Northwestern Mutual Ranked the 6th Largest Independent Broker-Dealer by Financial Advisor Magazine MILWAUKEE, April 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Northwestern Mutual’s wealth management business continues to be recognized as one of the country’s premier independent broker-dealers, being awarded another industry honor this month. Financial Advisor magazine, a leading publication covering the financial services industry, ranked Northwestern … [Read more…]
Northwestern Mutual Releases 2023 Sustainability and Social Impact Report and Reaffirms Commitment to Building “A Better Tomorrow” MILWAUKEE, April 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Northwestern Mutual, a leading financial services company, today announced the release of its 2023 Sustainability and Social Impact Report: A Better Tomorrow. The report shares details on the 167-year-old company’s investments in … [Read more…]
Traveling on a plane can be a stressful endeavor, whether you’re bringing a checked bag, a whole family or extra equipment to get around. But for those who make use of a wheelchair, air travel is becoming more accessible than ever before.
Because of updated U.S. Department of Transportation policies, as well as innovations from certain airlines, flying with a wheelchair is becoming easier.
Let’s take a look at how the process works, what bringing a wheelchair on a plane entails and what changes are helping to make air travel for wheelchair users a better experience.
How to fly with a wheelchair
Air travel is meant to be accessible to everyone. Whether a traveler uses a wheelchair full time or requires one only to navigate through the airport, accessibility services are available to them.
Requesting a wheelchair at the airport
Airlines are required to provide prompt aid to passengers needing additional assistance. This includes those who need a wheelchair to get around, and you are allowed to request one for use in the airport. If this is the case for you, you’ll want to advise the airline as early as possible.
Once you arrive at the airport, you’ll need to let the airline know that you require a wheelchair.
Bringing your own wheelchair
There are a couple of extra conditions to be aware of if you’re traveling with your own wheelchair. You can fly with a power wheelchair, but the DOT’s guidance page notes that you’ll need to arrive an hour before standard check-in time.
You can stay in your own wheelchair until you get to the gate. At this point, if your chair will not fit in the cabin, it will be taken and checked.
If necessary, the airline will then provide an aisle chair to help you get to your seat. Once landed, your wheelchair will be waiting for you at the gate.
Can you check a wheelchair on an airplane?
Yes, you can check a wheelchair on a plane. This is the case for both manual wheelchairs and powered wheelchairs. Checking your medical equipment is free of charge.
However, note that some aircraft may have limitations when it comes to accepting powered wheelchairs due to their size. For example, United Airlines has recognized this and created new policies to address it (more on that below).
How to pack a wheelchair for flight
There are no special requirements necessary if you’re bringing your wheelchair on your flight. Eligible manual wheelchairs can be stowed in the cabin of the aircraft, whether that’s in the storage bin above you, under the seat in front of you or in the designated wheelchair storage area onboard the plane.
If your wheelchair doesn’t fit or uses a battery, it’ll be taken and checked into the cargo area for free.
In this case, we recommend labeling your wheelchair with your name and contact information and attaching any relevant handling or disassembly instructions.
Accessible policies for those traveling with a wheelchair, broken down by airline
Traveling with a wheelchair can be more complicated than you’d expect, which is why the government and certain airlines are adopting new strategies to help ensure dignity and respect for everyone.
U.S. DOT accessibility policies
The DOT has published its Bill of Rights for passengers with disbilities, which includes the right to be treated with dignity and respect, the right to accessible facilities and the right to travel with an assistive device, among other rights.
🤓Nerdy Tip
Generally speaking, it’s free to check your wheelchair or mobility device in addition to your checked bags. This includes wheelchairs (manual or electric) as well as scooters, walkers, canes and crutches.
Note that devices must meet airline battery and safety requirements.
The DOT has also enacted a rule that will require single-aisle aircraft to provide an accessible lavatory.
American Airlines wheelchair assistance
American Airlines asks passengers to submit assistance requests in advance because after you’ve done so, a coordinator will contact you directly to ensure everything is ready for your trip.
The airline will also work with you to book the right seat if you need extra space or have specific mobility needs.
How to get a wheelchair at the airport for American Airlines
To request wheelchair assistance, select the “Add special assistance” option during booking or in “Manage Trips” from the airline’s home page after logging in to your account. You can also request assistance by calling 800-237-7976.
Delta wheelchair assistance
Delta Air Lines has debuted a prototype airline seat that allows powered wheelchair users to remain in their own seat during the flight. This is still some way off from being implemented in aircraft, but it’s nice to see that the airline is making strides to become more accessible.
How to get a wheelchair at the airport on Delta
You can request wheelchair service in your Delta SkyMiles account after booking your flight, under “My Trips.” You can also call the airline at 404-209-3434.
Southwest Airlines wheelchair assistance
You do not need to notify Southwest before arriving at the airport to receive disability-related assistance. The airline offers an online Accessible Travel Assistance hub to streamline planning, and while it prefers your wheelchair is stowed on board as a carry-on, it is possible to gate check your device for cargo.
How to request wheelchair at airport for Southwest
Simply ask any Southwest employee and they will guide you through the necessary steps. There are steps to do this in advance if you prefer, including calling 800-I-FLY-SWA (800-435-9792).
United Airlines wheelchair assistance
For its part, United Airlines has announced a change to its search system that’ll greatly simplify the process for those who use powered wheelchairs.
While the new system isn’t live yet, the updated search feature will include the ability to input the dimensions of your wheelchair. Doing so allows you to weed out aircraft with cargo doors that won’t accommodate the size of your wheelchair.
Even better, if your preferred flight cannot accommodate your wheelchair, you can book a different flight on the same day — and if it’s more expensive, United will refund you the difference.
How do I request a wheelchair on United Airlines?
You can request a wheelchair for your flight or airport experience in the traveler information section at booking or in your MileagePlus account under “My Trips” after you’ve purchased your ticket.
If you’re bringing a wheelchair on a plane
Airports and airlines are becoming better suited to passengers with disabilities who are traveling, including those who use a wheelchair. Whether you need one to navigate the airport or are bringing one from home, new regulations and policies have been established to ensure that your travel experience is as seamless as possible.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024, including those best for:
Looking for the best jobs that help people? Whether you are looking for a full-time job or a way to make extra income, there are many ways to make money by helping others. Picking a job that matches what you want to achieve personally and lets you help others can feel really good. In lots…
Looking for the best jobs that help people?
Whether you are looking for a full-time job or a way to make extra income, there are many ways to make money by helping others.
Picking a job that matches what you want to achieve personally and lets you help others can feel really good. In lots of different fields, jobs where you can help people have become very popular.
Whether it’s teaching, counseling, healthcare, or responding to emergencies, each job lets you change someone else’s life for the better. If you like the idea of helping out your community and giving assistance to those who need it, there are plenty of rewarding jobs that might be right for you.
Now, that doesn’t mean the jobs below are easy. While you may feel good knowing that you are helping people, many of these jobs are very hard. But, you will know that you are truly helping people and changing the world for the better.
30 Best Jobs That Help People
Below are 30 full-time and part-time jobs helping others in crisis, in your community and at homes.
1. Social worker
If you’re someone who likes to help others, becoming a social worker might be the perfect job for you. Social workers support people who face challenges in their lives. This could mean working with children, families, or even whole communities.
Social workers might work in schools, helping kids and families get through tough times, or in hospitals guiding patients through health challenges.
2. Teacher
A teacher’s job is about more than just giving lessons. The job is to guide and help students understand new information. When you teach, you make a real difference in the lives of your students.
Teachers work in different settings, such as at a public school, private institution, or even provide one-on-one education as a tutor. Some teachers work online too, which is a great option if you’re looking for more flexibility.
You can choose to become a kindergarten teacher, high school teacher, college instructor, or anything in between.
Recommended reading: 36 Best Side Jobs for Teachers To Make Extra Money
3. Nurse
Nurses play an important role in healthcare, helping people feel better and stay healthy.
I have met so many amazing nurses in my life, and it is such a helpful career path. I still very much remember all of the wonderful nurses who helped me when I was in the hospital giving birth to my daughter – these nurses were amazing and helped me so much, and I truly felt like they cared.
Nurses can work from home, in a hospital, or even in a law firm. A similar career path where you can help people is to become a nurse practitioner, with a higher salary and extra responsibilities.
Recommended reading: 27 Best Side Hustles For Nurses To Make Extra Money
4. Personal trainer
If you like staying active and want to help others, becoming a personal trainer could be a great fit for you.
As a personal trainer, you’ll get to work with people every day, helping them achieve their fitness goals. It’s not just about showing exercises; it’s about motivating and guiding people to live healthier lives.
Here are some of the things that personal trainers do:
Create workout plans.
Show people how to exercise correctly.
Keep track of a client’s progress.
Teach clients about healthy lifestyle choices.
Personal trainers are found in places like gyms, fitness centers, and sometimes they can even come to your home. Some trainers lead group classes, while others give one-on-one sessions.
5. Occupational therapist
An occupational therapist (OT) helps people of all ages do different activities that are important for their daily lives, work, school, and leisure. Some examples of occupational therapy include:
Dressing – OTs help individuals in selecting appropriate clothing and developing strategies to independently dress themselves.
Eating – OTs may recommend adaptive equipment or techniques to help individuals with feeding difficulties.
Household chores – They provide strategies to make household chores more manageable for individuals with physical or cognitive limitations.
Job tasks – OTs help individuals develop skills and strategies to perform job duties effectively and safely.
Community integration – They support individuals in participating in community events, clubs, and social gatherings.
As you can see, OTs help people in so many ways.
They work in places like hospitals, schools, or even patients’ homes are common spots for occupational therapists.
6. School counselor
School counselors play a big part in guiding students toward their future.
They help with class schedules, give advice, or plan big steps like going to college or finding a job. This job is important because school counselors help students do their best and feel good about themselves.
They also help in other ways, such as helping students who are going through a hard time in life, like helping them with handling a mental health issue or even dealing with the passing of a parent. They are very much needed in all schools!
7. Substance abuse counselor
Substance abuse counselors help people fight addiction and get their lives back on track. Their job is important because they guide people through tough times, showing them how to stay away from drugs or alcohol and live a healthier life.
They meet with people and listen to their stories, teach them new ways of dealing with problems without using substances, and support them as they make changes to better their lives.
8. Physician
Being a doctor is a way to make a big impact in your community, as everyone knows.
Depending on the specialty, they can check your health, find out what’s wrong when you’re sick, and give you the right medicine to help you feel better.
Doctors are important because they help us when we’re sick and also keep us healthy. They listen to our concerns, offer comfort, and provide treatments. This makes a big impact on many people’s lives every single day.
9. Lawyer
A lawyer’s main job is to protect the legal rights of their clients. This means giving advice based on the law and, sometimes, defending your client in court.
A lawyer might work at a large law firm, for businesses, or for everyday people with different problems. Lawyers tend to specialize in one area of law, like helping injured people, family issues, working with businesses, traffic tickets, and so on.
10. Paramedic
Paramedics are the people who arrive first when there’s a medical emergency.
Their job is to take care of people who are hurt or very sick, right there on the spot or while they’re on the way to the hospital for further treatment. They give first aid and other medical care, stay calm under pressure, and drive an ambulance if needed.
11. Firefighter
Firefighters are trained to fight fires and keep people, buildings, and nature safe. They rescue people and animals from burning buildings, help at accident scenes, and teach the public about staying safe from fires.
This is a tough job that every community needs.
12. Nutritionist
If you like helping people and love everything about food and health, think about becoming a nutritionist! A nutritionist is someone who helps people eat better and live healthier lives.
A nutritionist is a health expert who knows a lot about food and how it affects our bodies. They look at what people eat, their health goals, and make personalized plans to help them eat better. Nutritionists teach people about healthy eating, help with meal plans, and give support to make lasting changes in lifestyle.
They work in different places like schools, hospitals, or their own offices to help people be healthier through good nutrition.
13. Pediatric sleep consultant
Getting enough sleep is super important for babies and their parents. But sometimes, parents have trouble making sure their baby sleeps well.
This can lead to some parents getting nearly no sleep, and it impacts their life, their job, and their mental health.
That’s where pediatric sleep experts come in handy. They know a lot about helping kids sleep better, which helps families have better nights. If you really like working with kids and want to help them, becoming a sleep coach could be a great career option for you.
This is an area that so many parents need so that they can continue living their lives.
For me, I have taken many tips from pediatric sleep consultants so that I could help my child sleep better, and so that I in turn could get sleep as well. These were life-changing tips!
Recommended reading: How To Become A Sleep Consultant And Make $10,000 Each Month
14. Dentist
Dentists work with teeth and gums, and they help keep your mouth healthy as well as fix problems when they come up.
If you have a cavity, they can fill it. Or if you have something more serious, they can fix it too. Dentists tell you how to take care of your teeth so you can keep them strong and avoid future problems.
15. Psychologist
Psychologists help people deal with their feelings and thoughts by listening to people and understanding their problems. They work in schools, offices, and sometimes even online.
They ask questions, do tests, and figure out the best way to help people feel better.
16. Police dispatcher
Being a police dispatcher is an extremely important job that helps people in crisis.
Dispatchers have an important job in keeping communities safe and making sure everything runs smoothly. They answer emergency calls when you call 911 and send out the right help.
17. Police officer
Police officers in law enforcement keep areas safe by stopping crime and making sure laws are followed. They patrol the streets, keep an eye out for any trouble, and if someone calls for help or there’s an accident, police officers are the first to arrive.
A police officer’s work is very important for everyone’s safety. They are trained to handle many kinds of situations.
Some police officers have a degree in criminal justice, but not all have college degrees.
18. Massage therapist
Massage therapists use their skills to help relax tight muscles and ease pain. They work in many places like spas, hospitals, or sports centers.
This is a career path where you can make others feel physically better, relieve stress, and feel relaxed.
19. Speech and language therapist
Speech therapists (also known as speech-language pathologists) help people of all ages overcome difficulties with communication, as well as swallowing disorders.
Speech therapists work with children and adults who face challenges with speaking and understanding others, help those who have trouble eating or swallowing due to health issues, and create fun and engaging exercises to improve clients’ speech and language skills.
Many, many people use speech-language pathologists these days, especially for young children, and it is such a needed career path right now. Many cities have very long waitlists because there simply are not enough speech therapists, so this can be a very helpful career choice to get into.
20. Rehabilitation specialist
Rehabilitation specialists give support to those who need a little extra help due to health troubles like injuries or mental health challenges.
A day in the life of a rehabilitation specialist could include working with kids or adults, helping them with their skills to live a good life (kind of like teaching and cheering on someone as they learn or remember how to do important daily stuff).
These jobs are often found in places like hospitals, private clinics, or community centers.
21. Caregiver
Caregiving roles are very important careers that help people who really need it.
Caregivers play an important role in the lives of those who need help due to age, sickness, or disability. They provide support and company, making a real difference every day.
Caregivers do things like cook meals, drive people places, or just talk to make someone’s day brighter.
22. Home health aide
A home health aide is somewhat similar to a caregiver. Caregivers and home health aides both help people who need support with daily activities because of sickness, disability, or getting older. However, caregivers usually do a wider range of tasks like keeping people company, driving people places, cooking, and doing chores.
Home health aides focus more on personal care, such as helping with bathing, dressing, and reminding about medications. Home health aides often get formal training and might work under a nurse or another healthcare worker, while caregivers might not have formal training and often work on their own or for agencies.
Home health aides have an important job where they help people who need extra care to live comfortably in their homes. People like seniors or those with disabilities count on them to be there for them.
23. Translator
Translators connect people who speak different languages, and this job is important because they help people understand each other.
Translators work in many places. Some work in hospitals, making sure doctors and patients understand one another. Others translate books or websites, so everyone can enjoy stories or information, no matter what language they speak.
Many translation jobs let you work from home. Some jobs are full-time, and some are part-time. You can find what fits your life.
Recommended reading: 28 Ways To Get Paid To Text And Make Money
24. Environmental engineer
Environmental engineers figure out how to keep nature clean and safe. They sometimes work on projects that prevent pollution or create plans to fix damage that’s already been done, like cleaning up oil spills.
25. Pharmacist
Pharmacists know all about medicine, fill doctors’ prescriptions for patients, and explain how to take the medicine safely. This is a job that helps people because people need medicine in order to feel better.
Pharmacists work in pharmacies, drugstores, clinics, and hospitals.
26. Optometrist
Optometrists are eye doctors that help people see better. They check your eyes, find out if you need glasses or contacts, and can spot eye troubles before they become a bigger issue.
Eyes are important, of course, and so this is a job that definitely helps people.
27. Midwife
Becoming a midwife might be a great job for you if you enjoy helping people and have an interest in healthcare. Midwives are healthcare professionals who help women before, during, and after they have a baby.
Midwives work in different places, such as in a hospital, in a clinic, or visiting moms at their homes.
I had a midwife and doctor team for my pregnancy, and the midwife was amazing. She made me feel comfortable and was very friendly and calming.
28. Conservationist
Conservationists get to spend their days outdoors, helping plants and animals survive and stay healthy. They research and learn about different species and find ways for humans to live alongside them without causing harm.
The planet is home to incredible animals and places, but some are at risk. Conservationists help protect these natural wonders and make sure there are plenty of wild areas for animals to thrive in. They also work to keep the air and water clean for everyone to enjoy.
29. Dental hygienist
Dental hygienists are important in preventing and treating oral diseases. It’s more than just cleaning teeth.
They also teach patients how to take care of their mouth, show them the right way to brush and floss, and help them understand why oral health is so important.
30. Blogger
Okay, so I realize that this option is not like any of the rest.
But, I have personally helped thousands of people over the years with my blog, so I think being a blogger definitely helps people. I have received many emails and letters from readers who have said that I helped them pay off their debt, stop living paycheck to paycheck, reach retirement, and more.
With a blog, you can help people understand different topics, learn actionable tips, get motivated to reach their goals, and more.
If you enjoy writing and sharing stories or expertise, becoming a blogger might be right up your alley. A blogger creates content for a blog, which is an online space for posting thoughts, knowledge, and insights.
Your blog can become a helpful resource on topics you’re passionate about. Whether it’s cooking, personal finance, or even traveling, your words could be valuable to someone else.
I started Making Sense of Cents back in 2011. Since then, my blog has made over $5,000,000.
I didn’t plan to make money when I started the blog. It was just a way for me to keep track of my own money journey. At first, I didn’t even know people could make money from blogging or how to make a successful blog!
But after only six months, I started earning money from my blog.
You can learn how to start a blog with my free How To Start a Blog Course (sign up by clicking here).
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about how to find jobs that help people.
What is the best career to help others?
The best careers to help others include becoming a social worker, teacher, nurse, therapist, counselor, and firefighter.
What job helps people with their money?
Financial planners or advisors help people manage their money effectively. They provide advice on investments, savings, and budgeting to help individuals achieve their financial goals and secure their future financial stability.
What job can I do to make people happy?
Many of the jobs above can help people become happy, such as being a teacher, personal trainer, school counselor, nutritionist, pediatric sleep consultant, psychologist, and massage therapist.
What are some jobs that help people’s mental health?
Mental health counselors and therapists give support and treatment to people dealing with mental illnesses. They play an important part in improving their clients’ emotional and psychological well-being.
What are some creative jobs that help others?
Art therapists help people deal with stress, trauma, or sickness by using creative activities. They combine the healing power of art with counseling techniques to support healing and personal development.
What are jobs that help people in crisis?
Jobs that help people in crisis include substance abuse counselors, social workers, registered nurses, and art therapists.
What are jobs helping others without a degree?
A bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or doctoral degree is not required for all jobs that help people. For example, home health aides and personal care aides help people with daily tasks and give companionship. Typically, formal education is not required, but training and a caring personality are important to actually help people.
Best Jobs That Help People – Summary
I hope you enjoyed this article on the best jobs that help people.
When you think about jobs that help others, you might think of social work or healthcare right away.
But there’s a wide range of options, including jobs in teaching, therapy, public service, and even technical fields like translation or environmental engineering.
Each of these jobs is important for making our community better and healthier, often by working directly with people to make their lives better. These roles give more than just a paycheck – they give you the satisfaction of knowing that your work helps people outside of the office too.
What do you think are the best jobs that help people and pay well?
MILWAUKEE, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Northwestern Mutual today announced that 195 of its advisors have been recognized on the Forbes Top Wealth Advisors and Best-in-State lists, affirming their position as leading experts in the industry. “Our elite advisors are helping to build brighter financial futures for millions of Americans,” said John Roberts, Chief Distribution Officer … [Read more…]
A 20-year-old worker has a 1 in 4 chance of becoming disabled before reaching retirement age, according to the Social Security Administration.
Insurance can provide valuable financial protection against loss of income while you’re disabled.
One option is purchasing life insurance with a disability income rider. A disability income rider is a life insurance add-on that provides you with a monthly benefit if you become disabled. Usually, the monthly benefit is a specified percentage of your policy’s face amount. For example, if you have a $250,000 life insurance policy with a disability income benefit of 1%, you could receive $2,500 a month if you meet your insurer’s criteria for disability.
If you’re diagnosed with a qualifying disability, you’ll typically have a waiting period (sometimes referred to as an elimination period) before you can claim the disability income benefit. For example, if your policy rider has a 90-day elimination period and you’re severely injured in a car accident, you would need to wait 90 days before you would start receiving payments. Some policies will pay benefits for a limited period only, such as 24 months.
If you purchase a disability income rider, it’s important to know how your policy defines disability, as the definition varies by insurer and can be different for two policies with the same insurance company. You may be ineligible for this life insurance rider if you work in a high-risk occupation, like law enforcement, firefighting or public utilities.
An alternative to a life insurance disability income rider is a stand-alone disability policy. Many employers offer disability insurance as a benefit. You can also purchase an individual disability policy if your workplace doesn’t offer coverage or if you want to supplement an existing policy.
Learn more about disability income and life insurance
Americans Believe They Will Need $1.46 Million to Retire Comfortably According to Northwestern Mutual 2024 Planning & Progress Study People’s ‘magic number’ for retirement rises faster than inflation, jumping 15% in just a year and a whopping 53% since 2020; while retirement savings falls to $88K The ‘Silver Tsunami’ is here: 11,000 Americans will turn 65 … [Read more…]
The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, act as legal, financial or credit advice. See Lexington Law’s editorial disclosure for more information.
Try to pay your credit card bill on or before the due date as often as possible. The due date is usually 20 to 25 days after your billing cycle ends.
Paying your credit card early can improve your credit. After your statement closes, your credit card issuer reports your balance to the main three credit bureaus (Equifax®, Experian® and TransUnion®). Paying your bill early lowers your overall balance, so the bureaus will see you using less credit in total.
If you’re wondering, “When should I pay my credit card bill?” know that it’s always best to pay as early as possible. According to the FICO® credit scoring model, credit utilization makes up 30 percent of your score. We’ll explain the factors that affect credit in more detail below and answer common questions about when to pay off your balances.
Key takeaways:
Making at least the minimum payment is good for your credit health.
Payment history and credit utilization make up 65 percent of your FICO credit score together.
Credit card grace periods usually last up to 25 days after a billing cycle ends.
Table of contents:
Why should I pay my credit card early?
To understand how paying a bill early could raise your score, you need to understand what factors affect your score and how your credit issuer reports to the credit bureaus.
The Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO) uses a unique credit scoring system to issue a FICO credit score to every individual. FICO scores consist of the following five categories:
Payment history makes up around 35 percent of your score. Late payments can negatively affect your score, so paying your bill on time or early can help improve it.
Credit utilization accounts for 30 percent of your score and represents how much of your available credit you’re currently using. You should aim to use 1/3 of your credit or less (e.g., if you have a total credit limit of $9,000, try to keep your balance below $3,000.)
Age of credit reflects your total credit history, and it makes up roughly 15 percent of your score. Your oldest accounts will influence this factor the most.
Credit mix measures the variety of open credit accounts you have, and it makes up 10 percent of your score. Having several cards and an auto loan or mortgage can help.
New credit makes up the last 10 percent of your score, and it considers your applications for new lines of credit.
After your monthly statement is issued with your balance, you have a grace period before the payment is due—ranging from 21 to 25 days. During that time, your credit card provider will report your balance to the credit bureaus. If you pay your balance before your statement closes, the total listed balance will be lower. Moreover, credit bureaus will see your overall utilization as lower, which could increase your score.
However, paying your credit card bill early may work differently if your card has a balance each month. Instead of paying your next statement early, you’re making an extra payment on your balance. Therefore, you’ll likely still need to pay the minimum amount on your next statement, or your payment could be considered late.
Is it bad to pay off a credit card early?
It is never bad to pay your credit card bill early, but the benefits you receive from doing so may vary depending on your circumstances. For example, if you carry a balance on your credit card every month, you may need to adjust how you handle early payments.
It’s also important to separate facts from credit myths when planning out your debt repayment strategy.
If you do carry a balance on your card each month, keep the following in mind:
Your early payment may not count as your minimum payment. If you have a balance from a previous month, your early payment will count as an extra payment on your outstanding balance.
You may not save money on interest and fees by making an early payment. For example, if you’re charged based on your average daily balance, simply paying at the end of the month may not help much.
All that said, it’s still usually a good idea to pay down your credit card debt if you have the funds available to do so. When considering how to build credit, remember that consistent, timely payments can help you eliminate debt and qualify you for better loans and cards.
When is the best time to pay your credit card?
The best time to pay your credit card bill is before the payment is late. While you may benefit from paying your bill early, you’ll definitely see negative effects if you pay your bill late.
Paying early keeps your payment history intact and may help lower your overall utilization, while paying your bill more than 30 days late will likely lead to a negative item on your credit report. And if you neglect to pay long enough, your account could get sent to collections.
If you do start paying your credit card bill early, begin checking your credit report regularly to see how your balance is being reported to the credit bureaus. Over time, you should see your utilization drop and your credit improve.
Understand your credit with Lexington Law Firm
While sifting through your credit report, look for inaccurate information like fraudulent accounts, incorrect negative items or factual mistakes. Any of these inaccurate items could be hurting your credit, but you can challenge them with the right credit repair services.
Lexington Law Firm helps clients repair and monitor their credit. Learn more about our services, which can help you address incorrect marks on your credit report. Start by taking our free credit assessment today.
Note: Articles have only been reviewed by the indicated attorney, not written by them. The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, act as legal, financial or credit advice; instead, it is for general informational purposes only. Use of, and access to, this website or any of the links or resources contained within the site do not create an attorney-client or fiduciary relationship between the reader, user, or browser and website owner, authors, reviewers, contributors, contributing firms, or their respective agents or employers.
Reviewed By
Sarah Raja
Associate Attorney
Sarah Raja was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona.
In 2010 she earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Arizona State University. Sarah then clerked at personal injury firm while she studied for the Law School Admissions Test. In 2016, Sarah graduated from Arizona Summit Law School with a Juris Doctor degree. While in law school Sarah had a passion for mediation and participated in the school’s mediation clinic and mediated cases for the Phoenix Justice Courts. Prior to joining Lexington Law Firm, Sarah practiced in the areas of real property law, HOA law, family law, and disability law in the State of Arizona. In 2020, Sarah opened her own mediation firm with her business partner, where they specialize in assisting couples through divorce in a communicative and civilized manner. In her spare time, Sarah enjoys spending time with family and friends, practicing yoga, and traveling.
Jennifer Updike and Lewis Fredette, of Auburn, New York, got engaged in December 2023. The couple, who are both on the autism spectrum, look forward to moving in together soon and tying the knot in a religious ceremony.
But because they both receive Supplemental Security Income — commonly referred to as SSI — they’ll lose about $300 in combined income monthly if they get married due to the resource limits that the National Council on Disability calls the “marriage penalty.” SSI resource limits would also restrict them from having more than $3,000 in combined savings, $1,000 less than they could have individually. They’re staying engaged indefinitely.
“Our entire decision [to get married] was based upon whether or not we would lose money and how much we would lose,” Fredette says.
“We wouldn’t have been able to support ourselves with that much money lost,” Updike adds.
Updike and Fredette aren’t alone. The Social Security Administration reported over 6.5 million SSI recipients over the age of 18 in 2022, the most recent data available. And a 2021 report of U.S. Census Bureau data from 2017 found that most working-age SSI recipients weren’t married or had never been married, a stark difference from nonrecipient working-age adults.
Though the Social Security Administration, also called the SSA, disincentivizes low-income and disabled couples from getting married, there are ways to tie the knot while minimizing losses.
Why SSI has limits for married couples
“SSI is a needs-based program; It’s very similar to welfare,” says Steven R. Dolson, an attorney specializing in Social Security disability benefits at The Law Offices of Steven R. Dolson PLLC in Syracuse, New York. It differs from Social Security Disability Insurance, also called SSDI, which requires enough work history to pay a monthly benefit to people with disabilities who have lost their ability to work.
SSI doesn’t need a work history; it’s for people with disabilities who have little to no income or resources. But that’s not to say these benefits are easy to get.
“Social Security is trying to get people off the rolls constantly,” Dolson says. “The theory is to give the minimum amount to sustain them on a day-to-day basis.”
The program rules assume that married couples need less per person because they share expenses such as housing and transportation.
Know the limitations
Though you can get married and still collect SSI, there are a few considerations.
First, getting approved for SSI benefits automatically makes you eligible for Medicaid, the national public health care program. “If you exceed the [SSI] resource or income limits, that can knock you off your insurance,” Dolson says. “This can have a devastating effect on somebody who’s on SSI.”
Second, the SSA may count you as married if you act married — even if you’re not. The SSA considers a couple “holding out as married” if they share a last name, refer to each other as spouses, file taxes jointly or own a home together. “Holding out” typically applies only in states that recognize common-law marriages, but for SSI specifically, the SSA says it can investigate how a couple presents themselves and change their benefits accordingly in any state.
Maximize your exemptions
According to the SSA, “resources” are anything that can readily be turned into cash, including money in a bank account, personal property and vehicles.
However, some exceptions don’t count toward the limit: the home you live in and the land it’s on, your household vehicle, household goods and things like wedding rings, burial plots, burial funds up to $1,500 and life insurance policies up to $1,500.
The SSA also allows exemptions of “property essential to self-support,” which is property, equipment and supplies — including buildings and vehicles — necessary for a trade, business or job. For people with disabilities, this also includes transportation services, medical devices, service animals and mobility aids.
You can also receive exempted funds through a supplemental (special) needs trust. With this type of trust, you or a third party can create an account to pay for most expenses (except food and shelter) without jeopardizing needs-based government benefits.
Take advantage of savings programs
The SSA also allows SSI recipients to extend their resource limits with savings plans. You can set funds aside for a Plan to Achieve Self-Support, a written plan for a work goal, which won’t count toward SSI eligibility.
Still, there are challenges
For many married SSI recipients, it’s still a struggle to make ends meet.
“I just wish more people were aware that [the resource limit] exists, because it’s not talked about enough,” Fredette says.
This article was written by NerdWallet and was originally published by The Associated Press.
It is possible to get a home loan while on maternity leave. The process may involve your lender verifying your “temporary leave income,” if any; your regular income; and your agreed-upon date of return. Anyone on a standard temporary leave is considered employed, whether the absence is paid or unpaid.
Read on to learn more about buying a home while pregnant and how this will impact your ability to get a mortgage.
Buying a House While Pregnant
Hey, why not take on two of the biggest life stressors at once? Sometimes it just happens this way, with parents preparing for a baby and a new home and mortgage.
First, consider if you can wait a bit to buy a home. It may lead to less stress overall during the pregnancy. Plus, the added pressure of a deadline may lead to hasty decision-making that buyers could regret.
And unless an employer is covering moving expenses, add that sizable cost to all the rest.
But if the move can’t be avoided because of a job relocation or other circumstances, it may be important to find a home before the baby arrives. Which does have a silver lining: Saving for a down payment could interfere with goals like saving for a child’s college tuition.
Another possible benefit to buying a house while pregnant is that the relocation could lead to a better school district or area to raise a child.
Ultimately, the decision to buy a house while pregnant is personal. 💡 Quick Tip: Want the comforts of home and to feel comfortable with your home loan? SoFi has a simple online application and a team dedicated to closing your loan on time. No surprise SoFi has been named a Top Online Lender in 2024 by LendingTree/Newsweek.
What Is the FMLA?
The Family and Medical Leave Act, or FMLA, gives eligible employees job protection and up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave a year in the event of:
• Childbirth
• Adoption or foster child care
• Care for a spouse, child, or parent with a serious health condition
• A personal serious health condition
• Qualifying exigencies arising from covered active duty or “call to covered active duty status”
The FMLA guarantees that the employee can return to their job or an equivalent one and that they’ll receive health care benefits during their leave.
Employees are eligible if they work for a company that has 50 or more staffers and have completed at least 1,250 hours of work in the previous year.
In addition to the FMLA’s 12 unpaid weeks off, more and more states are enacting paid family leave laws. Currently, 13 states plus the District of Columbia have made this mandatory. And your employer may cover your pregnancy, childbirth, and recovery thanks to short-term disability insurance. Your benefit would be a percentage of your normal earnings.
Recommended: How Much Does it Cost to Adopt a Child?
How Maternity Leave Impacts a Mortgage
Before diving into the nuances of maternity leave and its impact on qualifying for a mortgage, here’s a quick refresher course on the home-buying process.
Mortgage approval from a lender primarily hinges on two factors:
• Creditworthiness. How likely is the borrower to pay back the loan, based on their credit history?
• Ability to pay. Does the borrower generate enough income, and have a certain debt-to-income ratio, to make the monthly mortgage payments?
The lender may contact an employer to verify a borrower’s employment status and income.
Why could getting loans for pregnant women prove a challenge? Income. Consider these points:
• As long as the lender can verify that the borrower is employed — and remember, someone on temporary leave is considered employed — and generates enough income to cover the mortgage, that could be enough.
• Expectant borrowers aren’t legally required to disclose their pregnancy to a lender. However, the employer can tell the lender about impending maternity leave when they call to verify employment status.
• If a borrower is going on unpaid leave, they may need to disclose it to the lender. That’s because the period without pay may qualify as a financial hardship, which a borrower is required to inform a lender of.
• The lender can’t assume the mother-to-be won’t return to work after maternity leave. Lenders consider that the mother will return to work after maternity leave and continue bringing home paychecks.
• Before approval, the lender will ask the borrower for written notice of her intent to return to work, and may ask for an expected return date.
• The mortgage lender may request a tax slip from the last calendar year if the borrower is a salaried employee.
• A lender may approve the mortgage if your employer verifies in writing that you will return to your previous position or a similar one after your maternity leave. The lender will also consider the timing of the first payment.
• If the borrower will have returned to work when the first mortgage payment is due, the lender can consider regular income in qualifying for the mortgage.
• If the borrower will return to work after the first mortgage payment due date, the lender must use the borrower’s temporary leave income (if any) or regular employment income, whichever is less, and then may add available liquid financial reserves.
• VA loans don’t count temporary leave income towards qualifying for a mortgage, however.
💡 Quick Tip: Want the comforts of home and to feel comfortable with your home loan? SoFi has a simple online application and a team dedicated to closing your loan on time. No surprise SoFi has been named a Top Online Lender in 2024 by LendingTree/Newsweek.
Should I Buy a Home While on Maternity Leave?
For those who qualify for a mortgage while on maternity leave, the question may be, “Should I buy a house while on maternity leave?” not “Can I buy a house while on maternity leave?”
As mentioned, moving can be an incredibly stressful process, pregnancy or no pregnancy. And even if you made a budget for a baby, life has a way of throwing in surprises.
Homeownership can also come with financial surprises. The majority of homeowners reported paying for an unexpected repair within the first year.
Having a child and buying a home both require saving some significant cash. By budgeting, doing the two simultaneously is possible. So it’s your call. Not taking the double plunge could give you time to review what you need to buy a house.
Recommended: First-Time Homebuyers Guide
Home Loans With SoFi
Pregnancy is not a legal limiting factor in a mortgage lender’s eyes, but getting a home loan while on maternity leave will depend on your income, savings, work return date, and credit history.
Whether you’re on a temporary leave or not, it can be worthwhile to take a look at your home loan options.
Looking for an affordable option for a home mortgage loan? SoFi can help: We offer low down payments (as little as 3% – 5%*) with our competitive and flexible home mortgage loans. Plus, applying is extra convenient: It’s online, with access to one-on-one help.
SoFi Mortgages: simple, smart, and so affordable.
FAQ
Does being on maternity leave affect getting a mortgage?
It can, but only in the sense that maternity leave can affect a homebuyer’s reported income. If buyers anticipate an unpaid maternity leave, they may need a sizable savings account.
Should you buy a home on maternity leave?
Buying a home while on maternity leave depends on your family’s needs and finances. But moving can be stressful, and adding infant care can be a lot to handle.
Who does FMLA cover?
The Family and Medical Leave Act provides 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year for eligible employees in the case of the birth or adoption of a child or placement of a foster child, and for other reasons.
Photo credit: iStock/FatCamera
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