Beating Broke

Personal Finance from the Broke Perspective

Best Jobs for Your Budget

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Everyone needs to do something to make money. Getting a job, sometimes any job is a challenge to acquire.

Although, part of that challenge is due to your budget. While the primary reason to get a job is to earn money, if that job’s cost outweighs the money you make, you shouldn’t take that job.

This budget includes travel, the cost of a specified dress code, and the time it takes away from your personal life,

You shouldn’t live to work. You need to find a balance between budgeting your time, money, and talents so you don’t work yourself to death.

Here are the best jobs for your budget:

Dental Hygienist

If you enjoy a social atmosphere where you can make a competitive income without drowning in student debt, you should look into being a dental hygienist.

In addition to offering a great job, the dental industry market is on a steady incline. There are around 182,418 dental offices in the United States. This volume of opportunities to find a job offers dental hygienists the option to find a position where they live currently or start a whole new adventure.

Web Developer

For those of you who love computers and be creative and innovative, consider becoming a web developer. Web developers are in high demand and can usually work from home, especially now.

Almost everything we do on our computers and even our mobile devices is available because a web designer created it. Fortunately, you don’t need to be Bill Gates or Steve Jobs to make a great, budget-friendly living from this occupation.

Most clients are looking for a unique website design. So, all you need to know to start is a few basic computer languages and an innovative mind.

Real Estate Agent

The California real estate market is booming, along with most of the needs throughout the midwest. If you have ever thought about being a real estate agent, this is your time to shine. Schooling for becoming a real estate agent is straightforward and, depending on the state, takes between 4-6 months.

Plus, you have a large earning potential, regardless of your age or background. If you dedicate your work to making dreams come true for your clients and offer the best experience possible, you should always have consistent work.

Virtual Assistant

The virtual assistant position is a new concept. Virtual assistants came to fruition through the age of the internet. Yet, a virtual assistant’s role has become even more desirable with the need for social distancing.

Due to the advancements in technology, virtual assistants can now help out with a business in the same way a secretary or assistant could physically work in an office.

Some of the duties for a virtual assistant include:

  • Answering emails and phone calls
  • Organizing calendars, scheduling appointments, and maintaining online records
  • Data entry
  • Preparing reports
  • Customer service
  • Conducting online research

Plus, the payscale rises with experience and qualifications. For example, if you get a job as an executive virtual assistant, you will likely earn a much higher rate per hour than just a regular virtual assistant.

Teaching English Online

Many people enjoy teaching but can’t get a secure teaching job. Fortunately, if you are okay with super early mornings, there is a large market for teaching English to children online.

This job is completely remote, and it pays well. According to Forbes, VIPKid is one of the best online companies to work for, and it is also the leading  ESL online learning company for this type of occupation.

Once accepted as a teacher, you can pick the times you would like to work. The work is one-on-one, allowing you to work individually with a different child during each half/hour class.

Ultimately, the jobs listed here offer a payscale potential, time convenience, or another benefit that makes it a worthy pursuit for your budget.

Although, these are not the only jobs that work for your budget. Each person is different, and so, their needs, wants, and budgets are different. The most important thing to remember when looking for the best jobs for your budget is to ensure you can live comfortably and enjoy your life while still making a living.

Why Seek Outside Counsel Before Starting A Business

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You’ve got an idea that you believe would be a great business opportunity. You’ve taken the time to do some research. You’ve gathered your resources, devised a plan, and now you’re ready to get started. Although you realize that starting a business is a risk, it’s one you’re willing to take a chance on. While your determination is admirable, it couldn’t hurt to seek counsel before you get started.

It’s Not Easy

No matter how many success stories you hear about, it’s not an overnight process. Starting and maintaining a business is actually harder than you think. It involves more than money, education, and skills. There are long hours, sacrifices, risks, challenges, and obstacles you’ll have to overcome along the way. Unfortunately, not everyone succeeds.

Call On The Pros

If you’re going to be among the entrepreneurs that succeed, you must seek counsel. Talking to people that have experience in business and are experts in their field can give you better insight into what you’re up against. They can help expand your knowledge, sharpen your skills, pinpoint your weaknesses, and provide advice that enables you to beat the odds. Here’s a closer look at who you should call on before starting a business.

Your Partner

Although your significant other isn’t a professional, they are your life partners. Running a business requires a lot, and you want to ensure they understand. You’ll need them on your side to help keep home life intact as you pursue your professional dreams. So, before you make any significant moves, have a conversation with your partner. Let them know what your goals and intentions are, what it’s going to take, how it will impact your lives, and ways you could use their support.

Mentor Or Business Coach

No one is born with the skills and experience necessary to run a business. It’s developed over time. If you’re new to entrepreneurship, talking to a mentor or business coach is recommended. These are seasoned professionals that have gone through the trenches to reach the top. They can provide guidance on reaching your goals best while also helping you sharpen your skills and avoid common pitfalls.

Financial Planner

Until your business starts generating revenue to cover operational expenses and income, the financial responsibilities fall on you. This is a significant financial undertaking. Before investing, it’s ideal to talk to a financial planner. They can review your personal finances to help you determine how much of a risk a business is based on your circumstances. A financial expert can evaluate everything from your credit rating to your household budget to assess your ability to apply for funding and manage expenses. If you don’t have the money necessary to start a business, they can give you advice on how to acquire more capital and credit, so you don’t fall into debt.

Accountant

Your personal and business finances are two separate things. While a financial planner can help you assess and evaluate your personal finances, an accountant is the best person to talk about business financials. Their job is to evaluate your capital and assess how it can best be used to cover operational expenses and grow your business. They can help you avoid financial pitfalls by helping you to develop a budget, payroll system, and financial reporting process that keeps everything intact.

There are many facets to owning a business. It takes a lot to make it to the top. While you may feel you have what it takes to accomplish your goals, it’s easier said than done. The best thing you can do to increase your chances of success is consulting people like those listed above. Collectively, they have the experience, understanding, and resources you’ll need to overcome the obstacles and get where you want to be. If you believe you’re in the right position to get started after talking with these individuals, then don’t let anything stop you.

Your Credit Score Is Your Responsibility, Here’s How to Take Care of It

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Your credit score is somewhat of a black box. It is difficult to know exactly how it is calculated, when it is calculated, who sees it, and what decisions they make as a result of it. No one consults you about your credit score. They don’t ask your opinion. They do nothing to seek clarifications. It is extremely one sided and you have no part in the process. That is about as unfair as it gets.

With so little input on the matter, it stands to reason that you have nothing to do with your credit score. But that isn’t true at all. You are ultimately the only person responsible for your credit score. You are the only one to fix it when it is broken. If it is telling a story about you that is misleading and defamatory, you are the one who has to do something about it. No one else is going to unilaterally intervene on your behalf if things are misreported. If you tried to sue a reporting agency for defamation, you would probably lose. Even so, it is still your responsibility. Here are a few things you can do to protect it:

Get the Right Loan at the Right Time for the Right Reasons

Which is worse? Is it getting a temporary loan to keep the lights on, or skipping out on all your creditors? To be clear, it is better to take out a loan to get you through the lean times. Look for one of those good credit union loans to help get you back on your feet. Bills don’t have to go into collection before they start weighing negatively against your credit. Late and slow payments will also leave a mark.

Everything about your financial situation gets worse as your credit score plummets. If your credit score drops too low, you will not be able to get a loan at all. Any loan you manage to get will be a bad one that will cause more problems than it solves. When your credit has suffered injury, you need to take proactive measures to stop the bleeding. One of those measures is to get the money to, quite literally, keep the lights on. You are going to borrow that money from someone, make sure it is a good source that helps you solve your financial woes rather than contribute to them.

Get Control of Your Spending

One of the sure-fire ways to go broke is to buy things you really can’t afford. This is a calculus that most people are pretty bad at making. How much house can you really afford? Can you make the monthly payment five years from now? What if you are laid off? Just how much house can you really afford?

In some ways, all purchases are emotional purchases. You can survive that with small items in moderation. But as the price tag goes up, the emotional temperature has to come down. It is a short step from wise purchase to foolishly setting your money on fire. You credit score suffers every time you misjudge the distance between the two.

Fight Back When They Get It Wrong

You are not totally helpless with regard to your credit score. You can fight back. Before you start fighting, be sure they actually have the wrong information. Keep an eye on your credit report. There are many services that will show you your report for free. You would be surprised at how many times the information is inaccurate. You can usually dispute those details for free right from your service of choice.

Come Clean with Your Creditors

Even if you really are drowning in debt, you can still throw yourself at the mercy of your creditors. They actually want to make a deal with you. The calculus is simple: They can get something if they make a deal or get nothing if they don’t. You can also make a payment arrangement that is surprisingly agreeable. Just address it head on and it will go better than if you ignore the problem. Ignored problems always get worse.

Your credit score is mostly a black box that cannot be deciphered. Once it starts going in the wrong direction, it is easy to feel helpless and defeated. Fight that feeling by getting a timely loan to stop the bleeding. Get control of your spending. Fight back when they get it wrong. And call your creditors before they start calling you.