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You’re about to get married, and your partner has just asked you to sign a prenuptial agreement (prenup). This may cause you to question their trust in you or even make you wonder if they think the relationship will last if you haven’t married yet. Before diving into all of the thoughts that are swirling around in your mind, it's important to understand your partner's reasons for wanting a prenup. Is it due to financial disparities, concerns about pre-existing assets, or other factors? Understanding their motivations can help you find a mutually beneficial solution. How to Tackle the Prenup Conversation Questions to Ask When You’re Presented with a Prenup Alternatives to a Prenup Consequences of Signing a Prenup Advantages of Signing a Prenup Creating a Counter-Prenup Agreement What Should I Ask My Partner About a Prenup? The first step in having a conversation with your partner about a prenuptial agreement is to understand their motivations and concerns. It’s important to come into the conversation with understanding and openness. At the end of the conversation, the prenup may still be on the table, but you will have uncovered the underlying concerns and discussed your alternative options. When tackling this conversation, here are a few questions you could ask your partner: What are your primary concerns or reasons for wanting a prenup? Are there any assets or debts you or I have that you’re considering protecting? Are you open to negotiating or compromising on specific terms? Are there any concerns today that signal our relationship won’t stand the strength of time? How do you envision the prenup addressing education, child support, custody, and visitation rights of future children? Alternative Options to a Prenup Postnuptial Agreement:  A postnuptial agreement is a contract created after marriage, addressing issues similar to those of a prenup but with different legal implications. It can be a flexible option if your relationship evolves. For example, if your employment situation changes and causes a substantial impact on your compensation or earning potential, this could be a reason for a postnuptial agreement. Were you a lawyer, doctor, or executive-level employee who changed careers or lost employment? Were you an entry-level employee when you were married, and your career skyrocketed, increasing your earning potential? Is your retirement something that you think needs protection, and are you both satisfied that your retirement accounts should be kept separate if you divorce? A postnuptial agreement can be tailored to changing circumstances. It can also offer a way to address financial issues after marriage. Has one spouse obtained substantial debt that the other spouse did not agree to? Who should be responsible for those debts that are not jointly acquired? In addition, if you have acquired assets during your marriage, a postnuptial agreement can be established to protect those assets. Cohabitation Agreement:  If you're not married, a cohabitation agreement can outline financial responsibilities, property ownership, and other important matters. It can provide clarity and protection for both partners. What property, debts, and financial responsibility does each partner have during the relationship? A cohabitation agreement can help avoid disputes over property and finances. It can also be a valuable tool for couples considering marriage but wanting to test the waters first. Revocable Trust:  I’ve recommended a revocable trust to many clients who are married and have children from prior relationships. Yes, you can have a will, but a revocable trust decreases the likelihood of your assets going through probate. A revocable trust can protect assets and plan for inheritance, providing security without a formal prenup. Is it possible that your children may want the house or money remaining in your bank accounts? A revocable trust can enable you to name who you want to receive your property and other assets. The good part about a revocable trust is that you can change who you designate as the beneficiary, albeit at a cost. It can also help protect your assets from creditors and potential lawsuits. Thorough Financial Planning:  Discuss your financial goals and create a comprehensive plan together. This can help alleviate concerns about asset protection and inheritance. Discussing your finances with your partner can help you both develop a clear understanding of your financial goals and strategies. Do you see children, continuing education, homeownership, or even early retirement in your future? Talk about it! It can help you make informed decisions about your finances and strengthen your relationship by fostering open communication. See my feature in How Should Married Couples Split Finances? Consequences of Signing a Prenup Limited Property Rights:  A prenup can limit your rights to certain property, mainly if acquired before or during the marriage. A prenup can specify how marital property (acquired during the marriage) will be divided in case of divorce. This can go beyond your main home and retirement assets. If you’ve acquired additional properties, investments, or established businesses for which you’ve had a hand in building, you may be waiving your right to the division of property. This could result in you receiving less than you might otherwise be entitled to under state law. Reduced Spousal Support:  In some cases, a prenup might limit your eligibility for spousal support in the event of a divorce. It’s important to review the prenup to determine if it establishes that you are not eligible for alimony in the case of divorce. Consider if the prenup states that there is a time period you must be married before you are eligible for spousal support. For example, if you are divorced with less than ten years of marriage, does it state that limited or no spousal support is available? Waiving Rights:  You might be waiving certain legal rights or protections you would otherwise have. A few of these rights are: Child Support Inheritance Rights Business Interest Retirement Benefits Personal Property Decision-Making Rights Finances Child-rearing Relocation with children The specific rights that can be waived in a prenuptial agreement can vary greatly, so it’s essential to have your agreement reviewed by an attorney. See my feature in Self How to Begin the Process of Combining Finances Advantages of Signing a Prenup Signing a prenuptial agreement can offer several benefits. A prenup can provide clarity and certainty by outlining the financial rights and responsibilities of each spouse in the event of a divorce. It can also protect your assets, especially if one or both partners have significant assets or debts before entering the marriage. Additionally, a prenup can facilitate open and honest discussions about financial matters, potentially strengthening the foundation of the marriage and creating a basis for financial preferences within the relationship. Clarity and Certainty:  A prenup can clarify financial arrangements, reducing potential disputes in case of divorce. If a divorce occurs, the items within the prenuptial agreement are less likely to be contested as a contract has already been created to determine how specific items should be distributed, if at all. Protecting Assets:  It can help preserve pre-existing assets, especially if you and your partner have a significant financial disparity. Suppose you have substantial personal property or financial assets. If a divorce occurs, those items will remain yours and can eliminate the need to distribute assets you gained before marrying your current partner. For example, if you have a pension that you’ve worked over the past 15 years, and if you divorce your spouse ten years later, your pension remains yours. You won’t have to be subject to a Domestic Relations Order that distributes your future retirement asset. Facilitating Marriage:  In some cases, a prenup can be a prerequisite for marriage, particularly if there are complex financial situations involved. It can create open communication dialogue where you can discuss your finances and potential future outcomes, fostering a deeper understanding and trust between you and your partner. A prenup can reduce future financial stress and anxiety about topics that are typically not discussed until later in the relationship. When a prenup is introduced prior to marriage, the goal is to ensure that both parties are treated fairly and equitably, regardless of unforeseen circumstances. It’s not all about one partner leaving the relationship with what they entered, but ensuring that if you leave the relationship, defining what that looks like as well. Creating a Counter-Prenup Agreement If you're considering a prenup, you can propose a counter-agreement. Here are some potential elements to include: Fair Division of Property:  If you are concerned about premarital property gained jointly with your partner, consider negotiating a fair division of the acquired assets and their financial worth. Ensure that any property division is equitable and reflects your contributions to the relationship. Consider proposing a provision that protects your ownership of those assets. Marital property:  Specify how marital property (acquired during the marriage) will be divided in case of divorce. How will vehicles, homes (nationally and internationally), finances (debts and cash), retirement accounts, jewelry, and other assets be divided? Spousal Support:  Specify the terms of spousal support, including duration and amount. It’s important to consider state law and determine which agreement will be beneficial at the time of the agreement. This includes potential alimony, child support, and any other maintenance considerations. Review Period:  Consider a review period for the agreement, allowing for adjustments if your circumstances change. Don’t sign the agreement on the spot. Ensure that you review every component of the agreement to fully understand what you are signing and the advantages and consequences of both options. It’s okay to communicate to your partner that you want to review the agreement fully. Consider that they have consulted legal counsel and that you should be afforded the same opportunity. Which leads to my next point. Legal Counsel:  Consult a lawyer to ensure the agreement is legally sound and protects your interests. Disclaimer: This is not legal advice. When discussing prenuptial or post-nuptial agreements, it's crucial to maintain open and honest communication while remaining open to finding a middle ground. It may be beneficial to consider seeking guidance from a qualified family law attorney who can provide insight into your legal rights and potential courses of action. Do you need assistance navigating your upcoming marriage to ensure you are financially sound? If you're ready to get started, click the image below.

The tax season is almost here. Prepare for tax season with advice that can help you eliminate April woes. You may even be able to file your taxes for free if you meet specific income-level requirements. Last year I volunteered to file taxes for free with the United Way's RealSense program under the IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistant program. Well, this year, I'm back at it! I will volunteer with AARP Tax-Aide to help seniors file their tax returns. To find out if you are eligible to file for free, visit the IRS's website and search for a VITA center near you . Before you go, here are a couple of tips to help you prepare to file your taxes. As an Advertiser , this post may contain affiliate links to E-file. Gather Your Documents If you are not going to file your taxes on your own, it's essential to ensure that you have all the appropriate documents. Having all the necessary documents can reduce the number of trips you need to make and expedite receiving your refund if you are due one. The most common documents you may need to take with you are your W-2s, interest income statements, identification documents like your social security cards and photo ID, unemployment income, mortgage interest, and charitable donations. The least common documents are gambling income or losses, jury duty records, and even canceled debt. Canceled or forgiven debt is considered taxable income, and you must report this on your tax return. File Your Taxes Securely Online After you've gathered your documents, it's time to file your tax return. Filing your taxes online can help you complete your tax return in the comfort of your own home. Using E-file , you can file your taxes securely and quickly. You can also choose to save all of your tax return or for your future goals. If you qualify for E-File's Basic Software, you can also file your federal tax return for free. 3 Effective Ways To Manage & File Your Taxes Research Potential Deductions When filing your tax return this year, you may be eligible for numerous deductions. So, will you file using the standard deduction or the itemized deduction? It depends on whether or not you have eligible expenses that will lower your tax rate even further using the itemized deduction. Expenses like mortgage interest, real estate taxes, medical expenses , or charitable contributions you've paid can increase your eligibility to itemize. If you don't have these types of expenses, then you may automatically be required to take the standard deduction. You can qualify for other deduction credits, such as educational expenses, qualified childcare expenses, educator expenses, and even retirement savings credits. To help determine your eligibility, you will receive documents of any expenses paid from eligible institutions. Consider Saving Your Tax Refund Once you have filed your taxes and found out that you're eligible for a refund, consider saving a portion or all of your refund. Before clicking the submit button, most tax software asks you to purchase savings bonds with all or some of your refund. This automatic saving method can help you build your future wealth. Savings bonds  are a safer alternative than other investments when investing in your future wealth. You can also consider using a portion of your refund to reduce your debt. Paying down debt is considered saving since you reduce the interest you pay on past purchases. No debt? Then consider building or increasing your emergency fund. We all know that unexpected events occur, so having an emergency fund can reduce the need to use credit cards or loans to cover emergencies. See my feature on Yahoo, where I discuss how to manage your tax refund.   Evaluate Your Tax Withholding My final note is that receiving a refund may not always be a good thing. If you constantly receive a large refund when you file your taxes, then your withholdings on your W-4 form may need to be adjusted. Receiving a large refund can mean that your withholdings are incorrect and that you have too much of your income withheld from your pay. Having too much tax withheld is a free loan you give the government every time you get paid. If you need assistance filling out your W-4, visit the IRS's website and use the withholding tool to determine your best options.

Reintegration into society after being released from prison is crucial to rebuilding your life. It involves finding stable employment, reconnecting with family and friends, and addressing any challenges that may arise during the transition. This process often requires patience, determination, and support from various community resources. However, there's a light at the end of the tunnel because you have career options. Owning Your Own Business Depending on your business type, a background check or credit check won't be required. Starting a service-based business that doesn't require a business license can create a source of income immediately. Some options are becoming a writer, proofreader, or even a tutor. You could also become an app developer or web designer if you're skilled with technology. These jobs can be completed virtually without direct contact with the public and don't require a business license. Chef or Baker There are many individuals who work or own restaurants, and they have a criminal record. This can be a great option if you find it difficult to get a job after prison. Many restaurant owners hire felons so that they can get back on their feet and because they've also been in the same or similar situations. It's a way for them to give back to the community and help those in need. Little experience is needed, and you can work your way up quickly if you're considering becoming a chef as your career option. See my feature in What is a Good Career Option for a Female with a Felony? Southwest Airlines Yes! Southwest Airlines does hire individuals with certain felonies. You can find a job as a ramp agent where you would be responsible for loading and unloading baggage. Being a ramp agent is a fast-paced job that requires you to be outside and lift heavy items. You will also be able to work independently or with a team where you're not constantly being micromanaged. Labor Jobs Working in a factory can help you make ends meet. These jobs can pay minimum wage or the prevailing union rate in your area. A lot of skill is not required, and most employers will train you to learn the job or drive heavy equipment. If you excel in a manufacturing environment, you can even have the opportunity to gain a supervisory position. Opportunities for these jobs are high turnover, so employers are constantly looking for new employees. State Laws Check your state's laws because some states require that employers only go back seven or ten years when looking at your criminal history. So, if it's been a significant amount of time since you've been convicted, your criminal history may not show up when you apply for a job.

Assisting a family member financially can definitely put a strain on your budget. It's important to set clear boundaries on the support you're able to offer to prevent becoming their personal ATM during tough times. By sticking to these guidelines, you can support your family without feeling overwhelmed by guilt. Five things to consider before lending money to a family member: Decide how much you can afford to lend. Agree on the terms of the loan. Make sure the loan doesn't strain your relationship. Prepare for the loan not to be repaid. If you feel uncomfortable, don't do it. 1. Decide how much you can afford to lend. When a family member asks for money, determine how much you can afford to lend that family member. Look at your budget and consider your future goals before agreeing to loan your family money. If loaning your family member money will cause you financial strain, you should consider declining their request for financial assistance. If you have room in your budget to afford your monthly and future expenses, then you may have some room to provide them with a temporary loan that doesn't affect your financial future negatively. 2. Come to an agreement on the terms of the loan. You will want to make rules around the repayment terms of the loan. Consider the following questions: How much will they be required to repay you monthly? How much interest will you charge them, if any? How long will they have to pay you back? Will you allow them to pay you back early? What are the consequences of paying you late? Will you require them to sign a loan agreement, or will the agreement be a verbal understanding? Consider that a written agreement is important to protect everyone involved, especially for substantial loan amounts. 3. Make sure the loan doesn't put a strain on your relationship. Lending money within a family can strain relationships, especially if it starts affecting household finances. It's crucial to align with your partner on financial matters and ensure that any loans to family members do not hinder your shared goals. I've observed instances where lending money to family members has caused conflict and financial strain in relationships, leading to disagreements or even separate finances due to the impact on bill payments and joint goals. See my feature in Erika.com How Should Married Couples Split Finances? 4. Prepare for the loan to not be repaid. Be prepared to lose both the money and the relationship. Although the loan you gave to your family member may have been with good intentions and the hope of being repaid, there is still a possibility that you may not receive the money back. In such a situation, there are two potential outcomes. The first option is to forgive the loan and decide not to lend money to that family member in the future. It's all part of the learning process, isn't it? The second scenario is to pursue legal action by enforcing the loan agreement and suing the family member for the unpaid amount along with legal expenses. It is crucial to remember that this course of action could damage your relationship with the family member being sued and possibly affect your rapport with other family members who may believe that forgiving the loan would be the better approach. 5. If you feel uncomfortable, don't do it. Ultimately, if you are hesitant about lending money to a family member, you are entitled to decline. It is important to assess the character of your family member and their capacity to generate the necessary funds independently. If you have any doubts about their repayment ability, trust your intuition. Moreover, if the family member can earn the money themselves, you can help them explore ways to manage their finances better and potentially reduce their reliance on borrowing money from you.

Teaching your children about family finances will benefit them presently and in the future. Understanding finances can enable children to develop a positive money mindset and habits as they mature. Explaining the family budget, letting them know about your financial goals, and asking them if they have any questions lets children know that it's okay to talk about money openly. The Family Budget Opening your monthly budget tracker and showing your children your income and expenses may seem daunting. However, once your monthly budget is complete, a sense of relief can open up communication lines. Your child may see the income first and be surprised at the amount of money you show them but don't stop there. Review the monthly expenses with your child; they will see a decrease in available funds. This can be a wake-up call to your child and educate them that there is a cost to everything. It may also uncover some unanswered questions that lingered in their mind. See my feature in Conversations To Have Once Your Teen Starts Earning Money . Prepare Your Children for Generational Wealth Goal Review You may have additional funds available now that the budget has been reviewed. It may be helpful to discuss your financial goals with your child so that they understand that this is not "leftover money." This can also be a method of instilling goal-setting into your child's life. Setting goals around money sets a sense of purpose for saving and earning money. Saving to save may not have the same value as saving for a purpose. Ask Questions Creating a dialogue around money lets your children know that discussing money is okay and encourages meaningful family conversations. You can ask your child if they have any money-related questions to continue the conversation. If you don't have the answer to their questions, you can let them know that. It can be a learning moment for everyone and enable you to improve how you manage your family's finances. Teaching your children today can set the foundation for their financial decisions throughout their lifetime. See Warren Buffet's  6 tricks to teach kids about money . Explore Financial Literacy Through Books Reading books about money can be an excellent way to introduce financial literacy to children. It can help them understand the value of saving, the importance of budgeting, and the consequences of overspending. Books can also provide a fun and engaging way to explore financial concepts that might seem daunting or boring otherwise. By reading about characters who make smart financial decisions, children can learn to make better choices in their own lives. Check out these three books to begin the journey today!

Looking for a  hobby that can double as a profitable side hustle? I've gathered ten unique perspectives from CEOs and founders on this topic. From the unconventional venture of ghost hunting to the creative pursuit of blogging for passive income, these hobbies offer a fun and fulfilling way to spend your free time. They can also help to generate a steady stream of income. So why not broaden your horizons and explore these exciting opportunities? As an Amazon Associate this post may contain affiliate links. 10 Hobbies That Can Be Profitable Side Hustles Ghost Hunting: An Unconventional Business Venture Investing in Startups: A Risky but Rewarding Hobby Monetizing Social Media: A Modern Side Hustle Writing: A Profitable Passion Real Estate Investing: A Scalable Side Hustle Baking: A Delicious Way to Earn Extra Metal Detecting: Unearthing Hidden Treasures for Profit Pet Training: A Niche Market with Potential Photography: A Creative Outlet for Passive Income Blogging: Creating Passive Income through Writing Crocheting: No Experience Needed Ghost Hunting: An Unconventional Business Venture Going against the grain, it can be said that a lot more hobbies can be turned into a side hustle than one might think. Take ghost hunting, for instance. This hobby involved a lot of learning, doing, and purchasing the right equipment. Eventually, selling that equipment became a side hustle, and now it's a business called Spirit Shack. In the beginning, there would have been many doubters if the idea of turning this into a side hustle was proposed, and there wasn't a direct path to making it work. However, finding the right rhythm eventually led to the creation of a unique business that has a market and earns money. Sam Ashford , Director, SpiritShack Investing in Startups: A Risky but Rewarding Hobby It may not exactly be a side hustle, but investing in startups is a project that I enjoy and am passionate about. It is also a very good avenue to earn a passive income. In my downtime from my main project of co-founding a gaming website, I engage in either business-related advising or working with startups. The startups that I am usually drawn to have the potential to assist future generations; they are generally linked to educational purposes. While holding substantial risks, a startup can have a massive future payout if successful. Basically, we provide capital to a budding business, and in return, we own rights to a portion of the business and its profits. This is not only a good income opportunity but also a method of creating generational wealth for your future descendants. Neal Taparia , Co-Founder, Cribbage Online Monetizing Social Media: A Modern Side Hustle Social networking is a thriving industry with enormous earning possibilities. If you know how to earn likes on Instagram or go viral on TikTok, social media may be the ideal location for your side hustle. There are numerous social media side-hustle options available, such as photo/video editing, social media administration, caption writing, and scheduling. Alternatively, you can grow your own page and use it to your own liking, such as affiliate marketing, online selling, advertisements, and more. These are valid ways to generate income from your scrolling hobby on social media. The best part about this side business is that you can do it from anywhere in the world! Samantha Hawrylack , Founder, How To FIRE Writing: A Profitable Passion If you love to write a journal before bed and have the skills to write stories and articles, you may monetize your hobby. Writing can help you generate a side income. If you have skills and a passion for writing, you can pitch to different clients or companies with your outstanding writing samples. You can be a copywriter for advertising content, as they are in high demand. Also, you can diversify your hobby by creating short e-books for major platforms. You will make a reasonable sum of money as your side hustle. Perry Zheng , Founder and CEO, Pallas Real Estate Investing: A Scalable Side Hustle Real estate investing can start as a hobby and become a serious side hustle—or even a full-time business. This is a lesson learned from my grandfather, who earned enough through real estate to have consistent income streams long after his early retirement. It's scalable (start small and buy more rental properties as your income grows). It's recession-proof (people will always need affordable housing), and you don't need to be an expert to get started. Ryan Chaw , Founder and Real Estate Investor, Newbie Real Estate Investing Baking: A Delicious Way to Earn Extra Baking and selling homemade treats is a hobby with great side hustle potential. It's a win-win—you enjoy baking, and others get delicious goodies. There's a demand for homemade and unique treats, making it a viable income source. You can start small, sell at local markets or online, and gradually build a customer base. The low initial investment and flexible hours make it suitable for busy schedules. Plus, your passion for baking adds an extra touch to your products. With consistent quality and creativity, it's a great way to earn some extra bucks. Ann Young , CEO, Fix The Photo Help to get you started! Bakerpan Silicone Muffin Top Pans Non Stick The Bakerpan Silicone Muffin Top Pans are designed to release your tasty treats from the pan effortlessly. Their solid weight ensures durability and effectiveness in shaping marshmallows and other tasty treats while also being easy to clean in the dishwasher. Metal Detecting: Unearthing Hidden Treasures for Profit One hobby that can become a steady income is metal detecting, just like my friend, who often spends weekends doing it. He explores different areas with a metal detector and finds various items, some of which have surprising value. Many people lose rings, coins, or other valuable metal objects; a skilled hobbyist with a good metal detector can find them. After cleaning and sometimes restoring these items, my friend can sell them to collectors or others who appreciate their value. It's a hobby that can pay for itself and generate extra money. It's exciting and rewarding, making it a great side hustle. Martin Potocki , CEO, Jobera Sunpow Medal Detector Overview Enjoy detecting with your child at home or pack it for travel to your favorite treasure-hunting spots. Detects targets up to 10 inches deep, surpassing others by 2 inches. Ensures detectability even at a rapid pace with robust anti-interference capability. 5 Robust Detection Modes: All Metal Mode: Identifies 7 target types. DISC Mode: Filters out 5 targets sequentially. Notch Mode: Discriminates among 4 categories. Pinpoint Mode: Locates the target precisely. Volume Mode: Adjusts audio levels. Valve stem height ranges from 36.2" to 47.2" for all ages! Pet Training: A Niche Market with Potential One hobby with the potential for good money is helping pet owners with pet training and resolving problems. Most people own pets today but get frustrated when their pets destroy things, seem out of control, or appear untrainable. Those who have had pets, taken classes with their pets, or love and know about animals are a perfect fit to help. Since it involves working with the pet and pet owners in the home as a personalized service, you will be in a unique niche that pet stores and obedience schools aren't offering. You can charge decently, and it can be fun as well. Bruce Tasios , CEO, Tasios Orthodontics Photography: A Creative Outlet for Passive Income One hobby that holds the potential to generate a consistent income as a side job is photography. In today's digital age, photographers can monetize their art by selling it online to a worldwide audience. This can be accomplished through stock photo websites, print sales, or even bespoke commissioned projects.   Furthermore, photographers can offer their services for special occasions such as weddings or business events. Photography is an ideal side hustle due to its flexible nature, creative outlet, and potential for passive income through online sales. As businesses increasingly recognize the importance of high-quality visuals, the demand for professional photography services continues to rise. Photography is an ideal side hustle due to its flexible nature, creative outlet, and potential for passive income through online sales. As businesses increasingly recognize the importance of high-quality visuals, the demand for professional photography services continues to rise. Khurram Mir,  Founder and Chief Marketing Officer, Kualitatem Inc. Blogging: Creating Passive Income through Writing If you love to write and have been thinking about getting paid to do so, blogging is a great option for you. There are tons of websites out there that will pay you to write about a certain topic, product, or service. You will need to research and find the right websites that will be the best fit for you, but once you do, you will create passive income by writing content for them. Matthew Ramirez , Co-Founder, USMLE Test Prep Crocheting: No Experience Needed I love to crochet and even crocheted blankets for my daughter when she was born. I still have them over 18 years later. I hope to pass them on to my grandchildren. Crocheting requires no experience at all and you can start with a simple blanket to clothing that's both trendy and cozy. Why is Crocheting the perfect side hustle? Crochet Kits for Beginners by Cookie Box - Relaxing, Fun and Creative Hobby! Suitable for Everyone: Crocheting is an enjoyable pastime that caters to individuals of any age or skill level. It's a calming and entertaining activity that allows you to craft adorable plush toys. Craft and Bond: Crocheting is an excellent means to bond with loved ones. Whether you're creating with children, friends, family, or enjoying some solitary moments, it's a fulfilling and enriching pursuit. Handcrafted with Care: Presenting a plush toy that you've personally crafted carries a unique sentiment. It's a genuine gesture that recipients will cherish. Stress Reliever: Crocheting not only serves as a creative outlet but also as an effective method to relax and alleviate stress. Do you have a hobby that has been lucrative for you? Feel free to share in the comments.

As a parent, you want the best for your children, and it's natural to want to help them succeed. However, as your children become adults, it can be challenging to navigate the transition from providing financial support to allowing them to fend for themselves. It's important to consider factors such as their age, their level of self-sufficiency, and their career prospects when deciding how much financial support to provide. At the same time, it's essential to encourage independence and foster financial responsibility among your adult children. With open communication and mutual understanding, you can help your children succeed while also maintaining your financial stability. Tips for Ending Financial Support for Your Adult Children Have a Conversation Set a Deadline Reduce Your Support Gradually Offer Other Types of Support Be Patient Have a Conversation As a first step, it's important to have an open conversation with your adult child regarding your financial expectations. You can start by expressing your pride in their achievements and emphasizing your desire to see them succeed. However, it's equally important to let them know that you can no longer provide financial support. Be honest and direct in your approach while also conveying your understanding and support for them. Set a Deadline It's helpful to set a deadline for when you will stop providing financial support after having a conversation with your child. This allows them time to prepare and make necessary budget adjustments. If you see that they are continually pushing that deadline or not making progress, take the time to inquire about what's hindering their progression, so they know you are serious about your support ending. Reduce Your Support Gradually If you're currently providing a lot of financial support to your adult child, it may be helpful to reduce your support gradually. By gradually reducing your financial assistance, you give your adult child time to adjust to the change and start developing their own financial planning skills. This can help them take control of their finances and become more self-sufficient in the long run. Offer Other Types of Support Just because you're no longer supporting your adult child financially, it doesn't mean you can't still help them succeed. There are various ways you can offer support, including but not limited to, emotional support, practical advice, or helping with job searches or other important tasks. Emotional support can come in the form of being a listening ear, providing words of encouragement, or even just spending quality time together. Practical advice can range from anything to do with finances, relationships, career, or education. For instance, you can offer guidance on how to create a budget or how to network effectively. Additionally, you can use your own experience to provide valuable insight into the job market or offer tips on how to improve their resume. By providing support in these various ways, you can help your adult child navigate through the challenges of adulthood and ultimately succeed. Be Patient Transitioning to financial independence can be a challenging process for many adult children. As a parent, it's important to understand that this may take some time and require patience and support. Here are some additional tips for couples who are struggling to stop supporting their adult children financially: Don't feel guilty.  It is normal to feel guilty about cutting back on financial support for your adult children. However, it is important to remember that you are not responsible for their financial well-being. They are adults, and it is their time to learn how to support themselves. Don't give in to emotional blackmail.  Your children may try to guilt-trip you into continuing to provide financial support. Don't give in. Remember that you are setting a boundary for their own good. Be prepared to say no.  It is important to be prepared to say no to your children when they ask for money. If you keep giving in, they will never learn to be financially independent. Stopping financial support for your adult children can be difficult, but it is important to remember that it is in their best interest. Following these tips can make the transition easier for couples.

In 2023, disabled military veterans and retirees saw an 8.7% increase in COLA, marking the most significant raise in the past four decades. By comparison, the increases in 2020 were under 1.7%, in 2021 under 1.4%, and in 2022 under 6%. Many veterans rely on their disability and retirement benefits to meet essential expenses like food, healthcare, and housing. Given the rising inflation that makes these items more expensive, the raise was a much-needed boost to their monthly finances. How Much is the VA Military Disability Benefit Increase Going to Be for 2025? The amount of the COLA increase in your military disability benefit for 2025 will vary based on your disability rating and the size of your family. According to the latest CPI index , inflation rose 2.5% over the last twelve months. When evaluating COLA rates the VA (and other federal agencies) uses the CPI index to determine future disability and retirement increases. If you are a 60% disabled veteran with one child, you will see your $1,444.88 payment increase to $1,481. That's an increase of $36.12 monthly. Not to mention that this increase is tax-free at the 60% rating. Since inflation has decreased since 2023, this minimal adjustment may not cover much. It's more important now than ever for veterans to manage their family's grocery budget for the month. I mention this because the most recent CPI index shows that food and energy inflation has increased 3.2% in the past twelve months. Therefore, the 2.5% raise may not meet a crucial living need. Do you have additional children or a spouse? Here's an example: $1,444.88 (veteran with 1 child) + 61.92 (additional child under age 18) + 199.18 (additional child over 18 in a qualifying school program Total $1,705.98 You can use the same calculation to determine how much your monthly retirement pay could increase. If you are a retired military veteran and receive VA Disability pay, you could see even more income in your monthly budget to help you afford your monthly expenses. Are you interested in a free, no-cost evaluation of your current disability rating? I used REE Medical to help guide me through the process to get me from 50% to 100% P&T! Check out my story here and start with your evaluation. What Should You Do with Your COLA Increase? There are a few things you can do with this unprecedented COLA increase. However, the first thing you should do is ensure that your basic needs are met. For example, ensure you have enough groceries at home and that your other physiological safety and security needs are taken care of. Then you can focus on other areas of your life that can put you in a better financial situation due to the COLA increase. Here are a few things you can do with your COLA increase: Adjust your budget for the new year to reflect the pay increase. Save some or all of it for your future goals. Pay down your outstanding debt. Start an emergency fund. Treat yourself, but not too excessively. Whatever you do, and whatever the percentage of the COLA increase is, ensure that you manage it well. Related Control Your Finances By Setting SMART Goals And Talking About Them With Annette Harris VA Disability Compensation Resources Current VA Disability Compensation Rates 2021 VA Disability Compensation Rates Historical Cola Increases

If you're on a budget, finding a spring break destination that your family can enjoy can be challenging. However, there are ways that you can spend a fulfilling spring break with your family without breaking the bank. From taking the family on a road trip to enjoying the outdoors, here are five ways to answer the question, "What's an affordable spring break vacation you can enjoy for families with children?" As an Amazon Associate this post may contain affiliate links. How to Spend Spring Break with Your Family Go on a Camping Trip Plan Daily Events in Your City Plan a Road Trip Visit State Parks Explore Myrtle Beach 1. Go on a Camping Trip A camping trip in a national park is an affordable way for families to enjoy spring break vacations. Many national parks have campgrounds offering affordable tent or RV camping rates. You can find reasonably priced park entrance fees and purchase them in advance online to save even more money. During the day, families can explore the park's hiking trails, go on ranger-led programs, and participate in other outdoor activities such as wildlife watching, fishing, or kayaking. At night, families can gather around the campfire for s'mores and stargazing. Camping trips also offer the opportunity to disconnect from technology and enjoy quality time together as a family without the distractions of everyday life. It's a chance to slow down, enjoy nature, and create lasting memories. Lilia Koss , Community Manager, Facialteam See my feature in   What Foods to Bring Camping   2. Plan Daily Events in Your City Your city may have undiscovered attractions or locations that you've yet to visit. From waterparks to zoos to museums, there are multiple ways that you can keep your child entertained. Most of these attractions have special discounts for children on spring break. The draw is that if you receive a discount during spring break, the business suspects that you may want to frequent them in the future if you receive a discount and enjoy your experience. Your child's school may also have coupons, or free access passes during spring break. Visiting sites in your local area can eliminate the need to schedule a flight or book a hotel that would be required if you went out of town to visit attractions. Annette Harris, Founder,  Harris Financial Coaching   It can get chilly when you're cruising or in North Carolina, so this is one of my favorite outfits to wear ! Check it out here: 2 Piece Lounge Set for Travel 3. Plan a Road Trip There are a few options for families looking for an affordable spring break vacation. Consider planning a road trip! Traveling by car reduces airfare expenses and allows you to explore more of your destinations since you're not limited to one airport. You can have plenty of great road trips throughout the United States that don't need to break the bank and will show you a more organic view of the country. Asker Ahmed , Director and Founder, iProcess See my feature in   How parents are approaching Spring Break during Covid   4. Visit State Parks State parks provide excellent opportunities for families with children looking for affordable vacations. Whether you camp in a tent or rent a cabin, state parks offer something for everyone and every budget. With activities ranging from fishing, hiking, swimming, boating, and even horseback riding, there is plenty to keep the kids busy. And nothing is better than relaxing around a campfire in the evening while making s'mores. Vacations are about spending time together and building memories. State parks provide the perfect opportunity to do this without breaking the bank. Andrew Adamo , VP, Bullion Shark 5. Explore The Beach Folly Beach and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, are popular spring break destinations for families with children. Springtime is ideal for hitting the beach, as the water is warmer and not too freezing. There are also many water parks, arcades, and miniature golf courses throughout the greater Myrtle Beach area that will surely be a night of fun for any youngster. Alexandre Robicquet , Co-Founder and CEO, Crossing Minds See how I'm spending spring break this year in this Haven Life article ! Where are you going for spring break? Leave a comment below.

If you are a military retiree, disabled veteran, or receiving a retirement annuity, you should have seen an increase in your payment benefit payment. The 2023 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) was the largest increase since 1981. The increase received by eligible recipients has come at the right time for some who have found it difficult to cope with inflation. Most people ask, now, what do I do with the increase in income? Here are a few tips to help you manage your increase in income. As an Advertiser , I earn from advertisements listed on this site. Managing Your COLA Adjustment Evaluate Your Budget Increase Your Grocery Budget Create or Increase Your Emergency Fund Save for a Future Goal Invest Some of It Evaluate Your Budget Evaluating your budget to review your monthly income and expenses can help determine if you will have a surplus or deficit. A budget surplus will allow you to have some room to cover your variable expenses or treat yourself to a few incidentals that may occur. A budget deficit can show you where you may need to cut costs so that you don't overextend your income. When evaluating a budget surplus or deficit, you should also look for ways to cut costs, increase your savings, or invest your earnings. See my feature in   6 Things To Do Now, If You're Worried About a Recession Increase Your Grocery Budget Why would you increase your grocery budget? Some individuals may find that with the increase in income, other benefits like SNAP and other DCFS benefits may decrease. It may not happen immediately, but your current income will be evaluated as you renew any aid you receive. It's important to ensure that you have money set aside, so you and your family can have enough to eat. Amazon now accepts SNAP EBT and P-EBT  in all states to make it easier to shop for groceries. On the other hand, if you've found that it's been challenging to afford groceries from month to month, then the increase may come right on time so that you can purchase the necessary food for yourself or your family. Create or Increase an Emergency Fund Unexpected expenses always seem to occur when you least expect them. A cold front may come through in the winter, or your air conditioner may break at the worst moment if it's a scorching hot summer. Without an emergency fund covering air conditioner repair costs, you may have to get a loan or put the expense on a high-interest credit card. Have you ever had your dryer stop drying your clothes or your freezer leak ice onto the kitchen floor? If you didn't have money set aside or an emergency fund, you probably had to sign up for a store credit card to replace your broken appliance quickly. With the unprecedented COLA increase, now is the perfect time to establish the emergency fund you may have needed all along. Save for a Future Goal After you've evaluated your budget and determined that you have a budget surplus, you may have a goal in mind that you have been planning to save for. Do you dream of purchasing a home, or a car, funding your education, or even going on a much-needed vacation? You may now have the means to do just that. Start with setting a SMART goal. Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-Bound goals that are written down are often achieved rather than naught. Take the time today to write down your short-term or long-term goal. See my feature in   Control Your Finances By Setting SMART Goals Invest Some of It Investing can come in many forms. Whether increasing your retirement contributions with your employer or finding a reputable broker to help you navigate the stock or bond market, investing your current income or your COLA increase can help you plan for your retirement future. It could even help you achieve retirement earlier than you had initially planned. When looking for a broker, look for one with low transaction fees and no minimum balance requirements. This is especially important if you only plan to trade occasionally and have limited funds to invest. Compare the fees charged by different online brokers to find the best value for your money. Before investing with a broker, check them out on BrokerCheck to ensure they are in good standing http://www.finra.org/brokercheck . Additional Resources on COLA Find out more about current and historical retired pay   and disability COLA increases. What are you planning to do with your increase? Need guidance setting up a plan? Reach out to me to see how we can work together: Talk to Annette .

Imagine receiving a notification from Lifelock or your credit card company informing you that your social security number has been discovered on the dark web. In the digital era, it is becoming increasingly common for personal information to be compromised, and figuring out how your information was exposed is rare. This could have resulted from swiping your credit card, attending an educational institution, providing your information to your doctor, or even a breach that occurred through your employer. Unfortunately, this has happened to me, and I will provide you with tips to safeguard yourself if your information is discovered on the dark web. How to Protect Your Identity if Your Social Security Number is Leaked on the Dark Web Add a Freeze or Lock on Your Credit Add a Bank Security Freeze Add a Utilities Security Freeze Add an Employment Data Freeze Contact the IRS to receive an Identity Theft Pin Credit Freeze vs. Credit Lock Credit Freeze A credit freeze is similar to a credit lock, but a credit freeze provides you with more protection when opening new accounts in your name. When you place a credit freeze on your account and want to get credit in the future, you will need to lift the freeze from your account. If you call on the phone or visit an agency online the freeze can take about an hour to be removed from your account. You will also need to remember the pin numbers you were provided to lift the freeze, so keeping all your pin numbers in a safe place is important. Credit freezes are also free because they are mandated and governed by federal law, but they are slower to activate and deactivate than a credit lock. Contact TransUnion , Equifax , and Experian to put a freeze on your account. Credit Locks Credit locks also prevent access to opening an account in your name. However, they aren't as restrictive as a credit freeze. If someone has access to your social security number, date of birth, and other sensitive information, they can provide this to the creditor and open an account in your name. Also, since they don't require a PIN number to unlock or lock your credit, you may be susceptible to future identity theft problems. Unlike credit freezes, credit locks may or may not be free, but they are faster to put on your account than a freeze. However, they are not governed by federal law, so you aren't offered legal protection besides what the credit bureau provides. You should use a credit freeze for significant data breaches of your identity theft, such as the exposure of your social security number. You can use a credit lock in instances where your Amazon account, credit card account, or other smaller breaches have occurred. See my feature in The Penny Hoarder: 9 Habits of People With 800 Credit Scores Bank Security Freeze It is crucial to have a bank security freeze to protect your identity from being stolen and used by someone else to open a bank account in your name. This could lead to the misuse of your finances or even result in money laundering, causing significant harm to your financial reputation. By placing a security freeze on your ChexSystems report, you can limit access and make it difficult for anyone to open an account in your name. My Social Security Number was Found on the Dark Web Utilities Security Freeze Identity thieves can open phone, electricity, water, and other utility accounts, accruing charges in your name and damaging your credit. Like a credit freeze, a utility security freeze restricts access to your utility account information. This helps prevent identity thieves from opening new utility accounts in your name and racking up charges you may end up being responsible for. There's a central organization called the National Consumer Telecom & Utilities Exchange (NCTUE) that manages utility security freezes. See my feature in GoBankingRates:   Black Americans Are More Likely To Be Denied Credit — Here's Why, According to Experts How Does the Utility Freeze Work Access to Your Information is Limited: With the freeze in place, utility companies that subscribe to the NCTUE service won't be able to access your full account history. It is important to note that not all utility companies participate in the NCTUE service. Temporary Lifting: If you're applying for a new utility service, you'll need to lift the freeze temporarily. This can usually be done online or by phone through the NCTUE. Remember to refreeze your report after your application is processed. Employment Data Freeze I reached out to E-Verify to request a freeze on my employment data. As someone who works in human resources, I understand the significance of safeguarding your employment information. Placing a freeze on your account is crucial in protecting yourself against identity theft, which can lead to false employment and unreported wages, potentially resulting in an IRS audit. This freeze is particularly important as it prevents unauthorized access to your work status information, which is often used for background screening and verification by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The Work Number is an organization that may have access to your prior employment history. Many lenders use The Work Number to verify your employment and compensation history when you apply for credit. Limiting access to this data is crucial to ensure that your employment history information is not used to obtain a personal or mortgage loan, among other types of credit. Requesting an Identity Protection PIN When filing your taxes, you may have noticed a checkbox asking if you or your spouse received an identity theft pin. It's easy to overlook and mark "n" without much thought. However, it is crucial to be aware that identity thieves who gain employment using your name could file a tax return on your behalf and prevent you from filing your taxes on time. They could also receive your expected tax refund or even lead you to pay taxes for income that you did not earn. Therefore, it is essential to take this step seriously and obtain an identity theft pin from the IRS to prevent this type of fraud. When I filed my taxes recently, I located my Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN), but it had expired, so the IRS rejected my return. I had to request a new PIN since it was only valid for one tax year. Luckily, I had already set up my IRS account online, so I was easily able to retrieve a new IP PIN and file my taxes successfully. What Next in Protecting Your Identity? Taking proactive steps to safeguard your personal information is essential in today's digital age. Adding a freeze or lock on credit, bank security freeze, utilities security freeze, and employment data freeze can significantly reduce the risk of identity theft. These tips are practical, easy to implement, and can make a significant difference in protecting your financial and personal information. So, don't wait for an unfortunate incident to occur. Take the necessary steps today to protect yourself from identity theft and stay safe online! If you need assistance with protecting your identity, get assistance today. See my feature in Forbes: Why is it Hard to Become Financially Independent

Are you interested in learning how to remain relevant, acquire new knowledge and competencies, and stay ahead of the curve in your field? I have gathered six strategies from professionals across various fields to help you navigate the path of self-learning and skill development during your career. These strategies range from embracing adaptability and new technologies to leveraging networking and mentorship. With insights from an HR Director to a Sr. Corporate Investigator, these tips will assist you in enhancing your career growth. By following these expert tips, you can remain relevant, acquire new knowledge and competencies, and stay ahead of the curve in your field. 6 Strategies for Maintaining Self-Learning and Skill Development in Your Career Embrace Adaptability and New Technologies Schedule Regular Learning Appointments Set Challenging Goals for Learning Implement the 5-Hour Learning Rule Teach Others to Reinforce Learning Leverage Networking and Mentorship Embrace Adaptability and New Technologies In the fast-paced realm of the job market and technology, adaptability is essential. I keep a keen eye on emerging trends and willingly adjust my learning approach as needed. Sometimes, this means stretching myself out of my comfort zone and into new areas of training and development just so that I can maintain relevance. This means, for me, learning to use new software and technology, which doesn't always come easily! With trends in employment heading towards more of a skill-based workforce in the digital age, you have to make a conscious commitment to professional development in order to stay relevant. As a Career Advisor and a Professional Growth Specialist, I see the importance of maintaining self-learning and skill development across all industries and sectors. This flexibility isn't a choice, but staying agile offers exciting opportunities to learn, grow, and excel in your career. Katharine Gallagher , Professional Growth Specialist of Education, Career, Recruitment, Productivity, Business Schedule Regular Learning Appointments Make time and create dates to learn. Days are hectic and busy. Just like scheduling lunch or a monthly hair appointment, schedule time to learn. Define the time parameters. Maybe start with once a week. Or, perhaps, 10 minutes a day during lunch. Take a walk during lunch and use the first 30 minutes to listen to a learning podcast so you can get two for the price of one. Learning and unlearning are key. Decide which books to read this year. Time: Once a month or quarterly. Be consistent and give yourself a goal. Goals can be achieved once written down. I will read one book a month or every two months, and by the end of the year, I will have read 6 books. Fill in the gaps and make it work for you. Avid learners infuse those learnings and share them with others via social media platforms such as LinkedIn or Instagram. Learning is essential and should be ongoing. Change it up every year and make it fun. This is a priceless value to pass on to children. Tanya Turner, MBA, SHRM-CP, PHR , HR Director, SALTO Systems, Inc. Set Challenging Goals for Learning I set challenging goals to keep me going. When I decided to learn Korean, I set a goal to read a short Korean book in six months. This kept me focused and motivated throughout this time period. I dedicated at least 20 minutes each day to learning and repeating vocabulary. I have after-work lessons two times a week. I also use Duolingo (I'm on my 181-day streak already!). In my free time, I watch K-dramas with subtitles. The combination of these approaches definitely yields results. Kseniia Mykolaienko , CMO, Parentaler Implement the 5-Hour Learning Rule Maintaining continuous learning in my career is anchored by the "5-Hour Rule": dedicating at least five hours per week to learning. This could be reading industry journals, taking online courses, or attending workshops. For instance, I allocate one hour daily before my workday starts to delve into a new topic or tool. This habit not only keeps me updated with industry trends but also sparks fresh ideas and perspectives. By ritualizing learning, I ensure it's an ongoing, integral part of my professional journey, allowing me to adapt and thrive in a constantly evolving landscape. Richard Frankel , Disability Lawyer, Bross & Frankel, PA Teach Others to Reinforce Learning Teaching others is a powerful way to solidify your learning. When you explain a concept, guide someone through a process, or mentor a colleague, you reinforce your understanding of the subject matter. It forces you to break down complex ideas into simpler, digestible parts, which deepens your grasp of the material. Teaching also encourages you to stay current and adaptable in your field because you need to explain what you know and how it applies to the evolving landscape. Witnessing someone else's growth and success through your guidance is immensely satisfying. So, whether it's conducting workshops, mentoring junior team members, or sharing insights with peers, teaching can enhance your expertise while benefiting those you educate. Sacha Ferrandi , Founder and Principal, Source Capital Leverage Networking and Mentorship Networking and seeking mentorship is a crucial strategy for self-learning and skill development. Through conferences, webinars, and online communities, I actively engage with professionals in my sector. Building a solid professional network allows me to access a multitude of expertise, exchange ideas, and learn from others' experiences. Mentorship is also essential. I seek mentors who have accomplished what I want to do and meet with them regularly to acquire insights and assistance. Their advice and opinions help me identify areas for improvement and provide direction for my professional development. Similarly, I give back by coaching others strengthening my knowledge and skills. Timothy Allen , Sr. Corporate Investigator, Corporate Investigation Consulting