I know as well as anyone how impactful the success of a small business can have on your personal finances. Now when I say business, I don’t mean a huge conglomerate that turns over billions each year. I must admit that would be nice, but it is not realistic. What I am talking about are the little independent businesses that one may run from home or local coffee shop, that supplements a primary income source.
It is important to not only understand the hidden costs of running a small business, but to also make sure that you are budgeting for these unexpected expenses. Regardless of your circumstances, these expenditures will affect your business at some stage, so be sure to be prepared.
Living
Guest Post: Paige Estigarribia, writer for The Dollar Stretcher
We all know that cleaning can sometimes be a total time vacuum. What starts as a simple reorganization or quick tidy project can quickly turn into an all-day affair. And with families and full-time jobs, so many just can't find the time to get the job often…
We are all busy but that doesn't mean that we shouldn't find time to workout. The reality is, most adults need 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a week for optimal health. Whether it is going for a brisk walk on your lunch break or doing heavy cleaning around your home, moderate intensity activity every day can…
Guest Post by: Sally Arnold, Career Coach and Founder of Creating Encores
Career moves and career changes are inevitable. For many women, the career paths we envision and embark upon early in our career do not resemble the paths we are on now. The excitement, inspiration and sense of being valued can disappear. Instead we often find ourselves working in environments where we feel alone, undervalued and lonely. You know that something has to change, but does this mean you need to make a change to stay or do you make a change to go. This is the crossroad one must cross, and it can be a daunting process. Here are some steps to help you work through the decision.Waking up to the sound of the ocean crashing against the shore, the smell of a freshly brewed pot of coffee, and a heart-healthy breakfast cooked and waiting, isn't the only way to have an amazing start to your morning (although it does sound nice). Whether you have an early work meeting, are getting your kids…
June is my birthday month, and I try to celebrate it all month long. Birthdays always make me reflect on the past year, but they also encourage me to think about the year ahead. Like many people, I try to set goals for myself professionally, make resolutions for personal growth, and pin locations on the map that I want to travel to. During the month, I also try to look at my financial status. Because my birthday falls mid-year, it is the optimal time to access my progress thus far. I feel that when you get past your 20’s, each year brings you closer to those milestones in life, like buying that dream home, making career strides and ultimately – retirement. Your 30’s are a time when you can make some serious financial progress to set yourself up for a prosperous future. Here are my financial steps to take in your 30's.
Guest Post by Certifed Career Coach - Jill Ozovek
All too often, we end up putting one foot in front of the other, trudging to our places of work each day, and suddenly it’s time for the ol’ annual review again. Where did the time go? If you’re like many people, you haven’t thought too much about your goals and development since your last review period, especially if you’re full speed ahead day in and day out at your job, and many companies do not have programs in place to foster this awareness of your career and development. So why is knowing your worth at work critical to your career?Guest Post by Money Coach, Ashley Feinstein - Knowing Your Worth
One of the most important components of our overall financial wellness is living by a budget that’s in line with our values and goals. Budgets, or as I like to call them, ‘happiness allocations,’ are a very basic concept but when used correctly, can set us up to live a very happy life! Why?I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to start investing in stocks as a teenager. That early start is what led me to pursue a degree in finance. When I began modeling at the age of 15, I quickly started thinking about the future, and I knew that my interest bearing savings account was not going to be the answer to my financial freedom. I often wondered,"How do I start Investing?"
I overheard a conversation between my mom and her friend about investing in stocks and hearing them discuss double-digit returns had me very intrigued. That conversation cracked the door to the whole new world and connected me to a financial advisor that opened my first investment account. If you are looking to start investing, but are unsure of the path to take, my advice below may be the guide you are looking for.
Spring – just the mention of the word puts a slight smile on my face. Financial review - now those words can channel a dramatically different expression. Spring has always been a great time to clean out the old and start fresh after a long winter. This renewal should extend to your financial practices as well. It is the optimal time to review your finances to ensure you are on the right track for rest of the year. Here is my Spring Financial Checklist to help keep you smiling all season long.