I have been freelancing for close to a decade, which includes handling my own small business bookkeeping. Since I have no background in accounting, learning how to manage my books was not easy. And frankly, handling my own books is not my favorite part of my business. Not only does bookkeeping take time away from the income-generating work of pitching, researching, and writing articles, but I always have a nagging worry that … [Read more...]
Teaching Kids About Money [The Complete Guide]
If you're like me, you want to teach your kids about money so that they can create a life of freedom and independence for themselves. Maybe you struggled with money a bit when you were younger, like me, and you don't want them to have to go through the same problems (credit card debt, not getting ahead, etc.). Here's the thing. You have the ability to help your kids succeed. By learning about money yourself, you're giving your … [Read more...]
Fundrise Review: Commercial Real Estate Investing for Everyone
Traditionally, there were only two ways to invest in commercial real estate. You could get started for a (relatively) low financial investment if you personally maintained the property. Or you could invest a major chunk of change into real estate development as a form of passive income. But neither of these options allowed the average Joe with a day job to invest a modest amount. Without time or serious money, real estate … [Read more...]
What You Can Expect from a Financial Planner [Plus How Much They Cost]
The world of investing and financial planning can be confusing. If you've heard about certified financial advisors, you may be wondering exactly what do they do and whether or not you need one. Even as a CPA myself, I've found this world a bit confusing. But I spoke with some friends who are advisors, did my own research with an advisor session, and I'm here to share what I learned with you. A financial planner can do anything … [Read more...]
Make Money Delivering Food with DoorDash
Delivering pizzas has long been a consistent side hustle option that can help you earn extra money. But as beneficial as a pizza delivery hustle can be for your bottom line, it does have some drawbacks. You have to work a specific schedule, and there’s no way to increase your pay thanks to your own initiative. But these days, the sharing economy has made it possible for motivated hustlers to earn money delivering far more … [Read more...]
13 Ways to Make Extra Cash Renting Out Your Stuff
If you're like me, you probably own plenty of things that you only use every once in a while. Whether you've got an empty bedroom, a collection of cocktail dresses, assorted athletic equipment, or a car that you only drive once or twice a week, you could be putting your stuff to work for you. Renting your stuff is a great way to make extra money. Renting out your stuff is a no-muss, no-fuss way of earning some part-time … [Read more...]
Retail Arbitrage: How to Buy, Sell, and Make Money
In 2005, I was working part-time at the OSU bookstore while working toward my Master’s Degree in English education, when a hefty stack of $90 hardcover Shakespeare anthologies went on sale for $8 each. I bought a single copy since what future English teacher could pass up such a deal? But my purchase got my future husband thinking in dollar signs: What if I bought the bookstore's entire stock for eight bucks each, and sell them for … [Read more...]
Should You Participate in Your Company’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan?
A few years ago I was given the opportunity to participate in my company's employee stock purchase plan (ESPP). After some research, I discovered these plans can be a huge benefit if you do them right. Most people who have access to an Employee Stock Purchase Plan should definitely use it, max it out, and flip it immediately. Doing so will almost guarantee an almost 30% annual return on your money. Are you considering your … [Read more...]
How to Make Money as a Social Media Consultant
I'm a freelance writer, and I enjoy my work, but I often wonder what it would be like to perform different services in my space. One online side hustle that seems interesting to me is social media consulting. I know of several people who are making significant part-time money by being a social media consultant for businesses and blogs. And some have even turned their social media gigs into full-time jobs. To make money as a … [Read more...]
The Complete Guide to 529 College Savings Plans
Have you been thinking about saving for your child's future college expenses? Are you curious if you should get started with a 529 college savings plan? It took me three years from the time I started thinking about setting up a 529 college savings plan to actually open one up. It's one of those big financial check-offs that just seems to elude us...till it's too late. If you're like me, you're probably wrestling with … [Read more...]
How to Make Money from Home with a Bookkeeping Business
If you’re good at organizing financial information for business owners, consider starting a bookkeeping business. Bookkeepers build a business’ financial foundation, helping entrepreneurs make decisions about the future success of their business. Good bookkeepers are always in demand since many business owners don’t have the time or inclination to run this side of their business. Learning how to start a bookkeeping business will get … [Read more...]
Should You Payoff Your Mortgage Early? Yep! Here Are 6 Strategies to Pull It Off!
My wife and I are 38 and 43, respectively, and we just paid off our home mortgage - a home we purchased seven years ago. It feels great to own our home outright and not have the risk of that big debt in our life. Making the decision to pay off our mortgage early is a decision we’ve gone back and forth on. We’ve wrestled with it. But, ultimately, our financial successes and inertia pushed us to go forward with the payoff. If … [Read more...]
How to Make Money Blogging [8 Important Questions Answered]
Instead of an actual interview with someone else today, I thought I'd share a bit of my own knowledge about making extra money from blogging. Blogging can be a great way to make money on the side. It’s a perfect side hustle because it’s flexible and doesn’t require much in terms of start-up costs. Once you get the hang of building a successful blog, the sky's the limit when it comes to your earnings. In fact, many turn their … [Read more...]
39 Summer Jobs for Teens and College Students [Plus What to do with the Money]
Do you (or your teen) have a job for summer yet? With summer approaching, I thought I'd share some common summer job opportunities for teenagers and college students to make extra money. I loved most of my summer jobs. Each brought me a different experience and helped to teach me about myself. What jobs are available and their pay rate will depend on where you live, the employer, your age, and other factors. Child labor laws also … [Read more...]
New Personal Finance App for Couples: Our Zeta Review
Feeling frustrated when it comes to money in your relationship? Often, it's easier to sweep things under the rug than have those tough financial discussions with your partner. Or maybe the talks themselves aren't difficult, but it's tough to keep track of all the little details that make up your financial life. You'd rather be enjoying your time with your loved ones, not checking to make sure the bills are paid or nagging … [Read more...]
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