Tap on the profile icon to edit your financial details.
Typically, margin investing works based on margin loans. These are loans that your brokerage extends so that you can purchase with a combination of your own funds and borrower money, giving you the liquidity to make larger purchases. They are secured by the assets in your portfolio and if you fail to repay the loan your brokerage will take those assets as payment. We’ll go over in full detail how it works.
A financial advisor can answer your questions, while also helping you build a financial plan for the future.
What Is Margin Trading?
Margin trading refers to when you borrow money to purchase securities. Most of the time, investors use this to buy or short stocks, since equities tend to pay their returns more quickly than most other assets.
You typically borrow the money directly from your brokerage, although occasionally investors may borrow from a third party structured as a margin loan. (For ease of use, in this piece we will refer to borrowing money directly from your brokerage.)
A margin loan is the money that your brokerage lends you to make a margin trade.
The loan is secured by assets in your portfolio. This creates two main types of margin loans: specific and general. Specific margin loans are more common. In this case, you take out the loan to make a specific trade and the loan is secured by those assets.
General margin loans are less common. Here, you don’t borrow to make a specific trade. Instead, you borrow against other assets in your portfolio to make an unrelated investment.
With general margin loans, you must own your collateral outright. You cannot use securities held on a margin as collateral against new borrowing.
Interest on Margin Loans
When you take out a margin loan, you establish a secured debt in your portfolio. This creates two ongoing obligations.
First, you assume interest. The terms on a margin loan will differ based on your specific institution and the loan itself. Almost all brokers will charge their interest on an annual rate which accrues monthly.
And it is uncommon for brokers to require regular payments. Instead, you can pay your interest along with the principal on the loan in one lump sum when you close out your position.
Interest is one of the major reasons that most margin trading is done with equities and similarly short-term assets. Since the costs will accumulate on any account, investors generally don’t want to hold their position open for too long. They want a shorter-term investment that they can cash out of more quickly.
Margin Calls
With a margin loan, the debt is secured by the value of assets in your portfolio. The more valuable your assets, the more borrowing power you have. The less valuable your assets are, the less borrowing power you have.
The result of this is that, when you take out a margin loan, your collateral will fluctuate based on its price on any given day. A basket of stocks worth $1,000, when you take out the loan, may decline to $900 in value, reducing the value of those stocks as collateral.
To address this, all brokers require you to maintain a certain percentage of value (known as “equity”) relative to the loan. Equity is the minimum value that your collateral can have relative to your loan.
Most lenders set this at around 30%. This means that the value of the assets you used to secure your margin loan cannot dip lower than 30% of the value of the loan itself (or whichever equity level your broker has set).
If your equity does fall too low, the broker will execute what is known as a “margin call.” In a call, you must bring your account back within the minimum equity. You can do this either by adding new cash or securities as collateral, or by paying off a section of your loan.
If you fail to meet your margin call, your broker can take collection actions. This means that they can liquidate the securities you used as collateral, and can insist that you repay the remainder of your loan after this sale.
Risks vs. Rewards of a Margin Loan
The advantage of a margin loan is purchasing power.
By investing with a margin loan, you can buy more assets than you could on your own. With the standard limit of 50%, for example, you can literally double your underlying investment. If you have $1,000 to invest, by using a margin loan you can purchase $2,000 worth of assets and collect the commensurate returns.
The disadvantage to a margin loan is a potentially staggering amount of risk.
The key to understanding risks in a margin loan is the idea of passive losses vs. active losses. With passive losses, your exposure is limited to the money you invest upfront. You know how much you have at stake and nobody will come along asking for more. Your worst outcome is zero.
A standard investment has a passive loss profile. If you invest $1,000 to buy a stock, you can lose up to that entire initial investment but you can’t lose more than your original $1,000.
Active losses are different. With active losses you can potentially lose more than your initial investment, leaving you further in debt after closing out the position.
Margin trading has an active loss profile. If you borrow $1,000 to buy a stock and it doesn’t pan out, you both lose your investment money and need to repay that $1,000. You can end up on the hook for debt payments even beyond your market losses.
Bottom Line
Margin loans are the money that a brokerage lends you to purchase stocks or other securities. This loan is secured by assets in your portfolio, and you generally plan on repaying it with the gains from your investment.
Investing and Retirement Planning Tips
Financial advisors often specialize in investing and planning for retirement. Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
A great way to plan for retirement is to calculate how much you’ll need after you retire. Think about the things you’d like to do after your retirement. Do you want to travel? Also, think about where you want to live and what kind of lifestyle you want. For example, you’ll need to save more if you want to retire in a place with a high cost of living. SmartAsset’s retirement calculator can tell you how much you should save each month in order to reach your goals.
A 401(k) is very useful for building retirement savings. Small, regular contributions can easily add up to plenty of savings later in life. You should especially contribute to a 401(k) if your employer offers a match. If your employer doesn’t offer a 401(k), you can always invest in an individual retirement account (IRA). These work similarly to 401(k)s in that you don’t pay taxes initially on your contributions.
Eric Reed
Eric Reed is a freelance journalist who specializes in economics, policy and global issues, with substantial coverage of finance and personal finance. He has contributed to outlets including The Street, CNBC, Glassdoor and Consumer Reports. Eric’s work focuses on the human impact of abstract issues, emphasizing analytical journalism that helps readers more fully understand their world and their money. He has reported from more than a dozen countries, with datelines that include Sao Paolo, Brazil; Phnom Penh, Cambodia; and Athens, Greece. A former attorney, before becoming a journalist Eric worked in securities litigation and white collar criminal defense with a pro bono specialty in human trafficking issues. He graduated from the University of Michigan Law School and can be found any given Saturday in the fall cheering on his Wolverines.
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.
46k salary is a solid hourly wage when you think about it.
When you get your first job and you are making just above minimum wage making over $46000 a year seems like it would provide amazing opportunities for you. Right?
The median household income is $67,521 in 2020 which decreased by 2.9% from the previous year (source). Think of it as a bell curve with $68K at the top; the median means half of the population makes less than that and half makes more money.
The average income in the U.S. is $48,672 for a 40-hour workweek; that is an increase of 4% from the previous year (source). That means if you take everyone’s income and divided the money evenly between all of the people.
But, the question remains can you truly live off 46,000 per year in today’s society since it is below both the average and median household incomes? The question you want to ask all of your friends is $46000 per year a good salary.
In this post, we are going to dive into everything that you need to know about a $46000 salary including hourly pay and a sample budget on how to spend and save your money.
These key facts will help you with money management and learn how much per hour $46k is as well as what you make per month, weekly, and biweekly.
Just like with any paycheck, it seems like money quickly goes out of your account to cover all of your bills and expenses, and you are left with a very small amount remaining. You may be disappointed that you were not able to reach your financial goals and you are left wondering…
Can I make a living on this salary?
$46000 a year is How Much an Hour?
When jumping from an hourly job to a salary for the first time, it is helpful to know how much is 46k a year hourly. That way you can decide whether or not the job is worthwhile for you.
$46000 a year is $22.12 per hour
Breakdown Of How Much Is 46k A Year Hourly
Let’s break down how that 46000 salary to hourly number is calculated.
For our calculations to figure out how much is 46K salary hourly, we used the average five working days of 40 hours a week.
Typically, the average workweek is 40 hours and you can work 52 weeks a year. Take 40 hours times 52 weeks and that equals 2,080 working hours. Then, divide the yearly salary of $46000 by 2,080 working hours and the result is $22.12 per hour.
46000 salary / 2080 hours = $22.12 per hour
Just above $22 an hour.
Key Points….
That number is the gross hourly income before taxes, insurance, 401K, or anything else is taken out. Net income is how much you deposit into your bank account.
You must check with your employer on how they plan to pay you. For those on salary, typically companies pay on a monthly, semi-monthly, biweekly, or weekly basis.
Just an interesting note… if you were to increase your annual salary by $5K to $51000 a year, it would increase your hourly wage to almost $25 an hour – a difference of $2.40 per hour.
To break it down – 51000 salary / 2080 hours = $24.52 per hour
That difference will help you fund your savings account; just remember every dollar adds up.
How Much is $46K salary Per Month?
On average, the monthly amount would be $3,833.
Annual Salary of $46000 ÷ 12 months = $3833 per month
This is how much you make a month if you get paid 46000 a year.
$46k a year is how much a week?
This is a great number to know! How much do I make each week? When I roll out of bed and do my job of $46k salary a year, how much can I expect to make at the end of the week for my effort?
Once again, the assumption is 40 hours worked.
Annual Salary of$46000/52 weeks = $884 per week.
$46000 a year is how much biweekly?
For this calculation, take the average weekly pay of $884 and double it.
This depends on how many hours you work in a day. For this example, we are going to use an eight-hour workday.
8 hours x 52 weeks = 260 working days
Annual Salary of$46000 / 260 working days = $177 per day
If you work a 10 hour day on 208 days throughout the year, you make $221 per day.
$46000 Salary is…
$46000 – Full Time
Total Income
Yearly Salary (52 weeks)
$46,000
Monthly Wage
$3833
Weekly Pay (40 Hours)
$884
Bi-Weekly Pay (80 Hours)
$1769
Daily Wage (8 Hours)
$177
Daily Wage (10 Hours)
$221
Hourly Wage
$22.12
Net Estimated Monthly Income
$2,926
Net Estimated Hourly Income
$16.89
**These are assumptions based on simple scenarios.
46k a year is how much an hour after taxes
Income taxes is one of the biggest culprits of reducing your take-home pay as well as FICA and Social Security. This is a true fact across the board with an all-salary range up to $142,800.
When you make below the average household income, the amount of taxes taken out hurts your hourly wage.
Every single tax situation is different.
On the basic level, let’s assume a 12% federal tax rate and a 4% state rate. Plus a percentage is taken out for Social Security and Medicare (FICA) of 7.65%.
So, how much an hour is 46000 a year after taxes?
Gross Annual Salary: $46,000
Federal Taxes of 12%: $5,520
State Taxes of 4%: $1,840
Social Security and Medicare of 7.65%: $3,519
$46k Per Year After Taxes is $35,121
This would be your net annual salary after taxes.
To turn that back into an hourly wage, the assumption is working 2,080 hours.
$35121 ÷ 2,080 hours = $16.89 per hour
After estimated taxes and FICA, you are netting $35,121 per year, which is $10,879 per year less than what you expect.
***This is a very high-level example and can vary greatly depending on your personal situation and potential deductions. Therefore, here is a great tool to help you figure out how much your net paycheck would be.***
In addition, if you live in a heavily taxed state like California or New York, then you have to pay way more money than somebody that lives in a no tax state like Texas or Florida. This is the debate of HCOL vs LCOL.
Thus, your yearly gross $46000 income can range from $31441 to $36961 depending on your state income taxes.
That is why it is important to realize the impact income taxes can have on your take home pay. It is one of those things that you should acknowledge and obviously you need to pay taxes. But, it can also put a huge dent in your ability to live the lifestyle you want on a $46,000 income.
46k salary lifestyle
Every person reading this post has a different upbringing and a different belief system about money. Therefore, what would be a lavish lifestyle to one person, maybe a frugal lifestyle to another person. And there’s no wrong or right, it is what works best for you.
One of the biggest factors to consider is your cost of living.
In another post, we detailed the differences between living in an HCOL vs LCOL vs MCOL area. When you live in big cities, trying to maintain your lifestyle of $46,000 a year is going to be much more difficult because your basic expenses, housing, transportation, food, and clothing are going to be much more expensive than you would find in a lower cost area.
To stretch your dollar further in the high cost of living area, you would have to probably live cheap and prioritize where you want to spend money and where you do not. Whereas, if you live in a low-cost of living area, you can live a much more lavish lifestyle because the cost of living is less. Thus, you have more fun spending left in your account each month.
As we noted earlier in the post, $46,000 a year is below the average income that you would find in the United States. Thus, you have to be wise in how you spend your money.
What a $46,000 lifestyle will buy you:
If you are debt free and utilize smart money management skills, then you are able to enjoy the lifestyle you want.
Have some fun money in your budget.
Know being frugal green is helpful to stretch your budget.
You are able to rent in a decent neighborhood in LCOL and maybe a MCOL city.
You should be able to meet your expenses each and every month.
Participate in the 200 envelope challenge.
Ability to make sure that saving money is a priority, and very possibly save $3000 in 52 weeks.
When A $46,000 Salary Will Hold you Back:
However, if you are riddled with debt or unable to break the paycheck to paycheck cycle, then living off of 46k a year is going to be pretty darn difficult.
There are two factors that will keep holding you back:
You must pay off debt and cut all fun spending and extra expenses.
Break the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle.
It is possible to get ahead with money!
It just comes with proper money management skills and a desire to have less stress around money. That is a winning combination regardless of your income level.
$46k Salary to Hourly
We calculated how much $46,000 a year is how much an hour with 40 hours a week. But, more than likely, you work more or fewer hours per week.
So, here is a handy calculator to figure out your exact hourly salary wage.
$46K a year Budget – Example
As always, here at Money Bliss, we focus on covering our basic expenses plus saving and giving first, and then our goal is to eliminate debt. The rest of the money leftover is left for fun spending.
If you want to know how to manage a 46k salary the best, then this is a prime example for you to compare your spending.
You can compare your budget to the ideal household budget percentages.
recommended budget percentages based on $46000 a year salary:
Category
Ideal Percentages
Sample Monthly Budget
Giving
10%
$268
Savings
15-25%
$690
Housing
20-30%
$1052
Utilities
4-7%
$134
Groceries
5-12%
$288
Clothing
1-4%
$23
Transportation
4-10%
$153
Medical
5-12%
$192
Life Insurance
1%
$10
Education
1-4%
$10
Personal
2-7%
$31
Recreation / Entertainment
3-8%
$77
Debts
0% – Goal
$0
Government Tax (including Income Tatumx, Social Security & Medicare)
15-25%
$907
Total Gross Monthly Income
$3833
**In this budget, prioritization was given to basic expenses and no debt.
Is $46000 a year a Good Salary?
As we stated earlier if you are able to make $46,000 a year, that is a decent salary. You are making more money than the minimum wage and close to double in many cities.
While 46000 is a good salary starting out in your working years. It is a salary that you want to increase before your expenses go up or the people you provide for increase.
However, too many times people get stuck in the lifestyle trap of trying to keep up with the Joneses, and their lifestyle desires get out of hand compared to their salary. It is okay to be driving around a beater car while you work on increasing your salary.
This $46k salary would be considered a lower middle class salary. This salary is something that you can live on if you are wise with money.
Check: Are you in the middle class?
In fact, this income level in the United States has enough buying power to put you in the top 95 percentile globally for per-person income (source).
The question you need to ask yourself with your 46k salary is:
Am I maxed at the top of my career?
Is there more income potential?
What obstacles do I face if I want to try to increase my income?
In the future years and with possible inflation, in many modest cities 46k a year will not be a good salary because the cost of living is so high, whereas these are some of the cities where you can make a comfortable living at 46000 per year.
If you are looking for a career change, you want to find jobs paying at least $52000 a year.
Is 46k a good salary for a Single Person?
Simply put, yes.
You can stretch your salary much further because you are only worried about your own expenses. A single person will spend much less than if you need to provide for someone else.
Learn exactly what is a good salary for a single person today.
Your living expenses and ideal budget are much less. Thus, you can live extremely comfortably at $46000 per year.
And… most of us probably regret how much money wasted when we were single. Oh well, lesson learned.
Is 46k a good salary for a family?
Many of the same principles apply above on whether $46000 is a good salary. The main difference with a family, you have more people to provide for than when you are single or have just one other person in your household.
The costs of raising children are high and will steeply cut into your income. As you can tell this is a huge dent in your income, specifically $12,980 annually per child.
That means that amount of money is coming out of the income that you earned.
So, the question really remains can you provide a good life for your family making $46000 a year? This is the hardest part because each family has different choices, priorities, and values.
More or less, it comes down to two things:
The location where you live in.
Your lifestyle choices.
You can live comfortably as a family on this salary, but you will not be able to afford everything.
Many times when raising a family, it is helpful to have a dual-income household. That way you are able to provide the necessary expenses if both parties were making 46000 per year, then the combined income for the household would be $92,000. Thus making your combined salary a very good income.
Learn how much money a family of 4 needs in each state.
Can you Live on $46000 Per Year?
As we outlined earlier in the post, $46000 a year:
$22.12 Per Hour
$177-221 Per Day (depending on length of day worked)
$884 Per Week
$1769 Per Biweekly
$3833 Per Month
Next up is making $50000 a year.
Like anything else in life, you get to decide how to spend, save and give your money.
That is the difference for each person on whether or not you can live a middle-class lifestyle depends on many potential factors. If you live in California or New Jersey you are gonna have a tougher time than in Oklahoma or even Texas.
In addition, if you are early in your career, starting out around 38,000 a year, that is a great place to be getting your career. However, if you have been in your career for over 20 years and still making $46k, then you probably need to look at asking for pay increases, picking up a second job, or finding a different career path.
Regardless of the wage that you make, if you are not able to live the lifestyle that you want, then you have to find ways to make it work for you. Everybody has choices to make.
But one of the things that can help you the most is to create a biweekly budget to make sure you stay on track.
Learn exactly how much do I make per year…
One of the best ways to improve your personal finance situation is to increase your income. Here are a variety of side hustles that are very lucrative. With time and effort, you can start enjoying the lifestyle you want.
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Learn how to supplement your daily, weekly, or monthly income with trading so that you can live your best life! This is a lifestyle trading style you need to learn.
Honestly, this course is a must for anyone who invests. You will lose more in the market than you will spend this quality education – guaranteed.
Read my Invest with Teri Review.
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.
Learn how to buy and resell items from flea markets, thrift stores and yard sales. They will teach you how to create a profitable reselling business quickly
…no matter how much or how little experience you have.
Our friends Cody & Julie of Gold City Ventures are experts at creating five figures of passive income selling printables. Learn how to create your online printables business from scratch with our programs and templates.
Are you passionate about words and reading? If so, proofreading could be a perfect fit for you, just like it’s been for me! I’m excited to share how you can create a freelance business as a proofreader, just like I did.
The ultimate discounted bundle of my 4 best-selling courses and WordPress theme on how to build and grow a profitable blog.
Learn the best SEO practices and how to monetize your blog quickly!
Designed as a 101-level course on freight brokerage, you’ll learn the basics of freight brokering in this online course.
This course is designed for freight brokers in any setting, regardless of their employment status.
If you want to start your brokerage, we’ll show you exactly how to do it. If you are an agent or employee of a brokerage, we’ll take you through sales and operations modules designed to help you source more leads and move more freight.
You can make money as a freelance writer. Learn techniques to find those jobs and earn the kind of money you deserve! Plus get tips to land your first freelance writing gig!
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.
The Empowered Business Lab teaches you how to sell your digital products naturally with strategies that just make sense.
Monica helped me find my momentum and my want to pursue my business again.
After taking a second job as a driver for Amazon to make ends meet, this former teacher pivoted to be a successful stock trader.
Leaving behind the stress of teaching, now he sets his own schedule and makes more money than he ever imagined. He grew his account from $500 to $38000 in 8 months.
Check out this interview.
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
Life insurance is a highly important component of many people’s financial plans. One of the key reasons for this is because the proceeds from a life insurance policy can be used for multiple needs of one’s survivors, such as paying off debt, replacing income for everyday living expenses, and paying the high cost of the insured’s funeral and other final expenses.
If you are currently searching for the right life insurance policy, it is essential that you go with the right type of coverage, as well as the best amount regarding future anticipated needs. It is also recommended that you ensure that the insurance carrier you get the coverage through is secure and stable financially and that it has a positive reputation for paying out its claims to policyholders. One insurer that meets these criteria is Amica Life Insurance Company.
The History of Amica Life Insurance Company
Amica Life Insurance Company is the oldest mutual insurer of automobiles in the United States, with more than 100 years in the insurance business. Amica is a mutual insurance company, which means that it does not have stockholders, but rather the company’s policyholders are considered owners in the company.
The company was initially established in 1907 as The Automobile Mutual Insurance Company of America, and the first products offered by the company were automotive, fire, and theft insurance.
Over the years, it has grown and expanded and added additional product offerings to its mix. It has 44 offices around the United States. Amica Mutual Insurance Company is headquartered in Lincoln, Rhode Island.
Amica has several subsidiaries. These include:
Amica Life Insurance Company – This subsidiary of Amica offers both life insurance and annuity products, as well as some types of health and specialty products. This entity does business in all of the U.S. states except Hawaii. Amica Life Insurance Company was established in 1968.
Amica Property and Casualty Insurance Company – Amica Property and Casualty Insurance Company is also a wholly owned subsidiary of Amica Mutual Company. This entity provides auto insurance in New York and New Jersey. It was established in 2005.
Amica General Agency, Inc. – Amica General Agency, Inc., was founded in 1987, with the purpose of assisting with special or unique insurance needs.
As a mutual insurer, policyholders may be eligible for dividends – which can be taken as cash, or added to a permanent life insurance policy’s cash value, or used to purchase additional life insurance protection. (It is important to note that dividends are not guaranteed).
Amica Life Insurance Company Review
In addition to providing insurance coverage, Amica is also a key contributor to the communities in which it serves. For example, just one of how this company helps to build community ties is by sponsoring Habitat for Humanity.
Amica has also earned numerous awards and accolades throughout the years. These include:
Highest Customer Satisfaction Among National Homeowner Insurers from J.D. Powers for more than 15 consecutive years
Best Places to Work in 2017 from the Providence Business News and Best Companies Group. The company has been included in this list eight times.
Insurer Ratings and Better Business Bureau (BBB) Grade
Based on the company’s financial strength and claims paying ability, Amica Mutual Group has received a rating of A+ (Superior) from A.M. Best Company. Amica Life Insurance Company has also received an A.M. Best rating of A+.
Also, Amica has been an accredited business through the Better Business Bureau since January 1, 1957. The company has been given a grade of A+ from the Better Business Bureau, which is on an overall grade scale of A+ to F.
Over the past three years, Amica has closed out 79 total customer complaints via the Better Business Bureau, with 52 of these being closed out within the past year. Of the 79 customer complaints, 45 of these had to do with problems with the company’s products and services. Another 26 complaints dealt with billing and collection issues, six were related to advertising and sales issues, one was about delivery issues, and another one had to do with guarantee and/or warranty issues.
Life Insurance Coverage Offered Through Amica Life Insurance Company
Amica offers both term and permanent life insurance coverage options. With a term life insurance policy, there is death benefit protection only, with no cash value build up. Because term is considered to be the most basic form of life insurance coverage, it can often be quite affordable, especially for those who are young and in good health. Term life insurance policies will cover an insured for a certain length of time.
Permanent life insurance offers both death benefit protection and a cash value or savings component. The money that is inside the cash value portion of the policy is allowed to grow and compound on a tax-deferred basis, meaning that there is no tax on the gain until the time the funds are withdrawn.
Amica offers a level term insurance product that not only provides life insurance coverage for a set length of time, but that can also essentially be “customized” to best fit an insured’s personal needs.
These term insurance policies allow the choice of coverage for ten years, 15 years, 20 years, 25 years, or even for 30 years. During the period that is selected, the amount of the premium rate will remain the same – and, as long as the premium is paid, the policy will guarantee a level amount of life insurance protection up to the insured’s age 95. (With these policies, the coverage amount will also not decrease as the insured gets older).
Amica’s level term life insurance coverage also allows the option to add a cost of living adjustment rider. This provides the opportunity to offset inflation by increasing the face amount of the policy each year – at the same premium rate.
Also, the insured may also wish to take advantage of the conversion option, which can allow him or her to convert the term policy over into a permanent form of life insurance coverage. This option is available, regardless of the insured’s health.
The policy can also include a terminal illness rider, which allows the insured to receive a portion of the policy’s death benefits if he or she becomes terminally ill. These funds can help to pay for medical expenses or any other need that the insured sees fit.
Additional optional benefits and riders that can be available with the Amica level term life insurance policies include the waiver of premium, the children’s insurance rider, and an accidental death benefit rider.
Regarding premium price, Amica Life Insurance Company offers discounts for larger policies, and there are no policy fees. Also, an insured may be rewarded with a lower amount of premium if he or she is in excellent health, and they make healthy, positive lifestyle choices, such as exercising and eating right. For those who qualify for Amica’s better premium rate classes, there may be no need to take a medical examination as a part of the insurance underwriting process.
About permanent life insurance coverage, Amica Life Insurance Company offers whole life insurance. With a whole life insurance policy, the death benefit is guaranteed, and the cash value funds will grow at an interest rate that is set by the insurance company. Also, the amount of the premium cannot be increased – even as the insured ages, and if they contract an adverse health issue.
Whole life insurance is meant to cover an insured for the entirety of their lifetime – as long as the policy’s premiums are paid. And, the cash that is in the cash value portion of the policy may be either borrowed or withdrawn by the policyholder for any need or reason.
The whole life insurance from Amica also has some ways to customize the coverage to meet the needs of the insured better. For example, there is an early benefit provision, whereby if the insured is diagnosed with a terminal illness and given a life expectancy of one year or less, then they may receive advanced funds from the policy’s death benefit.
There are also additional optional benefits and riders, which include a waiver of premium, children’s insurance, accidental death benefit, and/or a guaranteed option to purchase additional insurance.
As with Amica’s term insurance policies, there can be premium discounts available for larger policies, and there are no policy fees. Also, Amica may reward an insured with lower premiums based on the insured having excellent health and lifestyle choices.
Amica also offers a simplified whole life insurance policy option. Here, the application and approval process is fast and easy and does not require a medical exam to qualify for the coverage. This coverage protects an insured up to the age of 120, and it guarantees level premium, never to increase – even regarding age or health condition. The premium payment on this simplified whole life insurance coverage option can be made monthly, quarterly, annually, or semi-annually.
The simplified issue whole life insurance plan is available in face amounts of $5,000, $10,000, $15,000, $20,000 or $25,000. There is no waiting period for coverage to begin, and there is a 31-day free look period for the insured to determine whether or not this is the right coverage for their needs. (And if not, they can return the policy and receive a full premium refund). Simplified issue whole life policies are often used to help survivors pay for funeral and other final expenses, as well as final medical bills and debt.
Other Products and Services Offered
In addition to providing life insurance protection, Amica Life Insurance Company also has additional products in its inventory, including:
Auto Insurance
Home Owners Insurance
Marine Insurance
Personal Liability Coverage
Condo Insurance
Renters Insurance
Motorcycle Insurance
Small Business Insurance
Wedding and Event Insurance
Investments
Retirement Annuities
Traditional and Roth IRAs
How to Find the Best Life Insurance Premium Quotes with Amica Life Insurance Company
If you are looking for the best life insurance premium rates with Amica Life Insurance Company – or on coverage from any insurance company – it is typically recommended that you work with an independent insurance agency or broker that has access to many different insurance carriers. That way, you can directly compare – in an unbiased way – the policies and the premiums of multiple insurance options, and from there you can more easily choose the one that may work best for you.
When you are ready to move forward with comparing life insurance policy options, we can help. We are an independent life insurance brokerage, and we can provide you with all of the essential information you need for making a well-informed decision. We can do so for you very quickly and easily, without having to meet with an insurance agent in person. In fact, you can receive the details that you need directly online from us. If you are ready to proceed, then just simply fill out our quote form.
We know how overwhelming it may be to look for the right life insurance coverage. There are many angles to consider – and you want to make sure that you are going with the best alternative for you. We can help you to find the coverage that’s best. So, contact us today – we’re here to help.
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.
Do you want to make $10,000 a month?
I was struggling with this question for days. I wanted more money now and the thought of making $10,000 seemed like a dream spurred on by advertisements in magazines promising “easy” earnings opportunities.
But then again, it may have been too good to be true. And that’s why I’m writing this article: because so many people are looking for these quick ways to earn big bucks online without a lot of work – and I’m here to deliver.
I’ve been browsing the internet for years and have found a few ways to make $10,000!
There are a lot of ideas out there, you just have to decide what works well for you. So don’t get too excited just yet.
When you follow these easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be on your way to earning yourself some greenbacks that will take care of all those bills and more than pay off your student loans (or at least buy you a new car).
I have provided links to each of the sources I used for this article, so you can check them out for yourself and decide if they’re worth your time.
So without further ado, let’s get started.
What is the quickest way to make $10,000 a month?
Getting started on a side hustle has never been easier. But how do you know where to start?
Check out these six ideas that can be done in hours and make money like crazy!
Become a freelance writer
Start an Etsy shop
Create and sell digital courses
Drive for Uber or Lyft
Become a virtual assistant
Learn how to day trade
Three Ways to make $10000 a month
Everyone wants to make money and get rich quickly, but the truth is that it takes time.
There are many ways of making a living today; you can choose the traditional route, make money online, or look at passive income.
Option #1 – Make $10,000 a month by earning a high income
There are a few ways to make a high income. You can work in a high-paying profession, like a lawyer or doctor.
Working in a high-paying profession is the most common way to make a high income. If you want to earn a six-figure salary, you’ll need to choose a career that pays well. Some of the highest-paying jobs include doctors, lawyers, investment bankers, and CEOs.
Starting your own business is another great way to make a high income. If you can build a successful company, you’ll be able to earn an impressive salary. Of course, starting a business is risky and it takes hard work to be successful.
Option #2 – Make $10,000 a month by working online
There are many different types of work that you can do online in order to make $10,000 a month. Some examples include writing articles or blog posts, designing websites, freelancing, selling products or services, and much more.
How much you can expect to make depends on a number of factors including the type of work you do, how much experience you have, and the amount of time and effort you put into it. However, if you are willing to put in the time and effort, it is possible to make $10,000 a month by working online.
For many people, however, the quickest way is by starting an online business. The good news is that most of these businesses are easy and sustainable because they don’t require a lot of startup capital.
Learn how to make money online for beginners.
Option #3 – Make $10,000 a month with Passive Income
Investing money in assets that generate passive income is another option for making a high income.
With this approach, you will use your capital to purchase assets such as rental properties or dividend stocks. These investments will provide you with regular income, which can help you reach your goal of making $10,000 per month.
Best Ways to Make 10k a Month
The internet is a great place to make money if you know how. The best part is that there are no huge upfront costs like starting a brick-and-mortar store or subscription business, so the sky is the limit on how much you can make.
That is why you will see many of the best ways to make 10k a month are online, and I’ve listed some of my favorites below. They all work in different ways, but they all have one thing in common: you can get started with no upfront costs.
Want to make money online but don’t know what to do? This guide will show you the quickest and easiest ways possible.
Invest in Stock Market with Mutal Funds or ETFs
There are a few things to consider before investing in stocks.
First, you need to have a clear understanding of what stocks are and how they work. It’s also important to understand the different types of stocks, such as blue chip stocks, growth stocks, value stocks, small cap stocks, and penny stocks. This will help you decide which mutual funds or ETFs, you want to invest in.
With this buy-and-hold approach, you are looking to make returns in the long run and are not worried about the up-and-down movement of your portfolio.
You need a 1.5 million portfolio to make $10k a month passively (source). This is the intrigue of how to FI and why many people pursue it.
Make Income in Trading Individual Stocks
There are a few things to consider before actively trading in stocks. You need to understand what stocks are and how they work. You also need to know the risks involved in investing in stocks as an active day trader or swing trader.
Stocks are shares of ownership in a company. When you buy a stock, you become a part-owner of the company. The value of your stock will go up or down depending on how well the company does. Once you have a basic understanding of the stock market, you can begin researching specific companies that interest you.
Stocks are bought and sold on the stock market. The price of a stock is determined by supply and demand. When more people want to buy a stock than sell it, the price goes up. When more people want to sell a stock than buy it, the price goes down.
It is possible to make money fast with stocks.
Create a blog
Blogging is a great way to make money because it gives you the opportunity to share your knowledge and expertise with a wide audience. If you have a knack for writing and are passionate about a particular topic, then starting a blog is definitely a good way to make money.
There are several ways to make money from blogging, such as selling advertising space, affiliate marketing, or selling products and services. However, the most important thing is to build up a large enough audience so that you can monetize your blog effectively.
Become a Virtual Assistant
A virtual assistant is an online personal assistant who can help with a variety of tasks, including administrative tasks, social media tasks, and even customer service.
A virtual assistant can help with a variety of tasks that business owners and entrepreneurs need assistance with. You are able to have a non phone work from home job and work during the hours you want. This is why so many people find becoming a VA so appealing.
Use Your Expertise as a Virtual bookkeeper
A virtual bookkeeper is an individual who provides bookkeeping services to clients from a remote location.
To become a virtual bookkeeper, you will need experience in bookkeeping and accounting, as well as strong organizational and communication skills. You will also need to be proficient in using accounting software, such as QuickBooks or FreshBooks.
Create a Course on Teachable and earn $10k a month online
Teachable is an online course platform that allows you to create and sell your own courses. You can use Teachable to earn extra income or even make a full-time living from your courses.
In fact, Teri Ijeoma is one of Teachable’s top course creators and easily surpasses this threshold.
Etsy shop in just a few minutes. This is a great way to use your graphic design skills and easily make money from $1-3 printables.
Write Articles with a Freelance Writing Business
Freelance writing is a great way to make a comfortable living from your writing. Whether you have a passion for writing or you simply enjoy writing for fun, freelance writing can be a great way to make a living from your work.
Copywriting is a type of freelance writing that requires more specialized skills and offers higher ROI for clients. This is because copywriters are responsible for creating compelling and persuasive content that can drive conversions.
Build a Coaching Business with Clients
An online coach is a professional who provides guidance and support to clients through online communication tools such as email, chat, video conferencing, and social media.
Engage in a social media management
A social media manager is a professional who helps businesses grow and interact with their customers through social media.
Social media managers typically create and post content, monitor and respond to comments and messages, run ads, and analyze data to track results.
Drop Shipping
Drop shipping is a business model where you don’t keep any inventory and instead outsource the production of products to a third party. When someone orders a product from your store, you simply contact the supplier and have them ship the product directly to your customer.
This is a great way to earn passive income, as you don’t need to do any of the work yourself. You can also hire freelancers to do all of the low-value tasks for you, such as customer service, order fulfillment, and marketing.
Amazon FBA
Amazon FBA is a service that allows you to sell products on Amazon.com and fulfill orders through the Amazon fulfillment center.
For example, Amazon FBA is an online store that Amazon handles a lot of the stuff that causes headaches for most e-commerce store owners, such as shipping and customer service. This means that store owners can focus on more important aspects of their business while still benefitting from Amazon’s massive user base.
Customers are more likely to buy from you if they see that your product is eligible for Prime shipping.
Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is when you promote other people’s products and services to make a commission. The easiest way to get started with affiliate marketing is through Amazon.
You can sign up as an Amazon Associate for free and then use the Amazon Associates link generator to create links for the products you want to promote. Amazon will pay you a commission on anything that is purchased through one of your links, even if it isn’t something that you promoted.
Make a Salary Off Flea Markets
There are many ways to make a salary off flea markets and search through other people’s junk. It is completely possible to make an income from selling items online.
You can start by finding a market that you are interested in and looking for items that are in high demand. Then, you need to know what to look for when you are shopping. When you are ready to start selling, you will need to find a place to sell and know your profit margins.
Invest Your Money to Make More
Investing is the act of allocating resources, usually money, with the expectation of generating an income or profit.
The first step is to understand what you want to achieve with your investment.
Once you know your goals, you can start researching different investment options and choosing the one that best suits your needs. It’s important to remember that there are risks involved with any type of investment, so be sure to do your homework before making any decisions.
Learn all the best ways how to invest 10k.
How hard is it to make $10k a Month?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the amount of work required to make $10,000 a month varies depending on the individual’s circumstances and career path.
However, in general, making $10,000 a month requires a significant amount of hard work and dedication.
For example, someone who is self-employed may need to put in long hours to build up their business before they start seeing a return on their investment. Similarly, someone who is employed by someone else may need to put in extra effort to stand out from the crowd and get promoted.
How much money is required:
Again, there is no definitive answer as the amount of money required varies depending on the individual’s circumstances. However, in general, making $10k a month usually requires having a good income from employment or from other sources such as investments as you build your side hustle. It’s also worth noting that saving up enough money to live on while you’re working towards your goal can also be helpful.
Also, spending money on online courses to jumpstart your process is helpful!
How long does it take:
The time it takes to make $10k a month also varies depending on the individual’s circumstances. For example, someone who already has a well-paid job may only need to save up for a few months before reaching their goal, whereas someone who is starting their own business may need to work for several years before seeing a return on their investment.
How to make $10k a month FAQs
Many people are interested in earning a high income, but they don’t know how to get started. In this section, we go over many of the frequently asked questions.
There are many ways to make money without a job. You can start your own business, work as a freelancer, or find odd jobs.
How much you can make depends on how much time and effort you put into it. You could potentially make thousands of dollars a month if you’re willing to work hard.
If you have the right skills and connections, you can make a lot of money in a short period of time.
To earn 10k a month, you need to average making $333.33 per day (assuming a 30 day month).
If you plan to work a normal 9-to-5 schedule, you must earn $500 a day.
There are many jobs that pay $10,000 a month. Some of these jobs include:
CEOs or any C-level executive
Investment bankers
Lawyers
Doctors
Different jobs require different skill sets. For example, CEOs need to be good at managing people and finances, while lawyers need to be good at research and writing.
The cost of living varies widely depending on where you live – yes the debate of HCOL vs LCOL. But $10,000 a month is generally enough to cover basic expenses and leave some room for savings.
Of course, if you have a family or other financial obligations, your expenses will be higher and you may not be able to save as much.
How to make $10000 a month from home?
There are many ways to make money from home. You can start a blog and sell advertising, write eBooks and sell them online, or even start a YouTube channel and sell products through affiliate marketing.
The amount of money you can make from home will vary depending on the method you choose. For example, if you start a blog and sell advertising, you could make a few hundred dollars per month starting out. However, as you grow and expand into other niches like affiliate marketing, you could easily make over $10,000 per month.
Tips for success:
No matter which method you choose to make money from home, there are some tips that will help you succeed.
First, be sure to choose a niche that you are passionate about so that writing or creating content is not a chore.
Second, be consistent with how you plan on making money from home.
Finally, invest in online courses to jumpstart your learning.
What are some tips for making $10,000 a month?
In the past few years, there has been a shift in how people get rich.
People are now making money six-figure salaries by doing what they love and starting their own businesses or becoming influencers.
Here are the best tips to make sure you have success in how to make 10k a month.
Tip #1 – Set a Goal
Setting a goal is important because it gives you something to work towards. It can also help motivate you to take action and stay on track.
When setting a goal, it is important to be specific and realistic. You should also make sure that your goal is measurable so that you can track your progress.
Example goals:
Enroll in online course to expand your earning potential
Earn an extra $500 per month from side hustles
Have your side gig income to take over your 9-to-5 income
Be able to retire and enjoy time freedom
Tip #2 – Make a Plan
As James Clear, the author of Atomic Habits says, “Many people think they lack motivation when what they really lack is clarity.”
You have to start by making a plan. You can daydream all you want about making $10000 in a month.
Here are a few steps to get you started:
Brainstorm ideas for a side hustle
Research the market and start small
Figure out which online courses to take to jumpstart your learning
Study. Study. And study.
Stay consistent with your plan.
However, the best way to find out if a side hustle will work is to start small. You can always build up your business and make more money later on.
Tip #3 – Be Patient
You need to be patient if you want to make $10,000 a month. It takes time and effort to make this much money.
Don’t think you can walk away after a few hours and make $10k each month.
It takes time to be consistent in making $10k month after month.
However, if you put in the work, you can make $10,000 a month.
Tip #4 – Take Action
In order to make $10,000 a month, it is important to take action.
Each and every day, you should be working on something that will help you reach your financial goals.
Whether it is watching a Youtube video, listening to a podcast, or actually putting reach work in.
Taking action will help you reach your goals quickly.
How to make 10k a week
Making 10k a week is definitely possible, but it’ll take work and dedication to see results.
You’ll need to have the right money-making idea and put in the time and effort to make it successful. Additionally, having multiple streams of income can help you reach your goal faster.
Which Income Stream will you choose to Start with?
So there you have it! A few different ways that you can start earning an extra $10,000 a month.
Which one will you choose to start with?
There are many ways to make money quickly and easily, but not all of them are created equal. In this guide, we’ve outlined some of the quickest and most effective ways to make $10k a month.
Choose the option that best suits your skills and interests, and get started today!
Let us know in the comments below.
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
This is a guest post from Doug Nordman the author of The Military Guide to Financial Independence and Retirement.
When Jeff posted 7 Financial Advisors I Would Like to Punch in the Face, I immediately thought of advisors who pretend to understand military pay & benefits.
These professionals may not lie, cheat, or steal– but they can still harm their clients. Instead of admitting ignorance or learning about the issues, these advisors try to shoehorn service members into a generic profile.
They recommend asset allocations and products that may be appropriate for civilians, but those suggestions could be redundant or even harmful to the finances of military veterans & retirees. They give all financial advisors a bad reputation.
Military clients are a challenge.
Advisors have to know at least a little bit about nearly every financial topic, but military clients are a very small percentage of the population. Not only that, but Jeff is one of literally only a handful of financial advisors with military experience.
Servicemembers could manage their own investments, but it’s not easy to find reliable information. When you’re in the military then you’re busy with duty, career, family, and other high-priority concerns– like not getting shot. Your financial future is probably not even in the top ten of your To-Do list.
The Department of Defense wants military and their families to be financially responsible (“Troops, stay out of debt!”), but financial independence isn’t a high priority for them either. You’re unlikely to spend the time & energy learning how to do your own investing, and your chain of command won’t enlighten you either.
Not only are military pay and benefits more complicated for financial advisors, but their military clients may be even more blissfully ignorant than civilians.
These days I manage my own finances, but there were several critical transitions during my career where I would have appreciated the help of a knowledgeable advisor. Even a couple hours of fee-for-service discussion will help you tap-dance through the minefield of choices.
What to look for in an advisor
This is just my personal preference, but I’d want my financial advisor to have hands-on experience with military finances. It’d be great if they were a military retiree or a veteran, but maybe they grew up in a military family or have a spouse/relative in the service. So how do you find these professionals?
I’d be careful about referrals. Your wingmen may know someone who’s using a “great” financial advisor, but do your own due diligence (see below). There’s a huge difference between a financial advisor who encourages you to stay blissfully ignorant, and one who takes the time to teach you how to make your own decisions. You have to be able to detect whether advisors have a clue about your military financial jargon.
If you wander through the neighborhoods around military bases looking for financial advisers, I’m sure you’ll find one or two “specializing” in their local demographic. I wonder whether they really understand military finances or if they’re just one of Jeff’s “notorious seven” preying on ignorant servicemembers. I don’t think legitimate advisers with hundreds of happy clients will set up shop between the used-car dealer and the payday loan office.
(Warning: shameless plug alert!) You could seek out military financial advisors like Jeff. You’re probably going to move around the world during your career, so it might make more sense to start with one who’s comfortable using Internet tech to stay in touch. Better yet, he’s tapped into a network of advisors with similar backgrounds.
I’m no financial expert, but I know how to interview financial experts. Here’s a few questions to start with:
What can the advisor tell you about their military clients?
What problems did they solve for active duty, Reserve/Guard, veterans, and retirees?
Can they share references from those who have achieved financial independence?
Can they show you where to learn more about your pay and benefits?
Don’t be overwhelmed by the following questions. (I’ve been retired for a decade and I’m still figuring out how to explain some of these issues.) You don’t need to know these answers, and you don’t even need to know most of the vocabulary. But you have to assess how your financial advisor answers these questions, and whether they really seem to know what they’re talking about. If they teach you then you’re probably going to be fine. If they dismiss these questions, or belittle your concerns, then you might need to keep searching.
Military pay and allowances:
Do they know the different types of military pay and tax-free allowances?
Do they understand you’re unlikely to be “laid off”and might not need a big emergency fund?
Can they explain the military’s Thrift Savings Plan and help choose your asset allocation?
Can they explain how to use both the Thrift Savings Plan and your IRA?
Do they understand how to invest tax-free pay from combat duty?
Do they know how to use the Savings Deposit Program when you’re in a combat zone?
Do they understand military life insurance and disability benefits?
Can they discuss the risks of buying a home while you’re on active duty, and how to get a VA loan?
Leaving the service for a bridge career:
Can they help you figure out how much money you’ll need to save for the job search?
Can they review your separation benefits and tell you what to expect?
Can they suggest how to use your military healthcare and insurance during the transition?
Do they understand disability ratings and benefits?
Can they help you assess the financial issues of a Reserve/Guard career?
Can they optimize your GI Bill education benefits for you and your family?
Eligible for a military retirement:
Do they understand that a military pension has an inflation-fighting cost of living allowance?
Do they know how your retirement pay is taxed?
Do they know that your civilian 401(k) or IRA might be able to be rolled into the TSP?
Do they understand how to build your retirement asset allocation around your military pension? You might not need more “guaranteed income” or a big bond portfolio.
Can they advise you (and your spouse) how to use the Survivor Benefits Plan?
Can they advise you about Tricare and other health insurance?
Can they discuss military and civilian life insurance?
Can they advise you about the federal long-term care insurance program?
I’ve heard too many sad stories about servicemembers who don’t take advantage of all their military savings programs and benefits. Some might be getting out in a year but they don’t know how to prepare their finances. Others are told they’re going to retire in nine months and get led astray by unscrupulous advisors. A few are paralyzed by indecision and don’t even know who to turn to for help.
What are your next steps?
First, educate yourself. If you’re paying an advisor then learn enough to keep up.
Second, stay in touch. Advisors can only support you when they get regular updates.
And finally, keep pushing yourself for financial independence. Advisors can help you lay out the path, but you have to make the journey!
Doug Nordman is the author of The Military Guide to Financial Independence and Retirement. He and his spouse retired from active duty and the Reserves after more than 20 years of service, and their daughter is starting her own military career. You can read more at The-Military-Guide.com.
A lot of cities are more than happy to welcome newcomers into the fold, but Ames does it better than anywhere else.
There are a lot of factors that go into choosing a new city to call home. What’s the job market like? How about the schools, cost of living and proximity to family?
There’s one intangible that’s extremely important and often overlooked during the decision-making process, and that’s how welcoming the city is to newcomers, especially foreign and domestic immigrants. Nobody wants to wind up somewhere they’re not really wanted and appreciated for their talents, after all.
A lot of cities have come a long way in making all types of people feel wanted and included. Some cities have programs in place (via the government or otherwise) specifically to help with immigrant well-being. For example, the Philadelphia non-profit The Welcoming Center has an Intercultural Wellness Program which teaches immigrants how to navigate their new surroundings and find solutions to common problems. Although less daunting than moving into a foreign land with totally different languages and customs, it’s also important for people who migrate from other areas of the country to select a city that can make them feel at home and valued.
Aim for opportunity in Ames
It’s no longer necessary to fly blind during the decision-making process since the Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Initiative crunched the numbers and ranked U.S. cities on how welcoming they are to new residents. At the top of the list of most welcoming cities is the metro of Ames, Iowa, which is a little bit north of Des Moines and smaller than any other metro in the top 10 — with a population of only 126,000. Here are some of the ways that Ames stands out from the pack.
Ames is a well-known safe haven
There are so many conflicts going on right now, causing people to flee their beloved homeland. The Ames metro area has welcomed many immigrants from Honduras, Ukraine, South Sudan and other countries in recent years as they exit war-torn and otherwise dangerous situations in hopes of finding prosperity and peace.
At 7 percent, the immigration rate in Ames, Iowa, is higher than in many other cities, likely due to the area’s reputation for happily taking on people who need a friendly face, a warm bed and plenty of professional opportunities.
Some of this is likely due to the fact that Ames is home to Iowa State University, which has excellent programs in engineering, agriculture and many other areas of study. The Bush study noted that college towns and other “knowledge-centric” cities tend to be the most welcoming, so Ames’s spot at the top of the list makes perfect sense.
Opportunities abound in Ames
Ames boasts a very high opportunity score of 27.5 when compared with other cities. This means that Ames offers a better quality of life than the areas where the immigrants and migrants are coming from.
This is all great news, considering many newcomers are looking for their luck to change for the better. For a frame of reference, the Orlando metro area only has a score of 8.7, and Jacksonville’s is even lower at 5.8.
Other reasons people are moving to Iowa
In austere economic times, many people are looking for cities where the dollar stretches as far as possible. This makes moving to the Hawkeye State appealing, as the cost of living in Iowa is well below the national average.
As a college town, Ames is especially affordable, with a cost of living 19.7 percent below the national average. The average one-bedroom apartment rents out for $805 per month, and a two-bedroom unit is only slightly more at $872.
Ames, Iowa, is also growing by leaps and bounds, which translates into tons of job and educational opportunities. Since immigrants are known entrepreneurs, often opening their own businesses and thus adding to the area’s economic stability, this growth only adds to the area’s appeal. There are also many opportunities to kick back and enjoy life, thanks to booming arts, entertainment, retail and dining scenes near the university.
Great apartments to rent in Ames
Most college towns have more than enough apartments available for rent, and Ames is no exception. Brick Towne Ames is an attractive – you guessed it – brick apartment community with a pool, clubhouse and other amenities.
Prairie West is one option that gives would-be renters a choice between regular and upgraded units, or people who long for high-end housing might opt for a unit in Campus Flats.
Ames is clearly a friendly place
Ames, Iowa, is just over there in the Midwest quietly excelling at everything, but especially at being welcoming. This benefits immigrants, migrants and residents of the area in more ways than you’d at first imagine.
Looking for a place to live in this welcoming university city? Start here!
Inside: Are you thinking about moving out? This guide will help you figure out how much money you need to save and where to find affordable housing. Will $5k be enough to move out?
Moving out for the first time is a huge milestone. It’s a chance to start fresh, create your own space, and live on your own terms.
But it can also be a daunting prospect, especially when you’re trying to figure out how much it will cost.
You want to know if $5,000 is enough to move out?
But there are a lot of factors to consider before making the decision to move out, and we’ve laid them all out for you in this ultimate guide.
So whether you’re just starting to think about moving out, or you’re ready to start packing your boxes, read on for everything you need to know about making the big move.
How much money do I need to move out?
Experts recommend having at least $6,000 to $12,000 saved up before moving out.
However, it’s possible to move out with as little as $5,000 if you focus on knowing how to live cheap and have a stable source of income.
However, if you don’t have a job before moving out, the need for a huge savings account is huge.
How much money should I have if I want to move out?
The minimum amount of money required to move out will depend on where you plan to live and your living expenses.
Shortly you will learn factors to include initial moving costs, rental deposit, and ongoing costs like rent, utilities, and food.
If you are looking to move out in an HCOL area, then you will need more than an LCOL city. At this point in your life, it is important to understand HCOL vs LCOL and how it affects your finances.
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.
What are the expenses you should consider when moving out?
Moving out on your own can be a daunting and expensive task.
There are many expenses to consider when budgeting for your new place especially when you are learning how to move out at 18.
This guide will help you estimate the cost of moving out and provide tips on how to save money.
1. Rent/Utilities
The cost of rent varies depending on the location and size of the apartment or home, with the median rental cost in the US being around $1700 per month.
Along with rent, utilities like electricity, gas, water, and internet can cost around $400 per month.
To save money on rent and utilities, consider finding roommates to split costs or negotiating with landlords for a lower rent.
Rent is your biggest expense when figuring out the ideal household budget percentages.
2. Rent Deposit
When renting an apartment, you will typically need to provide a rent deposit. This deposit is a sum of money paid upfront to the landlord to cover any damages or unpaid rent at the end of the lease.
The cost of a rent deposit can vary depending on the location and the landlord’s requirements, but it can range from $1,000 to $5,000 or one to three months of rent.
To save money on a rent deposit, consider looking for apartments with lower deposit requirements or negotiating with your landlord for a lower amount. A clean rental history will help you with this.
3. Moving Expenses
Moving out can be an expensive process, but with some planning and budgeting, you can keep costs under control.
When considering moving expenses, be sure to factor in the costs of moving truck, packing supplies, such as boxes and tape, as well as the cost of hiring movers
To save money on these expenses, try finding free packing materials on Buy Nothing groups or ask friends and family to help you move. You can also minimize your possessions and have less to move.
4. Renter’s Insurance
When moving out and renting a home or apartment, it’s important to consider getting a renter’s insurance policy to protect you from unforeseen events.
Home insurance, also known as renter’s insurance, is a special type of insurance policy that protects your property against losses or damage stemming from covered perils, including fires, storms, or theft. It can give you peace of mind and help you repair or replace your possessions in the event of unforeseen situations.
Insurance premiums are based on various factors, including where you live, how much you choose to insure, and your deductible. Your credit score and history may also affect your insurance rates.
5. Furniture and Appliances
When moving into a new home, it’s important to consider all the necessary expenses for furnishing the space. This includes appliances like a refrigerator, stove, oven, and microwave, as well as daily living items such as a mattress, table, and couches.
I remember when I moved into my first apartment by myself and there wasn’t a washer or dryer in the apartment. Just hookups. I had one of two choices: 1) rent from the management company for $35 a month or 2) buy new appliances with 0% interest for $35 a month. I choose option #2 and it saved me money in the long term.
To save money, consider buying used furniture from thrift stores or online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace. You can also find plenty of free furniture if you are not picky.
By being thrifty and smart with your purchases, you can furnish your new home without breaking the bank.
6. Housewares
When moving out on a budget, it’s important to consider the essential housewares you’ll need to make your new place feel like home. Here’s a list of must-haves and their estimated costs:
By prioritizing these essential housewares, you can make your new place feel like home without breaking the bank.
Don’t forget to check out thrift stores and Facebook Marketplace for gently used furniture and household items. With a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can furnish your new home on a budget.
7. Internet and Phone Bills
The average cost of internet and phone plans varies depending on the provider and the plan you choose. However, you can expect to pay around $50 to $100 per month for internet and $40 to $80 per month for a mobile phone plan. In addition, there may be additional fees, such as equipment costs or activation fees, which can add up quickly.
To minimize these expenses, consider bundling services with one provider. Many companies offer discounts for bundling internet, phone, and cable services.
8. Credit Card Payments
If you thinking about moving out and are currently swaddled in debt, then you probably don’t have enough money to move out. If you have high-interest credit card debt, prioritize paying it off before moving out.
Automating savings on essential bills using Truebill can also help you manage your credit card payments while covering the costs of moving out.
Additionally, ensure that you have an emergency fund and enough money to stay a year to handle unexpected expenses.
Things may get harder if you have to pay for college without help from parents.
How to calculate your moving out budget
Moving out on your own requires careful planning and budgeting.
To calculate your moving-out budget, start by determining your monthly expenses once you move out. Make sure to include the factors discussed above.
Then, decide on your target move out date.
Now, figure out how many months you have to save.
For example, if your target move out date is in 6 months and you need to save $5,000 to cover your expenses, you’ll need to save about $833 per month.
Additionally, create an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses such as medical bills or car repairs. Aim to save at least 3-6 months’ worth of expenses in your emergency fund.
By creating a detailed monthly budget and sticking to it, you can ensure that you can afford to live on your own and achieve your goal of moving out.
Tips and tricks on how to move out
So, you’re finally ready to move out and start your life as an independent adult.
But before you can start your new life, there are a few things you need to take care of first – like, you know, finding a place to live and figuring out how to pay for it.
Learn the lessons from those who did not move out with enough cash – like me.
Tip #1: Create a Budget and Stay Within Limits
Moving out with only $5000 can be challenging, but creating a budget and sticking to it can make the process much easier.
To start, subtract your monthly bills from your monthly income to determine your basic budget.
For instance, if you make $2500 per month and pay $1500 for rent and bills, you have $1000 left for living expenses.
Allocate $400 for groceries and other necessities, $200 for transportation, and $100 for utilities.
This leaves you with $300 for entertainment and other non-essential expenses.
To stay within your budget, consider using a budget binder to track your income and expenses.
Be mindful of living within your means and avoid overspending by resisting the temptation to spend your first paycheck on new household items or entertainment. Instead, opt for more affordable options such as walking around your new neighborhood or having a picnic in the park.
Tip #2: Reduce Expenses Where Possible
One of the hottest topics is becoming frugal green. To save money and the environment at the same time.
When it comes to furniture, try buying used or refurbished items or borrowing from friends and family. Additionally, cutting back on unnecessary expenses such as dining out and entertainment can free up more money.
By being resourceful and creative, it is possible to move out on a budget without sacrificing quality or comfort.
Remember to allocate 50% of your monthly pay towards necessary expenses, 30% towards things you want, and 20% for debt repayment and long-term savings.
Tip #3: Look for Low-Cost Rentals
Finding low-cost rentals can be a challenge, but there are several options available to those who are willing to be flexible and creative.
Renting a basement suite or studio apartment can be a more affordable option.
Consider couch surfing, subletting, or home-sharing arrangements.
Home-sharing can be particularly attractive as it allows you to pair up with an elderly homeowner who needs a little extra help in exchange for low rent.
Find a tiny home rental.
If you don’t mind sharing the space, you can also consider getting a roommate or looking into pod shares. Pod shares are co-living spaces where individuals rent a bed in a shared room, with access to other community spaces like a bathroom and kitchen.
Become a housesitter and be paid to move out. Learn more with Trusted Housesitters.
With a little bit of research and creativity, it is possible to find low-cost rentals that fit your budget and lifestyle. Remember to determine exactly how much you can spend on rent and be open to alternative housing solutions to help keep your costs at a minimum.
Tip #4: Look Into Getting Renters Insurance
When renting you are more than likely going to live closer to others, which means more things can go wrong. Don’t skip out on renter’s insurance, as it can provide the peace of mind and protection you need as a first-time renter.
Without renter’s insurance, unexpected disasters such as fires, storms, or theft can leave you with thousands of dollars in damages that you would have to pay out of pocket.
Renter’s insurance typically costs around $20 per month and can save you a lot of money in the long run. Some affordable options for renter’s insurance include Lemonade, State Farm, and Allstate.
It’s important to shop around and compare policies to find the best one for your needs and budget.
Tip #5: Plan for Emergencies and Unexpected Expenses
It is crucial to plan for emergencies and unexpected expenses.
Start by setting aside a minimum of $1000 for an emergency fund.
Ideally, you should aim to save at least three to six months of living expenses in a rainy day fund. Remember, having a contingency plan and emergency fund can provide peace of mind and protect you from financial hardship.
Tip #6: Start Saving for a Security Deposit
Remember to prioritize saving for a security deposit by setting a specific savings goal and putting aside a portion of your income each month before you move out!
With dedication and discipline, you can reach your goal and move out with confidence.
More than likely, if you are a good tenant, you should get your full security deposit back after your lease is over.
Tip #7: Start a Side Hustle
Starting a side hustle can be a great way to earn extra money while still maintaining your full-time job. You can earn extra income through various side hustles depending on your skills and interests.
The most common side hustles are online jobs, such as transcription, virtual assistance, proofreading, blogging, freelance writing, data entry, graphic design, and web design. These jobs are flexible and eliminate the need for driving anywhere, requiring only a laptop or computer and a good internet connection.
In fact, learning how to make money online for beginners is a trending topic.
As you start your side hustle, put in as much time as you have available to maximize your earnings. Remember that a side hustle is unlikely to replace the need for a real job, but it can provide a great way to earn extra money and pursue your passions.
Tip #8: Plan Ahead and Create a Timeline
When planning to move out on a budget, it’s important to create a realistic timeline.
Start by mapping out all the expenses you’ll need to cover, such as rent, utilities, food, and transportation. Along with how much money you have already saved for unknown expenses.
Stay organized by keeping a checklist of everything you need to do and when it needs to be done. Don’t rush the process – take your time and make sure you have everything in order before making the big move.
Remember the millionaire quote, failing to plan is planning to fail, so take the time to plan ahead and create a realistic timeline.
Is 10000 a good amount to move out with?
According to various sources, $10,000 is generally considered enough to cover moving out expenses and leave room for emergencies.
However, the actual cost of moving out can vary depending on location, rent prices, and cost of living.
Learn how to save 10000 in a year!
FAQ
There are a couple of different ways to save more money including:
Cut back on frivolous expenses like eating out and buying new clothes.
Sell anything you have that you don’t want or need on websites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, Depop, or eBay.
Consider getting an extra part-time job or side hustle to increase your income.
When it comes to furnishings, be thrifty by asking friends and family if they have anything extra they’re getting rid of or checking out second-hand or discount stores.
Set saving goals and track your expenses using a spreadsheet. That will give you a clear picture of what is and is not possible.
Renter’s insurance is highly recommended, and in some cases, required by leases. It provides protection against unforeseen disasters such as fires, storms, or theft that can damage or destroy your possessions.
While it may seem like an unnecessary expense, it is usually affordable and can save you a lot of money compared to paying out of pocket for damages.
Not having renters insurance can leave you vulnerable to unexpected expenses and potential financial ruin.
You should not spend more on your rent payments than you are comfortable.
Just like with getting a mortgage, you should spend no more than 30% of your take-home pay on rent payments.
You don’t want to be stressed about finances, so you should set a realistic budget for rent that allows you to comfortably cover all of your expenses while still having some money left over for savings.
So, is 5000 enough to move out?
It really depends on your situation.
If you’re moving to a cheaper area and don’t have many expenses, you might be able to make it work.
However, if you’re moving to a more expensive city or have a lot of bills, you might need to save up more money.
When determining how much money is needed to move out, there are several factors to consider, which we covered above. These include where you plan to live, your living expenses, initial moving costs, ongoing costs, and emergency funds.
It’s essential to have a budget and do the math to determine the minimum amount required for a smooth transition to independent living on a tight budget.
Ultimately, it’s important to do your research and figure out what’s best for you.
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
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.
We are going to under the cover and discover $14 an hour is how much per year.
For most Americans, this is hovering near minimum wage.
Let’s get this straight… This is not a livable wage.
If you are in high school or college and have support from your parents, then this is great spending money for you.
However, if you are making it on your own, $14 per hour will not make ends meet each month.
For most people, being at minimum wage is common and the goal is to make your way up the payscale and quickly!
In this post, we’re going to detail exactly what $14 an hour is how much a year. Also, we will break it down to know how much is made per month, bi-weekly, per week, and daily.
That will help you immensely with how you spend your money. Because too many times the hard-earned cash is brought home, but there is no actual plan for how to spend that money.
When living close to minimum wage, you must know how to manage money wisely.
More than likely, you are living paycheck to paycheck and struggling to survive until the next paycheck. Take a deep breath and make this minimum wage just a season.
The ultimate goal is to make the most of your hourly wage with inspirations to make more money.
If that is something you want to do, then keep reading. You are in the right place.
$14 an Hour is How Much a Year?
When we ran all of our numbers to figure out how much is $14 per hour is an annual salary, we used the average working day of 40 hours a week.
40 hours x 52 weeks x $14 = $29,120
$29120 is the gross annual salary with a $14 per hour wage.
Breakdown of 14 Dollars an hour is how much a year
Typically, the average workweek is 40 hours and you can work 52 weeks a year. Take 40 hours times 52 weeks and that equals 2,080 working hours. Then, multiply the hourly salary of $14 times 2,080 working hours, and the result is $29,120.
That number is the gross income before taxes, insurance, 401K, or anything else is taken out. Net income is how much you deposit into your bank account.
Work Part Time?
But you may think, oh wait, I’m only working part time. So if you’re working part time, the assumption is working 20 hours a week at $14 an hour.
Only 20 hours per week. Then, take 20 hours times 52 weeks and that equals 1,040 working hours. Then, multiply the hourly salary of $14 times 1,040 working hours, and the result is $14,560.
How Much is $14 Per Month?
On average, the monthly amount would average $2,426.
Annual Amount of $20120 ÷ 12 months = $2426 per month
Since some months have more days and fewer days like February, you can expect months with more days to have a bigger paycheck. Also, this can be heavily influenced by how often you are paid and on which days you get paid.
Work Part Time?
Only 20 hours per week. Then, the monthly amount would average $1213.
How Much is $14 per Hour Per Week
This is a great number to know! How much do I make each week? When I roll out of bed and do my job, what can I expect to make at the end of the week?
Once again, the assumption is 40 hours worked.
40 hours x $14 = $560 per week.
Work Part Time?
Only 20 hours per week. Then, the weekly amount would be $280.
How Much is $14 per Hour Bi-Weekly
For this calculation, take the average weekly pay of $560 and double it.
$560 per week x 2 = $1120
Also, the other way to calculate this is:
40 hours x 2 weeks x $14 an hour = $1120
Work Part Time?
Only 20 hours per week. Then, the bi-weekly amount would be $560.
How Much is $14 Per Hour Per Day
This depends on how many hours you work in a day. For this example, we are going to use an eight-hour workday.
8 hours x $14 per hour = $112 per day.
If you work 10 hours a day for four days, then you would make $140 per day. (10 hours x $14 per hour)
Work Part Time?
Only 4 hours per day. Then, the daily amount would be $56.
$14 Per Hour is…
$14 per Hour – Full Time
Total Income
Yearly Salary (52 weeks)
$29,120
Yearly Wage (50 weeks)
$28,000
Monthly Wage (173 hours)
$2.426
Weekly Wage (40 Hours)
$560
Bi-Weekly Wage (80 Hours)
$1120
Daily Wage (8 Hours)
$112
Net Estimated Monthly Income
$1,853
**These are assumptions based on simple scenarios.
Paid Time Off Earning 14 Dollars an Hour
Does your employer offer paid time off?
As an hourly, close to minimum wage employee, more than likely you will not get paid time off.
So, here are the scenarios for both cases.
For general purposes, we are going to assume you work 40 hours per week over the course of the year.
Case # 1 – With Paid Time Off
Most hourly employees, get two weeks of paid time off which is equivalent to 2 weeks of paid time off.
In this case, you would make $29120 per year.
This is the same as the example above for an annual salary making $14 per hour.
Case #2 – No Paid Time Off
Unfortunately, not all employers offer paid time off to their hourly employees. While that is unfortunate, it is best to plan for less income.
Life happens. There will be times you need to take time off for numerous reasons – sick time, handling an emergency, or even vacation.
So, let’s assume you take 2 weeks off without paid time off.
That means you would only work 50 weeks of the year instead of all 52 weeks. Take 40 hours times 50 weeks and that equals 2,000 working hours. Then, multiply the hourly salary of $14 times 2,000 working hours, and the result is $28,000.
40 hours x 50 weeks x $14 = $28000
You would average $112 per working day and nothing when you don’t work.
$14 an Hour is How Much a year After Taxes
Let’s be honest… Taxes can take up a big chunk of your paycheck. Thus, you need to know how taxes can affect your hourly wage.
This is why you always wondering why your take-home pay is so much less.
Also, every single person’s tax situation is different.
On the basic level, let’s assume a 12% federal tax rate and a 4% state rate. Plus a percentage is taken out for Social Security and Medicare (FICA) of 7.65%.
Gross Annual Salary: $29,120
Federal Taxes of 12%: $3,494
State Taxes of 4%: $1,165
Social Security and Medicare of 7.65%: $2,228
$14 an Hour per Year after Taxes: $22,233
This would be your net annual salary after taxes.
To turn that back into an hourly wage, the assumption is working 2,080 hours.
$22233 ÷ 2080 hours = $10.69 per hour
After estimated taxes and FICA, you are netting $10.69 an hour. That is $3.31 an hour less than what you planned.
This is a very highlighted example and can vary greatly depending on your personal situation. Therefore, here is a great tool to help you figure out how much your net paycheck would be.
$14 an Hour Budget – Example
You are probably wondering can I live on my own making 14 dollars an hour? How much rent can you afford at 14 an hour?
Using our Cents Plan Formula, this is the best case scenario on how to budget your $14 per hour paycheck.
When using these percentages, it is best to use net income because taxes must be paid.
In this example, above we calculated that $14 an hour was $10.69 after taxes. That would average $1853 per month.
According to the Cents Plan Formula, here is the high level view of a $14 per hour budget:
Basic Expenses of 50% = $926
Save Money of 20% = $371
Give Money of 10% = $185
Fun Spending of 20% = $371
Debt of 0% = $0
Obviously, that is not doable when living so close to minimum wage. So, you have to be strategic on ways to decrease your basic expenses and debt. Then, it will allow you more money to save and fun spending.
To further break down an example budget of $14 per hour, then using the ideal household percentages is extremely helpful.
recommended budget percentages based on $14 per hour wage:
Category
Ideal Percentages
Sample Monthly Budget
Giving
10%
$73
Savings
15-25%
$194
Housing
20-30%
$728
Utilities
4-7%
$121
Groceries
5-12%
$231
Clothing
1-4%
$24
Transportation
4-10%
$109
Medical
5-12%
$243
Life Insurance
1%
$21
Education
1-4%
$12
Personal
2-7%
$36
Recreation / Entertainment
3-8%
$61
Debts
0% – Goal
$0
Government Tax (including Income Tatumx, Social Security & Medicare)
15-25%
$574
Total Gross Income
$2427
**In this budget, prioritization was given to basic expenses. Thus, some categories like giving and saving were less.
$14 An Hour Salary Calculator
Now, you get to figure out how much you make based on your hours worked or if you make a wage between $14.01-14.99.
This is super helpful if you make $14.25, $14.50, or $14.75.
Living on $14 Per Hour
Living close to minimum wage can be a very difficult situation.
Is it doable? Probably not for long.
You just have to be wiser (or frugal) with your money and how you spend the hard-earned cash you have been blessed with.
A lot of times when people are making under near the minimum wage mark, they feel like they are in this constant cycle that they can never keep up with (which completely makes sense it is hard!).
When your thoughts are constantly focused on how you are struggling to keep up with bills and expenses, that is all you focus on.
You need to do is change your money mindset.
This is what you say to yourself… Okay, I am making near minimum wage for now. I have aspirations and goals to increase how much I make. For now, I am going to make sure that I am able to live on my 14 dollars per hour. I’m going to try and avoid debt and payday loans at all costs.
Other Tips to Help You:
Check your minimum wage for your state and city. You might find a higher minimum wage in a nearby city.
Look to living in a lower cost of living area to stretch your money.
Find ways to minizine your basic expenses.
Thrive with a frugal green minimalist lifestyle.
Decide if a roommate or moving back with your parents would help.
Bike or walk to work.
In the next section, we will dig into ways to increase your income, but for now, you must focus on living on $14 an hour.
5 Ways to Increase Your Hourly Wage
This right here is the most important section of this post.
You need to figure out ways to increase your hourly income because I’m going to tell you…you deserve more. You do a good job and your value is higher than what your employers pay you.
Even an increase of 50 cents to $14.50 will add up over the year. Even better $15 an hour!
1. Ask for a Raise
The first thing to do is ask for a raise. Walk right in and ask for a raise because you never know what the answer will be until you ask.
If you want the best tips on how specifically to ask for a raise and what the average wage is for somebody doing your job, then check out this book. In this book, the author gives you the exact way to increase your income. The purchase is worth it or go down to the library and check that book out.
2. Look for A New Job
Another way to increase your hourly wage is to look for a new job. Maybe a completely new industry.
It might be a total change for you, but many times, if you want to change your financial situation, then that starts with a career change. Maybe you’re stressed out at work. Making $14 an hour is too much for you and you’re not able to enjoy life, maybe changing jobs and finding another job may increase your pay, but it will also increase your quality of life.
3. Find a New Career
Because of student loans, too many employees feel like they are stuck in the career field they chose. They feel sucked into the job that they don’t like or have the potential they thought it would.
For many years, I was in the same situation until I decided to do a complete career change. I am glad I did. I have the flexibility that I needed in my life to do what I wanted when I needed to do it. Plus I am able to enjoy my entrepreneurial spirit.
4. Find Alternative Ways to Make Money
In today’s society, you need to find ways to make more money. Period.
There is no way to get around it. You need to find additional income outside a traditional nine to five position or typical 40 hour a week job. You will reach a point where you are maxed on what you can make in your current position or title. There may be some advancement to move forward, but in many cases, there just is not much room for growth.
So, you need to find a side hustle – another way to make money.
Do something that you enjoy, turn your hobby into a way to make money, turn something that you naturally do, and help others into a service business. In today’s society, the sky is the limit on how you can earn a freelancing income.
5. Earn Passive Income
The last way to increase your hourly wage is to start earning passive income.
This can be from a variety of ways including the stock market, real estate, online courses, book sales, etc. This is where the differentiation between struggling financially and being financially sound happens.
By earning money passively, you are able to do the things that you enjoy doing and not be loaded down, with having a job that you need to work, and a place that you have to go to. And you still make money doing nothing.
Here is an example:
You can start a brokerage account and start trading stocks for $50. You need to learn and take the one and only investing class I recommend. Learn how the market works, watch videos, and practice in a simulator before you start using your own money.
One gentleman started with $5,000 in his trading account and now has well over $36,000 in a year. Just from practice and being consistent, he has learned that passive income is the way for him to increase his income and also not be a slave to his job.
Tips to Live on $14 an Hour
In this last section, grasp these tips on how to live on $14 an hour. On our site, you can find lots of money saving tips to help stretch your income further.
Here are the most important tips to live on $14 an hour. Highlight these!
1. Spend Less Than you Make
First, you must learn to spend less than you make.
If not you will be caught in the debt cycle and that is not where you want to be. You will be consistently living paycheck to paycheck.
In order to break that dreadful cycle, it means your expenses must be less than your income.
And when I say income, it’s not the $14 an hour. As we talked about earlier in the post, there are taxes. The amount of taxes taken out of your paycheck is called your net income which is your home $14 an hour minus all the taxes, FICA, social security, and medicare are taken out. That is your net income.
So, your net income has to be less than your net income.
2. Living Below Your Means
You need to be happy. And living on less can actually make you happier. Studies prove that less is better.
Finding contentment in life is one thing that is a struggle for most.
We are driven to want the new shiny toy, the thing next door, the stuff your friend or family member got. Our society has trained you that you need these things as well.
Have you ever taken a step back and looked at what you really need?
Once you are able to find contentment with life, then you are going to be set for the long term with your finances.
Here is our story on owning less stuff. We have been happier since.
3. Make Saving Money Fun
You need to make saving money fun. Period.
It could be participating in a no spend challenge for the month.
Check out the 200 envelope challenge (which is doable on your income)
It could be challenging friends not to go to Target for a week.
Maybe changing your habits and not picking up takeout and planning meals.
Whatever it is challenge yourself.
Find new ways of saving money and have fun with it.
Even better, get your family and kids involved in the challenge to save money. Tell them the reason why you are saving money and this is what you are doing.
Here are 101 things to do with no money. Free activities without costing you a dime. That is an amazing resource for you and you will never be bored.
And you will learn a lot of things in life you can do for free. Personally, some of the best ones are getting outside and enjoying some fresh air.
4. Make More Money
If you want if you do not settle for less, then find ways to make more money. If you want more out of life, then increase your income.
You need to be an advocate for yourself.
Find ways to make more money.
It could be a side hustle, a second job, asking for a raise, going to school to change careers, or picking up extra hours.
Whatever path you take, that’s fine. Just find ways to make more money. Period.
5. No State Taxes
Paying taxes is one option to increase what you take home in each paycheck.
These are the states that don’t pay state income taxes on wages:
Alaska
Florida
Nevada
New Hampshire
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Washington
Wyoming
It is very interesting if you take into account the amount of state taxes paid compared to a state with income taxes.
Also, if you live in one of the higher taxed states, then you may want to reconsider moving to a lower cost of living area. The higher taxes income tax states include California, Hawaii, New Jersey, Oregon, Minnesota, the District of Columbia, New York, Vermont, Iowa, and Wisconsin. These states tax income somewhere between 7.65% – 13.3%.
6. Stick to a Budget
You need to learn how to start a budget. We have tons budgeting resources for you.
While creating a budget is great, you need to learn how to use one.
You do not have to budget down to every last penny.
You need to make sure your expenses are less than your income and that you are creating sinking funds for those irregular expenses.
Budget Help:
7. Pay Off Debt Quickly
The amount that you pay interest on debt is absolutely absurd.
Unfortunately, that is how many of these companies make their money from the interest you pay on debt.
If you are paying 5% to even 20-21% or higher, you need to find ways to lower that debt quickly.
Here’s a debt calculator to help you. Figure out your debt free date.
Make that paying off debt fast is your target and main focus. I can tell you from personal experience, that it was not until week paid off our debt that we finally rounded the corner financially. Once our debt was paid off, we could finally be able to save money. Set money aside in separate bank accounts and pay for cash for things.
It took us working hard to pay off debt. We needed persistence and patience while we had setbacks in our debt free journey.
Jobs that Pay $14 an Hour
You can always find jobs that pay $14 per hour. Polish up that smile, fill out the application, and be prepared with your interview skills.
Job Search Hint: Always send a written follow-up thank you note for your interview. That will help you get noticed and remembered.
First, look at the cities that require a minimum wage in their cities. That is the best place to start to find jobs that are going to pay higher than the federal minimum wage rate. Many of the cities are moving towards this model so, target and look for jobs in those areas.
Possible Ideas:
Cashiers
Back of the house restaurant staff
Landscape Laborer
Retail jobs
Paraeducators at schools
Janitors
Farm help
Warehouse workers
Fast Food Restaurants workers
$14 Per Hour Annual Salary
In this post, we detailed 14 an hour is how much a year. Plus all of the variables can impact your net income. This is something that you can live off.
How much is 14 dollars an hour annually…
$29120
This is under $30000 per year and you need to make at least $43k a year.
In this post, we highlighted ways to increase your income as well as tips for living off your wage.
Use the sample budget as a starting point with your expenses.
You will have to be savvy and wise with your hard-earned income. But, with a plan, anything is possible!
Learn exactly how much do I make per year…
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
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.
36k salary is a solid hourly wage; above most minimum hourly wage jobs.
For most people, an entry-level job would be paying just over $36,000 a year. The question that remains is can you make a living off $36k a year.
The median household income is $67,521 in 2020 which decreased by 2.9% from the previous year (source). Think of it as a bell curve with $68K at the top; the median means half of the population makes less than that and half makes more money.
The average income in the U.S. is $48,672 for a 40-hour workweek; that is an increase of 4% from the previous year (source). That means if you take everyone’s income and divided the money evenly between all of the people.
But, the question remains can you truly live off 36,000 per year in today’s society since it is well below both the average and median household incomes? The question you want to ask all of your friends is $36000 per year a good salary.
In this post, we are going to dive into everything that you need to know about a $36000 salary including hourly pay and a sample budget on how to spend and save your money.
These key facts will help you with money management and learn how much per hour $36k is as well as what you make per month, weekly, and biweekly.
Just like with any paycheck, it seems like money quickly goes out of your account to cover all of your bills and expenses, and you are left with a very small amount remaining. You may be disappointed that you were not able to reach your financial goals and you are left wondering…
Can I make a living on this salary?
$36000 a year is How Much an Hour?
When jumping from an hourly job to a salary for the first time, it is helpful to know how much is 36k a year hourly. That way you can decide whether or not the job is worthwhile for you.
36000 salary / 2080 hours = $17.31 per hour
$36000 a year is $17.31 per hour
Let’s breakdown how that 36000 salary to hourly number is calculated.
For our calculations to figure out how much is 36K salary hourly, we used the average five working days of 40 hours a week.
Typically, the average workweek is 40 hours and you can work 52 weeks a year. Take 40 hours times 52 weeks and that equals 2,080 working hours. Then, divide the yearly salary of $36000 by 2,080 working hours and the result is $17.31 per hour.
Just above $17 an hour.
That number is the gross hourly income before taxes, insurance, 401K, or anything else is taken out. Net income is how much you deposit into your bank account.
You must check with your employer on how they plan to pay you. For those on salary, typically companies pay on a monthly, semi-monthly, biweekly, or weekly basis.
What If I Increased My Salary?
Just an interesting note… if you were to increase your annual salary by $7K to $43K per year, it would increase your hourly wage to over $20 an hour – a difference of $3.36 per hour.
To break it down – 43k a year is how much an hour = $20.67
That difference will help you fund your savings account; just remember every dollar adds up.
How Much is $36K salary Per Month?
On average, the monthly amount would be $3,000.
Annual Salary of $36000 ÷ 12 months = $3000 per month
This is how much you make a month if you get paid 36000 a year.
$36k a year is how much a week?
This is a great number to know! How much do I make each week? When I roll out of bed and do my job of $36k salary a year, how much can I expect to make at the end of the week for my effort?
Once again, the assumption is 40 hours worked.
Annual Salary of$36000/52 weeks = $692 per week.
$36000 a year is how much biweekly?
For this calculation, take the average weekly pay of $692 and double it.
This depends on how many hours you work in a day. For this example, we are going to use an eight-hour workday.
8 hours x 52 weeks = 260 working days
Annual Salary of$36000 / 260 working days = $138 per day
If you work a 10 hour day on 208 days throughout the year, you make $173 per day.
$36000 Salary is…
$36000 – Full Time
Total Income
Yearly Salary (52 weeks)
$36,000
Monthly Salary
$3,000
Weekly Wage (40 Hours)
$692
Bi-Weekly Wage (80 Hours)
$1,384
Daily Wage (8 Hours)
$138
Daily Wage (10 Hours)
$173
Hourly Wage
$17.31
Net Estimated Monthly Income
$2,290
Net Estimated Hourly Income
$13.21
**These are assumptions based on simple scenarios.
36k a year is how much an hour after taxes
Income taxes is one of the biggest culprits of reducing your take-home pay as well as FICA and Social Security. This is a true fact across the board with an all-salary range up to $142,800.
When you make below the average household income, the amount of taxes taken out hurts your hourly wage.
Every single tax situation is different.
On the basic level, let’s assume a 12% federal tax rate and a 4% state rate. Plus a percentage is taken out for Social Security and Medicare (FICA) of 7.65%.
So, how much an hour is 36000 a year after taxes?
Gross Annual Salary: $36,000
Federal Taxes of 12%: $4,320
State Taxes of 4%: $1,440
Social Security and Medicare of 7.65%: $2,754
$36k Per Year After Taxes is $27,486
This would be your net annual salary after taxes.
To turn that back into an hourly wage, the assumption is working 2,080 hours.
$27486 ÷ 2,080 hours = $13.21 per hour
After estimated taxes and FICA, you are netting $27,486 per year, which is $8,514 per year less than what you expect.
***This is a very high-level example and can vary greatly depending on your personal situation and potential deductions. Therefore, here is a great tool to help you figure out how much your net paycheck would be.***
Taxes Based On Your State
In addition, if you live in a heavily taxed state like California or New York, then you have to pay way more money than somebody that lives in a no tax state like Texas or Florida. This is the debate of HCOL vs LCOL.
Thus, your yearly gross $36000 income can range from $24,606 to $28,926 depending on your state income taxes.
That is why it is important to realize the impact income taxes can have on your take home pay. It is one of those things that you should acknowledge and obviously you need to pay taxes. But, it can also put a huge dent in your ability to live the lifestyle you want on a $36,000 income.
How Much Is 36K A Year Hourly Salary Calculator
More than likely, your salary is not a flat 36k, here is a tool to convert salary to hourly calculator.
Many entry-level jobs start at this range, which may make you believe that a business degree is worth it.
36k salary lifestyle
Every person reading this post has a different upbringing and a different belief system about money. Therefore, what would be a lavish lifestyle to one person, maybe a frugal lifestyle to another person? And there’s no wrong or right, it is what works best for you.
One of the biggest factors to consider is your cost of living.
In another post, we detailed the differences of living in an HCOL vs LCOL vs MCOL area. When you live in big cities, trying to maintain your lifestyle of $36,000 a year is going to be extremely difficult because your basic expenses, housing, transportation, food, and clothing are going to be much more expensive than you would find in a lower cost area.
To stretch your dollar further in the high cost of living area, you would have to probably live a very frugal lifestyle and prioritize where you want to spend money and where you do not. Whereas, if you live in a low-cost of living area, you can afford the cost of living and maybe save more money. Thus, you have more fun spending left in your account each month.
As we noted earlier in the post, $36,000 a year is well below the average income that you would find in the United States. Thus, you have to be wise in how you spend your money.
What a $36,000 lifestyle will buy you:
If you are debt free and utilize smart money management skills, then you are able to enjoy the lifestyle you want.
You are able to rent in a decent neighborhood in LCOL.
Driving a beater car is normal.
You should be able to meet your basic expenses each and every month.
Not be able to afford many of the fun spending luxuries.
Ability to make sure that saving money is a priority, and very possibly save $5000 in one year.
When A $36,000 Salary Will Hold you Back:
However, if you are riddled with debt or unable to break the paycheck to paycheck cycle, then living off of 36k a year is going to be pretty darn difficult.
There are two factors that will keep holding you back:
You must pay off debt and cut all fun spending and extra expenses.
Break the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle.
It is possible to get ahead with money!
It just comes with proper money management skills and a desire to have less stress around money. That is a winning combination regardless of your income level.
$36K a year Budget – Example
As always, here at Money Bliss, we focus on covering our basic expenses plus saving and giving first, and then our goal is to eliminate debt. The rest of the money leftover is left for fun spending.
If you want to know how to manage a 36k salary the best, then this is a prime example for you to compare your spending.
You can compare your budget to the ideal household budget percentages.
recommended budget percentages based on $36000 a year salary:
Category
Ideal Percentages
Sample Monthly Budget
Giving
10%
$150
Savings
15-25%
$450
Housing
20-30%
$884
Utilities
4-7%
$135
Groceries
5-12%
$270
Clothing
1-4%
$18
Transportation
4-10%
$135
Medical
5-12%
$150
Life Insurance
1%
$8
Education
1-4%
$8
Personal
2-7%
$24
Recreation / Entertainment
3-8%
$60
Debts
0% – Goal
$0
Government Tax (including Income Tatumx, Social Security & Medicare)
15-25%
$710
Total Gross Monthly Income
$3000
**In this budget, prioritization was given to basic expenses and no debt.
Is $36,000 a year a Good Salary?
As we stated earlier if you are able to make $36,000 a year, that is a low salary. You are making around or just above minimum wage.
While 36000 is a decent salary just starting out in your working years, it is a salary that you want to rapidly increase before your expenses go up or the people you provide for increase. If not, you will be left working multiple jobs to make ends meet.
However, too many times people get stuck in the lifestyle trap of trying to keep up with the Joneses, and their lifestyle desires get out of hand compared to their salary. And what they thought used to be a great salary actually is not making ends meet at this time.
This $36k salary would be considered a lower class salary. You must make each dollar count in your budget.
Check: Are you in the middle class?
In fact, this income level in the United States has enough buying power to put you in the top 95 percentile globally for per person income (source).
The question you need to ask yourself with your 36k salary is:
Am I maxed at the top of my career?
Is there more income potential?
What obstacles do I face if I want to try to increase my income?
In the future years and with possible inflation, in many modest cities 36,000 a year is not a good salary because the cost of living is so high, whereas these are some of the cities where you can make a decent living at 36000 per year.
If you are looking for a career change, you want to find jobs paying at least $45000 a year.
Is 36k a good salary for a Single Person?
Simply put, you can make it work.
You can stretch your salary much further because you are only worried about your own expenses. A single person will spend much less than if you need to provide for someone else.
Your living expenses and ideal budget are much less. Thus, you can live comfortably for $36000 per year.
And… most of us probably regret how much money wasted when we were single. Oh well, lesson learned.
Is 36k a good salary for a family?
Many of the same principles apply above on whether $36000 is a good salary. The main difference with a family, you have more people to provide for than when you are single or have just one other person in your household.
At the 36K salary with a family, you would need more than one income stream to make this possible without government help.
The costs of raising children are high and will steeply cut into your income. As you can tell this is a huge dent in your income, specifically $12,980 annually per child and this does not include college.
That means that amount of money is coming out of the income that you earned.
So, the question really remains can you provide a good life for your family making $36,000 a year? This is the hardest part because each family has different choices, priorities, and values.
More or less, it comes down to two things:
The location where you live in.
Desire to improve your career and make more money.
Your lifestyle choices.
You will not be able to afford everything on this salary.
Many times when raising a family, it is helpful to have a dual-income household. That way you are able to provide the necessary expenses if both parties were making 36,000 per year, then the combined income for the household would be $72,000. Thus making your combined salary a very good income.
Learn how much money a family of 4 needs in each state.
Can you Live on 36000 Per Year?
As we outlined earlier in the post, $36000 a year:
$17.31 Per Hour
$138-173 Per Day (depending on the length of day worked)
$692 Per Week
$1384 Per Biweekly
$3000 Per Month
Next up is making $40,000 a year.
Like anything else in life, you get to decide how to spend, save and give your money.
That is the difference for each person on whether or not you can live a lower-class lifestyle depends on many potential factors. If you live in California or New Jersey you are gonna have a tougher time than Oklahoma or even Texas.
In addition, if you are early in your career, starting out around 32,000 a year, that is a okay place to be getting your career. However, if you have been in your career for over 20 years and still making $36K, then you probably need to look at asking for pay increases, pick up a second job, or find a different career path.
Regardless of the wage that you make, if you are not able to live the lifestyle that you want, then you have to find ways to make it work for you. Everybody has choices to make.
But one of the things that can help you the most is to stick to our ideal household budget percentages to make sure you stay on track.
Learn exactly how much do I make per year…
One of the best ways to improve your personal finance situation is to increase your income. Here are a variety of side hustles that are very lucrative. With time and effort, you can start enjoying the lifestyle you want.
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Learn how to supplement your daily, weekly, or monthly income with trading so that you can live your best life! This is a lifestyle trading style you need to learn.
Honestly, this course is a must for anyone who invests. You will lose more in the market than you will spend this quality education – guaranteed.
Read my Invest with Teri Review.
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.
Learn how to buy and resell items from flea markets, thrift stores and yard sales. They will teach you how to create a profitable reselling business quickly
…no matter how much or how little experience you have.
Our friends Cody & Julie of Gold City Ventures are experts at creating five figures of passive income selling printables. Learn how to create your online printables business from scratch with our programs and templates.
Are you passionate about words and reading? If so, proofreading could be a perfect fit for you, just like it’s been for me! I’m excited to share how you can create a freelance business as a proofreader, just like I did.
The ultimate discounted bundle of my 4 best-selling courses and WordPress theme on how to build and grow a profitable blog.
Learn the best SEO practices and how to monetize your blog quickly!
Designed as a 101-level course on freight brokerage, you’ll learn the basics of freight brokering in this online course.
This course is designed for freight brokers in any setting, regardless of their employment status.
If you want to start your brokerage, we’ll show you exactly how to do it. If you are an agent or employee of a brokerage, we’ll take you through sales and operations modules designed to help you source more leads and move more freight.
You can make money as a freelance writer. Learn techniques to find those jobs and earn the kind of money you deserve! Plus get tips to land your first freelance writing gig!
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.
The Empowered Business Lab teaches you how to sell your digital products naturally with strategies that just make sense.
Monica helped me find my momentum and my want to pursue my business again.
After taking a second job as a driver for Amazon to make ends meet, this former teacher pivoted to be a successful stock trader.
Leaving behind the stress of teaching, now he sets his own schedule and makes more money than he ever imagined. He grew his account from $500 to $38000 in 8 months.
Check out this interview.
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
When it comes to the best places to live in America, it’s more than just civic pride that earns a place a spot on the list. U.S. News & World Report recently published their list of the 100 best places to live in the USA, analyzing elements such as value, desirability, a strong job market and a high quality of life. If you’re looking for your next location and want to pick from the cream of the crop, check out some of these cities as your next potential target.
The Top 10 Best Places to Live According to US News & World Report
#1: Austin, TX
Love music? Crave more culture than you can shake a stick at? Then Austin, TX is the place for you. According to the study, about 50 people move to Austin every day. Cited as “Live Music Capital of the World” and home to two of the country’s biggest music, film and media festivals with Austin City Limits and South By Southwest, it’s no surprise it’s a hot destination for many renters. Find apartments in Austin, TX
#2: Denver, CO
Known as the “Mile High City” due to its towering 5,280 feet above sea level elevation, Denver has recently shed its image of a wild west mountain town for a more cosmopolitan image. Though it’s undeniable that it is a perfect location for snow sports enthusiasts, Denver’s progressive attitude towards the legalization of recreational marijuana and its related industries has certainly seen a hike in the city’s desirability. Not a nature lover or fitness nut? There’s an emerging arts and brewing scene here that can’t be overlooked. Find apartments in Denver, CO
#3: San Jose, CA
Do you know the way to San Jose? Though the famous lyrics may not know how to get there, it would appear that renters across the country do. Nicknamed the capital of Silicon Valley, it’s little wonder that this California stalwart is huge for those in tech. It’s not all business, though — San Jose is also great for hiking, camping and enjoying the great outdoors. Bonus: San Jose has over 300 sunny days a year, so feeling those mid-winter blues will be a thing of the past. Find apartments in San Jose, CA
#4: Washington, DC
It’s more than politics that drive people to move to the nation’s captial, and everyone from foodies to culture vultures can find a neighborhood that suits them perfectly. DC is home to a terrifically extensive public transportation system, so getting around without a car is easy. Additionally, the city is full of public parks, meaning you can still have fun in the great outdoors without losing the heartbeat of an urban environment. Find apartments in Washington, DC
#5: Fayetteville, AR
Arkansas? Really? You bet. Full of good old-fashioned southern hospitality and currently feeling an economic boom, Fayetteville attracts those that crave a friendly, family-type atmosphere. Its close proximity to the Ozarks makes it a destination for lovers of the outdoors, and the city speaks to those who love the arts and local food movements. Find apartments to rent in Fayetteville, AR
#6: Seattle, WA
Surrounded by beautiful landscapes and home to a hip, urban environment, there’s a lot more to Seattle than just grunge and coffee. The people here personify “laid back,” making it a hot spot for start-ups and tech firms of all sorts. Despite the hills, bike commuting is popular, and there’s an extensive bus system that runs throughout the downtown area. And no — it doesn’t rain all the time. In fact, New York City actually gets more rain annually. Find apartments in Seattle, WA
#7: Raleigh & Durham, NC
Part of the North Carolina Triangle, this area is pulling in about 80 new residents a day. Affordable rents and shorter commute times add up to a great quality of life factor in Raleigh-Durham which has attracted a younger population to the metro area. Kick back with one of the many local microbrews and enjoy the growing arts and music scene. With a lower cost of living than the national average, you’ll be able to afford the fun. Find apartments in Raleigh, NC Find apartments in Durham, NC
#8: Boston, MA
Drenched with history and flooded with culture, there’s a lot to love about Boston. Home to world-class educational institutions, hospitals, eclectic music and arts scene and one of the nation’s oldest ballparks, the people of Boston are a diverse bunch. Everyone from recent college grads all the way to retirees love the city, and each neighborhood offers up something different. Though considered expensive comparatively to the national average, it’s money well spent for a city like this. Find apartments in Boston, MA
#9: Des Moines, IA
“Is this heaven? No, it’s Iowa” as the famous line from Field of Dreams said — and Des Moines is no exception. This midwest gem may not sound like a must move destination, but it’s got it where it counts. Despite its population of 600,000, Des Moines has a neighborly feel making it a popular place to raise young families. With rents and cost of living below the national average, it’s worth consideration as a great place to live in America’s crossroads. Find apartments in Des Moines, IA
#10: Salt Lake City, UT
Though Salt Lake City has devout roots in religion and Mormon faith, this city definitely changes with the times. Lovers of the great outdoors revel in the close proximity to five national parks and a few excellent ski resorts, while those with more urban leanings find fun in the city’s sports teams and many downtown entertainment options. Cost of living is fairly inexpensive compared to the national average, and with more apartments and condos being built availability is high. Find apartments in Salt Lake City, UT
To read more about US News & World Report’s methodology, click here.
Are any of these cities on your moving bucket list? Do you agree with the report? Let us know what you think below!