Writing a resume that includes experience gained from working at home is not much different from writing a regular resume. But there are some areas in which your WAHM skills beat the in-office competition. Here’s what you should be highlighting.
Organizational Skills
It’s easier to stay organized when the boss can drop in on your office at any moment. Not so much when the only one seeing your messy home office is your cat. Keeping your office organized is crucial to work at home success. It’s also a sign of respect—not only to your job, but to yourself.
Dedication and Professionalism
Sure, it was fun gabbing with the gals at the office but that doesn’t even compare to a Real Housewives marathon on Bravo! It takes sheer discipline—and professionalism—to keep yourself sitting at your desk and working when the TV calls your name, especially when your boss is not around to reprimand you.
Superior Communication Skills
When you worked in an office, you could always stroll down the hallway if you needed some clarification from a colleague. Now, you stroll down the hallway and you’re in your kitchen. Working at home requires excellent communication skills, especially when an email or an IM is unclear. Being vocal about your queries also lets your boss know that you’re serious about your job.
Focus
From your mother calling to your dogs looking longingly at you for a walk, there are incessant interruptions when you work at home. These calls for your attention are something that you simply don’t have to deal with when you work in an office. Being able to avoid distractions (yes, even Facebook counts as one) and concentrate on your work is a definite advantage.
Time Management Skills
When you can start—and end—your work day as you please, it’s easy to let the hours slip by. Being able to keep track of time—and stay on top of your work—without a boss breathing down your neck is a skill coveted by all employers.
When you are revamping your resume, you should definitely utilize your work at home strengths to your advantage. After all, these skills will be beneficial for any job that you apply for in the future.
Jennifer Parris is the Career Writer for FlexJobs, an award-winning service that helps job-seekers find professional opportunities that offer work flexibility, such as telecommuting, freelance, part-time or alternative schedules. To learn more about Jennifer, visit FlexJobs.com or tweet @flexjobs.
So you want to work at home? You've searched high and low and been scammed out of your hard earned money and you still haven't found a way to work at home. If that sounds like you and your story, then you're not alone. Find work at home job leads here Sign up for daily jobs leads by email
Sunday, January 25, 2015
Saturday, January 24, 2015
How to Make Smart & Good Money with Fiverr
Learn how to make smart movie with Fiverr Fiverr is a marketplace that allows anyone to buy or sell services, or "gigs" as they call them, for $5. Launched in 2010, Fiverr has been a smash hit and is one of the most popular classified boards in the world.
Here are some of the gigs that you work on Fiverr
Video
Graphic Design
Copy writing
Online Tutors
Social Media marketing tasks
Blog posts Translation
Music
Wordpress Script installation
Here is what works for one fiverr doing writing which is a very common freelance gig.
.
I created a gig to write 400 words of a buyer/s choice of topic for $5. Fiverr takes $1 for every $5 someone spends. So, I made very very little for each article to start. That was my choice to do that to bring in more buyers. You can set your gig for whatever you like. You do not have to be a writer, you can create any job you like for the $5. I personally enjoy writing, so that is what I chose. Content writing is very valuable, so it is a hot commodity on Fiverr. Not all jobs on Fiverr will bring in a lot of orders. I have had a lot of success on the site because I have been willing to write a lot of well researched material for a very low price. Since I stuck it out there for so long, I was able to raise my prices, and people still hired me at the higher price. I am not currently on Fiverr right now, and that is because I’m working so much for Lifetricks. com and I blog for 5 people every week. I also have a few other clients that I write website content for every so often.
A few things I wish I had known before I created my first gig on Fiverr.
-I wish I had set my gig for a longer period of time. I started it at 3 days, but eventually set my turn around time on a project for 7 days.
-If I had known how valuable content writing is, I would have started the gig at 350 words for $5, since that would encourage a buyer to purchase the gig twice for a more lengthy article.
-If I had known there would have been no shortage of orders, I wouldn’t have accepted every single article request asked of me. It took me three months to feel comfortable telling a buyer that I couldn’t do the article they were asking, for different reasons. It is ok to tell a buyer you don’t want to take on a project. There will be other buyers.
-It is time consuming and you should expect to put in a lot more time then what you are being paid for at least for the first month or two. You’ll develop regular people who come to you all the time. After a month, you can add on a tip to your gig. If you are good at what you do, people will give you the tip. I received many tips. 🙂
It is a learning process, and your experience may not be like mine. Not everyone has success on Fiverr but a lot of people do. I had the ability to hone in on my writing skills with little expectations. People do not expect to get good quality articles at $5, so I was given a lot of grace for writing that may not have been that well put together. Fiverr made a gateway for me to find opportunities to work for other websites, and also to realize that I can in fact blog on a regular basis.
If I had any real wisdom to share it would be, stay patient and flexible. With internet businesses, you do not know which ones will be successful and which ones will fold. There is no guarantee in any of this. So, build up a good clientele with whatever your freelance work should happen to be, so that if one of their sites doesn’t work out, the you still have other projects to fall back on.
I hope this helps anyone who is feeling hesitant about creating a gig on Fiverr. At the end of the day, what is the worse thing that can happen? You open a gig, it doesn’t bring in any money, and you do something instead. 🙂
Sign up for Fiverr here
Here are some of the gigs that you work on Fiverr
Video
Graphic Design
Copy writing
Online Tutors
Social Media marketing tasks
Blog posts Translation
Music
Wordpress Script installation
Here is what works for one fiverr doing writing which is a very common freelance gig.
.
I created a gig to write 400 words of a buyer/s choice of topic for $5. Fiverr takes $1 for every $5 someone spends. So, I made very very little for each article to start. That was my choice to do that to bring in more buyers. You can set your gig for whatever you like. You do not have to be a writer, you can create any job you like for the $5. I personally enjoy writing, so that is what I chose. Content writing is very valuable, so it is a hot commodity on Fiverr. Not all jobs on Fiverr will bring in a lot of orders. I have had a lot of success on the site because I have been willing to write a lot of well researched material for a very low price. Since I stuck it out there for so long, I was able to raise my prices, and people still hired me at the higher price. I am not currently on Fiverr right now, and that is because I’m working so much for Lifetricks. com and I blog for 5 people every week. I also have a few other clients that I write website content for every so often.
A few things I wish I had known before I created my first gig on Fiverr.
-I wish I had set my gig for a longer period of time. I started it at 3 days, but eventually set my turn around time on a project for 7 days.
-If I had known how valuable content writing is, I would have started the gig at 350 words for $5, since that would encourage a buyer to purchase the gig twice for a more lengthy article.
-If I had known there would have been no shortage of orders, I wouldn’t have accepted every single article request asked of me. It took me three months to feel comfortable telling a buyer that I couldn’t do the article they were asking, for different reasons. It is ok to tell a buyer you don’t want to take on a project. There will be other buyers.
-It is time consuming and you should expect to put in a lot more time then what you are being paid for at least for the first month or two. You’ll develop regular people who come to you all the time. After a month, you can add on a tip to your gig. If you are good at what you do, people will give you the tip. I received many tips. 🙂
It is a learning process, and your experience may not be like mine. Not everyone has success on Fiverr but a lot of people do. I had the ability to hone in on my writing skills with little expectations. People do not expect to get good quality articles at $5, so I was given a lot of grace for writing that may not have been that well put together. Fiverr made a gateway for me to find opportunities to work for other websites, and also to realize that I can in fact blog on a regular basis.
If I had any real wisdom to share it would be, stay patient and flexible. With internet businesses, you do not know which ones will be successful and which ones will fold. There is no guarantee in any of this. So, build up a good clientele with whatever your freelance work should happen to be, so that if one of their sites doesn’t work out, the you still have other projects to fall back on.
I hope this helps anyone who is feeling hesitant about creating a gig on Fiverr. At the end of the day, what is the worse thing that can happen? You open a gig, it doesn’t bring in any money, and you do something instead. 🙂
Sign up for Fiverr here
Tuesday, January 06, 2015
How to Make a Living as a Freelance Writer
As the traditional publishing industry has shrunk over the past decade, some writers are actually finding it easier to earn a full-time living.
For Jeff Goins, it all started with building his own following. Once his audience grew, traditional publishers came knocking.
But getting published wasn’t the key to earning a living. Jeff was already on his way to earning a full-time income by that point, through self-publishing and selling his own online programs. Getting published was an itch he still wanted to scratch, but for different reasons.
In this interview, Jeff shares the insider details every aspiring writer should know about what it really takes to earn a living in today’s environment. In many ways there are more opportunities for writers than ever before.
How to get Started with Upwork
Here’s some of what you’ll learn in the interview:
When you should “officially” consider yourself a writer
How Jeff made a habit of writing every day for over a year
When Jeff went from wanting to be heard to wanting to earn a living
How much money Jeff earned from his book advance
How to learn what your audience will pay for
Why what’s obvious to you might be amazing to someone else
Why “getting published” isn’t the golden ticket most writers hope for
How much revenue an ebook can generate compared to a book deal
How Jeff transitioned from simple ebook to full-fledged online course
Where advertising and affiliate income fits in the overall picture
How many revenue streams writers typically have
Other options for income (speaking, coaching, ghost writing)
For Jeff Goins, it all started with building his own following. Once his audience grew, traditional publishers came knocking.
But getting published wasn’t the key to earning a living. Jeff was already on his way to earning a full-time income by that point, through self-publishing and selling his own online programs. Getting published was an itch he still wanted to scratch, but for different reasons.
In this interview, Jeff shares the insider details every aspiring writer should know about what it really takes to earn a living in today’s environment. In many ways there are more opportunities for writers than ever before.
How to get Started with Upwork
Here’s some of what you’ll learn in the interview:
When you should “officially” consider yourself a writer
How Jeff made a habit of writing every day for over a year
When Jeff went from wanting to be heard to wanting to earn a living
How much money Jeff earned from his book advance
How to learn what your audience will pay for
Why what’s obvious to you might be amazing to someone else
Why “getting published” isn’t the golden ticket most writers hope for
How much revenue an ebook can generate compared to a book deal
How Jeff transitioned from simple ebook to full-fledged online course
Where advertising and affiliate income fits in the overall picture
How many revenue streams writers typically have
Other options for income (speaking, coaching, ghost writing)
Sunday, October 26, 2014
8 Warnings Signs for Work at Home Job Scams
CBS moneywatch did a recent article of 8 things to watch for work at home job scams. Here are their tips
Few details: Real job postings include lots of detail about the actual job, the skills required and the title. If a job is short on requirements -- from hours and duties to the kind of skill required -- but talks repeatedly about the flexible nature of the work, consider it a red flag.
High pay/low effort: Listen to your gut, says Durst. Is somebody really going to be offering you easy work and a flexible schedule for high pay? Promising that their "guaranteed system" will make you a mint, if you act now? Get real. Unless your skill set is in such high demand that you'd get as much or more from a brick-and-mortar position, a work-at-home opportunity isn't either. If is sounds too goo to be true it probably is
Burned applicants: Before applying for an online opportunity, type in the name of the company and "scam," suggests Fell. If it's one of the many bogus jobs, you'll quickly find web-based complaints. Durst also likes work-at-home forums, such as those at wahm.com and workplacelikehome.com. She suggests that anyone serious about finding good opportunities, register at these sites and just lurk in the forums to find out what other people are complaining about. "Hell hath no fury like a mom scammed," she says. "If somebody's been burned, they're going to tell you about it in no uncertain terms." Agreed work of mouth on these "jobs" is fast. I will often type if company name and scam into google and tons of stuff will come up
Upfront cash: Real jobs pay you. You don't pay the employer. Unless you're buying a franchise (and that's another story altogether), you should not have to pay to get paid. Don't be fooled by slick claims, testimonials or "guaranteed programs" designed to make you rich. If they're asking for money in advance to get a job, they're likely to be crooks. Dont spend your own money here there are some legit companies like LiveOps and Arise that do a background check that do a small charge-do your home work here
Too much information: Though most work-at-home scams seek cash payments from victims, a few appear to be going after the personal information that could make you a target of identity theft. You don't need to put your Social Security number or driver's license number on a job application. If the application asks for those identifying numbers or for a credit card number, back away. Hold off on giving your social security number until you are fillling out a W-9 form
Anonymous emails: If you're dealing with a human resources manager at a particular company, their email address should be coming from the company's domain name, not an anonymous domain like Gmail, Yahoo or AT&T. A real company is going to use a real email addy
Unprofessional communication: Job postings and email communications with multiple exclamation marks, misspellings and grammatical errors are also likely to be scams.
Over payments: One of the pervasive mystery shopper scams provides big up-front checks to mystery shoppers, who are instructed to deposit the money in their own bank accounts; use what they need to buy an inexpensive product and pay themselves a fee. The mystery shopper is then told to wire the remaining funds back to the "employer." In reality, the check the scammer gave you is a forgery. But it may be a good enough fake to keep your bank guessing past the point when banking rules require that they "provisionally" provide the funds. What does that mean? It will look like the check cleared. But the bank will debit your account later if the check is a fake -- and that could happen weeks after you've spent the money. You're on the hook for the cost of the purchased products, whatever amount you refunded to the crook, as well as any overdraft fees that the fake check caused.
Friday, October 03, 2014
Freelance writing and blogging jobs October 3rd
We have an immediate
need for sharp copy editors who can help with a few large projects. Copy
editing teams are fine, too.
Requirements include:
* You MUST be able to follow very specific directives. These projects are big and come with lots of directives, like how long to make meta descriptions, keywords and HTML coding.
* English must be your first language. Grammar and punctuation is vitally important.
* You must be able to copy edit on a tight deadline.
This is adult content (but not pornographic).
Requirements include:
* You MUST be able to follow very specific directives. These projects are big and come with lots of directives, like how long to make meta descriptions, keywords and HTML coding.
* English must be your first language. Grammar and punctuation is vitally important.
* You must be able to copy edit on a tight deadline.
This is adult content (but not pornographic).
Are you an avid follower of the cloud industry’s latest
trends and news? You are not afraid of the words cloud web hosting, online
backup? Can you write 1,000 word post without tripping over common grammar
mistakes and spelling errors?
If so, please get in touch with us at Cloudwards.net for a writing gig.
Here are the qualifications you’ll need to join us:
1. A solid grasp of the English language, you will be tested over this more than once.
2. Basic knowledge and understanding of the cloud industry. If you’ve never heard of Dropbox, and don’t how to use it, this might not be the gig for you. In order to be considered for this gig please add the words blue panda to your application.
3. A healthy respect for deadlines. Seriously, no late party poopers allowed!
4. A casual yet informative tone, that can engage readers without speaking down to them.
If so, please get in touch with us at Cloudwards.net for a writing gig.
Here are the qualifications you’ll need to join us:
1. A solid grasp of the English language, you will be tested over this more than once.
2. Basic knowledge and understanding of the cloud industry. If you’ve never heard of Dropbox, and don’t how to use it, this might not be the gig for you. In order to be considered for this gig please add the words blue panda to your application.
3. A healthy respect for deadlines. Seriously, no late party poopers allowed!
4. A casual yet informative tone, that can engage readers without speaking down to them.
We are looking for a blogger that can write 1,000 to 2,000
word articles 2x per week including photos on the following topics:
-Cooking & recipes
-Culinary practices
-Culinary fashion
-And restaurant business
Articles needs to be:
-Visual driven, including images to illustrate recipes and examples. (If you can provide photography, even better.)
-Have personality. Example: http://theelliotthomestead.com/2014/09/homemade-pesto-recipe/
-Backed with data and example for any claims.
-Cooking & recipes
-Culinary practices
-Culinary fashion
-And restaurant business
Articles needs to be:
-Visual driven, including images to illustrate recipes and examples. (If you can provide photography, even better.)
-Have personality. Example: http://theelliotthomestead.com/2014/09/homemade-pesto-recipe/
-Backed with data and example for any claims.
. Freelance
Copywriter Needed for eCommerce Store
Project: Web copywriting services for an ecommerce store that specializes in bags and accessories. Description: To rewrite and optimize the copy with heavy emphasis on the benefits of our products. The current copy is very features-heavy and we want it to be geared towards product benefits ..
Project: Web copywriting services for an ecommerce store that specializes in bags and accessories. Description: To rewrite and optimize the copy with heavy emphasis on the benefits of our products. The current copy is very features-heavy and we want it to be geared towards product benefits ..
Freelance
Blogger
Peace Bicycles is a new brand and we need a Bicycle Expert/Enthusiast Blogger for Peacebicycles.com. Your job would be to write useful entertaining information like how to's and advice as a useful source for our customers and to attract traffic back to our eccommerce site ...
Peace Bicycles is a new brand and we need a Bicycle Expert/Enthusiast Blogger for Peacebicycles.com. Your job would be to write useful entertaining information like how to's and advice as a useful source for our customers and to attract traffic back to our eccommerce site ...
Freelance
Fact-Checker
Candidates must have experience fact-checking feature stories at a monthly magazine. Please include at least one reference in your cover letter. Responsibilities include fact-checking feature stories and essays on a semi-regular basis. Some additional research/sidebar work may be necessary .
Candidates must have experience fact-checking feature stories at a monthly magazine. Please include at least one reference in your cover letter. Responsibilities include fact-checking feature stories and essays on a semi-regular basis. Some additional research/sidebar work may be necessary .
Freelance
Copywriter
Mindhard is looking for a freelance copywriter with experience writing explainer videos for the tech industry. This is an offsite position working on one client project. You may be required to come in for one or two meetings. Please send resume, writing samples/portfolio and freelance rate card .
Mindhard is looking for a freelance copywriter with experience writing explainer videos for the tech industry. This is an offsite position working on one client project. You may be required to come in for one or two meetings. Please send resume, writing samples/portfolio and freelance rate card .
Freelance Content Web Writer
We are looking for a Freelance Content Web Writer to help write content for our Web Site www.ciberspring(com). We are moving to a company more focused on Digital Marketing and Marketing Automation. Any experience with writing content for a company like that is a huge plus ...
We are looking for a Freelance Content Web Writer to help write content for our Web Site www.ciberspring(com). We are moving to a company more focused on Digital Marketing and Marketing Automation. Any experience with writing content for a company like that is a huge plus ...
Freelance Writers
Apartment Ratings, the largest online rating community for rental housing, is looking for experienced writing professionals to become regular blog contributors. Were looking for individuals who write with a friendly and conversational tone that can provide information to our readers ...
Apartment Ratings, the largest online rating community for rental housing, is looking for experienced writing professionals to become regular blog contributors. Were looking for individuals who write with a friendly and conversational tone that can provide information to our readers ...
Freelance Writer (NJ)
We are an outdoor and hiking, guidebook publisher looking for an outdoor enthusiast. We are looking for a person who is passionate about hiking in New Jersey. This is a paid job for an experienced writer who is passionate about hiking in New Jersey ...
We are an outdoor and hiking, guidebook publisher looking for an outdoor enthusiast. We are looking for a person who is passionate about hiking in New Jersey. This is a paid job for an experienced writer who is passionate about hiking in New Jersey ...
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Real Work at home telecommuting jobs Sept 23rd
We're currently accepting applications for our part-time
Contact Center opportunities. These opportunities are Work-from-Home positions
that require sound customer service skills and the desire to meet the needs of
our customers. The ideal candidates will possess strong communication and
computer skills.
Our Classes will be starting in the near future.
If your qualifications meet the requirements and
qualifications of the position, we will reach out to you for an interview
Kaplan Pre-College has an immediate opening for a Verbal
Content Developer. The successful candidate will work hands-on as a key member
of the Content and Curriculum team to develop high-quality print, online,
digital, and question-based content for PSAT, SAT, and ACT products.
Kaplan Pre-College is a highly collaborative team that works in a fast-paced environment to create high-quality PSAT/SAT/ACT course, retail, and K12 materials, test questions, video content, and support media for delivery via print, digital, live online, and mobile devices. The Verbal Content Developer will report to the Pre College-Content Manager -- Verbal.
JOB SUMMARY
• Revise, edit, and develop pedagogically-sound student- and teacher-facing content for PSAT, SAT, and ACT programs including retail, course, and K12
• Revise, edit, and develop pedagogically-sound lesson content complete with homework questions, and answer explanations
• Revise, edit, and develop video scripts, Classroom Anywhere slides, and content for digital resources
• Partner with the training team to develop appropriate training resources for new and veteran instructors
Kaplan Pre-College is a highly collaborative team that works in a fast-paced environment to create high-quality PSAT/SAT/ACT course, retail, and K12 materials, test questions, video content, and support media for delivery via print, digital, live online, and mobile devices. The Verbal Content Developer will report to the Pre College-Content Manager -- Verbal.
JOB SUMMARY
• Revise, edit, and develop pedagogically-sound student- and teacher-facing content for PSAT, SAT, and ACT programs including retail, course, and K12
• Revise, edit, and develop pedagogically-sound lesson content complete with homework questions, and answer explanations
• Revise, edit, and develop video scripts, Classroom Anywhere slides, and content for digital resources
• Partner with the training team to develop appropriate training resources for new and veteran instructors
Like Facebook? Ready to tweet at a moment’s notice? As a social media professional mod, you’ll work with today’s top and emerging clients to rock out a killer social media strategy. Social media managers are on the front lines of their community: listening, engaging, and gathering feedback as both the voice and ears for their brand. Organized, driven, and motivated, social media professionals are also savvy with creating comprehensive reports to share with marketing, developers, PR, and customer service teams.
The Care Manager
II –Pre-Service Review/Prior Auth performs advanced and complicated case review
and first level determination approvals for inpatient, outpatient and ancillary
services requests, exclusive to a Medicare population. Reviews include medical
appropriateness and medical necessity determination requiring considerable
clinical judgment, independent analysis, critical-thinking skills and detailed
knowledge of departmental procedures and clinical guidelines. Acts as liaison
between the beneficiary and the network provider and HN to utilize appropriate
and cost effective medical resources.
This
is an overnight position which will include weekend shifts and some daytime
shifts. There are two shift options available:
-Monday and Tuesday 7:30PM - 6:00AM, Saturday 10:30AM - 9:00PM, Sunday 9:30AM - 8:00PM
-Friday - Monday 7:30PM - 6:00AM
This position is work at home, however, the candidate must reside near our offices in Austin, TX, Sandy, UT, Hartford, CT, Arlington, TX, San Diego, CA, or New Albany, OH.
The Health Concierge Associate provides targeted, personalized service based on a holistic view of the member, benefits, health information, and through engagement. Handles customer service inquiries and problems via telephone, internet, web-chat or written correspondence. Engages, consults and educates members by delivering individualized programs based upon the members unique needs and preferences. Utilizes resources to assist customers in understanding components of the Aetna products including claims, accumulators, usage and balances, and cost sharing.
-Monday and Tuesday 7:30PM - 6:00AM, Saturday 10:30AM - 9:00PM, Sunday 9:30AM - 8:00PM
-Friday - Monday 7:30PM - 6:00AM
This position is work at home, however, the candidate must reside near our offices in Austin, TX, Sandy, UT, Hartford, CT, Arlington, TX, San Diego, CA, or New Albany, OH.
The Health Concierge Associate provides targeted, personalized service based on a holistic view of the member, benefits, health information, and through engagement. Handles customer service inquiries and problems via telephone, internet, web-chat or written correspondence. Engages, consults and educates members by delivering individualized programs based upon the members unique needs and preferences. Utilizes resources to assist customers in understanding components of the Aetna products including claims, accumulators, usage and balances, and cost sharing.
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
How to live on a budget for WAHM & Freelance Writers
Forbes did a recent article on how freelancers should budget their money! Some great tips that I wanted to share since so many WAHM doing freelance writing and small gigs.
1. Know what you’re spending.
The most important money principle for everyone — freelancer and full-timer — is to spend less than you earn . So knowing where your money goes is key to proper budgeting. If you don’t already, track your spending. You can do this in whatever way you are most likely to stick with — a spreadsheet, a notebook, an automated program like Mint, or one of the numerous other financial apps that aim to help you manage your money.
2. Create a baseline budget using a conservative number.
Track your income for a few months and see what you’re averaging. Or, if you have records from the last several months or year, determine your average from that. Let’s say in the last three months, you earned $2,000, then $4,000 and then $3,000. Create a budget using $2,500 as your limit, remembering that 30% of that money will go to taxes. If this figure won’t cover what you’re spending monthly, we’ll go over how to fix that in a moment. “Some people have a situation where they have enough cons
3. Come up with your dream budget.
The methods outlined above are good for helping you live within your means. But if you’re not making enough money or are new to freelancing or just lost a client, then you may be looking at that math and feeling like things are a little too close for comfort, or even realizing that you’re in the red.
4. If your dream budget number is vastly higher than your first, cut costs.
You may be in danger of getting into debt because your income may not cover your costs. If so, go back and see how you can cut your costs, starting with recurring ones.
5. Try the 50/20/30 method of budgeting.
You may be wondering how much you should spend on different expenses. Some people like the 50/20/30 guideline Take your income and subtract whatever you are paying to taxes. From there, divide your expenses into three categories — 1. Necessities like housing, transportation, groceries and utilities, 2. “Paying yourself” in savings, retirement contributions and paying down debt, and 3. Discretionary spending on items like going out, shopping, travel, entertainment, fitness, etc. — and allocate no more than 50% of your income to necessities, no less than 20% to paying yourself and no more than 30% on discretionary spending. Notice that the emphasis is on saving more or putting more toward debt when you can.
6. Give yourself a weekly allowance.
Once you’ve determined your monthly discretionary spending limit (the “30” if you’re following 50/20/30), break it down into a weekly allowance. “This works really well for a lot of my clients, because they say, ‘I know my bills are paid, I know I’m putting aside money for taxes and savings each month, and I just need to keep track of this number,’” says Bera.
7. Give yourself a paycheck. After you’ve gotten into a predictable rhythm with income, bills and your weekly spending, you can try creating a paycheck for yourself. Let’s say you decide you need $4,000 to live on every month and that $4,000 is your monthly average income after taxes.
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