The latest weekly survey data from Freddie Mac shows the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage jumped 40 basis points to an average of 6.70% this week, the highest level since 2007.
The survey also indicates a large dispersion in rates, meaning that homebuyers can save hundreds of dollars by shopping around with different lenders.
A year ago at this time, rates averaged 3.01%. “The uncertainty and volatility in financial markets is heavily impacting mortgage rates,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. The index compiles only purchase mortgage rates reported by lenders during the past three days.
Inflation rose more than expected in August as rising shelter and food costs offset a drop in gas prices. Consequently, the Federal Reserve increased the federal funds rate by 75 basis points at its Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting in September.
Another 125 basis points in hikes are still to come in 2022, with a federal funds rate topping out well above 4%.
Treasury yields show higher rates in the short term, signaling a recession on the horizon. The 2-year note, most closely tied to the Fed’s interest rate moves, increased five bps to 4.07% on Wednesday from the prior week. The 10-year note went from 3.51% to 3.72% in the same period.
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On HousingWire’s Mortgage Rates Center, Black Knight’s Optimal Blue OBMMI pricing engine measured the 30-year conforming mortgage rate at 6.643% on Wednesday, up from 6.124% the previous week. Meanwhile, the 30-year fixed-rate jumbo was at 6.294% Wednesday, up from 5.821% the week prior.
An LO in the Miami, Florida area told HousingWire that on a $400,000 home purchase, with 5% down, a 700 FICO score, his clients are being quoted 7% for conventional loans and 6.125% on FHA and VA mortgages.
“This will be a time of changes,” he said. “Many LOs will leave the industry (especially the ones that only do refis and only sell interest rates), others will move probably from retail to wholesale. Lenders will close and some others will need to merge because of the new liquidity regulations that are coming in 2023.”
Pressure on demand
Pressure on rates has sharply reduced demand for mortgage loans, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA).
The market composite index, a measure of mortgage loan application volume, declined 3.7% for the week ending Sep. 23. The refinance index had a 11% decline from the previous week, and the purchase index was marginally down 0.4%.
According to Freddie Mac, the 15-year fixed-rate purchase mortgage averaged 6.52%, up from last week’s 6.25%. Jumbo mortgage loans (greater than $647,200) increased to 6.01% from 5.79% in the same period.
“Our survey indicates that the range of weekly rate quotes for the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has more than doubled over the last year,” Khater said. “This means that for the typical mortgage amount, a borrower who locked-in at the higher end of the range would pay several hundred dollars more than a borrower who locked-in at the lower end of the range.”
To convince borrowers to take out a mortgage loan, some loan officers and lenders are highlighting how home prices are more affordable now than last year – and the ability of a borrower to refinance the loan when rates decline again.
“There is more inventory relative to demand, and deals can be found. It’s transitioning to a buyers’ market, as 20% of sellers had a price reduction in August 2022, compared with 11% a year ago,” said Rich Weidel, CEO at Princeton Mortgage. “It’s now possible to buy a home for $400,000 that would have sold for $500,000 in 2021.”
According to Weidel, if a prospective borrower bought that house in 2021 for $500,000 and put 20% down, the principal and interest, with rates at 3%, would be $1,686. Today, if the house could be bought at $400,000 and the interest rate was 7%, the payment would be $2,129.
The homebuyer will pay more $5,316 per year due to the difference in rates, but would save $100,000 buying the house today compared to last year.
“Eventually, rates will come back down, and you can refinance the rate,” Weidell said. “If rates stay at 7%, it would take 18 years for the higher payment of $5,316 per year to chew up the $100,000 you saved buying the house.”
Still, home prices aren’t falling so dramatically in most markets. Not yet anyway.
“Some buyers are giving low ball offers in the hope of having their offers accepted,” one mortgage broker/owner in Southern California told HousingWire. “Still the seller’s motivation is the key factor for whether to drop the price or not. The other issue is that many Realtors are still dreaming about having buyers fight over the properties and use that as a point of sale – but whether they succeed or not, that’s another question.”
Inside: Learn why appreciation matters and how to express it in a more meaningful way. Also, find ways and gifs to say I appreciate you. We appreciate you.
Have you ever been told how much or many things someone has done for you, but it just felt like the person was trying to get something from you?
I know I have.
In a perfect world, we would all be appreciative of what others do for us and those who care about us in our lives. We should never forget that there are people out there doing the best they can with their time and energy (not always easy) because they love us unconditionally.
When you say thank you, it means the world.
People are quick to forget how important people in our lives really are and don’t appreciate them enough. But all that changes when we show appreciation for others; not only do they feel appreciated, but their lives start to revolve around us even more!
In fact, giving thanks and showing appreciation will make you happier (source).
So, how exactly do you say I appreciate you and truly mean it.
What is appreciation?
Appreciation is a feeling of gratefulness for what has been received.
It can be directed towards people, things, or events. When we feel appreciated, it fills us with warmth and happiness. We may find that our attitude and outlook on life become more positive as a result.
The meaning behind the words is powerful.
Why is appreciation important?
There are many reasons why appreciation matters.
For one, it makes the person who is being appreciated feel special and valued. It also helps to build closer relationships between people. When we’re appreciated for our efforts, we’re more likely to try harder next time and to be motivated to do our best.
Furthermore, appreciation can help to smooth over any misunderstandings or hurt feelings that may have arisen previously.
We need to let people know when we do things wrong and apologize for it–and we also need to express our gratitude for the good things they do.
Most importantly, appreciating others makes the world a better place!
There are many reasons why appreciation matters, including the following:
It makes people feel good about themselves and appreciated.
It strengthens relationships.
It motivates people to do more.
It helps people feel more secure in their jobs.
It increases loyalty and commitment to the organization.
It encourages people to go above and beyond the call of duty.
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What are some ways to show appreciation?
There are many ways to show appreciation, and you can choose what type of appreciation best suits the person.
Expressing gratitude is important because it lets someone know how much they mean to you.
A thank you note is the most common form of appreciation. Other popular examples of ways to show appreciation include hugs, small gifts, or flowers.
Any act of service is also a good way to show appreciation.
How can appreciation improve our relationships?
When we appreciate someone, it makes them feel good. It shows that we care about them and that we value their presence in our lives. When we take the time to express our gratitude in a thoughtful way, it can really brighten someone’s day and make them feel special.
There are many ways to show appreciation, but some of our favorite methods include sending small gifts, expressing interest in what the other person is saying or doing, and simply asking the recipient what they would like most.
No matter how you choose to do it, being appreciative is a great way to improve any relationship!
A small gesture can go a long way.
In fact, expressing gratitude will improve your relationship.
Ways to Say I Appreciate You
There are many ways to show appreciation for someone, and it often depends on your relationship with that person.
Tell them you appreciate something they did or said.
Here are ways you can verbally say I appreciate you:
“Thank you.”
“Thank you so much.”
“You really came through for me and helped me out.”
“I am so grateful for you.”
“You don’t know what this means to me.”
“I appreciate you taking the time for me.”
“You are so generous.”
“You are so thoughtful.”
“You are amazing.”
“Wow, I am speechless.”
There are thousands of ways to say “I appreciate you.” The key is in your delivery of the message. Non-verbal communication is more important than the words that come out of your mouth.
Here are some other popular ideas to show you appreciate someone:
Write a heartfelt letter (or email) expressing your gratitude.
Thank people in person.
Give them a pat on the back or high five.
Bear hugs are always loved!
Make a donation in their name to a charity they support.
Organize and participate in an activity they love, such as a picnic or game night.
Create or contribute to an online tribute or memory book.
Put together a photo album of cherished memories.
Invite them to lunch and listen closely to what they say.
Give them an unexpected gift, such as a book, a favorite candy bar, or flowers.
Give them their favorite food as a treat.
If someone does something extra for you, thank them and show appreciation.
Saying “thank you” is a small gesture that can have a big impact. It costs nothing but it conveys a lot of appreciation and respect.
How can we show appreciation to our family and friends?
Showing appreciation to our loved ones is one of the most important things we can do as humans. Fortunately, there are many ways to show gratitude, both big and small.
Here are a few examples:
Say thank you! A simple “thank you” goes a long way.
Write a thank you card. This is a more personal way of showing your appreciation. Use this list of reasons I love you.
Bring flowers. Flowers brighten up any space and bring a sense of hope and peace.
Cook or clean for someone who needs it. This act of service often leads to a positive response from the recipient, making both parties happy in the end.
Run errands. Additionally, small gestures like helping someone out with errands can also relieve some stress.
Take care of children/elderly parents. This is an easy way to help someone out and say thanks.
Encourage them FI. Many people are confused about financial freedom. Show them how to FI.
Share appreciation quotes on social media or in conversation. There are lots of great quotes out there about being grateful, so find ones that resonate with you and share them with your friends and family.
Talk about a time when someone showed you appreciation in a meaningful way. When we take the time to reflect on moments where we felt appreciated, it makes those moments even more powerful.
Our community is our friends and family. These are the people that will be with you through thick and thin. So, make sure to show appreciation to them the most and the most often!
How can we show appreciation at work?
There are many ways to show appreciation at work with your co-workers. Some people might prefer words of gratitude, while others may appreciate a gesture or gift.
No matter what someone’s preference is, there are plenty of ways to show appreciation in the workplace.
One way to express gratitude is through different actions that include words, gestures, and gifts. Here are some work-specific examples:
Say “thank you.” Words are powerful
Write a thank-you note or email. Simple and great way to show your appreciation.
Bring up the appreciation during a meeting. Another way to acknowledge someone’s hard work is by simply acknowledging it–for example, if a co-worker does something for you, say “thank you.”
Send a Gem Award. Many companies offer small bonuses to recognize other employees for a job well done. Nominate them.
Motivate with Quotes. Take one of the millionaire quotes to show appreciation and keep everyone motivated.
These small acts help increase team velocity and morale, making the workplace more pleasant for everyone involved.
How can we show appreciation to our employees?
Showing appreciation for employees is a great way to build a positive work environment and express your gratitude. It also helps keep morale high and lets employees know that they are valued members of the team.
However, it’s important not to take your employees for granted–be there when they need you and do something special every once in a while to show how much you care!
Make it clear that you value their contributions.
Give them a shout-out in front of the group.
Tell them you appreciate their hard work and dedication.
Find ways to give employees more responsibility and autonomy at work.
When you have a meeting, ask people to say one thing they like about other employees.
Show them the importance of becoming financially independent.
Thank people for doing a good job on a project or task by giving them more challenging opportunities to grow in the future.
Tell them how their work has made a difference in your life.
If you have to criticize, do it privately and only if necessary.
Make sure they know you are there to support them.
In the workplace, giving gifts can be misconstrued so make sure you focus on being a supportive leader and boss. Also, you can always bring in lunch or breakfast for the whole team.
By showing appreciation to your employees, you will cut down on those good excuses to miss work.
I appreciate you in Spanish
As I’ve mentioned before, each language has different ways of showing gratitude. In Spanish, there are a few phrases that are commonly used to say “thank you.” Some of these common phrases include “gracias,” or “muchas gracias;” which mean “thank you” or “thank you very much.”
It is important to use the right phrase depending on the situation and who you are speaking to.
To say I appreciate you in Spanish, you would say:
te aprecio
If you wanted to really express your gratitude even more and say, “I appreciate you very much.”
te aprecio muchísimo
Learning another language is a great skill. In fact, many people have had great success with Rosetta Stone.
How to Respond to I Appreciate You or We Appreciate you
Acknowledge the person when they do something nice for you–even if it’s just picking up some milk from the store on their way home from work. Touching base regularly allows both parties to feel appreciated and strengthens the relationship over time.
It is important to give a thank you back when someone does something nice. It is also important to acknowledge their work and show that it’s appreciated. When receiving gestures such as this, it’s important to show appreciation by saying “I appreciate you” in return.
Does I appreciate you mean I love you?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the meaning of “I appreciate you” can vary depending on the context.
However, in general, saying “I appreciate you” usually means that you are grateful for that person and what they have done for you. It can also be seen as a sign of appreciation and respect.
Saying “I appreciate you” can be a difficult thing for some people. It might feel like they are saying “I love you” and that can be a scary prospect for some.
However, appreciation is an incredibly important emotion and it should not be withheld.
There are many ways to show appreciation, including, but not limited to, verbal compliments, thoughtful gifts, and kind deeds.
For those in a close relationship, “I appreciate you” could also mean “I love you.”
I Appreciate You Gifts
Many people turn to gifts to say I appreciate you.
It is the easiest way to say thank you.
The whole world wants to tell their recipient that they appreciate them.
These I appreciate you gifts are perfect for any person in your life!
Here are the best gifts to show a recipient you appreciate them:
These are for the husbands, boyfriends, and significant others – specifically written for the guys in mind.
Perfect gifts to say I appreciate you to all of the women in your life!
I Appreciate you GIF
Okay, I will be honest with you! Personally, I love using GIFs! Like. all. the. time.
I find them some of my favorite ways to express what I truly mean. We live in a digital world, so you might as well explore my top 10 favorites I appreciate you gifs.
Also, this is where you can find them when sending a text message to others.
I Appreciate You Quotes
Being grateful is one of the most important things we can do for ourselves and for those around us. It helps us to stay positive, build strong relationships, and feel happier overall.
Here are a few of the most popular I appreciate you quotes:
“What would I do without you in my life.”
“Your thoughtfulness will always be remembered.”
“Words cannot express my feelings, nor my thanks for all your help.”
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” – JFK
“You cannot do a kindness too soon because you never know how soon it will be too late.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Never let the things you want make you forget the things you have.” – Anonymous
“Thank you for staying by my side even though I tried to push you away.”
“Thank you for accepting me as I am, with my virtues and defects.” – Jenni Rivera
“When I count my blessing, I count you twice.”
“There’s no possible way, I could ever repay, How I wish, there were more I could do, But, I thank you my friend, my friend to the end.” – Jim Thistle
Write handwritten notes expressing your gratitude by starting off with one of these I appreciate you quotes. This is the best way to show someone how much you appreciate them!
We appreciate you in our everyday lives
Showing appreciation is a key way to maintain healthy relationships with the people around us. It can be difficult to know how to show appreciation, especially if we don’t feel comfortable putting our feelings into words.
However, there are many ways to show appreciation, and it’s important to find what works best for both the giver and the recipient.
Some gestures that show appreciation are small, such as sending a thank-you card or mentioning that you appreciate something the person has done for you. Other actions can be more personal, such as touching farewell letters to colleagues who are leaving your company or those who have passed away.
And finally, there are everyday expressions of gratitude that we can all do in our lives.
Humans have an innate need to feel appreciated, and when someone hears a few words of kindness, they get an energy burst that makes them feel good.
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
My friend (and fellow Bearcat) Lisa writes: “I was just poking around on GRS (I don’t usually read) and noticed that you’d posted an entry for college graduates recently. Funny how summer rolls around and you start thinking about stuff.” She’s passed along some additional advice for those just entering the workplace.
Congratulations, you just graduated from an excellent liberal arts college!
You worked incredibly hard to complete your degree and now it’s all behind you: general education requirements, a wealth of extracurricular activities, those classes for your major and minor, perhaps a semester abroad, and a thesis and its accompanying oral defense. You’ve invested a great deal of time, effort, and money into your degree and now you’re ready to conquer the world.
Where to live? Pack up that futon and wave goodbye to your family! You find a city that suits you (say, Seattle), settle in after an age-old argument with your housemates over who gets which room, and get started on the job search.
Sure, your resumé isn’t bursting with experience (after all, how far can you stretch your meager retail and accounting clerk duties from summer jobs?), but you know you’re smart, energetic, and ambitious, not to mention the liberal arts clincher: you’ve “learned how to learn.”
You mail your resumé to a number of prospective employers, but no one calls back. You try to network, but no one knows of any available jobs. Your mother begins asking how long you’ll look before you decide to move back home. Things are bad.
What to do? The rent must be paid, not to mention the car insurance and grocery bill, even if it’s just Top Ramen. Ah, well, it appears that Queen of the Photocopier is the best title you’ll get. Your roommates are bank clerks and receptionists, and the all-you-can-eat buffet at the local pizza joint becomes a regular event in your week. (One roommate sneaks out extra slices in her pockets.) You are underestimated, frustrated, and misunderstood.
I was there, believe me. And I feel your pain. Looking back fifteen years later, here’s what I wish someone had told me…
You lack experience. Regardless of all your education and energy, you just don’t have it. And there’s no way to gain that experience without working for a while. It stinks and it’s unfair, but that’s the way it is. To really excel in a field — any field — you must be in it day after day.
Out in the world, you need to have something to show, and you often have to earn it by tedious drudgery. While you’re busy being a peon, some people will completely ignore your existence, some will assume that you aren’t capable of an intelligent thought, and some will be downright condescending and mean. It’s profoundly frustrating.
However, working for a few years as a copy clerk, a receptionist, an office boy, a customer service representative, or whatever, does not condemn you to a permanent career in that position. When I turned 25 and found myself working as a receptionist, I was profoundly depressed. I was certain that I would be stuck in that chair with a headset forever. It may take a year or two, but you certainly can transition into something else if that’s what you want.
Now, here’s what I really wish that I’d known… If the less-than-entry-level jobs are virtually unavoidable when you have just finished college, use them to your advantage. So, you have to be a receptionist/copy clerk/customer support rep for a year or so; make the most of it. Take a job in a field that interests you. Use your time to be exposed to the jargon, attitudes, and daily vibe of the field. Sure, you may have limited exposure, but every little bit counts.
While you’re answering phones, you’re also meeting people in the field who will be invaluable contacts later on.
While you’re transcribing dictation, you’re learning the terminology used in the field.
While you’re numbering legal documents, you’re seeing how a court case is supported.
For example, I worked for a few years at a law firm, a field that had never held much interest for me. I almost put myself into law school, in large part because of some experience and a glowing recommendation from a partner in the firm. (Why I didn’t go is a long story; suffice it to say that I’m glad I didn’t do it.)
Law-firm Lisa, circa 1993
Want another story? My husband applied to a number of architecture schools without much success a year or so after graduation. The following year, he worked as an office boy at an architecture firm (while working as a barista on the weekends). The combination of resources for creating a more sophisticated portfolio and references from within the field produced a completely different experience the second time he applied: he had a number of excellent choices for school.
Okay, one more that doesn’t involve graduate school. After parting ways with the law firm, I decided that I wanted to be a technical writer in high tech. My year of purgatory as a receptionist was unsurpassed in misery, but I transferred straight out of that into the job I wanted and soon thereafter into a company where everyone wanted to work.
My primary regret now is that I didn’t do those peon jobs in fields that fascinated me. Why not be a receptionist at an art museum? How about a translation company or one that did language classes? There was a world out there that I didn’t reach out and grab, and I regret it.
Now that I have job experience, my job searches are different. It is unnecessary for me to take an entry level job to get where I want to go. And my liberal arts education certainly is an excellent asset when it’s paired with experience. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
But for you, O recent college graduate, do your drudgery but make it count… Pick the field and then the job; I certainly wish that I had.
Thanks, Lisa! The recommendation to find an entry-level job in a field that interests you is spot-on. I wish I had done this, too. For more advice about starting a career, check out:
Look for a second guest-post from Lisa in mid-July.
In 1978, Don Lancaster — a computer and electronics geek — published a book called The Incredible Secret Money Machine. Though the title smacks of get-rich-quick schemes, The Incredible Secret Money Machine is really about starting and running a small business.
To Lancaster, a “money machine” is any venture that generates “nickels”. Nickels are small streams of revenue from individual customers. If your goal is simply to earn a comfortable income for yourself by doing something you love, then this book can help you explore the idea of business ownership. It’s not going to help you launch the next Google or Microsoft, though. Lancaster is all about nickels, not about dollars.
Getting Started
Lancaster says that in order to build a money machine, you must adhere to four basic beliefs. (Note that I’ve left his very-1970s language as-is.)
You have to be heavily into a technical or craft trip on a total lifestyle basis. “Your own trip has to be the absolute center of everything you do, everything you work with, and everything you believe in. Doing it has to be much more important to you than making money, more important than worrying about what people think, and more important than behaving, competing, or complying the way that other people think you should.”
You must want to stay in control. “For your money machine to work, you have to want to spend much of your time, energy, and effort improving both yourself and the general goodness of the technical or craft trip you are into.”
Your income goals should be just enough to keep going. “Getting filthy rich should be nowhere in your plans. So long as you can continue doing what you like in the direction you want to go, that’s all that should matter. The great irony of your incredible secret money machine is that the less you strive for income, the more of it will come your way, and, more importantly, the more you will be able to do with what you already have.”
Be gentle. “Your money machine should be forever small and decentralized. It should never compete head-on with others. It should complement and advance what others are doing. Your money machine’s products should genuinely help people at a fair or more-than-fair price, never being a rip-off either to suppliers or to customers.”
This isn’t the sort of advice I expect to get from a book about entrepreneurship. I expect to read grand promises, and glowing talk of profits to come. I expect money to be the object. Money isn’t the object with Lancaster. It’s one of the goals, to be sure, but it’s more important to create a “lifestyle business”, one that you enjoy and want to pursue.
Tips for Building a Money Machine
But how do you do build your own money machine? What’s the best way to start the stream of nickels? And how do you keep them coming? Though The Incredible Secret Money Machine is only 160 pages long, it’s packed with strategies and tactics for building a successful business, including:
Have as many different sources of income as possible. By this Lancaster doesn’t mean you should work multiple jobs — he means that you should have as many customers as possible. It’s better to have 1,000 people each giving you a nickel a month than it is to have one person giving you $50 a month. If that one person decides to spend $50/month elsewhere, you’re in trouble. But if even 100 people stop paying their nickel, you’ll still earn $45/month.
Have complementary sources of income. Another way to keep your cash flow strong is to operate two money machines. Many entrepreneurs I’ve known have done this. I have a friend who is a published novelist; in his spare time, he also takes on free-lance writing projects. My aunt baked wedding cakes, did catering, and was a professional photographer. My wellness coach doesn’t just counsel clients about physical fitness, but she also does stage entertainment.
Deal directly with the customer. If you write a book and publish it traditionally, for example, there’s an entire industry designed to suck the profit out of the process before you get your nickels. Instead, content yourself with fewer sales at a higher margin by dealing directly with the customer.
Work toward deferred income. “What you do for your money machine should generate nickels both today and tomorrow,” Lancaster writes.
You should work toward automatically generating yourself a long stream of future nickels that needs little or no more attention from you. This is admittedly very tricky to do, but if you can pull this off, your money machine will fly by itself, freeing you in the future to do bigger and better things.
An obvious way to generate residual income is to assure you have satisfied customers. Satisfied customers come back for more, and they tell their friends about your services.
Know the difference between cold cash, imaginary money, and megabucks. Megabucks are the big jackpots you get from writing a bestseller, from winning the lottery, from inventing the next Rubik’s Cube. Megabucks can make your rich, but the odds are basically zilch that you’ll ever find them. Imaginary money is the kind you dream about: “If I’m able to sell my Thneed to Wal-Mart, I’ll be set!” Imaginary money doesn’t exist. It’s potential money contingent on a lot of things. Lancaster encourages readers to focus on cash: “Cold cash is what you get when you supply a quality product to a known bunch of customers at a bargain price. It is the only type of income your money machine should seek.”
Separate frugality from stupidity. Know when you can cut corners to reduce costs, and know when it’s important to pay for quality. (And always be sure that you deliver quality to your customers.)
Avoid psychic energy sinks. Anything that distracts you from your purpose is a psychic energy sink. Lancaster decries television as a prominent energy sink. But he warns that debt, divorce, and anything else that produces “bad vibes” should be avoided. Stay positive. Stay focused.
These are just a few of the strategies and tactics Lancaster shares in The Incredible Secret Money Machine. You won’t find the specific details necessary to start a business here. The book doesn’t give step-by-step instructions for how to form a partnership, or how to publicize your product, etc. Instead, it’s filled with broad ideas and suggestions. Some of them are out-dated. All of them are enhanced by (or suffer from) Lancaster’s brash style.
A Real-Life Money Machine
As I was reading The Incredible Secret Money Machine, it reminded me of another book I’d read recently. In John T. Reed’s How to Write, Publish, and Sell Your Own How-To Book, the author describes his “money machine” at length (though he never calls it that).
Reed has self-published over 70 how-to books. He actively sells more than 30 of them from his web site. This gives him 30+ different sources of income.
He writes about four different subjects — real-estate investing, coaching youth sports, success, and self-publishing. This gives him four complementary audiences.
Reed deals directly with customers instead of with book distributors. This gives him many sources of nickels instead of just one or two sources of dollars.
His books give him deferred income. They keep producing income year after year.
Reed’s book business seems to embody the “money machine” philosophy. I’m glad to have read his Self-Publishing book at roughly the same time that I read Lancaster’s Money Machine — the latter provides the Big Picture, while the former looks at nuts and bolts.
Conclusion
Some of the advice in The Incredible Secret Money Machine (believe in biorhythms!) now seems quaint, 30 years after the book was published. (Lancaster produced a revision in 1991, but I haven’t read it.) The author’s “hip” language and many of his examples are outdated. But smart readers can extrapolate, and still learn a lot. You have to be able to read Lancaster’s advice on letterhead, for example, and think of it as advice for web sites.
Although Lancaster believes that you must be into your money machine on a total lifestyle basis, I’m not sure that’s true. I think you can have a part-time money machine. A full-time money machine will be more profitable, of course, but a part-time money machine is a great way to start. (Get Rich Slowly has been a part-time money machine for me, for example.)
Finding the Book
This book can be expensive and hard to find — it’s an underground classic. My county library system doesn’t have it. I bought my copy for $15 from Powell’s. Amazon currently has seven copies under $10. In theory, you can order the revised edition from the author’s web site. I’m going to give it a shot, but I’m wary — the site looks as if it hasn’t been updated in ten years. (You can take a sneak peek at the second edition in this PDF from Lancaster’s site.)
Content marketing is a strategy that focuses on the creation and sharing of blogs, newsletters, videos, podcasts and other content that is useful to a business’s target audience. Business websites, social media platforms and email are often used to share this content, either directly or through embedded links.
When done correctly, content marketing can drive results that will ultimately boost a business’s sales and revenue. Here’s what you need to know when creating your content marketing strategy and how it fits into your business’s larger marketing goals.
What is content marketing?
Content marketing is a type of online marketing that uses written text along with video and audio media to capture the interest of a target audience. To do this, the content needs to be relevant and also offer something of value to readers, viewers and listeners. Content marketing can help a business develop and support its brand, demonstrate its expertise in the industry and keep its name in front of potential customers.
Benefits of content marketing
A business may want to consider including content marketing in its overall marketing strategy as a way to help:
Increase brand awareness.
Improve rank on search engine results pages.
Drive more visitors to its website.
Build stronger customer loyalty.
Add contacts to its database.
Generate new sales leads.
Increase sales and revenue, indirectly.
Types of content marketing
Written, visual and audio materials are all generally used in a business’s marketing efforts. What makes the materials used in content marketing different from other forms of marketing is that they don’t directly promote products or services, but instead focus on providing something useful to the target audience.
Blog articles
Articles are a staple of many content marketing plans. In addition to being available on a business’s website, articles can be highlighted and shared through social media posts and emails. Choosing topics that relate to your business can help to highlight your expertise in the industry, improve rank in search engine results and differentiate you from the competition.
Newsletters
Newsletters are a strong digital marketing method that’s often coordinated with email marketing. Email campaigns can be developed with the sole purpose of sharing a business’s newsletters. Social media platforms are popular ways to highlight your newsletter and share links to it. Newsletters can also be used to grow your contact database through sign-up forms offered on your website.
Social media posts
Posts on social media platforms can be used to highlight your industry expertise through relevant quotes and thoughtful comments and observations. Sharing behind-the-scenes photos of your business and employees can help demonstrate your culture and give your audience a better understanding of your unique business. Posts can also be a way to share links to new blogs, newsletters, videos and other types of content marketing.
Videos
Content marketing videos can be created to demonstrate products, provide step-by-step instructions and offer expert interviews, among other things. They can be as short as 15 to 30 seconds or run for a number of minutes. Checking a platform’s recommendations can help you choose an appropriate length. In addition to being posted on video-sharing sites, videos can be shared through other social media posts, email, newsletters and on your website.
Email
Emails can provide relevant industry news and other information that would be of interest to your target audience — in addition to introducing and providing links to other content such as newsletters, videos, surveys and e-books. When using email for content marketing, common call-to-actions such as “buy now”, “purchase here” and “order now” will typically be replaced with text such as “learn more,” “share” and “join.”
Infographics and other types of written content
Infographics, a visual representation of information and data, can grab your audience’s attention and are easy to share. Surveys, quizzes, checklists, games, calculators and tools are just some of the other types of written materials that can be created to share in content marketing — as long as they have value to your target audience and relate to your business.
White papers, e-books and presentations
White papers, e-books and presentations offer more in-depth content that can help establish the industry expertise of your business. They are often used to educate the audience on a particular topic and may be especially appealing to your ideal customer. It’s common to offer these materials free in exchange for the readers’ contact information. They can be shared through social media posts, emails and your website.
Podcasts
Podcasts, another type of content that can be used to demonstrate your expertise, can also help build brand loyalty, increase traffic to your website and add contacts to your database. Picking important topics that offer a learning experience for your audience can help establish you as a thought leader. Good audio quality is important when using this type of content, and your podcasting schedule can be shared through social media, email and other channels.
Webinars
Webinars can be used in ways similar to podcasts such as to raise brand awareness and generate leads for your business. However, live webinars can also provide an opportunity for you to engage directly with attendees. Again, select an interesting topic for your webinar that will offer a learning experience for your audience. Live webinars can be recorded, then shared through email, social posts and on your website.
Content marketing strategy
Focusing on the following elements can help you develop a content marketing strategy that prioritizes the needs of your audience but still falls within your marketing budget.
Goals: Keep them realistic
The primary purpose of content marketing is to attract and engage your target audience. Increased brand awareness and stronger customer loyalty are some benefits of content marketing, but they are also difficult to measure and take time to fully develop. Keep this in mind when setting goals. For example, a goal to have three videos “go viral” to build brand awareness would be difficult to measure and generally unrealistic for a business that doesn’t have a large social media presence. A more realistic and measurable goal might be to increase traffic to your website by a set percentage.
Budget: Factor in all the costs
Some types of content are more expensive to use than others once you factor in all the costs associated with creating, sharing and managing it. For example, committing to the creation of a weekly podcast and outsourcing the production would likely be quite expensive. In contrast, if you already have a writer on staff and an email marketing platform to engage your audience, creating a blog article can be a relatively inexpensive way to increase your outreach.
Audience: Review your target audience
Review the characteristics of your target audience and use the information to guide the types of content you want to create and your selection of channels for sharing. When your customers are primarily other business owners, for example, you might use email to share links to webinars, white papers and presentations. Or, if your target audience is predominantly young, then you may want to share links to infographics, surveys and quizzes through social media posts.
Content: Focus on quality
Engaging content is important to a successful marketing strategy. Prioritizing quality over quantity can lead to better results. Keep this in mind when determining what to create and how frequently. Marketing software with features such as artificial intelligence writing assistants, prebuilt templates and digital design tools can help you create content. If you choose to use these tools, include the additional cost in your budget.
Tracking: Identify key metrics
Some of your goals may not be tied to metrics, but you do want to track the success of your efforts where possible. Increased website traffic, higher search rankings for keywords associated with your business and a growing contact database can confirm the effectiveness of your efforts.
Google Analytics, social media platform tools and other marketing tools can help you track key metrics and identify successes that you may want to replicate in the future. For example, if an infographic shared on social media received a high number of likes, then creating additional infographics might also be well received.
Tips when creating content
Here are some tips that can be helpful when creating content for your marketing efforts.
Stay true to your brand
Your brand is composed of a number of elements, and the content you create should reflect those elements. Following your brand guidelines as far as colors, fonts, imagery and logos helps in building and maintaining a brand. Your brand voice, the language and personality used in communications, also needs to be clear and consistent in content and other marketing assets.
Keep it relevant, useful and authentic
Content that has value to your target audience is vital to successful content marketing efforts. Selecting topics that are relevant to your target audience gives you the opportunity to provide information they can use. Because content marketing is about building a relationship with your audience, steer clear of content that directly promotes sales, doesn’t deliver on its promise and isn’t helpful to your audience.
Customize your content for each channel
Sharing similar content on all your social media platforms, or crossposting, can save time and help you streamline your efforts. However, making a few edits to customize the content for each channel can help keep your audience engaged. Also, make sure the post is also appropriate for the channel. For example, a post for LinkedIn may not work well on Instagram.
Fully utilize content
Crossposting is not the only way to maximize the use of content you’ve created. Direct quotes from a blog article can be included in the email and social media posts used to share it. Blog articles could be created to summarize the information in white papers and podcasts. And inspiration can be drawn from webinars and other presentations to create related infographics, quizzes and tools.
down payment. Find out how much you should budget using a home loan affordability calculator and figure out how to save the amount you need. After all, the best way to save for a house is to formulate a budget that helps you work towards your house saving goals step by step. Soon enough, you’ll be turning the key and stepping into a home you love.
Step 1: Calculate Your Down Payment and Timeline
When figuring out how to save for a house, you may already have a savings goal and deadline in mind. For instance, you may want to save 20 percent of your home loan cost by the end of the year. If you haven’t given this much thought, sit down and crunch the numbers. Ask yourself the following questions:
What is your ideal home cost?
What percentage would you like to contribute as a down payment?
What are your ideal monthly payments?
When would you like to purchase your home?
How long would you like your term mortgage to be?
Asking yourself these questions will reveal a realistic budget, timeline, and savings goal to work towards. For instance, say you want to buy a $250,000 house with a 20 percent down payment at a 30-year loan term length. You would need to save $50,000 as a down payment; at a 3.5 percent interest rate, your monthly payments would come out to be $898.
Step 2: Budget for the Extra Expenses
Just like a new rental, your home will have fees, taxes, and utilities that need to be budgeted for. Homeowners insurance, closing costs, and property taxes are a few examples of cash expenses. Not to mention, the cost of utilities, repairs, renovation work, and furniture. Here are a few more expenses you may have to save for:
Appraisal costs: Appraisals assess the home’s value and are usually ordered by your mortgage lender. They can cost anywhere from $312 to $405 for a single-family home.
Home inspection: A home inspection typically costs $279 to $399 for a single-family home. Prices vary depending on what you need inspected and how thorough you want the report to be. For instance, if you want an expert to look at your foundation, there will likely be an additional cost.
Realtor fees: In some states, the realtor fee is 5.45 percent of the home’s purchase price. Depending on the market, the seller might pay for your realtor fee. In other places, it might be more common to contract a lawyer to look over your purchase agreement, which is usually cheaper than a realtor.
Appraisal and closing costs: Appraisals assess the home’s value and are usually ordered by your mortgage lender. They can cost anywhere between $300 and $400 for a single-family home.
Step 3: Maximize Your Savings Contributions
Saving for a new home is easier said than done. To stay on track, first create a savings account that has a high yield if possible. Then, check in on your monthly savings goal to set up automatic contributions. By setting up automatic savings payments, you may treat this payment as a regular monthly expense.
In addition to saving more, spend less. Evaluate your budget to see what areas you could cut down or live without. For instance, creating your own workout studio at home could save you $200 a month on a gym class membership.
Step 4: Work Hard for a Raise
One of the best ways to boost your savings is to increase your earnings. If you already have a job you love, put in the extra time and effort to earn a raise. Learning new skills by attending in-person or virtual training seminars or learning a new language could increase your earning potential. Not only could you land a raise, but you could add these skills to your resume.
Sometimes, putting in the extra effort doesn’t always land you a raise, and that’s okay! When getting a raise is out of the question, consider looking at other opportunities. Figure out which industry suits you and your skillset and start applying. You may end up finding your dream job, along with your desired pay.
Step 5: Create More Streams of Income
Establishing different income streams could help your house savings budget. If one source of income unexpectedly goes dry, having other sources to cut the slack is helpful. You won’t have to worry about the sudden income change when paying your monthly mortgage.
For example, creating an online course as a passive income project may earn you only $5 this month. As traffic picks up, your monthly earnings could surpass your monthly income. To create an abundant financial portfolio, there are a few different ways to do so:
Create an online course: Write about something you’re passionate about and share your skills online. Sell your digital products on Etsy or Shopify to earn supplemental income.
Grow a YouTube channel: Start a YouTube channel and share your skills to help others within your industry of expertise. For instance, “How to start a YouTube channel” could be its own hit.
Invest in low-risk investments: From CD’s to money market funds, there are a few types of investments that could grow your cash with low risk.
Step 6: Pay Off Your Biggest Debts
Before taking on more debt like a mortgage, it’s important to free up your credit usage. Credit utilization is the percentage of available credit you have open compared to what you have used. If you have $200 in debt, but $1,000 available on your credit card, you’re only using 20 percent of your credit utilization. A higher credit utilization could potentially hinder your credit score over time. Not only can paying off debts feel satisfying, but it could also increase your credit score and prepare you for this next big purchase.
To pay off your debts, create an action plan. Write out all your debt accounts, how much you still owe, and their payment due dates. From there, start increasing your payments on your smallest debt. Once you pay off your smallest debt in full, you may feel more motivated to pay off your next debt account. Keep up with these good habits as you take on your mortgage account.
Step 7: Don’t Be Afraid to Ask For Help
Whether your touring homes or want help adjusting your budget, don’t hesitate to ask for help. If you’re trying to figure out what your budget should look like, research budgeting apps like Mint to build a successful financial plan.
If you’re curious about additional mortgage expenses, your budget, or investment opportunities, reach out to a trusted professional or utilize government resources. Not only are they able to help you prepare for your next big step, but they could also help you and your finances in the long term.
Step 8: Store Your Savings in a High Yield Saving Account
While you may have a perfect budget and a home savings goal, it’s time to make every dollar count. Before you add to your account, research different savings accounts and their monthly yields. The higher the yield, the more your savings could grow as long as your account is open.
In September of 2020, the national average interest rate on savings accounts was capped at 0.8 percent. If you were to deposit only $100 into a high yield savings account with an APY of 0.8 percent, you could earn $80 off your investment over the year. This helps you save extra money by just putting your money into a savings account.
In Summary
First, set a savings goal to match your estimated down payment and mortgage monthly payments. Then add your contributions to a high yield savings account to grow your money overtime.
Don’t forget to budget for extra mortgage expenses like appraisal costs, home inspections, realtor fees, or closing costs. Keep in mind, your monthly utilities and fees may also be more expensive than your current living situation.
Prepare for the additional costs by increasing your earning potential and optimizing additional income stream opportunities.
Free up your credit utilization by paying off as much debt as possible before buying a house. Keep up these good habits throughout the length of your mortgage term.
When you purchase a home, you’re building a piggy bank for your future. Every month you pay your mortgage, you pay part of it to yourself because you own the home. Instead of paying rent to someone else, you reap your own investment when you sell. Most importantly, though, you’ll have a place that’s truly your own.
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I get sick when I think about that day and the mistake that cost me $5,000.
I compare it to something in between smashing my thumb with a hammer to breaking your mother’s most beloved piece of China.
It is something that makes me sick just reliving it.
I actually just puked in my mouth a little bit. <ugh….>
I had been a financial advisor for almost four years so I should’ve known better.
But thanks to a lot of greed and even more ignorance, I got my rear handed to me on a silver platter.
The Temptation
I was meeting with a client who was telling me the story about their daughter’s boyfriend whose dad worked for some mining company.
[Do you see how bad this starts off? I usually make fun of people that will even entertain stories like this. And here I was caught up in the moment. Back to the story…]
The client was telling me how this company had just signed some new deals and since it was a penny stock, otherwise known as an OTC or over-the-counter thinly traded security, there wasn’t a lot of news about it. His theory was that this penny stock could soar pretty quickly.
[Don’t you like how I’m getting advice from my client who really knows nothing about investing. And I’m really considering taking his advice about what the next stock is I’m going to buy? This has “epic fail” written all over it. ]
I had some cash in my investment account (lucky me!) so I thought I might as well give it a shot.
[Seriously, that was my logic: “might as well give it a shot”. I should have hired one of these advisors to punch me in the face.]
I proceeded to place a trade to buy a certain number of shares of this stock that was going to make me millions.
[Hah. Not even close buddy. Not by a long shot.]
Buying an OTC Stock – Woops
When buying an over-the-counter stock, otherwise known as a penny stock, you must be sure to protect yourself and make sure that when you place an order to buy or sell, that you put a specific price on it. I unfortunately put an order in to buy “at market”.
Translating, that means that I put an open order to buy whatever a price that someone is going to sell it to me for. If you think about it in Ebay terms, instead of bidding on the price, I elected to “Buy Now” and the seller could increase the price if they so choose.
In larger stocks that are traded on the New York Stock Exchange or NASDAQ, that’s typically not an issue because the market will keep that price in check. In the over-the-counter market, it’s a different story. An entirely different story.
The Wild, Wild West
You can think of the OTC market like the Wild, Wild West of trading. Just because the stock is trading at $0.90 doesn’t mean that you’ll buy or sell those shares at $.90.
If I put a buy order in “at market”, that price could shoot up to $1.90, $3.00; whatever their price might be. Essentially that’s what happened in my case.
I had put in an order to buy say 2,500 shares (I don’t remember the exact number) and a few 100 of the shares executed at what I thought was the market price. But I quickly and expensively learned that a lot of them issued at a price double of what I intended to buy it for.
To make matters worse, after the trade settled, the prices were displaying what I thought I was paying for it in the beginning. To summarize:
I submitted a buy order for 2500 shares of a penny stock “at market” and thought I was buying it for $.90.
I bought a few hundred shares at $.90 but most executed at least 2 if not 3 times that. That means I made an investment of $5,000 instead of what I thought was going to be $2,250.
After the trade settled, the price reverted back to the original price of $.90. If I sold it that day I would take an immediate huge loss.
If I’m doing a bad job of explaining how the system works, it’s a further demonstration of why I have no business buying penny stocks. Chances are if you’re reading this, you fit that description, too, so let’s reflect of how I screwed up royally.
Don’t Do as I Do, But Do as I Say
Before you start trying to make yourself believe that you can make millions off buying penny stocks, take note of how I screwed up and I let my over-confidence and flat out ignorance get the best of me.
I listened to advice from someone I had no business getting advice from. My client knew nothing about the stock, knew nothing about the company, other than what his daughter’s boyfriend had told him. Whenever you’re getting investment advice from someone, make sure you consider the source.
I had no idea how the over-the-counter market works. This system works nothing like logging into my TD Ameritrade account and picking up a stock on the NY exchange. It’s more like traveling to Spain, going to a flea market, and trying to bargain with a vendor even though I don’t speak the language. Chances are I’m going to be screwed just like I was in this situation.
Greed is not always good. I don’t care what Gordon Gekko says, I was doing just fine making a decent return on my boring mutual funds but the chance of quadrupling my money in a short amount of time got the best of me.
That was the last penny stock that I’ve ever bought and will ever buy again. I don’t care if my best friend’s uncle’s seamstress knows a guy that has an insider at some other company. Never again…
Have you invested money into something that you didn’t understand?
Inside: Do you have a passion for something, but don’t know what to do with it? This guide will help you find a career that is perfect for you and match your interests and values.
This is something all of us wonder, right?
What should I do for a living?
Am I doing what I should do as a career?
Did I make the right decision with my career?
Or is it time to switch gears and find something that I love to do and make money at the same time?
I have been asking this question so many times, I finally decided to make a list of answers.
This is not just for those who want to know what they should do with their lives; it’s also for anybody looking for some new ideas on how they can fit into a career that will bring them satisfaction and happiness.
Recently, my middle schooler was asked, what do you want to do beyond high school? And he looked at me shell shocked.
Remarkably, this question of what should I do for a living is a doozy to answer. So, don’t feel alone if you cannot answer it… yet.
How do I find out what I should do for a living?
The first step to finding out what you should do for a living is to identify your skills and interests.
What are you good at?
What do you enjoy doing?
Once you have a better idea of your strengths and passions, you can start researching your options.
The bottom line…you must be happy to spend the next decades doing what you picked.
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.
Tips for finding a career you love
When you’re looking for work, it’s important to remember that there are many different ways of making a living. You can be an artist or designer in your own home studio, or run your own business. The key is to figure out what your interests are, and then find a way to use those skills in the work you love doing.
The goal of this article is not just to help you find a job that pays the bills, but to help you find work that is satisfying, meaningful, and fun.
Here are some tips to keep in mind as you go through the process of figuring out what you want to do with your life.
#1 – Focus on You
Don’t listen to people who tell you that you should do one thing. If your parents want to see you be a doctor, or if your friends think it’s important for you to have a “real” job, you might be tempted to listen to them.
Don’t let anyone else tell you what your passion is, or how you should spend your life.
Determine what’s important for YOU!
As you go through the process of figuring out what to do with your life, keep in mind that there are many different ways to live a happy and fulfilling life. You don’t have to be a doctor to help other people. You don’t have to work in an office all day, every day.
Do what you love and the money will follow.
If you do something that you love, you will never have to work a day in your life. If you do what you love, and are good at it, people will pay for that service or product.
Do what makes YOU happy. If you’re not happy, no one else will be either.
Don’t let anyone tell you what to do with your life. You should never have to justify your decisions or choices to anyone. You are the only one who has to live with your decisions and choices.
Do what you want, not what other people want for you or think that you should do. Period.
#2 – Identify What Interests You & Makes You Tick
There are a variety of ways you can go about finding out what interests you. You can read books and articles on different topics, talk to people with various careers, or take online quizzes and assessments – like this what should I do for a living quiz.
The first step to finding the right career for you is to identify what interests you intellectually.
What fascinates you?
What makes you feel like you are not working?
How do you want to spend your free time?
Once you know what fascinates you, the next step is to figure out how you can turn this into a career. Then, pursue your career interests relentlessly so you can reach your full potential.
#3 – Uncover your Strengths
Identifying your strengths is the key to finding opportunities that will be a good fit for you and enable you to reach your full potential.
Here are some things to take note of:
Pay attention to what you enjoy doing.
Notice when you feel most energized and engaged.
Consider what you do well naturally.
Reflect on feedback you’ve received from others.
Ask yourself how you can use your strengths more often in your current role or situation.
Once you know what they are, make sure to pursue opportunities that are based on them. This will help you stay focused and motivated in your work and life.
#4 – Match Your Values With Your Interests
Your values are the things that are most important to you in life. They guide your decisions and actions. They direct you to live a life that is meaningful to you.
There are many ways to identify your values. One way is to think about what is most important to you in different areas of your life, such as your relationships, work, leisure activities, and so on. Another way is to think about what you would like people to say about you when you are no longer here. What do you want them to remember about you?
Once you have identified your values, it can be helpful to write them down or share them with someone who will support and encourage you in living according to them.
When you link your values and interests together, it creates a powerful combination that can help you to live a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
When you know what is important to you (values) and what makes you happy and excited (interests), it becomes much easier to make decisions about how to spend your time and energy.
For example, let’s say one of your values is “family” and one of your interests is “cooking”. You could combine these by cooking meals for your family members or friends. Not only would this be enjoyable for you (because it aligns with your interest in cooking), but it would also be meaningful because it would be an act of love and care for those closest to you (which aligns with the value of family).
#5 – Consider your Lifestyle
Are you okay living below your means? Or do you prefer to flash your cash?
If you tend to spend money frivolously or struggle with saving money, then you need to be a high-worth earner. If you are okay living stingy, then a modest salary will probably work for you.
Keep in mind your lifestyle and what would be the best fit for you.
Consider if the hours are flexible, if you’d have time for hobbies and other interests, and how the commute looks. Sometimes rethinking your opportunities can give you a better perspective on what’s truly important to you.
Other Questions to Ponder:
Do you want a job that will consume most of your time?
Do you want a job where you can have a good work-life balance?
Are you okay with being tied to one location or have the flexibility to move around?
Are you willing to travel for work? If so, how often and how far?
What are your salary expectations? Are you looking for health benefits, paid vacation, or other perks?
Ultimately, there are many factors going into your decision. When considering a new potential career opportunity, it’s important to think about more than just the paper qualifications and the salary.
#6 – Spend Time Doing your Research
The best way to find a career you love is to first figure out what it is that you’re passionate about. What are the things that make you excited to get out of bed in the morning? Once you know what your passions are, research careers that align with those interests.
This just doesn’t happen overnight.
In fact, I recently went back to something of interest to me years ago because it would provide the time freedom I desired.
Spend time doing your research and following all the steps we cover in this post.
#7 – Find a career that matches your skills and interests
It can be difficult to identify what you want to do with your life, especially if you’re feeling lost or uncertain.
However, once you’ve identified what areas of interest might suit your skillset, try to link these interests with some type of career options.
Consider how your interests would fit into potential careers before choosing one.
It’s important to consider how your unique passions would fit into certain occupations or fields of work before choosing one. This will help you find a career that is satisfying and fulfilling. Consider the skills and interests you have and search for job openings that match them.
Start by researching the field you’re interested in.
# 8 – Talk to people in the field
There are a few ways to find people to talk to about your career interests. You can start by talking to friends and family members who might know someone in the field you’re interested in. You can also look for professional organizations related to your field of interest, or search for networking events in your area.
When you’re talking to someone about their career, it’s important to ask questions that will help you learn more about the field and whether it’s a good fit for you. Some questions you might want to ask include:
What does a typical day look like?
What is the most challenging part of the job?
What are the biggest rewards of the job?
These people will have better insights than what you can find searching the internet.
#9 – Get experience in the field
Oh, I cannot tell you how important this step is!
You have heard a similar story… my son dreamed of being an engineer and we planned to send him to engineering school. After his internship, the thought of being an engineer sucked the life out of him. Glad we learned this lesson before we spend money on his college education.
That is why I believe schools like this are so important to get real-life experience doing what you think you want to do for a living.
Consider internships or volunteer work to get your foot in the door.
Gaining experience can help you learn more about a particular field or company, and whether or not it’s the right fit for you.
#10 – Be open to change
Here are some things to keep in mind with change.
1. Change can lead to new opportunities: When you’re open to change, you’re also open to new opportunities. Embracing change can help you find a new job, start a business, or even move to a new city.
2. Change can help you grow: Personal growth is important for a fulfilling life. Change can challenge you and push you out of your comfort zone, leading to personal growth.
3. Change can be exciting: If you’re bored with your current situation, change can be exciting. It’s a chance to start fresh and experience something new.
4. Change can be positive: Even if it’s difficult, change can ultimately be positive. It can lead to improved relationships, increased happiness, and a better life overall.”
15 Most Popular Working for a Living Jobs
Many people want to know what they should do for a living.
For some, it’s not as easy as just “doing what you love.” There are definitely jobs out there that allow you to do what you love and make a living.
But first, we need to talk about the types of work available.
All salary estimates from Salary.com.
Registered Nurses
Registered nurses are in high demand and make a good living. They work with patients to assess their health, provide treatments, and help them recover.
Average Pay: $65k-70k per year
Education Needed: You need to have a nursing degree from an accredited school. You will also need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN)
Police Officers
Police officers are responsible for upholding the law and maintaining public safety. A successful career in law enforcement requires strong communication skills and the ability to stay calm under pressure.
Average Pay: $54k-72k per year
Education Needed: Requires a college degree
Security Officer
More people are looking for security officer jobs as the world becomes increasingly dangerous. Security officers are in high demand and are usually the first responders in an emergency situation. It’s a challenging and rewarding career that can make a difference in people’s lives.
Average Pay: $32k-53k per year
Education Needed: Depends on their background and previous experience.
Real Estate Agents
If you’re looking for a job that’s in high demand, consider becoming a real estate agent. With the right education and licensing, you could be helping people buy and sell homes in no time. You must be comfortable marketing yourself and closing sales.
Average Pay: $38k-140k per year
Education Needed: Real estate agents need to be licensed in order to work. The real estate agent licensure test has a written and practical exam that must both be passed. In order to pass, you will need to know about contracts, financing, legal issues, and more.
Nursing Assistant
One of the most popular jobs in America is nursing assistant. It requires little training and pays relatively well. The work can be demanding, but it is also rewarding, and many nursing assistants feel a sense of satisfaction from their work.
Average Pay: $29k-41k per year
Education Needed: The Nursing Assistant job requires a high school diploma or equivalent, on-the-job training, and certification.
Delivery Driver
One of the most popular jobs in America is being a delivery driver. There are many positions for delivery drivers with different companies. Popular companies to work for include UPS, FedEx, and Amazon.
Average Pay: $39k-54k per year
Education Needed: Minimal. To become a delivery driver, you need to have a valid driver’s license and be able to lift heavy objects.
Firefighter
The most popular jobs in the United States vary from year to year, but there are always a few constants. Among these are firefighters, who protect lives and property from fires and other emergencies. They undergo rigorous training and must be physically fit to do the job.
Average Pay: $54k-94k per year
Education Needed: To become a firefighter, you need to have completed high school and be at least 18 years old. You will also need to pass a physical test and complete a training program.
Customer Service Representative
A customer service representative is the front line of a company and often the first interaction a customer has with the brand. The customer service representative’s job is to handle customer complaints, provide product information, and handle other inquiries. In order to be a successful customer service representative, one must have excellent communication skills and be able to stay calm under pressure.
Average Pay: $28k-44k per year
Education Needed: Minimal. Most require on-the-job training.
Dental Assistants
Dental Assistants are needed in every dental office. They help the dentist chair-side and perform a variety of tasks such as: take X-rays, prepare patients for treatment, sterilize instruments, and more. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the number of jobs for Dental Assistants will grow by 18% from 2016 to 2026.
Average Pay: $32k-50k per year
Education Needed: To become a dental assistant, you will need to complete an accredited program and pass certification exams.
Nanny
One of the most popular jobs, and one that is likely to continue being in high demand, is nannying. To become a nanny, it is important to have experience with children and to be comfortable caring for them.
Average Pay: $37k-51k per year
Education Needed: You should also be CPR certified and have a clean background check.
Medical Assistants
A medical assistant is responsible for a variety of tasks in a doctor’s office, such as handling insurance claims, scheduling appointments, and helping the doctor with examinations.
Average Pay: $33k-44k per year
Education Needed: The job requires certification from an accredited program and on-the-job training.
Home Health Aides
Being a home health aide can be a rewarding career. Home health aides assist people who are unable to care for themselves in their own homes. They may provide basic needs such as bathing and dressing, or they may provide more specialized help, such as caring for someone who has Alzheimer’s disease.
Average Pay: $23k-33k per year
Education Needed: In order to be a home health aide, you need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, be at least 18 years old and have a driver’s license.
Personal Assistants
Being a personal assistant is a profession that helps people with various tasks. These tasks can include things like preparing meals, cleaning, and running errands. There are many different types of personal assistants, but all of them must have good communication skills and be able to multi-task.
Average Pay: $50k-83k per year
Education Needed: None
Graphic Designer
A graphic designer creates visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. They develop the overall layout and production design for advertisements, brochures, magazines, and corporate reports.
Average Pay: $39k-65k per year
Education Needed: Many hold a bachelor’s degree in graphic design or related fine arts field.
Marketing Manager
A marketing manager is responsible for planning and executing marketing campaigns that promote a company’s products or services. They must have a strong understanding of marketing principles and be able to develop creative strategies that will engage consumers
Average Pay: $47k-94k per year
Education Needed: Usually need a least a bachelor’s degree, but the experience is more important.
High Paying Career Opportunities that Pay Over $100k a Year
There are many popular career choices that people will argue about. For example, which is the best job? This section covers jobs that pay over $100000 a year.
These jobs typically have six-figure salaries and require years of schooling and training.
Software Engineer
A software engineer is someone who designs, creates, tests, and maintains the software that makes computers work. They design, develop, test, and maintain the software that makes our lives easier. As technology advances, the job of a software engineer becomes more and more important. Writes code, tests, and debugs programs and perform a variety of complicated tasks.
There is a high demand for software engineers in the airline industry. Pilots need software engineers to design, develop, and maintain the software that controls the aircraft. They also need software engineers to help with the maintenance and troubleshooting of the software.
Average Pay: $65k-130k per year
Education Needed: Requires a college degree. Many have master’s degrees as well. To become a software engineer, one must have a strong foundation in mathematics and computer science.
Database Administrator
A database administrator is responsible for designing, implementing, maintaining databases, and troubleshooting databases while ensuring their availability 24/7/365. They work with clients to understand their needs and create databases that meet those needs. Database administrators need strong technical skills, as well as good communication and problem-solving skills.
Average Pay: $97k-150k per year
Education Needed: May require a bachelor’s degree in area of specialty or require certification.
Investment Banker:
A career as an investment banker can be quite fulfilling, as you will be responsible for helping companies raise money by issuing and selling securities. You will need to have a good working knowledge of financial markets, as well as excellent communication and organizational skills. As well as provides analysis of opportunities and potential investments, assists clients with the formulation of investment proposals, and provides guidance on the structuring and negotiation of transactions.
Average Pay: $56k-110k per year
Education Needed: College degree is typical and may require an advanced degree.
Air Traffic Controller
Air Traffic Controllers work in airports to ensure safe and efficient air travel. They monitor aircraft and make sure they follow all the necessary safety procedures. They also direct the movement of flights and keep an eye on traffic congestion. An air traffic controller is key for the safety of the pilots and passengers.
Average Pay: $54k-120k per year
Education Needed: Requires certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Petroleum Engineer:
There is an increasing demand for Petroleum Engineers. They are responsible for the exploration and production of oil and gas and work in a variety of industries, including energy, mining, and transportation. They develop plans to extract oil and gas from deposits below the earth’s surface and new ways to extract oil and gas from old wells.
Average Pay: $82k-120k per year
Education Needed: Requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering. May specialize in reservoir engineering, drilling engineering, or production engineering.
Anesthesiologists
Anesthesiologists are responsible for the care of patients during and after surgery. They monitor patients to make sure they are safe, help them breathe, and make sure they are comfortable.
Average Pay: $310k-520k per year (most anesthesiology assistants make well over $100k)
Education Needed: Requires a bachelor’s degree. Then, medical schools are offering anesthesiology education.
Airline Pilots
Being an airplane pilot is a very demanding job. Pilots need to be able to stay focused for long periods of time while flying. They also need to be able to make quick decisions while flying. Pilots also need to be able to multitask while flying. With travel demand constantly growing, there will be a growing need for pilots.
The airline pilot profession is a very demanding one that requires a great deal of education and training. It takes many years of dedicated study to become a qualified airline pilot.
Average Pay: $125k-163k per year
Education Needed: In order to become a certified pilot, pilots must first complete an accredited undergraduate program. After that, they must complete a professional pilot training program that can last anywhere from 1 to 4 years. Finally, they must pass a certification.
Psychiatrists
There are many different types of psychiatrists and their job duties vary. Psychiatrists are typically employed as full-time employees in hospitals, clinics, or private practices. A psychiatrist’s job duties may include diagnosing mental disorders and providing treatment.
Average Pay: $190k-300k per year
Education Needed: Usually required to have a graduate degree in psychiatry and pass a psychiatric board examination.
Orthodontists
Orthodontists are a type of doctor who specializes in the treatment of teeth and jaws. They use orthodontic appliances (braces and retainer devices) and other treatments to correct problems with teeth and jaws. Orthodontists typically work in private clinics and hospitals.
Average Pay: $100k-210k per year
Education Needed: Required to have a four-year undergraduate degree in dental hygiene, dental medicine, or dental technology. After completing an orthodontic residency, they must pass the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) license examination.
Day Trader
A day trader is someone who makes a living by trading stocks, commodities, or currencies. They do this by buying and selling stocks, commodities, or currencies at the right time, and making a profit. This means that they are constantly on the lookout for opportunities to make money. A day trader typically works from home and may use a computer, telephone, or other electronic devices to trade.
Average Pay: $65k-120k per year
Education Needed: Required None required. However, many have a background in finance or economics.
Hedge Fund Manager
A hedge fund manager is a person who manages hedge funds. Hedge funds are investment pools that are used to protect investors from losses. Hedge fund managers make money by investing money in different types of securities.
Being a hedge fund manager is a very demanding job. It requires a lot of skill, knowledge, and experience. A hedge fun manager must be able to analyze financial data and make decisions quickly. He or she must also be able to communicate with clients and other employees of the hedge fund.
Average Pay: $87k-131k per year
Education Needed: Hedge fund managers must have a strong educational background. Studying finance or economics is usually necessary.
Web Developer:
A web developer is responsible for creating and maintaining websites. They work with clients to understand their needs and create a website that meets those needs. Web developers need strong technical skills, as well as good communication and problem-solving skills.
Average Pay: $97k-140k per year
Education Needed: College degree required. Must have certifications as well.
Network Engineer
A network engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining networks. They work with clients to understand their needs and create networks that meet those needs. Network engineers need strong technical skills, as well as good communication and problem-solving skills
Average Pay: $73k-120k per year
Education Needed: College degree required. Must have certifications as well.
Trade Jobs that Pay A lot More than Minimum Wage
Trade jobs often come with good pay. This is because they require specialized skills and training. Some of these jobs include welders, plumbers, and electricians. Many trade jobs also come with good benefits packages. This includes things like health insurance and retirement plans. Some even offer the choice to join a union.
For example, welders and power plant operators can make an average of $23 an hour. Plumbers and electricians can make an average of $30 an hour.
Power Plant Operator
Aircraft Technician
Welders
Plumber
Construction Manager
Electricians
Real Estate Appraiser
HVAC Technician
Elevator Mechanic
Radiation Therapists
Boilermakers
Most Needed Job Opportunities
There are a number of jobs that are on-demand and in high demand right now. These jobs may have different requirements or be in higher demand in certain areas, but they all offer the potential to make a good living doing something you love.
There are many trade jobs that are in high demand right now. This means that there are more job openings than there are people to fill them.
This list of the top five jobs in demand right now was formed with the help of Best Colleges.
Nurse Practitioner
A Nurse Practitioner is a type of doctor who helps patients with a wide range of health problems. They work in a team with other doctors and nurses to care for patients.
Nurse Practitioners are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of health problems, which can include everything from common colds to more serious diseases.
Average Pay: $100k-140k per year
Education Needed: Medical training is beyond what a registered nurse needs. A Master’s in nursing is required as well as state licensure.
Genetic Counselor
A genetic counselor is a healthcare professional who helps individuals and families understand and adapt to the medical, psychological, and social implications of genetic disorders. They work with patients to provide risk assessment, education, and support for inherited conditions.
Genetic counselors are poised for rapid growth and long-lasting job security due to advancements in genomics and genetic testing.
Average Pay: $67k-99k per year
Education Needed: Master’s degree in genetics and board certification.
Occupational Therapy Assistant
An occupational therapy assistant (OTA) is a healthcare professional who helps people regain and improve the skills they need to live and work independently. They provide rehabilitative services to patients who have sustained an injury, have a disability, or are experiencing physical and/or cognitive changes.
This may include helping individuals improve their mobility, balance, and coordination through exercise programs; improving the social skills of children with developmental challenges; working with people who have mental health conditions to help them participate in daily activities; or providing support to elderly patients who want to remain independent.
Average Pay: $52k-76k per year
Education Needed: Associate’s degree and field experience.
Physical Therapist Aides
Physical therapists aides help patients who have physical problems such as bed sores, fractures, and paralysis. They work with the physical therapist to help the patient move and perform activities of daily living. Typically duties include helping patients with exercises, massages, and other treatments.
Average Pay: $30k-38k per year
Education Needed: Physical therapist aides must have a high school diploma or GED and pass a criminal background check.
Information Security Analyst
The information security analyst job market is projected to grow by 33% over the next three years, making it one of the fastest-growing job markets. Information security analysts are vital to the protection of data and are responsible for the protection of computer systems and networks from cyberattacks and data breaches. They work to protect an organization’s most valuable assets- its data.
Average Pay: $70k-103k per year
Education Needed: Most have a Bachelor’s degree in software engineering or computer science. Also, many have certifications.
Thinking to Follow Your Passion – Cool Jobs to Do
There are a variety of jobs that you may not have considered that can be a great fit for you.
If you’re looking for a career change or just want to try something new, here are a few jobs you may want to consider. These jobs offer great opportunities and allow you to do what you love every day.
Video Game Programmer or Designer
If you love playing video games and have some creativity, you may want to consider becoming a videogame designer. This job allows you to use your imagination and creativity to create new and innovative gaming experiences for players all over the world.
Average Pay: $53k-185k per year
Education Needed: A college degree in computer programming is preferred. However, you can program get a certification and start working sooner.
Virtual Assistants (VA)
Being a virtual assistant can be a great way to make some extra money. It can be a lot of work, but with the right skills and equipment, it can be a lot of fun. Virtual assistants work with people all over the world, so there is always something new to learn. A VA has very flexible hours and can set its own schedule.
Average Pay: $39k-52k per year (depending on how much you hustle). Very common to make more.
Education Needed: None. But, this virtual assistant training is highly recommended.
Video Producer
There are a variety of video production jobs that are in high demand. If you have the skills and are passionate about video, there are plenty of opportunities out there. You could work as a video producer for a news organization, create video content for a website, or work for a company that produces video content for marketing purposes.
Average Pay: $47k-100k per year
Education Needed: Most have a college degree in design and video production. But, experience is preferred.
Tour Guide
If you are good at giving information tours, you may want to consider becoming a tour guide. Tour guides give visitors an overview of a particular place or attraction. They must be knowledgeable about the history and culture of the area they are touring, and be able to answer visitor questions.
Average Pay: $22k-44k per year
Education Needed: None.
Fashion Stylist
Detail-oriented people who have a passion for fashion and design can make a great living as a stylist. Stylists are in high demand, especially in the fashion industry. They typically work with clients to help them choose outfits or styles that will suit them, as well as style photo shoots and provide consultation on current trends.
Average Pay: $47k-64k per year
Education Needed: This is a job where you get popular by your experience and referrals.
Translators
Being a translator can be a very rewarding and challenging career. The most popular jobs for translators are in the legal, medical, business, and technical fields.
Translating is a very versatile job that can be done in many settings. Learning about the different types of translation and which language pairs are the most popular can help you get a better understanding of the field.
Average Pay: $43k-72k per year
Education Needed: Typically hold a bachelor’s degree. Must be proficient in at least two languages.
Social Media Manager
If you are able to communicate well, have strong writing and communication skills, and have some marketing experience, you may want to consider becoming a social media manager. A social media manager is responsible for developing and executing a social media strategy for their employer or client.
A social media manager is responsible for creating and managing a company’s social media presence. This includes creating content, monitoring activity, and engaging with followers.
Average Pay: $49k-75k per year
Education Needed: A college degree in marketing is preferred.
Event Planner
Event planners are in charge of organizing and managing events. They come up with ideas for events, coordinate with various departments to make them a reality, and keep things running smoothly. Event planners can work for businesses of all sizes, from small businesses to multinationals. There are many different types of event planners, so if you’re interested in a career in events, you should explore this avenue.
Average Pay: $47k-70k per year
Education Needed: Many have a college degree, but that is not mandatory. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to work under pressure. Experience is best.
Florist
There are many cool jobs that you can consider if you are interested in the floral industry. A florist can work in a variety of settings, such as a grocery store, a restaurant, or a ballroom. A florist can also work as a freelance artist, creating floral arrangements for special events. This is a creative outlet for many and comes with flexible hours. However, work can be seasonal and require working on weekends and holidays.
Average Pay: $35k-76k per year
Education Needed: Nothing special. Just have an eye for creativity and a love of flowers.
Work Opportunities to Make Real Money
How do you want to make money? There are many ways. You could choose a career in medicine, law enforcement, or any other occupation that ultimately benefits society and helps people thrive.
Many people believe a business degree is worth it, but may not be the best choice for you.
Here are real jobs to make real money at work.
Teacher
One of the most popular jobs in America is teaching. Teachers are needed in every state, and the profession offers great stability and benefits. We need our teachers to teach the next generation.
Average Pay: $39k-80k per year
Education Needed: In order to become a teacher, you need to have at least a bachelor’s degree and be certified in your state. Many pursue a master’s degree in order to receive higher pay.
Veterinarian / Veterinary Tech
There are a lot of different jobs in the veterinary field, and if you love animals, chances are you would enjoy working with them. Veterinarians work with all types of animals, from pets to livestock. Veterinary technicians work with animals in veterinary hospitals, performing tasks such as recordkeeping and taking care of furry patients.
Average Pay: $60k-150k per year / $25k-55k per year
Education Needed: Becoming a veterinarian is much like going to college to become a doctor requiring specialty degrees. However, a vet tech only needs a high school diploma.
Construction Worker
Being a construction worker can be a challenging, but rewarding experience. It can be a great way to meet new people and build some amazing structures. The job requires a lot of physical labor, but it can also be very rewarding to see a project come to life. If you are interested in becoming a construction worker, be sure to research the profession and prepare yourself for the challenges that will come with the job.
Average Pay: $26k-47k per year
Education Needed: Starting out no experience is needed. To become a project manager, you will need a college degree.
Marketing Assistant
A marketing assistant helps with a variety of tasks in marketing. They may be responsible for monitoring and managing budgets, creating and distributing marketing materials, or working with customers to improve their experience with a company. If you have a strong interest in marketing and are comfortable working in a collaborative environment, a marketing assistant role may be a good fit for you.
Average Pay: $34k-57k per year
Education Needed: A college degree in marketing is preferred.
Truck Driver
One of the most popular jobs in America is a truck driver and a heavily needed position. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are 1,187,500 truck drivers employed in the United States.
Average Pay: $45k-58k per year
Education Needed: A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required to become a truck driver.
Administrative Assistant or Office Manager
The Administrative Assistant position is one of the most popular jobs in America. The role generally entails providing support to managers and employees, handling office operations, and managing schedules. In order to be successful in this career, you’ll need strong organizational skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Average Pay: $35k-55k per year
Education Needed: None
What Should I Do for a Living FAQs
You enjoy going to work,
Your work makes you feel fulfilled.
Your skills are utilized and challenged.
You feel like you are making a difference.
This is why it is important to spend time making a decision on what to do for a living.
You’re not passionate about your work
You’re always stressed out
You dread going to work
You’re not challenged by your work
You don’t feel like you’re making a difference
It is better to make a decision to move out of the wrong career to maintain your happiness in life.
Research other careers that might be a better fit for you and consider making a switch.
Your interests can give you clues about the types of careers that might suit you. Your skills can help point you towards careers that will make use of your strengths.
Passions:
What are you passionate about?
What topics can you talk about for hours without getting bored?
Skills:
What natural talents do you have?
Are you good at working with your hands, or do you prefer working with your mind?
Do people often come to you for advice or help with problems?
Values:
What is important to you in a job?
Do you want to feel like your work makes a difference in the world, or do you just want a steady paycheck?
Do you prefer working independently or as part of a team?
Personality:
Are you an extrovert or an introvert?
Do people describe you as spontaneous or cautious?
Work environment:
Do you prefer working indoors or outdoors?
In an office or from home?
With animals or with people?
When it comes to choosing a career, it’s important to consider what kind of personality traits will make someone successful in their chosen field. Also, knowing your values can help narrow down your career options.
How can you create a career you love?
Your career is one of the most important aspects of your life. It’s what you spend the majority of your time doing, and it can have a huge impact on your overall happiness and satisfaction with life. That’s why it’s so important to find a career that you love.
When you have a career that you’re passionate about, it doesn’t feel like work. You’re more likely to be engaged and motivated, and you’ll be more likely to stick with it even when things get tough. Plus, pursuing a career that you love can lead to all sorts of other benefits, like increased success and earning potential.
There is no reason why you can’t create a career that brings joy into your life every single day!
How can you make a living doing what you love?
What are you good at? What do you enjoy doing? Which things are you naturally drawn to?
Those are the areas you need to focus on.
Once you have a plan, it’s time to start making money. There are a number of ways to do this, but the most important thing is to get started and keep moving forward.
Remember, it takes time and effort to build a successful business or find an enjoyable career.
What Should I Do Now?
There’s no single answer to the question “what should I do for a living?”
Everyone has a different idea of what they would like to pursue.
There is no right or wrong answer when answering this question, but if you are struggling with the decision-making process, take note of these most popular jobs and the skills you need to get them.
But by exploring your interests and values, you can find a career that is a perfect match for you.
No matter what your interests or skills may be, there is sure to be a cool job out there that is perfect for you.
You could also become an environmental scientist, web developer, or event planner. There are many exciting and rewarding careers out there – you just need to find the one that’s right for you.
Then, at the next social event, you can be proud to answer “what do you do for a living?”
So what are you waiting for? Start your search today!
More Ideas for You:
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
Inside: Looking for some great Easter basket ideas for boys? Our list has you covered! They will love these easter gifts for guys.
Easter is just around the corner, and if you’re like most parents, you’re probably scrambling to put together Easter baskets for your kids.
If you’re looking for some inspiration, we’ve got you covered with 20 awesome boys Easter basket ideas that are sure to please any little guy.
From action-packed toys and games to sweet treats and everything in between, these ideas have something for everyone.
So what are you waiting for? Get started on your Easter shopping today!
What do boys like for Easter?
Your boy is likely curious, (very) messy, and probably not thrilled about the idea of matching Easter outfits.
Depending on the age will depend on what boys like for Easter:
Toddler: think of Easter activity sets with plush stuffed animals.
5-7 year olds: a variety of gifts like Lego sets, slime kits, and games are a hit
8-11 year olds: graphic novels and sports gear is always a great choice.
Teens: remember, this age group is too cool, so add in jelly beans, their favorite t-shirt, and a creative coupon book.
What do you put in a boy’s Easter basket?
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You can either put together an Easter basket on a theme.
Or you could use this fun method of including these items:
This way you can personalize the basket to the little guy in your life.
awesome Easter basket ideas for boys
If you are looking for some inspiration for what to put in your little guy’s Easter basket this year, look no further!
This is where you will find Easter basket ideas for teens.
We have gathered together 20 of the most awesome Easter basket ideas for boys.
Star Wars Easter Basket
Ingredients needed to make a Star Wars Easter Basket include:
Star Wars-themed gift baskets
Lego Set
Action figures
Mini light sabers
Additionally, it would be great to add some decorations to the basket such as Star Wars-themed ribbon, stuffed animals, and mini flags.
Slime Easter Basket
This is a great activity for boys. It can be used for making slime animals, slime balls, and slime gobs.
It is also a great way to teach children about science.
Mega Hand STEM Experiment Kit
Build-your-own robotic hand designed to provide tweens with a fun and educational project.
works like the arms of an octopus, with a flexible soft design that can pick up almost any object. When you pull the trigger, it activates the mechanisms that make the claw work.
To complete the basket, add pull-back vehicles and kinetic sand eggs to provide hours of fun.
Sports Helmet Basket
Do you have a sports player in your house? Then, fill up his new helmet filled with Easter goodies!
Great way to gift something you need to buy anyway!
Perfect for your baseball, football, or skateboard fan!
Kindle Paperwhite for Kids
This is something we have purchased before for our kids.
It is such a hit!!
We prefer the paperwhite version over the Kindle Kids.
Tackle Box Basket
Many boys love to fish and hunt.
What better way to show your love for the outdoors than to give them a tackle box filled with the necessary tools to have fun?
There are many different options for Easter baskets, and any boy would love one of these.
Game Easter Basket
Whether you’re giving a basket to a young boy or a teen, there are plenty of great card games or board games out there.
Personally, I am amazed at the creativity of these games! They are truly geared toward today’s children and teens.
Check out the latest games! Amazon has the best selection!
Marvel-themed Easter baskets
Marvel has become one of the most popular comic book franchises in history.
With movies coming out on a regular basis, it’s no surprise that there are a lot of great Marvel-themed gifts out there.
Whether you’re looking for a toy, a video game, or just a fun gift, these baskets are sure to please!
Nintendo Switch
With its powerful hardware and a vast library of games, the Nintendo Switch can provide hours of entertainment right at your fingertips.
It features both a powerful home console and a portable device, so you can access your games from any location.
Already have a Nintendo Switch, find plenty of games here.
Ultimate Flying Disc
This Easter, give your son the ultimate Easter basket experience by giving him a LED flying frisbee. Not only will he have a blast playing with it, but he’ll also get a good workout.
Flying discs are a great way to get your son and his friends moving, and they’re also a lot of fun.
Shape Shifting Box
The patented, award-winning Shashibo fidget box features 36 rare earth magnets for an innovative design that transforms into over 70 shapes.
Unlike other puzzle box toys that turn out disappointing and boring, this one will be filled with hours of fun!
Playfoam Fidget Toy & Sensory Toys
Easter baskets are perfect for boys because they love to explore new things.
You can also add some fun sensory toys like Playfoam that never dries out! Just shape it however you like, then squash it back down and start all over again.
Under Armour Clothes
This is one of the hottest brands for guys.
Under Armour clothes are so cool because they are made of synthetic materials that are wind and water resistant.
This means that they can be wornand keep you dry.
Kids love all things UA!
Sports Themed Easter Basket
Photo Courtesy: Etsy
There are many sports themed Easter baskets that are perfect for boys.
You can stuff this adorable basket with balls, a baseball glove, and candy.
Sports themed Easter baskets are a great way to show your son how much you love and appreciate him.
Treasure Hunters
The Treasure Hunters basket is an awesome Easter basket idea for boys because it contains all the books in the Treasure Hunters series, written by renowned author James Patterson.
This basket provides an exciting mix of adventure and mystery that is sure to captivate tweens and keep them engaged in reading.
The books in the series follow a group of siblings as they travel the world in search of hidden treasure, encountering all manner of thrilling challenges along the way. This series also teaches valuable lessons about courage, family, and friendship, which makes it a great choice for young readers.
LEGO Creator 3-in-1 White Rabbit
The LEGO Creator 3-in-1 White Rabbit is a great Easter basket idea for boys because they can enjoy building the 258-piece rabbit, complete with a carrot!
Plus, the set is compact, making it easy to stow away for later use. Not to mention, it’s perfect for the Easter season, with its cute bunny and carrot design.
So, your little one can have fun building with their LEGO set and then decorate their room with the finished product!
NERF Vortex
This is the ultimate gift!
Highly popular throwing toy for all ages!
Plus it makes a high-pitched whistle when it flies through the air!
Adorable Bunny Stuffed Animal
Every little boy and toddler needs a stuffed animal in their lives.
This soft plush stuffed bunny is too cute to pass up!
Orange Carrot Teething Toy
For our infants and toddlers, this teether is perfect for little hands.
Candy Box Easter Basket
You have to include candy and snacks right?
Every boy will love a candy box – even though the parents may not be as keen on the idea.
FAQ
Finding the perfect Easter gift for a boy can be difficult, especially when you’re on a budget.
Whether you are shopping for a toddler, preteen, or teen, you don’t have to break the bank to put together an Easter basket he will love.
Find plenty of budget-friendly Easter gifts under $10 for boys of all ages.
For something extra special, consider adding a gift card, books, a cool t-shirt, or a creative coupon book.
This will be focused on their unique personality and interest.
For the 12-year-olds in your life, put together an Easter basket that’s fun and exciting.
Fill it with goodies that will spark creativity and keep them occupied long after the Easter bunny has come and gone.
No Easter basket is complete without treats, so add some chocolate eggs, marshmallows, or a batch of Easter-themed cookies.
Which Easter Basket Gift Set will you Choose?
Easter is a great time to celebrate Easter baskets for boys.
Our list of 20 fantastic options has everything from slime to sports gear to games!
Don’t forget ideas for Easter basket ideas for girls!
Now that Easter is just around the corner, so it’s time to start shopping for what to put in those baskets!
If you’re stuck on ideas, be sure to check out our list. We’ve got 20 great options that any boy is sure to love.
Oh, and don’t forget those Easter basket stuffers!
So what are you waiting for? Get shopping!
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
Inside: Looking for some great Easter basket ideas for girls? Our list has you covered! They will love these easter gifts for special ladies in your life.
Easter is just around the corner and if you’re like me, that means it’s time to start thinking about Easter baskets!
I love putting together Easter baskets for my girl.
Girls love getting unexpected presents, and they love trying out new things. Plus girls are also often very creative, so they can come up with unique and interesting gifts.
It’s so much fun to pick out festive and colorful Easter fillers!
If you’re looking for some inspiration for what to put in your little girl’s Easter basket this year, look no further!
Here are 25 great ideas:
What do girls like for Easter?
Girls can enjoy a wide variety of Easter gifts and treats.
Thus, shopping for girls is so much fun!!
The love items such as jewelry, nail polish, art supplies, plush toys, beach towels, tote bags, backpacks, and notebooks. You can’t go wrong with any of our ideas below.
Find Easter gifts to show your little girl how special she is, while still being fun and age-appropriate.
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What can I put in my daughters Easter basket?
Looking for creative ideas to put in your daughter’s Easter basket?
From fun jewelry, nail polishes, and art supplies to sunglasses, we have plenty of ideas to keep you covered.
You need to consider her interests and personality to make her basket special.
The 25 Best Easter Basket Ideas for Girls
If you are looking for some inspiration for what to put in your little girl’s Easter basket this year, look no further!
This is where you will find Easter basket ideas for teens.
We have gathered together 25 of the most awesome girl Easter basket ideas
Pressed Flower Art Kit
A pressed flower art kit is a great Easter basket idea for girls of all ages, as it encourages creative exploration and allows for unique, handmade projects.
These tools can be used to create a variety of fun projects such as cards, bookmarks, trinket boxes, and more.
Moreover, the recommended age of 5 years and up means the kit is versatile enough to engage both younger and older girls.
Grow ‘N Glow Terrarium Kit
The Grow ‘N Glow Terrarium Kit for kids is packed with amazing features for young botanists to explore and enjoy! The kit includes everything you need.
Perfect opportunity to combine the fun of arts and crafts with science for creative and screen-free activity.
Cross Pendant Necklace
A cross pendant necklace is a popular and meaningful choice for faith-based Easter baskets.
It is a stylish and symbolic way to express one’s faith.
The simple design makes it a timeless item and is a popular choice for teens and adults alike. It is a great way to show your devotion to Christ and to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus.
Kindle Paperwhite
This is something we have purchased before for our kids.
It is such a hit!!
We prefer the paperwhite version over the Kindle Kids.
Spot It Classic Card Game
The Spot It! Classic Card Game is a fun, engaging game for the whole family.
It works by having players search for matching symbols or pictures on cards.
It is an excellent option for an Easter basket for young girls because it encourages critical thinking, visual perception skills, and fine motor skills. It also develops quick reflexes and helps players hone their observational skills.
Squishies Squishy Toy
Squishies Squishy Toys are excellent stress relievers and are great for improving blood circulation in the hands.
These Squishies Squishy Toys make great Easter Basket ideas for girls because they are not only fun and cute to look at, but they are also very safe to play with.
Additionally, they are small enough to fit into Easter eggs and baskets without taking up too much space.
Butterfly Garden
This pop-up, reusable habitat is 11.5 inches tall and made of mesh to allow for easy viewing of butterflies as they go through the transformation from caterpillar to butterfly. It also comes with a feeding dropper and instructions for setting up the habitat.
Watching the caterpillars grow and morph into butterflies is a fun and engaging activity that can teach children about the beauty of the natural world and the life cycle of butterflies.
Make sure to order caterpillars separately! https://amzn.to/3YIM2Uy
Easter Lego Set
The LEGO Creator 3-in-1 White Rabbit is a great Easter basket idea for boys because they can enjoy building the 258-piece rabbit, complete with a carrot!
Plus, the set is compact, making it easy to stow away for later use. Not to mention, it’s perfect for the Easter season, with its cute bunny and carrot design.
So, your child can have fun building with their LEGO set and then decorate their room with the finished product!
Fidget Toys
Easter baskets for girls can be filled with a variety of fidget toys
Girls will love the variety of sensory toys in the set and they can use them to reduce stress and anxiety.
Plus, they trade them all the time! So, it is better to buy a bigger set!
Beautiful Hearted Women of the Bible: A Creative Mother-Daughter Devotional
This beautiful month-daughter devotional by Linsey Driskill is a creative and interactive way for moms to connect with their daughters ages 6-10 years old.
Simple step to help grow their relationship with God.
The bonus is quality time with your daughter digging into God’s word.
Sidewalk Chalk
Sidewalk chalk is a perfect Easter basket item for girls since it encourages them to explore their creative side and get outdoors.
As the chalk is washable, it’s also a safe and mess-free option to let kids express their creativity while having fun outdoors.
Furthermore, the vibrant colors of sidewalk chalk add a splash of color to any outdoor space and bring a lot of fun and excitement.
Temporary Henna Tattoos
Temp henna tattoos are an excellent addition to any Easter basket, as they are a fun, creative way for kids (and adults!) to add a special touch to their celebrations.
They’re great for adding a personal touch to gifts and can even be used to dress up Easter eggs or other decorations.
Plus, they are a safe and non-toxic alternative to permanent tattoos, meaning they won’t cause any lasting damage to skin.
Personalized Beach towels
Why not be in style with a personalized beach towel?
Choose your favorite design, add your own text, and let us do the rest.
You can be sure that your towel will make a statement at the beach this summer.
I Spy Easter Book
The I Spy Easter Coloring Book is a popular Easter basket idea for girls because it provides a fun and creative way to celebrate the holiday.
This book is packed with easy-to-color illustrations, featuring bunnies, eggs, chicks, and other Easter themed treats, on single-sided pages that prevent bleed-through.
With its inspiring Easter themes, this activity book is sure to spark creativity and imagination for toddlers.
Easter Bubble Bath Bomb
Bath bombs are a fun way to get clean and enjoy a spa-like experience at home.
They come in all different flavors, but the most popular is probably the bubble bath bombs. These bombs are filled with a variety of scents and ingredients, including bath salts, oils, and even toys.
When you drop them into a hot bath, they form small bubbles that burst and release.
Non-toxic Nail Polish
An Easter nail polish basket is a popular gift idea for girls.
Look for nail polishes that are usually free of harsh chemicals, vegan and cruelty-free, and eco-friendly, making them safe for all ages, including young children.
The Easter nail polish basket is a popular gift idea for girls because it provides them with a fun and safe way to express themselves and decorate their nails with vibrant colors and designs.
Facial Sheet Mask
Facial sheet masks are a popular Easter basket idea for girls because they are an affordable and easy way to enjoy a variety of skincare benefits.
A facial sheet mask is a skincare product that is made from natural ingredients such as shea butter, aloe, tea tree, peppermint, green tea, and lemon, among others.
Not to mention, they are a fun way to show your skin some love and pamper yourself.
American Girl Doll
There are many different American Girl Dolls to choose from, the options are endless.
You can fill the baskets with different types of clothes, shoes, and accessories. They can also be personalized with the child’s name.
Self Love Journal
Journaling is one of the best practices we can teach our girls.
Positive affirmations work wonders! Our brain is so powerful.
This is a gift you will not regret.
Glitter Double Line Outline Pens
The Glitter Double Line Outline Pens feature vivid metallic silver color surrounded by colored borders.
These pens have a unique technology that produces outlines for you automatically to create a beautiful dual-color effect.
The pigment ink is waterproof, chemically stable, and UV resistant, making them perfect for crafts, cards, and other creative projects.
The Armor of God – Teen Bible Study Book
This highly acclaimed bible study by Priscilla Shirer is what teen girls need today.
Learn how to overcome the war raging around you – in your mind, in your emotions.
Make an action plan for putting on your armor and developing a personalized strategy to secure victory against the enemy.
Selfie ring light
Yep, this is exactly what every teen wants!
A selfie ring light is a device used to take selfies, video chat, and live stream videos. I
It also comes with an adjustable phone holder and a weighted tripod, making it easy to take pictures no matter where you are.
Selfie ring lights are popular gifts for Easter baskets because they make it easier to take great selfies in dark areas or whenever natural light is not available.
Crossbody Purse
It is a popular Easter basket idea for girls because of its convenience and versatility.
The faux leather material and small size of the bag make it a stylish and comfortable accessory that can be worn with just about any outfit.
All in all, a crossbody purse is a great Easter gift idea for girls of all ages because of its stylishness, convenience, and versatility.
What stuffed animals can I include in a girls Easter basket?
A girls Easter basket should include an array of plush stuffed animals!!
Here are the most popular:
Personalized Hop ‘N Cuddle Plush Bunny
Squishmallow
Melissa & Doug Burrow Bunny Rabbit Stuffed Animal
FAQ
Girls are more likely to want the frills and ribbons than boys!
A themed Easter basket is a great idea and there are so many fun and creative themes to choose from.
Consider a princess-themed basket with items like princess jewelry, nail polish, art supplies, and a unique tie-dye beach towel.
Or, think of a pool-themed basket with a beach tote, sand toys, and a colorful beach towel.
Make the basket even more special with a few extra touches like a colorful bow or ribbon, a few Easter eggs, or a special note.
With these step-by-step instructions, you’ll be able to create a custom Easter basket for your girl that she’ll love!
Are there any Easter basket stuffers specifically for girls that are non-candy items?
Indeed, there are!
From glitter and sparkles to fun friendship art, you can find a wide selection of unique non-candy Easter basket stuffers for girls.
There are so many little fillers you can choose from!
Easter baskets for girls come in a variety of styles and colors, from bright pinks and pastels to custom designs.
From cute gift baskets with lock and key to sporty sparkle backpacks, there is something for every girl.
No matter what kind of Easter basket she’s looking for, you’re sure to find something special for every girl.
Time to Shop for Easter Bunny Baskets
We hope this guide has given you some inspiration for the perfect Easter basket for the special girl in your life.
Shopping for Easter should be fun for your daughter, nieces, or granddaughter.
The ideas are endless and open to inspiration based on their personalities.
You can be sure you’ll find the perfect Easter basket for the special girl in your life.
Don’t forget ideas for boys’ easter baskets!
Happy Easter!
Oh, and don’t forget those Easter basket stuffers!
So what are you waiting for? Get shopping!
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!