This is where your path to financial freedom begins...

Managing and monitoring your business checking accounts is just as important as managing your personal accounts. For entrepreneurs, their business accounts support their livelihood, and if you don't have a second source of income, it could cause dire consequences if your business account is hacked. Most importantly, if a commercial account's debit card is hacked, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) does not extend protections to businesses. How do you protect yourself and your business income from fraud? Here are a few tips. Protecting Your Business Account from Fraud Find a Reputable and Large Banking Institution Secure Your Business Debit Card Report Fraudulent Activity Monitor Your Accounts Get Additional Fraud Insurance Find a Reputable and Large Banking Institution Finding a large bank like Chase, Bank of America, Navy Federal Credit Union, or any other well-known bank may give you additional protections in business banking. Smaller banks may be unable to reimburse your bank account if a large fraudulent charge occurs. This can leave you and your employees without pay, causing potential layoffs and price increases. Larger banks have additional resources that can help you recover your funds, however large or small. See my feature in 10 Steps to Finding a Better Bank Secure Your Business Debit Card Ensuring that your business debit card is in a safe place can help protect you from fraudulent activity. This is because debit card protections differ from credit card protections. Yes, your liability for debit card transactions may be $50 in most cases. However, business debit cards are not protected by federal law. So, if someone fraudulently used your debit card online or in person, your business could be responsible for the entire transaction. Report Fraudulent Activity While reconciling your accounts, you may find that fraudulent activity has occurred. I found seven separate transactions on my business banking account from Amazon.com. These charges had occurred recently, and a few had been posted to my account. Luckily, I reconcile my bank accounts often and was able to report them to the bank promptly to have them reversed. There were even pending charges that were continuing. The bank quickly canceled the debit card I still had in my possession to stop further fraudulent activity. Monitor Your Accounts It's essential to monitor your business accounts regularly. This will help you identify any fraudulent transactions. As a small business owner, criminals know that you wear multiple hats and that bank account monitoring will be at the bottom of the list when trying to establish and grow your business. Set a schedule for reconciling your bank accounts. If you don't have time to do it, then now may be the time to hire an additional employee to ensure your business is protected. Obtaining Fraud Insurance You may not think that fraud insurance is essential until you are in a situation where you need it. Your business could be susceptible to fraud if you have employees or other personal information easily accessed by others. It could cost significantly less than what you have saved away in your bank accounts. There are numerous stories of large and small companies going out of business or owing investors millions from the fraudulent activity of their employees. Taking this additional step to protect your dream can keep your business afloat if fraud does occur. Resources for Small Business Owners See if your bank account is protected by the FDIC using the EDIE Estimator Online Privacy and Security tools from the Federal Trade Commission Money Smart Tips for Small Businesses

Acquiring wisdom can happen in many different ways. Sometimes, we learn the hard way by making mistakes and then learning from them. It might be challenging at first, but once you gain that knowledge and grow, you can make better decisions in the future. I asked financial experts and business leaders to share their insights into what they wished they knew about money earlier and what they would have done differently to improve their financial situation today. 11 Things I Wish I Knew About Money Earlier Balance Savings Bonds With Ready Cash Create Monthly Budgets Invest in Low-Cost Index Funds Focus on Mutual Funds Prioritize Financial Literacy Start a Business and Build Assets Establish an Emergency Fund Maintain a Simple Lifestyle Pay Yourself First Work For Yourself Earlier Invest in Retirement Early Balance Savings Bonds With Ready Cash My financial journey began when I joined the military. After joining, I received a sign-on bonus that I was really excited about. Instead of spending my bonus, I decided to invest in Savings Bonds. It was something that I had seen my mother invest in. However, I did not understand the short-term impact that decision would make. While in the military, a pay error occurred, and I needed money right away. However, my savings were tied up in the savings bonds, and I could not access the cash immediately. As a result, I had to obtain a payday loan to help me cover my expenses. This was a substantial expense that cost me more in the long run. One thing I wish I knew about money at that time would have been the importance of diversification. Had I known what I know now, I would have saved some of my bonus in a savings account to have easier access to my cash in an emergency. The other portion would have gone into the savings bond for my future savings goals. Annette Harris, Blogger, Informed Finance Create Monthly Budgets If I had known then what I know now, I would have established a monthly spending budget and actively managed my investments in the past. I used to think that investing was a complex and high-risk endeavor, so for a long time, I avoided it, especially the stock market. However, the stock market can provide consistent returns in the long run. Over the past 50 years, the S&P 500 has had an average annualized return of over 10%, outperforming most other investments. I would likely be a millionaire if I had consistently invested in the S&P 500 using the Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA) method. June Jia, Investment Banker, Canny Trading Invest in Low-Cost Index Funds If I had known then what I know now about my financial situation, the one thing I would have done differently in the past is invest in low-cost index funds. An unusual move for most inexperienced investors, focusing resources on index funds when beginning to invest allows an investor to more efficiently distribute money without having to actively manage a portfolio and risk higher costs associated with trades or other activities. Index funds generally provide lower risk and come with an opportunity for growth compared to investments such as cash or bonds that may not yield returns because of inflation. Grace He, People and Culture Director, TeamBuilding Focus on Mutual Funds If I could go back and give myself one piece of financial advice, it would be to invest more heavily in mutual funds. They provide a low-cost avenue for diversification and can help mitigate the risks associated with individual stock picking. Additionally, they offer the potential for higher returns due to their exposure to a wider range of companies and industries. By focusing on a consistent investment strategy through a mix of mutual funds, I would have been better positioned to reach my long-term financial goals. Jefferson McCall, Co-founder and HR Head, TechBullish Prioritize Financial Literacy If I had known what I know now about my finances, one universally helpful thing I would have done differently in the past is to take a more formal approach to budgeting and become financially literate. By having a comprehensive understanding of finances, such as investing and banking, I would have been able to wisely manage my spending habits and proactively plan for long-term goals. With proper financial literacy and planning, I could ensure that funds are allocated under priority objectives—saving for events like home purchases or college tuition while still enjoying lifestyle choices. Julia Kelly, Managing Partner, Rigits Start Businesses and Build Assets Most people start businesses too late, taking on unnecessary risks and debts. Even if you have little success, starting earlier allows you to learn, network, and practice. If I had started my businesses sooner, I would have taken advantage of the many opportunities available as an entrepreneur. This would have allowed me to quickly and efficiently build my financial future rather than relying on a job or other unstable sources of income. I would also focus on building an asset base by investing in real estate, stocks, bonds, businesses, and other investments that could provide for my long-term financial security. Gary Gray, CFO, CouponChief.com Establish an Emergency Fund Sooner One thing I would have done differently in the past, considering my financial situation, is to build an emergency fund sooner. A financial safety net can provide peace of mind and security in the face of unexpected expenses, such as medical bills, car repairs, or job loss. Setting aside a dedicated emergency fund earlier could have avoided potential debt or financial stress during challenging times. Burak Özdemir, Founder, Online Alarm Kur Maintain a Simpler Lifestyle When you're young and don't have a ton of money, it's easy enough to be content with your living situation. Once you've become better established in your career and have increased your standard of living, it's difficult to go back without it feeling like forced austerity. Maintaining a simpler lifestyle for a little longer would have helped jumpstart my savings without me missing the money I was stashing away. Once you become used to the niceties of life, it can be much harder to live without them. Temmo Kinoshita, Co-founder, Lindenwood Marketing Pay Yourself First I used to pay my bills and the government before myself whenever I received my salary. It made me feel like I had taken care of what was important, and the remaining money was mine. I would adjust the remaining amount and feel satisfied because I had already paid the bills. It made me lazy and stopped my personal growth. Over time, I realized this attitude made me reluctant to work harder and earn more. I should have paid myself first and then other things. It would have made me feel pressured and encouraged me to earn more because I still had bills and government payments to make. I wish I had done this differently in the past so that I would be more financially stable now. However, we all have this habit of paying our bills first. But according to my recent experience, we should pay bills and the government from the remaining amount so that if we cannot pay, we feel pressured and try to earn more and work harder. You may find it weird, but it works. Yogesh Kumar, Digital Marketing Manager, Technource Work for Yourself Earlier If I could have my time again, I'd start working for myself far sooner. The 9-5 grind has its place. After all, you can't get by without the money it provides. But I saved for far too long and got sidetracked by spending money on pointless things like sports cars. I should have jumped ship far sooner and started working for myself as quickly as possible. All those years of wasted time and energy making money for someone else! Dave Pedley, Owner and Founder, KnowSheets Invest Early for Retirement If I could go back in time, I would have invested for retirement as soon as I started working, even if it was just a small amount. Most of us didn't fully grasp the importance of investing for retirement and the power of compound interest. As a result, we missed out on years of potential growth and had to play catch-up later on. By starting early, I could have taken advantage of compound interest and the growth potential of the stock market. Marc De Diego Ferrer, Founder, MCA Assessors What's Next? It's easy to reflect on our past financial decisions and wish we had done things differently. From now on, learn from the mistakes of those around you and from the mistakes that you make so that you can make better choices tomorrow.

Finding an easy job in finance may seem daunting, but with the right approach, you can certainly land a great position. You can find the right job for you by searching online job boards for entry-level positions in finance. You can also seek the help of staffing agencies specializing in finance placements. And remember, networking with industry professionals is always a good idea as it can lead to hidden job opportunities. As an Amazon Associate , this post may contain affiliate links. Easy Jobs in Finance Accounts Payable Analyst Actuary Business Data Analyst Finance Support Coordinator Finance Associate Financial Counselor SBA Loan Administrator Accounts Payable Analyst An Accounts Payable Analyst serves in an organization's accounts payable/receivable department. In this role, you will be responsible for ensuring that vendor payments are processed on time. You will also be responsible for maintaining accurate records so that you can contact vendors who may have past-due accounts. If you have an innovative or creative mindset, it would also be helpful to recommend improvements to the accounts payable/receivable processes. This job is easy because it follows standard processes and procedures without the need to process complex tasks. To become an Accounts Payable Analyst, you must obtain a bachelor's degree in finance or accounting and have at least two years of experience. The salary range for this role is between $53,000 to $70,000. *   Actuary As an Actuary, you will conduct pricing and risk assessment to estimate the financial outcomes of future events. You mainly find actuaries in the insurance and retirement fields. To excel in this field, having a good grasp of evaluating probabilities, statistical models, and the basic principles of finance and business would be helpful. You will use your mathematical knowledge to calculate life, health, casualty insurance, annuities, and pension payments. The main driver is to find the probability that an event, such as fire, natural disaster, or death, will occur when determining insurability and future pension payments. Working as an actuary, you'll find that your role will have limited complexity and low stress. You can land a job as an Actuary right out of college with a bachelor's degree and no experience. The salary range for this role is between $67,000 to $84,000. Business Data Analyst Suppose you're looking for an entry-level role that supports and contributes to projects and processes that develop analytical strategies that support an organization's future initiatives. In that case, a role in data science and business analytics may be what you're looking for. This Business Data Analyst role is another role that requires statistical analysis, so it's important to understand how finance plays a key role in business performance. With a degree in business finance, you'll be able to use statistical methods and data analysis to develop dashboards, infographics, and reports to tell a story that helps aid organizational decision-making. A Business Data Analyst role is typically entry-level and supports senior-level business leaders. To become a Business Data Analyst, you must obtain a bachelor's degree in finance or statistics. However, no experience is required, and you could earn between is between $60,000 to $76,000. See my feature in the University of Arizona:   11 Reasons to Get Your Master's in Finance   How Finance Works: The HBR Guide to Thinking Smart About the Numbers   How Finance Works is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the world of finance. It is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand how money works and how to make sound financial decisions. Here are some of the key takeaways: Finance is the study of how money is raised, invested, and managed. There are many different types of financial assets, including stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. The value of a financial asset is determined by supply and demand. Finance Support Coordinator If you're interested in learning more about investments, mergers, and acquisitions, a Finance Support Coordinator role can help you understand how to negotiate opportunities for an organization. As a Finance Support Coordinator, you can assist in collecting the data needed to prepare proposals and presentations. More importantly, if you are looking for an easy finance job, you won't have to worry about presenting to corporate leaders. You will coordinate the meetings and ensure that everyone is prepared to discuss the information you have gathered for future M&As. However, you will need a basic understanding of industry-level databases and spreadsheets to help you collect and manage the data you gather. The requirements for a Finance Support Coordinator are typically one to three years of experience and a bachelor's degree. The salary range for this role is between $48,000 to $65,000. Finance Associate A corporate-level Financial Associate is slightly different than a Financial Support Coordinator. A corporate Financial Associate works with an organization's financial data to help them make decisions like, compensation, sales, or production goals. Suppose an organization is thinking about a merger or acquisition. In that case, the financial associate provides the organization with a clear picture of how each department and the organization is functioning quarterly or annually. It's a limited complexity role that takes historical data to help predict future growth opportunities. While no direct experience is required as a corporate-level Finance Associate, it may require a bachelor's degree in finance. The salary range for this role is between $69,000 to $82,000. Financial Counselor Financial Counselor jobs are available in just about every organization. You could find a job available in an education where you guide college students in making financial decisions on how they will fund their education. When working with students, you will help them make the best decision possible for their financial future and help them achieve the desired education. You could also work in a hospital to help guide patients in completing paperwork that could help them to afford or pay for their healthcare expenses. When working in the healthcare industry, you will determine patient coverage levels and benefit limits with their health insurance providers. Most hospitals have aid available to patients through alternative funding or assistance from social service agencies. Helping students and patients prepare and file any documentation needed to complete payment arrangements and secure funding can be rewarding. It can also be surprisingly easy once you understand the aid available to help them achieve their goals. Knowing financial practices and procedures will be helpful if you seek a role in financial counseling. You can enter this job with a high school diploma and at least one to two years of experience. Since this job is entry-level, the pay ranges between $37,000 and $47,000. See my feature in GoBankingRates: Is it More Important to Do What You Love or Work for the Money?   Small Business Administration Loan Officer There's nothing like giving back to your community. An SBA Loan Officer is different from your typical loan officer. Your goal is to support the growth and development of small businesses in your local area through the development of government-guaranteed loans and lines of credit. How will you do this? It's easy. Business owners will provide you with their financial and organizational information. You can structure an SBA loan proposal, complete the underwriting, and prepare a credit package that fits the business owner's needs. This is all accomplished by building working relationships with business owners in your community so that you can understand their business needs. Let's face it. Government regulations can be complex, so you must stay current on SBA products, rules, and regulations. However, as an SBA loan officer, you can continue your career in finance and build quality community relationships with local business owners. If you have experience working with loan origination and business development, you can land an SBA loan officer role. Obtaining a degree in finance or business can increase your earning potential and chances of pursuing a career in banking. The salary range for this role is between $90,000 to $116,000. You may also be eligible for commission. Considerations For Choosing a Career in Finance: Salary:  When choosing your job, it's important to consider if the salary meets your needs. Consider if it will help you afford your monthly living expenses, benefit deductions, and transportation costs to and from work. You should also determine if you will have enough funds at the end of the month to put money aside in savings. Work-life Balance:  When searching for an easy job in finance, you may be looking for an adequate work-life balance. If most of your time is spent at work and you have little time for extracurricular activities that you enjoy, then the job and the salary may not be worth the imbalance. Growth Opportunity:  Most easy jobs are considered entry-level due to the role's level of responsibility or complexity. This may be exactly what you're looking for today. However, if you are entering into finance and will seek growth opportunities in the future, it's important to research the career path of the job you choose. If you can't find a clear path for growth, it may be difficult for you to transition out of the role when you are ready. Job Satisfaction: Once you enter your chosen profession, it's essential to assess your satisfaction periodically. If you are constantly regretting your decision, then it's time to consider your options. Whether applying for a different role in your current organization, an external organization, or even changing your career path, job satisfaction is essential to your physical, financial, and mental health. See my feature in Real Simple: 5 Questions to Ask When You Have to Choose Between Two Jobs Ultimately, the easiest job in finance best fits your skills, experience, and interests. Whatever job you choose, ensure that it offers an excellent work-life balance and a chance to use your financial skills to help others. *All salary ranges are as of May 2023.

Have you ever looked at your paycheck or end-of-year bonus and been surprised by the taxes that were deducted? Many others have been in the same situation. Taxes are a welcome addition to the workforce notification. Let's see the distinction between the money you earn and what you take home. What does my gross pay mean? Your gross pay consists of the total amount of money you earned for a particular pay period before deducting any taxes. So, if you make $60,000 a year and receive your pay semi-monthly, your gross pay would be $2,500. Your gross income may show as salary or regular earnings on your pay stub. Your gross pay can differ if you are paid hourly and work fluctuating hours. Are federal income taxes mandatory? Federal income tax is a mandatory deduction and will vary based on the completion of your W-4. The IRS has a tax withholding estimator that can guide you in estimating your withholding. If you withhold too little, you may end up paying back the government during tax time. You could receive a tax refund if you withhold too much from your gross pay. Having a large tax refund is rarely beneficial, so it's essential to estimate carefully. Do all states pay state income taxes? Not all states require taxes to be deducted from your gross pay. For example, Alaska, Florida, and Texas are three of seven states with no state payroll tax requirements. States that do have payroll taxes have specific state or local tax forms. Taxes also will vary by state and are deducted from your gross pay. What are Social Security taxes used for? The Social Security tax is used to supplement an individual's retirement. This tax is deducted while working and can be drawn as early as 62 years old. The Social Security tax is mandatory, and your employer also must contribute an equal amount on your behalf. You can multiply your gross wages by 6.2 percent to calculate your current contribution. You can see your total social security contributions by registering with the Social Security Administration. What is the Medicare tax? Medicare Tax is similar to Social Security Tax since you cannot use it until you meet specific age requirements. Medicare is a federal health insurance benefit for individuals over 65 years old. The Medicare tax is a mandatory contribution deducted from your gross pay. Like the Social Security tax, your employer must also match your contribution. The current Medicare tax rate is 1.45% for you and your employer. What is my Net Pay? There you have it! You've received your net take-home pay after applicable taxes. Child support, medical, retirement, or other deductions could reduce your net pay further. However, these are the legitimate reasons you may see a discrepancy in your gross and net pay.

If you find that you're constantly fighting about money or hiding how you spend money from your partner, it may be time to rethink your relationship goals and values. Fighting about money can create tension in a relationship and make it challenging to accomplish future goals. When one spouse gets frustrated with the other, it can seem like you're on an island all on your own, trying to resolve a difficult situation. How can couples develop and build financial trust in their relationship? From creating a long-term goal to paying bills on time, here are several tips for developing financial trust in your relationship. Developing Financial Trust in Your Relationship Share a Joint Credit Card Establish Clear Boundaries Have Regular, Transparent, and Productive Discussions Be Open and Honest About Financial Situations Time + Planning = Trusting Financial Relationship Pay Bills on Time Discuss Finances Before Marriage Share a Joint Credit Card Opening a joint credit card is a great way to build and develop financial trust. Being transparent and on the same page when it comes to handling money is a crucial aspect in any relationship. This allows couples to develop a line of credit that'll benefit future investments if both parties maintain a good credit score. It also helps couples define their combined budget, savings, and expenses more than having completely separate finances. - Gigi Ji , Head of Brand and Business Development, KOKOLU Establish Clear Boundaries Couples can develop and build financial trust in their relationship by establishing clear boundaries. In other words, couples need to define what's theirs and what's not clearly. This can help them avoid unnecessary conflicts and misunderstandings and prevent any nasty surprises when one partner wants to spend money on something they've already agreed not to do. It's also important for couples to address any financial disagreements as soon as possible so they don't fester and become bigger problems later on. When couples ignore their financial disagreements, it can lead to resentment and even result in divorce. Therefore, I believe couples who can talk about their money issues openly and honestly are much more likely to find a solution that works for both parties. - Tiffany Homan , COO, Texas Divorce Laws Have Regular, Transparent, and Productive Discussions One way for couples to develop financial trust in their relationship is to have open and honest conversations about finances. This includes discussing each person's income, debts, expenses, savings goals, and any other financial matters that could affect the relationship. It's important for couples to be transparent with each other about their finances and to come up with a plan that works for both of them. This could include setting a budget, discussing how to save money, and creating an emergency fund. Having these discussions can help couples build trust in each other and their financial decisions, as well as provide peace of mind knowing that both partners are on the same page. - Michael Alexis , CEO, Tiny Campfire Be Open and Honest About Financial Situations In marriage, finances are an important issue. One way for couples to build financial trust is by being open and honest about each of their financial situations. Couples should communicate with each other about their income, debts, and investments. They should also agree on a budget that works for both parties. This will ensure they're each aware of how much money is coming in and where it's going. - Jennie Miller , Co-Founder, Midss Time + Planning = Trusting Financial Relationship Time must pass for a couple to really develop trust in a relationship, so it's important to understand that you must go through a process as a couple. Cohesiveness and trust will not be founded in a few days but instead built up over a long period of time. The couple needs to set boundaries and goals for each other that both can agree on and understand. Once both abide by these rules consistently over a period of time, trust will build up, and a proper system of respect will form. If one side of the relationship regularly makes mistakes or ignores the rules, then it'll be tougher to build that trust and understanding. But if both people can follow the guidelines agreed upon, it'll be much easier to form a successful partnership. - Shaun Connell , CEO, Credit Building Tips Pay Bills on Time If you want to build financial trust in your relationship by improving you and your partner's credit score, then you should track your spending habits as a couple and tackle your credit together. Paying bills on time determines 35% of your credit score. Create reminders for upcoming dates to settle bills without delay. You can also activate autopay for bills. Let you and your partner collaborate in settling bills to improve your financial trust. - Yongming Song , CEO, Live Poll Discuss Finances Before Marriage Discussing finances with your partner before marriage can help ensure that you don't enter into a financially doomed marriage. Couples who talk about finances pre-marriage can ensure that they understand each other's financial history, including their current debts, savings goals, or past and present financial struggles. Uncovering these three things can help the couple determine a path forward in managing their finances and how their situation will impact them in the future. Establishing financial boundaries, setting goals together, and determining how finances will be divided or managed jointly can help build trust as a couple enters into a lifelong relationship. - Annette Harris , Founder, Harris Financial Coaching  See my feature in Cnet Dating Someone New? Here’s How to Talk About Money (and Why You Should)

Going into the new year, you may have a few pre-planned financial resolutions. Developing your plan today can make it easier for you to achieve your financial goals. The saying, there's no time like the present, is more critical now than ever when you consider record inflation and massive company layoffs. I asked a few individuals, "What is one financial concern you have going into the new year, and how are you going to conquer it?" Tips to Address Your Financial Concerns Diversify Your Investment Portfolio Create a Winning Marketing Campaign Create a Detailed Budget to Help Fund Your Wedding Contribute to a 401K Find an Additional Source of Income Tackle The Rising Cost of Living Create a Side Hustle Switch Jobs Diversify My Investment Portfolio to Combat Rising Inflation Inflation is a major financial concern for many people heading into the new year as the prices of essential goods and services become increasingly expensive. To combat this, my goal is to create a foolproof plan to tackle the harsh effects of inflation. This includes diversifying my investment portfolio with a healthy mix of investments. I also aim to create a cushion of emergency funds for rainy and unpredictable days. Last but certainly not least, I keep a close eye on my expenses and cut out unnecessary items. Doing this inevitably leaves you with more disposable income to put into your investments and stay ahead of inflation. - Demi Yilmaz, Co-Founder, Colonist.io Create a Winning Marketing Campaign to Get Ahead of Economic Turbulence As a recession becomes a going concern, many business owners like myself are examining their assets and liabilities and looking for strategies to generate cash flow. At the end of the day, hair restoration is a cosmetic industry. When money becomes scarce, these procedures are often the first thing people cut back on. Currently, my marketing team is working on a new campaign to provide incentives for new patients in 2023. We hope this will help us acquire new customers early on to offset any economic distress that could happen mid- to late-year. - Jae Pak, MD, Jae Pak MD Medical Create a Detailed Budget to Help Fund My Wedding My wedding is one of my biggest financial concerns going into the new year. My fiancé and I have been saving diligently for the past year, but with the average cost of a wedding now over $30,000, we still have a ways to go. To conquer this concern, we have created a detailed budget and are sticking to it as closely as possible. We are also cutting back on other expenses to make room for wedding-related costs. For example, we have decided to eat out less and cook at home more. We are also putting any extra money we have towards the wedding fund. By taking these measures, I am confident that we will be able to afford our dream wedding without going into debt. - Lorien Strydom, Executive Country Manager, Financer.com Contribute to a 401K to Save for Retirement One of my primary financial concerns going into the new year is saving for retirement. I am 32 years old and have not yet started contributing to a retirement account. I know that the sooner I start saving, the better off I will be in the long run. To conquer this concern, I have resolved to start contributing to a 401k plan. I have also sat down with a financial planner to ensure I am on track to reach my retirement goals. While it may take some time and effort to get my finances in order, I am confident that I can achieve my goal of a comfortable retirement. - Jim Campbell, Founder, Wizve Digital Marketing Find an Additional Source of Income to Manage Debt Paying off outstanding debt obligations is a major financial concern. It is glaring to me amidst the rising costs of basic commodities, the global economic crisis, and many other financial concerns. I am saddled with many thoughts on balancing my income versus my expenses. One thing is for sure: I need to pay off my debts to gain a bit of leeway in my monetary standing. Looking at my ledger, I see that most of my expenses are spent on loan interest. That is why I need to come up with a solid plan to ease them out. I need to have an additional source of income through side hustles. Then, I need to settle my loans one by one or shave off a considerable amount from each one to lessen the interest that they accrue. It may take a while to close them off, but I need to make a positive movement and extend more efforts to do that. - Laura Martinez, Consultant and Content Writer, PersonalityMax Change My Budget to Tackle The Rising Cost of Living One of my financial concerns going into the new year is the rising cost of living. It seems like the cost of basic necessities like food and housing goes up while wages stay the same every year. I'm not sure how much longer I can keep up this pace. I will have to start making serious changes to my budget if I want to avoid going into debt. I'm also going to start looking for ways to increase my income. I'm unsure what the solution is, but I'm determined to find it. I refuse to let the rising cost of living defeat me! - Benjamin Basic, Content Writer, Fast Food Menu Prices Create a Side Hustle to Help Build My Emergency Fund Honestly, I have a lot of financial concerns even during this year. My greatest concern is paying off debt and setting up an emergency fund. Inflation has gotten me to a point where I barely have enough money left for savings. Savings are the least of your concerns when you are living in debt. I am very concerned about not having an emergency fund. My idea about how I'm going to tackle it is by venturing into more methods of making money. I figured I could diversify into online jobs and get more serious in the online writing job search. This will help increase my income and give me an advantage over the economy. Hopefully. - Lydia Mwangi, Content Writer, Barbell Jobs Advertiser Disclosure Switch Jobs For a Better Quality of Life I'm going to conquer my financial concerns by getting a better job. I've been working at my current job for over two years now, and while it's been a good experience and helped me grow, it hasn't given me the kind of opportunity to advance my career that I was hoping for. To get access to more opportunities and make more money, I plan to change jobs in the new year. My new role will be in a different department at my company, but it will also have more responsibilities and allow me to grow professionally. In addition to improving my paycheck, this change will also give me more time with my family—something that has been difficult since I started working. - Amer Hasovic, Content Writer, Love & Lavender What's one financial concern you have? Leave a comment below.

Greenwashing happens when businesses claim that their products or services are more environmentally friendly than they are. Entrepreneurs and consumers should be aware of financial greenwashing and how it can affect them. But why is financial greenwashing bad, and how can it be avoided? It can come at a detriment to investors when you are provided with misleading information about a company's products or services as a means of boosting your investor confidence. Here are a few insightful tips, from verifying environmental claims made by other companies to investing in efforts that will boost your environmental, social, and governance ratings to help you avoid financial greenwashing. Financial Greenwashing and How to Avoid It Research and Verify Environmental Claims Redefine Sustainability Often Hire an Environmental Business Law Attorney Do Not Use Vague Sustainability-Related Statements Invest in Efforts That Boost ESG Practices Research and Verify Environmental Claims Made by Other Companies Greenwashing is terrible because it can lead to unethical and unsustainable business practices. One tip for avoiding greenwashing is to conduct thorough research on companies' environmental claims and look for independent verification of these claims. Additionally, you should be wary of vague or overly general statements about a company's commitment to sustainability, as companies often use these to greenwash their products or services. By being aware of these issues and avoiding them, you can help promote ethical and sustainable business practices in your life and the wider community. - Natalia Brzezinska, Marketing & Outreach Manager, US Visa Photo Redefine Sustainability Often One tip for avoiding financial greenwashing is to redefine sustainability regularly. Green technology and standards, like all technology and laws, change constantly. What was once the industry standard for a sustainable business practice may not be the same within just a few years. Always strive to improve your sustainability policies to match those on the cutting edge of new advances. - Kevin Callahan, Co-Founder & CEO, Flatline Van Co. Hire an Environmental Business Law Attorney Any time someone takes something that matters deeply to many people and uses it to make a quick buck, it will lead to a lot of heartache and anger down the road. If you invest in a product that you think is environmentally beneficial or sound and turns out to be damaging to the environment, you could pay dearly for it. That's true even if you were deceived. That's what makes it so bad. Innocent people often have to shoulder the blame when something like that happens. The way to avoid it is to double-check everything. Get an attorney involved (preferably one who specializes in environmental business law) and get an environmental scientist (or two) to dig into the product and see whether it is everything the seller says it is. You never want to be blamed for damaging the environment. That's a stain you may never get rid of. - Trevor Ford, Head of Growth, Yotta Do Not Use Vague Sustainability-Related Statements Financial greenwashing reduces global decarbonization significantly. Investors with good money, which could have been put to good use in projects that have a significant impact against climate change, are tricked into funding projects with little to no effect on climate change. This is a mega waste of resources. The way you avoid financial greenwashing is by not using vague sustainability-related statements. Always provide clarifying information for every jargon used to avoid misleading investors. - Lydia Mwangi, Content Writer, Barbell Jobs Invest in Efforts That Will Boost Your ESG Practices Financial greenwashing is unethical because you're exaggerating facts or using misleading information about your company or financial products' ESG scores. When you can't deliver on what you promised or what you said you've been doing doesn't show, you'll be caught eventually. Deception can ruin your public image, and you'll lose investors. Avoid financial greenwashing by investing in efforts that will boost your ESG practices. If you say your products and practices are environmentally friendly, ensure that you live by them. - Aidan Kang, CEO, House of Debt

These are a few of the most interesting financial questions I have received and how I recommend you approach them. There are many other answers to these questions, but they can give you a good start in achieving your financial goals. 1. What is one question to ask when buying a used car? Is a Vehicle History Report Available? When buying a used car, it's important to know whether the vehicle has been involved in an accident or suffered any other damage. Knowing this can help you determine the car's value and understand the warranty's validity. It can save you tons of money if repairs are required in the long run. In addition, you can't always see prior owner history, how it was used before being acquired by the dealership, or pending recalls on the vehicle. So, requesting the vehicle history report can help you determine if your purchase is a good value for your money. 2. What is one creative way to earn money post-retirement? Become A Yoga Instructor Post-retirement is the perfect time to live a Zen life and teach others how to destress. Becoming certified to teach yoga can be done online or at a local yoga study. You can teach yoga classes online, at a college, or in individual sessions during retirement. Yoga sessions can also be recorded and uploaded on video sharing sites or listened to as podcasts. Teaching yoga offers the flexibility of doing it on your schedule and can bring in extra income in retirement. 3. How can I effectively plan for retirement so I don't run out of money? Save As Much As Possible Maximizing contributions to retirement plans can help build a solid financial future in retirement. Ensure that you maximize the matching contributions that your employer offers and any catch-up contributions you may be eligible for. If the contribution limit with your employer is reached, other alternative retirement plans, such as a Roth IRA, could maximize your savings potential. See my feature in MoneyRates Retirement Planning Guide to help answer the most common retirement questions. 4. What should I know before applying for life insurance? Conduct a Needs Analysis You should evaluate how much life insurance you will need to cover any expenses in the event of your premature death. Evaluating your expenses, such as mortgages, car payments, utilities, and future college expenses for your children, can ensure that your survivors live in financial security. In addition, determining how much you have in savings and other liquid assets can help determine how much life insurance your loved ones may need. 5. What is one thing I should do when I earn a big promotion and raise at work? Get Rid of Your Debt When you receive a raise, it is the ideal time to wipe out your debt if you have credit card debt, student loans, or any other household debt. You will save money on interest and be able to save for your future goals. The most important thing is to not splurge on a big-ticket item that could put you deeper into debt. Maintaining your current standard of living and paying down debt can help ensure that you see the benefits of your increased income. 6. What is one reason why you get up every morning to go to work? Sustainable Retirement Income Building a sustainable retirement income is why I get up every morning to go to work. Having a set amount of income that can be used in my retirement years will enable me to be worry-free about the future of my financial situation. Going to work every morning allows me to continue building towards my future retirement plans, including continually increasing my future social security income. 7. Which school choice is better for college, public or private? Research Your Degree Options Choosing the best college will depend on whether your chosen degree program is offered at a public institution. Private colleges cost more than public institutions. If your funds are limited and you don't have a scholarship or tuition reimbursement, attending a public institution may be best. Attending a public institution will decrease the need to obtain a student loan, which could put you into debt or further into debt if you currently own creditors or have other outstanding loans. What's Next? Before going into a car dealership, consider other questions you should ask. Visit your employer to get a better understanding of your retirement benefits. Do you have kids going to college? Evaluate the financial impact and plan ahead. It may seem like a daunting task, but creating a plan to maximize your wealth can help you achieve your financial goals.

You've found that special someone again, and you're preparing to walk down the aisle with what you hope is your lifelong partner. However, before you say I do again, there are a few financial considerations that you should discuss with your future partner to ensure that you are both aligned on your financial priorities. From assessing your need for life insurance to creating a prenuptial agreement, here are 12 answers to the question, "What are some financial tips you should consider when remarrying?" Financial Considerations Before Saying 'I Do' Again Assess Your Need for Life Insurance Consider Blended Expenditures Be Transparent About Finances With Your New Partner Have Honest Communication About Financial Goals Consolidate and Close Duplicate Bank Accounts Look at Your Partner's Financial History Give Details of Any Debts, Including Child Support Make and Compare Lists of Financial Priorities Become Aligned With Your Partner Define Non-marital Assets Work With a Financial Advisor Create a Prenuptial Agreement Assess Your Need for Life Insurance If you're remarrying, you may have step-children or your own children that will create a blended family. Children can be expensive, so it's important to ensure that your new family is covered with appropriate life insurance. Talk to your insurance carrier to ensure that you have sufficient life insurance to protect your new family should the unexpected happen. Matthew Ramirez, CEO, Rephrasely Consider Blended Expenditures Saying 'I do' again may come with new costs if two families are blending. This can be especially true when children are involved. The increase in the number of children in a family or the cost differences of children in different stages of life can mean a varied impact on your finances. You may want to take some time to get a handle on the new costs you may be taking on as a couple when it comes to blending your families and consider any changes that might need to be made to handle them. The sooner you do this, the easier the transition will be for everyone involved. Max Schwartzapfel, CMO, Schwartzapfel Lawyers See my feature in Self: How to Begin the Process of Combining Finances Be Transparent About Finances With Your New Partner Remarrying after divorce or the death of a spouse is never easy, but financial considerations must be taken into account. One important tip to consider when remarrying is to recognize that your life and finances have changed. For example, taking time to look over and revise estate planning documents might be wise even if you have created them in the past; this ensures that all of your affairs are organized should something happen to you or your new partner. Further, for those interested in making sure their finances merge smoothly with their new partners, assessing both partners' credit reports and working together on building financial trust and transparency may be useful. This uncommon example can help create a secure foundation before money issues become more complicated further on down the road. Carly Hill, Operations Manager, VirtualHolidayParty.com Have Honest Communication About Financial Goals When remarrying, honest communication about financial goals is key for long-term success. Be honest with yourself and your partner about your current situation, including any pre-existing debt, and create a plan on how to proceed. Tax implications may change after marriage, so it is wise to seek professional advice from a qualified tax preparer or financial advisor about any adjustments that need to be made. Establishing a joint savings account will help you start reaching the larger financial goals you created together. Start budgeting and keeping track of spending habits to ensure both partners stay within their planned limits while pursuing their agreed-upon goals. By communicating openly and having conversations surrounding money regularly, couples can better achieve their respective objectives in marriage. Jim Campbell, Owner, Camp Media Consolidate and Close Duplicate Bank Accounts I recommend consolidating and closing duplicate accounts when remarried. This can help to simplify your financial situation and make it easier to manage. Consolidating your accounts means gathering your assets into a single account, such as a joint bank account, and streamlining them so that all of your finances are in one place. Closing duplicate accounts is also important, as too many can be confusing and unnecessarily complicate your financial situation. It will help you to have more clarity and control over your finances, making it easier to manage. Tiffany Homan, COO, Texas Divorce Laws Look at Your Partner's Financial History It might have crossed your mind to look at your partner's current financial situation and even future financial possibilities. But what about their financial history? Many never think to look at this, and it's a financial tip that might help you prepare and know what step to take next. For many, it might not be possible to access their financial history. But if you can, please do! This might save you a lot of financial pain in the future. Lydia Mwangi, Content Writer, Barbell Jobs Give Details of Any Debts, Including Child Support When considering remarriage, it's essential to discuss the debt or child support you have in advance. If you have children outside the relationship, your partner may know you have child support. However, informing them of the amount of your child support, credit card, student loan debt, and any other debt can ensure that consideration is given to your financial situation when setting future goals. Providing this information can ensure that both partners enter the marriage on the same page with finances and distribute income, expenses, and saving for goals accordingly. Annette Harris, Owner, Harris Financial Coaching Make and Compare Lists of Financial Priorities Talk about your financial priorities with your partner so that you can both better understand how you think. It may help to sit down with your partner and create separate lists of what you both find to be financially important to you. You can compare your lists, discuss your thought processes, and compromise on areas you disagree on. You're working as a team now, so you need to respect and understand each other to be an effective partnership. Take some time to ensure that you're both on the same page regarding money matters. This can help you avoid conflicts later down the road or, at the very least, give you the foundations to solve a disagreement if one should arise. Max Ade, CEO, Pickleheads Become Aligned With Your Partner Remarrying has been both a scary and an incredibly rewarding experience. However, one of the most important things that my husband and I did when remarrying was to take time to understand each other's non-negotiables regarding spending habits, finances, and long-term goals for our family. While you may not agree on everything and share perspectives on other issues, it's vital to ensure that you are aligned in your financial goals and that all your financial obligations are on the table for one another. Finances can be very polarizing, but if you and your spouse are aligned on your long-term goals, you can rest assured that you'll avoid many unnecessary arguments along the way. And if you're not aligned on such an important consideration, maybe it's time to consider finding a better match. Stephanie Jenkins, Founder, Stephanie Jenkins Photo Define Non-marital Assets Defining non-marital assets before remarrying is one major consideration. Unclear timelines around asset acquisition can easily cause issues at the bank and in your personal life. Make sure to read up on what is legally defined as a non-marital asset and talk with an attorney to ensure those items are justified before the big day. Alexandre Robicquet, Co-founder and CEO, Crossing Minds Work With a Financial Advisor The best financial tip I can give when remarrying is to consolidate and organize all financial accounts, including bank accounts, investment accounts, and retirement accounts. This is essential to help both partners understand their combined assets and liabilities and can make it easier to create a joint financial plan moving forward. It may also be a good idea to work with a financial advisor to help assess the financial situation, make any necessary adjustments, and ensure that the couple's assets are properly allocated to meet their long-term financial goals. Ralitsa Dodova, Content Writer, Buzzlogic Create a Prenuptial Agreement One of the essential financial tips for someone considering remarriage is to create a prenuptial agreement. A prenuptial agreement is a legal document that outlines the financial responsibilities of each person entering into the marriage and how assets and debts will be divided in the event of a divorce. It also sets out each party's rights and obligations concerning retirement benefits, insurance policies, and other financial matters. Considering a prenuptial agreement before marriage, each party can have peace of mind and protect their financial interests. Ben Basic, CEO, Router IP Net

Enrolling in direct deposit can be as easy as one, two, or three. If your employer has an online system that allows you to update your tax, banking, or personal information quickly, then the ability to enroll in direct deposit is right at your fingertips. Some individuals may feel uncomfortable providing their employer with their personal banking information. Or, they may have a general mistrust of banks and want the cash from their hard-earned work in their hands. However, there are downfalls of not having direct deposit set up, and it could cause your pay to be delayed. Why would your pay be delayed? Five Reasons Why Direct Deposit is Important Weather Delays Living in the southern United States, there have been multiple occasions where employers, banks, and other businesses have closed early in anticipation of an impending storm. During these times, some employers may process payroll early. However, if you receive a physical check for your wages and your employer cannot process a check in-house, you will have to wait until offices reopen to receive your paycheck. If you travel to escape the storm and depend on your next paycheck for transportation, lodging, and food costs, you may have to weather the storm in your current location. Sometimes, payment processors have weather delays when they ship checks to employers. If this occurs, your employer cannot control when paychecks arrive. When this happens, voiding a paper paycheck or printing checks in-house requires that employers receive verification that checks have been canceled, causing further delays. See my feature in: What Retirees Should Look for in a Bank You Don't Have Time to Make it to the Bank If you live a hectic life, work long hours, or the bank in your local area closes before you have time to get there, your paychecks could pile up. We all have bills due at a certain time, and the utility company or landlord doesn't want an excuse that you couldn't make it to the bank. By using direct deposit, you can ensure that your paychecks make it to the bank on the specified pay date. It will also ensure that your bill, utility, and rent or mortgage payments are never late. This can reduce late fees and additional interest you could be charged for not making your payments on time. You Can Save Automatically When you receive your paycheck via direct deposit, you have two options. You can have your pay sent to your checking account, or you can split it so a portion goes into your savings as well. By enrolling in direct deposit, you can build your savings fund automatically, and your employer can help you do that through automatic savings enrollments. Suppose you have your direct deposit sent to your checking account. You can create an automatic transfer with your bank for a portion of your earnings to be automatically sent to your savings account. Your savings will grow continuously and automatically. See my feature in: How Much You Should Save Each Month in 2023 Your Check Could Get Lost It's in the mail. It's an old phrase, but it does happen. Have you ever lost a check and had to request that someone writes you another check? If you lose your check, your employer will have to go through a verification process to determine if your paycheck was cashed. This process could take days. Once confirmation is received, the employer can cancel your paycheck and reissue you a new one. If waiting up to a week or longer for this process to complete is unacceptable for you, then an alternative option is to enroll in direct deposit to ensure your paycheck is never "lost in the mail." You're Not Comfortable with Using Technology Being uncomfortable with technology spans multiple generations. It's not specific to one generation because the rate at which technology changes can make it confusing to many. However, when it comes to ensuring that you receive your paycheck timely, it's important to ensure that you keep up-to-date with the latest technology your employer uses. Staying up-to-date with technology is essential when you need to make changes to your tax withholding or direct deposit information. You're right if you think that you don't have to worry about technology when you receive a paper check. However, most employers don't allow employees to receive a paper check. You will have to get familiar with technology to ensure that your income is deposited into the correct bank account. This is essential, especially if you need to switch banks or adjust your direct deposit. What's Next? Discuss your options with your employer to see how you can enroll in direct deposit. If you are unfamiliar with the technology they use, have a human resources member show you how to use it and the options you can use to update your personal information.

When you're laid off from your job, the first thought that may come to your mind is how you will survive financially. Your employer may provide your health insurance, be your primary source of income, and if you are living abroad, you may have to find a place to stay immediately in the United States. There are a few ways that you can address your job loss and plan for what's next. From not taking on new debt to keeping a routine, here are 14 answers to the question, "What are some tips for someone who finds themself suddenly unemployed?" Career and Financial Planning During Unemployment Don't Take On New Debt Allocate a Day to Updating Your Resume Stay Organized and Make An Action Plan Take Your Time to Build a Top-Notch Profile on LinkedIn Turn Your Focus to Networking Treat Yourself and Recharge Take a Moment to Focus Cut Down On Recurring and Unnecessary Expenses Prioritize Your Most Important Bills Re-evaluate Your Career Choice Apply For Unemployment Insurance Aim For Quality Over Quantity When Submitting Job Applications Consider Starting a Side Hustle Maintain Your Routine Don't Take On New Debt Avoid taking on any new debt. This may seem obvious, but avoiding it can be challenging when you feel strapped financially and want to maintain your lifestyle. You need to be cautious about adding new payments to your monthly obligations, especially when it's for something that's not essential. Because of the uncertainty about when the next steady paycheck will come in, adding new debt can be very high risk. Rachel Roff, Founder, CEO, Urban Skin Rx Allocate a Day to Updating Your Resume Something I suggest doing before you take your needed time off is allocating a day to updating, refreshing, and preparing your resume. Writing everything down when you are still in an organized place and detailing it all while it's fresh in your mind will be much better. The longer you leave it, the harder it will be to prioritize it - even if you are desperate for more work. We never know what might come our way, so having your resume prepared from the moment you are unemployed allows you to jump on something the moment it presents itself instead of thinking that you want to apply for something and then deciding you will build your resume the next day, which turns into the day after that, or even the week after. Brett Downes, Founder, Haro Helpers See my feature in References on Resumes: To Include or Not to Include? Stay Organized and Make An Action Plan The best tip for someone who finds themselves suddenly unemployed is to stay organized. Set up a structured routine that consists of both short-term and long-term objectives. An unusual but effective way to do this is by creating an action plan: list professional goals, outline ways to achieve them, and use clear timelines for tracking progress. This will provide direction when navigating job searches, such as finding employers and drafting cover letters. Creating an action plan to focus on and gauge progress during unemployment can be used as a roadmap to a successful career. Michael Alexis, CEO, tiny campfire Take Your Time to Build a Top-Notch Profile on LinkedIn Losing your job can be very dramatic; your world feels upside-down, and you have mixed emotions. I've witnessed too many people act too quickly. They go on LinkedIn the same day and shout out to their network asking for help finding a job, and their LinkedIn profile looks sad; it needs to be completed and optimized for a job search. You only get one shot at first impressions. So take the time to build a top-notch profile rich in keywords and showcase your wins that will help you attract recruiters and hiring managers. Thomas Powner, CEO, Career Coach, Resume/LinkedIn Writer, Career Thinker Inc. Turn Your Focus to Networking Nobody is exempt from finding themselves in a career lull or unemployment. However, this may not necessarily be negative because it can be used to your advantage. Use the time you have to go all in with networking. Attend seminars, workshops, or events related to the field you want to succeed in and build a network with your co-attendees. More doors will likely open for you, and you will eventually stumble upon an abundance of opportunities. Guy Sharp, Relocation Advisor, Andorra Guides Treat Yourself and Recharge Unemployment can be tiring and stressful, so make it a point to relax occasionally. Take a reasonable amount of time off from your job search to treat yourself and recharge. Resting will maximize your productivity when you look for new opportunities. Even if you don't have money to spend, a visit to the park or a walk is what you need to ease your mind and help you get back to your job search. Andrew Chen, Chief Product Officer, CommentSold Take a Moment to Focus The initial reaction most people take when they become unemployed is to panic. They immediately start searching job boards for roles that aren't a fit. However, it makes them feel productive and in control during an unstable time. Instead, take a day or two to write down what you liked about your job and what you didn't enjoy. Then, search for jobs specifically related to the things you enjoyed the most. This will give you a more focused approach to your upcoming job search. Kelli Anderson, Career Coach, Resume Seed Cut Down On Recurring and Unnecessary Expenses Cutting down on recurring and unnecessary expenses is one of the best practices. Bills will start to pile up without income, so getting one's finances in order is critical to avoiding more debt. Cut down on energy consumption, buy fewer groceries, and refinance anything if it helps save on costs right away. It is always better to be safe than sorry. Alexandre Robicquet, Co-Founder and CEO, Crossing Minds Prioritize Your Most Important Bills It may be time to make some difficult decisions about which bills to prioritize. If you cannot pay your light or phone bill, you will lose your light or phone; however, if you cannot pay your rent or mortgage, you will lose your home. Losing your lights or phone is a big deal, but not as big as sleeping on the street or in your car. When hard times strike, you must keep things in perspective and make some necessary sacrifices-even if it means choosing between multiple less-than-ideal options. Nick Allen, Founder & CEO, SportsLingo Re-Evaluate Your Career Choice One tip for someone who finds themselves suddenly unemployed is to take the time to re-evaluate their career path and consider what they want to do. It can be an excellent opportunity to reassess their goals and interests and think about the type of job or industry that would be a better fit for them. Additionally, it's important to stay positive, maintain their professional network, and update their resume and LinkedIn profile to make it more attractive to potential employers. Mark McShane, Marketing Director, Leeds First Aid Courses Apply For Unemployment Insurance Finding yourself suddenly unemployed can be a harrowing feeling. The job market and the economy are scary places right now. While you should lean into your network and apply for jobs you feel qualified for daily, be sure to get started on unemployment insurance if you are eligible. There is no shame in receiving unemployment money. Unemployment insurance was deducted from your paycheck for this specific purpose. Nick Varga, Chief Riding Officer, ERide Journal See my feature in 8 Things to Do After Being Laid Off Aim For Quality Over Quantity When Submitting Job Applications Yikes! It happened. You got laid off, fired, or voluntarily left for another reason. Despite your reason for suddenly being unemployed, stress usually finds a way to deteriorate your mental health. A tip to get through this is to aim for quality over quantity when submitting applications. Applying for hundreds of jobs with general direction is far less effective than applying for a handful of jobs with hyper-focus. Amend your resume, use keywords from job postings, and reach out to hiring managers. Bethany Jeffreys, Career Advancement Consultant, Pivot Management Group Consider Starting a Side Hustle A side hustle is a small business or freelance gig that you can do on the side while you're looking for a full-time job. It's a great way to earn extra income and gain new skills to help you stand out in the job market. Depending on your interests and skills, you can consider many side hustles. For example, you could start a blog or podcast, create and sell products online, or offer freelance services such as writing, editing, or graphic design. Consider starting a small business, such as pet-sitting, lawn care, or online tutoring services. One of the keys to successfully creating a side hustle is finding something you're passionate about that aligns with your interests and skills. It will increase the likelihood of sticking with it and achieving success. It's also essential to set clear goals and create a plan for how you'll achieve them to ensure you stay focused and motivated throughout the process. Natalia Grajcar, Co-Founder, Natu.Care Maintain Your Routine When You Become Unemployed It's easy for people to find themselves lost when suddenly unemployed. One of the results of being employed is that you have developed a routine based on work – getting up at a particular time and going somewhere/doing something related to your job. You typically leave work at a certain time or after a certain number of hours. You probably go to bed at approximately the same time. When you are suddenly unemployed, a common reflex is to break your routine. And not a little bit. Usually into a thousand pieces. What's important to understand is that we need a routine to stay psychologically oriented. So, continue setting your alarm. Write down your goals daily and then check them off when complete (e.g., send five resumes, pick up groceries, etc.). Robert Acheson, Founder, CrypWalk Terkel creates community-driven content featuring expert insights. Sign up to help answer questions and get published.

Paying off credit card debt can seem like a long journey to the finish line. Revolving credit card debt can also be a challenge when you are cash-strapped. Rising interest rates and inflation can make it even more difficult to avoid using your credit card when you're trying to afford to live. How can you avoid making mistakes when paying off credit card debt? Here are a few tips to help you manage your credit card debt and determine if it's good or bad debt. Solutions for Managing and Eliminating Credit Card Debt Mistakes to Avoid When Managing Credit Card Debt 1. Paying Only the Minimum Required Payment - When you receive your credit card bill, it's important to pay more than the minimum payment, so you can reduce the interest you are paying for your purchase. If you pay only the minimum amount due, it could extend how long you are paying for the debt and can result in you paying for an item above the price you purchased it for. For example, if you bought a $25 shirt and only pay the minimum payment in two years, you could have paid $60 for the shirt, depending on your interest rate. 2. Signing Up for Credit Cards to Save 10% on Your Purchase - It may seem like a good idea at the time to save 10% or more on your store purchase, but if you don't pay off that credit card purchase within the specified time you could be subject to high-interest rates for your purchase. The 10% in-store savings could cost you more than you saved. You may also e the card repeatedly when you only wanted the one-time savings offer. 3. Paying Off All Your Credit Cards at the Same Time - When you address your credit card debt, it's important to prioritize your debt payments. There are different debt payoff methods that you can use to help you determine which debt you can pay off the quickest and the savings that will result. You can use the PowerPay tool to determine what's best for you financially. 4. Forgetting Your Goals - Keeping your goals at the forefront of why you want to pay down your credit card debt is essential. Writing down your goals or creating a vision board of your future can help keep you on track when paying down your credit card debt. See my feature in Are Americans Afraid of their Credit Card Debt? How to Stay Focused on Eliminating Your Credit Card Debt If you're struggling to eliminate your credit card debt, here are a few tips to keep you on track. 5. Determine Your Debt Payoff Strategy - Using the PowerPay tool, you can determine if you want to focus on your highest interest rate, shortest term, or shortest length of time to pay off your debt. This tool also provides you with a mon h-by-month payment plan so you can put reminder dates on your calendar. 6. Use a Debt Paydown Calculator - Using a debt calculator can help you show how much you can afford to put towards your debt so that you can address your outstanding credit card debt. 7. Discuss Your Goals with Your Partner - If your partner is not on the same page, it can become more challenging to address outstanding credit card debt. Ensuring that your partner is aware of the importance of reducing your debt load can ensure that you are not fighting a losing battle. If one partner is paying down the debt and the other adds to it, it can cause significant stress and strain on the relationship. Take time to sit down and discuss your goals with your partner. When is credit card debt good? Credit card debt is good if you have future financial goals requiring a good credit score to accomplish them. Building your credit score can help you reduce future interest rates and aid you in qualifying for large purchases. Having credit card debt and paying more than the minimum consistently can help you: Qualify for a future home loan Qualify for a future car loan Reduce your insurance rate Reduce the need to pay a security deposit for a cell phone Help you qualify for an apartment Obtain employment that requires a credit check Earn reward points for purchases To reserve hotel and airfare See my feature in How to Get an 800 Credit Score When is it considered bad debt? Credit card debt is considered bad when you cannot make more than the minimum payments for your purchases. Also, using it to sustain your living expenses can make it even more difficult to pay off the debt. Cash advances may also cause significant debt payoff issues because the interest rates accrue immediately. It's important to avoid using your credit card to pay for monthly living expenses because it's easy to lose control and difficult to repay the debt. Final Thoughts on Addressing Credit Card Debt Consider your options and educate yourself before using your credit card to pay for a purchase. Determine if there are other ways that you can afford your purchase. Getting into credit card debt is easy, but getting out of credit card debt can come with significant hurdles and challenges. Remembering your goals can help you decide what's best for your financial situation.