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

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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

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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.

It's already a well-known fact that your roof is among the most significant investments you are likely to make. Not only does your roof safeguard your home from extreme climates, but a properly preserved roofing system can also upgrade your property's curb appearance and market worth.

Many homeowners in Southaven, MS, and similar climate zones don't realize that their roofs can also be a source of energy savings. A properly insulated, ventilated, and high-quality roof can help keep your home cool during the colder seasons and warmer in the opposite ones, which ensures comfort in your home throughout the year.

But have you ever questioned yourself on how exactly it can save your investment? In this blog post, we will answer just that and also give you some tips on maximizing your savings.

01

Enhanced underlayment prevents moisture and mold invasion

Roofing is one of the most important aspects of your home that you should never overlook. It can help you save a lot of money in the long run, and it can also protect your investment from different kinds of weather damage. But did you know that roofing can also help prevent moisture and mold growth inside your home?

Proper roofing can provide an enhanced underlayment that will act as a barrier against moisture. This will help keep your home dry, and it will also prevent the growth of mold and mildew.

02

Adds substantial value to your home

The structural strength of a property is among the most important criteria in determining its original value. In these conditions, any property with a broken roof or one that is older than its expected lifespan will undoubtedly diminish its value. If you intend to sell your home or remortgage down the road, a new roofing system will significantly increase its overall value. Some sources estimate the additional value to be as much as $15,000, so it's something that you should really think about when you want to save your investment.

03

Prepares you for any weather condition

A hurricane, for instance, is an extreme tropical cyclone, having sustained winds and rain of at least 74 miles per hour. They often cause massive damage to properties, and the roofs are particularly vulnerable. Updated hurricane straps can help secure your roof and prevent it from being blown away by high winds. This will protect your property and also help you avoid costly repairs. In this way, you are definitely setting aside some funds for yourself due to this investment.

04

Save substantially in energy expenses

Your roof is one of the most important aspects of your home, and it can have a significant impact on your energy bills. Proper insulation and ventilation can help keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter, which can lead to lower energy costs. In fact, you could save up to 30% on your energy bills each year. So, if you're looking for ways to save money on your energy bills, invest in quality roofing. It's a smart investment that will pay for itself in no time.

05

Priceless comfort in your living space

Your roofing system can have a significant impact on your comfort level. A secure insulation system and ventilation can help regulate the temperature in your home throughout all seasons, which can lead to enhanced comfort. In addition, a well-maintained roof will also protect you from outside noise, providing you with a tranquil living space. Therefore, roofing is a great option if you're looking for ways to improve your comfort level. It's an investment that will offer you many benefits and years of enjoyment.

Tips on how to maximize your roofing investment

01

Balance out installation cost and longevity

The most crucial factor in any roofing investment is the quality of the materials used. Of course, you also need to take into account the installation cost and the expected lifespan of the roof. A good rule of thumb is to balance out these two factors. For example, if you're looking for a roof that will last for many years, you might be willing to pay more for quality materials and installation. On the other hand, if you're on a tight budget, you might choose a less expensive option that will need to be replaced more frequently.

02

Pay attention to appearance and durability

The appeal is an important factor to consider when making any home improvement decision. After all, you want your home to look its best! When it comes to roofing, there are many different materials and styles to choose from. You'll want to select a roof that complements the overall look of your home while also providing durability against the elements. Some materials, such as metal, are very durable but may not be the best choice for homes with a more traditional appearance. Conversely, shingles are a popular choice because they offer a variety of colors and styles to choose from.

03

Consult a professional and find out more about how a roof can save your investment

Every smart homeowner desires to be certain that they are getting the most out of their commitment, which is particularly important when we talk about roofing. Fortunately, ensuring that you protect your investment by properly addressing your home's roofing condition is a straightforward matter. Regardless, you can look to benefit from enhancing the structural integrity of your home. Consult a professional who can help you further with narrowing down your options and calculating the money savings that you can experience with the right approach.

Takeaways

The best approach to optimizing your roofing expenditure is to visit a roofing specialist like Mighty Dog Roofing in Southaven, MS. They have some of the most experienced roofers available and can help simplify the process for you. Their simple request generator can help you connect with the highest quality roofing contractors, ensuring that you get precisely what you require from your roofing system.

The dream of homeownership is becoming harder and harder to achieve for many people. According to a recent real estate report compiled by Homelight, agents are starting to see that many first-time home buyers are either pausing their home search or giving up entirely. The report also reveals that this segment of homebuyers is making this decision based on the increasing costs of homes and the higher interest rates. But there is another trend that is emerging for such distressed home buyers. Instead of qualifying for homes alone, some potential buyers are teaming up with friends and family, finding a real estate agent, and making the American dream work through co-buying a home. Keep reading to learn more about this emerging trend. 

What is Co-Buying?

If you find yourself in a similar predicament and having a hard time purchasing a home in this current market, co-buying or getting a small home like a DADU may be a great option. But what exactly is co-buying? Traditionally, most home purchases have been completed by people who are spouses. However, for nearly a decade, the emerging trend has been for homeowners who aren’t married couples to purchase a home together. The pandemic and recent interest rate hikes have continued to spawn this trend as middle-class homebuyers are finding it more challenging to buy a home on their own. As a result, friends, partners, and multi-generational family members pool their money and credit together to qualify for a home they can share. They are finding this to be a much more affordable solution than renting which has soared to between 11.3 and 40 percent in some regions of the U.S. 

Why Is Co-Buying Trending?

According to a recent article by U.S News, people purchasing homes with different last names soared 771 percent between 2014 and 2021. Some believe this trend is because housing is becoming less affordable, especially for millennials. Additionally, many homeowners aren’t getting married as young or at all as the previous generations. On top of this, many new home buyers carry much more student loan debt than previous generations. With no other solutions on the horizon, friends and families decide that the best option for attaining the American dream of homeownership is to purchase a home together. Either they are buying existing homes or qualifying for newly built homes. 

Tips on Co-Buying

Although many potential homebuyers are waiting to see where the market goes over the next year, you may want to consider co-buying. Here are some valuable tips to consider if you wish to purchase a home with friends, family, co-workers, or a life partner. 

• Ensure that everyone wants this long-term

• Decide who the principal applicant and the co-applicant are when applying for a loan

• Get a real estate attorney involved

• Try to get a home with people who are financially responsible

• Determine how things will be handled if someone dies

• Figure out how to handle a roommate who refuses to pay or can’t pay bills due to job loss

• Determine how much everyone is responsible for in terms of the mortgage, insurance, bills, etc. 

Takeaways

Co-buying isn’t much different than renting with roommates. The advantage is that you and your co-habitants can build equity in the home that you purchase. The equity can be split upon the sale of the house to help each other get a start on homeownership. This could be an advantageous way to navigate the present roadblocks to ownership until the current market rebounds for buyers.

With more than half of the world’s population now online in these current years, data privacy and internet services have become major talking points. That's why it's no surprise a tech giant like Google introduced an initiative called Chrome Privacy Sandbox. It is due to the concerns about privacy protection and accessibility of internet services in specific regions of the globe.  

Naturally, this has led to an increase in VPN usage. A virtual private network is a service or tool that encrypts your connection and keeps you hidden while surfing online. It offers many attractive advantages for online users looking to better their internet experience. Nevertheless, it can come at a considerable cost as there are also drawbacks to this network choice. For this reason, if you’re considering using this service for yourself or your organization, you’ll need to know what to expect.  

And so, we have gathered some benefits and risks of using VPNs. Read on to know them.

VPN benefits

Accessing Geo Blocked Services

One of the main reasons internet users opt for VPNs is to gain access to websites and online content that is blocked in specific locations. It usually happens with popular media streaming services to protect copyrighted material and intellectual property and implement contractual obligations.  

In this case, a VPN can bypass this geo-blocking by hiding your Internet Protocol or IP address. It is the digital signature that indicates the location of your device. The bypass works best when using VPNs optimized for your region, such as Thailand VPN for users in the country. Therefore, with your location obscured, you’ll be able to access the content you want.  

Keep Your Network Anonymous 

Data privacy has been a topic of consumer rights debate over the past decade. Fortunately, this has led to updated policies where websites need the authorization to collect information about your online activity. They use this information to target specific ads towards you while improving your experience interacting with websites.  

However, many internet users still prefer using VPNs to remain completely anonymous and prevent their browsing history and habits from being tracked and analyzed for advertising purposes. Thus, VPNs provide you the freedom to visit your favorite websites without leaving traces or cookies, and you won’t have to worry about being bombarded by ads in the future.  

Private Data Protection 

Another benefit of using VPNs is that they can hide your private and financial information. This security feature is particularly advantageous for people who use the internet for online shopping and e-commerce websites.  

They protect data from being stolen by hackers who could use your credit card details, banking passwords, and impersonations to swindle your money and identity. VPNs do this by using encryption to scramble your sensitive data into an unreadable code.   

VPN Risks

Malware Threats And Cyber Attacks 

While VPNs are valuable security tools for data protection, they are still vulnerable to malware and cyber-attacks such as phishing and DDoS Attacks. These attacks disrupt your network functionality by overloading it with data so hackers can commence their criminal activities. It is especially the case when using VPNs for financial solutions such as online lending.  

In fact, the main aim of many spoofing and phishing attacks is to spread malware. And once this happens, the entire network can be compromised. Fortunately, some modern VPN providers do offer antivirus and malware protection. However, their effectiveness is still being tested.  

Dubious Privacy Policies 

As mentioned, one can use VPNs to circumvent online activity tracking of third-party websites through anonymity. However, this still depends on the VPN provider, as some have intentionally vague privacy policies. It is the case with many free VPN services as the providers may store VPN logs of your data to sell to advertisers, defeating the purpose of VPN altogether.  

This circumstance presents a significant threat to your data ending up with hackers and cybercriminals. It also doesn’t help that VPN providers aren’t bound to government legal policies in some countries, so there are limited solutions to prevent this.  

Account Suspensions 

Many online services such as streaming sites and e-commerce stores have become aware of VPN usage to gain entry to geo-blocked content. Due to this, they have warned consumers not to use them, while other stringent companies have banned VPNs completely. In those situations, it’s to observe legal licensing terms and protect their network.  

And so, using a VPN under these circumstances risks your online accounts being suspended or terminated in the worst cases. Once this happens, you lose access to your account and all its data and assets. You could also face being barred from using the service in the future.  

Takeaways

The benefits and risks of using VPNs revolve around privacy, protection, security, and anonymity of your data. The provider should be the deciding factor in whether your chosen service can minimize the risks while having a reputation for ensuring the benefits.

Most cyber security experts recommend using VPNs with reputable providers and being cautious with free versions shown on web browsers. Ultimately, it’s your choice to decide whether the risks are worth it to gain the benefits.

Many people turn to personal loans to help consolidate debt, fund major purchases, buy a home, or to help a loved one receive much needed, yet costly medical care. 

While you can still fill out a loan application at your local bank, many consumers and potential borrowers are looking into the digital sphere to help make the process easier and faster. If you find yourself working multiple hours from home, freelancing as a graphic designer for example, while also caring for your kids, then applying for a loan online is an option for you. 

source

You might be wondering what exactly it is you need to get through the application process swiftly and efficiently. The following should help give you an idea and set you on the right path.

When to Apply for a Personal Loan

Firstly, make sure that you absolutely need to take the plunge and apply for a personal loan in the first place. 

A personal loan is often reserved for cases in which you are in dire need of cash quickly. It basically works as a kind of credit offer that is considered for a more significant reason than just buying a new car or home. They also come in installments, which means that if you are approved by the lender, you will receive a sum of money to help you in the short term, and you will need to repay the amount within a certain timeframe as indicated by the lender. 

Since personal loans are often unsecured, you will face much higher interest rates. However, it is still better than endlessly charging your credit cards since that inevitably create more problems and may not solve the situation. Note that a personal loan often requires that you have a relatively decent credit score in order to gain approval. If your credit is too low, then you would need to look elsewhere for financing options, otherwise you would be faced with insanely high interest rates.

Documents to Keep Handy

You will need copies of your employment and income history, your bank account information, and the last few bank statements. You will also need a credit report, and of course, identification. 

Many people need a simple lending solution that is easily available and provides instant loan approval. Customers looking for this kind of gratification and relief look to the experts at https://instabank.fi/joustoluotto to find an easy and accessible answer right away, without beating around the bush. However, you still need the proper documents ready at your fingertips, so don’t dismiss this all-important step.

Research the Rates

Just because the application process is easier doesn’t mean that you should ignore the hidden fees involved. Despite the fact that applying for a loan online is easier and you receive a confirming message straight away, you will likely pay a higher interest rate in the end. Make sure that you choose the right service for you. Since applying for a personal loan is similar to applying to obtain a credit card, there’s little documentation, and you often don’t know how much interest you’ll pay until it is too late.

Compare Rates

To boost your chances of getting approved for a personal loan, make sure you not only have your paperwork prepared but also research the documents at length. For instance, read up on your credit report and see if you can spot any errors and correct them by notifying the credit reporting agency to let them know exactly what is wrong with the information. A low credit score can make or break your personal loan application, so this isn’t the area to mentally check out on. 

Also, keep your tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements handy so that they are easily accessible throughout the process in case you are asked more detailed questions. You might need to refer to them at any moment, and a slight mistake can derail your entire process.

While applying for a personal loan is a lot of work and takes a certain leap of faith, it does eventually lead to a source of financial gain if you play your cards right. Research as much as you can and always be prepared. Just because you can get this done online doesn’t mean that you should cut corners. Applying for a personal loan—even if it’s not for an obscene amount of money—is one of the most critical decisions you can make in your lifetime, so be careful, and be diligent. 

When the time comes to cross the bridge from adolescence to adulthood, most millennials are in for a rude awakening. They resent not being taught financial literacy in school or having a parent educate them on financial planning for the future. Most millennials are already in debt by the time they are thirty so if you are also a part of this generation and know that you're struggling to pay bills or afford certain necessities, this is the financial education you need.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Many millennials refrain from asking for financial advice and often just try to get by, which can put them in a much more difficult position down the road. Rather than consulting a trusted advisor or mentor, they resort to borrowing money and taking out loans; this determines their inevitable debts. If you find yourself constantly struggling and need money to pay bills, financial advisors recommend getting educated on financial literacy. This will give you the knowledge and understanding of managing your finances.

Be aware of your credit score

Many millennials are interested in becoming entrepreneurs with the ever-growing social media outlets such as Instagram giving small businesses a platform. However, receiving funding is a big issue as most millennials may not be educated on their credit score and how much of an impact it has. Learning how to read a credit report and understanding the factors that affect funding when you have low credit scores is imperative.

Make lists

Many of us find ourselves spending money without keeping track, and this can cause us to spend money we don’t have on things we don’t need. Keep track of your finances by making a list of expenses to know where your money is going. It is important to live within your means, pay your bills on time, and know that all your money is accounted for.

Save, Save, Save

Millennials may believe it is almost impossible to save, but with the information around today, it is quite easy to learn. Saving even the smallest amount from your salary can pay off eventually; this will secure your future if you choose to invest your savings, it will also allow you to purchase things you’ve always wanted. 

Learn how to budget

Millennials wish financial planning was taught to them before they embrace the real world, and budgeting is a very simple but very resourceful tactic required to handle your finances. Create a budget for yourself; set aside money for your priorities such as daily expenses, rent, savings, and a small amount for personal spending. 

It is imperative that we educate adolescents on the importance of financial planning and help them manage their funds; many of them are still struggling to pay off student loans well into their thirties. Millennials are growing depressed with financial struggles and often worry about whether they’ll be able to secure a future for themselves, a business, and even a family one day. But it is not a lost cause, with these basic rules to abide by, you are one step closer to financial freedom. 

We have the luxury of so much convenience thanks to the digital world, and applying for loans is much more appealing when done online because of the time-saving factors. However, most people wonder if it's truly safe and legit to deal with lenders online. Take a look below at a few factors to take into account to ensure that you're safely covered.

The Safety You Deserve

Because everything is done online, there is a level of protection and security needed on the platforms you use. They should be using state of the art scanners and encryption systems that keep your financial data secure and hidden to others. The most reputable loan providing websites should have contact information listed on their website at the bottom of their homepage. The page should also have proper certification and stamps of approval from protective agencies that provide the security systems, firewalls, and scanners. It will make your online application experience a lot easier, knowing your information is in good hands.

They Make it Hassle-Free

Another way to know that you have found the right place for a loan is when they offer quick responses and easier processing times; this is what every platform should do worldwide. The digital bank representatives at www.instabank.se believe that loan providers should simplify their client's relationship with banking services; this means that everything should be making people's lives a lot easier and problem-free. It makes things a lot safer when you feel like you are actually dealing with people and not an online bot when you go through the process.

They are Properly Backed by Authority Figures

Researching third-party verification of your lender would be smart. This is a good indication that making your dealings online would be a safe venture. For example, you need to check the regulating institutes in your country that oversee these platforms. Institutions like the Better Business Bureau would have ratings and proper listings of reviews to show the authenticity and reliability of the different online lending providers so that you can rest assured that you're financially safe and in good hands.

Red Flags You Won't See

Another way to know if your lender is safe to work with is when you don't see anything happening that would get you concerned or worried; you wouldn't see any upfront scams because any reputable provider wouldn't ask you for fee payments straightforward that early. Also, if you don't see your provider asking for money transfers or funds to be wired, then you'd know it's not a scam because reputable providers would take their fee payments via your credit card. So it's clear that online providers can be safe in the right circumstances.

Proper background checks and proof of previous deals should be enough to make you feel comfortable, but it wouldn't hurt to dig deeper into the situation to find out if you've made the right decision or not. Your safety and money assurances are what really matters. So, do whatever it takes to find a reliable and legit loan provider; your financial situation depends on it.

It can be relatively easy to find yourself slipping into a career when you’re fresh out of college. While still trying to get your feet on the ground, you’re forced to make a huge life decision based on little more than the degree you have earned, where you live, and how desperate you are to get some cash in your bank account. You may find yourself taking the first job that you are offered, or perhaps you opt for the position that gives you the largest wage. However, are these really the best reasons to select your first job role? Fast forward a decade, and you may find yourself in a role that you hate, a career that you wish you hadn’t chosen, and a professional existence that you feel stuck in.

It doesn’t have to be this way. There is no such thing as a job for life anymore, and more and more people are choosing to switch careers in their twenties, thirties, and forties. You can do the same. All you need to do is make sure that you are proactive and seek out opportunities that will transform your professional life. Take a look at these three sure-fire ways to get the job that you truly want.

No. 1

Get skilled up

Changing careers will inevitably require you to retrain. This can be daunting, especially if you need to commit to a few years’ worth of study. However, many degrees now, like the ones offered by the University of Southern California, can be completed online rather than by attending a physical campus. This gives you greater freedom to study from home while you are still working in your current role. While this position might not be thrilling for you, it is ideal to ensure that you are still getting paid while you retrain for a brand new career.

When swapping to a career not linked to your current one, you may have to enroll in a variety of courses. People who have slipped into a teaching career and now want to be doctors will need to undertake specific qualifications in order to practice and get the job that they want. Retraining may sound like a lot of hard work, and it’s true that you will need to commit to a couple of years of qualifying rather than simply walking into a role. However, in the grand scheme of things, this is a couple of years out of your life when you have a further thirty years or more of working in a role that you should enjoy.

No. 2

Join a recruitment consultancy

Recruitment consultants are given quite a hard time by those seeking a new job. Job seekers will often provide a recruitment consultant with a concise and nuanced wish list for a role, only to be offered something dramatically unrelated. However, find yourself a good recruitment consultant, and they could be worth their weight in gold. Find a specialist consultancy that only sources for positions in your chosen industry. Go into their offices and meet your consultant in person. Show them your resume, and take their advice on how to enhance it. Complete courses, get the necessary qualifications, and change the formatting as advised.

When a recruitment consultant puts you forward for a position, it’s time to brush up on your interview skills. Follow a format to answer each question. The STAR strategy is effective as it helps you to structure your answers effectively. You will describe the situation, detail the task, explain your action, and demonstrate the result. This keeps your answers focused and nuanced. Some recruitment consultants will even hold a mock interview for you to help boost your confidence and give you a dry run, especially if you haven’t been for an interview for a few years.

No. 3

Gain experience

While work experience can be impossible to obtain, especially when you already have a full-time job, you can shadow a professional in a voluntary capacity. This may require you to take a couple of weeks of vacation to achieve, but this will be invaluable to your resume. Even if you usually work as an advertising executive, for your voluntary shadow experience, you could be working alongside a florist, a teacher, or a lawyer. It’s up to you to find these opportunities for yourself. So, write to local companies that you are interested in working for, and get your foot in the door. Many employers are eager for unpaid help, so you have nothing to lose in sending off some speculative emails.

Takeaways

While you may feel stuck in your current career, don’t feel like you can’t do anything about it. Your career is not set in stone, and it’s okay to shift and morph from one job role to another. Think about what is important to you, strive for a decent work-life balance, and work towards finding your dream job as part of your ideal career path.

To gain experience, you can look for job opportunities on specialized sites like Jooble.

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.

Adopt a long-term strategy

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 to reap larger returns over a much more extended period of time.

Secure legal counsel

In addition to securing your financial future through smart investments, it's also important to protect yourself legally. Unexpected legal issues can arise at any time, and having access to a criminal lawyer can provide you peace of mind and make sure that your interests and assets are always looked after. Legal security is just as important as financial security, helping you to navigate any unforeseen complications that could have an impact on your financial health.

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, and 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.