designers work in programs such as Adobe Photoshop or
Adobe Illustrator to create graphics for a variety of purposes. Graphic
designers might work on anything; creating custom logos and font types, designing
websites and email templates, producing marketing collateral including
advertisements, postcards and banners, illustrating original digital artwork.
Though some designers work in-house for a single company, others work freelance
for a variety of clients, thus creating a strong part-time job market for
graphic designers.
Management Analyst
Management analysts, otherwise known as management consultants,
examine an organization's systems to figure out how to maximize efficiency.
Taking various factors into account, including staffing, organizational
structure, and work flow processes, management analysts strive to increase profit
by reducing costs and increasing revenue. Most management analysts have a
Bachelor's degree along with a CMC (Certified Management Consultant)
designation. However, since many management analysts work on a freelance basis,
it's important to have prior experience working in a managerial or director
role, in order to bring forth expertise as a consultant.
Market Research Analyst
It's up to market analysts to dissect market trends - what people
are buying, what they want to buy, and what they are willing to pay, for
example - and then share their learnings to help businesses better target
consumers. Although most market analysts work full-time, others work on a
consultant or freelance basis for various clients. In order to become a Market
Research Analyst, you must have a Bachelor's degree in finance or a related
field, though most companies look for candidates who have a Master's degree as
well.
Materials Mover
Materials movers, or hand laborers, transport materials without
using machines. Often working in warehouses or factories, or moving people's
belongings, they might be responsible for moving freight around a storage
facility, packing goods for shipping, unloading goods, or cleaning vehicles. In
general, these types of positions do not require a certain level of education.
However, since heavy physical labor is involved, candidates must be physically
fit and able to lift heavy objects and spend many hours on their feet.
Network and Computer Systems Administrator
Network and Computer Systems Administrators set up and support an
organization's internal networks and Internet systems, working to make sure
everyone is getting a good connection that allows them to work efficiently
online. Network and Computer Systems Administrators are also responsible for
ensuring network security. This position requires a Bachelor's degree in
information technology, computer science or a related field.
Proofreader / Copy Marker
A proofreader inspects a final draft of a document, book,
newspaper, or any other written message, after it has been edited, to ensure
there are no errors. Proofreaders must have a keen eye to find spelling errors,
punctuation errors, typos or incorrect use of grammar.
Writer
Writers produce contents for a wide range of purposes; from
websites to blogs, books/magazines, advertisements, for songs, television, movie
scripts, and more. Writers and authors could work in-house for a company or organization,
within a specific field, like marketing or media, or, they might work on a
freelance basis for various clients.
Delivery Truck Driver
Delivery truck drivers work within a restricted region to
transport goods between local warehouses, distribution centers, businesses and
households. As delivery truck drivers are restricted to trucks with cargo
containing less than 26,000 pounds, they are responsible for the pick-up,
transport and drop-off of packages and smaller goods. In order to become a delivery
truck driver, you are required to have a high school diploma. Most companies
also require a one-month on-the-job training, and you need to have a valid
driver's license and a clean driving record.
How to Break From Your Bad Financial Habits
Eliminate Emotion and Sentiment from Financial
Decision-Making
People who live through high salaries, or who see incomes around
them increasing, can find themselves in spending mode especially individuals
who like to spoil in emotional spending as a way of improving their mood
or self-esteem. It is wise to make expenditure decisions based solely on your
own financial circumstances, paying particular devotion to your annual income,
expenses, nature of employment and long-term fiscal goals.
Distinguish Between Actual Wealth and Credit
While consumers strive hard to diminish this debt and use
their plastic wealth more responsibly, credit card borrowing is rising, as
noted above. This news may help retail sales, but recent history suggests that
today's consumers must make the pure difference between the money they actually
have and credit if they are to shun incurring cyclical debt. Citizens should
avoid making short-term credit card purchases that are uneven to their monthly
salaries, as this ensures that they can repay their balance each month and
avoid the accrual of long-term debt and interest.
Embrace a Frugal and Sustainable Lifestyle
There are frequently clear parallels between government and
consumer spending during periods of recession, as strict austerity measures may
often be applied to reward for spells of irresponsible and disproportionate
spending. These two extremes are possible to trigger changing periods of boom
and bust in an economy, or leave households struggling to gather wealth and
achieve long-term financial stability.
Ways To Find A New Job
The old days of finding a job right out of school and sticking
with it until retirement are certainly in the past. In these modern times,
people have become more adept at locating new job opportunities. But some of
the more traditional tactics have started to fade in popularity; no
longer are people looking solely at the newspaper want-ads to find their dream
jobs. Job seekers are becoming more creative and utilizing new strategies in
moving their careers forward.
1. Networking
It is said that the majority of job vacancies are never
advertised, often referred to as the "hidden job market." To
land these jobs, seekers will need to find a way to get a foot in the door.
Networking can go a long way in locating job opportunities; even if no one you
know directly has knowledge of a job opening, there's a chance they know
someone who does.
Networking can be done both in person and online. You can join
professional associations, attend events for graduates of your school, or aim
to connect with professionals who work in your field. Various online tools also
exist, such as LinkedIn, which allow you to network with other professionals
and learn out about possible job openings. You may also be able to meet other
professionals through social networking sites like Facebook or
Twitter.
2. Referrals
Referrals also come from individuals you know, however, this
method may get you an invitation to apply for a position without actually
searching for a new a job. Some employers offer incentives to their employees
for referring a successful candidate to their company a win-win situation for
everyone. You get a new job, and your contact gets a finder's fee for
attracting a top-notch employee.
3. Job Boards and Career Websites
Job boards were traditionally just that boards posting vacancies
and employment opportunities. Though some of these boards may still exist in a
literal sense, many job boards have moved toward a virtual format. Often
federal or state governments will provide job boards and job banks that job
seekers can access. You can also use job search engines on the internet or the
vast number of career-related websites that post job openings, such as
Monster.com or CareerBuilder.com. These websites function in a similar way to
the traditional want-ads, however, they have a much quicker turnaround time
and allow you to search a much larger number of jobs over a large area.
4. Job Fairs
Job fairs are typically targeted toward specific industries,
though some job or recruitment fairs are more generalized. These ads will
usually come with a list of the organizations that will be present. Investigate
any companies that interest you, bring a number of resumes and be ready to sell
yourself. Consider any conversations with recruiters as mini interviews that
can set you apart from other applicants. Some organizations may even offer
on-site interviews to candidates that match their requirements.
5. Company Websites
If you already have your dream employer in mind, why not go
directly to the career section of their website? If you watch for openings on
their site, there's a chance you'll find just the opportunity that you've been
waiting for. Create a list of employers that you'd like to work for and visit
their websites often. If you're really set on working for a specific company it
may take some time to find just the opportunity that fits your skill set. But
if you've got the luxury of time, this might be the optimal method for finding
your dream job.
6. Cold Calling
If you don't see any job listings posted for a company you're
particularly interested in, you might consider making a cold call. You can use
the telephone or email to contact individuals within an organization by finding
their contact details on the company website or by inquiring with a
receptionist. Contact individuals directly to find out if they foresee any
upcoming vacancies, and be sure to attach a copy of your resume to any emails
you send. You can also ask for information about types of jobs, or what kind of
skills or qualities the organization looks for in a candidate. Keep in mind
that this kind of contact may not always be well received, but there is always
a chance it'll give you the inside track on upcoming vacancies.
7. Head Hunters and Recruitment Agencies
If you're looking for some professional help in your job search, head
hunters and recruitment agencies can definitely lend a hand (though in
some cases it may come at a price). There are a number of organizations that
hire through recruitment agencies because it helps to streamline the lengthy
process of locating and interviewing candidates. Head hunters locate
individuals to fill a specific vacancy within an organization or find a
position for a job seeker who has hired their services. Payment is often based
upon commission. Keep in mind that many high schools, colleges and universities
have job placement services that can help new graduates to develop their
resumes and assist both current students and alumni with their job searches.
8. Temping or Internships
Sometimes temporary employment can lead to permanent positions. If
you're without work, finding a temporary position with a great company is a
great way to get a foot in the door, or offer you with useful business contacts
to call upon in the future. Many recruitment agencies can assist with locating
temporary or casual positions and contract work. Internships are a great choice
for students who are just graduating from college and many schools' job
placement services can connect students with opportunities. Volunteering can
also be a great technique for gaining valuable industry contacts.
9. Creative or Outlandish Tactics
In a competitive job market, some job seekers have moved toward
more creative approaches for drawing attention to themselves. Billboards, chain
letters with copy of your resume attached, or even pasting your resume to
yourself and walking around the city as a human billboard are just some of the approaches
individuals have used to get noticed by potential employers. Though these approaches
can actually work, be cautious. You may get the attention of recruiters, but
you may also be sending the wrong message. If you're going to resort to
creative techniques, be sure that it's suitable for the industry in which
you're attempting to find employment.
Three Ways to Ensure a Good Path to Financial Literacy
Explore Your Money Mindset
A lot of clients view money differently on paper than they do
emotionally. Like anything in life, money has feelings around it and sometimes
those feelings come from false notions. What false notions? Generally, they are
called biases or filters and they keep you from seeing things from what
they really are. When it comes to money and finance this can happen. For
example, if you grew up a poor person, you may have the mindset (or bias) that
causes you to live in a place of scarcity.
Consider a Professional’s Opinion
The beauty about having someone else to help you talk through that
exercise is you are less likely to succumb to your biases. This is why I would
recommend signing a financial professional to handle your money goals you would
never consider playing the role of dentist and fill your own cavity or give
yourself a root canal. Even dentists have their own dentists, ame as
physicians, lawyers, etc.; the logic is fairly sound. The risk of messing up
the procedure is high without some assistance or oversight. The money a dentist
could save doing his own dental procedure does not outweigh the benefit
received from letting someone else do it.
Be Different in all the Right Ways
Generally speaking, most people are very responsive with their
money. But this means that they let things happen to them. For example, setting
up an emergency fund with six to 12 months of living expenses seems
to be ordinary sense. But this is something that often doesn’t get completed
for various reasons, when in fact, emergencies happen more often than people
think.
Financial Mistakes to Avoid in Your 30s
If you’re like most young adults, you spent your twenties getting
an education, launching a career and transitioning into adulthood. You probably
didn’t worry too much about your finances, figuring that you had plenty of time
to land your dream job, pay off debt, buy a home and save for retirement.
In order to better take control of your finances, here are three
financial mistakes to avoid in your thirties.
Buying Too Much House and Car
Buying a home is exciting. It’s also a huge financial commitment,
and it’s easy to get in over your head. Just because you’re approved to buy a
fancy 4,000 square-foot home with a pool doesn’t mean you should. Don’t just calculate
your mortgage, but consider all the costs associated with owning a home such as
insurance, property taxes, and maintenance. Keep in mind that the more you
spend on housing each month, the less you’ll have for other life goals like retirement
savings or traveling the world.
The same is true for buying a new car. Many experts recommend
spending no more than 30% of your after-tax income on housing and no more than
15% on transportation. Just remember the No. 1 rule of financial planning is to
spend less than you earn. Keeping your housing and transportation costs low
means having flexibility in your budget. You’ll be able to save more, have
extra money to pursue hobbies and have more financial peace of mind.
Focusing on One Financial Goal
We all have financial goals, but balancing and prioritizing those
goals isn’t always easy. I’ve seen many clients who have credit card debt put
all their resources into paying off that debt. While that’s definitely a great
goal, you should also make sure that you don’t ignore other priorities such as
having an emergency savings fund. If you have no cash saved to cover
unexpected expenses, you’ll never break the cycle of relying on your credit
cards.
Also, don’t forget to take advantage of your employer match in
your retirement account. It’s free money, and delaying retirement savings until
you’re completely debt-free may not be the best idea. As I mentioned before,
it’s difficult to balance financial priorities, so when in doubt contact a
financial planner who can help you build a strategy to reach all your goals.
Not Protecting Yourself Financially
You may have paid off debt, built an emergency fund and started
saving for retirement, but those aren’t the only elements of a solid financial
plan. Thirty-somethings often overlook insurance and estate planning because
they assume they’re young, healthy and not wealthy enough to worry about having
a will or life insurance.
If you have children, life insurance and estate planning are
crucial. You want to make sure that your family will be cared for and protected
if something should happen to you. It’s also essential for single adults
without children to have a will and durable power of attorney to
specify who would make decisions for them if they were unable to do so.
Everyone’s needs are unique, but don’t assume because you’re young
that you can wait. Talk to a financial planner who can help you determine what
you need and put you in touch with the appropriate professionals to make sure
you and your family are properly covered.
The Habits That Can Lead You to Future Wealth
Wealth is like physical fitness. To build it, you must cultivate
the kind of daily habits that create long-term results. It’s not that your most
physically fit friend doesn’t enjoy a beer with a burger and fries once and
awhile. It’s that he probably doesn’t keep a deep fat fryer and a bowl of small
candy bars on his kitchen counter, right next to his unused gym membership
card.
Many of our financial habits are rooted in childhood. That's
fortunate for some of us, unlucky for many. The same kid who rose early every
morning on summer vacation to run her own lawn mowing business probably finds
it easier to successfully manage a profitable entrepreneurial opportunity later
on in life. That’s because at some point habits become second nature to us.
Think Critically
In order to menial a life problem or change a habit, you need
first to distance yourself from the issue and think critically, not reactively.
To stop a habit like buying a daily $5 latte or paying your credit
card on the last possible day, which can make you more likely to forget it
and thus accrue late fees experts suggest unfavorably analyzing the
habit’s structure. What is the cue and what is the reward? In the case of the
pricey lattes that can add up to more than $150 a month, your cue is probably
your morning fatigue and the reward is both the taste and the pick-me-up of
caffeine. By understanding the motivations behind that particular habit, you
might instead embrace a morning jog that provides a similar wake-up call. When
you experience the cue, your new habit won’t be racing to Starbucks, it will be
lacing up your running shoes. The reward? Runner’s high lasts longer than a
caffeine buzz, and it’s free.
Surround Yourself with Smart People
Judging by most reality TV, the way many people hope to get rich
is just to surround themselves with wealthy people. And yet your financial
decisions benefit more from receiving intelligent feedback and informed
perspectives than an invitation to someone’s ski chalet in Vail.
Save ... And Save Some More
The math is simple: in order to save money, you need to save and
invest more than you spend. Yet strategic saving requires more than just saving
what’s left over from your expenses. Financial experts recommend that you
prioritize investing in your financial goals before paying your bills and then
spending the remainder. While that may be a reversal of your status quo habits,
it means that you keep your financial goals at the forefront of your cash
flow.
Stay Healthy
Don’t overlook this one. Gone are the days when the image of the
high-flying executive was a cigar-smoking businessman eating steak at his
three-martini lunch. As physical health is increasingly correlated with other
measures of well-being including your financial state it’s no surprise that
some companies are even giving financial incentives for exercising and
achieving other health goals via so-called wellness programs. To put it
simply, creating wealth takes energy while being out of shape robs energy.
Simplify Your Possessions
Simplifying your life sounds lofty, so how do successful people
actually put this into practice? First off, don’t buy what you don’t need:
you’ll avoid credit card debt and the stress that comes with it.
Marie Kondo’s recent bestseller, The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up,
implores readers to throw away any object that does not “spark joy.” If
something isn't necessary, helpful or inspiring to you, it’s probably dragging
you down (and may be eating up maintenance, repair and energy costs, to boot).
Toss it. Simplify.
You Should Take Risks, Look Forward
An experienced whitewater kayaker will tell you to steer in the
direction where you want to go, rather than trying to avoid the rocks. The same
is true for prosperity, adjust yourself towards opportunity (whether an
exciting new job opportunity, a graduate degree or a hopeful investment) rather
than focusing on damage control.
Wake Up Early
According to research, people who wake up early are not only more
productive, but as well more proactive. Two major examples: Apple Inc. CEO
Tim Cook and Virgin America Inc. Founder Richard Branson, who are said to
start their workdays before 6 a.m.
