Almost everyone dreams of financial freedom where they can afford to purchase what they want without worrying about living expenses and mounting debt. A recent survey shows that 67% of Americans want financial freedom. This freedom is attainable, but it doesn’t happen overnight.

Your current decisions, choices, and, most of all, your habits can affect your financial future for better or for worse. Consistently cultivating good financial habits can secure your finances, ensuring you are debt-free and can afford the life you have always dreamed of.

If you want to enjoy a debt-free and financially secure future, then perhaps adopting the following habits in this article is worth adopting in the present.

No. 1

Live below your means

This is probably the most basic and redundant point you’ve heard over and over again. But as simple as it sounds, many people fail to practice living below their means. It simply means spending less than you earn and avoiding unnecessary expenses.

Start by understanding your current financial habits and determine unnecessary expenses that you can do without. Next, create an effective, cost-saving budget and stick to it. Practice frugality by distinguishing between luxury wants and essentials or needs.

Of course, that will require a lot of financial discipline. But don’t end there; look for other ways to cut back on your spending and re-channel the extra money into paying off debt and saving for emergencies.

Try to be content with what you have instead of comparing yourself with others. This way, you’ll not be tempted to invest in unnecessary things simply because someone else has them. This habit will allow you to save and invest for your future while providing a financial safety net for emergencies.

No. 2

Drop all the unhealthy habits

Health is wealth; you’ve probably heard it said several times. The two reciprocally affect each other. For example, the healthier you are, the less you’ll likely spend on expensive medications and medical processes.

Also, staying healthy means you will be strong enough to work, earn, save, and invest. It’s almost impossible to have financial stability if all your savings go into health-related expenses in the future. So, you might want to start dropping all those unhealthy habits.

Things like smoking, heavy drinking, and substance abuse can easily take a toll on your physical and financial health. If you’re struggling with substance abuse and addiction, start seeking treatment as soon as possible.

Thankfully, addiction recovery and rehab centers like the Numa Recovery Centers can help you detox and rehabilitate, eliminating your financial barriers to treatment. Also, consider preventive practices like regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, getting enough rest, and going in for regular health examinations.

No. 3

Learn as much as you can about financial literacy

Financial literacy will play a key role in your ability to make the right money moves or investments. You can successfully live below your means and save money, but the wrong investment can ruin all your years of sacrifice.

To navigate complex financial landscapes, it is advisable to expand your financial knowledge by reading books, listening to finance podcasts, attending seminars or workshops, or seeking personalized advice from experienced professionals. Engaging with experts who provide tailored investment strategies can protect and grow your assets. They will equip you with the insights to make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

Takeaways

Achieving financial freedom is a goal that requires discipline, planning, and perseverance. It is not just about having a large bank account but about having control over your finances and being able to pursue your goals and dreams without being hindered by monetary constraints.

Living life on your terms includes discipline, which is the cornerstone of any achievable goal. By adhering to a budget, saving diligently, investing wisely, and living below your means, you can set yourself on the path to financial freedom.

Remember that financial freedom looks different for everyone, and the journey will have its ups and downs. Stay focused, stay committed, and keep working towards a future where your finances support the life you want to live.

Retirement is often envisioned as a time of relaxation and freedom, a reward for decades of hard work. However, this transition can also bring about a sense of loss—loss of identity, routine, and daily social interactions.

Suddenly, the days seem longer, and the challenge of filling them becomes apparent. Yet, retirement offers an unparalleled opportunity to redesign your life for better health, happiness, and fulfillment.

To help you transition into this new season gracefully, we will explore ten steps to ensure this phase of your life is peaceful, vibrant, and joyful.

No. 1

Embrace a New Routine

Establishing a new routine post-retirement is essential. Without the structure of a workday, it's easy to fall into a sedentary lifestyle, which can quickly affect your mental and physical health.

Start by setting simple goals for each day. Incorporate activities you love but didn't have time for during your working years. Whether it's gardening, painting, or reading, dedicating time to these pursuits can provide a sense of purpose.

Additionally, allocate specific times for exercise and social activities to keep your body and social skills sharp. A well-planned routine balances leisure with activities that are mentally, physically, and socially stimulating.

No. 2

Prioritize Regular Health Check-ups

One of the cornerstones of a healthy retirement is prioritizing regular health check-ups. As we age, the risk of developing chronic conditions increases, making it imperative to stay on top of your health.

Regular visits to your doctor can help catch potential issues early when they're often easier to manage or treat. This is particularly crucial for mental health and conditions like mesothelioma, a serious cancer linked to asbestos exposure. Regular health screenings become indispensable for early detection.

Furthermore, understanding your legal options and seeking advice from a specialized lawyer skilled in mesothelioma settlements can be crucial if you're diagnosed with conditions like mesothelioma, ensuring you get the compensation you deserve for such exposure.

No. 2

Stay Physically Active

Physical activity is a key component of a healthy retirement. Regular exercise helps maintain mobility, reduces the risk of chronic diseases, and enhances mental health by reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Activities such as walking, swimming, and yoga are not only beneficial for your health but also provide opportunities to meet new people and engage with your community. The goal is to find a form of exercise you enjoy, making it easier to incorporate into your routine consistently.

No. 3

Engage in Lifelong Learning

Retirement opens up a unique opportunity for lifelong learning. With more free time, retirees can explore subjects and hobbies they've always been interested in but never had the time to pursue. For instance, traveling to a historical destination like Istanbul provides unprecedented opportunities to immerse yourself in a new culture and explore new environments.

Whether it's learning a new language, taking up an instrument, or enrolling in history, art, or technology courses, engaging your brain can help keep it sharp. Lifelong learning enriches your life with new skills and knowledge and offers excellent opportunities to socialize and meet like-minded individuals.

No. 4

Nurture Social Connections

Maintaining and nurturing social connections is crucial for mental health and well-being during retirement. Social isolation can be a significant issue for retirees, but it also can be preventable.

Staying in touch with friends and family, joining clubs, participating in community activities, or volunteering are all effective ways to stay connected. These social interactions can help ward off loneliness and depression, keeping you mentally agile and emotionally fulfilled.

No. 5

Explore Mindfulness and Relaxation

Retirement is the perfect time to delve into practices that promote mindfulness and relaxation. Activities such as meditation, tai chi, or even spending quiet time in nature can significantly reduce stress levels, leading to improved mental health and overall well-being.

These practices not only help in cultivating a sense of inner peace but also in enhancing emotional resilience. By dedicating time to mindfulness, you can discover a deeper sense of contentment and joy in your everyday life, fostering a serene and balanced lifestyle.

No. 6

Adopt a Healthy Diet

Nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining health and vitality during retirement. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help manage weight, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and boost energy levels.

It is also important to stay hydrated and limit the intake of processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats. By making mindful choices about what to eat, retirees can enjoy better health, sharper cognitive function, and increased longevity. Cooking can also become a new hobby, exploring recipes that are not only nutritious but also delicious and fun to prepare.

No. 7

Plan for Financial Security

Financial security is a significant concern for many retirees, impacting their ability to enjoy this new chapter fully. Effective financial planning is essential to ensure that savings last and to maintain a comfortable lifestyle.

Working with a financial advisor can help you navigate retirement savings, investments, and budgeting, ensuring you can manage your finances confidently. Planning for unforeseen medical expenses and long-term care needs is also crucial, providing peace of mind for the future.

No. 8

Give Back to the Community

Volunteering offers retirees a chance to give back to their communities, find a sense of purpose, and connect with others. Whether it's mentoring younger generations, participating in environmental clean-ups, or helping out at local charities, giving back can be incredibly rewarding. Volunteering not only enriches the lives of others but will help you feel more connected and valued, contributing to your sense of self-worth and happiness.

No. 9

Be Open to Change

Finally, being open to change is perhaps the most important tip for a fulfilling retirement. This phase of life can bring many changes—physical, social, and emotional. Embracing these changes, rather than resisting them, can lead to personal growth and new opportunities. Whether it is relocating, picking up new hobbies, or adapting to the evolving dynamics of family and friendships, staying flexible and positive can make all the difference.

Takeaways

Retirement is not the end of an active, fulfilling life but rather the beginning of a new chapter with its own opportunities and challenges. These strategies contribute to a healthier and more peaceful retirement and enrich the lives of those around you.

Retirement is not the end of the road; it is a new beginning, ripe with possibilities for those willing to embrace it with an open heart and mind. Let this be a time of exploration, connection, and tranquility—a truly golden era of your life.

Marianna Hewitt celebrating International Women’s Day with Oak and Fort, a modern lifestyle brand which is not only woman-founded but also led by women. Since the launch of her flagship product, the Jet Lag Mask, she has been a great force in the wellness and self-care movement, inspiring others with her success.

Operating a new business can be an exciting, but daunting adventure, with several factors to consider before leaping. Statistics show that more than 50% of all small businesses collapse before their fifth anniversary.

Before opening your doors for business, there are various critical stages, from drafting a business strategy and collecting money to building a brand and establishing operations. A detailed checklist ensures you cover all the crucial bases and set yourself up for success.

01

Knowledge or ability

Obtain the required skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in your chosen industry once you decide on the type of business you want to establish. Although it will take time and work, you will have all the information you need to launch your business idea from scratch.

Since it is critical to have a business plan, gathering all of the pertinent reseach will make it that much easier to compile all of the data you need. By creating a business plan, you will determine if your service is in demand and if it is worthwhile to pursue the idea in the first place.

If you have the appropriate expertise, create a business plan independently. Alternatively, you can always seek the assistance of an experienced business consultant.

02

Staffing

Your staff can either grow or destroy your business. Without competent human resources, no company can thrive. Therefore, you must enlist a team of knowledgeable staff who plan to attract the right talent for you company.

Additionally, consider collaborating with a recruiting agency to fill your openings with competent people. Furthermore, several websites make it easier to find the right type of candidates you are looking for.

Enlisting help from a staffing agency might ease your work and save you money. So, it is worth the extra step. You must also factor in training in addition to hiring the right people, so keep this in mind, too.

03

Start-up costs

Estimating your start-up costs is one of the most important variables when starting a new business. It would help if you calculated the whole cost of starting and running your business. For instance, the start-up costs for a manufacturing unit you want to create might be high.

Consider the cost of the land or building, the industrial setup, the acquisition of machinery and equipment, the investment in furniture and office supplies, and a variety of other assets that will require funding. Similarly, a retail business will have start-up costs for construction, interior remodeling, and showroom design.

Once your business is formed, you must consider the operating capital needed to keep it running. You must examine the inventory you maintain on hand, the credit you can provide your customers, and the credit you may receive from suppliers.

However, you should not constantly rely on credit from suppliers, especially if you are a newcomer to the sector. Avoid company debt in excess when you start funding your business as this may hinder your growth in the future.

04

Legal licenses, permits, and insurance

Addressing the legalities of running a business is not the most enjoyable aspect of beginning a retail business, but it is necessary. You must decide on your business structure, ranging from single proprietorship to corporation.

It is typical for merchants to form limited liability corporations to reduce personal risk, but make sure you receive legal counsel before deciding on the best business structure for your specific circumstances.

Before opening a retail business, you should also extensively investigate what licenses and permissions are necessary for your area. Verify federal, state, and municipal government requirements because regulations vary. Some applications take a long process, so start as soon as possible.

05

Competitors

Look into the companies that provide comparable goods or services. You may learn about their target markets and the places they serve.

If they serve a comparable demographic, consider opening stores further away from them or focusing on a different market. You might also join a local chamber of commerce or entrepreneurial group to meet individuals working on similar projects.

06

record-Keeping

Before establishing your company, devise a method for tracking your sales, income, expenditures, and operational costs. With the help of an organization, you may track your expenditures and file your taxes. Consider hiring an accountant or studying software options that can automate some tasks to help you with this.

07

Payment processing systems

Installing payment processing hardware is essential. Buy payment processing equipment such as credit card readers, POS systems, or mobile card readers. Be certain that the equipment is compatible with your payment processor.

There are numerous types of credit card machines, each with its advantages. Countertop, mobile, virtual, and integrated point-of-sale (POS) systems are some of the most frequent credit card terminals. Mobile terminals are ideal for companies that sell on the move, such as during trade exhibits or events.

Takeaways

Starting a new business can be challenging but achievable by implementing the right strategies from the beginning of its inception. Consider adopting this checklist to achieve the best results for your particular venture.

With so many resources available online, you are sure to gather the best tools and resources available. Take advantage of the many advances in technology that will allow you to automate common tasks and processes. This will allow you to free up your time to focus on your business strategy, growth, and expansion.

Likewise, Hello Lovely Living is here to support you with your business endeavors, so feel free to reach out to us for a free consultation on the many graphic, web, and digital marketing services available.

Have a pricing guide to present to your clients that showcases all of your services and payment terms.

Running your own marketing business can be a gratifying way to earn a living on your terms doing something you love, but it can be pretty stressful at times, especially when you are struggling to get a client to pay you on time.

There is nothing worse than when a client will not settle their invoice. You spend too much time chasing them and stressing about what you will do if the money does not come through. The good news is there are several things you can do to ensure your marketing business gets paid on time.

01

Send prompt invoices

Using software to send payment invoices automatically when a job is complete is an excellent way to get paid on time because the sooner you send the invoice, the sooner it is likely to be actioned by the client. It does not always work out that way, but as a good first step, immediately sending out your invoices is helpful, and it is simple to do with an automated system.

02

Create clear terms and conditions

Right from the start, when working with a client, no matter who it is, you should ensure that you have a written contract with transparent terms and conditions around every aspect of your time working together, including payment timescales.

By creating a detailed contract, you will ensure that both parties know what is expected of them, and you can ask for payment at a specific time. You can also create a clause that lays out the fees you will charge for late payments and what will happen if a payment is not forthcoming so that you have legal recourse should the worst happen and the client refuses to pay despite you holding up your end of the bargain.

Have a company profile to present o your clients. It includes a pricing guide so that all bases are covered prior to you working together.

03

Track payments

One thing you should always do as a small marketing business is to track the payment patterns of your regular clients. Doing this is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of your company not being paid on time or, even worse, not being paid at all.

If you track payment patterns and you find, for example, that X company always pays a month late or that you have to endlessly chase Y company to pay at all, then you can make decisions about firming up their contracts so that they settle their debt in a more timely manner. You could also opt to refuse to continue business with them at all if it is too time-consuming and stressful to chase them. This will put your business in a much better position from now on and reduce the odds of you losing money in the future.

04

Offer incentives

If you are struggling to get paid on time, then take a leaf out of the marketing playbook and offer your clients incentives to pay just like you would create incentives for customers to buy products from your clients.

If you offer, say, a 10 percent discount for early payers or a freebie for clients who pay on time when it comes to them making their next order, you will find those slow payers suddenly become prompt at paying off their invoices., and everyone wins. Of course, only do this if you can afford to do so, and it is built into your business plan, but if it is viable for you, it can be very effective indeed.

05

Offer more payment options

Something else that can help your marketing business to get paid on time is offering multiple payment options--from Paypal to credit cards to bank transfers. By providing a wide range of options, you are making it easier for your clients to complete the transaction, which means they are less likely to hold off on doing so until they can find a convenient time in their window.

It has never been easier to set up numerous payment options, so there is no reason not to do this if you want to get paid on time and have an easier time planning your company's cash flow in the future.

Not getting paid on time sucks, but you can vastly reduce your chances of having it happen to you by simply incorporating some or, even better, all of the strategies above into your business model going forward. If you want to be paid promptly, these changes will help.

The List

Money

✔️

Chime

Chime is a new approach to online banking that doesn’t rely on fees, gets you your paycheck up to 2 days early with direct deposit,  and helps you grow your savings automatically.

Their mission is to make financial peace of mind a reality for everyone. They are doing that by changing the way people feel about banking.

Chime’s business was built on protecting its members and making managing your money easy. “We’ll never profit from your misfortune or mistakes, and everything we build is focused on improving our members’ lives.” - Chime

Earn $100 when you join Chime and receive a qualifying direct deposit.

✔️

Moneylion

Earn up to $60 when you use code $hellolovelyliving when you join MoneyLion.

@hellolovelyliving on a road-trip to the Hoover Dam with Lake Mead in the distance.

It is always a thrill to make the decision to purchase a brand-new vehicle. The excitement level might skyrocket when the purchase is motivated by a desire to go on a cross-country road trip with one's loved ones. However, buying a new vehicle on car shopping sites like Edmunds involves more than just choosing the make and model you want. It is important to weigh a number of variables before making such a big investment.

01

financial plan

A financial plan is a top priority when it comes to being prepared to purchase a vehicle. You need to be sure you can afford a new automobile before you make the purchase. If you are not prepared to do a cash payment, you will need to consider your financing options. First, consider your budget, which will be based on your income, cost of living, and any fixed or variable costs. After you have settled on a spending limit, you may decide on whether to purchase a new or pre-owned vehicle.

02

New or pre-owned

After zeroing down on your financial health, the next step is to choose between new and pre-owned vehicles. A new vehicle is likely to be more costly than a used one, but it is more reliable and has fewer mechanical issues thanks to the manufacturer's guarantee. Buying a used automobile might save money upfront, but it could end up costing more in the long run. When deciding between a new and a used automobile, you should consider the benefits and drawbacks of each option.

@hellolovelyliving enjoying the overlook of the Lake Mead National Recreation area on the way to the Hoover Dam.

03

Make and model

Family road trip cars should have enough room and seating for all passengers. If you are taking the whole family on a road trip, it is important that everyone and their bags fit in the vehicle with ample space to allow for comfort throughout your travels. It is also important to think about the landscape you will be navigating through. Take into consideration the tough terrain you will be traveling through if you are planning a road journey to a distant place. You will need a vehicle that allows for optimal space, comfort, and superior handling and performance.

04

Fuel economy

When looking for a vehicle for a family road trip, fuel economy is another important element to consider. You are looking for a vehicle that can go far while maximizing your fuel economy and vehicle performance. With so many automobile manufacturers transitioning to sustainable energy with electric cars, solar, and integrated renewable energy solutions, there are so many great options to consider.

@hellolovelyliving learning about the Lake Mead National Recreation area.

05

Vehicle Safety

The car's safety features are another important factor to think about. If you are planning on taking your family on the road, investing in a vehicle with cutting-edge safety features is a must. You want to feel safe at all times while on the road, so this is something that you will need to prioritize.

For instance, an integral part of vehicle safety is the quality of its wheels. If you're about to purchase a car with forged wheels, consulting with an expert is crucial to ensure they are genuinely forged wheels. There's a difference between traditionally and rotary forged wheels, as the manufacturing process is different and greatly impacts their performance and safety.

06

Maintenance

It is crucial to give your new automobile the care it needs once you have bought it. To keep your automobile running smoothly and for as long as possible, regular maintenance is essential. If you want to keep your automobile running smoothly, it is best to have a qualified technician do any necessary maintenance as per the manufacturer's guidelines regularly.

@hellolovelyliving after enjoying a pit stop to the Lake Mead National Recreation area overlook before heading to the Hoover Dam.

Takeaways

In sum, it is thrilling to shop for a new vehicle for a family road trip, but it is important to do it thoughtfully. Figure out how much money you can spend, and think about the car's interior room, how much gas it will save you, and how safe it will be. Consider whether you want to buy a new or used vehicle, as well as how you will maintain it once you have bought it. The family road trips you take in your new vehicle will be more fun and memorable if you take the time to plan them out in advance so that your vehicle has you covered for many road trips to come.

the list

travel

✔️

Hoover Dam

Hoover Dam Tickets & Tours (and other Things to Do in Las Vegas)

✔️

Hopper

Get a $25 Hopper travel Voucher when you sign up with code hellolovelyliving

This month, Marianna Hewitt and Lauren Ireland celebrated their 5th birthday celebration at Upside Pizza in NYC. They have been successful in understanding their customers’ needs since the launch of their flagship product, the Jet Lag Mask, and have since launched many other products. Their nostalgic pop-up events like this one with a Self-Care shop incorporate the iconic Summer Fridays branding to achieve a memorable experience for their customers.

01

Understand Your Customers’ Schedules 

Many freelancers paid by the hour must abide by time clock rules. This often means they are responsible for logging their working hours and dedicating a set amount of time each day to a project. Understand your customer schedules and how it corresponds to your routine. Ensure you are fulfilling your contractual obligations, especially when it is tied to whether you get paid.

02

Stick To A Routine

As a freelancer, you are largely responsible for managing your time. We all have routines, and you know what works best for you. But basic rules like the time you get up, eat, and sleep will help you stick to a routine and avoid you working unusual hours that leave you feeling run-down. Try to work a set amount of hours each day, take regular breaks and create a schedule that will help you stay consistent.

03

Set Boundaries With Clients

Make it clear to your clients when you are available. If you are working with clients outside your time zone, try to find some overlap in your working day where you can connect if needed. Respect your boundaries and ensure your clients know exactly when you are and aren’t reachable. This will also help establish a good working relationship with your customers and give you a clear work-life boundary.

04

Seek Financial Advice

Seeking financial advice can directly tie into the hours you work. If you are having cash flow problems, the earlier you know, the quicker you can explore new avenues for business growth and regain control of your time. The more money you earn is directly tied to the hours you work as a freelancer, so keeping on top of finances avoids spiraling hours to make up for financial losses in the business.

It is also best to pay attention to common personal and business expenses that can easily be prevented by choosing a bank that has no monthly fees, no overdraft fees, and free ATMs. These common expenses can add up, so this decision will be very important to avoid unnecessary expenses down the road. We are impressed with Chime because it checks off all the boxes and makes banking smarter. Earn $100 when you join Chime. Learn more.

Social media template and theme planning and scheduling tools can automate daily tasks that are often time-consuming.

05

Use A Project Management Tool

A project management tool like Asana can help you organize your time and meet your schedule and deadlines. When you are extremely busy, a project management tool can help keep you on track and ensure you can complete your projects to deadline and budget. Project management tools can help you break down large tasks into more manageable ones so that you can be more effective with your time.

06

Make Sure You Switch Off

Managing work-life balance as a freelancer can be challenging. Nonetheless, switching off is an essential part of being effective. Make time for yourself, whether protecting your hour lunch break or ensuring you finish at a reasonable time in the evenings. Do what helps you switch off best, whether that’s playing a video game or going for a run. 

Get social media templates and themes, scheduling tools, and graphic design support to help you be efficient with daily marketing tasks.

07

Invest In Automation

Automation can help you win back vital time as a freelancer. You might invest in social media planning and scheduling, automated email marketing campaigns, or prompts to potential customers that leave their cart on your eCommerce site. You can look at opportunities to automate tasks like sending invoices or payment follow-ups to help you win back time you can spend on other areas of your business.

08

Define A Reminder Schedule For Payments

Spending valuable time chasing your invoices? Setting a reminder payment schedule is vital to appearing professional and saving time. Following up on overdue invoices is stressful and, when done manually, can eat into your working hours. Setting clear reminders and payment deadlines is vital to saving yourself time as a freelancer.

09

Get To Grips With tracking your time

Do you know how long it takes you to complete tasks? An accurate picture of your tasks can help you manage your working hours and get the right project timelines. It also ties into your payments. Recording your timelines ensures you set accurate prices for your goods and services. Underestimate your hours, and you risk getting both underpaid and working extra hours to complete pieces of work.

10

Block Off Time

Blocking off chunks of time to focus on specific tasks can help you get into a flow state and manage your workload better. A flow state refers to becoming fully immersed in whatever you are doing. It describes when people achieve their best work with focus and clarity. Giving yourself allocated hours to focus on specific tasks can help you achieve a flow state and make the most of your time. Physically block off hours in your calendar to complete your projects.

11

Document Everything

Document all your workflows and processes. Identifying your business operations can help you identify where you can streamline and template your work. It is also great when your mind is blank, as you can refer back to something you have drafted previously as a prompt. Documentation is great to review as your business scales, as it can be used to train new employees or collaborators quickly and effectively.

12

Give Yourself Buffer Time

Even if it takes you three hours to complete a task, it doesn’t mean you should only give yourself three hours. Buffer time is essential as a freelancer. It protects you on days you feel tired and ill, days your boiler breaks or your internet goes down. You don’t need to cram your working days with constantly focused work. Give yourself some buffer time to protect yourself against life’s unforeseen events. 

If you are questioning the value of buffer time as part of your hourly rate, it is still essential. You and your clients would be much happier if you built in time for fact-checking, proofing, and project revisions.

Takeaways

It can be tough to manage your time as a freelancer. Fortunately, resources like project management software and financial advice can help you manage your time as a small business owner. Sticking to a routine, setting clear client boundaries, and managing your timelines are important resources for working effectively. There are also many chances to automate and save time, including drafting documentation, setting reminder schedules, and investing in automation. Try these tips today and see how it helps you manage your freelance business.

@hellolovelyliving in downtown San Diego, CA

Starting afresh in a new city is an exciting prospect for young professionals, but the idea may be scary if you have a family. You may have qualms about finding a lucrative job, logistical challenges, and settling down in a different location. Lawyers are in a good place career-wise because the American legal landscape is thriving, so opportunities abound everywhere. You can consider relocating to expand your horizons, join your partner, or unlock better education for your kids. Let us share a few practical tips for lawyers looking to start afresh in a new city.

Start with mental prep

The first step is to start with mental prep for relocation, and it is all the more crucial if you have a family in tow. Moving to a new city means cutting your professional and social ties in your current location, which is easier said than done. Your spouse and kids may be apprehensive about the move. Moreover, plan for the financial aspects of relocation as it may cost a bit. Once you are mentally ready, you can proceed with your journey.

Research the job landscape

Researching the job landscape of your destination city is crucial. Think long-term because relocating often is not the best outcome. Even if you have a job offer, ensure you review other enticing opportunities and growth prospects in the area. Fortunately, the legal industry is well-placed in the US, so you will probably not struggle much in this context. However, you must explore all of your options and be wise about your final decision.

Connect with local recruiters

Another valuable piece of advice for lawyers looking for a move is to connect with local recruiters to find dream opportunities. After all, collaborating with legal recruiters that know Austin is the best thing to do if moving to Austin, per se. Likewise, you must do it for any part of the country. The sooner you contact a recruiter the better because landing a job beforehand always alleviates much of the burden of making a big move.

Set a realistic job search timeline

Although a local recruiter can help you get a good start, you cannot be too sure about sealing a job offer before relocating to your destination. It may happen, however, relocating before you close on a job offer is not ideal. Setting a realistic job search timeline enables you to stay afloat financially and emotionally. Build a financial buffer to cover at least a few months' expenses so that you need not have to jump on a random offer.

Invest in good networking

Good professional networking can help you get a dream start in any part of the country. Maintain positive relationships with your current employer because their recommendations and referrals can be valuable. Also, connect with legal professionals and recruiters at your destination through professional networks like LinkedIn. Starting early is a good idea because robust networking can speed up your job search prospects. Moreover, you may end up finding some friends in the new location.

Takeaways

Relocation is often a wise career move, but you cannot do it on the fly. Taking the necessary steps for a smooth process well in advance will help to alleviate the stress and anxiety that comes with making an advantageous move. The goal is to gain a new position that propels you even further in your career while aligning you with your personal goals as well. A few things that could be at the forefront of your mind are moving to a better environment for your family and/or substantially increasing your earnings. Whichever reason it may be for the big move, follow these simple steps to be better prepared to land that dream opportunity at your desired destination.

@unsplash

According to the SBA (Small Business Administration), approximately 50% of all US businesses are home-based. Additionally, reports from the Pew Research Center reveal that 16 million Americans are self-employed. This makes up nearly 30% of the total workforce. The majority of these businesses are sole proprietorships; thus, every decision, be it related to inventory or financial investment, is made without any additional advice or support.  

Unlike large companies, small business owners like sole proprietors do not have a CFO (Chief Financial Officer) to advise them about their company’s financial condition or direction. Thus, home-based businesses struggle to maintain their good standing or fail to grow. What can a home-business owner do in this situation? The answer is simpler than you think: Hire a financial advisor. In this article, we discuss a few points to consider when hiring one.

What does a financial advisor do? 

Generally speaking, financial advisors assist entrepreneurs with deciding the course of action for their revenue earned. However, their role is not limited to financial advice. Rather, there are numerous services that you can select from based on your current and ongoing needs.

• Debt Management: Creating strategies to pay off debt and avoid the same costs in the future. 

• Tax Planning: This includes tax return preparation, planning tax-loss harvesting security sales, enhancing tax deductions (and exemptions), using capital gains tax rates wisely, and more. 

• Insurance & healthcare advice: Providing the best solutions for you and your teams’ healthcare on a long-term basis. 

• Budgeting: Strategies to meet business goals (both short-term & long-term) within your budget. 

Apart from this, financial advisors can also assist you in retirement and estate planning.

Signs you need a financial advisor

Though you do not need any specific reason to work with a financial advisor, certain signs call for professional assistance. These signs include: 

• You do not know how and where to invest business earnings.

• You are frequently losing money on your investment(s).

• You do not have an estate plan.

• You are currently struggling with debt payments.

• You are constantly failing at creating a budget. 

If you have already designated personnel to manage your finances and assist you with business decisions, you do not necessarily need to appoint a new person. Instead, you can connect with a financial advisor business coach to train your already appointed staff. They can help you in deepening your client relationships, and you will be able to envision your business's future growth with just a few helpful insights. 

It is important to note that not all coaches are created equal. Try to find one with a well-developed signature program that aligns with your business goals and objectives. A signature program is a coaching framework that has been refined and perfected over time, providing a structured and effective approach to achieving specific outcomes. With a signature coaching program, a business coach can help you develop new skills, improve your performance, and achieve measurable results, ultimately leading to the success and growth of your business.

How to choose a financial advisor? 

A financial advisor can make or break a business. Therefore, you must practice due diligence when appointing one for your home-based business. Some of the things you need to take into consideration when selecting a financial advisor include: 

• Is the financial advisor certified? Check the certification of the advisor.

• What types of services are offered and what are the fees? If they have connections with a prime broker for small and emerging hedge funds, that's better.

• Understand the financial advisor’s approach and beliefs, and check if it aligns with your goals. 

• Look for someone who has the appropriate tools and resources to teach you financial freedom.

Takeaways

It does not matter whether you own a small business or a global enterprise; you need a financial advisor or an entire team to help you make the most appropriate financial decisions for your business. Nevertheless, it is good to keep in mind that every financial advisor will have different strengths to bring to the table. Not any one individual receives the same level of training and experience, so you must be vigilant in selecting a professional that is knowledgeable and capable of bringing you positive results.

Here on the blog, I like to discuss topics around financial health. I believe it’s just as important as any other wellness topic because it does have a huge impact on every area of our lives.

Today, we will be specifically talking about reverse mortgages. It’s a mortgage option that I am just now learning about, and I can assume it is something that many of us aren’t aware of.

This is something great to be aware of if you are currently a homeowner or have plans to become one in the future. It’s so important to be prepared for anything that may arise over the course of your home ownership. It’s a huge purchase and commitment that spans a great part of your lifetime, so the ins and outs are very important to understand. 

I hope that this article is informative and offers some insight into a possible safeguard down the line. We can’t always expect to know what the future will hold, but being informed and prepared for anything that comes our way will ease the stress that is sure to come with any huge life event.

Retirement age may seem like a lifetime away for many of us, but thinking about it when you are young is very important. It’s a day that will come, and if we aren’t prepared, it can be a time of discontentment and fear. It’s much better to anticipate the challenges that will occur during that transition beforehand and to make sure that you have a back up plan if anything comes up.

Losing the income provided by full-time employment can be difficult, no matter how prepared you think you are. Anything can happen, including medical or family emergencies requiring financial resources you may not have. A reverse mortgage is an option that can potentially help you deal with such issues and maintain your financial independence while getting the most out of your retirement when that time comes.

Whether You Need to be Retired to Get a Reverse Mortgage

Technically, you do not have to be retired to get a reverse mortgage, but you do have to be of retirement age. The age minimum is typically 62 for reverse mortgage qualification. The reverse mortgage loan model was specifically developed to help retirees live comfortably and avoid losing their homes. It began in New England in the state of Maine in the 1960s.

How a Reverse Mortgage is Actually Reversed

When you think of a home loan, you probably envision making monthly payments on that loan for several years. If you chose a traditional mortgage, that is exactly what would happen. If you are already feeling financial pressure, that added bill might be more than you can manage. A reverse mortgage allows you to avoid that issue because you do not have to pay any of what you borrow back for a long time. Additionally, you can set up monthly payments from your lender to you. Therefore, it is somewhat like replacing part of your lost monthly income for a period of time.

Qualifications for a Reverse Mortgage the Home Must Meet

To qualify for a reverse mortgage, the home must meet certain requirements. One is it must be valuable enough for the calculated equity available to borrow to be worth actually borrowing. A small home, one in a state of disrepair or one that is otherwise low in equity may not qualify. That is because a proprietary reverse loan calculator must determine enough equity is available. The calculator is an online tool for reverse mortgage calculationthat uses pre-programmed algorithms to calculate the amount available for a lender to loan to you. The formulas are necessary partially due to government restrictions regarding the percentages available to borrow.

Not every home qualifies for a reverse mortgage. That is even true if a reverse mortgage calculator tool would determine the equity is high enough. For example, a home can only qualify if you, as the loan agreement signer, are living there on a regular basis. It cannot be a home you only use as a vacation getaway. You also cannot get a reverse mortgage on most larger apartment buildings. However, an apartment building with four or fewer units may qualify, as long as you live in one and own the property.

The Flexibility of Borrowing with a Reverse Mortgage

As mentioned earlier, you can set up a reverse mortgage so you receive equal amounts monthly while funds are available. However, one major benefit of a reverse mortgage is flexibility. That flexibility extends to how you receive your money. If for some reason you do not want monthly payments from the lender, you can ask for other loan terms. For example, you might want to borrow only what you need when you need it. If so, a home equity line of credit is the solution. Alternatively, you might have one large unexpected expense to deal with. In such a case, you can request one large up-front payment.

I hope that this article was informative and that it provided some insight into your future financial health. Regardless if you choose to explore this route when retirement age rolls around, it is always good to know your options and have security in knowing that there are many available. We can’t predict how the future will be, be we sure can do our best to plan ahead and be prepared even for undesirable circumstances.

Welcome back to the blog! Today, I am bringing you another article on the topic of money and financial health. This topic has been at the forefront of my mind on a daily basis, and I’m sure it dominates your thoughts on the regular, too. It is so important for us to think long-term when it comes to our financial wellbeing. If we want security, we need to plan ahead and be very strategic about the choices we make. Sometimes, all it takes is a shift in mindset to achieve change. Here are ten steps provided by a Hello Lovely Living contributor that will help supercharge your wealth early in life. I hope these give you actionable steps that you can implement right away!

When you’re young, the priorities you have might not seem all that serious in the grander scheme of things. Sometimes you want a nice car, you want to find love, and you want to look great, too. When you graduate, it may even be that you think about finding your dream internship or starting job - and that’s about as serious about the future that you want to get. Most of the time, this is absolutely fine because your twenties are for living, for learning, and for having fun. Yet, sometimes, you absolutely want to think about trying to get a lot more serious about things that are further ahead. When it comes to your career and your finances, you are going to find that the earlier you start, the better. Yet, this can often seem overwhelming.

However, the world of building a lucrative career and growing wealth from an early age can be much simpler than you imagine because it’s the same with everything - the earlier you get started with it all, the easier and more efficient it’s going to be down the line. You know that it’s going to take you a long time to get to where you want to be in your career – especially when you’re in your twenties or early thirties, and the same goes for your wealth. You may not get to where you want to be overnight, but the earlier you start, the better. Let’s take a look at how this can work.

Be Responsible With Your Money

First of all, you just have to begin with being responsible. If you can master this, then any of the following nine points will be painless. Since you have to be financially responsible, you need to be able to manage your own money and not always be asking to borrow from others if you ever intend to be wealthy.

Budget

When you know that you’re ready to be responsible, and you actually want to grow your money, it’s time to create a budget. Take your monthly net salary and divide it up between everything that you pay for. Rent, bills, groceries, clothes, savings, eating out – all of it. By managing your money this way, you’ll have more control over it.

Set Goals

You need to make sure that you’re setting some financial goals because if you want to grow your wealth, you need to be intentional about it. Whether you want to start investing, buy a house, launch a business, travel - anything - you may need to set a goal and then align your financial attitude and actions towards that goal.

Live Within Your Means

For most people, this point seems really obvious, but that’s not always the case. You really do have to live within your means to be wealthy because it’s easy to spend on credit cards and feel as if you can afford everything, but you can’t. You really do have to make sure that you’re only spending money that you have, and this is why budgeting can be so important as it allows you to foresee all of your expenses and set restrictions on your spending.

Spend Wisely

Now, you know that you’re going to spend money – you’re only human - but when you’re buying clothes or groceries or anything else, just make your purchases count. If you are spending wisely and the things you buy are very conscious purchases, you’ll have much more money available to set aside.

Save, Save, Save

The flip side of getting your finances in order and spending well is to then to start saving. First, you’re going to want to start with building a safety net if you don’t have one already. When you have a regular salary, you may wonder why you need money set aside, but it’s important to have an emergency fund in place in case you need cash for any unforeseen expenses that may arise. Additionally, it can get you into a good habit of saving for much larger purchases down the road, like a house.

Plan For The Future

You’re also going to want to make sure that you’re thinking about your retirement. Sure, when you’re in your twenties, this is often the last thing you want to spend your money on because it seems so far away, and you’d rather spend on the here and now, but if you can put away for your retirement now, you’ll have a more lucrative life in old age.

Invest

When you’ve got your savings in place and your retirement covered, you might want to also think about growing your money with investments. You will find that instant access to savings may not give you the best return, so why not make a longer term investment? You could look at tying the money up, buying a property, looking for land for sale, or even other commodities. The idea here is to invest in something that will give you a higher return than instant access savings. If you want to manage your money or your investment income easier, be sure to check out Swissmoney.

Be Secure

Now, it’s important to invest your money early if you really are looking to grow it, but it’s very important to adopt a long-term strategy. Some people think that to invest, you have to bet big to win big, but you may find that the best strategy is to put your money into a reliable stock or bond for a long period of time for the best possible returns. Of course, if you start young, then it’s going to be much easier for you reap larger returns over a much more extended period of time.

Make Smart Decisions

Finally, there’s really nothing more important here than for you to do than just be smart about your money and your financial situation, overall. Always look to save, think about climbing that career ladder and earn more, maybe even consider starting your own money-making endeavors. You know the basics, so stick to them because the smarter you can be about your finances early on, the more financial success you will achieve, and that’s how you build real wealth.

That is it for this post! Thank you to our contributor for giving us very useful steps to get our financial health in order. The sooner we become disciplined about money, the sooner we can begin to benefit from the rewards of it. I look forward to covering more on this topic again soon.

Do you enjoy these types of posts? Let me know what topics you’d like me to cover below.