While the views in Nashville may be one reason that attracts you to certain apartments, you really need a full list of ‘must have’ amenities to ensure you find the right place. This can include features like stunning pools, a clubhouse or a high-end fitness center.
What’s also important for that list is a good outdoor space or on-site garden area. Nashville apartments that provide you with a space to hang out with friends, or just take a moment to yourself, are essential. They make it easy to be outside, enjoying life, without having to leave home.
To find some of the best courtyards and gardens in Nashville, look no further. We hand-selected 10 of the best for this article.
Source: Rent / MAA Bellevue
Living in the busy city makes it necessary to have a small garden or green area to retreat to when in need of a break. At MAA Bellevue, you’ve got a tranquil spot that’s perfect. Giving off zen vibes, this tiny garden has a Japanese maple at its center with shapely bushes and bright flowers on the fringes. A curved pergola provides a little shade and completes this garden escape.
Minutes from Warner Park Nature Center, you can keep the chill vibes going by visiting this starting point into the 2,684 acres of Percy Warner and Edwin Warner Parks. This massive space features picnic areas, hiking trails, mountain bike routes, an equestrian center and golf courses. It’s truly a catch-all for outdoor fun.
Source: Rent. / Station 40
Fun, funky and modern furniture twist and turn in the outdoor lounge of the courtyard at Station 40. While a few more traditional pieces of patio furniture also sit in this grassy spot, the closer you get to the see-through fireplace, the cooler things get. Separated by a low brick wall, this gathering space lets you hang out casually while staying close to the action in the rest of the courtyard.
Within arms reach of upscale retail, dining and entertainment, this West Nashville community sits within a peaceful spot of the city, that’s still full of character. You’ll find grand estates and Antebellum architecture among plenty of malls and independent shops. For outdoor recreation, of which there’s plenty, you’ll find more than just rolling hills and trails. Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, for example, contains 55 acres of botanical garden in addition to a Georgian mansion.
Source: Rent. / MAA Acklen
This cool courtyard is for gamers. Alongside a funky lounge space, with wall-mounted flat screens, you’ll find all the best outdoor games at MAA Acklen. A long, gravel bocce court awaits the fiercest competitors, while a rectangular patch of lawn stays reserved for corn hole players. Combined, this is an ideal spot for playing and hanging with friends.
It’s easy to enjoy the outdoors when you call any community in West End Park home. That’s thanks to Centennial Park being less than a mile away. Centennial Park is a special gem in the city, hosting the Nashville Shakespeare Festival in the summer as well as offering free concerts in the park. At 132 acres, there’s also a one-mile walking trail, a replica of the Parthenon and a lake.
Source: Rent. / Pine Street Flats
Having a courtyard with a fountain makes it that much better of a find as you apartment hunt in Nashville. At Pine Street Flats, this expansive space has a double-ringed fountain with water shooting up and trickling from the top tier to the bottom. This is quite a statement piece, setting a tranquil tone throughout.
Situated within The Gulch, a dynamic Nashville neighborhood that’s right on the edge of the city’s busy business district, this area is a lot of fun. It’s an eclectic mix of big shops, lively music venues and locally owned businesses, with no shortage of places to eat and entertain.
Source: Rent. / Village Green Hills
There are a variety of outdoor spaces that shine throughout Village Green Hills. From excellent picnic spaces to woodsy spots full of mature trees. Taking a little of all the good pieces from nature, the courtyard lounge gives you the very best of the area. You get a nice view into the park-like portion of the community, along with shapely pine trees that line the space in raised beds. A neutral color palette keeps things earthy even as you grab a seat on one of the oversized couches.
More upscale, Green Hills is one of the most popular areas in town to call home. With a suburban feel, you’ll find great shops and boutiques among restaurants and cafes, the most famous of which is Bluebird Cafe. This particular eatery has attracted songwriters of all levels of fame for years.
Source: Rent. / Abberly Foundry
Another courtyard with a top-notch gaming area, Abberly Foundry puts its corn hole game on a tidy patch of green. Set among a more rustic area, there’s a lot of brick decor here. From the ground to the fire pit to the bar near the grilling area, it’s a rustic mix of brickwork and chic outdoor furniture.
A smaller neighborhood overall, the entirety of Watkins Park only takes up about one square mile. This makes for a cozy little spot, right in the center of Nashville. Living here, you’re not far from Vanderbilt University, either.
Source: Rent. / The Lakes Bellevue
At The Lakes Bellevue, it’s easy to settle into this little lounge that overlooks the extensive garden. A cluster of tightly packed trees hides the outside world so you can truly take a break from it all. Sit in one of the cozy chairs or along the bench connected to the raised planter and just relax.
Although The Lakes Bellevue is about 20 minutes from Nashville’s busy city center, living in this quieter neighborhood doesn’t detract from all the fun. You’re still close to restaurants, entertainment and shopping. On-property, you’ve also got three pools, picnic areas, a lake and a walking trail to keep you busy.
Source: Rent. / Hickory Creek
More than a garden, you’ve got a whole park to enjoy at Hickory Creek. This wide swath of green is expertly maintained with close-clipped grass and shapely shrubbery. The mature trees send limbs of leafy green out in all directions. The bridge that extends into the apartment buildings adds a little character to the space as well.
Only minutes into the city, you’re never far from a Nashville adventure when living here, but you’re also close to plenty of natural beauty. Long Hunter State Parkis closest. Composed of 2,600 acres, this park is home to J. Percy Priest Lake, campsites and more than 20 miles of pristine hiking trails.
Source: Rent. / Olympus Midtown
With so many buildings making up Olympus Midtown, the courtyard stretches and bends into a funky, eye-catching shape. One part houses the outdoor lounge, with a cool tabletop fire pit lit up by blue fire rocks. A little hardscape and some bursts of greenery border the space as well.
A significant center for Nashville’s nightlife, the Green Hills – Midtown neighborhood is full of honky-tonks, clubs, bars and even late-night cafes, making it easy to bounce around all night long. During the day, you’ll find the area full of some of the city’s best historical and cultural landmarks, including the infamous Music Row.
Source: Rent. / One Metrocenter
Stroll through the intimate zen garden at One Metrocenter and allow the space to let you detox from a long day. The pergola-covered bridge is the perfect place to pause and soak in the scenery. The assortment of grasses, trees and bushes helps seal you into this tranquil place without having to wander away from home.
Cool and hip are the two best words to describe the North Nashville area whether you’re shopping or grabbing a craft beer and a slice of pizza. Metrocenter specifically is within walking distance of boutiques and restaurants, while a quick bike ride will get you over to Lower Broadway’s honky-tonks and concert venues.
Find a great garden in Nashville
There’s so much to know about Nashville, it could take a lifetime of living here to discover all its secrets. Best to find a perfect apartment as your home base, which means a Nashville spot that checks all the boxes on your amenity list. Does that include a fab outdoor space? It certainly should.
Featured Image Source: Rent. / Village Green Hills
Lesly Gregory has over 15 years of marketing experience, ranging from community management to blogging to creating marketing collateral for a variety of industries. A graduate of Boston University, Lesly holds a B.S. in Journalism. She currently lives in Atlanta with her husband, two young children, three cats and assorted fish.
Cell phones are practically a necessity of modern life – but cell phone plans can cost a pretty penny. Whether you’re trying to cut down on your monthly phone bill or are on the hook for paying for your own cell service for the first time, these less expensive cell phone plans are worth checking out.
The best cheap cell phone plans are affordable without skimping on features like calls, texts, and data.
What’s Ahead:
Overview of the best cheap cell phone plans
Boost Mobile
Price range – $10 to $50 per month.
Network details – T-Mobile.
Contract – No contract required.
Tired of paying an arm and a leg on your cell phone bill and want to save on wireless? With Boost Mobile, you could pay as little as $10 a month for a simple, contract-free plan. Boost Mobile’s cheapest plan includes unlimited talk and text and 1GB of data. You also have the option to add on additional “data packs” if you need more data in a given month.
If you’re looking for unlimited data, Boost Mobile’s $50 per month plan features unlimited talk, text, and mobile data, along with a 12GB mobile hotspot. You can add another line to the plan for only $30 per month. Boost Mobile even features an “Affordable Family Plan” with unlimited talk, text, and data for only $150 for five phone lines.
Boost doesn’t make you sign any long-term contracts, so you’re never locked into an extended agreement. The company uses the T-Mobile network and claims to offer coverage in 99% of areas nationwide.
Learn more about Boost Mobile or read our full review.
Mint Mobile
Price range – $15 to $35 per month.
Network details – T-Mobile.
Contract – 3-, 6-, or 12-month contract.
If you’re looking for an affordable plan with unlimited data, Mint Mobile is an attractive option. The company offers unlimited talk, text, and data for just $30 per month. Data switches seamlessly between 5G and 4G LTE, using whichever is strongest in your area.
Mint also offers a basic cell phone plan with unlimited talk and text and 4GB of data for just $15 per month. All Mint plans include a mobile hotspot at no extra charge, and you can always add more data to your plan if you run out before the month is up.
Mint Mobile uses the T-Mobile network, and you can buy a new phone or bring your own (as long as it’s compatible with the network and isn’t locked).
Unlike some other cheap cell phone plan providers, Mint does require customers to sign a contract for 3-month, 6-month, or 12-month plans. The 3-month plan is a great way to give the service a whirl, and then you can always sign up for a 12-month plan in order to lock in Mint Mobile’s low introductory prices.
Learn more about Mint Mobile or read our full review.
Xfinity Mobile
Price range – $15 to $60 per month.
Network details – Verizon.
Contract – No contract required.
Some people use a consistent amount of data each month, but others may have different data needs depending on their work, personal life, and travel plans. Xfinity Mobile makes it easy to transition seamlessly between plans with unlimited data and pay-as-you-go plans with a limited amount of data each month.
Their basic plan starts at $15 per month for one line and comes with 1GB of data. Their unlimited data plan starts at $45 per month. Best of all, you can switch between unlimited and by-the-gig plans whenever you need to.
You can also purchase an unlimited plan for some lines in your group, while paying by the gig for others. This is a great option if you need unlimited data but have other family members, like young children or elderly relatives, who only need talk and text capabilities.
Xfinity Mobile uses Verizon’s network, which means that it has good coverage nationwide. You can bring your own phone to a plan, or purchase a new one. Xfinity Mobile also works with tablets and smartwatches, so you can stay connected on all of your devices.
Xfinity Mobile is only available to existing Xfinity Internet customers, so if you don’t already have Xfinity as an internet provider, it may not be the best fit.
Learn more about Xfinity Mobile or read our full review.
Ting
Price range – $10 to $45.
Network details – T-Mobile and Verizon.
Contract – No contract required.
Ting shares many great features with some of the other providers on this list: extremely low prices, flexible monthly plans, and no contract required. For example, you can purchase a plan for as low as $10 per month for unlimited talk and text, plus an additional $5 per month per 1GB of data.
But where Ting really shines is its customer service. You can contact customer support over the phone, chat online, or submit a ticket if you’re having difficulties. Ting’s customer service representatives are always there to help.
If you’re looking for unlimited data, Ting has that too, with unlimited plans starting at $45. All plans come with the option to use a portion of data as a hotspot. Ting uses the T-Mobile and Verizon networks, so odds are it provides good coverage no matter where you live.
Also need internet? Ting provides fast, affordable fiber internet in some select cities, including Charlottesville, VA, Wake Forest, NC, and Westminster, MD.
Learn more about Ting.
Cricket Wireless
Price range – $30 to $50 per month.
Network details – AT&T.
Contract – No contract required.
Many cheap cell phone companies are entirely digital affairs. While it’s possible to purchase a plan, order a new phone, and manage your account entirely online, some customers may prefer in-person assistance. If that’s the case, Cricket is a great option, with brick-and-mortar locations in communities all around the country.
Cricket plans range from $30 to $60 per month for one phone line. While these prices are a little higher than many competitors, you can lower the price per line by adding additional lines.
The $30 per month plan comes with unlimited talk, text, and 2GB of data, while the $60 per month plan comes with unlimited talk, text, and data. There are also plenty of options in between if you only use a moderate amount of data.
Cricket Wireless is owned by AT&T and uses the AT&T network for its customers. Cricket claims that they provide coverage for 99% of Americans. There’s no credit check, no hidden fees, and no annual contract, so you can change your plan at any time.
Learn more about Cricket Wireless.
Tello
Price range – $5 to $39.
Network details – T-Mobile.
Contract – No contract required.
Need a basic cell phone plan and have an extremely limited budget? You can get a basic phone plan with Tello for just $5 per month. No, that’s not a typo. Tello’s most basic plan comes with unlimited text, 100 minutes for phone calls, and no data.
But Tello doesn’t only have the least expensive bare-bones plan. At $39 per month, a plan with unlimited talk, text, and data is also extremely affordable. Plus, Tello allows customers to mix and match plan options.
You can choose exactly how much data and how many minutes of phone service you need, so you never have to overpay for services you won’t use. For example, if you use a medium amount of data but only talk on the phone a couple of times a month, you could choose a plan with 100 minutes of phone service and 8GB of data for $26 per month.
If you don’t want to bother with creating a custom plan, you can also choose from one of Tello’s premade plans ranging from $10 to $39 per month. If you need to make an international call or text, Tello’s pay-as-you-go model means that it’s surprisingly affordable.
Learn more about Tello.
Visible
Price range – $40 per month.
Network details – Verizon.
Contract – No contract required.
Visible offers an affordable cell phone plan with attractive referral bonuses for customers who convince friends and family members to sign up. The basic plan starts at $40, which is a bit higher than some competitors. But each time you refer a friend, you get a month of service for only $5.
You can also add friends and family members to your plan in order to lower your bill through the Visible’s Party Pay option. With Party Pay, costs drop to $25 per line for parties of four or more.
All plans come with unlimited text, talk, and data. Visible uses Verizon’s network, so coverage is good in most areas in the United States. You can also call and text loved ones in Canada, Mexico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico at no extra cost.
While Visible doesn’t have the extreme budget plan offerings of some competitors, it’s a good fit for customers who know they want unlimited data, text, and calling but don’t want to pay the high cost of a plan from a big three provider.
Learn more about Visible.
Twigby
Price range – $9 to $43 per month.
Network details – Verizon and T-Mobile.
Contract – No contract.
Looking for a dead-simple phone plan with built-in flexibility and excellent coverage? Consider Twigby, which offers affordable plans starting at just $9 per month before discounts.
Not only does Twigby offer reasonably priced plans, but they also feature some hefty discounts for new customers. Customers can earn a whopping 50% off the sticker price for the first six months. This means that a bare-bones plan with no data and 300 minutes costs a mere $4.50 per month for the first half of the year. A more generous plan with 10GB of data and unlimited minutes costs only $21.50 a month for the first six months.
Twigby plans also come with international calling and texting, WiFi calling and texting, and the ability to use a hotspot at no extra charge. You can buy phones directly from Twigby, or bring your own phone if it’s compatible.
Unlike many competitors, Twigby doesn’t offer any plans that come with unlimited data. The highest amount of data you can purchase as part of a plan is 10GB. For people who need to use their phones a lot without connecting to WiFi, this means that Twigby might not be the best option.
That said, Twigby offers impressively affordable plans with great customer service and plenty of extra perks. Plus, unlike big-name cell service providers, Twigby is refreshingly honest and upfront about pricing and plans.
Learn more about Twigby.
Summary of the best cheap cell phone plans
Provider
Cost for one line
Network details
Contract
Best for
Boost Mobile
$10 to $50
T-Mobile
No
Overall
Mint Mobile
$15 to $35
T-Mobile
3, 6, or 12 months
Unlimited data
Xfinity Mobile
$15 to $60
Verizon
No
Flexible data needs
Ting
$10 to $45
T-Mobile and Verizon
No
Great customer service
Cricket Wireless
$30 to $50
AT&T
No
In-person help
Tello
$5 to $39
T-Mobile
No
Budget prices
Visible
$40
Verizon
No
Referral bonuses
Twigby
$9 to $43
Verizon and T-Mobile
No
Discounts
How we came up with our list of cheap cell phone plans
We looked for cell phone plans that were affordable, flexible, and came with a variety of different options.
All of the providers on this list provide affordable, low-cost plans ranging from $5 to $60 for a single line. On the low end, you can get a budget phone plan with texting and minutes for just $5 a month from Tello. On the other hand, you can get a more moderately priced plan with unlimited data, talk, and text from almost any of these providers.
We also looked for flexibility when it came to contracts, data usage, and billing. Most of these providers let you pay month to month rather than locking you into a year-long contract. Many also allow you to seamlessly switch between plans depending on your needs that month.
Finally, we looked for plans with options. Not everybody has the same cell phone needs, and you shouldn’t have to pay for services that you never even use. These providers offer a variety of different options, whether you only use your phone to call and text, or if you primarily use it for data and as a hotspot.
What are cheap cell phone plans?
Cell phones are ubiquitous in this day and age, but they don’t come cheap. On top of the cost of the phone itself, customers also have to pay for cell phone service and the ability to call, text, and use data.
Cheap cell phone plans aim to undercut behemoth competitors like Verizon and T-Mobile by offering the same service at a lower cost. Many also offer the ability to customize and fine-tune plans according to your particular needs.
Whether you need to start paying your own phone bill for the first time or you’re contemplating switching from a pricier plan, these cheap phone plans could end up saving you a good chunk of change each month.
Who should use a cheap cell phone plan?
People who want to save money
The main draw of cheap cell phone plans is that they save you money without sacrificing quality. These plans are able to provide the same overall level of service for a fraction of the cost.
People who want a simple plan
Don’t need all the bells and whistles of a fancy cell phone plan? Many of these providers offer bare-bones cell phone plans at bottom-of-the-barrel prices.
Who shouldn’t use a cheap cell phone plan?
Those locked into a contract
If you’re already locked into a contract with another provider, it could be costly to switch. If you’ve bought a phone from another provider, you may not be able to use that phone with a different carrier.
Those who are happy with a traditional cell phone plan
If you’re happy with your current coverage, there’s no need to switch. That said, you’ll likely be able to find a better deal with a cheap cell phone plan.
Most important features of cheap cell phone plans
While cheap cell phone plans share many similarities, they’re not all created equal. Which one is the right fit for you depends on what features matter most to you.
Cell phone coverage
Cell phone coverage is one of the most important features when it comes to any cell phone. Good coverage allows you to easily make calls and texts without any delay or lag time.
Unlimited data options
Once an optional extra in many cell phone plans, unlimited data is now one of the most sought-after features. Just keep in mind that providers will typically drop your data speed after a certain threshold, meaning that power users may face low speeds toward the end of the month.
Flexibility
Gone are the days where customers are locked into two-year contracts with big-name providers. Cheap cell phone plans usually don’t require a commitment longer than a month, and you’re free to upgrade, downgrade, or cancel your plan at any time.
Price
You don’t need to pay an arm and a leg just for decent cell coverage and high-speed data. Cheap cell phone plans can often provide the same basic services as a big provider with a much lower price tag.
Inside: Working mothers face many challenges when balancing work and family life. This guide offers the best jobs for moms. Find out how to maximize your career opportunities while raising children.
Moms often feel like they can’t have a successful career and be a good moms at the same time.
I completely feel that way too. I struggled to be a stay-at-home mom when my kids were little because I wanted to help out financially to help pay down debt. It took me a few years, but I soon realized there are great ways to make a mom and be a great mom!
I have uncovered plenty of jobs for moms with no degree that offers flexible hours, good pay, and satisfying work.
The best jobs for moms with no degree are ones that offer flexibility, good pay, and room for growth.
It can be tough to balance family and career, but it is possible to find a job that fits your lifestyle.
Here are the best jobs for moms with no degree or with a degree.
What jobs are good as a mom?
As a mom, finding a job that allows for flexibility and growth can be challenging, especially if you don’t have a college degree.
However, there are still plenty of opportunities out there that can help you balance your family and career.
Most importantly, you need to find a job that you LOVE! An environment that you thrive in!
With flexible schedules, remote work options, and potential for growth, these jobs can provide the stability and income moms need while still being able to prioritize their families.
Whether you’re looking for a part-time job or a full-time career, there are plenty of opportunities out there for moms.
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.
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What are the best careers for current stay-at-home moms?
Stay-at-home moms face the challenge of balancing their family responsibilities with the desire to pursue a career.
With the high cost of child care, you need to find a job that allows you to take your kids or one that offers flexibility to work around your kid’s schedules.
Hello- that is me! I am a blogger and day trader when I’m not taxing my kids around.
Your best bet is to check out how to make money online for beginners. That is where you will find the most job options that can be done from home or offer flexible schedules, making it possible to have the best of both worlds.
What are the best careers for former stay-at-home moms?
Returning to the workforce after being a stay-at-home mom can be a daunting task, but there are many careers that are best suited for moms.
You still want careers that offer flexibility, high earning potential, and a good work-life balance.
You need to consider your previous employment, any education or certificates you hold, or skills and/or interests.
As such, the answer will vary for each person reading this post. So, consider any one of these past ideas.
Best Jobs for Moms
There are plenty of great jobs for working moms.
The key is to find a position that offers the right mix of income, hours, and flexibility.
Preferably, you want a low-stress job that pays well without a degree.
Here are jobs to consider if you’re a working mom with no degree.
1. Web developer
Web development is a highly flexible and lucrative career option that is ideal for working moms who may not have a college degree. With the ability to work remotely or part-time, web development is a perfect fit for moms who need a flexible schedule.
This field is rapidly growing and in high demand, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a career change.
To become a successful web developer, proficiency in programming languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript is essential. Additionally, knowledge of website design and development tools is crucial to create visually appealing and functional websites.
The skills required for web development can be learned through online courses or boot camps, making it accessible to anyone with an interest in technology and design.
Benefits:
Many web developers work from home or have flexible schedules, making it easier for moms to balance work and family life.
The demand for web developers is expected to grow, making it a stable and secure career option.
Web development is a field that allows for creativity and self-expression.
Pay: The salary for a web developer varies greatly on experience, but it is possible to make six figures.
2. Customer Service Representative
Customer service representative is an excellent career option for working moms who do not hold a college degree.
As a customer service representative, you will be the primary point of contact between customers and the organization, providing information about products and services, taking orders, responding to customer complaints, and processing returns.
You can work from home part-time or full-time, and many times the work takes place remotely. To succeed in this role, you will need to have strong communication and negotiation skills, patience, and the ability to multitask.
Benefits:
The work environment is flexible, and you can work from the comfort of your home.
Job offers great work-life balance and schedule options, making it an ideal choice for working moms.
Pay: As a customer service representative, you can expect to make from minimum wage to $20 an hour.
3. Proofreader
Being a proofreader can be a rewarding and fulfilling career for individuals who have a way with words and a keen eye for grammar. As a proofreader, your primary responsibility would be to review and correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors in various types of written content, such as books, websites, and social media posts.
Moreover, the earning potential as a proofreader can be quite lucrative. For instance, Caitlin Pyle, a successful proofreader, made $43,000 in one year working part-time.
To get started as a proofreader, it is important to develop the necessary skills. You can start by attending a free introductory workshop or enrolling in a course that teaches the skills needed to become a freelance proofreader.
Benefits:
Great flexibility as you work on a project basis.
The significant earning potential in the field of proofreading, especially for those who are dedicated and skilled in their craft.
Rewarding career path for individuals with a passion for language and a meticulous eye for detail.
Pay: In terms of salary, the median pay for a proofreader ranges from $15.22 to $26 an hour, depending on experience and the project you are working on. Many other proofreaders earn between $1,000 to $4,000 per month.
4. Flight Attendant
A flight attendant is a career that does not require a college degree but extensive training and certification. It is an ideal job for working moms due to its non-traditional scheduling that allows them to work part-time, take extended periods off, and get out of the house.
Flight attendants can take on trips when they know they have child care covered, and stay at home for days at a time.
Benefits:
Enjoy the perks of travel.
Flexible schedules.
Great health benefits.
Pay: The pay ranges by airline, but the median salary is $65000 per year.
5. Blogger
For moms who are looking for a flexible work-from-home job that doesn’t require a degree, becoming a blogger could be the perfect fit.
With the rise of the internet, there is an increasing demand for content writers and bloggers. These jobs allow you to work from home, set your own schedule, and choose the topics you want to write about. Additionally, these jobs don’t require a degree, making them accessible to anyone who has a passion for writing and a way with words.
Blogging is another option for those who want to write about specific topics they are passionate about and share their insights with others.
Benefits:
Be your own boss.
Flexibility blogging offers – work as much or as little as you want.
Work from home.
Choose the topics you want to write about.
Pay: As a blogger, you are creating passive income through ads, affiliating marketing, and paid sponsorships.
6. Engineer
Returning to work as a mom can be a challenging transition, but leveraging your engineering degree can open up a range of opportunities for you. With your technical skills and problem-solving abilities, there are several career paths that can offer a healthy work-life balance and flexibility to accommodate your family responsibilities.
Here are ways to utilize your degree and still have the flexibility you crave:
Pursue freelance work in your field. As a freelance engineer, you have the freedom to determine your own schedule and take on projects that align with your interests and availability. Platforms like Upwork provide a space for engineers to connect with clients and offer their services on a project basis. This allows you to work on engineering projects from the comfort of your own home, giving you the flexibility to balance work and family life.
Explore part-time or remote positions with engineering firms or companies that value work-life balance. Many engineering firms recognize the importance of accommodating working parents and offer flexible work arrangements. With your engineering background, you can contribute to projects and collaborate with teams remotely, allowing you to work from home and adjust your schedule to meet the needs of your family.
Pursue a career in technical writing or content creation. Many companies and organizations require technical documentation, manuals, and instructional materials to accompany their products or services. With your engineering background, you can leverage your expertise to create clear and concise technical content.
Work as an engineering consultant. As a consultant, you can offer your specialized knowledge and expertise to clients on a project basis. Consulting also provides the opportunity to work remotely or have a flexible work arrangement, making it an ideal option for moms returning to work.
By expanding your knowledge and skill set, you can position yourself for more opportunities and increase your marketability in the engineering field.
Benefits:
This can be done on a freelance basis or as a remote employee, allowing you to work from home and have more control over your schedule.
Take on projects that align with your skills and interests.
Have a fulfilling career that allows you to balance work and motherhood successfully.
Pay: Additionally, engineering offers high earning potential, which can help support a family and provide financial stability. Most engineers earn over $100000 a year.
7. Virtual Assistant
For working moms with no degree, finding a job that balances well with their family life can be a challenge. However, virtual assistant jobs can be the perfect solution.
As a virtual assistant with no experience, you can work from home, set your own schedule, and earn a good income.
A virtual assistant provides administrative support remotely, handling tasks such as email and social media management, scheduling appointments, data collection, customer service, and event planning. The skills required for this job include strong multi-tasking, organizational, and time-management skills, as well as basic computer skills.
Here is a virtual assistant checklist to see if you would enjoy this job possibility.
Benefits:
Be the boss of your own schedule.
Build your own small business if you desire.
Earn significant income
Pay: Most virtual assistants can earn $21 an hour or more pending experience.
8. Teacher
Teaching can be an excellent option for moms who want to work in a field that values education and have the same schedule as their kids.
Plus you can take on one of these summer jobs for teachers to extra cash.
Another option is to become a teacher’s aide that assists teachers in the classroom, helping with tasks such as grading papers, supervising students, and preparing materials. To become a teacher’s aide, you need to have a high school diploma or GED.
Benefits:
Same work hours as your children.
Work in a field that values empathy and care for children, while also providing financial stability and work-life balance.
Most teacher retirement plans are well worth working your full 30 years for that ongoing income post-retirement.
Pay: Unfortunately, teachers are one of the lowest paid salaries for the fantastic work they do. Find out if teachers get paid in the summer.
9. Substitute teacher
Substitute teaching can be an excellent job option for working moms who don’t have a degree. It offers flexibility, a chance to get teaching experience, and a decent daily rate of pay.
A substitute teacher fills in for full-time teachers when they are absent.
This experience can be helpful if you decide to pursue a permanent teaching position in the future.
Benefits:
Allows you to work when your schedule permits. You can note your availability and work as much or as little as you like.
Gain teaching experience without committing to a full school year.
Rewarding job option for some.
Pay: As of right now, there is a shortage of teachers, so the pay for substitute teachers has increased immensely. Substitute teachers can earn a daily rate ranging from $60 to $200, depending on the school district and the region with most substitutes making $22 an hour or more.
10. Consultant
As a consultant, you can use your prior work or life experience to offer solutions and advice to clients in a wide range of areas, including sales, marketing, operations, and management.
Furthermore, consulting can be an ideal way to transition your prior work or life experience into a new career and shorten the time spent in school, making it a great option.
To become a successful consultant, you need to have strong communication skills, the ability to work independently, and experience in your field to run a successful business.
Benefits:
As a consultant, you can enjoy flexible work hours.
The potential to work from home.
Ability to control your schedule.
Pay: The hourly rate for consultants varies depending on the type of consultant and the industry, with some earning high salaries.
11. Day Trader
Swing or day trading is a popular option for individuals who want to work from home and make a living from the stock market. Day traders buy and sell securities within the same day, aiming to make a profit from small price movements.
This job requires a certain set of skills and investing knowledge, as well as specific equipment and software.
It is possible to make money with stocks fast.
Day trading can be a good option for working moms with no degree because it offers flexibility and the potential for high earnings. Personally, I love trading stocks and options. I learned from Teri Ijeoma.
Benefits:
Unlike traditional jobs, day trading allows individuals to work from home and set their own schedules.
Successful traders can make a significant amount of money, with some earning six-figure or seven-figure incomes.
While a degree is not required for day trading, I highly recommend taking this investing course to jumpstart your learning.
Pay: Widely variable as it depends on your risk. You can lose money or make $1000 a day.
12. Claims adjuster
As a claims adjuster, you will be responsible for investigating insurance claims, negotiating settlements, and collaborating with other professionals such as lawyers and medical experts. To become a claims adjuster, you will need to possess relevant experience, strong communication abilities, and proficiency in data analysis.
The work environment can be fast-paced and stressful, but the potential for career growth and the flexibility to work remotely make this an attractive option for many working moms.
Claims adjusters must also maintain accurate records and documentation of all claims activities.
Benefits:
While the work environment can be fast-paced and stressful, the potential for career growth is likely.
Flexibility to work remotely make this an attractive option for many working moms.
Pay: Claims adjusters can advance to higher positions within the insurance industry, such as senior claims adjuster or claims manager. Additionally, many claims adjusters work as independent contractors or consultants, providing even more flexibility and potential for career growth.
13. Bookkeeper
As a bookkeeper, one is responsible for monitoring a company’s cash flow by keeping track of transactions and preserving copies of receipts. The job requires great attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and an ability to analyze and interpret financial data.
This job can be done virtually, making it an excellent position for moms who want to improve their work-life balance.
Bookkeeping does not require a degree and one can earn a decent hourly pay or salary. To become a bookkeeper, one must have bookkeeping skills, which can be learned from online courses.
Benefits:
Flexible working hours, allowing them to work whenever suits them.
Great for someone who loves analytics.
Pay: Most bookkeepers enjoy relatively high hourly salaries. They can work as independent contractors or be paid as a salaried employee.
14. Nanny
Being a nanny is an excellent option for moms who want to balance work and family life.
As a nanny, you would be responsible for taking care of children, cooking, cleaning, and running errands. The best part about being a nanny is the flexible hours, which allow you to work part-time or full-time while still being present for your family.
Finding a job that allows moms to work while still being present for their families is crucial, and being a nanny provides the perfect solution.
Benefits:
Be able to care for your own children at the same time.
Find a nanny job that works for your circumstances.
Stay young and playful while working with kids!
Pay: The pay varies widely for a nanny, but once you have experience and great references, you can earn good money.
15. Marketing Specialist
Marketing can be an excellent job choice for moms looking for flexibility, potential job growth, and the opportunity to work remotely. With the advancement of digital marketing, moms can now pursue a career in marketing without having to leave their homes or work in a traditional office setting.
As a digital marketer, there are various specializations and skills that can be honed to advance in the field. These include SEO (search engine optimization), web development, content creation, and marketing strategies.
By continuously learning and improving these skills, moms can enhance their professional reputation and open doors to new opportunities within the marketing industry.
Benefits:
Ability to work from home.
Work flexible work hours that can be adjusted to fit their family’s needs.
Digital marketing also offers potential job growth and career development.
Pay: As a marketing specialist, the pay can vary greatly if you work as a freelancer or a bigger corporation.
16. Financial Advisor
Financial advising can be an excellent career path for working moms without a degree, offering flexibility and opportunities for growth.
Honestly, I know many people who have successfully entered the workforce as financial advisors.
The first step towards becoming a financial advisor is to obtain relevant certifications and licenses, such as the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation. Once certified, financial advisors can work for a firm or start their own business, providing financial advice to clients.
Pursuing a career as a financial advisor can offer a good salary and work-life balance, making it a great option for working moms.
Benefits:
Help others pursue a life of financial independence.
Perfect for someone who loves numbers!
Pay: The pay for a financial advisor varies greatly, but the median salary is $75000 a year.
17. Writer
Becoming a writer can be a great career choice for moms who want to work from home and have a passion for writing. With flexibility, the potential for a decent income, and no degree required, it’s an accessible and rewarding career path.
Highly recommended to take this writing course to jumpstart your networking opportunities.
As a writer, you can work as a content writer, staff writer, or freelance writer.
Content writers produce content for websites, such as blogs, news aggregators, and e-commerce sites.
Staff writers write articles for publications, such as magazines or newspapers.
Freelance writers write for clients without being permanent employees.
What’s more important is having a way with words, strong research skills, and a passion for writing.
Benefits:
Flexibility to work on a story when you are able to.
For those with a love of English, this is a great way to express yourself.
Pay: While the average hourly rate for writers and bloggers varies, it’s possible to earn a decent income in these fields.
17. Social Media Specialist
As a social media specialist, you will manage social media accounts, create and post content, increase engagement, analyze data, and monitor social media. This role requires skills such as graphic design, writing appealing content, an eye for design, and flexibility.
Moms possess many of these skills naturally, such as multitasking, creativity, and communication. These skills can be applied to social media management, including content creation, scheduling, and community management.
Social media management is also a growing field. As a result, this job can provide moms with a stable income and career growth opportunities while allowing them to prioritize their family life.
Benefits:
Great for those who personally love social media.
Easy to work anywhere.
Pay: With an average salary of $52000 a year, this job can be done from home, making it a perfect fit for moms.
18. Human resources manager
Work-life balance is crucial for working moms, and a career as a human resources manager can provide just that.
Human resources managers are responsible for managing employee benefits, overseeing hiring processes, and handling employee relations. This job offers flexibility, including the ability to work remotely or part-time.
A career in human resources management can positively impact a working mom’s family life by providing a consistent schedule that doesn’t involve weekends or holidays.
Benefits:
HR managers are in high demand in many industries, as every organization requires HR expertise to manage its workforce effectively.
Opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Make a positive impact on employees’ lives.
Ample networking opportunities with employees, upper management, and external stakeholders.
Pay: Human resource managers often receive competitive salaries, with average annual earnings exceeding $120,000.
19. Sell on Printables on Etsy
In recent years, the demand for printable products has grown tremendously, making Etsy a great platform for working moms without a degree to earn a steady income from home.
Printables are digital files that customers can download and print at home, such as wall art, planners, calendars, and invitations.
The best part is that once you create a printable, you can sell it repeatedly without having to invest more time or money.
Check out the list of the most popular printables you can create.
Benefits:
A flexible job that allows you to work from home and set your own hours.
Earn a steady income from a single printable, which means you can focus on creating new products and growing your business.
Able to start s small business.
Pay: This is a passive income. Learn how much these sellers have made.
20. Retail associate
Many moms become retail associates to get a discount from the retailer!
Working in retail can be a rewarding and dynamic career choice. Retail jobs are generally physically demanding, as employees are often on their feet for long periods and may need to lift and move heavy items.
The nature of retail work can also be stressful, especially during busy periods such as holidays or sales events. However, it can also be an opportunity to develop and utilize various skills, particularly when interacting with customers.
Benefits:
Working part-time hours while your children are at school.
Discounts to the retailer you work.
Flexible scheduling hours.
Pay: This is a minimum wage job earning $13 an hour to $18 an hour.
21. Nursing
Nursing is a fulfilling career for moms who enjoy taking care of others.
While most nursing positions require a degree, there are also entry-level jobs available for those without a degree. Certified nursing assistant (CNA) and licensed practical nurse (LPN) are two such positions.
Both positions require certification and training, which can be completed in a matter of months. Pursuing a career in nursing as a working mom without a degree offers the flexibility to balance work and family while also providing the opportunity for career advancement.
Benefits:
Flexible scheduling around what works best for your family.
Ability to work part-time or full-time.
Great career option to take fewer hours while your children are little and more hours when they are in school.
Pay: The average hourly rate for nursing varies depending on where you work. Most certified nurses make between $32 an hour to $50 an hour.
22. Transcriber
As a transcriber, you will listen to audio files and create a document that contains an accurate record of what was said. This is one of the best jobs for moms with no degree, as most transcription companies just require you to pass their test before they give you work.
To become a successful transcriber, you will need fast typing skills, attention to detail, and the ability to sit for long periods of time. You may also need to purchase special transcribing equipment, depending on the company you work for. Most transcription jobs will require the ability to type 75 WPM or more.
This is a great non phone work from home job.
With the right skills and tools, you can become a successful transcriber and earn a decent income. So if you are a fast typer with an eye for detail, consider taking a free mini-course to find out if this is the right job for you.
Benefits:
Transcription jobs from home are available remotely and work as many hours as you want.
Set your own schedule.
Make money by meeting deadlines.
Pay: Generally, transcriptionists earn around $19 per hour in the US, but this can be more depending on your employer.
23. Graphic Designer
Graphic design is an excellent job for working moms with no degree, as it allows for significant flexibility in working hours and can be done from home.
As a graphic designer, you will be responsible for creating logos, designing websites, and developing marketing materials such as brochures and flyers. To succeed in this field, you’ll need to be creative, detail-oriented, and able to work with clients to meet their specific needs.
Benefits:
Balance their family responsibilities with a fulfilling and rewarding career.
Perfect to showcase your creative side.
Pay: With a median annual wage of $48000 per year, graphic design is a lucrative career that offers plenty of room for growth and advancement.
24. Online Coach
Being an online coach is a great job for individuals who are looking to earn money online without a degree. While some online coaches do gain certifications, it is not always necessary.
There are several types of coaching fields to enter, including career coaching, life coaching, health coaching, family coaching, and fitness coaching. It is advisable to choose a field that you have experience in or feel comfortable handling.
As a life coach, for example, you can assist clients in achieving their goals, dealing with self-esteem issues, or working on relationships.
Benefits:
Freedom to set your own schedule and work from home, which allows you to balance work and family responsibilities.
Potential to earn a good income, especially if you specialize in a high-demand niche and build a strong client base.
Viable career option for working moms without a degree.
Work remotely from their computers and communicate with clients online.
Pay: Most coaches make between $30 an hour – 100 an hour pending experience.
25. Counselor
Counseling is indeed a vital service that plays a crucial role in helping individuals and families overcome difficult challenges.
As a counselor, you work closely with clients to address various issues and support them in achieving their personal and professional goals.
Counselors can work in diverse settings, including private practices, mental health centers, schools, substance abuse centers, or government institutions. This allows for a wide range of opportunities and flexibility in terms of work environment and schedule. Additionally, advancements in technology have made it possible for counselors to provide their services online, further expanding the accessibility and convenience of counseling.
Benefits:
Flexibility to work part-time or full-time.
Making a positive impact on the lives of others and contributing to their well-being is a significant aspect of counseling that attracts many individuals, including moms, to pursue this profession.
Offers a fulfilling and financially rewarding career path.
Pay: The average hourly rate for counselors is $39 an hour.
Other Jobs Options to Consider:
Home Health Aide: Care for patients in their own homes. Many opportunities for part-time work.
Personal Care Aide: Assist clients with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and grooming. Flexible schedules are available.
Event Planner: Plan and organize events such as weddings, conferences, and parties. Can often work on a freelance or contract basis.
Photographer: Take photographs for a variety of purposes such as weddings, events, or marketing materials. Can often work on a freelance basis.
Personal Trainer: Help clients achieve fitness goals through exercise and nutrition coaching. Can often work on a freelance or contract basis.
House Cleaner: Clean homes or businesses on a regular basis. Offers flexibility in terms of schedule and workload.
Online Tutor: This job involves teaching students online in various subjects. Skills required include teaching ability, subject expertise, and communication. To balance work and family life, set a schedule and prioritize family time.
Translator: This job involves translating written or spoken content from one language to another. Skills required include fluency in multiple languages, attention to detail, and communication. To balance work and family life, set a schedule and prioritize family time.
Pet Sitter/Dog Walker: This job involves caring for pets while their owners are away. Skills required include love for animals, responsibility, and time management. To balance work and family life, set a schedule and communicate with clients to ensure availability.
Personal Shopper: This job involves shopping for clients and delivering their purchases. Skills required include organization, communication, and time management. To balance work and family life, set a schedule and communicate with clients to ensure availability.
What to consider when choosing a job for working moms without a degree?
Working mothers without a degree face many challenges when it comes to finding a job.
They need to find a balance between their family and career commitments, and they also need to find a job that is flexible enough to accommodate their schedule. Here are the things to consider when looking for a new job.
1. Hours and Shiftwork
For working moms being able to control their own schedules allows them to be present for their children’s needs while also earning an income is extremely important. It is important to consider the hours you have available to dedicate to a job along with the shiftwork necessary when choosing a job.
Think about whether you want to go part-time or full-time.
Also, weekend shifts are also an option for those who need to work around their family’s schedule. Even better, remote work has become increasingly popular and offers even more flexibility.
2. Salary
Salary considerations play a significant role in achieving this stability a mom desires.
It is essential to explore different salary options and negotiate to ensure that you are being fairly compensated for your skills and experience.
Consider starting salary, the potential for growth, benefits packages, and negotiation when exploring job options.
3. Responsibility and Stress
As any working mom can tell you, being a working mom can be an incredibly stressful experience. Mothers often have to balance their work responsibilities with household chores and childcare, which can be overwhelming.
Finding a job that balances responsibility and stress is crucial for working moms to maintain their mental and physical health, and to be able to provide for their families.
4. Level of Education Required
As a working mom, it is important to consider the level of education required when choosing a job.
Plus, it is crucial to research job requirements and considers personal interests and skills when selecting a job. By doing so, working moms can find a job that offers flexibility, decent pay, and job satisfaction.
5. Professional Licenses and Certifications
Obtaining, professional licenses and certifications is an excellent way for working moms without a degree to increase their job opportunities, earn higher salaries, and improve job security.
These certifications and licenses are often required for specific industries, such as healthcare, education, and law enforcement.
With so many options available, it’s important for working moms to explore the various certifications and licenses that are relevant to their industry and career goals.
6. Work-Life Balance
Balancing work and family life is a challenge for anyone, but it can be particularly daunting for working moms.
However, there are several factors to consider when choosing a job that can help achieve a work-life balance:
Flexible Work Hours: A job with flexible work hours can help working moms without a degree balance their work and family responsibilities. This can include part-time work, remote work, or jobs that allow for flexible scheduling.
Remote Work Options: Remote work can be an excellent option for working moms without a degree who need to work from home.
Company Culture: A supportive company culture can make all the difference for working moms. Look for companies that offer family-friendly policies such as paid time off, flexible work schedules, and on-site childcare.
By prioritizing work-life balance, working moms can achieve success in both their personal and professional lives.
7. Vacation and Time Off
For working moms without a degree, vacation and time off are crucial benefits to consider when evaluating a potential job offer.
Here are three factors to consider when reviewing a company’s vacation and time off policy:
The number of vacation days offered, including paid time off for sick days and personal days.
The flexibility of the policy, such as the ability to take time off for family emergencies or unexpected events.
The potential for extended leave, such as maternity or paternity leave.
8. Career Advancement
When considering a job as a mom, career advancement is an important consideration. It is essential to choose an employer and a job that offers opportunities for growth and progression in your chosen field.
Advancing in your career not only allows you to achieve personal and professional goals but also provides financial stability and job satisfaction.
Don’t underestimate the power of setting clear career goals and actively working towards them.
By investing in your skills, building a strong network, and setting clear career goals, you can pave the way for a successful and fulfilling career as a mom.
9. Job Security
Job security is especially significant for working moms, who may face more challenges in finding and keeping a job.
Typically, working moms are limited in their job options.
So, look for careers that provide financial security as well as companies with a solid track history.
This is the perfect side hustle if you don’t have much time, experience, or money.
Many earn over $10,000 in a year selling printables on Etsy. Learn how to get started by watching this free workshop.
If you’ve ever wanted to make a full-time income while working from home, you’re in the right place!
This intensive training combines thousands of hours of research, years of experience in growing a virtual assistant business, and the power of a coach who has helped thousands of students launch and grow their own business from scratch.
FAQ
You can search for remote jobs, part-time jobs, or freelance gigs.
You can also look for companies that have flexible policies in place. Also, reach out to your network and ask if anyone knows of any openings that are flexible.
Stay-at-home moms can find a variety of jobs that can be done from home and offer flexibility to work around their schedule. Here are some of the options available:
Working from home offers the benefit of having a better work-life balance and the ability to be present for their families while still earning an income.
Which Job for Moms will You Choose?
For moms who want to balance family and career, finding a job that offers work-life balance and career growth is crucial.
Not only can working increase income, but it can also lead to career advancement and personal fulfillment.
Above, we listed many great jobs for moms. You can choose a job that allows you to work from home, or one that provides flexible hours. Also, many moms like me prefer one of these early morning jobs.
Whatever you choose, make sure you find a job that you enjoy and that allows you to spend time with your family.
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
Choosing to adopt a child is an exciting milestone in life, but it’s also one that takes a lot of planning and effort. Future adoptive parents can opt for either a domestic adoption or international adoption, but there are a lot of differentiating factors that may influence the decision.
If you’re considering adoption, you’ll want to understand the distinctions between domestic and international adoptions, from the process and timeline to the costs involved, so you can decide what’s best for you.
The Domestic Adoption Process
One of the major advantages of choosing a domestic adoption is that you have the potential to adopt a newborn. However, the timeline is not set in stone and may depend on whether you opt for an open, semi-open, or closed adoption. Most domestic adoptions are considered at least “semi-open.”
Depending on the agency you work with, you may need to be chosen by a birth mother based on your profile. Once you’re selected, the timing depends on the expected (and actual) due date. The process usually takes a few months. Typically, you get access to the child’s medical records as well as the birth mother’s family history.
An open adoption also allows some contact and conversations with the birth mother before the baby is born. In a semi-open adoption, personally revealing information is withheld between the adoptive parents and the birth mother.
Once the baby is born and you officially adopt the child, the adoption agency may facilitate sending updates to the birth mother, as well as pictures so she can see the baby is well taken care of.
Domestic Adoption Eligibility Requirements
American adoption requirements vary by state and by the adoption agency you choose to work with. Generally, you must be at least 18 years old, and there’s often a minimum age difference required between you and the child.
Most states allow domestic adoptions regardless of marital status; parents can be married, single, divorced, or widowed and still qualify.
Explore your state and city adoption websites for more details on additional requirements unique to your area.
The International Adoption Process
International adoption, thanks to rules and clearances, typically will not involve a newborn, so you’ll need to be open to welcoming an older baby or toddler to your home.
With international adoption, there are issues that could affect your ability to adopt, even in the middle of the process. New international laws and relations between the United States and other countries have the potential to derail families who are in the middle of an adoption. The process varies by country but typically takes between 1.5 and 2.5 years.
While you can find out about the child’s medical history, you likely won’t know anything about the family history. Once you adopt a child from abroad, you won’t have any contact with the birth family.
International Adoption Eligibility Requirements
Each country has its own eligibility requirements for adoptive parents, which are typically much stricter than domestic requirements. Often you’ll need to meet income requirements, which may include a higher amount if you already have children. Some countries also have net worth requirements.
In addition, you may discover that some countries restrict the type of families that are allowed to adopt from there. For example, some only offer adoption to married couples or single women.
These rules vary by country, and there are some countries, such as Colombia, that allow single men and same-sex partners to adopt.
International vs Domestic Adoption Costs
The costs vary greatly with both international and domestic adoptions, but the common thread is that it can be expensive if you’re not adopting a foster child.
For international adoptions, expect to pay anywhere from $20,000 to $50,000, depending on the country.
In South Korea, for example, adoptions may cost between $32,000 – $38,000. In China, the range is $35,000 to $40,000. Adoptions from India may span $21,000 to $25,000.
Choosing an international adoption also requires you to travel to the country (often more than once) in advance of actually adopting your child.
Domestic adoptions through a private agency may cost between $30,000 and $60,000.
It is much less expensive, and potentially even free, to adopt through foster care. However, as a foster parent, your goal is to help reunite the child with the existing family. Adoption may become an option, but it is not the primary objective.
Recommended: Common Financial Mistakes First-Time Parents Make
Funding Options for Adoptions
Adoption costs are often out of reach for many U.S. families. But even if you can’t tap into your savings (or don’t want to), you can explore other options for funding your adoption.
Recommended: 5 Tips for Saving for a Baby
Employer Benefits
Some companies offer adoption assistance funds as part of their employee benefits packages. In addition, about 34% of employers offer paid adoption leave and 25% provide paid foster child leave. This provides flexibility to transition when a new family member arrives.
You may want to check with your HR department to make sure you don’t miss out any adoption benefits offered by your company.
Adoption Federal Tax Credit
The federal government provides some tax benefits for adoptions. First, if you use employer benefit funds to pay for the adoption, that money is excluded from your income so you don’t have to pay federal taxes on it.
The tax code also offers an adoption tax credit that can help offset some of the costs involved in adoption, whether you adopt for a domestic or international adoption. Qualified adoption expenses include things like adoption fees, legal costs, and travel expenses.
The tax credit amount changes every year, so it’s a good idea to talk to an accountant for more specifics.
There are income limits for qualifying for both the tax exclusion and credit.
Friends and Family
Many adoptive parents ask friends and family members for financial support when starting the adoption process. You could even start a crowdfunding campaign as a way for your broader community to donate to your adoption fund.
Hopeful parents may want to include a compelling personal story about the path to adoption to help draw in potential donors from their community.
Just remember that if you use a crowdfunding platform, you generally have to pay fees taken out of the money you’ve raised. This usually ranges from 3% to 8% when including both fundraising fees and processing fees.
Recommended: New Parent’s Guide to Setting Up a Will
Personal Loan
Another option for financing your domestic or international adoption is with an unsecured personal loan.
This type of loan typically comes with a fixed interest rate and repayment period, which allows you to make a set monthly payment over a set number of years.
You’ll need good credit to qualify for the best interest rates. Lenders may also take your debt-to-income ratio into consideration. You may qualify for a larger loan amount if your existing debt is low compared to your monthly income.
Sometimes referred to as an adoption loan, the proceeds from this type of loan can be used for just about anything. That means not just the agency and legal fees but also soft costs like travel and meals, which can get expensive if you’re adopting from abroad.
The Takeaway
Choosing to adopt a child can be life-changing, but an international or domestic adoption usually carries a high price tag. Fortunately, with tax benefits and funding options available, you can worry less about how to pay for all of the costs associated with the process and focus more on the joy of growing your family.
Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. Checking your rate takes just a minute.
SoFi’s Personal Loan was named NerdWallet’s 2023 winner for Best Online Personal Loan overall.
SoFi Loan Products SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.
Checking Your Rates: To check the rates and terms you may qualify for, SoFi conducts a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. However, if you choose a product and continue your application, we will request your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies, which is considered a hard credit pull and may affect your credit.
External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.
Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.
Find yourself a Boston apartment that takes its outside space as seriously as Bostonians take their sports.
There are so many cool neighborhoods in Boston that it’s sometimes hard to narrow your search down. Once you pick a few spots that look good though, you have to start thinking about amenities. Do you want a pool? Do you need a place that’s pet-friendly?
As you think about what features make up the perfect Boston apartment, don’t forget to explore the outdoor space. Having a great spot to hang with friends or just relax, that’s not inside your apartment, is a huge bonus for all renters.
To ease the strain of your search, check out these apartments with some of the best courtyards and gardens in Boston. They’ll keep you headed in the right direction toward finding a gorgeous apartment with a stunning green space.
Source: Rent. / West Square
‘Courtyard perfection’ is the phrase that immediately comes to mind at West Square. This neat and tidy space combines succinct landscaping with umbrella-covered seating. The small lawn space is ideal for picnics or games, while the choices in flowers and greenery really make this space feel calm and complete.
Situated in South Boston, within the D Street – West Broadway neighborhood, this thriving spot has it all. You’re within walking distance of the Red Line, so it’s easy to hop on the subway and explore the entire city, but there’s also plenty to entice you right outside your door. This neighborhood is full of shops, restaurants, a popping nightlife and a diverse assortment of recreational activities. Needless to say, you won’t have a problem keeping busy when you call West Square home.
Source: Rent. / Alcott Apartments
A true gathering place for all, the courtyard at Alcott Apartments is lush and green and full of comfortable seating. Walk across the lawn to grab a seat at the two-top tables beside the rows of mature trees. Settle into one of the rockers, or let your kids sway back and forth on the modern rocking horses. There are umbrella-clad tables for those who need shade and additional seating under the cabanas, which sit beside the state-of-the-art gas grills.
Another jam-packed Boson neighborhood, living in the West End puts you close to so much of the city’s activity. You’re near the Charles River for casual walks as well as boating or rowing. There’s also the TD Garden within walking distance, home to the Bruins, Celtics and plenty of concerts. All around this area are lively pubs, bars and so many delicious pizzerias to boot.
Source: Rent. / Garrison Square
A garden and a courtyard all in one; you’ll find a hidden gem in the center of Garrison Square. This space includes an appealing combination of landscaping and hardscaping, with lots of seating. You can pick what part of the courtyard to enjoy, whether it’s a green space or one that features rocks and slender shrubs. There are even a few fountains adding a relaxing soundtrack to the space and upping the overall calming ambiance.
A more refined section of Boston, the Back Bay neighborhood is home to most of the city’s boutiques, art galleries and designer shops. Cafes dot the area as well. Smack dab in the middle is Copley Square, a nice place to sit on a bench and people-watch. You’ve got also the Boston Public Library right here, which is an absolute treasure to explore.
Source: Rent. / Avalon at Newton Highlands
Surrounded by a stunning garden space, the Avalon at Newtown Highlands makes landscaping a top priority. You’ll find carefully designed beds of greenery everywhere you turn. With a combination of mature trees, cropped bushes and flowers blooming here and there, there’s natural beauty to greet you at every turn. Benches spaced throughout make it easy to enjoy the view.
Set within Newton, living here requires a commute if you want to head into Boston proper, but you’re only about 10 miles away. Public transportation does extend out to some areas, so it’s easy to get in via train if you can’t hop on the highway. A quieter place to live, there’s also a good chance you’ll see a lot of students in this area as Newton is home to quite a few colleges and universities, including UMass Amherst and Boston College.
Source: Rent. / Piano Craft Guild
The aged brick facade and cobblestone path give the garden at Piano Craft Guild an old-world feel. It’s the history of the city seeping through among the leafy bushes and healthy trees in the raised beds throughout this area. There’s a definite character here, making it an ideal spot to seek out a little peace and relaxation.
Another perfectly walkable slice of Boston, the South End is a diverse and family-friendly neighborhood that combines all the pieces that make this city so great. There are unique restaurants and bars, trendy spots and low-key hangouts and a funky art scene. While it’s easy to head closer to the center of Boston on foot, you’re also near the Orange and Green subway lines.
Source: Rent. / Third Square
Across the Charles River, in Cambridge, you’ll find Third Square. This apartment community has a massive ground-floor green space and courtyard. You’ll also find a sweet gardening area complete with raised soil beds for planting flowers, herbs and veggies. The whole area has close-cropped grass and a few trees and bushes to enhance the space.
Located in Kendall Square, this area is near the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and is also home to many tech companies. There’s a great food and drink scene and an underlying indie vibe throughout the area as well.
Source: Rent. / Christopher Columbus Plaza
With a courtyard that’s more focused on water than greenery, you’ll get something a little different at Christopher Columbus Plaza. This centrally-located community uses the local style to create a beautiful courtyard with soothing pools of water and sprouting fountains. This is also where you’ll find the community grills for some outdoor cooking. A few mature trees also offer up some shade and light landscaping gives the suggestion of nature.
Living in the North End of Boston is quite a treat. This is the city’s Little Italy, so there’s no shortage of wood-fired pizza, fresh seafood and amazing homemade pasta. What’s also great about this area is its proximity to the waterfront and its ever-present local history. Along the cobblestone streets, you’ll find Paul Revere’s house as well as Old North Church.
Source: Rent. / Prism Apartments
It’s a jam-packed courtyard at Prism Apartments in Cambridge. This large space has it all, including a modern fire pit surrounded by tons of seating. Strings of lights help keep this spot bright even as the sun sets and a wood panel separator breaks it off from the rest of the courtyard for a more intimate feel.
Within this area, you’ll also find plenty of tables for dining alfresco and a dual grill cooking station. There are also additional pockets of seating and plenty of string lights overhead.
Source: Rent. / Lofts at Kendall Square
An industrial overhead framework gives this garden space at the Lofts at Kendall Square a little something special. With curvy beds of bright green line the walkway below, bushes, small plants and large rocks combine to create a welcoming and calming spot.
Situated between the Charles River and Harvard Square, living here puts you in an excellent spot to enjoy the beauty of the city while easily getting around. Whether you need to head deeper into Cambridge or shoot across the river to Boston, you can see it all from right here.
Find an apartment with one of the best gardens in Boston
Boston is a busy and beautiful city and living here may prompt you to want an apartment that gives you a quieter spot to retreat to. Finding awesome courtyards or gardens in Boston that provide a little escape from the city’s bustle can prove essential, so keep an eye out. This is one feature you’ll definitely want in your next Boston apartment.
Featured Image Source: Rent. / Alcott Apartments
Lesly Gregory has over 15 years of marketing experience, ranging from community management to blogging to creating marketing collateral for a variety of industries. A graduate of Boston University, Lesly holds a B.S. in Journalism. She currently lives in Atlanta with her husband, two young children, three cats and assorted fish.
Afro-pop music has been growing in popularity worldwide over the past few years, and Nigeria has been a hub for some of the genre’s most talented artists. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best Afro-pop musicians from Nigeria. From Burna Boy’s socially conscious lyrics to Yemi Alade’s activism and advocacy work, these artists have contributed to the rise and success of Afro-pop music in Nigeria and beyond.
1. Burna Boy
Burna Boy is a Nigerian Afro-pop singer, songwriter, and musician who rose to fame in 2012 with his debut album “L.I.F.E.” His music often addresses political and social issues, and he is known for his powerful vocals, socially conscious lyrics, and unique sound. Burna Boy has received several accolades for his music, including a Grammy nomination, and he is also involved in philanthropic activities through his organization “Reach.” He has collaborated with many international artists and is one of the most successful Afro-pop musicians of his generation.
2. Yemi Alade
Yemi Alade is a dynamic Nigerian singer/songwriter who took the music world by storm. Alade’s fame came in 2014 with her chart-topping single “Johnny,” which catapulted her to stardom and earned numerous accolades. Yemi Alade’s music is a mix of Afro-pop, R&B, and highlife with lyrics addressing love, relationships, and the meaning of life. Her hit albums include “King of Queens” (2014), “Mama Africa” (2016), and “Woman of Steel” (2019). But Yemi Alade is also an actress, with appearances in several Nigerian films and shows. Alade is a philanthropist too, and advocates for gender equality, working with organizations that support women and girls in Nigeria and across the globe. Alade has received countless awards and nominations for her music, including the Best Female West Africa at the 2015 African Muzik Magazine Awards and the Best International Act at the 2016 BET Awards. In 2020, Yemi Alade was honored with the ELOY Awards for Female Artist of the Year and the African Entertainment Legend Awards for Female Artist of the Year. Yemi Alade is an exceptional artist and activist who is using her talent to promote African culture and female empowerment.
3. Rema
Rema, whose birth name is Divine Ikubor, is a Nigerian singer, rapper, and songwriter hailing from Benin City. He developed a passion for music at a young age and began creating music in his teenage years. In 2019, Rema became a sensation with the release of his self-titled debut EP, which featured chart-topping hits like “Dumebi,” “Iron Man,” and “Corny.” His distinctive blend of Afrobeat, trap, and pop propelled him to stardom in Nigeria and beyond. Since then, Rema has released several successful projects, including “Bad Commando EP” (2019), and the “Rema Compilation” (2021). He has also collaborated with numerous international artists, such as Becky G, Manny Norté, and Skepta. Rema’s music frequently addresses themes of love, youth, and success. He is recognized for his catchy melodies, smooth delivery, and versatile style. His seamless blending of various genres and distinctive approach to music have earned him praise. Rema is also engaged in various charitable efforts. He has leveraged his platform to advocate for better education and healthcare in Nigeria.
4. Simi
Simisola Kosoko, professionally known as Simi, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress, and she began her career as a gospel singer before transitioning to mainstream music and gaining fame with her hit single “Tiff” in 2014. Simi’s music combines afrobeats, pop, and R&B, with lyrics touching on themes of love, relationships, and societal issues. Apart from her music career, she is also an accomplished actress, having appeared in various Nigerian movies and TV shows. Simi has won numerous awards for her music, including Best Female Vocal Performance at the 2018 Headies Awards and Album of the Year at the 2019 Headies Awards, and has been actively involved in philanthropic activities supporting education and healthcare in Nigeria.
5. Fireboy
Fireboy, a Nigerian singer and songwriter, was born Adedamola Adefolahan in Abeokuta, Ogun State. After studying English language at Obafemi Awolowo University, he signed with YBNL Nation in 2018, founded by rapper Olamide. Fireboy’s music blends Afrobeat, R&B, and soul, exploring themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. He gained recognition with his debut album “Laughter, Tears, and Goosebumps” in 2019, featuring hit songs like “Jealous” and “What If I Say.” Fireboy has won awards for his music and supports philanthropic causes like education and healthcare, making him one of Nigeria’s best artists.
6. Tiwa Savage
Tiwa Savage is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress. Tiwa began her music career as a backup vocalist for international artists such as George Michael and Mary J. Blige, before moving to Nigeria to pursue her own music career. She gained mainstream success in 2010 with her debut single “Kele Kele Love” and has become an influential female artist in Nigeria. Tiwa’s music is a blend of afrobeats, R&B, and pop, with lyrics that explore themes of love, relationships, and female empowerment. She has released a lot of successful work, including “Once Upon a Time” (2013) and “Sugarcane” (2017). Tiwa has won several awards and nominations for her music, including the Best African Act at the 2018 MTV Europe Music Awards. She has also been recognized for her involvement in the #EndSARS protests against police brutality in Nigeria in 2020.
7. Davido
Davido, born David Adedeji Adeleke, is a renowned Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer. He was born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, but grew up in Lagos, Nigeria. He comes from a wealthy family: his father was a successful businessman. Davido began his music career in 2011 and gained fame with his debut single “Back When” in 2012. He is known for his blend of afrobeats, hip-hop, and pop, with lyrics celebrating success and wealth. Some of his popular songs include “Dami Duro,” “Fall,” “Assurance,” and “Fem.” He has won numerous music awards, including the Best International Act at the 2018 BET Awards and the Artist of the Year at the 2018 Headies Awards. He has also collaborated with local and international artists such as Chris Brown, Meek Mill, and Nicki Minaj. Apart from music, Davido founded Davido Music Worldwide (DMW) record label, which helped launch the careers of many Nigerian artists. He also supports charitable causes such as education, healthcare, and youth empowerment.
8. Wizkid
Wizkid, whose real name is Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer. He started his music career in 2001 and gained recognition in 2010 with the release of his debut album “Superstar.” Wizkid’s music is a blend of afrobeats, reggae, and hip-hop, and he is known for his unique voice, catchy hooks, and infectious beats. He has collaborated with several artists, including Drake, Beyonce, and Skepta, and has won numerous awards for his music, including the Best International Act at the 2017 MOBO Awards and the Best African Act at the 2016 MTV Europe Music Awards. Wizkid is also involved in philanthropic activities and has used his platform to support causes like education and healthcare.
9. Tems
Tems is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and producer known for her alternative R&B, soul, and afrobeats sound. She gained recognition with her debut single “Mr. Rebel” in 2018 and has since released successful projects like “For Broken Ears” and “If Orange Was A Place.” Tems has collaborated with several local and international artists and has won awards for her music. Tems’ music is also characterized by her powerful voice and soulful delivery, which have earned her comparisons to iconic singers like Nina Simone and Lauryn Hill. Her distinctive sound and artistic vision help her standout in Nigeria’s vibrant music scene, and she is poised for success in the years to come. She is also involved in philanthropic activities and advocates for social justice and human rights.
10. Falz
Falz, born Folarin Falana, is a multi-talented Nigerian artist who has made an impact on the music and entertainment industries, and the legal profession. His music blends afrobeats and highlife, and has been praised for lyrics that address corruption, inequality, and police brutality. Falz is also an accomplished actor, starring in several Nigerian movies and television shows, and a qualified lawyer, with a law degree from the University of Reading in the United Kingdom and a barrister and solicitor of the Nigerian Bar Association. Falz’s impact on Nigerian society extends beyond his artistic and legal achievements. He has been recognized for his involvement in the #EndSARS protests against police brutality in Nigeria in 2020. He has also been vocal about issues such as women’s rights and better governance in Nigeria. Falz has won numerous awards for his music and acting, including Best Supporting Actor at the 2015 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and Best Rap Album at the 2016 City People Entertainment Awards. He has also been named one of the most influential young Africans by Forbes Africa and included in the annual “30 Under 30” list by Forbes Magazine.
11. Kizz Daniel
Kizz Daniel is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and performer, whose real name is Oluwatobiloba Daniel Anidugbe. He gained mainstream success in 2014 with his hit single “Woju.” Daniel’s music is a blend of afrobeats, highlife, and contemporary R&B, with lyrics that focus on love and relationships. He has released several successful albums, including “New Era” (2016) and “No Bad Songz” (2018), and has collaborated with several local and international artists. Kizz Daniel has won numerous awards for his music and is considered one of the most popular and successful musicians in Nigeria today.
12. Patoranking
Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie, also known as Patoranking, is a Nigerian reggae-dancehall singer and songwriter. Born on May 27, 1990, in Lagos, he started his music career in 2009 but achieved mainstream success in 2013 with the hit single “Alubarika” featuring Timaya. His music addresses themes of love, social justice, and personal struggles and has won him numerous awards, including the Best African Act at the 2015 MTV Europe Music Awards. Patoranking is also known for his philanthropic work, including the Patoranking Scholarship Programme, which supports underprivileged children’s education in Nigeria.
In conclusion, Afro-pop music is a genre that continues to grow and evolve, with countless talented artists contributing to its rich and diverse soundscape. From the socially conscious lyrics of Burna Boy to the infectious rhythms of Yemi Alade, these 12 musicians have made an indelible mark on the Afro-pop world. There’s no doubt these artists will continue to captivate audiences with their music, activism, commitment to promoting African culture.
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LGBTQ+ people still face discrimination and economic inequality. These policies could help.
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This content was created by MarketWatch, which is operated by Dow Jones & Co. MarketWatch is published independently from Dow Jones Newswires and The Wall Street Journal.
Term life insurance is an important investment that can protect your family’s assets at any stage of your life and getting affordable life insurance rates is important for protecting your budget right now.
Depending on your age though will also determine how much you need, how long you need it for, is term or a guaranteed policy the best.
Below is a quick guide on the different ages and what you should consider when buying life insurance. I’ve also included links to relative articles that go more in depth on each age bracket.
Here’s what you need to know to get cheap life insurance at any age.
Whether you are single or married, a part of a large family or a small one, purchasing insurance is a responsible step that everyone should take so that loved ones will be provided for.
Know your family’s budget and how the life insurance rates will fit within your budget. Knowing this dollar amount will keep you from being “oversold” by an agent trying to earn higher commissions. The premiums must fit within your budget.
Be aware that each person’s life insurance needs for death benefit amounts are different. We will look at this in more detail later, but just because your buddy or co-worker bought a million dollar life insurance policy doesn’t mean that you need to.
Understand that life insurance companies have different underwriting guidelines and that you HAVE to compare rates from different companies to be confident you’re getting the lowest life insurance rates available for you based on your lifestyle, your medical conditions, and your age. (We compare rates from different companies for you.)
Be thinking about the following numbers (to help determine the death benefit needed):
How much family debt you have (mortgages, credit cards, autos, etc.)
College education dollars needed for children in the household
Ongoing income dollars for a surviving spouse (if applicable)
Estimated amounts of funeral costs
Any philanthropic dollars you might wish to leave to a favorite charity
How much life insurance do you have now, for how long (ie, 20-year term), and is it a permanent policy like whole life or universal life
This is related to #3. It might not be in your best interests to buy life insurance from agents that only represent one company and can’t offer you quotes from several different companies. Some of these life insurance companies are Northwestern Mutual, New York Life, and others who have agents that only sell their life insurance plans.
Life Insurance Rates By Age
Purchasing life insurance is very important, and generally speaking, one of the main factors in pricing life insurance from the insurance company’s viewpoint is how old you are.
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Your age will help you determine how much death benefit you need to apply for, how long you need it for, and whether term or a guaranteed policy is the best plan that suits your needs.
Obviously, it just makes common sense that the older you are, the less number of years you are expected to live.
Life insurance companies call these “mortality tables”, and they use these mortality tables to actuarially determine how much they should charge for life insurance.
These CSO mortality tables have been adopted by most state insurance departments to allow companies to use them in determining the premiums they should be charging for their life insurance policies.@media(min-width:0px)#div-gpt-ad-goodfinancialcents_com-banner-1-0-asloadedmax-width:580px!important;max-height:400px!important
Remember though that even these life expectancy charts are used differently by different life insurance companies.
We can provide you with several life insurance company reviews such as Banner Life Insurance for you to learn more about what each company has to offer, so make sure to check those out as well!
Many people put off buying life insurance because it doesn’t seem to be an immediate need or priority to fit in the family budget.@media(min-width:0px)#div-gpt-ad-goodfinancialcents_com-large-leaderboard-2-0-asloadedmax-width:300px!important;max-height:250px!important
Here are 3 critical reasons to apply for life insurance now and to not put it off any longer:
You really aren’t getting younger. As just mentioned above, as you get older your rates are going to increase. The best day to buy life insurance is today.
If you don’t have any major health conditions that would cause your life insurance rates to be surcharged, get your life insurance now while you are in good health. If you do have medical conditions, get your life insurance now before your health gets worse. If it improves later, then you can always reapply for lower rates.
You never know what the future holds. Take care of your loved ones now and go ahead and check “buying life insurance” off your list. Whether you end up getting quotes from us (Compare Rates form on the right), or from someone else, go ahead and do it.
Now, let’s discuss issues based on various ages. We will first start with the Millennials……
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Life Insurance for Your 20s
In your 20s, life insurance is inexpensive and easy to get. At this age, you can expect an enormous number of term life options at affordable prices. By getting life insurance at this early stage, you can protect a young and growing family from financial hardships and do so inexpensively.
Going ahead and buying life insurance now is a great decision to make at this young age. It is better than waiting until you are older, possibly having health issues and having to look into the option of life insurance without a medical exam, which is defaulted to a higher rate because of the poor health you may have at older ages. Starting young and healthy is the way to go!
Depending on your income and family budget, you could consider both permanent life insurance or inexpensive term life insurance.
If you don’t have children or large assets to protect, choose a policy of at least four times your annual income. If you do have children, the number of children, your spouse’s income and your other debts should all factor into the amount of insurance you purchase.
Read more on buying Term Life Insurance in Your 20’s
Life Insurance for Your 30s
In your 30s, you likely have a family and assets that need to be protected with a life insurance policy. Your income may be higher during this period, necessitating a larger policy to meet bigger financial needs. Some life insurance buyers purchase a second policy in their 30s to supplement the policy bought in their 20s.
If this is your first time to purchase term life insurance, be sure to get enough to cover your family’s needs and to pay off your home and other large debts. A general rule is to purchase at least 10 times your annual income, and in your 30s this is generally an affordable option.
@media(min-width:0px)#div-gpt-ad-goodfinancialcents_com-leader-1-0-asloadedmax-width:728px!important;max-height:90px!importantThis amount of death benefit may seem to be higher than what you would normally consider, however, if you lose one of your family incomes due to death, there would be a huge financial pressure to try and make up the difference, or either the surviving spouse would have to drastically reduce expenses.
The mortgage still needs to be paid, most kids still need to go to college, there would be funeral expenses, etc. Speaking of mortgages, we typically do not recommend buying mortgage life insurance from the letters you get in the mail from life insurance companies just after you have refinanced your house, for example.
They are usually overpriced. You can normally get much better rates by using our Compare Quotes tool as we compare rates with many different insurance companies.
During these years would also be a good time to consider a permanent life insurance policy, which begins to build some cash value. This would be a good discussion question for your life insurance advisor.
By your 40s, you likely have significant assets to protect. If you have not bought a life insurance policy yet, it’s important to do so before the rates rise even more in your 50s or future health conditions, such as diabetes, make it more difficult to get insurance.
Financial experts agree that even if you already have a policy in place, your 40s is a good time to sit down with your finances and reevaluate your insurance needs. You may find that you need a supplemental policy to take care of new responsibilities that weren’t present in your 30s.
With today’s economy and lifestyles (increase in divorce rates), many individuals and families are still deep in debt. This is not a time to be slack in taking care of potential financial disasters (such as the loss of a spouse and their income), but rather a time to take care of life insurance needs.
Read more on buying Term Life Insurance in Your 40’s
Life Insurance for Your 50s
As you enter your 50s, you will have different insurance needs than you did in years past. You may have grown children who can provide for themselves. Your house may be paid off, and you may need to cancel that mortgage insurance policy if you had one.
However, there are still many expenses that a term life policy can assist your family with paying. A term policy can be used to fund a trust, to provide your family with inheritance and to provide a liquid asset for your estate. Life insurance will be more expensive at this age, and that expense will go up if you have significant health problems. However, even at the increased rates, term life insurance is still an affordable insurance option.
You may find yourself at this point either experiencing or have experienced the loss of a parent or loved one, and personally now understanding the financial aspects of that event whether good or bad.
@media(min-width:0px)#div-gpt-ad-goodfinancialcents_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0-asloadedmax-width:336px!important;max-height:280px!importantIf you have experienced that situation, you will have found out that life insurance proceeds are handled outside Probate Court, and are much easier to deal with than all the other legal issues of handling someone’s estate.
One other important issue to consider during this stage of life is if you might have some type of business life insurance need. This could be from a Key Man life insurance standpoint, or maybe life insurance to fund a Buy-Sell contract between partners that own a business. Additionally, if you are a Sole Proprietor that owns a business, you might want to have a one-way Buy Sell arrangement with a friendly competitor.
Life insurance rates for business policies may generally be lower per thousand dollars of death benefit because usually these type plans having higher death benefits. Companies usually have “life insurance rate bands” and there are discounts as the death benefits get higher.
Any of the above business life insurance needs are very critical, and can also help a surviving spouse if you have some type of “business will”. A death of a spouse is a traumatic event, even if expected, so minimize the additional responsibilities that person may have to deal with as much as possible by prior planning.
Read More On Buying:
Life Insurance for Your 60s
In your 60s, you may not have dependents who need your income, but term life insurance can still provide a level of support for your loved ones in the future. If you don’t have enough death benefit coverage by the time you reach your 60s, purchasing a policy as soon as possible is vital.
Hopefully during these years most of your debt is reduced to a manageable level, college debts for your kids have been taken care of, and your main need for life insurance would be to help pay for final burial expenses, ongoing income to supplement social security benefits for a surviving spouse, as well as to provide a charitable gift for a local nonprofit you might be actively involved in.
If you wait until age 65, you will have far fewer insurance options. Some companies simply won’t sell a policy to anyone 65 or older. At this stage of life, you can expect rates to be more expensive, but they will still cost significantly less than whole life policies.
Read More On Buying:
Affordable Life Insurance Rates For Seniors
Even seniors age 80 need life insurance coverage. With advances in medicine and health care facilities, people are living much longer. Some of the needs for life insurance for seniors are the same as those mentioned for folks in their 60’s.
Rates for life insurance for seniors do not have to bust your budget, however. It’s still possible to get affordable life insurance as a senior citizen.
Many times there are medical issues that do cause life insurance rates to be higher than they are for those without medical conditions.
However, even with medical conditions, there are many good guaranteed life insurance policies for the elderly.
If you’re ready to see real pricing, get a life insurance quote now.
I shared a list of my favorite books about money once before, but that was over two years ago. I’ve read dozens of books since then (and thumbed through dozens more). Here is a revised list of 25 great books about money.
These are all books that I found entertaining or influential. There are still many “big name” books that I haven’t read, such as “A Random Walk Down Wall Street” and “The Intelligent Investor,” and I’ve left off some perennial favorites such as “The Richest Man in Babylon” and “The Wealthy Barber.”
These books are grouped into sections, roughly following the financial progression of the average person (from debt to financial independence). I’ve linked to the Amazon page for each book, but, as always, I encourage you to borrow the titles that interest you from your public library. If you prefer to read on a device, get to know Overdrive, which allows you to borrow e-books for free.
Debt Reduction
For those in the first stage of personal finance, debt reduction is the most important task. I know from experience that this can seem like a long, lonely battle. But others have fought it before, and have lived to document the process. Here are three books that describe different approaches to winning the fight:
The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey — Ramsey is an anti-credit zealot. He made a $4 million fortune by his mid-twenties, and then lost it to bankruptcy. Now he runs a personal-finance empire. He takes a lot of criticism for his support of the debt snowball, which he describes in detail here, but the thing is, his methods work. If you’re struggling with debt, there’s no better starting place than this book. Ramsey’s advice is permeated with his Christianity, but you can get a lot out of this book even if you’re not religious. [My review.]
Debt is Slavery by Michael Mihalik — Debt is Slavery is a deceptively simple book. It’s short. Its advice seems basic. And it’s self-published, so how good can it be? Well, I think it’s great. In fact, I found myself wishing that I had written it. Mihalik’s advice is spot-on, and he covers a lot of topics that other authors shy away from, such as the effects of advertising, the weight of possessions, and the soul-sucking misery that comes from a bad job. This book may be short, but it’s sweet. Especially great for recent graduates, I think.
How to Get Out of Debt, Stay Out of Debt, and Live Prosperously by Jerrold Mundis — How to Get Out of Debt is built on the principles of Debtors Anonymous, a twelve-step program founded in 1971 to help those who struggle with compulsive debt. Mundis was himself a debtor, and he based this book on his own experience. This isn’t purely theoretical information from the mind of some Wall Street finance whiz who has never struggled; this book contains real tips and real stories from real people. If you’ve tried Dave Ramsey without success, read this. It’s 20 years old, but the information is timeless. [My review.]
Everyday Personal Finance
After you’ve defeated debt, you enter the second stage of personal finance, mastering the everyday habits that allow you to build wealth. The books listed here offer a wide view, discussing many aspects of money. They offer advice about saving, investing, and frugality. They don’t go into much detail about any one subject, but they provide motivation to get started. And that’s what’s most important.
Your Money or Your Life by Dominguez, Robin, and Tilford — A classic, and one of the foundation books for the simplicity movement. The authors play off the concept “time is money” in a very literal sense. They encourage readers to sort out priorities, to cut expenses, and then to seek passive income in pursuit of financial independence. A little New Age-y in spots. An excellent book, and a huge influence on many prominent personal-finance bloggers. I hope to review the new, revised edition of YMoYL soon.
All Your Worth: The Ultimate Lifetime Money Plan by Elizabeth Warren and Amelia Warren Tyagi — I didn’t like All Your Worth when I first read it. The book takes a dim view of frugality and thrift, and it contains some wild assumptions (like 12% stock market returns). But with time, I’ve come to appreciate the strength of All Your Worth, not just for those struggling to shake off debt, but also for those of us who are beginning to build wealth. This book’s balanced money formula is probably the single most important part of my current financial plan. There’s good stuff here, though you may need to filter some of the authors’ rhetoric. [My review.]
I Will Teach You to Be Rich by Ramit Sethi — This book is great, but it’s not for everyone. It’s targeted almost exclusively at young adults. If you’re under 30 and single, and if you make a decent living, this book is perfect. But if you’re 45 and married with two children, and if you struggle to make ends meet, this book is less useful. Plus, Ramit has a strong authorial voice. He’s bold, sarcastic, and even a little sassy. Not everyone likes this. If you’re turned off by his blog (or by his guest posts at Get Rich Slowly), you’ll be turned off by his tone in this book. These caveats aside, I Will Teach You to Be Rich is packed with solid advice, cites its sources, and provides scores of tactical tips for managing money. [My review.]
The Complete Tightwad Gazette by Amy Dacyczyn — “The Tightwad Gazette” was a newsletter published during the early 1990s by Amy Dacyczyn (pronounced “decision”). Eventually the back issues were collected into a series of books, which were in turn collected as The Complete Tightwad Gazette. Dacyczyn wrote articles like: “Used Shoes: Are they Good or Bad?”, “Budget Bug-Busting”, “Tightwad Toys”, and “Saving Money on Your Mortgage”. Sounds just like a personal finance blog, doesn’t it? This book has thousands of tips, many of which were contributed by readers of the newsletter. (You won’t find any info on investing here. This book is about frugality!)
Investing
Learning to invest your money wisely is one important aspect of the middle stages of financial development. Wall Street is not friendly to the small investor. It’s designed to part you from your hard-earned dollars. These books can help you develop an investment philosophy that will let you improve your odds of retiring wealthy.
The Four Pillars of Investing by William Bernstein — I’ve read dozens of books about investing. Of these, The Four Pillars of Investing is probably my favorite. Most investing manuals espouse one sure-fire method or another. Four Pillars does that to an extent, but the author provides a great deal of depth and color to support his argument. I love that Bernstein takes a comprehensive, holistic approach to the subject, not just looking at the theory and business of investing, but also looking at the history and psychology of investing. This is a great book. [My review.]
The Random Walk Guide to Investing by Burton Malkiel — Malkiel is best known for his classic A Random Walk Down Wall Street. This book is shorter, written in plain English (there’s no investing jargon), and easy to understand. But that doesn’t mean it’s simplistic. This is an excellent book, filled with advice based on sound financial principles. It covers risk tolerance, asset allocation, diversification, and even a little behavioral finance. An excellent guide for beginners. [My review.]
The Only Investment Guide You’ll Ever Need by Andrew Tobias — Andrew Tobias is an entertaining writer. His jocular, conversational tone will keep you interested as he describes mutual funds, bonds, and treasury bills. There’s a good section on how to handle a windfall (lottery, inheritance). My favorite bit from Tobias is his three-step budget: destroy your credit cards, invest 20% of everything you earn (and never touch it), and live on the remaining 80% no matter what. Awesome. This is a classic introduction to the subject of investing, though at times it seems a little dated. (You can read Andrew Tobias every day at his blog.
The Bogleheads’ Guide to Investing by Larimore, Lindauer, and LeBoeuf — You want expert investment advice? You can’t beat the info found here. These devotees of Vanugard founder John Bogle are big on slow, sure investments like indexed mutual funds. They tap their decades of experience to teach about diversification, inflation, and asset allocation. It’s not nearly as boring as it sounds. This book covers a broad range of topics, though its primary focus is investing. Highly recommended.
The Automatic Millionaire by David Bach — There’s more to David Bach than just “the latté factor”. The system he recommends here is excellent — an automated approach to managing your personal finances. If you’ve been meaning to open a Roth IRA, but have never actually done so, then read this book! He’ll explain how to set it up so that it’s painless. The only caveat I’d note is that this book is several years old now, and because it contains specific recommendations for financial companies, it may be be in need of an update.
Financial Independence
This next group of books may be my favorite. These volumes cover topics related to Financial Independence — that magical point where you no longer have to work. This is the final stage of money management. For many people, this means retirement. But it doesn’t have to be that way. These books offer solid advice for how to create a future that matches your dreams.
The Millionaire Next Door by Stanley and Danko — The authors interviewed and surveyed a pool of millionaires, attempting to find common connections among them. They discovered that millionaires live below their means. They budget. They let their adult children make it on their own. This book introduces several key concepts, including degrees of wealth accumulation. It’s a bit tedious in spots, at least in the audio version. This is one of just a few books to cover both sides of the wealth equation: saving money and earning money. [My review.]
Yes, You Can…Achieve Financial Independence by James Stowers — Yes, You Can…Achieve Financial Independence is informative without being dense. It’s accessible without being condescending. Its advice is solid. The book is filled with investment advice, but it gives equal time to thrift and savings. Best of all, it asks as many questions as it provides answers. It prompts the reader to think, to evaluate her priorities. Its message is that yes, you can achieve Financial Independence, but you can’t get there overnight, and you can’t get there without setting goals and making sacrifices. [My review.]
The Incredible Secret Money Machine by Don Lancaster — This hard-to-find volume from 1978 looks like a get-rich-quick book. It’s not. It’s all about starting and running small businesses, especially craft businesses. To Lancaster, a “money machine” is any venture that generates “nickels”. Nickels are small streams of revenue from individual customers. If your goal is simply to earn a comfortable income for yourself by doing something you love, then this book can help you explore the idea of business ownership. One of my Dad’s favorites, and one of my favorites, too. [My review.]
The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss — The 4-Hour Workweek is a frustrating book. A lot of the advice seems impractical and out-of-reach for the average person. But on the other hand, it’s filled with inspirational anecdotes and provocative ideas about how you can make the leap from desk jockey to the pursuit of your dreams. In my review, I wrote that this book “is like a kick in the head”, and it’s true. The flow of ideas is relentless. Despite its flaws, I think this is a great book. [My review.]
Work Less, Live More: The Way to Semi-Retirement by Bob Clyatt — While Financial Independence is my long-term dream, semi-retirement is my more immediate goal. Clyatt describes techniques for leaving the workaday world years (or decades) before the traditional retirement age of 65. Work Less, Live More includes sections on defining your goals, learning to live on less, putting your investments on autopilot, and more. This book is like a toned-down, practical version of The 4-Hour Workweek. I like it. A lot.
The Psychology of Money
I firmly believe that success with money is more about mind than it is about math. We all understand the arithmetic behind personal finance — to build wealth, you must spend less than you earn — it’s mastering the emotions and habits that causes us trouble. These books explore your money and your brain.
Why Smart People Make Big Money Mistakes (and How to Correct Them) by Gary Belsky and Thomas Gilovich — In this short book, Belsky and Gilovich catalog a menagerie of mental mistakes that cause people to spend more than they should. What might have been a boring topic becomes fascinating thanks to an engaging style and plenty of anecdotes and examples. This book covers more than a dozen psychological barriers to wealth and explains how to prevent them from sabotaging you. [My review.]
The Paradox of Choice by Barry Schwartz — I just finished this book the other night, and hope to provide a full review in the next week. It’s fascinating. Schwartz argues that the vast array of choices available to us in the marketplace actually make us less happy. We’d be better off with two options for a wide-screen plasma television instead of twenty. Too much choice doesn’t just make us unhappy — it prevents us from making smart decisions. Fascinating stuff.
Kids and Money
Many parents are unprepared to teach their children about money. You needn’t be one of them. These books suggest methods for getting kids to understand how money works.
Living Simply with Children by Marie Sherlock — Sherlock offers tips for how to raise children that aren’t part of the consumerist culture. She encourages strong family ties as a counter to the relentless purchase to acquire “stuff”. Sherlock is also a proponent of using family rituals to replace consumer-oriented cultural activities. There’s some great advice here (the book is strongly influenced by Your Money or Your Life), but some readers may be put off by the author’s philosophy.
Growing Money: A Complete Investing Guide for Kids by Gail Karlitz — Growing Money has good chapters on banks and bonds, but most of the book is devoted to stocks. The book also contains chapters on the history of the stock market, how investors make money, and how to buy and sell stocks. This is probably my favorite book for children, but it does have some weak spots. Only one page out of 120 is devoted to mutual funds. Because the book is aimed at children, taxes are barely considered. Still, its strengths outweigh its weaknesses. It’s the sort of book to buy for your nephew, but read yourself before you pass it on. [My review.]
What Color is Your Piggy Bank? by Adelia Cellini Linecker — This slim volume is a great choice for kids from 10-14 who are beginning to show an interest in entrepreneurship. Linecker covers the world of jobs, setting up shop, and how to manage money.
Financial Journalism
This final trio of books won’t help you get rich — at least not directly. These don’t contain overt stock tips or advice for frugal living. Instead, they tell real-life stories about certain aspects of finance.
Den of Thieves by James B. Stewart — It’s not just Bernie Madoff. Wall Street has fallen prey to all sorts of unscrupulous men over the course of its history. In Den of Thieves, Stewart takes us inside the high-finance worlds of Michael Milken, Ivan Boesky, Martin Siegel, and Dennis Levine. These men were embroiled in the insider trading scandals that shook the market during the 1980s, and through their stories were able to see just how corrupting the influence of money can be. A little dense at times, but a great way to learn about the market.
Buffett: The Making of an American Capitalist by Roger Lowenstein — It’s no secret that Warren Buffett is one of my financial heroes. In this biography of Buffett, Roger Lowenstein describes the events that shaped his life, starting as a boy in the early 1930s. As we follow Buffett’s growth, we learn about the development of investment theory. There’s plenty of information here about Buffett’s investment philosophy. Entertaining and educational.
Hard Times: An Oral History of the Great Depression by Studs Terkel — Writer Studs Terkel published Hard Times in 1970. It features excerpts from over 100 interviews he conducted with those who lived through the 1930s. Terkel spoke with all sorts of people: old and young, rich and poor, famous and not-so-famous, liberal and conservative. By including the perspectives of so many different people, Terkel is able to paint a richer picture of what things were like. [My review.]
Bonus! The Worst Book About Money
Over the past few years, I’ve read many bad books about money. But none can compare to to the idiocy contained in The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. This book promotes all of the wrong messages, and encourages readers to believe that if they simply wish for something, it will come true.
The Secret contains tips like:
“It is helpful to use your imagination and make-believe you already have the money you want. Play games of having wealth and you will feel better about money; as you feel better about it, more will flow into your life.”
“The only reason any person does not have enough money is because they are blocking money from coming to them with their thoughts.”
“Visualize checks in the mail.”
“This kind of crap is dangerous,” I wrote in my original review. “It’s get-rich-quick drivel of the worst sort. It doesn’t help people address their money issues. It puts them into a pattern of wishful thinking.”
This book is awful.
Final Thoughts
Few personal finance books are perfect. For most, you need to employ personal filters. Dave Ramsey’s The Total Money Makeover is a fantastic book on debt reduction, but if you’re not Christian, you’ll have to tune out the Bible verses. All Your Worth contains a great plan for achieving financial balance, but you may need to ignore its constant disparaging of frugality and thrift.
Because I’ve limited myself to 25 books, I’ve had to leave a lot of great titles off the list. Please feel to share your favorite books about money and explain why others should read them.
When a couple first get married, the last thing either wants to think about is the inevitable—death.
However, it is a realistic part of the cycle of life.
While it’s not something to dwell on, it is a smart idea to keep in mind that one half of the married couple will die in the future, be it of old age or other unfortunate reasons.
In the case that one half of the couple should die prematurely, a financial catastrophe can occur, especially if the couple has children. The surviving spouse may have trouble supporting the family alone and providing for the children.
And of course, there will be other expenses like house payments, car payments, and other possible debts. For newly married couples, it is a good idea to consider life insurance for married couples.
Having insurance is best to ensure the financial security of the family should a disaster occur.
Life Insurance for Couples
If a couple decided to get life insurance for married couples, both can name each as the beneficiary so that if one dies, then the other will have financial support from the life insurance pay out. In addition, in the unfortunate case that both die and they have children, then the children can be named as the beneficiaries, giving financial security to the children. Having life insurance is the best option if one spouse is a stay at home parent.
If the working spouse dies, then the remaining spouse will probably have trouble finding a job or a means to support the family and themselves. Given the possibilities, even if they are slim, that tragedy can strike a family, it’s always best to be prepared.
While younger couples may not think they need life insurance, getting life insurance for married couples earlier on will mean that the premiums will be much lower, especially if both are in prime health. Younger people are also more likely to be approved for life insurance.
Buy Life Insurance While it’s Cheap
Also, at the early stages in a marriage, the couple will be just beginning to collect expenses, like buying a car or buying a home. It’s better to be prepared in the case that one spouse passes away and the other cannot cover those expenses. Life insurance is not only needed to cover living expenses, but funeral expenses as well. Funerals aren’t cheap at all, and the remaining spouse and family may have trouble affording an appropriate funeral given the price. The insurance can help with the cost of a funeral and other post-death expenses.@media(min-width:0px)#div-gpt-ad-goodfinancialcents_com-banner-1-0-asloadedmax-width:580px!important;max-height:400px!important
Also, the remaining spouse may suffer mentally from death, so they may not be capable of working or earning an income. Life insurance benefits will aid that spouse in that situation.
While no one wants to think of something as grim and solemn as death, it is better to consider the worst for the benefit of the remaining spouse and family. Instead of thinking about getting life insurance in a negative light, think of it a securing a financial future for your family should the event come that you pass away early.
Life Insurance Options for Married Couples
When you start looking for life insurance, there are several different policies and life insurance company options that you can choose from, each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. It’s important to sit down with your spouse and discuss which one will best for your family.@media(min-width:0px)#div-gpt-ad-goodfinancialcents_com-large-leaderboard-2-0-asloadedmax-width:300px!important;max-height:250px!important
The first two options are the standard life insurance policies, term, and permanent life insurance. A term life insurance policy that is only effective for a pre-determined time, like 10, 20, or 30 years. Once that time is up, the policy is no longer effective, these policies basically have an expiration date. One the set term is over, you’ll have to go through the application process again and purchase another policy.
On the flip side is permanent life insurance, which is exactly what it sounds like. As long as you continue to pay the monthly premiums, these policies are in force. These plans also build cash value, which is useful if you ever need to take out a loan using the cash value.
Aside from traditional life insurance plans, there are also joint life insurance plans. These policies are similar except for they cover two different people under them instead of just one. With joint policies, there are two main types to consider, first-to-die insurance and second-to-die insurance.
First-to-die policies are paid out when the first person in the couple passes away. The payout from the policy automatically goes to the spouse and the policy is no longer effective.
Second-to-die policies are the opposite. These policies are paid out when both people pass away. The money is normally given to the children or another beneficiary to help pay for all of the final expenses like mortgages, funeral costs, and taxes.
How Much Life Insurance Do Married Couples Need?
Now that you know which type of policy you’ll get, you both will have to decide how large of a policy you’re going to buy. You can get a policy as small as $25,000 all the way up to millions of dollars. Obviously, the larger the policy, the more expensive the monthly premiums are going to be. It’s important to find the perfect balance between adequate life insurance coverage and affordable monthly premiums.
The biggest thing to consider when calculating your insurance needs is your debt. If you or your spouse (or both) were to pass away, would your loved ones be left with lies and piles of unexpected debt? Who would pay for the car and the mortgage? It’s important to plan ahead for the terrible things that could happen. After you add up all of your debt, then you have a great starting point for deciding how much life insurance you’ll need.
The other factor you should consider is that number of people that would suffer from losing you and your salary. Do the two of you have children that would struggle to get by? Does one spouse not work and rely solely on the other’s income? Each situation is going to be different, there is no “one size fits all” life insurance plan.
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Cheap Life Insurance for Couples
When you apply for life insurance, the company is going to look at many different things when calculating your monthly premiums. One of the biggest factors is your age. The younger you are, the cheaper your rates are going to be. If you’re looking to save some money, don’t wait to apply for life insurance.
@media(min-width:0px)#div-gpt-ad-goodfinancialcents_com-leader-1-0-asloadedmax-width:728px!important;max-height:90px!importantThe company is also going to look at your health. Do you have any high risk or chronic conditions? Do you exercise regularly? Are you at a healthy weight? All of these are going to impact what type of rating you receive from the company. One of the best things you can do to save money on life insurance is to lose weight and exercise regularly. The healthier you are, the less risk you pose to the insurance company.
After the initial paperwork, the company will send a paramedic to your house to do a medical exam. This medical exam will consist of family history, some health questions, and basic vitals like blood pressure. They will also take a blood sample and urine sample. After this, they will look at all of the factors and give you a rating that will determine how much you pay and if you’re approved.