When taking control of your finances, it’s helpful to set financial goals to keep you on track and build your confidence—that is, as long as they’re achievable. A simple trick can help you develop goals that are a stretch, but won’t leave you feeling defeated. Goals that are S.M.A.R.T.—specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely—lead to greater success.
Category: Job and Career Advice
Conquer the Budget Beast with Planning and Rewards
You’ve decided that you need a budget, but where do you start? It may seem overwhelming, but with a bit of planning, you can achieve your financial goals. Whether your goal is to be debt free, build up your emergency savings or save for the future, the first step in having extra money to put toward your goals is taking control of what you spend on a daily basis.
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Managing Finances If You Have an Irregular Income
If you’re one of the millions of Americans with an irregular income, then you know that managing your finances can be a challenge. Whether you’re a small business owner, an employee with fluctuating hours, someone who works on commission, a seasonal worker, or wait staff whose income depends on tips, you’ve probably faced weeks and months when it was difficult to make ends meet.
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Considering the Costs and Opportunities of College
Everyone knows that college is expensive. The good news is, there are many different education options at different price points. And even if you find that earning a four-year degree from a private college makes the most sense for your career goals, chances are you can find some sort of financial assistance to help manage the cost.
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Can I Earn a Living through the Gig Economy?
The gig economy refers to short-term jobs and opportunities that enable you to work for yourself rather than an employer. Websites and apps like Uber, TaskRabbit, Airbnb and Fiverr connect people who have a need with those who have goods or services to offer. The gig economy can certainly offer unique ways to earn money, but before you dive in head first, make sure you understand the reality of its earning potential and the related expenses and risks.
Tips to Keep Your Credit from Hurting Your Career
Could a bad credit report prevent you from getting a job? Maybe. How and when an employer can pull your credit report is governed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). All of the regulations on how an employer can use your credit report for employment screening can be found starting on page 60 of the Federal Trade Commission’s text on the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
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Advice for Women Re-entering the Workforce
Returning to the workforce after extended leave is not an easy process for anyone, but it can be especially challenging for women. With technology moving faster every day and the skills gap getting bigger the longer you’re out of the workforce, women returning to the workforce after an extended leave may worry that they won’t have the skills necessary to keep up with the ever-changing landscape. Here are some examples of how you can return to work after an extended leave.
Career Catch-22: What to Do When a Promotion Threatens Your Benefits
Promotions at work are great for your career, but they can mean putting any public benefits that you receive at risk. You’ve got a tough choice to make, and there are a number of factors you will need to consider in order to do what is best for your future. Advancing in your career and managing your money well will impact your well-being for years to come. Whatever path you choose, make sure you are investing in your own long-term best interests.
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Want to Jump-start Your Career? Consider a Credential Program
If you feel like you can’t dedicate the time or money to work toward a college degree right now, spending a few weeks or months earning a credential may be a good alternative, positioning you to make more money than you would without any training and in less time than a degree. You may even get a paycheck while you are still training.
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What You’re Worth: Three Tools to Research Job Compensation
Whether you’re evaluating a new job offer or seeking to negotiate your existing pay, it’s important to enter the conversation with the employer armed with evidence. No longer is salary information a secretive topic—many websites now collect and share this information, making it easy to see where you stand. Here are three websites you can use to see what people similar to you are earning in your region.
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Navigating the World of the Gig Economy
The joke that whatever X is, “there’s an app for that,” is more accurate than funny anymore. The “gig economy” has reached the point where personal services—cleaning, driving, delivery, odd jobs—are operating in the same space as traditional contract and freelance employment like graphic design, IT support and home health care. These services are usually accessed via a smartphone app that connects a registered worker with a client in need.
Transferring Military Skills to the Civilian Workplace
Military veterans bring many skills to their communities when transitioning back to life as civilians. Oftentimes, the skills gained in the military can be transferred to a civilian career. Identifying transferable skills is a key step to successfully transition from a military to civilian career.
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