Many travelers have France on their minds, especially with the 2024 Olympic Games coming up in Paris. And what better way to fly to any country than on its namesake airline and flag carrier?
But, is Air France actually good? Here’s our breakdown of what travelers considering flying to France or beyond need to know about Air France.
What is the Air France experience?
From booking to boarding, here’s each step of flying on Air France.
Making reservations: If you’re determined to fly Air France, you can head straight to Air France’s website to search and book your flight. However, you’ll usually be better served by searching through a flight aggregator such as Google Flights. After finding a good fit, Google Flights will link you to Air France for booking.
Check-in: Air France’s online check-in opens 30 hours before departure — except for flights from Atlanta or Detroit, for which check-in opens 24 hours before departure. Check-in closes 60 minutes before departure for Air France flights departing the U.S.
Boarding: Air France groups passengers into five zones for boarding. Elite members and premium cabin passengers board in Sky Priority zones 1 and 2, while economy passengers are grouped into zones 3 through 5.
In-flight experience: Air France offers an extensive library of movies and TV shows to help pass long-haul flights, with free headphones provided.Food and drink options will vary based on your service class and flight length. Air France offers Wi-Fi on 90% of its aircraft fleet, with three different speed options available for purchase.
Air France reviews
Airlines understandably showcase their best elements in advertisements. So, that’s why it’s important to get advice from independent sources on just how good an airline is — and Air France is generally regarded as one of the best airlines in the world in independent award ratings.
In the Skytrax World Airline Awards for 2023, Air France was voted #7 in the world — placing the airline ahead of stalwarts Cathay Pacific Airways, EVA Air and Korean Air. While it didn’t take top honors in any individual field, Air France scored high marks in the Skytrax 2023 rankings in the following areas:
World’s Best First Class (#2).
Best Airline in Europe (#2).
Best Airline Staff in Europe (#2).
World’s Best Business Class (#7).
World’s Best Premium Economy (#8).
In-Flight Entertainment (#10).
World’s Best Economy Class (#16).
World’s Cleanest Airline (#19).
Best Airport Services (#20).
However, Air France failed to land in the top 20 for Best Airline Cabin Crew Worldwide and finished outside the top 10 in the world’s most family-friendly airlines.
Other independent rating awards won by Air France include Business Traveler USA’s Best First Class in the World and the World Traveler Awards’ Europe Leading Airline 2023.
Air France safety record
According to AirlineRatings.com, Air France’s safety rating is 7 out of 7 stars. Air France hasn’t had a fatal crash in the past 10 years.
This is an improvement from recent audits. In a 2022 blog post, AirlineRatings explained that it downgraded Air France’s safety rating after it was revealed that two of the airline’s pilots got into a physical fight midflight. Reportedly, cabin crew had to intervene to ensure the safety of the flight.
This incident came to light just days after the French Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety (BEA) released a report indicating that Air France’s pilots weren’t rigorous about following safety procedures.
Air France’s loyalty program
Air France shares a loyalty program with Netherlands-based KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and smaller airline Transavia. The joint loyalty program is called Flying Blue.
Despite being a European-based loyalty program, Flying Blue partners with most major U.S.-based transferable point programs, including:
Flying Blue used to use a convoluted pricing scheme for award redemptions based on the origin and destination of the flight. However, it recently standardized award rates. While Flying Blue doesn’t publish award rates, travelers have found that Flying Blue award rates between the U.S. and Europe now start at:
20,000 Flying Blue miles in economy.
35,000 Flying Blue miles in premium economy.
50,000 Flying Blue miles in business.
Air France often runs monthly award discount programs that can reduce the cost even more. However, be wary if you see award rates that seem too good to be true. In December 2023, Air France ran a flash sale that discounted business class awards to Europe to just 13,500 Flying Blue miles one-way plus $250 in taxes/fees.
Unfortunately, the Flying Blue director later got cold feet and canceled award fares for most of the 2,500 travelers who took advantage of the deal.
Who should avoid Air France?
Not every airline is suitable for every traveler. Here are a few examples of what kind of travelers should find another airline to fly:
Travelers who want to visit Australia, New Zealand or parts of Southeast Asia. Air France operates an incredible route network to almost 200 destinations across over 80 countries. However, it doesn’t fly everywhere in the world. Air France’s route map doesn’t extend to Australia, New Zealand or parts of Southeast Asia like Malaysia.
Travelers who want to visit Asia. Particularly for travelers based on the U.S. West Coast, it will be an excruciatingly long journey to Asia via Paris. For example, flying from San Francisco to Seoul takes more than 23 hours. Other airlines can fly you to Asia in almost half of that flying time.
Travelers who are Francophobes. Air France is unabashedly French, from serving French wines to French being the primary language spoken onboard. If you’re not a fan of French culture, it’s best to find another airline that serves your destination.
Final thoughts on flying Air France
Air France is generally ranked as one of the best airlines to fly — particularly in first class. Its loyalty program partners with many U.S. point programs and can offer excellent redemption rates, making it an appealing option to fly to Europe.
However, its Flying Blue loyalty program has been known to backtrack on deals that it offers to travelers. Even so, Air France can be a great option when traveling from the U.S. to Europe.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024, including those best for:
Spring is a time for new life and new vibes and home décor is one of the best (and easiest) renewal tools you have for a fresh start. Your space should feel as comfortable and stylish as it is functional, so adding the perfect home décor accents is a great way to make that dream a reality.
Plus, this year has been ripe with trends as timeless as they are trendy. Whether you want to go full Barbie with a retro pink kitchen, incorporate Pantone’s 2024 Color of the Year, or hope to soak up some sunshine with a tropical chic décor theme, the following list will take you wherever you want to go. And you’ll get there in style. From sprucing up your home coffee station to creating your dream eclectic kitchen, check out these trendy home décor ideas for an easy spring makeover.
For your home coffee station
1. Cuisinart Grind and Brew 12-Cup Automatic Coffee Maker
Cuisinart Grind and Brew 12-Cup Automatic Coffee Maker
Start your daily grind with the perfect cup of coffee. In fact, with this great grind and brew machine, you can start it with 12 cups.
2. Glass Coffee Containers
Glass Coffee Containers and Coffee Station Organizer
Keep your coffee ingredients in order with these airtight containers for maximum freshness. The coffee organizer means you’ll give off major barista vibes any time you invite friends over for a cup of joe.
Eclectic kitchen décor finds
3. MacKenzie-Childs Courtly Check Canister
MacKenzie-Childs Courtly Check Canister
This set of three checkerboard pattern canisters will make your kitchen look great, and keep your ingredients organized all at the same time. Because home décor is no game!
4. Softiest Designs UO Exclusive Disco Donut Sculpture
Softiest Designs UO Exclusive Disco Donut Sculpture
You’ll be ready to dance the day away with this sparkly disco donut sculpture to liven up your kitchen.
To refresh your coffee table décor
5. Anthropologie Less Ottomans Hand-painted Menagerie Tray
Less Ottomans Handpainted Menagerie Tray
With two color options, this hand-painted menagerie tray makes an interesting addition to any coffee table, whether it’s used for food and beverage service or just for holding your favorite nicknacks!
6. Annie Leibovitz XXL Coffee Table Book
Annie Leibovitz XXL Coffee Table Book
Annie Leibovitz is one of the most celebrated photographers of the 20th century. Now, you can have her most iconic photos gracing your living room coffee table.
For your retro pink kitchen
7. Pink Smeg Retro Stand Mixer
Smeg Retro Stand Mixer, Pink
Nothing’s more fun than mixing it up with this gorgeous pink retro mixer from Smeg.
8. Retro Bottom Freezer Refrigerator in Pink
Retro Bottom Freezer Refrigerator in Pink
This retro pink refrigerator makes a real statement. And that statement is “I’ve got style and I don’t care who knows it!”
For your work-from-home setup
9. Industrial Modular Wall Desk
Industrial Modular Wall Desk
If you want to set up the ultimate work-from-home area, check out this high-quality adaptable wall desk set. It has five wood finishes and changes constantly to suit your needs, unlike your boss.
10. Katsunori Ergonomic Executive Chair
Katsunori Big and Tall Ergonomic Executive Chair
While comfort is important, great looks can’t be underestimated when it comes to a quality executive chair. This one is as comfy on the eyes as it is on the back, especially for the big and tall.
For fans of tropical chic décor
11. Tropical Leaves Wall Art
Tropical Leaves Wall Art
You’ll swear you’ve landed in the South Seas with these trendy wooden tropical leaves. They offer a lovely tropical silhouette to your living room wall.
12. Tropical Bloom Removable Wallpaper
Tropical Bloom Removable Wallpaper
What’s better than beautiful tropical wallpaper? How about beautiful tropical wallpaper that you can take with you when you move?
To hop on the aluminum furniture trend
13. Deco 79 Aluminum Drip Accent Table
Deco 79 Aluminum Drip Accent Table
This aluminum table is dripping with style. It’ll be a real conversation piece in any room you choose to place it.
14. Leporis Aluminum Accent Stool
Leporis Aluminum Accent Stool
This aluminum table is absolutely dripping with style. This will be a real conversation piece in any room where you choose to place it.
For Vintage Americana vibes
15. American Flag Framed Print
American Flag Framed Print
Nothing gives off vintage Americana vibes like a weathered framed flag print adorning your wall. You’ll pledge allegiance to spring with this one!
16. American Art Décor Licensed Chevron Gas Pump Plaque
American Art Décor Licensed Chevron Gas Pump Plaque
This cool gas pump wall plaque takes you back to a time when gas was just fifty cents a gallon and you had to buy cool wall décor IN PERSON.
For fun chalk sign ideas
17. Rustic Magnetic Kitchen Chalkboard Sign
Rustic Magnetic Kitchen Chalkboard Sign
A farmhouse-style chalkboard is a great way to give your kitchen folksy charm while offering an easy method to leave notes to family. Just don’t let them add too many treats to that grocery list!
18. WiFi Chalk Board Sign
Simply Said, INC WiFi Chalk Board Sign
Perhaps the most common question in any modern home is “What’s the WiFi password?” Now you can answer the question before it’s even asked with this fun chalkboard.
For fish tank-themed fun
19. Maryjane Mirrored Wall Mounted Aquarium Tank
Maryjane Mirrored Wall Mounted Aquarium Tank
Here fishy fishy! Decorate your home with this lovely one-gallon fish tank without taking up any additional counter space.
20. Fantasy Jellyfish Aquarium
Fantasy Jellyfish Aquarium
Now you can have fish tank fun without the hassle of caring for…you know…fish! This aquarium is maintenance-free and features lifelike rubber jellyfish that move and sway.
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Both the Shoreditch house—which Ashby and Casely-Hayford rented for years—and the appointment-only Blewcoat showroom are front and center in Ashby’s first monograph with Rizzoli, Home, Art, Soul, along with 11 other distinctive Studio Ashby projects: think a Victorian bathhouse turned seaside villa in Brighton filled with De Gournay wallpapers in chinoiserie prints and textiles in shades of turmeric, cumin, paprika, and saffron; a San Francisco apartment where the blues of the Pacific are echoed in Murano glass and Isaac Julien prints; and a Left Bank bolthole overlooking the Seine whose 17th-century rooms were transformed in the spirit of French designer Jacques Grange.
As the book is released—and Studio Ashby celebrates its 10th anniversary—Sophie reflects on lessons from a decade in interior design, and lets Vogue in on the five common mistakes she always advises her clients to sidestep.
When you’ve installed beautiful flooring, it’s natural to be reluctant to cover it up, but having a larger rug always makes a space feel more welcoming and generous. I generally suggest ordering a carpet large enough to fit all of the furniture in a room on top of it rather than something your coffee table floats on in the middle of a space.
I’m always looking to create interesting geometric juxtapositions—putting an angular armchair next to a soft sofa, for example. That not only gives a room a more dynamic feel, but when you incorporate lots of different styles in a home rather than buying into one trend, your décor has more longevity, too.
Lighting is deceptively tricky to get right. I typically opt for ambient over directional lights. As a rule of thumb, it’s best to avoid having any bulbs visible, whether you’re looking down into a table lamp or up into a factory-style pendant.
If your house contains rooms with low ceilings—as many Victorian and Edwardian terraces do in London—paint not just the walls but the doors, the skirting board, and the ceiling the same color. It will make the space feel so much fresher and less disrupted by datums.
Whatever your budget, don’t overlook the value of art, and don’t be intimidated about buying it. If you can afford to purchase original works by blue-chip artists, that’s great, but it’s not a necessity. I always recommend that people start by going to exhibitions and getting prints of the works they loved at the end.
The median annual pay for travel agents is $46,400, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics most recent data.
Travel is a passion many people share, but not many people are fortunate enough to make their love of travel their full-time job. If someone is skilled at finding the best travel deals and building the perfect vacation itinerary, they may find that working as a travel agent is a rewarding way to earn a living.
To better understand what it’s like to work as a travel agent and how much they earn, keep reading.
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What Are Travel Agents?
Travel agents help their clients plan and book their trips. They may work for an individual client to plan their vacation or a corporate client to book their work travel. No two trips they manage are likely to be exactly the same, but they can help arrange everything from flights to hotels to excursions to dining reservations. Many travel agents can also give their clients access to deals through partner hotels and other travel vendors.
A travel agent can work independently. In-house at a large corporation, or for a major travel company. They may pursue this work full-time or as a side hustle. Given that a significant part of this career involves working with individuals to understand their travel aspirations and needs, it’s likely not a good job for antisocial people.
Travel agents can train in different ways: Some have a bachelor’s degree in an allied field or an associate’s degree in travel and tourism. There are many professional training programs and certifications available, such as ASTA, IATA, TIDS, and CLIA for different dimensions of travel planning.
As part of their work, travel agents may have the opportunity to visit various properties and destinations to make sure they would be a good fit for clients and learn about their selling points. This is often available at a reduced rate or for free and can be a major perk of working as a travel agent.
However, it’s worth noting that travel agents likely have to be available 24/7 and can deal with considerable stress, if, say, a client misses their flight or extreme weather ruins a vacation. 💡 Quick Tip: We love a good spreadsheet, but not everyone feels the same. An online budget planner can give you the same insight into your budgeting and spending at a glance, without the extra effort.
How Much Do Starting Travel Agents Make a Year?
If you’re wondering how much money a travel agent makes, the answer will depend a lot on how experienced the travel agent in question is. For example, entry-level travel agents can earn a lot less than more experienced agents. The lowest 10% of earners in this role make less than $29,650.
The highest 10% make more competitive pay north of $64,100. And there are those travel agents who work in the luxury sector who make considerably more.
Indeed, some could make an annual salary of $100,000 or more.
What is the Average Salary for a Travel Agent?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the latest median pay per year for travel agents is $46,400 and the median hourly pay is $22.31.
Alongside experience, location can majorly impact a travel agent’s earning potential. The following table illustrates how much a travel agent’s average salary can vary by state, arranged from highest to lowest. For example, in New York, travel agents make an average annual salary of $51,002, but in Arkansas, they earn almost $20,000 less at an average of $33,194.
What is the Average Travel Agent Salary by State for 2023
State
Annual Salary
Monthly Pay
Weekly Pay
Hourly Wage
New York
$51,002
$4,250
$980
$24.52
Pennsylvania
$46,702
$3,891
$898
$22.45
New Hampshire
$45,667
$3,805
$878
$21.96
New Jersey
$44,975
$3,747
$864
$21.62
Wyoming
$44,490
$3,707
$855
$21.39
Washington
$44,429
$3,702
$854
$21.36
Wisconsin
$44,110
$3,675
$848
$21.21
Massachusetts
$44,109
$3,675
$848
$21.21
Alaska
$43,993
$3,666
$846
$21.15
Oregon
$43,637
$3,636
$839
$20.98
Indiana
$43,568
$3,630
$837
$20.95
North Dakota
$43,557
$3,629
$837
$20.94
Hawaii
$42,711
$3,559
$821
$20.53
Arizona
$42,667
$3,555
$820
$20.51
New Mexico
$42,402
$3,533
$815
$20.39
Colorado
$42,122
$3,510
$810
$20.25
Minnesota
$42,111
$3,509
$809
$20.25
Montana
$42,024
$3,502
$808
$20.20
Nevada
$41,598
$3,466
$799
$20.00
Alabama
$41,499
$3,458
$798
$19.95
South Dakota
$41,167
$3,430
$791
$19.79
Vermont
$41,101
$3,425
$790
$19.76
Ohio
$41,077
$3,423
$789
$19.75
Rhode Island
$40,418
$3,368
$777
$19.43
Iowa
$39,934
$3,327
$767
$19.20
Delaware
$39,881
$3,323
$766
$19.17
Connecticut
$39,806
$3,317
$765
$19.14
Virginia
$39,419
$3,284
$758
$18.95
Mississippi
$39,257
$3,271
$754
$18.87
Tennessee
$39,219
$3,268
$754
$18.86
Utah
$39,017
$3,251
$750
$18.76
Illinois
$38,900
$3,241
$748
$18.70
Georgia
$38,659
$3,221
$743
$18.59
Maryland
$38,651
$3,220
$743
$18.58
California
$38,534
$3,211
$741
$18.53
Nebraska
$37,909
$3,159
$729
$18.23
Maine
$37,734
$3,144
$725
$18.14
Missouri
$37,456
$3,121
$720
$18.01
South Carolina
$37,087
$3,090
$713
$17.83
Kansas
$36,952
$3,079
$710
$17.77
Idaho
$36,789
$3,065
$707
$17.69
Louisiana
$36,765
$3,063
$707
$17.68
Oklahoma
$36,712
$3,059
$706
$17.65
Texas
$36,475
$3,039
$701
$17.54
North Carolina
$36,322
$3,026
$698
$17.46
West Virginia
$36,068
$3,005
$693
$17.34
Kentucky
$34,977
$2,914
$672
$16.82
Michigan
$34,895
$2,907
$671
$16.78
Florida
$34,212
$2,851
$657
$16.45
Arkansas
$33,194
$2,766
$638
$15.96
Source: ZipRecruiter
Travel Agent Job Considerations for Pay & Benefits
Working as a travel agent can be very flexible. While full-time positions are available in this role, some travel agents choose to work part-time or for themselves as entrepreneurs.
When working full-time for a travel advisory firm, travel agents can expect to gain access to benefits like health insurance and retirement contribution matching. If they work part-time or are self-employed, they will need to provide themselves with those benefits, which can eat into their take-home pay. 💡 Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.
Pros and Cons of Travel Agent Salary
The main disadvantage of a travel agent’s salary is that the median annual salary is on the lower side at just $46,400. That being said, one of the main advantages of this salary is that it can come with hefty bonuses based on travel bookings with partners that offer commissions to travel agents. Also, travel agents often get discounts and freebies as they themselves travel to check out new resorts and attractions.
Travel agents who work for themselves can also choose to set their own rates and can potentially earn more. Or those who cater to high net-worth individuals may be able to raise their income.
Recommended: Work-from-Home Jobs for Retirees
The Takeaway
A travel agent who is super organized and passionate about travel can help make their client’s lives easier and their trips more enjoyable. In exchange for their savviness, some travel agents earn good salaries doing work that they truly enjoy and have perks that involve more travel at lower or no cost for their own purposes.
SoFi helps you stay on top of your finances.
FAQ
Can you make 100k a year as a travel agent?
While most travel agents don’t earn $100,000 per year, those who choose to work for themselves and set their own rates or cater to an elite clientele can possibly make six figures. Many travel agents work on commission, so they can also stand to earn more if their clients book a lot of expensive trips.
Do people like being a travel agent?
Many people like working as a travel agent because it’s a fun way to put their love of travel to use. It tends to be a good job for those who consider themselves to be a “people person” since there’s lots of interaction with clients. Also, it’s good for people who can “roll with the punches” since travel plans often change for various reasons.
Is it hard to get hired as a travel agent?
The demand for travel agents is on par with the average of other professions. So, while it’s not seeing a surge in need, there should be availability of jobs as a travel agent.
Photo credit: iStock/Dimensions
SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.
*Terms and conditions apply. This offer is only available to new SoFi users without existing SoFi accounts. It is non-transferable. One offer per person. To receive the rewards points offer, you must successfully complete setting up Credit Score Monitoring. Rewards points may only be redeemed towards active SoFi accounts, such as your SoFi Checking or Savings account, subject to program terms that may be found here: SoFi Member Rewards Terms and Conditions. SoFi reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer at any time without notice.
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Are you looking for the best low stress jobs? If you currently dread going to work and are looking for something new, here’s where to start. If your current job is too stressful, you may be thinking about switching to something less intense. Lots of jobs pay well without making you feel anxious or burned…
Are you looking for the best low stress jobs? If you currently dread going to work and are looking for something new, here’s where to start.
If your current job is too stressful, you may be thinking about switching to something less intense. Lots of jobs pay well without making you feel anxious or burned out all the time.
Whether you’re making online content, helping people get fit as a personal trainer, or organizing medical records, there are many options for a job that helps you stay calm and relaxed.
Recommended reading: 40 Best Jobs Where You Work Alone
Best Low Stress Jobs
There are many low stress jobs listed below. If you want to skip the list, here are some jobs that you may want to start learning more about first:
Below are the best low stress jobs.
Note: While these jobs are low stress for some, they may not be for all. There may be a certain aspect of it that may make it low stress for you, such as being able to work alone, being able to work from home, having a flexible schedule, or doing something that you enjoy. But, nearly all jobs have some sort of stress that is a part of the job, so that is something to keep in mind. And, that doesn’t mean that these jobs are easy. Many of the jobs below are still quite difficult, requiring schooling (even getting your doctorate degree!) and hard work.
1. Blogger
If you enjoy writing and sharing ideas, becoming a blogger might be the perfect low stress job for you.
As a blogger, you have the freedom to create content on topics that interest you. Whether it’s personal finance, cooking, travel, tech, or any hobby, your blog is a space to express yourself.
I started my blog, Making Sense of Cents, in 2011 without much planning. I just wanted to talk about my own experiences with money. Surprisingly, since then, I’ve made over $5,000,000 from it. And now, blogging is my main job!
I really enjoy being able to blog full-time, and it’s much less stressful than the previous day job I had. But, it is still running my own business, so there are other stresses that come along with that, of course.
But, there are many positives as well! I can work alone, I get to make my own schedule, I am my own boss, I get to do the work that I choose to do, and I can work from home. I have an amazing work-life balance, and I wouldn’t trade this job for anything else.
So, what’s a blog? Well, it’s like what you’re reading now – it’s writing on a website. You can write a blog about something you really like, something you know a lot about, or even something you want to learn more about. People like to read blogs because they get to follow along with someone’s real experiences and journeys!
You can learn how to start a blog with my free How To Start a Blog Course (sign up by clicking here).
2. Sell printables
Selling digital printables online is a great way to work from home with less stress and make money.
Creating printables can be a less stressful job because you only need to make one digital file for each product, and then you can sell it many times. It’s also not expensive to start because all you need is a laptop or computer and an internet connection.
Plus, you can do all of this from home and on your own time.
Printables are things you can get on the internet and print at home. They could be games for a bridal shower, lists for groceries, planners for managing money, invites for events, quotes you can hang on your wall, or designs you can use for crafting.
I recommend signing up for Free Training: How To Earn Money Selling Printables. This free workshop will give you ideas on what types of printables you can sell, how to get started, the costs of starting a printables business, and how to make money.
Do you want to make money selling printables online? This free training will give you great ideas on what you can sell, how to get started, the costs, and how to make sales.
3. Bookkeeper
Bookkeepers handle money matters for businesses, and they write down sales, keep track of expenses, and create financial reports.
This job allows you to work independently, earning a typical salary of $40,000 or more each year. You’ll mainly work with numbers instead of interacting with people.
Many bookkeepers like their jobs because they work regular hours and don’t have as much pressure as some other jobs.
You don’t need a college degree to start as a bookkeeper either. This is something that you can learn to get started, as there are no education requirements.
You can join the free workshop that focuses on finding virtual bookkeeping jobs and how to begin your own freelance bookkeeping business by signing up for free here.
Recommended reading: How To Find Online Bookkeeping Jobs
10
This free training will teach you what you need to know to become a virtual bookkeeper and make money from home.
4. Proofreader
If you already enjoy reading articles or books and spotting errors, then you may find this job interesting.
A proofreader’s main task is to read content and look for mistakes in spelling, grammar, and punctuation. They’re the last line of defense, ensuring that everything reads perfectly before it goes out into the world. Many proofreaders enjoy the flexibility this job has, as they can often set their own hours and work from where they feel most comfortable.
Many writers, website owners, and students hire proofreaders to improve their work. There’s a big demand for proofreaders, and you can find jobs on different sites.
Even the best writers can make errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. That’s why hiring a proofreader can be extremely helpful for almost everyone.
In fact, I have a proofreader for my blog. Even though I write all day long, I know that it is very important to have a proofreader go through everything that I write.
If you want to become a proofreader, I recommend joining this free 76-minute workshop focused on proofreading. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to begin your own freelance proofreading business.
Recommended reading: 20 Best Online Proofreading Jobs For Beginners (Earn $40,000+ A Year).
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This free 76-minute workshop answers all of the most common questions about how to become a proofreader, and even talks about the 5 signs that proofreading could be a perfect fit for you.
5. Transcriptionist
Transcriptionists listen to recordings and type out what they hear.
Becoming a transcriptionist is a low stress job if you’re looking for flexibility in terms of work schedules and the comfort of working from your own space.
Online transcriptionists typically earn between $15 to $30 per hour on average, with new transcribers usually starting at the lower end of that range.
A helpful free training to take is Free Workshop: Is a Career in Transcription Right for You? You’ll learn how to get started as a transcriptionist, how you can find transcription work, and more.
Recommended reading: 18 Best Online Transcription Jobs For Beginners To Make $2,000 Monthly
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In this free training, you will learn what transcription is, why it’s a highly in-demand skill, who hires transcriptionists, how to become a transcriptionist, and more.
6. Software developer
A software developer is a person who designs, creates, tests, and keeps up software applications, systems, and programs. They’re good at programming languages and frameworks, using their skills to make solutions that meet specific needs or solve problems.
Software developers work in different fields like technology, finance, healthcare, and entertainment. They work with other team members like designers, engineers, and project managers to finish software projects well and meet the needs of users.
I know many software developers who enjoy what they do. While it is a hard job, many of them are able to work from home, travel whenever they want, and they tend to enjoy solving complex technical issues.
Other less stressful jobs in a related field include becoming a computer systems analyst, software architect, computer hardware engineer, and web developer. For these jobs, you may need a bachelor’s degree in software engineering, computer science, or a related field.
7. Massage therapist
If you’re looking for a stress-free job that lets you help others, think about being a massage therapist. Massage therapists use their hands to ease pain, help people relax, and help people feel less stressed.
Massage therapy might be a little less stressful for you because the atmosphere at work is usually calm (after all, that’s why people are going there – to relax!), and you don’t bring work home with you (so, no late night phone calls from clients!).
Massage therapists usually work in places like spas, wellness centers, or chiropractic clinics. Some may also have their own private businesses or have mobile services, which lets them have a more flexible schedule and be their own boss.
To become a massage therapist, you will need to go to school for massage therapy and pass a state exam. This typically takes around 6 months to 2 years to complete (it depends on the state you live in).
8. Personal trainer
Personal trainers help people with their fitness and being more healthy, which can mean creating workout plans, motivating them to work out, or showing the right way to lift weights.
Personal trainers work in a gym, hospital, or even go solo as a freelancer.
This job has some flexibility, which is something that many personal trainers like. You get to choose who you train, where you work, and when you have sessions. Plus, you’re not stuck at a desk all day, which keeps things fresh and fun.
9. Dental hygienist
Dental hygienists clean teeth, check for things like cavities or gum disease, and teach patients the best ways to brush and floss.
You can start this career with an associate’s degree, which usually takes about two years to finish. Plus, you may be able to make over $75,000 a year as a dental hygienist.
10. Medical records technician
If you’re in the job search for low stress jobs in healthcare, then becoming a medical records technician may be for you.
Medical records technicians handle health information data, and they make sure that all the records (both electronic health records and paper files), such as patient history, test results, and treatments, are accurate, accessible, and secure.
It’s low stress because, unlike some roles in medicine, you won’t be on the front lines dealing with emergencies. Your work environment is typically calm, allowing you to focus on your tasks without the pressure of patient care.
To become a medical records technician, you typically only need a high school diploma, but some employers may want to see a certificate related to the field or higher education.
11. Optometrist
An optometrist is an eye doctor who helps people see better. They check your eyes, find out if you need glasses, and help keep your eyes healthy.
You may like being an eye doctor because:
You usually work regular hours. People don’t typically have optometrist emergencies.
The pay is great.
It’s usually a relatively calm job.
Plus, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for optometrists is over $125,000 a year, and there is expected to be a 9% job growth outlook over the next decade.
12. Physicist
Physicists study the laws and principles that govern the universe, like gravity and motion, and how they apply to everyday life.
Most physicists work in research and development. Some work in offices, while others spend time in laboratories. There are also those who teach at universities.
The job comes with a reasonable stress level, as physicists frequently engage in deep thinking rather than dealing with tight deadlines or high-stress situations, and they typically conduct research. This can make for a fulfilling and low-pressure work environment if you enjoy physics.
To be a physicist, you will likely need a Ph.D. That means a lot of school, but it’s worth it if you love science and discovery.
13. Statistician
Being a statistician might be a perfect choice for your career if you love numbers and data.
Statisticians analyze data and identify patterns, such as by taking a bunch of numbers and turning them into useful information that companies can use to make decisions. Statisticians also might collect data from surveys and experiments.
Statisticians usually have pretty regular hours and it’s normally a quiet place to work, so you can focus just on your tasks without a bunch of noise. Plus, it’s not a job that is typically rushed, so you can take your time.
14. Mathematician
If you love numbers and problems that make you think, a related field to the above may be becoming a mathematician.
Mathematicians use mathematics to unravel patterns and address significant questions.
Mathematicians are needed in many different fields like academia, government, finance, and technology.
In academia, they work as professors and researchers, studying both theoretical and practical math ideas. Government agencies like NASA and the NSA hire mathematicians for jobs like exploring space and analyzing statistics. Financial companies hire mathematicians to make algorithms for things like evaluating risk, pricing items, and creating trading strategies. Also, big tech companies like Google and Microsoft use mathematicians to develop algorithms and analyze data.
15. Librarian
Becoming a librarian is a great job for someone who likes quiet places and books.
Being a librarian is not just about checking out books. It’s a role that’s all about helping people find information and enjoy reading.
Your main job as a librarian would be to help people find the books or online resources they need. You also get to put together fun programs, like story time for kids or book clubs. Keeping the library in tip-top shape is part of your work too, like putting books back on the shelves, managing schedules for employees and volunteers, and making sure everything is where it belongs.
Libraries are usually calm and quiet, which can make it stress-free for you. This makes your workplace quite relaxing, which is great if loud and busy spots make you feel stressed. Plus, you get to have a regular schedule.
Most librarian jobs need a bachelor’s degree at the minimum and sometimes, you will most likely need a master’s degree in library science (MLS) from an accredited program.
Librarians work in many places, such as public libraries, schools, law firms, universities, and more.
16. Orthodontist
One of the best high-paying jobs for people who don’t like stress is becoming an orthodontist.
An orthodontist is a specialized dentist who focuses on fixing teeth and jaw alignment problems. They help patients get straighter smiles and better oral health using treatments like braces, clear aligners, and retainers.
Orthodontists get extra training after dental school to become experts in diagnosing and treating issues like misaligned bites and other dental problems.
By carefully checking each patient, orthodontists make personalized plans to straighten teeth properly, leading to better-looking smiles and improved function of the teeth and jaws.
Being an orthodontist can be pretty low stress since they usually have a set schedule, seeing patients for regular appointments instead of dealing with sudden dental emergencies.
17. Groundskeeper/gardener
Becoming a groundskeeper or a gardener could be a great fit for you if you like being outside and want a stress-free job. You get to work with plants and make outdoor spaces look beautiful. This job is perfect if you’re looking for something that lets you enjoy fresh air and doesn’t have you sitting at a desk all day.
Here are some things that a groundskeeper or gardener may do:
Take care of plants and grass by watering, weeding, and trimming.
Make sure gardens look neat and are healthy.
Sometimes work with tools and machines, like lawn mowers and trimmers.
Shovel snow or take care of indoor plants.
This is one of the best low stress jobs because it is usually quiet, which makes it great for people who get overwhelmed by noisy places.
Recommended reading: 15 Outdoor Jobs For People Who Love Being Outside
18. Audiologist
Audiologists help people with their hearing, and this includes testing hearing, picking out hearing aids, and teaching people how to use them.
This is typically a low stress career choice because you get to work in an office and do similar tasks each day. You are not usually rushing around, instead you have a lot of calm one-on-one time with patients.
Audiologists work in different places like hospitals, clinics, private practices, schools, and research institutions.
19. Pet sitter
Becoming a pet sitter is a great job if you like animals and enjoy caring for them. This is a job that doesn’t typically have a lot of stress because it is not fast-paced. Plus, if you like pets, then you probably enjoy being around them, which can make the job fun.
A pet sitter’s main job is to look after pets while their owners are away. This might mean feeding them, giving them water, and playing with them. It’s important to make sure the pet feels happy and safe when their owner isn’t home.
You might have pets come to your home, or you can go to their owners’ place (this is something that is agreed upon beforehand). Dog walkers typically earn around $20 for every hour they spend walking a dog. Taking care of someone’s pet overnight can earn a person around $25 to $100 or even more each day.
I have used many pet sitters over the years for my dogs, and they all seemed to love what they do. Plus, my mother-in-law is a pet sitter as well, and she enjoys her time with the dogs that she takes care of.
20. Stock photo photographer
Stock photo photographers take photos of things like people, businesses, animals, and more, and sell them for other people to use.
Stock image sites are some of the most popular platforms for photographers to sell their pictures. These websites allow customers to purchase images for purposes such as websites, TV shows, books, and social media accounts. You can take a look at some of the stock photos I’ve purchased within this blog post as examples.
Stock photo photographers typically work by themselves, and this job can be done without much interaction with others. Most of the tasks involve using a camera and then uploading photos to a website.
As a stock picture photographer, you get to set your own schedule. This means you can choose when and where you work.
One great thing about stock photo sites is that they can be a great form of passive income. You can take pictures, upload them, and continue to earn money from those photos for months or even years into the future. Since everything is online and mostly automated, there’s no need to talk with anyone directly.
Recommended reading: 18 Ways You Can Get Paid To Take Pictures
21. Freelance writer
Freelance writers create content for clients, including blog posts, advertising materials, and more.
It’s common for freelance writers to work independently, receiving topics from clients and submitting their completed work. Occasionally, they may receive feedback, such as suggestions for improvement, but this is usually the extent of human interaction they’ll have.
This is one of the best low stress jobs from home where you work alone.
I have been a freelance writer for many years and I enjoy this job a lot. I get to work from home, make my own hours, work alone, and choose the topics that I write about.
Recommended reading: 14 Places To Find Freelance Writing Jobs As A Beginner
22. Graphic designer
A graphic designer is someone who creates designs for individuals and businesses.
They create things such as images, printables, planners, T-shirt designs, calendars, business cards, social media graphics, stickers, logos, and more.
Graphic designers tend to have the freedom to set their own schedules, especially if they work as a freelancer. This job allows you to work at your own pace, and most of the time, you don’t have to deal with rush hour traffic or crowds since a lot of graphic designers can work from home.
23. Hairstylist
We’ve all been to a hairstylist, so I don’t think I need to describe this job too, too much. Hairstylists cut, style, and take care of hair.
Hair styling is lower stress because you work with clients in a relaxed setting. Also, you don’t have to sit at a desk all day – you move around and talk with people.
Plus, you can set up your day the way you like it. If you want, you can take breaks between clients. This means you won’t feel rushed and can enjoy your work more.
24. Social media manager
Social media managers engage with people online and share news, pictures, and videos on behalf of a company.
You may find this to be a low stress job because you mostly type on a computer or phone as a social media manager. So, if talking in front of people makes you nervous, this could be the perfect job. Plus, you can often work from home.
25. Virtual assistant
One of my first side gigs was working as a virtual assistant, and it was both enjoyable and flexible for earning income.
While you have a boss as a VA, many of the tasks you handle will require you to take the lead and complete them independently, usually from your own home.
A virtual assistant is someone who assists people with office tasks remotely, whether from home or while traveling. This could involve tasks such as responding to emails, scheduling appointments, and managing social media accounts.
Recommended reading: Best Ways To Find Virtual Assistant Jobs
26. Litter cleanup worker
This is one of the least stressful jobs.
If you have a business, it’s important to keep it clean and neat. No one likes seeing trash scattered about when they’re shopping, correct?
That’s why some business owners pay someone to tidy up before their business opens. A clean space makes the place look inviting and pleasant for customers.
This low stress job without a degree can be started all by yourself, and you can earn around $30 to $50 for every hour you work. It’s quite straightforward too. All you’ll need is a broom, a dustpan, and some tools to help you pick up litter more easily.
People like this job because they can work alone and it’s easy to clean an area up.
Recommended reading: How I Started A $650,000 Per Year Litter Cleanup Business
27. Economist
Economists examine how goods and services are made, shared, and used within an economy. They use different tools, like math and stats, to grasp and predict economic patterns and actions.
Economists might work for the government, giving advice to policymakers on things like money policies and taxes. They also help businesses by explaining market trends, so they can make good decisions about prices, production, and investments.
A somewhat related field to this would be becoming an economics professor.
28. Astronomer
Astronomers study objects and events in space beyond Earth’s atmosphere, like stars, planets, galaxies, and cosmic happenings such as black holes and supernovas.
They use a mix of observations, data analysis, and theoretical models to learn about the origins, changes, and behaviors of these objects. Astronomers usually use advanced telescopes, both on the ground and in space, to observe and gather data from far-off parts of the universe.
They also work with physicists, mathematicians, and engineers to create new technologies and tools for exploring space. Through their work, astronomers help us understand big questions about the universe, like how old it is, what it’s made of, and what will happen to it in the future.
Unlike many jobs, being an astronomer means regular hours with few surprises. Plus, the quiet of a lab or observatory is perfect for staying focused and calm.
29. Actuary
Actuaries assess and handle financial risks by using math and stats to analyze data and forecast future events.
They mainly work for insurance companies, pension funds, and financial consulting firms. Actuaries examine how likely events like death, illness, accidents, and natural disasters are to happen, and what impact they could have on insurance policies and pension plans.
Based on their analysis, they help create insurance policies, decide on premiums, and suggest investment plans to make sure these financial products stay stable and have enough coverage for customers.
If you enjoy numbers and are looking for a job that’s pretty easy on stress, becoming an actuary could be a smart move. Actuaries help businesses look into the future and protect against loss.
30. Radiologist
If you’re interested in a career in the medical field that is both high-paying and considered to have lower stress, you might want to think about becoming a radiologist.
Radiologists specialize in diagnosing and treating diseases and injuries using medical imaging techniques like X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, ultrasound, and nuclear medicine. They analyze images to find any abnormalities and give detailed reports to other doctors, helping with patient diagnosis and treatment plans.
Radiologists work closely with other healthcare professionals to make sure they understand the imaging results and can provide the best care for patients.
31. Data entry clerk
Data entry is one of the easiest low stress jobs without a degree needed.
Data entry clerks input, edit, and verify data in databases or spreadsheets. They enter details like numbers and names into computers to maintain organization and records.
This job can often be done remotely and independently, with little supervision or interaction with customers. For some people, this is key to having a stress-free job, and I completely get it – this is what I want as well!
Data entry positions generally pay around $15 to $20 per hour.
Recommended reading: 15 Places To Find Data Entry Jobs From Home
32. Yoga instructor
If you love helping others relax and stay fit, being a yoga instructor could be the perfect job for you if you want to find fun low stress jobs.
Yoga instructors lead classes and sessions in practicing yoga, a holistic discipline involving physical postures, breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, and meditation.
They help students through different yoga poses, focusing on correct alignment, breath control, and mindfulness. Yoga instructors create a welcoming environment where students of all levels can explore and improve their practice.
33. Dietitian
A dietitian talks to clients about their eating habits and helps figure out the best way to eat healthy.
Being a dietitian is usually not too stressful. You get to chat with people one-on-one or in small groups. You don’t have to rush around or handle dangerous equipment.
They can work in places such as hospitals, clinics, schools, community health centers, and food service establishments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about how to find low stress jobs.
What’s the least stressful job?
The least stressful job will depend on your personality, as everyone is different. Some less stressful jobs include writing online, gardening, selling printables, and data entry. For me, I really like blogging, and I think it’s a great stress-free career that you can do at home.
How do I find a peaceful job?
If you want a peaceful job that doesn’t have a lot of stress, then I recommend first thinking about what you would find peaceful in a career, such as by looking for jobs with fewer deadlines and less contact with lots of people. Jobs where you can set your own pace, like a blogger or a freelancer, tend to have a peaceful workday. Think about what makes you feel calm, and then look for jobs that match that feeling.
What job is the easiest and pays the most?
Some jobs that are pretty easygoing and also pay well include orthodontist and optometrist. These jobs usually have regular hours and don’t need you to rush around. Plus, they pay more than enough to help you save for those things you love to buy.
What types of work-from-home jobs are low stress?
Working from home can be really laid back when you’re doing something like freelance writing, blogging, transcribing, or graphic design. You can pick the jobs you want and work when it suits you best.
What are the best low stress jobs for introverts?
If you’re quiet or introverted, then you might be interested in jobs where you can work solo or with just a few people. Jobs like a bookkeeper, transcriptionist, or data entry let you focus on your work without having to talk to many people.
What are high-stress jobs?
Some of the most stressful jobs include being a nurse, police officer, surgeon, social worker, anesthesiologist, firefighter, lawyer, airline pilot, paramedic, and in the military.
Best Low Stress Jobs – Summary
I hope you enjoyed this article on the best low stress jobs.
Nowadays, people are realizing how important it is to balance work and personal life and to take care of their mental health while lessening their anxiety about work. Some occupations, like software development and data entry, have this balance and a sense of calm.
Professionals such as dental hygienists, librarians, and dietitians also enjoy low stress roles with predictable schedules.
You don’t have to give up peace of mind to have a career. By thinking about what you’re good at and what you enjoy, you can find jobs that meet your goals while keeping stress levels low.
For me, I personally love having a career that has low stress. While it is still hard, I love that I can work from home, choose the work I do, and have a flexible schedule – all things that help me be less anxious and happier about the work that I do.
Welcome to NerdWallet’s Smart Money podcast, where we answer your real-world money questions. In this episode:
Explore the ins and outs of planning a group cruise, from choosing the right trip to coordinating on-board activities.
What are the benefits of booking a group cruise for your friends and family?
What amenities do cruises offer that could make travel easier for you and your group?
Hosts Sean Pyles and Meghan Coyle discuss how to choose and book the best cruise to help you understand the logistics of planning a group vacation at sea. They begin with a discussion of the advantages and drawbacks of going on a cruise with a group, with tips and tricks on selecting destinations that fit your travel style, managing the financial aspects of shared cruise costs and utilizing onboard amenities for all age groups.
Then, Sean and Meghan discuss the ins and outs of cruise excursions and travel tips for groups. They discuss the importance of early reservation for excursions, strategies for avoiding the rush when disembarking at ports, and the value of shared travel experiences for bonding with your party.
Check out this episode on your favorite podcast platform, including:
NerdWallet stories related to this episode:
Episode transcript
This transcript was generated from podcast audio by an AI tool.
Sean Pyles:
Planning a group vacation is not easy. You need to consider multiple opinions around transportation, lodging, food, entertainment. The Google Doc could be a lengthy one. Not to mention the bill. But there’s one way to go that takes all of those decisions out of your hands. Today we’re going to explore the pros and cons and costs of taking a group on a cruise.
Meghan Coyle:
There are some people who like to sit on a beach during their vacation and not do too much else. If that’s your style, then I’d suggest looking at a cruise like in Hawaii or the Caribbean where there’s a lot of stops at beaches and you don’t have to waste time looking at a city or something if you don’t want to.
Sean Pyles:
Welcome to NerdWallet’s Smart Money Podcast. I’m Sean Pyles.
Meghan Coyle:
And I’m Meghan Coyle.
Sean Pyles:
This episode concludes our nerdy deep dive into group travel. Meghan, it’s been so fun thinking about all the different ways to travel with friends and family.
Meghan Coyle:
Yeah, I think we’ve covered a lot of ground, Sean. Group travel and airlines, where to stay with groups, how to get groups from one location to another via cars, trains and public transit. And today we’re going to talk about the option that puts all of that in one place. Well, maybe not the airline part, but you get my drift, my ocean drift.
Sean Pyles:
Yes, it’s time to hit the water for a cruise.
Meghan Coyle:
We’re cruising, Sean.
Sean Pyles:
Will Julie McCoy, Isaac Washington and Captain Stubing be welcoming us aboard?
Meghan Coyle:
Oh, Sean, that is an old school reference for all time, and you’re not that old.
Sean Pyles:
I’m not, but a classic is a classic. But seriously, whether it’s Love Boat or Death on the Nile, trips aboard a cruise are legendary and a huge part of vacation culture.
Meghan Coyle:
They are. In fact, more than 12 million Americans went on cruises in 2022, part of the post pandemic cruise rebound. And if you think about it really, is there any better way to wrangle a group of people in one place while allowing them to pretty much do whatever they want?
Sean Pyles:
Well, cruises are not for me, but you do have a point. So I’m looking forward to hearing more about some of the logistics and costs and things to watch out for and anticipate. And today you are the one in the hot seat.
Meghan Coyle:
I am. I’m not only your purser, I’m your expert.
Sean Pyles:
All right, well listener, we want to hear your thoughts about group travel. Are you organizing a trip for a bunch of friends? If so, how are you going about it and what questions do you have? Leave us a voicemail or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373. That’s 901-730-NERD. Or email a voice memo to [email protected]. Stay with us. We are back in a moment.
Meghan, let’s talk cruises. I have to start out with a confession. I’ve never been on a cruise. I guess it’s a two part confession because the other part is that I’m wary of cruises. So tell me, what is your experience with cruises?
Meghan Coyle:
So I’ve been on three cruises and I’m going on another one this summer and I was also a little wary of them, but my grandma loves them and she just has been booking them as a way to get our extended family together and we literally have four generations traveling together when we go on a cruise. So it’s been nice because, yeah, it’s like a little reunion and we get to see a new place together.
Sean Pyles:
The family aspect seems great because you can get everyone in one place and it’s not that difficult once you’ve all gotten onto the boat. Once you’re there, what’s exciting to you about cruises?
Meghan Coyle:
So I like seeing a lot of destinations. I’m trying to learn how to slow travel, but for right now I love being really efficient and when I have a few days off, seeing as many places as I can in those few days and cruises are a great way to do that. You don’t waste a lot of time driving. And honestly, there are a lot of destinations that are just easier to see by water. For example, I went on an Alaska cruise and I recommend that to anyone who’s a little wary of cruises because there really is no better way to see Alaska. It is just so big. It would be impossible to drive all of that.
Sean Pyles:
And I imagine if you’re someone who doesn’t like to get super into the logistics of traveling and just wants to get on a boat and be shown things, cruises could be really appealing.
Meghan Coyle:
They help you set the itinerary and oftentimes they’ll even tell you what time you need to be at dinner. It can be very planned out for you, which is really nice.
Sean Pyles:
How can folks choose which cruise to go on, there are so many?
Meghan Coyle:
Of course look at cruises that interest you and fit your travel style. So there are some people who like to sit on a beach during their vacation and not do too much else. If that’s your style, then I’d suggest looking at a cruise like in Hawaii or the Caribbean where there’s a lot of stops at beaches and you don’t have to waste time looking at a city or something if you don’t want to.
But if you are more into the city destinations or going to see a different country perhaps, and you need a bit more of a mix of relaxing days and touristy days, then I’d recommend looking at other locations that would maybe provide a mix of those two things for you. So the Mediterranean is often a good option. I think Southeast Asia would be really cool to go see, to get a little mix of both.
Sean Pyles:
So really know yourself, know what you want out of your vacation, know how you like to travel and then see what kind of cruise can fit the bill for you. Like I mentioned, I haven’t done a cruise before and I’m kind of wary of them in part because there are so many people just shoved onto this big boat in the sea and that’s just not my thing. But maybe I would look into a smaller boat, a more intimate type of cruise.
Meghan Coyle:
Exactly. There are so many different types of cruises like a river cruise for example, might be an example of a smaller ship that might be more interesting to you. And there’s also a lot of newer cruises, newer ships, and they’ve done a lot in the past 20 years probably to make these cruises really private in some ways. There’s a lot of third spaces where you can hang out outside of your room. So if you’re worried about the crowds, you might be pleasantly surprised that there’s actually some places you can go on a cruise ship where you can have some alone time.
Sean Pyles:
Meghan, I’d like to hear why cruises are good for group travel.
Meghan Coyle:
I mean the big plus is that everyone is staying in the same place and there’s lots of different activities for all age groups. So when I travel with my family, my grandma can do some of the bingo and the ballroom dancing.
Sean Pyles:
You’re not joining in on the bingo?
Meghan Coyle:
Yeah. Bingo is not my thing, but I can go to the water park, I can go have a drink with my friends out on the deck. There’s a lot of options for everyone.
Sean Pyles:
And I think that’s important when you’re traveling with a group, you should have some understanding that each person’s going to want to do slightly different things. You don’t need to be together all of the time. And with the amount of activities that are available on a cruise, your grandma can go and play bingo, you can go do something else, your dad could do another thing and it’s no big deal because you know you’ll meet up when the dinner bell rings because the boat tells you you have to eat at this certain time and that’s when you kind of have to regroup.
Meghan Coyle:
Exactly. And the other thing I wanted to point out is that food is usually included in the cost of the cruise. There might be some upgrades you can get for specialty restaurants on board, but for the most part food is included. And so that I think takes out the biggest stress of traveling with the group, which is feeding everyone and finding something that everyone agrees to and is in the right budget. When it’s all included that it just simplifies it so much.
Sean Pyles:
Not to mention splitting the bill is always a headache when you’re traveling with a group. So it takes that totally out of the equation, which is nice.
Okay. And then what about actually booking a cruise as a group? Do you all need to book at the exact same time? Are there certain accommodations that you need to make when you are a group? How should people approach the actual booking of a cruise when you are doing it as a group?
Meghan Coyle:
So you want to research the different types of staterooms that they have. Those are the cabins that you would book and there’s a lot of different configurations. You could get one with a balcony, sometimes there’s a two bedroom suite sort of situation. So before you book anything, really understand the different types of staterooms and how much each of those would cost. And you don’t have to book all together. You can often select the floor that you’re on in the boat. And I’ve found it’s nice to stay on the same floor or at least the same part of the boat as your family or friends or your group because it just makes it easier to get to each other if they’re right down the hallway. And you can also look for some deals that’ll make traveling as a group cheaper.
So for example, there are a few cruises that do a kid sale free package where you might be able to bring little ones for not no extra cost because you’ll probably have to pay for some of the add-ons, like the drinks or whatever. But that takes out a lot of the cost. And especially with staterooms, it’s not exactly like you’re buying a hotel room where you buy the hotel room and then split it with someone else outside of the payment system. On a cruise a second person is actually another cost. So it’s actually easier that everyone can see how much their space in the stateroom costs.
Sean Pyles:
So that’s another way where being on a cruise makes financing a trip a little bit easier because you have clear divisions of who is paying what to be in a room.
Meghan Coyle:
Exactly. And I would just warn people to look out for some of the rules about traveling as a group, especially where drink packages are involved. Most cruises come with a complimentary sort of basic drinks package, which is probably just water and soda and coffee and tea and then alcohol or even specialty coffee drinks like some Norwegian cruise lines have Starbucks locations right on the cruise ship, and those might not be part of the drinks package. And sometimes they can be very restrictive about how many people in your group need to have a certain drink package to be able to book or to be able to buy drinks for everyone.
Sean Pyles:
Oh, because they think that just one person’s going to have the Starbucks package and then get coffee for everyone else?
Meghan Coyle:
Yeah. So just be aware that you want to get a drink package that will include everyone and all of the beverages you’ll want.
Sean Pyles:
So read the terms and conditions of all of the expenses that go into a cruise. And is there one clear place where you can see that when you’re booking or is it like you get on the boat and suddenly you realize, oh, we’ve got to get this Starbucks package because X number of people in the group need to get this for the cruise to be happy with us?
Meghan Coyle:
You can do it before you get on the cruise when you’re booking online. That might require reading some of the fine print to make sure you got it exactly right. But if you do not have the drink package you need, you can always add it on when you’re on the boat as well.
Sean Pyles:
Well, as your experience tells us, cruises are really big among families. So what should parents know about bringing their little ones on a cruise? Or even you as you are an adult, but with your family traveling, what should people know about traveling on a cruise as a family?
Meghan Coyle:
The biggest perk of traveling on a cruise with a family is that parents can get free babysitting. It’s literally included in the price of the cruise. They have these things called kids clubs or teen clubs, so maybe not exactly babysitting, but these are places that are specifically reserved for kids of a certain age and they’re often divided into different age groups as well. Even smaller kids that have one kind of kids’ club and then middle grade kids have a different kids’ club, and here parents can literally drop their children off. And throughout the operation hours of the kids club, the kid can just stay there and participate in all sorts of activities. Just make sure you check the hours and also the age requirements. And sometimes these cruises even offer extra babysitting services outside of the normal operation hours. So if you want to have a date night or something like that, you might be able to get babysitting as an add-on to the kids’ clubs.
And then on top of that, other good things to look for on cruises if you’re going with a family is kid-friendly amenities. So cruises like Royal Caribbean and Disney are really well known for having kid-friendly activities like water slides, go-karts, ice rinks, all these things to keep kids and adults entertained. And if you’re booking for a group that includes kids, it’s nice to consider one of these cruise lines that has all of those fun things for them.
Sean Pyles:
Well, on the other end of the spectrum, cruises are super popular among seniors too. So are there any tips for this age group when it comes to making the most of a cruise?
Meghan Coyle:
This is one area where you want to be really cautious about making sure you book accessible accommodations, if someone needs that. Bigger cabin or maybe they want a scooter to ride around on the cruise ship. Actually you can even book a wheelchair rental or a scooter rental before you even get on the cruise from an outside third party company if you’d like and just pick it up before you get on board. I’d recommend working with the cruise because a lot of these cruise lines employ people to specifically handle these cases.
Sean Pyles:
When I think of cruises, I think that they’re essentially like a luxury condo building on the water and they have all sorts of wild amenities. Can you talk us through some of the amenities that people can expect on a cruise?
Meghan Coyle:
Amenities like gyms, pools, spas, those are all pretty standard and I would expect to see those on most ships. One of my hot tips is that you can save on going to the spa with a day pass. And if you go up and ask the people who work there, they might be able to give you some options that are not spa treatments, that might be a little cheaper so you can use the facilities, which is really nice. A lot of times they have entertainment. These can be anything from game shows to Broadway style shows to maybe more customer interaction type of stuff like karaoke. There’s all sorts of different types of shows. There’s even an ice show on the ship with an ice rink.
Sean Pyles:
An ice rink on a boat just seems like it’s breaking laws of nature, but I’ll go for it.
Meghan Coyle:
I know, right? Don’t count out that you can also bring your own entertainment. So my family often brings Mahjong, so we play that on the boat, but you can bring your own games, your own books and download your own TV shows because Wi-Fi is a whole nother thing on the cruise. But if you have things downloaded, you could watch that yourself as well.
Sean Pyles:
Okay. Say more about Wi-Fi because I need my internet connection no matter where I am. Is it not accessible often on boats?
Meghan Coyle:
Wi-Fi is similar to the drinks package where you often have to buy some type of package and often it’s for the entire length of the cruise. So there aren’t a lot of ways to get it at a deal. But if you do need the Wi-Fi, it can be worth it to pay for the entire package. Just know that it might not be super fast, especially when you’re out at sea. And of course when you dock and get off at the ports, you can always use Wi-Fi that you find locally or even set up some sort of international phone plan to have Wi-Fi access when you’re off the boat.
Sean Pyles:
All right. Well, Meghan, I want to talk about excursions because excursions or day trips away from the boat are a really big selling point on cruises and they can also make a cruise a lot more expensive depending on the excursion and how many you do. So can you talk us through what people should know about booking excursions, especially for groups?
Meghan Coyle:
Excursions are a pretty costly add-on to your cruise price. So that’s something to keep in mind, especially when you’re booking for a huge group. The simplest way to do it is book the excursions through the cruise line. They often have a desk on board where they can help you book these things or you can book them online before you go on the cruise. And these can range from anything like they’ll take you to different activities at the port, or it could be as simple as they’ll just simply offer you a ride into town. So if you’re doing this with a group, sometimes it’s simplest to just go through the cruise line, but you pay for that convenience.
The other option is you could set up your own excursions and that is often way cheaper. It just requires a little bit of research beforehand that might involve having to book some sort of transportation for your group to help you get to where you need to go. Or it might be as simple as literally walking into town. If your group can handle a 15-minute walk into town, that might be the cheapest option. And large groups might have even more options to customize the excursion to exactly what they want.
Sean Pyles:
One thing that I was a little bit surprised by when it comes to excursions on these cruises is how competitive they can be to book. I’m thinking of my family, which is going on a Disney cruise this spring, and we were talking about this over Christmas and they were looking at booking some excursions for their cruise and a lot of them had already filled up and they were three, four months out from the cruise itself. So I guess I was surprised by how popular they are, one, and two, how expensive they were to do and then also just how competitive it is to actually get in on one of these cruise specific excursions.
Meghan Coyle:
Yeah, you have to remember that everyone on this cruise is booking these same few options from the cruise line at any port you get off at. For example, the Disney cruise has a private island. I think they actually have two private islands. So depending on what cruise you go on, you might stop at one or the other, but it’s literally like the entire boat empties out and goes to this private island and that can cause some demand backups as well. So it is important to keep in mind that when you are booking excursions, you should do it as early as possible. And if you don’t get something, I would recommend to keep checking back even when you’re on the boat because people do cancel. They get on the ship and they’re overbooked or maybe part of their group bails out and spots can open up last minute.
Sean Pyles:
And also I would imagine that if you don’t get the excursion that you want when you dock somewhere and everyone else is offloading into this destination, it might be a good chance just to hang out on the cruise by yourself because on this boat and everyone else has already left. So a little bit of peace and quiet on this big boat as well.
Meghan Coyle:
Yeah, that’s actually one of my favorite things is to try not to leave with the crowd in the morning as soon as you dock and give yourself some time for the boat to empty out and you’ll get a little bit of a alone time and it might be easier to grab a taxi when you do get off.
Sean Pyles:
Well, Meghan, do you have any other tips who might be cruise curious with their group?
Meghan Coyle:
I would really encourage groups to look into it because it can be so fun to go on these group trips together and know that no matter what else you do during the day you will see each other at meals, you’ll see each other at night, you’re all staying in the same place. And it takes a lot of the headaches of planning a group trip out of it. So if your group has any interest at all in going on a cruise, I would recommend you look into it.
Sean Pyles:
Well, I’m still a little bit cruise skeptical, but maybe I’ll float this to my friend group next time we’re planning a vacation.
Meghan Coyle:
Let me know how it goes, Sean.
Sean Pyles:
Okay. Well, Meghan, it’s hard to believe, but our group travel journey is already coming to an end. We’ve soared the skies, crashed at group friendly lodging, planned trips that made everyone happy and even cruised across the high seas. All this travel talk is making me want to get a trip on the books with my favorite travel companions.
Meghan Coyle:
Same. I can’t wait. I’m a firm believer that traveling with someone is one of the best shared experiences. As long as you don’t hate your travel companions by the end of it, travel can really bring people closer together.
Sean Pyles:
Absolutely. Well, Meghan, thank you so much. It’s been really fun having you co-host this show and bring on some of our fellow Nerds to talk group travel.
Meghan Coyle:
Thank you, Sean.
For now, that’s all we have for this episode. Do you have a money question of your own? Turn to the Nerds and call or text us your questions at 901-730-6373. That’s 901-730-NERD. You can also email us at [email protected]. Also visit nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode. And remember to follow, rate and review us wherever you’re getting this podcast.
Sean Pyles:
This episode was produced by Tess Vigeland. I helped with editing. Kevin Berry helped with fact checking. Sara Brink mixed our audio. And a big thank you to NerdWallet’s editors for all their help.
Meghan Coyle:
And here’s our brief disclaimer. We are not financial or investment advisors. This nerdy info is provided for general educational and entertainment purposes and may not apply to your specific circumstances.
Sean Pyles:
And with that said, until next time, turn to the Nerds.
Inside: Learn what 29 an hour is how much a year, month, and day. Plus tips to budget your money. Don’t miss the ways to increase your income.
You’re probably wondering if I made $29 a year, how much do I truly make? What will that add up to over the course of the year when working? Is $29 an hour good?
Is this wage something that I can actually live on? Or do I need to find ways that I can increase my hourly wage? How much more is $29.50 an hour annually?
When you finally start earning $29 an hour, you are happy with your progress as an hourly employee. Typically, this is when many hourly employees start to become salaried workers.
In this post, we’re going to detail exactly what $29 an hour is how much a year. Also, we are going to break it down to know how much is made per month, bi-weekly, per week, and daily.
That will help you immensely with how you spend your money. Because too many times the hard-earned cash is brought home, but there is no actual plan for how to spend that money.
By taking a step ahead and making a plan for the money, you are better able to decide how you want to live, make sure that you put your money goals first, and not just living paycheck to paycheck struggling to survive.
The ultimate goal with money success is to be wise with how you spend your money.
If that is something you want too, then keep reading. You are in the right place.
$29 an Hour is How Much a Year?
When we ran all of our numbers to figure out how much is $29 per hour is as an annual salary, we used the average working day of 40 hours a week.
40 hours x 52 weeks x $29 = $60,320
$60,320 is the gross annual salary with a $29 per hour wage.
As of June 2023, the average hourly wage is $33.58 (source).
Let’s Break Down Of 29 Dollars An Hour Is How Much A Year
Typically, the average workweek is 40 hours and you can work 52 weeks a year. Take 40 hours times 52 weeks and that equals 2,080 working hours. Then, multiply the hourly salary of $29 times 2,080 working hours, and the result is $60,320.
That number is the gross income before taxes, insurance, 401K, or anything else is taken out. Net income is how much you deposit into your bank account.
That is slightly above the $60000 salary threshold, which is desired to become middle-income worker.
Work Part Time?
But you may think, oh wait, I’m only working part time. So if you’re working part time, the assumption is working 20 hours a week at $29 an hour.
Only 20 hours per week. Then, take 20 hours times 52 weeks and that equals 1,040 working hours. Then, multiply the hourly salary of $29 times 1,040 working hours, and the result is $30,160.
Just over $30000 a year.
How Much is $29 Per Month?
On average, the monthly amount would average $5,027.
Annual Amount of $60,320 ÷ 12 months = $5,027 per month
Just over $5000 a month.
Since some months have more days and fewer days like February, you can expect months with more days to have a bigger paycheck. Also, this can be heavily influenced by how often you are paid and on which days you get paid.
Plus by increasing your wage from $24 an hour, you average an extra $867 per month. So, yes a few more dollars an hour add up!
Work Part Time?
Only 20 hours per week. Then, the monthly amount would average $2,513.
How Much is $29 per Hour Per Week
This is a great number to know! How much do I make each week? When I roll out of bed and do my job, what can I expect to make at the end of the week?
Once again, the assumption is 40 hours worked.
40 hours x $29 = $1,160 per week.
Work Part Time?
Only 20 hours per week. Then, the weekly amount would be $580.
How Much is $29 per Hour Bi-Weekly
For this calculation, take the average weekly pay of $1,160 and double it.
$1,160 per week x 2 = $2,320
Also, the other way to calculate this is:
40 hours x 2 weeks x $29 an hour = $2,320
Work Part Time?
Only 20 hours per week. Then, the bi-weekly amount would be $1,160.
How Much is $29 Per Hour Per Day
This depends on how many hours you work in a day. For this example, we are going to use an eight-hour workday.
8 hours x $29 per hour = $232 per day.
If you work 10 hours a day for four days, then you would make $290 per day. (10 hours x $29 per hour)
Work Part Time?
Only 4 hours per day. Then, the daily amount would be $116.
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$29 Per Hour is…
$29 per Hour – Full Time
Total Income
Yearly Salary (52 weeks)
$60,320
Yearly Wage (50 weeks)
$58,000
Monthly Salary (173 hours)
$5,027
Weekly Wage (40 Hours)
$1,160
Bi-Weekly Wage (80 Hours)
$2,320
Daily Wage (8 Hours)
$232
Net Estimated Monthly Income
$3,834
**These are assumptions based on simple scenarios.
Paid Time Off Earning 29 Dollars an Hour
Does your employer offer paid time off?
As an hourly employee, you may or may not get paid time off.
So, here are the scenarios for both cases.
For general purposes, we are going to assume you work 40 hours per week over the course of the year.
Case # 1 – With Paid Time Off
Most hourly employees get two weeks of paid time off which is equivalent to 2 weeks of paid time off.
In this case, you would make $60,320 per year.
This is the same as the example above for an annual salary making $29 per hour.
Case #2 – No Paid Time Off
Unfortunately, not all employers offer paid time off to their hourly employees. While that is unfortunate, it is best to plan for less income.
Life happens. There will be times you need to take time off for numerous reasons – sick time, handling an emergency, or even vacation.
So, let’s assume you take 2 weeks off without paid time off.
That means you would only work 50 weeks of the year instead of all 52 weeks. Take 40 hours times 50 weeks and that equals 2,000 working hours. Then, multiply the hourly salary of $29 times 2,000 working hours, and the result is $58000 per year.
40 hours x 50 weeks x $29 = $58,000
You would average $232 per working day and nothing when you don’t work.
$29 an Hour is How Much a year After Taxes
Let’s be honest… Taxes can take up a big chunk of your paycheck. Thus, you need to know how taxes can affect your hourly wage.
Also, every single person’s tax situation is different.
On the basic level, let’s assume a 12% federal tax rate and a 4% state rate. Plus a percentage is taken out for Social Security and Medicare (FICA) of 7.65%.
Gross Annual Salary: $60,320
Federal Taxes of 12%: $7,238
State Taxes of 4%: $2,413
Social Security and Medicare of 7.65%: $4,614
$29 an Hour per Year after Taxes: $46,054
This would be your net annual salary after taxes.
To turn that back into an hourly wage, the assumption is working 2,080 hours.
$46054 ÷ 2,080 hours = $22.14 per hour
After estimated taxes and FICA, you are netting $22.14 an hour. That is $6.86 an hour less than what you thought you were paid.
This is a very highlighted example and can vary greatly depending on your personal situation. Therefore, here is a great tool to help you figure out how much your net paycheck would be.
Plus budgeting for under $22 an hour wage is much different.
$29 An Hour Salary Calculator
Now, you get to figure out how much you make based on your hours worked or if you make a wage between $29.01-29.99.
This is super helpful if you make $29.15, $29.45, or $29.81.
Also, if you work various hours other than the standard 40 hours per week. You can adjust to your personal situation.
$29 an Hour Budget – Example
You are probably wondering can I live on my own making 29 dollars an hour? How much rent or mortgage payment can you afford on 29 an hour?
Using our Cents Plan Formula, this is the best-case scenario on how to budget your $29 per hour paycheck.
When using these percentages, it is best to use net income because taxes must be paid.
In this example, above we calculated that $29 an hour was $22.14 after taxes. That would average $3838 per month.
According to the Cents Plan Formula, here is the high-level view of a $29 per hour budget:
Basic Expenses of 50% = $1919
Save Money of 20% = $768
Give Money of 10% = $384
Fun Spending of 20% = $768
Debt of 0% = $0
Obviously, that is not doable for everyone. Even though you would expect your money to go further when you are making double the minimum wage. So, you have to be strategic in ways to decrease your basic expenses and debt. Then, it will allow you more money to save and fun spending.
To further break down an example budget of $29 per hour, then using the ideal household percentages is extremely helpful.
recommended budget percentages based on $29 per hour wage:
Category
Ideal Percentages
Sample Monthly Budget
Giving
10%
$402
Savings
15-25%
$1005
Housing
20-30%
$1,181
Utilities
4-7%
$176
Groceries
5-12%
$385
Clothing
1-4%
$20
Transportation
4-10%
$176
Medical
5-12%
$251
Life Insurance
1%
$15
Education
1-4%
$25
Personal
2-7%
$75
Recreation / Entertainment
3-8%
$126
Debts
0% – Goal
$0
Government Tax (including Income Taxes, Social Security & Medicare)
15-25%
$1,189
Total Gross Income
$5,027
**In this budget, prioritization was given to basic expenses.
Can I Live off $29 Per Hour?
At this $29 hourly wage, you are more than likely double the minimum wage. Things should be easy to live off this $29 hourly salary.
However, it is still slightly above the median income of over $60,000 salary. That means it can still be a tough situation.
Is it doable? Absolutely.
In fact, $29 an hour is higher than the median hourly wage of $19.33 (source). That seems backward, but typically salaried workers earn more per hour than hourly workers.
Can you truly live off $29 an hour annually?
You just have to have the desire to spend less than your income. Plus consistently save.
If you are constantly struggling to keep up with bills and expenses, then you need to break that constant cycle. It is possible to be smart with money.
Your mindset is everything.
This is what you say to yourself… Okay, I have aspirations and goals to increase how much I make. This is the time to start diversifying my income into multiple streams and start investing. I am going to stretch my 29 dollars per hour.
In the next section, we will dig into ways to increase your income, but for now, is it possible to live on $29 an hour?
Yes, you can do it, and as you can see it is possible with the sample budget of $29 per hour.
Living in a higher cost of living area would be more difficult. So, you may have to get a little creative. For example, you might have to have a roommate. Move to a lower cost of living area where rent is cheaper.
Also, you must evaluate your “fun spending” items. Many of those expenses are not mandatory and will break your budget. You can find plenty of free things to do without spending money.
5 Ways to Increase Your Hourly Wage
This right here is the most crucial section of this post.
You need to figure out ways to increase your hourly income because I’m going to tell you…you deserve more. You do a good job and your value is higher than what your employers pay you.
Even an increase of 50 cents to $29.50 will add up over the year. An increase to $30 an hour is a big milestone!
1. Ask for a Raise
The first thing to do is ask for a raise. Walk right in and ask for a raise because you never know what the answer will be until you ask.
If you want the best tips on how specifically to ask for a raise and what the average wage is for somebody doing your job, then check out this book. In this book, the author gives you the exact way to increase your income. The purchase is worth it or go down to the library and check that book out.
2. Look for A New Job
Another way to increase your hourly wage is to look for a new job. Maybe a completely new industry.
It might be a total change for you, but many times, if you want to change your financial situation, then that starts with a career change. Maybe you’re stressed out at work. Making $29 an hour is too much for you and you’re not able to enjoy life, maybe changing jobs and finding another job may increase your pay, but it will also increase your quality of life.
3. Find a New Career
Because of student loans, too many employees feel like they are stuck in the career field they chose. They feel sucked into the job that they don’t like or have the potential they thought it would.
For many years, I was in the same situation until I decided to do a complete career change. I am glad I did. I have the flexibility that I needed in my life to do what I wanted when I needed to do it. Plus I am able to enjoy my entrepreneurial spirit.
4. Find Alternative Ways to Make Money
In today’s society, you need to find ways to make more money. Period.
There is no way to get around it. You need to find additional income outside a traditional nine-to-five position or typical 40 hour a week job. You will reach a point where you are maxed on what you can make in your current position or title. There may be some advancement to move forward, but in many cases, there just is not much room for growth.
So, you need to find a side hustle – another way to make money.
Do something that you enjoy, turn your hobby into a way to make money, turn something that you naturally do, and help others into a service business. In today’s society, the sky is the limit on how you can earn a freelancing income.
Must Read: How to Make Quick Money in One Day: 50 Best Ways to Make Cash
5. Earn Passive Income
The last way to increase your hourly wage is to start earning passive income.
This can be from a variety of ways including the stock market, real estate, online courses, book sales, etc. This is where the differentiation between struggling financially and becoming financially sound.
By earning money passively, you are able to do the things that you enjoy doing and not be loaded down, with having a job that you need to work, and a place that you have to go to. And you still make money doing nothing.
Here is an example:
You can start a brokerage account and start trading stocks for $50. You need to learn and take the one and only investing class I recommend. Learn how the market works, watch videos, and practice in a simulator before you start using your own money.
One gentleman started with $5,000 in his trading account and now has well over $36,000 in 8 months. Just from practice and being consistent, he has learned that passive income is the way for him to increase his income and also not be a slave to his job.
Watch his inspiring story!
Tips to Live on $29 an Hour
In this last section, grasp these tips on how to live on a $29 an hour or just above $60k yearly salary. On our site, you can find lots of money saving tips to help stretch your income further.
Here are the most important tips to live on $29 an hour. More importantly stretch how much you make, in case you are in the “I don’t want to work anymore” mindset. Highlight these!
1. Spend Less Than you Make
First, you must learn to spend less than you make.
If not you will be caught in the debt cycle and that is not where you want to be. You will be consistently living paycheck to paycheck.
In order to break that dreadful cycle, it means your expenses must be less than your income.
And when I say income, it’s not the $29 an hour. As we talked about earlier in the post, there are taxes. The amount of taxes taken out of your paycheck is called your net income which is $29 an hour minus all the taxes, FICA, Social Security, and Medicare are taken out. That is your net income.
So, your net income has to be less than your gross income. Learn more on gross pay vs net pay.
2. Living Below Your Means
You need to be happy. And living on less can actually make you happier. Studies prove that less is better.
Finding contentment in life is one thing that is a struggle for most.
We are driven to want the new shiny toy, the thing next door, the stuff your friend or family member got. Our society has trained you that you need these things as well.
Have you ever taken a step back and looked at what you really need?
Once you are able to find contentment with life, then you are going to be set for the long term with your finances.
Here is our story on owning less stuff. We have been happier since.
3. Make Saving Money Fun
You need to make saving money fun. If you’re good, since you must keep your expenses low, you have to find ways to make your savings fun!
Find new ways of saving money and have fun with it.
Even better, get your family and kids involved in the challenge to save money. Tell them the reason why you are saving money and this is what you are doing.
Here are 101 things to do with no money. Free activities without costing you a dime. That is an amazing resource for you and you will never be bored.
And you will learn a lot of things in life you can do for free. Personally, some of the best ones are getting outside and enjoying some fresh air.
4. Make More Money
If you want if you do not settle for less, then find ways to make more money. If you want more out of life, then increase your income.
You need to be an advocate for yourself.
Find ways to make more money.
It could be a side hustle, a second job, asking for a raise, going to school to change careers, or picking up extra hours.
Whatever path you take, that’s fine. Just find ways to make more money. Period.
5. No State Taxes
Paying taxes is one option to increase what you take home in each paycheck.
These are the states that don’t pay state income taxes on wages:
Alaska
Florida
Nevada
New Hampshire
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Washington
Wyoming
It is very interesting if you take into account the amount of state taxes paid compared to a state with income taxes.
Also, if you live in one of the higher taxed states, then you may want to reconsider moving to a lower cost of living area. The higher taxes income tax states include California, Hawaii, New Jersey, Oregon, Minnesota, the District of Columbia, New York, Vermont, Iowa, and Wisconsin. These states tax income somewhere between 7.65% – 13.3%.
6. Stick to a Budget
You need to learn how to start a budget. We have tons of budgeting resources for you.
While creating a budget is great, you need to learn how to use one.
You do not have to budget down to every last penny.
You need to make sure your expenses are less than your income and that you are creating sinking funds for those irregular expenses.
Budget Help:
7. Pay Off Debt Quickly
The amount that you pay interest on debt is absolutely absurd.
Unfortunately, that is how many of these companies make their money from the interest you pay on debt.
If you are paying 5% to even 20-21% or higher, you need to find ways to lower that debt quickly.
Here’s a debt calculator to help you. Figure out your debt-free date.
Make that paying off debt fast is your target and main focus. I can tell you from personal experience, that it was not until we paid off our debt that we finally rounded the corner financially. Once our debt was paid off, we could finally be able to save money. Set money aside in separate bank accounts and pay for cash for things.
It took us working hard to pay off debt. We needed persistence and patience while we had setbacks in our debt-free journey.
Jobs that Pay $29 an Hour
You can find jobs that pay $29 per hour. Polish up that resume, cover letter, and interview skills.
Job Search Hint: Always send a written follow-up thank you note for your interview. That will help you get noticed and remembered.
First, look at the cities that require a minimum wage in their cities. That is the best place to start to find jobs that are going to pay higher than the federal minimum wage rate. Many of the cities are moving towards this model so, target and look for jobs in those areas.
Possible Ideas:
Virtual Assistant – Get free training NOW!
Freelance writer
Class A Truck Driver
Managers
Entry Level Marketing Jobs
Data Entry Clerks
Customer service managers
Bank tellers
Maintenance workers
Freight broker – Learn how easy it is to start!
Administrative assistants
Athletic Trainers
Event Planners
Day trader
Security guard
Movers
Cashiers
Warehouse workers
Companies that pay more than $29 per hour: Wells Fargo, Disney World, Disney Land, Bank of America, Cigna, Aetna, etc
$29 Per Hour Annual Salary
In this post, we detailed 29 an hour is how much a year. Plus all of the variables that can impact your net income. This is something that you can live off.
$60,320
That is making between $60000 a year and $62000 a year.
In this post, we highlighted ways to increase your income as well as tips for living off your wage.
Use the sample budget as a starting point with your expenses.
You will have to be savvy and wise with your hard-earned income. But, with a plan, anything is possible!
Still thinking I don’t want to work anymore, you aren’t alone and need to start to plan for your early retirement.
Learn exactly how much do I make per year…
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
Did the post resonate with you?
More importantly, did I answer the questions you have about this topic? Let me know in the comments if I can help in some other way!
Your comments are not just welcomed; they’re an integral part of our community. Let’s continue the conversation and explore how these ideas align with your journey towards Money Bliss.
Have you ever wondered, “Should I move to Philadelphia, PA?” Living in Philly is like being in a giant history book but with a modern twist. This city is famous for its cheesesteaks, passionate sports fans, and the Liberty Bell, showing off its rich history and spirited culture. Philadelphia is unique because it blends old-world charm with bustling city life, where historic sites like Independence Hall stand alongside trendy restaurants and shops. Whether you’re exploring the cobblestone streets of Old City or enjoying a picnic in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia offers a special experience that’s hard to find anywhere else.
Before packing your bags, it’s a good idea to know the city’s strengths and weaknesses to make sure it’s the right fit for you. In this article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of living in Philadelphia that may help you make your decision. Let’s get started.
Philadelphia at a Glance
Walk Score: 75 | Bike Score: 67 | Transit Score: 67
Median Sale Price: $243,000 | Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,722
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Pro: Strong historical heritage
Philadelphia, often dubbed the “Birthplace of America,” is steeped in rich historical significance, offering residents and visitors a unique glimpse into the nation’s past. From the iconic Liberty Bell to Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were debated and adopted, the city is a living museum. Living in Philadelphia means having unparalleled access to these historic sites, along with numerous museums and educational opportunities that celebrate America’s journey to independence.
Con: Challenging winter conditions
One of the cons of living in Philadelphia is the harsh winters. During the winter months, it’s common to experience freezing temperatures, heavy snowfall, and icy conditions. Locals must contend with bitter cold temperatures, which can make daily activities such as commuting or running errands a daunting task. Snowstorms frequently blanket the city, causing disruptions to transportation networks and posing safety hazards for pedestrians and motorists alike. Despite the city’s efforts to maintain roadways and clear snow, the severity of winter weather in Philadelphia remains a significant inconvenience for residents.
Pro: Beautiful green spaces
Philadelphia is home to an abundance of green spaces and parks, offering residents a peaceful escape from the urban environment. Fairmount Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country, provides miles of trails for hiking, biking, and outdoor activities. The city’s commitment to maintaining and expanding its green spaces means that locals can easily find a natural retreat within the city limits, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.
Con: Limited biking infrastructure
One notable drawback of living in Philadelphia is its lower bike score of 67. Despite efforts to improve bike infrastructure, such as dedicated lanes and bike-sharing programs, many areas still lack adequate facilities for safe and convenient cycling. The city’s narrow and congested roads can make cycling intimidating and hazardous. As a result, residents who rely on bikes as a primary mode of transportation may find their options limited and may need to exercise extra caution when riding in the city.
Pro: Dynamic culture
Philadelphia’s arts and culture scene is a significant pro for residents. The city is home to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, famous not only for its vast collection but also for the iconic “Rocky Steps.” Beyond this, there are countless galleries, theaters, and live music venues across the city, catering to a wide range of artistic tastes. The annual Fringe Festival showcases avant-garde theater and performance art, highlighting the city’s diverse and vibrant cultural landscape.
Con: High cost of living
Despite its many attractions, Philadelphia’s cost of living can be a big con for some. The cost of living in Philadelphia is 2% higher than the national average. While it is more affordable than cities like New York or San Francisco, rent prices and daily expenses can be high, especially in more desirable neighborhoods. For those with modest incomes or fixed budgets, the elevated cost of living can limit opportunities for savings, investments, and overall financial stability. As a result, many residents must carefully budget and prioritize expenses, sacrificing certain luxuries or experiences to make ends meet.
Pro: Exceptional culinary scene
Philadelphia boasts an exceptional culinary scene that goes far beyond its famous cheesesteaks. The city is a melting pot of cultures, reflected in its diverse food offerings. From high-end dining experiences like Hiroki or Fork, to local food trucks, there’s something for every palate. The Italian Market, one of the oldest and largest open-air markets in the country, offers fresh produce, meats, and specialty foods, showcasing the city’s rich culinary heritage.
Con: Public transportation challenges
With a Transit Score of 67, many people find public transportation lacking in Philly. While Philadelphia does have a public transportation system, including buses, subways, and trolleys, residents often face challenges with reliability and coverage. Some areas of the city are not well-served by public transit, making it difficult for those without cars to navigate. Additionally, delays and infrequent service can be frustrating for daily commuters.
Pro: Sports fan’s paradise
“Should I move to Philadelphia if I’m a sports fan?” Absolutely. Living in Philly is a dream for sports fans, offering professional teams across various leagues. The Philadelphia 76ers dominate basketball courts, while the Philadelphia Flyers electrify ice hockey enthusiasts. At Citizens Bank Park, the Philadelphia Phillies draw crowds with their passionate baseball games, and the Philadelphia Eagles ignite fervor in football fans at Lincoln Financial Field. Additionally, the city’s collegiate sports scene, led by universities like Temple and Villanova, adds further excitement to Philadelphia’s sports culture, making it a true paradise for those who live and breathe athletics.
Con: Minimal green building initiatives
While Philadelphia has made strides in sustainability, the city still has limited green building initiatives compared to others. This can be a con for environmentally conscious residents who prioritize living in a city that embraces sustainable development practices. Efforts to increase green buildings and eco-friendly infrastructure are ongoing, but progress has been slower than in some other major cities.
Pro: Proximity to other major cities
A significant pro of living this city is its strategic location on the East Coast, offering easy access to other major cities like New York City, Washington D.C., and Baltimore. This proximity makes it convenient for residents to explore these cities for business or leisure, without the need to relocate.
Jenna is a Midwest native who enjoys writing about home improvement projects and local insights. When she’s not working, you can find her cooking, crocheting, or backpacking with her fiancé.
Next time you’re planning a vacation, a travel credit card could defray some or all of the costs if it packs the right incentives. Typically, cards with higher annual fees provide the most value with perks like ongoing rewards, free checked bags, airport lounge access or other benefits. But even cards with low or no annual fees make it possible to earn some value toward travel, if you can qualify.
These cards generally require good credit (scores of 690 or higher), and even if you’re eligible, it’s not worth pursuing one if you can’t pay off the credit card bill in full every month to avoid steep interest charges. And if you’re working toward paying down existing debt, it might not be worth chasing points and miles until you’ve made progress on that front.
But as long as travel credit cards align with your financial goals, their potential savings merit consideration — even if you travel just once or twice per year. Explore the flexibility of a general-purpose travel credit card to book travel anywhere, or a branded credit card to book travel with a favorite hotel or airline. Either option may offer money-saving benefits toward your next trip.
Valuable features can lower costs
Offers will vary among general-purpose travel credit cards and airline- or hotel-branded credit cards, but some savings opportunities may include:
Perks
If a credit card offers a lengthy list of perks, the value can quickly add up. Here are some features to look out for:
A sign-up offer: Travel credit cards generally come with lucrative sign-up offers that let new cardholders earn a pile of points or miles by meeting a minimum spending requirement. It’s easier to snag if you can strategically time a credit card application around planned purchases during a heavy-spend month or season.
Free checked bags: Some airline credit cards offer free checked bags, which can add up to real savings when applied per person on a round trip. This is one way that Doug Figueroa, a content creator at the YouTube channel Zorito y Doug, makes up the cost of the $150 annual fee on an airline credit card. “The savings are $70 round trip per passenger listed in the same reservation,” he says.
TSA or Global Entry credit: Some travel cards issue a credit (up to $100) when you use them to pay for a TSA or Global Entry application fee. These expedited airport security screening programs can save time while traveling.
Travel credits: Depending on the card’s terms, travel credits may be used to save money on a variety of travel expenses like rideshare services, airfare or accommodations.
Airport lounge access: You can skip the pricey airport food with some travel credit cards that offer complimentary airport lounge access. Austin Maxwell, a South Carolina-based content creator at the blog The Maxwells Travel, uses a travel credit card to avoid those costs. “I’m saving $20 to $30 every time I go to the airport because I don’t have to buy food or drinks during a layover or preflight,” he says.
A companion ticket: Some airline credit cards cover the cost of a ticket for a friend or family member. Depending on the card’s terms, you may have to pay taxes and fees on the fare, the companion ticket may have an expiration date and/or a spending requirement may apply.
Automatic elite status: You may earn elite status without much effort on some hotel-branded credit cards. Elite status can add up to valuable savings if the program offers free food, bonus points or suite upgrades.
Free nights: If your favorite hotel has a branded credit card that offers annual free night awards, it can stretch your vacation budget.
Protections and other benefits
A travel credit card that offers trip delay or cancellation insurance, lost baggage insurance, rental car coverage or other protections may also be of value to you. To qualify for these benefits you typically need to pay for the trip or covered purchase with the eligible credit card. Read the terms carefully to understand the extent of your coverage.
Figueroa says he saved $90 over three days with his card’s primary rental car coverage on a trip to Miami.
“Once you make the online reservation, you must decline all insurance offered by the rental company and pay for everything with your [card],” he says.
High-value reward redemptions
Points or miles on some travel credit cards might lose value if they are used for non-travel redemptions like cash back, gift cards or other options. Travel redemptions typically offer the best value, and you might squeeze out even more value with a general-purpose travel card that allows points to transfer to airline or hotel partners. It’s a strategy that Maxwell uses often to his advantage.
“It’s even better if there’s a transfer bonus associated with that,” he says. “Credit card companies offer transfer bonuses — 15%, 20%, 30% bonus — if you are to transfer points to a specific airline.”
He says he has also transferred points to hotel partners to book hotel rooms with them. “It would be the equivalent of getting a hotel room at $120 that’s actually valued at $500,” he adds.
To determine whether to redeem rewards for travel or transfer them to a partner, compare costs by checking the credit card’s booking platform and the partner’s website. Also factor in whether rewards transfer on at least a 1:1 ratio, meaning that you’ll get the equivalent value in points or miles transferred.
Time to spring clean those closets, attics, and storage sheds. Out with the old, in with the new and upgraded. Whether you’re in the market for new bras, boots, power tools, or a wildflower mix to plant in the garden, there’s a hot store on this list to hit before month’s end. Here are 10 new and buzzy places to shop around Fort Worth right now.
Lucchese x Parker McCollum Texas native Parker McCollum is the young hot thing in country music right now. This week alone, he was named headliner of the ACM Awards’ big benefit show in DFW this May; then George Strait picked him to play on the King’s only Texas show this year. Now comes a collaboration with Texas bootmaker Lucchese. The Lucchese x Parker McCollum Collection, launching on March 22, “features four boots that are designed by Parker himself and celebrates the two Texas icons’ appreciation for high performance, inspired style, and dedication to staying true to oneself,” says a release. Designs include “The Evening Patriot,” “Hollywood Gold,” “Silhouette,” and “Ruger.” Read more about each one here, and find them in all Lucchese stores, including in the Fort Worth Stockyards and Willow Park.
Chieffalo Americana pop-up at Bowie HouseThe new Cultural District hotel has debuted a pop-up boutique featuring a well-edited selection of Chieffalo Americana’s vintage luxury Western, new Americana, and contemporary emerging brands. There are cowboy hats, buckles, boots, scarves, artwork, and all things Western from the savvy husband-and-wife team of Rodger and Jackie Chieffalo. The pop-up is open 12 pm-8 pm daily through May 31 on the first floor of Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection, 5700 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth.
Wildflower IntimatesThe first and only inclusive bra fitting and lingerie boutique in Fort Worth has opened in the Near Southside, just in time for spring and summer’s skimpy clothes. The boutique carries more than 200 bra sizes in various styles – demi, plunge, unlined, strapless, sports, nursing, and more – along with undies, hosiery, bodysuits, bridal lingerie, and accessories. Their specialty, undoubtedly, is bra fitting: They accept walk-ins only and conducted fittings on a first-come-first-served basis. The shop is open 11 am-5 pm Sunday, 11 am-7 pm Monday and Thursday-Saturday; closed Tuesday-Wednesday. 607 W. Magnolia Ave., Fort Worth.
HomesenseThe discount home goods sibling to HomeGoods, TJ Maxx, and Marshall’s has opened its first Texas store at Fort Worth’s Alliance Town Center. Shoppers will find a rug emporium, wall art and mirror gallery, an extensive lighting department including chandeliers, patio furniture and decor, seasonal decor, entertaining essentials, food items, and more. Prices are touted as 20-50 percent less than full-price retailers. Find it next to Total Wine and More, at 3121 Texas Sage Tr., Fort Worth. Read more about it in this story.
Harbor FreightResidents of far north Fort Worth-Keller-Watauga had been watching and wondering for months when this giant new store would open, and it finally did, rather quietly. DIY-ers and connoisseurs of aggro power tools will find top brands on everything from pressure washers and portable vacuums to saws and sanders. Track Club memberships offer discounts and more perks. Open 8 am-8 pm Monday-Saturday and 9 am-6 pm Sunday at 8420 Parkwood Hill Blvd., off North Tarrant Parkway, Fort Worth.
Magnolia Skate ShopAfter a weeks-long closure to repair extensive damage from two big water leaks, the Near Southside skate shop has finally reopened, they announced on Facebook. They are fully restocked with skateboards and parts, kids’ and adults’ shoes, apparel, hats, accessories, and more. Open 12-7 pm Monday-Saturday and 11 am-4 pm Sunday at 1455 W Magnolia Ave., #105, Fort Worth.
·Marshall Grain Co. The favorite organic garden, landscape, and pet supplies purveyor has opened a new home base in Colleyville. Besides operating as company headquarters and home to the landscaping division, the new location includes a retail store with showroom, greenhouse, nursery, warehouse, and more. As always, dogs on leashes are welcome. Shop the store at 5311 Colleyville Blvd., Colleyville; 9 am-6 pm Monday-Saturday and 10 am-5 pm Sunday.
Squeeze MassageThe innovative massage concept created by the founders of Drybar has made its Dallas-Fort Worth debut in the Foundry District, taking over the old Meyer & Sage culinary store space. As an “app-based” massage studio, clients can book and pay for services, set personalized preferences, tip, rate, and review with the tap of a phone screen. Owned by entrepreneur Siera Holleman, the Fort Worth location is 3,000 square feet with a bright, modern design, and eight private treatment rooms. Massages are $129 for 50 minutes or $159 for 80 minutes, and memberships are offered for $95 or $125 per month. To celebrate the Fort Worth debut, they’re offering anyone who signs up for a monthly membership within 60 days of the grand opening $15 off the regular monthly membership fee. Open 8 am-10 pm daily at 2621 Whitmore St., Fort Worth
Spring Fun Fest at Tanger Outlets Fort WorthWith one week left to buy Easter dresses, bowties, and bonnets, Tanger Outlets Fort Worth is hosting a special spring festival that includes discounts. Spring Fun Fest will take place 12-3 pm Saturday, March 23, featuring free family activities, Easter bunny photos, live entertainment, face painting, an inflatable bounce house, games, a scavenger hunt, and food trucks. Shoppers also will receive 15-25 percent off at participating retailers. The shopping center is at 15853 N. Freeway, Suite 990, Fort Worth.
.Southlake Town SquareSouthlake’s premier shopping and dining destination opened in March of 1999, and a 25th anniversary celebration is underway. To “party like it’s 1999,” they are giving away two $250 Southlake Town Square gift cards to use at any of their stores, restaurants, or venues. Enter to win here by 11:59 pm on March 31. Winners will be selected at random and notified via email on April 1. More official rules here.