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The Hustle Is Real: What No One Tells You About Working a Second Job to Get Out of Debt

April 8, 2025 By Teri Monroe Leave a Comment

things you need to know about having a second job — Image Source: Pexels

Working a second job to pay off your debt is no easy feat. For many, this is the only way to comfortably pay off their debt, especially since wages haven’t increased with inflation. NBC News reported that inflation outpaced wage growth for most workers in late 2021 and early 2022. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in February 2025, 9 million Americans, or 5.5% of the civilian workforce, were working multiple jobs, marking the highest level since 2009.

The rising cost of household essentials has taken a toll on many families, pushing them further into debt. If this sounds similar to your situation, you may be considering working a second job. Before you start your search for an additional job, here are things that people won’t tell you about working a second job to get out of debt.

You Might Get Burnt Out

No one will tell you how fast you will get burnt out managing more than one job. Demanding schedules may leave you with less sleep and more stress daily. Make sure that you have an outlet to unwind and relax when you have downtime, or you may find yourself stressed and irritable more often. Self-care becomes even more important when you have a second job.

You Won’t Have Balance

You may struggle to find any work-life balance. You also might miss out on many important events with your friends and family because you don’t have adequate time off. This may also strain your relationships over time. At some point, this might not be sustainable for you.

You Still May Struggle to Pay Off Debt

You’ll have to be cognizant of lifestyle creep if you’re earning more. Managing your expenses and budgeting is very important when trying to pay down debt. Make sure that you have a plan as to how you’ll pay down your debt with your additional income, otherwise, you may not spend that additional money wisely.

Decline in Performance

If you’re stretched too thin, your work performance may decline. This could put both of your jobs at risk. Make sure that you are able to devote enough time to both of your jobs before taking on additional commitments. You’ll also have to consider if having a second job is a conflict of interest. Make sure to contact your HR Department if you are unsure, especially if you have a non-compete clause in your employment contract.

Opportunity Cost

The time that you spend on a second job could be used to increase your knowledge and skills, helping you grow in your primary job. You may be limiting your long-term career growth if you choose to have more than one job.

You’ll Pay More in Taxes

If you enter a different tax bracket because of your increased income, you’ll probably pay more in taxes. Make sure that you are filing your taxes appropriately if you have more than one job.

What are some reasons that you feel like you need a second job? How do you handle more than one job? Let us know your experience in the comments.

If You Stay With Her: 10 Reasons She’ll Always Keep You Broke

April 2, 2025 By Shay Huntley Leave a Comment

A couple leaving the shop after a successful shopping day. — Image Source: 123rf.com

Relationships are often built on love and shared values, but financial compatibility plays a critical role in long-term stability. Staying in a relationship with someone whose habits undermine financial growth can lead to a constant cycle of stress and stagnation. The following are ten reasons why staying with “her” (or any partner with these tendencies) might keep you from achieving financial security.

1. She Spends Beyond Her Means

A partner who constantly lives beyond her financial capacity may drain both your budget and future savings. Whether it’s unnecessary shopping sprees or luxury vacations, overspending quickly depletes resources. This behavior creates an unsustainable lifestyle and leaves little room for financial growth or stability.

2. She Avoids Budgeting

Financial planning requires discipline and cooperation. If she refuses to stick to a budget or ignores the importance of tracking expenses, it can lead to long-term financial chaos. Without a shared commitment to budgeting, it’s difficult to make progress toward shared goals like homeownership or retirement savings.

3. She Criticizes Your Financial Goals

A supportive partner respects and encourages your ambition, whether that means saving for a business or paying off debt. However, if she dismisses your financial plans or questions your priorities, it can hinder progress. Financial mismatches often emerge when values and goals aren’t aligned.

4. She Seeks Instant Gratification

When impulse purchases or instant rewards take precedence over long-term financial decisions, savings suffer. A partner focused on immediate gratification may not value investment opportunities or saving for the future. This tendency can undermine efforts to build wealth and secure stability.

5. She Rejects Financial Responsibility

Taking ownership of financial decisions is key in any relationship. If she avoids responsibilities like paying bills or managing joint expenses, the burden may fall disproportionately on you. Over time, this imbalance can lead to resentment and financial strain.

6. She Has Uncontrolled Debt

Close-up Of Debt Card And Debt Text On Stacked Wooden Block — Image Source: 123rf.com

Debt itself isn’t necessarily bad—many people rely on loans or credit for major life purchases. However, a partner who accrues debt irresponsibly or avoids repayment can sabotage your financial health. It’s crucial to address and manage debt together to avoid long-term repercussions.

7. She Ignores Financial Education

Financial literacy empowers individuals to make smarter decisions about money. A partner who isn’t willing to learn or improve her financial knowledge may struggle to contribute effectively to shared goals. Avoiding education can lead to missed opportunities and costly mistakes.

8. She Relies Exclusively on Your Income

A relationship built on mutual contribution fosters equality and stability. If she consistently relies on your income without exploring her earning potential, the dynamic becomes one-sided. Financial independence is important for both partners, ensuring a balanced and secure future.

9. She Prefers Short-Term Comfort Over Long-Term Security

Savings, investments, and careful planning require sacrifice and foresight. A partner who prioritizes short-term comforts—such as frequent dining out or extravagant purchases—over long-term financial goals can limit progress. Aligning priorities is crucial for building a sustainable future.

10. She Resists Change

Acknowledging financial habits and making adjustments requires self-awareness and a willingness to change. If she refuses to recognize harmful spending behaviors or actively resists improvement, it can prevent meaningful growth. Financial success often depends on adaptability and commitment to change.

Prioritize Financial Compatibility

Love is vital in a relationship, but financial compatibility ensures long-term success. If your partner exhibits these habits and refuses to address them, it’s worth re-evaluating the relationship’s impact on your future. Open communication and shared responsibility are key to overcoming financial challenges.

Have you experienced similar financial struggles in a relationship? Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below!

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New City, New Life? 9 Financial Struggles You’ll Face (And How to Survive Them)

April 1, 2025 By Teri Monroe Leave a Comment

Moving to a new city comes with excitement, but also unexpected expenses. From relocation costs to housing, taxes, and a higher cost of living, your budget may take a hit. So how can you stay financially stable during the transition? Here’s how to navigate the challenges and keep your finances in check.

1. High Moving Costs

Moving costs, especially if you are moving far can be a financial burden. If you are moving for work, ask your employer about a relocation package to help offset some of these costs. Otherwise, you may want to consider doing some of the moving yourself by renting a U-Haul truck or packing up your belongings yourself. This can help you save a good amount of money.

2. Housing Costs

Housing costs are usually one of the biggest financial stressors when you move. You may be stretched thin trying to provide money for rent including a security deposit. If you’re buying a home, your down payment and mortgage payments may also have drained your savings. If you’re feeling broke, make sure to adjust your spending habits until you can get back on track.

3. Increased Cost of Living

The things you once were able to comfortably afford may be more expensive in your new city. Groceries, gas, and eating out may all be more expensive. If this is the case, make sure you adjust your budget accordingly and consider bringing in additional income if you can’t find ways to make your budget work with an increased cost of living.

4. Lifestyle Creep

Is your new city more expensive than your last? You may find that lifestyle creep becomes a financial struggle for you. The things you once were able to afford may not be within budget anymore. You also may feel a strong fear of missing out on experiences in your new city. Try and balance how you spend your money and not let your new city blow your budget.

5. New Job Hunt

If you move without a job, you may face the financial struggle of job hunting. Hopefully, you’ll be able to use your emergency fund or savings to get you by while you look for a new job.

6. Transportation Costs

You may need to get around in a different way when you move. Maybe you’re used to walking or using public transit, but that isn’t an option in your new location. You may need to invest in a car if that is the only way to get from place to place.

7. Higher Taxes

If your new area has higher taxes, make sure that you budget appropriately. You may have to pay more in income tax, sales tax, or property tax in your new city.

8. Higher Utility Bills

Changes in weather in your new city may leave you with higher utility bills than you are used to. Especially when you are unsure how much your utilities may cost, it may come as a shock. To lower your bills use energy-efficient appliances, unplug devices, and compare utility providers.

9. Healthcare Costs

When moving to a new city, make sure that your new doctors are in-network. Don’t get caught going to doctors that are out-of-network, which will cost you more out-of-pocket. Especially if you are switching healthcare plans, your premiums may also increase in a new city. Be sure to check what your insurance coverage entails.

Are you moving to a new city? What unexpected costs have surprised you?

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