Money

12 Easy Ways To Earn Money After Retirement

Avatar by Benjamin Roussey|Posted on | 3 minute read | Advertiser notice
Earn Money After Retirement

Retirement does not have to mean that you stop earning money even if you are fit enough to work. If spending endless hours staring out from the porch doesn’t sound like something you want to do in your retirement, then here are some proven and easy ways to make money after your retire. 

1. Host People

You can rent out your extra space and host people from around the world through Airbnb. There are over 192 countries listed on the platform. You can rent your entire home or a room by the night, week, or month. The best way to make money by hosting people is to cash in when there is a big event happening in your city. 

2. Try “Rent a Grandma”

You can share your love and wisdom while making some money by uploading your profile on Rent a Grandma. You can accept jobs from families for eldercare, childcare, being a personal assistant, tutoring, and more. You can directly negotiate with the families about payment and job responsibilities. You can also think of starting your own franchise. 

3. International House Sitting

There are a growing number of people that are looking for house sitters. You can try international house-sitting websites to spend a few weeks taking care of someone else’s house. Consider signing up with Nomador, Mind My House, or Trusted Housesitters. 

4. Handmade Products

The microbusiness movement is taking the world by storm. You can create a store on Etsy and use it for selling products. Creative people across the country are selling handmade products on Etsy and other stores as a side hustle. You may just earn more money retired than you did as part of the workforce. 

5. Freelance Tutoring

International students are usually in need of mentoring on specific topics and subjects. Freelance tutors help them through online or virtual sessions. With that said, you should be a subject matter expert. While you don’t necessarily need to have a degree, it’s always appreciated. 

6. Try Blogging

A lot of people make staggering sums of money from blogging. In fact, for many, it is their sole income stream. Stemming from this, blogging is a time-intensive opportunity. You won’t be able to make money overnight. You will need to devote consistent dedication. Make things easier by choosing a subject that you really love talking about and know a lot about as well. 

7. Mystery Shopping

There are many companies out there that pay people to shop at their client’s businesses. The motive here is to get honest feedback. Business owners use the undercover service as a quality check for customer service. There are several legitimate muster shopping companies across the world. It’s best that you work with a company associated with Mystery Shopper Providers Association. 

8. Pet Sitting

There is nothing better than getting paid for doing something you love. You can easily transform your love of animals into earning some extra cash which is great during a recession. You can either sign up with a pet-sitting company or venture out on your own. If confused, you can start by posting flyers advertising your services in the neighborhood. 

9. Go Online

It has never been easier to sell your skills online to make some quick cash. Fiverr is a high-energy website that can help you get connected with people that need your services. Things don’t need to be technical. For instance, you can easily make $5 by making a video rant, overreacting, singing happy birthday, or promoting a business wearing a leprechaun suit. 

10. Earn Money a Local Guide

Combine your knowledge of the neighborhood and community with your unique perceptions to earn money as a local guide. You can make the tour thematic by digging for hidden gems or showcasing a “best of” tour.

11. Rent Your Parking Space

There is no better way to earn some extra money than by converting dead space into an income stream. Spot Hero and other websites help people do just that. Maybe you have a side driveway, a two-car garage with only one car, or an empty parking pad. Rent out that space online. Spot Hero allows for listing the parking space for free. In fact, they take care of everything else. Spot Hero will keep a small portion of the rental fee and send the rest to you which can help you deal with these high energy costs. 

12. National Parks Gigs

There are several outdoor opportunities for earning money while helping people attain a greater appreciation of the environment. National Parks provide guides and other helpers to visitors to make their stays more comfortable. Check out nearby opportunities on Older and Bolder. National Parks gigs will allow you to commune with nature while educating the next generation.

Finance, Money

5 Retirement Saving Strategies If You Don’t Have A 401(K)

Avatar by Benjamin Roussey|Posted on | 3 minute read | Advertiser notice
Retirement Saving Strategies

More than 42 million Americans don’t have 401(k) or another similar retirement plan. According to federal data, 14% of small-sized businesses don’t offer retirement accounts. While it is difficult to beat the employer contributions (free money) in a 401(k), you can use these tips to build a retirement nest egg.

1. Create your own 401(k)

You should consider setting up a one-participant 401(k) or solo 401(k) through an online brokerage. Make sure your boss changes your status so that the income gets reported on a 1099 form instead of a W-2 tax form. This way you can be categorized as an independent contractor and set up your own 401(k).

Solo 401(k) has the same rules as an employer-sponsored 401(k). You will have contribution limits depending on your age. With that said, you are both an employer and an employee as a self-employed business owner. You can make contributions as per individual guidelines, which will eventually increase the overall limits.

Your spouse is the only other additional employee you can hire and cover through this arrangement.

2. Get solid investment advice

You need pros for financial advice even if you are among the most conscientious savers. There are a few things that only professional financial advisors can grasp. Financial planners can have a look at your income and savings and help you organize your finances. They will carefully review your existing financial affairs to let you know where you stand. Financial pros will also offer recommendations to help you get where you want to be.

Financial planners have the necessary experience and training to make educated projections about the future. This insight allows them to offer solid advice on investments, savings goals, life insurance, mortgages, taxes, and retirement and wills. The best financial planners will take your aspirations and financial goals into account. They won’t try to hold you back from spending your money. But, will ensure that you spend wisely.

3. Consider an IRA

Individual retirement accounts (IRAs) are a traditional yet flexible tax-advantaged instrument. There are several benefits to opening an IRA depending on your income bracket. Any money you stash will grow on a tax-deferred basis, which means you don’t need to pay taxes on your earnings until it’s time for withdrawal.

In addition, your tax rate and gross income get reduced by IRA contributions which is helpful even more during a recession. You may become eligible for certain deductions, including medical costs by having a smaller adjusted gross income. If you expect to be in a higher income tax bracket on retirement, you may want to consider opening a Roth IRA. It’s easy to open an IRA account if you use an automated investing service.

4. Get a health savings account

Health Savings Account or HSA can help you save enough for retirement if your existing health insurance plan has a high deductible. The money in your account can be accessed anytime to pay for copayments, deductibles, and other qualified medical expenses. Moreover, you cannot use it to pay for insurance premiums.

If you don’t use the money, you can always invest it. HSA balance can be carried to the next year and grows tax-free. You can have a nice golden nest egg if you combine your HSA with an IRA. HSA is one of the better retirement savings strategies since any contributions you make are tax deductible. You should ask your insurance provider or banker about opening an HSA.

5. Persuade your employer

If you don’t have a 401(k), you should try to speak to your employer. It never hurts in asking. Moreover, make sure you do your research first. There are several plans available depending on the size and type of business. You may want to zero down on a few plans that are a right fit for you and the business. Make sure you find plans that don’t require a lot of paperwork or time and effort.

You may also want to rally a few coworkers since there is always strength in numbers. Your employer may not readily agree to a plan. But, over a period of time they may come to realize that a retirement plan is important to their workforce. Don’t forget to harp on the employer benefits of contributing to a 401(k). There are tax incentives for employers that sponsor plans which is great during high inflationary times.

Even if you don’t get anywhere with wheedling your employer – it’s worth a shot. Don’t push the issue too hard though in the times of layoffs. You may have to wait until times are better.

Finance, Money

7 Tips To Streamline Your Personal Finances

Avatar by Benjamin Roussey|Posted on | 3 minute read | Advertiser notice
Streamline Your Personal Finances

Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed and stressed out by your personal finances? You’re not alone. According to the American Psychological Association, money-related stress is a major source of anxiety for 72% of Americans. And financial stress is something that can affect all areas of your life – mental and physical health, relationships, and even job performance.

With such a widespread impact, it’s no wonder that more and more people are looking for ways to streamline their personal finances and alleviate some of the stress associated with money management. Thankfully, there are plenty of simple yet effective tips you can follow to take control of your money. Let’s take a closer look at them.

Minimize the Use of Cash

While not using cash entirely may not be feasible for everyone, it can be a useful strategy for some people to streamline their personal finances. Even though cash transactions are the most frequently used payment method in the country, they can be cumbersome and less secure than digital payments, as they require you to physically carry and exchange money. In addition, cash transactions can be more difficult to track, which can make it harder to keep track of expenses and create a budget.

By using credit or debit cards, online bill pay, and mobile payment apps, you can simplify your finances and have more control over your spending. Digital payments can also help protect against fraud and theft, as they offer stronger security measures than cash.

Utilize Financial Apps and Tools

A recent survey by Mastercard revealed that nine out of ten of their users across America and Canada use financial apps to manage their finances. Apps like Mint, Personal Capital, and You Need a Budget (YNAB) can help you track your expenses, monitor your investments, and create a budget. In addition to mobile apps, there are also various online financial tools available, such as budget calculators, retirement planning tools, and debt repayment calculators. Consider using these tools to gain a better understanding of your finances and make more informed decisions about your money.

Maximize Your Savings

One of the easiest ways to build a strong financial cushion and prepare for future expenses is to maximize your savings. You can do this by setting up automatic transfers to a high-yield savings account, so money automatically goes into it without you even thinking about it. You can also reduce unnecessary expenses, such as eating out or shopping for non-essential items, to free up more money for savings which is vital during a recession.

Another strategy is to take advantage of employer-sponsored retirement plans or individual retirement accounts (IRAs) to save for retirement. By saving as much as possible, you can achieve your financial goals more quickly and with less stress.

Consolidate Your Debts

Consolidating your debts means combining multiple debts into one payment, typically with a lower interest rate or more favorable repayment terms. This simplifies your finances and can save you money in interest charges. Some common ways to do this include balance transfers, personal loans, and home equity loans.

Balance transfers involve transferring credit card balances to a card with a lower interest rate, while personal loans offer lower interest rates than credit cards. Home equity loans allow you to borrow against your homes’ equity. Consolidating your debts can help you pay off your debts faster and more efficiently, allowing you to get your finances back on track which is even more important in these high inflationary times.

Review Your Insurance Policies

Taking another look at your insurance policies may help your finances by ensuring that you have adequate coverage at the most affordable rates. You can compare policies and premiums from different insurance providers to find the best deals.

You can also adjust your coverage amounts or deductibles to meet your current needs and budget. Doing this regularly can also help you identify any gaps in coverage or outdated policies. This is critical so you don’t end up paying more than you need to for insurance and are fully protected in case of an emergency or unexpected event.

Monitor Your Credit Score

Finally, you can simplify your finances by keeping an eye on your credit score to stay informed of your creditworthiness. This can also help you identify any potential errors or fraudulent activity on your cards. You can access your credit report for free once a year from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), or sign up for credit monitoring services to receive alerts of any changes to your score.

A higher credit score can lead to better interest rates and loan terms, potentially saving you money in the long run. Staying on top of your credit score can also help you take steps to improve it over time and ensure your financial health.

Automate Your Bill Payments

The simplest step you can take right away is setting up automatic payments for all your recurring bills, such as rent, utilities, insurance premiums, and other monthly bills. The payment amount will be automatically deducted from your bank account or credit card on the due date. This will not only ensure that your bills are paid on time without you having to lift a finger, but it will also reduce the risk of missing a payment or incurring interest charges.

Finance, Lifestyle

Tips To Boost Your Credit Score Fast

Avatar by Benjamin Roussey|Posted on | 3 minute read | Advertiser notice
credit score

A good credit score is one of the most important weapons in your financial arsenal. It tells loan officers that you are a responsible borrower who can afford to pay off personal debt. The higher your credit score, the better your chances that you will receive favorable loan terms when you apply for personal credit, such as a mortgage or a new car loan. 

Whether you want to buy a house or just need some improvement in your current credit standing, boosting your credit score can be valuable in times of high inflation and high energy costs. To help, we have compiled this list of quick tips for improving your credit score.

Make Timely Payments on All Debts

The first step to building a solid credit score is ensuring you make all your payments on time. If you have multiple credit accounts, making due dates a priority is vital. Adding these due dates to your schedule can help you stay on top of payments and avoid late fees. 

All late payments are counted against you on your credit report, and missing even a single payment can cause severe damage to your credit scores. You should also apply for new lines of credit only when you are ready to use them responsibly—opening accounts without a plan is risky and could hurt your credit score if you’re not careful.

Besides, the best way to maintain a good debt-to-credit ratio is by paying more than the minimum due each month. This not only gets rid of your debt faster, it will also help you avoid late payments and other costly penalties.

Limit New Credit Applications and Keep Old Credit Accounts Open

Banks perform hard inquiries into your credit report when you apply for new credit (i.e., a credit card, a car loan, or a mortgage), and the inquiry can temporarily lower your score. 

This is because the inquiries indicate to lenders that you’re looking to take on more debt, making them leery of lending to you—even if you’re an excellent credit risk. The best way to avoid these inquiries is by keeping old accounts open—the longer you have an account, the more it will positively affect your score.

At the same time, you want to limit new credit applications as much as possible because each one results in another inquiry. Since most people are responsible with their finances and don’t tend to ask for new loans too often, there’s no need to open up too many cards at once. 

If you need a new line of credit, close an old account before applying for the new one so that you have fewer accounts on record. In addition to limiting inquiries when it comes time for a new loan, it’s also important to keep older accounts open for as long as possible. The longer you have an account, the better your score will be.

Consolidate Your Debt

Consolidating all your debts into one single monthly payment will help you save time, effort, and money. Here’s how it works: if you’re paying off multiple loans and/or credit cards each month, having more than one creditor requires more time to track payments and budgets. 

In addition, if one loan starts making late payments, it can have a chain reaction on all other loans. Consolidating allows you to have just one creditor and only one payment due each month. As a result, you’ll save time by no longer having to deal with multiple creditors and the hassle of tracking multiple bills.

Monitor Your Credit Report & Dispute Any Errors

Your credit report is a snapshot of your financial history, and most banks and lenders use it to determine whether you’re someone they want to do business with. That’s why it’s essential to ensure your report is accurate. Not only can wrong information on your report make you look like a higher credit risk than you actually are, but the process of correcting that information can be tricky and time-consuming. 

To protect yourself, you should check your report regularly for any errors affecting your score. If you find anything that looks wrong or out-of-date, or if you’re being charged for something you don’t recognize (like a late payment on a debt that’s already been settled), you can dispute it. 

If you find any errors on your report, you’ll need to contact the credit bureau directly and submit a dispute form by mail or online. You can also submit supporting documentation along with your complaint.

Finance, Money

How To Avoid These 7 Budget Disruptors In 2023?

Avatar by Benjamin Roussey|Posted on | 4 minute read | Advertiser notice
Budget Disruptors

Budget busters are quite different from your regular monthly expenses. These are extra, unexpected indulgences that get added on top of the essential things you need to get by. Whether you’re new to adopting a cost-conscious lifestyle or hoping to brush up on the latest budgeting strategies, here are some of the notable budget disruptors you should be mindful of and how you can deal with them.

App Purchases

App purchases are easy to make without thinking about how much they cost. And once you’ve spent money on apps, they’re even easier to justify because it’s just a couple of bucks. Of course, who can resist when an app feels like it’s just a dollar? You’ve probably downloaded apps that you thought were free, only to be greeted by the dreaded “Buy Now” or “Upgrade to Premium” button.

Sift through your mobile apps to ensure that your purchases aren’t subject to in-app purchases. If you are on a budget, be mindful of how many apps you upgrade in a month.

Buying Coffee Every Day

While it’s true that coffee can be a delicious, life-giving force, it can also have an insidious way of taking over your life if you’re not careful. For one thing, it’s expensive—at $5 per cup at a typical coffee chain, you might spend $30 or more per week on coffee alone. That’s a hefty amount to be forking over for the privilege of staying awake.

Instead of going down this slippery slope, take advantage of free coffee from your office. You can also invest $20 in an insulated travel mug that keeps your coffee hot for hours. Not only will this save you money by limiting how much you spend on coffee each day, but it can also have positive effects on your health.

Credit Card Interest Charges and Fees

It’s easy to fall prey to an exorbitant credit card bill when you don’t know how to avoid the extra fees. Interest charges are often the most common and least-understood culprit of high credit card bills. Besides, many people don’t know they’re paying thousands of dollars in hidden expenses because credit cards levy extra fees for late payments, returned checks, foreign transactions, and so on. Even if the economy is roaring like it was in 2017 and 2018, for instance, this is not something to write home about.

The easiest way to avoid these charges is to pay off your balances in full each month. If this isn’t possible, try to manage your balance to stay as close as possible to zero. And no matter your situation, be sure to track your credit card activity regularly so that you know exactly what’s going on with your accounts.

Movie Rentals and Streaming Subscriptions

As the cost of cable continues to rise and the availability of content on streaming services increases, more and more people are choosing to watch movies or shows with a digital subscription. The convenience of watching whatever you want from the comfort of your home is hard to beat. Based on this, this change in viewing habits can be costly.

Always return all movie rentals (Redbox) on time. If necessary, set a reminder on your phone to notify you when the due date is approaching. You can also switch to cheaper streaming services for entertainment.

Flash Sales

When you’re on a budget, taking advantage of a flash sale can be tempting. For example, a website offers a product you want at a meager price—such as $40 off an item that normally retails for $200. You might even justify it by saying, “It’s a one-time thing, and I need the product, so I’ll just buy it now.” But then you get home and realize that the budget you set for yourself was actually $100—and now you have to make up the difference.

The best way to combat this is to set your budget before shopping. Don’t let extraneous items squeeze your budget to the breaking point. Think of flash sales as something fun to browse—but always set your budget first. This is even more important in times of high gas prices and runaway inflation.

Eating Out Too Often

Eating out and ordering in can be a way of life for many people, but staying mindful about your spending is essential. Every time you eat out, you’re paying for the labor involved in preparing and serving your food and any costs associated with utilities & maintenance. So even if you’re not eating out every day, it can easily slink into your budget, whether grabbing lunch during your break or treating yourself to a night out with friends.

Reevaluate your habits. Instead of going out for lunch daily, pack a healthy sandwich or salad at home and bring it in a lunchbox. Order a less expensive item from the menu, such as soup or salad—instead of ordering an entrée or appetizer to save money on dinner.

Charitable Donations

The appeal of charitable donation buckets at stores and shopping centers is undeniable, but often you don’t know where that money is going or how much of it will actually get there. While donating a few dollars here and there might feel good, it can add up to a significant amount over a year.

Don’t feel pressured into giving money to charity just because the cashier in the mall wants you to. If you have already budgeted for charitable donations, then that could be enough. You should look at legitimate charities such as The Knights of Columbus or the American Legion, for example.

Finance

Five Financial Tips For The New Year

Avatar by Benjamin Roussey|Posted on | 3 minute read | Advertiser notice
financial tips

New Year brings hope. People make New Year resolutions according to their priorities, and the changes they want to bring in their lives. The coming year can also be the start of great financial success for you. Here are five time-tested financial tips to give a new direction to your personal finances in the New Year.

Set Goals

Set realistic, achievable goals. Think about your priorities. Do you need a new car, or are you better of clearing your existing debts which could be higher now because of inflation? Don’t just will to invest more, but think about how much you can afford to invest. If you want to increase your savings, think what you can do without.

  • Evaluate your priorities: What do you want in the new year; is it important? Can it wait?
  • Set your goals: Think of what you want to achieve; what you may have to forego.
  • Assess the time: How long will you be paying for it?

Once you have set measured goals, you can set a monthly budget accordingly. You may have to rework your other priorities, so be clear about the order.

Make a Budget

A budget helps you reduce unnecessary spending, and direct your funds to what’s really important for you and your family. Keep a track of all your expenses, big and small. A record of each dollar spent will show you where your money is really going. It can be an eye-opener – certainly in the age of high gas prices.

Understand your spending patterns, which can fall into a couple of broad categories:

  • Fixed Expenses: Recurring expenses like rent, EMIs and subscriptions, etc.
  • Variable Expenses: Expenses that change like food, clothes, gas, recreation                        

Check your recent bank statements to get specific inputs about where your money goes. This can show you the difference between how much you make and spend. You can allocate the difference towards achieving your goals.

Manage Debt

Loans can be a good way to acquire things you may not be able to buy upfront, like a house. But EMIs can hold you back from achieving your other objectives. The interest amount can really affect your finances. With that said, repaying your debt should be a top priority. There are two ways, in which you can better manage your debts.

  • Consolidating: This involves combining all your loans into one. You may become eligible for a lower interest rate. It certainly makes it easy to remember just one EMI per month.
  • Listing: You can list your debts by balance and interest. When you list by interest, pay the minimum on all but the highest interest loan; try and pay something extra each month. When you list by balance, try and make extra payments on the smallest loan.

Making a plan to manage your debt help you better understand your financial situation, and how the debt affects your life.

Savings vs. Investment

It doesn’t always have to be one or the other. With savings, your money grows with interest, but nothing else. You have something in the bank for a rainy day. Investments can make your money grow faster, but can also make you lose money.

Time is money if you invest in 401K or Roth IRA. Your money earns interest, and after some time, the interest earns interest. This is called compounding interest. Over many years a small fund can grow into a substantial amount.

In accumulation of this, you must always have an emergency fund in the bank. This is may consist of three to six months’ living expenses. This can help you tide over crises without putting you into deeper debt. You may also want to put something away for upcoming events.

Be Flexible

Change is the only constant in our lives. Your circumstances may change; you may get a better job, or get laid off; you may win a lottery; or lose money in the stock market. This means you may need to postpone some goals, or the situation may put you on a new track to achieving the goals faster.

If things are better, you can even add to your current financial wish list for the forthcoming year. Be prepared to monitor your financial plan regularly, and tweak or redo it, if needed. You may not be able to strictly as per your plan. You may stick to your budget in some months, or exceed it. That’s ok as long you stay on course with your New Year financial resolutions for the whole year and beyond.

Finance

3 Fundamental Steps to Manage Your Finances

Avatar by Benjamin Roussey|Posted on | 3 minute read | Advertiser notice
money management

Money management refers to planning your money and liquid finances so that you can make the most of it. It typically involves saving and budgeting money, investing in future, and reducing or avoiding debt. Here are three fundamental steps that will help you gain more control over your money.

1. Assess Your Current Position

Money management is not just about making the math work. You need to adjust your mindset too. You need to take stock of your current position.

  • Have you been overspending frequently?
  • Do you have enough saved to tide you over a rainy patch?
  • Are you consistently living paycheck to paycheck?
  • Does financial jargon overwhelm you?

Don’t lie to yourself. You need to be prepared to face your weaknesses. There may have been a few missteps in the past. You don’t have to continue with those mistakes in the future. Be determined to undertake bold corrective measures.

2. Create a Financial Blueprint

Before you can put your plan into action, you need to create a blueprint that works for your finances. Use these steps:

Budget

Start with a budget. Choose a system that you know is easy enough to stick with. Most people find the 50/30/20 budget plan simple enough. You need to allocate 50% of your income to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to debt repayment or savings. There are plenty of budgeting options to choose from if this doesn’t work for you.

Track your expenditure

You can have a better idea to where your money is going by tracking expenses. You may not spend so much on a certain category. Or, you may adjust your expenditure so that it aligns better with your goals during times of serious inflation and high gas prices.

Save

You will find various avenues to save and invest once you pay attention to your finances. You need to make long-term changes by tweaking daily habits and negotiating your spending. Ideally, money saving should become a part of your lifestyle over a period of time.

Separate your accounts

You should have designated and different accounts for savings and spending. A terrific way to manage your money is to keep money for bills and budgeted expenses in a designated account. This should be separate from your emergency fund. You will be less likely to blow up your rent money on a night of binge drinking with friends. Keep your savings in separate accounts if you are looking to vacation, purchase a house, or a new car.

Pay off expensive debts

An integral part of money management is creating a plan to pay off debt. A strategic approach will help you reach the debt-free finish line quicker. You need to tackle the most expensive debt first. These are the ones with the highest interest rates. Keep making minimum payments on the rest. Work your way down till all debt is paid off.

Build your credit score

Your credit determines the rates you get loans and other borrowings on. You can enhance all aspects of your financial life by developing good credit habits. Credit checks are common whether you are getting an apartment, car insurance, or a cell phone plan. Focus on the two biggest influencing factors – credit utilization and payment history. Make sure you pay everything on time. A single missed payment can affect your score.

Think about your financial future

It is never late to invest in your future. Set money aside in IRA or 401(k) now. The compound interest will work its magic. After all, the ultimate goal is to achieve long-term stability and financial freedom even in times when policies from the government seem to be working against you and everyone else.

3. Save, Invest, and Reduce Debt

Money management doesn’t just consider your expenditure. You need to have saved enough to live comfortably in both short-term and long-term. These are a few steps to achieve financial prowess:

Start saving now

Start building your emergency fund by socking away anything extra. You should ideally have 6 months of living expenses in case something unthinkable happens. You don’t need to start large. You can always start small. Work towards a $500 reserve goal as a starting point.

Invest

Nobody created wealth by savings alone. You need to invest and beat inflation to live comfortably in the long-term. You should consider contributing to 401(k) to set yourself up for retirement. Get the maximum contribution if your company offers a match.

Pay off outstanding debt

You probably have obligations whether it is a looming credit card bill or a loan. Make sure you never miss payments. At the least aim for minimum monthly payments. Pay off high-interest debt first if you have any extra money for bills.

Money

6 Ways to Make Money Using Your Car

Avatar by Benjamin Roussey|Posted on | 3 minute read | Advertiser notice
Make Money Using Your Car

There are numerous ways to make passive income these days, and your car is another way you can earn extra money. With that said, there are a few things to consider before you get started. For example, if you are an independent contractor using your car to earn money, you are responsible for paying your taxes. If you happen to earn over $400 in a year, you will be subjected to self-employment tax.

You also need to factor in that all your car-related expenses would be from your own pocket. These include vehicle repair, fuel costs and maintenance. Find out how much your realistic income is going to be because many times things are not as glamorous as it seems. Side hustles may include increasing mileage on your car, which can also result in wear and tear. The value of your car is also likely to depreciate over time.

That being said, there are many ways you can make substantial money using your car. Below are listed some of the most popular ways to do so.

Become a ridesharing app driver

You can become a driver for a ridesharing app. You need to drive people from one point to another and you earn most of the proceeds from the app. Based on this, you do need to pass criminal background checks, and driving record tests, as well as meet the criteria for age and the quality standards. In addition, you need to pay most vehicular expenses such as insurance, gas, repairs, and maintenance.

If you want to be profitable in this venture, it is best to operate during peak hours rather than a 9 to 5 schedule. For example, weekday rush hours and bar closing times over weekends are the best times to operate. Many drivers earn as much as $25 per hour. There are several ridesharing apps available such as Uber, Lyft, Wingz, as well as local alternatives in your area.

Operate as a food delivery person

There are many apps these days that enable doorstep food delivery. These include apps such as Uber Eats, DoorDash, Postmates, and Grubhub. The modus of operation is similar to a ridesharing app. But the difference is here there are no passengers – you just need to deliver the food. Typically, the peak hours here are during lunch and dinner.

If you already have a 9 to 5 job, then dinner time may work best for this side job. With that said, keep in mind you will have to wait for the food prep staff to prepare the meal before you can deliver it. This process may not always be smooth sailing. Try to register with several food delivery apps, so that you have multiple sources of income which can help you cope with these inflationary times.

Deliver other types of goods

You can also deliver other goods such as groceries, as is the case with the Instacart app. You will be known as a full-service shopper, where you receive the customer’s order on your app, visit the grocery store, assemble the order, and then deliver it to the customer’s doorstep. Shipt is another app that delivers not just groceries but also household goods and pet supplies. Their membership model encourages customers to order frequently. That means, you will have a steady order supply to earn money from.

Amazon Flex is another option where you can earn as much as $25 per hour, and get to deliver the goods in your own time. You can distribute your time across multiple apps so that your earning potential is higher which can help you deal with these gas prices that are superhigh and hurting so many people (EVs will not be practical for another 10 years).

Advertising on your car

If you own a new car and usually do longer commutes, wrapping your car in removable advertising decals is a great way to earn money from advertising. The advantage is that you don’t need to put in extra miles on your car from what you normally drive. Stemming from this, you do need to meet the advertiser’s requirements on the number of miles driven.

Rent your car

Another excellent money earner is to rent your car, especially if you don’t use it as often. Give it for rent on a short-term basis to locals who don’t have a car and to tourists who don’t want traditional rentals.

Help others move

If your car has a sizable backseat and trunk, then you can use this space to help other people move. You can use the car to deliver furniture if space allows. Otherwise, you can also become a DIY mover and advertise your services on social media.

Finance, Money

5 Things You Must Know to Take Control of Your Budget

Avatar by Benjamin Roussey|Posted on | 3 minute read | Advertiser notice
Control of Your Budget

Managing your finances can be extremely rewarding, but also challenging. If you’ve never tried to budget before, then it can be hard to figure out how to make it work for you. That’s because many factors affect your budget, which can seem quite complicated. But once you break out of old habits and learn to focus on the things that matter most, it’s possible to have fun with your money and save up at the same time. Below are some tips for mastering the budget game.

Know Your Numbers

The first step in budgeting is figuring out where your money is going now — and what you can cut back on. You can’t control your money if you don’t know where your money is going. Start by tracking your spending for a month or two so you have an accurate picture of your income and expenses. You can do this manually, like write everything down in a notebook or use free apps to help keep track of your spending and see what areas of your budget need tweaking.

If you get paid weekly, write down each paycheck every time you get one — don’t wait until the end of the month to do it all at once. This is especially important if you have an irregular income. If you only get paid once per month, once per quarter, or something similar, then write down each payment along with any other transactions. You’ll also want to ensure you’re getting the most out of any credit cards or rewards programs.

Set a Goal for Yourself

Once you know how much money is coming in and going out each month, set a realistic monthly savings goal. For example, if you want to save $500 per month, then plan to spend $500 less than what comes in each month, assuming there are no unexpected expenses.

If possible, try to set aside extra monthly money, say $100, which goes straight into savings without being touched until the next month rolls around. This will help build up your savings account quickly without taking away from other priorities like paying off debt or contributing toward retirement accounts.

Set aside Sinking Funds

A sinking fund is an accounting measure used to allocate funds for an ongoing project. The money is put aside for a specific purpose, such as paying off debt or paying for something in the future. It allows you to set aside money always to have it available for your project. They can be used not just for savings purposes but also for working towards a specific goal, such as saving for college funds because society spends enough on K-12, it just cannot afford to pay for peoples’ college pursuits.

The alternative approach would be to put extra money towards the debt monthly, but in practice, this may not happen because people overspend their normal limits and have nothing left to add to their debt repayment plan. A sinking fund is a way you can pay down your debt and have extra money built up in reserve if you ever fall short on funds which can happen in a high gas costing, inflationary environment.

Anticipate Irregular Expenses

We set budgets for the many things we purchase throughout the year. But one of the most critical areas to budget for is irregular expenses. Inconsistent expenses are just that – not every month or six months, but only once a year, such as saving for festival gifts, vet visits, or medical check-ups.

It is essential to plan for these as they can seriously impact your cash flow and should not be overlooked. Forgetting to add these into your initial budget could make a difference between having money in your account and not.

Automate Money for Savings

Saving money can feel like a challenge. It’s hard to remember to do it every day and don’t even think about saving in between paychecks or on paydays. By automating your savings, you can ensure that you’re saving and setting money aside for emergencies or larger goals like retirement. Saving money on an automatic deposit can seem daunting at first, but once you get into the routine of saving on auto pilot, it becomes second nature. Once you’ve taken the first step of linking accounts and setting up automatic deposits, all that’s left is sticking to it and ensuring that each account has enough money in it so that transactions are completed successfully and without error.

Finance, Money

7 Tips to Ensure Financial Stability During Retirement

Avatar by Benjamin Roussey|Posted on | 3 minute read | Advertiser notice
Financial Stability During Retirement

How will I afford my expenses in the post-retirement years? That is the one question that crosses everyone’s mind at some point in their lives. A large number of people do not have a plan for their retirement. Having insufficient retirement funds is one of the biggest financial worries of more than 50% of the population. 

But it is never too late to start. Even if you are in your 50s, you still have 10-15 years to ‘tighten the reins’ and save for your retirement. It will give you much-needed peace of mind and keep you from all the hassles during any emergency.

If you want to be financially stable during retirement, here are some valuable tips: 

Start saving as soon as you can 

The earlier you start, the more benefits you have. It is true for every investment. You need to start saving as soon as possible because each penny saved will add significantly to your retirement savings pool. Moreover, the power of compounding will start working to boost your savings exponentially with the passage of time.

Remember that around 30 percent of working adults say they have no savings for retirement funds. But this number declines as they move towards their retirement age. The cue here is to get started whenever you think it is feasible and not keep delaying your decision. 

Be debt free

A debt at any stage of life can be harsh on savings. It is when you are close to your retirement age. When your savings are scarce, having debt can be a substantial financial strain. The interest burden on the debts can hit your ability to save. As you approach your retirement age, ensure that you do not have any outstanding debts. If any, whether that is vehicle loans, credit cards, private loans, etc., make a special and aggressive effort to pay off the debts before you retire.

Diversify your portfolio

The age-old adage tells us that we should not put all our eggs in one basket. It holds for saving for retirement as well. You should not put all your savings into one account. Having only one form of investment increases the risk of losing all your savings in an emergency. It is advised that you invest in a diversified portfolio.

Asset allocation plays a crucial role while planning your retirement. You should also have some liquid cash handy when you need it. You should consider your risk tolerance and years in retirement before finalizing an investment.

Consider potential retirement costs

Life after retirement can be full of surprises – there could be runaway inflation and high gas prices, for instance. You may have to incur costs that you may not have planned for. As a result, it is always better to keep a certain buffer amount to cover your expenses. You should also consider the potential expenses in old age, including dental and other medical costs, long-term care charges, income tax, etc. Proper financial planning allows you the freedom to lead a peaceful post-retirement life.

Plan your expenses

It is good to reassess your financial profile and savings and make adjustments if required. Consider downsizing or relocating to a city with a lower cost of living. For instance, while traveling the world can be an enrapturing idea post-retirement, going on vacation during the off-season can save you a significant amount of money.

Keep earning during retirement

A report by Provision Living states that more than 20% of the retired population continues to work – probably even more so when the cost of goods are so high. It adds that it is not due to a shortage of money but because they enjoy their work. Post-retirement, you can take up work you always wanted to take up. It can be either a part-time or full-time job as per your preference.

Retirement time is a golden opportunity to leverage the skills, talents, or hobbies you have always wanted to try out. It can be anything ranging from teaching music to church work on Sundays. In addition to having a purposeful time, it will also add up to your savings.

Work with a financial planner

You can always benefit from expert advice. Financial planners are aware of the unique challenges that retirees face. They can chalk out your investments and expenses and suggest ways to optimize them. Also, if you are not experienced in financial planning, you can always consider working with professionals. They can guide you in choosing your retirement plans customized to your needs.