Every business is drastically different, run in a way that the owner sees fit. Each boss lists important statistics they believe are vital to the success of the company. Some owners might get caught up in the passion they have for a growing business, and may lack the insight to recognize if they are actually hurting the group. Here are some warning signs that your business is not being run in the most efficient and healthy manner. Continue reading
With the current job market it has become even more of a competitive race for employment positions. For recent college grads, the goal of finding a full-time job may seem imperative, yet lofty. Now, more than ever, it is vital to find ways that allow your skills and personality to shine through when interviewing. Here are several tips that will help you stand out from the crowd: Continue reading
It’s no secret that the recent economic crisis has left us all in doubt of the future, and this can make it hard to stay focused and motivated in moving forward. In the workplace, a leaders job is to keep employees engaged and motivated in achieving long term goals. Here are some tips on how to do that. Continue reading
You may have to start small, but one day you can talk about how you did at festivals like the Dublin Writers Festival.
You don’t need a small fortune to create your own business. In fact, there are several jobs—fun and profitable jobs—that you can start now, and with little or no money: Continue reading
As the lazy, sun-soaked days of summer give way to autumn, preparation begins for another year of school. In our ever-costly world, even getting ready to learn comes with a price tag. The financial crisis of recent years has taken a toll on many of us. The need to make sound financial decisions, even on items like pencils and notebook paper, is increasingly important. Continue reading
Remember your first box of crayons? Whether it was the fat ones that come six to a pack or the box of 64, we had them, coloring was fun and little did we know, we were learning. Not all kids have that experience. Continue reading
Many smart phone owners view the term “there’s an app for that” as near gospel. There are few areas of life in which an uber-captivating iPhone or Android app can’t assist you. In the world of personal finance, this is particularly true as the market is flooded with apps to help you balance your checkbook, pay for items or find the cheapest prices. Below are a few apps that you will find useful in making daily financial decisions. Continue reading
One of the primary methods for investing in your future is purchasing stock. However, many people are confounded by it. The math intimidates them and the risk of financial loss scares them away. Nothing is as intimidating as it seems and with risk comes great reward, especially with money. Continue reading
Many of us fit into two categories; those who are responsible when it comes to finances and those who aren’t. If you fall into the latter, you need to read this. Continue reading
It may be tough to admit, but we know we need to make better decisions when it comes to money. Ever wonder how you got to that point? While we, as adults, are responsible for choices we make, good and bad, our basis for making financial decisions often comes from dear old mom and dad. Continue reading
Saving money is easier than you think and allows you to live the life you dreamed about
We all understand the importance of saving money. Even those most frivolous spenders among us recognize that they need to hold their money a little close to the vest.
However, the difference between the recognition of the need to save and the practice of it lies in the desire of the individual. That desire lies within her motivation to save and how easy it is to do so. Motivation is internal, but the ease of saving is not. There are tons of ways in which we can carve a dollar or two for ourselves. Here’s a few tips to do so in crucial areas of our lives. Continue reading
PayPal is one of the most widely used forms of online payment and invoice management in the world. But for those who have had bad experiences with PayPal or are cautious about putting their information online might, you may want to take a look at a few well-known alternatives. Continue reading
You hear it every day—these are difficult times. The economy continues to be soft; unemployment hovers dangerously around nine percent. Continue reading
These books will help your wallet get fatter!
With the economy struggling to bounce back from years of recession and unemployment, everyone is thinking hard about personal finance goals. If you are struggling to save and pay down your debt load, you are not alone. It is time to begin strategizing in new and creative ways, to keep your personal finances healthy. If you do not already have a library of finance books, get started. Continue reading
Get paid what you are worth! Regardless of how the economy is performing. Continue reading
With the new iPhone, your old iPhone might as well be one of these guys.
According to brand loyalists and all folks who refuse to use any other smart phone, the new Apple iPhone 4 is better than the model before it. Continue reading
Use these tips to get to this point.
Negotiations are an important part of your finances. It may be buying a home, re-upping a service contract or interviewing for a big job. In closing the deal, the proper attitude and actions will be your ticket to getting what you want.
Consider these tips: Continue reading
Managing your personal finances should not include a scream right out of a Halloween horror movie. If bills, receipts and mail seem to pile up, and you are not sure how much money you have in your checking and savings accounts, you could probably use some budgeting advice. Take a look at these budgeting tricks and treats, and keep the ghosts of past financial troubles out of your wallet.
Consider these steps on your road to retirement
The downward spiral of our economy, coupled with the threat of dried-up Social Security funds is pushing us to think of retirement, both on a deeper level and at an earlier age. What sorts of things should you keep in mind as you ponder the thought? Continue reading
Use these tips to have a great vacation on a budget.
There are several ways to have an affordable family vacation without having to sacrifice fun: Continue reading
Using a financial advisor to help you plan your investments, banking, insurance policies and retirement plans is a great way to get professional advice and peace of mind. However, putting your money and financial future into the hands of a financial advisor requires trust and confidence. You want to make sure you find the best fit for you, your money and your lifestyle. Interview several advisors and decide on the one who makes you feel comfortable and can deliver the best results. Continue reading
Aside from the convenience of an entire line of Apple products, what did Steve Jobs really provide for the public? What did we learn from him? What was the value of his life? For Apple lovers, this year was an emotional roller coast, first he got sick, then he resigned because he got sick, and then he passed away. There isn’t an app for emotional distortion, is there? Continue reading
A popular benefit offered by financial institutions is the electronic bill payment. This bonus lets you specify an automatic schedule to pay all your bills. Continue reading
There are six types of bankruptcy, according the U.S. Courts website: Chapter 7, Chapter 9, Chapter 11, Chapter 12, Chapter 13 and Chapter 15. The two most common types of bankruptcy are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13.
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The rising cost of day care is making it tough on single moms everywhere.
CNN Money recently ran a piece on the cost of child care, and the effect those costs are having on families. According to the National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies, the cost of putting two children into full time daycare or afterschool child care now surpasses the median annual rent cost in all 50 states. If this does not shock you, it should. Continue reading
Child care costs are rising, and families are finding that the cost is sucking up at least 20 percent of their household budget. According to the National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies, the amount of money it takes to put two children in child care is more than the amount of median rent payments in all 50 states. Here are some tips on how to save money on child care costs. Continue reading
When struggling in the current economic climate, travelling can be a case of champagne tastes on a beer budget. Do not worry—it does not mean missing a luxurious getaway. Try these tips to enjoy an elegant trip for less: Continue reading
Today is all about time management. Everyone is so busy with work, school, kids, professional and social responsibilities, who doesn’t have the time to be more productive? There are a number of ways to get things done faster, sooner, and at the same time. Decrease the amount of time it takes for you to get something done on each task today, and find yourself free of lists, messages, and notifications by the weekend. Here are a few ways to be more productive. Continue reading
Nowadays, the only way to not be able to buy stuff online is if you don’t have a computer.
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It is probably one of the worst feared chores all over the world. Doesn’t matter if you are beating it against a rock or have a remote to tell it to switch to spin cycle, laundry is the most tedious chore out there. Now can you imagine paying for it? College students, apartment residents, and single guys whose girlfriends are out of town need to venture to the nearby laundry mat to get their clothes clean. So aside from the need to pass the time between switching machines and folding, how can you save money on laundry? Continue reading
It can be convenient to eat out, order pizza, or buy already prepared items from the grocery store or your favorite local restaurant. However, those costs can add up, especially if you need to include a tip or delivery charge in the total. Make cooking and eating at home a priority. Not only is it a healthy idea for your body, but for your budget as well. You can save money by cooking at home with fresh food. Continue reading
Review sites can be an essential tool in determining the best product or service for you. Any basic Google search can give you thousands of opportunities to explore a product, item or service.
With the sheer number of options, a problem comes up—which items are best with review sites, and which sites are not worth the effort. When is the best time to use a review site? Continue reading
Yes, it’s true, tankless water heaters definitely come with some advantages, especially at this time of the year, where you’re likely to find yourself with a houseful of family and friends.
No need to worry about running out of hot water; tankless water heaters provide hot water on demand. As for your electricity bill for heating all that water, the experts say that it will most like be a little bit less than what it would cost to heat water in a regular water heater. Continue reading
Are you one of those people who needs to have cash on you at all times? While it can be convenient and easy to carry around bills for quick transactions, using ATM machines the wrong way can seriously hurt your bank account. Here are some tips on how to avoid these (often very well hidden) fees. Continue reading
Is being a jerk beneficial to your career? According to Cracked.com, it might be the case. A list of six things that sound bad for your career—but just might be good: Continue reading
Woo hoo! Coupons! Why pay full price for something when you know somewhere out there on the Internet “there’s a coupon for that.” Problem is that while there are a lot of sites promoting and collecting coupons for all sorts of things, there isn’t any thought to presentation or design.
So to help you out, Easy Financial Tips has a few of the better organized sites for you.
Ahhh, holiday breaks from university; a time to catch up on laundry, brag to your family about exemplary final marks and to get away from your roommate and his Modern Warfare marathons. Worrying about how you’ll manage to stand your great aunt Gertrude’s incessant spitting comes second to wondering how exactly you can get home without breaking the bank.
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Even the most dedicated of shoppers experience a shudder down their spine when they hear those words “Black Friday”. Driven to deal madness, shoppers wake before the sun arises to battle over parking spaces and tug-of-war over this Christmas’ hottest toys.
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One thing to remember when choosing a wine for Thanksgiving dinner is that there is no “perfect” wine for your celebration. However, there are a few strategies to make smart wine parings for the holiday. Continue reading
Go into that interview with confidence.
Everyone is in dire need of a job. But once you get that phone call for the interview, how do you prep? Do you prep at all? How do you ensure that you’re going to get the second interview or the job offer? There are certain things that every employer wants to see in their future employees. But doesn’t everyone know these tips, how do you get an edge over the competition? Continue reading
Keep your calendar open!
We have all heard of multi-tasking; it is the basis of our increasingly complex life. There are many tools to help you run multiple tasks simultaneously—from self-help books to technology. Even though we all look to be more productive, many believe that multi-tasking is somewhat of a myth.
To accomplish any job or profession requires a level of competency. The way to competency is through a heightened sense of concentration. Therefore, for anyone to be truly successful, the heart is in power to single-task—focusing on one thing at a time, and doing it well. Continue reading
Regift wisely!
It is certainly tempting—to accept a gift you do not want or need, and send it to some other recipient. Regifting can be easy, and a terrific way to save money, but it can cause discomfort if not done properly. Some believe to regift is not being honest in intentions, and can harm the feelings of the person who originally bought you the gift. Continue reading
We all love the season of giving (and receiving). Christmas is right around the corner, and we’re in the prime window to get some shopping done. Seeing as though most of our wallets are a little thinner than last year, here are some tips that can help you save some funds, and frustrations, on finding the perfect gifts this holiday season.
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Presenting yourself in a professional manner starts long before you get to this point.
Believe it or not, even college students should be networking; this is the time in your life when connections need to be made. The economy isn’t getting any better, and unless you plan on staying in school forever or going into the medical field this is you’re “in” to the working lifestyle. You probably don’t have a lot to offer any major corporations just yet, but the connections you make can lead to influential advice and possible internship opportunities. Here is how to get your networking, social and alike, on the right path. Continue reading
The job world is getting pretty competitive, and potential employers are relying more heavily on online application processes. By doing this they hope to keep their offices clear until they have time to dedicate to finding a new employee. To keep you at the top of the pile, consider the following tips for your resume:
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Extreme? We know, but you get the point.
For the organizationally inclined, making lists can keep the clutter out of your mind and on to the paper where they can be easily referenced. Plus, illustrating your to-do’s and desires make them that much more real, allowing you to devote your time to them.
Continue reading
Have you ever seen Cupcake Wars on the Food Network? It is quickly becoming one of my favorite shows. These bakers/artists create the most beautiful and delicious cupcakes you have ever seen. I have a total respect for what they do because while I am really good at eating cupcakes, when it comes to baking them, my cupcakes turn out looking like something a toddler created in her Easy Bake Oven. Continue reading
Small businesses are in a unique position right now, with the economy teetering on the brink of recovery. There have been many challenges for small businesses over the last few years, but for those who have survived the financial turbulence, many opportunities as well. As 2012 approaches, your business should be mapping out its strategic plan for the coming year. Here are three resolutions to help you succeed. Continue reading
Zappos' dedication to great customer service includes a generous return policy.
So, have you strategized how you will approach returning the gifts that weren’t quite right this year? According to statistics, about $50 billion in merchandise is returned to retailers during (or after) the holidays. Hopefully, your friends and family remembered to include gift receipts. It’s hard to return anything without a receipt. There are some companies who actually try to make it easy on you when you have something to return. These are the best: Continue reading
You made it! You graduated! You now have the degree your parents always wanted. Now what? You have two options:
get a job, end your social life, and move out,
or
wait a while, you need to find yourself, and move back home.
But how does any 20-something youth justify moving back in with Mom and Dad, their roof, their rules, and more chores and responsibilities. Here are the pros and cons to moving back in. Continue reading
If starting your own business is a resolution you planned for 2012, make sure you are prepared to hit the ground running. Planning is essential if you want to make this goal a reality, so sit down with your business partners, if you have them, and get ready to launch your new venture. Continue reading
Outsourcing payroll is a good idea, whether your business employs one person or over a thousand people. Using an external company can help ensure you do not make costly mistakes, and it will help you manage to get your workers as well as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) paid on time. However, if you do not know where to start when it comes to choosing a payroll company, the options might seem overwhelming. Don’t do an Internet search or pick a random firm out of the yellow pages. Instead, follow these tips. Continue reading
Sam and Vito aren't afriad of the big guys.
Big companies use size and strength to bully smaller businesses and dominate the marketplace. However, there are strategies you can use to hold your own when large players—like Wal-Mart—come to town: Continue reading
Performance review time is your opportunity to brag about yourself a little, especially if it means getting more money for the work you do. Sitting down with your supervisor to discuss your work and your goals for the coming year is a good time to assess your strengths and weaknesses. Make sure you are prepared for your review. Continue reading
Even if you like the job you have now, get to know LinkedIn for the job searching tool it can be. You never know when it’s going to come in handy. There are a variety of ways you can use LinkedIn to find your next job. Obviously, check your contacts for jobs, but be sure to use all the tools that LinkedIn has to offer. That means fill out your profile completely, making sure to use all the right keywords and phrases, as frequently as you can. For instance, if you’re going for a web designer position, then stock that profile full of “web” and “designer” and all other words employers looking for when they’re looking for a web designer. Continue reading
Frequent flyer programs are one of the best rewards for business travelers—also a terrific practice for free travel. Using a credit card for business should always be done carefully, but there are several ways you can maximize your bonus miles and points. Here are a few examples. Continue reading
Twitter is over five years old now, and has gained popularity around the world as a way to share short and sweet messages with any person or business that happens to be following you. I don’t know how many Twitter followers you can boast of, but I have 211. That’s fine for me, but if you are an internet business with a marketing strategy that depends on social media, you probably want more than that. There are services out there that can help you attract additional followers. In fact, you can even buy followers. Consider how important your tweets are to your business before you invest in these business models. Continue reading
Whether your company sells widgets or the ads that advertise the widgets, your team could always use a little more creativity. These are rocky economic times, and every company could use a few more free thinkers. Continue reading
Searching for a job in this economy is a challenge. With the unemployment rate refusing to drop fast enough, professionals who are out of work are becoming desperate, willing to take any job that comes with a paycheck. If you once had a high-level job, you might find that you are overqualified for the positions that are available. You would probably like to get hired for them anyway, even if it means working for less money and having fewer responsibilities. Employers may see you as overqualified, however, and be unwilling to hire you. What’s the best way to get around that? Continue reading
Devoting time and energy to a non-profit organization can be beneficial and frustrating at the same time. If you are aware of some of the factors involved with working for a non-profit, you can enjoy the pros, and not be blindsided by the cons. Continue reading
One of the most effective ways to promote your career is the job fair—by not only finding a new job, but also learning from people in all phases of their career. Your performance at a job fair can be your first step in being hired—it could even be seen as your first interview for the job.
With that in mind, be ready to shine with these tips: Continue reading
The first thing that needs to be addressed is that school starts with the parents. There is very little control given to a first grader when they start going to school. However, it does get to a point where the student has to be the primary driver of their educational career. This is the time that students need to realize that what they take from their education is directly associated with their future career ventures. Continue reading
The unemployment rate has dropped a bit, but that is little comfort to the millions of Americans who are still looking for work. There are challenges that go beyond the simple fact that there are fewer jobs and more people looking for them. Take these tips on facing those challenges, and get a fresh start on your job search. Continue reading
The high seas awaits!
How many times have I said to myself I should have gotten a job on a cruise ship? Putting in your work hours cannot be that bad when you are sailing the high seas, especially if you have time off to enjoy at the various ports of call. Cruise ships offer lots of entry level positions and one job you might want to consider, if you are social and outgoing, is the job of social director. Cruise ships like to have a social director on board who can help guests choose activities, entertainment and on shore excursions. You will have to do terrible work, such as attend cocktail parties, mingle with guests and talk about all of the fun things there are to do on board and at port. Continue reading
This may be a bit too far, but if it gives you a leg up on the competition, go for it!
So the job search isn’t going well, and it’s time to pull some “out-of-the-box” tactics? Okay, fair enough, try these: Continue reading
You know if you spend too much money for a gift for the spendthrift in your life, it will come back to bite you. Continue reading
If you are considering a major job change—particularly in the middle of your career—it is best if you have a solid plan. Seven ways you can get a complete change in professions without getting overwhelmed: Continue reading
Searching for a career in marketing? One thing is true, it will call on you to manage all your selling skills. The idea is simple—how can you sell a product if you cannot sell yourself? Continue reading
Customer service dealings can be a frightful experience, but I am a firm believer that if you treat people how you wish to be treated, customer service dealings can be fruitful and, dare I say, rewarding.
I have never been much a brand person. I have always taken quality, price, and usage into consideration before I made a purchase. While Nike may have been a better, well-known, brand I would sneak into a low grade shoe store and find a less expensive option. However, as time has gone on and financial avenues have opened up, I have taken into consideration that cheap, might not always be better for long-term materials. Continue reading
Even fun has a budget. Maybe you do not have enough money to spend wining and dining yourself at five star restaurants or engaging in thrill rides at the local amusement park, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a good time. Try one of these five fun things to do for under $5.00 next time you find yourself strapped for cash. Continue reading
The Outer Banks are one of the most beautiful and afforable parts of the country.
Big vacations come with big price tags. I’d love to go to Europe this year, or take the little one to Disney World, but it’s not quite in the budget. If you are wondering what to do for your vacation this year and you have little money to put aside for the adventure, consider some of these options. Staying close to home can still be fun. Continue reading
Jobs are available within radio broadcasting, but competition in the business can be intense. If you want a career in radio, there are some ways to get your foot in the door. Continue reading
There are many good reasons to merge your company with another company, or to acquire another business. Presumably you would do these things to strengthen your own company, and to help your shareholders and employees become more successful. It is not an endeavor to be taken lightly, however. Even if you are a small business acquiring an even smaller business, there are many legal and logistical things to consider. Here are three things to think about before you go ahead with that merger or acquisition. Continue reading
With huge interest rates and nasty penalties for missing a payment, you would think that there really isn’t any advantage to having a credit card. But you’d be wrong. Continue reading
Many people are surprised to discover I am an introvert. That tells me I know how to fake being an extrovert really well. The truth is, talking to people and networking with others scares me. All of my junior high insecurities come rushing back. What if they don’t like me? What if I can’t think of anything to say? Is Jason Mueller ever going to ask me to the dance? Wait, scratch that last one. If you are an introvert you are probably also very intelligent, intuitive and sensitive. Which means there is nothing to fear. Contrary to what you think, networking for you will be a breeze. Try these tips: Continue reading
Opening a gas station can be a good business investment, especially considering the dependency of Americans on their automobiles. People are going to need gasoline for a long time, even as technology begins to develop electric and hybrid cars. The first thing you need to do is put together a detailed business plan that outlines your vision. Once you have a plan in place, take these steps to get your gas station going. Continue reading
Negotiation skills—especially salary negotiation—is a gift that will help you in your career. Once mastered, these skills will significantly affect your earning power.
Some of the best negotiation tips: Continue reading
With foreclosures still flooding the market and home prices determined to remain at record lows in most cities, now might be a good time to purchase some rental properties. If you have the capital, or credit good enough to take advantage of low mortgage rates, buying houses in strategic locations and renting them out until the real estate market rebounds can be a great investment. Make sure you buy rental properties in an area where people rent. Usually, this means college towns or communities where young professionals gather. However, with the unpredictability of the housing market, criteria has changed. Here are some of the best cities for purchasing rental properties. Continue reading
Remember that Italian cruise ship that ran aground a few weeks ago? The Costa Concordia? What a tragedy. Lives were lost as well as well as the career and reputation of Francesco Schettino. Continue reading
It’s hard to believe, but retirement, or at least the “permanent vacation” part of it can get kind of boring after awhile. That’s because it’s a natural part of the human condition to feel wanted, to matter, to live a life with some sort of purpose.
That’s why many older people, some long into their retirement, are going back to work, at least part-time. Continue reading
Publishing an email newsletter is an easy way to get the word out about your life, interests or business. When you do it right, you gain followers, increase your traffic and have fun! Do it wrong, and you will waste time and energy—and lose money! Continue reading
There are a lot myths out there concerning the self-employed lifestyle, some of which you might be buying into yourself as you contemplate a career without a boss and working in your slippers. It’s time to set you straight. Continue reading
We get this question a lot: “Are computer programmers still in demand?” All we can say is the answer to that question is complicated. Continue reading
Most people spend Monday through Friday working, working with the same people day in, day out. Flirting comes naturally to humans; it’s a special way of behaving, which manifests itself in various forms of attracting attention; courting, and flirting. When two people, usually of the opposite sex, share signs of attention which have an erotic subtext. Flirting comes in many forms, a giggle, a graze, a suggestive comment or compliment, and everyone takes it differently. So, is this suggestive form of behavior right for your 9-5 office job? Continue reading
I am sure that most of us have been going on more job interviews lately, and the process is changing as companies are getting more selective because of the large unemployment market. Job interviews are a theatrical performance. Companies are throwing out tougher questions and demanding more specific answers. They want to make you uncomfortable and throw you something that you haven’t prepared for. Here are four questions you wouldn’t normally expect to be asked, and tips on how to answer them. Continue reading
As the years come to a close, students start to think about a way to get out of the classroom and into their desired field. Internships and apprenticeships are the way to do that. Today, apprenticeships remain a popular choice for young people, hands on experience is what the working world is looking for. As an apprentice, you are a professional in training. However, could this out of the classroom experience have a downside? What are the pros and cons of taking an apprenticeship? Continue reading
Frugal people do shop at Walmart and that's okay.
In a culture where consumerism is king and instant gratification is the norm, frugality is often looked down upon. When people think of frugality, they often think of people living in drab, poorly-furnished rooms with the heat turned off, cut off from the pleasures of life because they can’t bring themselves to spend money. Continue reading
Hey, is that Tim Tebow? Nah!
Although the days of the village Yenta may be over, love is the one thing you can count on never to go out of fashion. A wide array of dating services, events, and even professions exist to facilitate the euphoric chemistry between two individuals searching for their soulmate. Dating coaches have supplanted the traditional role of professional matchmaking, but hinge on many of the same timeless principles. If you have a good sense for people and unraveling the mysteries of romance, consider pursuing a career as a relationship advisor. Continue reading
When it comes to resources, many people think of money as being our most important asset. This may be true if your life involves a lot of expenses that require money. For me, time is more important than money. It seems like there are never enough hours in the day to accomplish everything I need to do, professionally and personally. I would take a few extra hours over a few extra dollars any day. Here’s why: Continue reading