For the second consecutive year, Acopia Home Loans has ranked No. 1 on the the list of Middle Tennessee’s Top Workplaces for a midsize company (between 125 and 399 employees), though it has ranked as one of the best employers for the past nine years.
With 10 Middle Tennessee locations, Acopia has 133 employees plus additional staff in locations across the Southeast, Texas, Colorado, and California.
Acopia was founded just 16 years ago in 2007, and it has racked up numerous awards for being a great place to work and earned a solid industrywide reputation.
The company’s leadership is dedicated to helping people make the dream of home ownership a reality, using a range of loan products. Lenders work with borrowers hand-in-hand, which employees say is one of the best aspects of their jobs.
“I enjoy helping families find their forever home or a second home,” says one employee. “I also enjoy helping those who can’t purchase right now by having the option to help investors invest in rentals. The housing market is very important to society, and I love being a part of it.”
The company cultures an environment where its workers can be proud of based on their hard work, enthusiasm, integrity, creativity and having fun. The team loves helping homeowners, places importance on a high level of service, and is committed to doing the right thing, according to Acopia’s mission statement.
“I love my job because of the people,” says another employee. “Lots of companies talk about culture these days, but we live it every day. There is a level of respect among peers like no other I have ever experienced, and the support from the ownership and executive leaders is paramount.”
Acopia also goes the extra mile to serve those who give back to the local community. Its Honoring Our Heroes program was created to serve the people who serve others, including veterans, active military, police officers, firefighters, EMS workers, medical professionals and educators.
KCH Transportation
With its nationwide headquarters in Chattanooga and another office in Nashville, plus other locations across the South, KCH Transportation offers tech-based domestic transport services for virtually any type of freight. The company ranked high on the Top Workplaces for a midsize company.
KCH Transportation cultivates a culture of employee success focused on the well-being of people and the fostering of relationships above all else. Employees have autonomy and are trusted to build their own careers, while being given a clear path of growth within their roles. Leadership teams ensure equal opportunity for personal and professional development.
Of the dozens of employees surveyed, the response when asked why they love their jobs overwhelmingly was because of their co-workers. Person after person said their colleagues were like family and the company culture made KCH their “forever” job. Most described the job as challenging in positive ways without being stressful and said their efforts are appreciated.
“I have never worked for a company where each and every employee is so thoughtful, caring, and always there to help one another,” one employee said. “I honestly couldn’t ask for a more respectful team all across the board. I absolutely love everything about my job with KCH.”
One thing employees said they are most proud of is KHC’s donation drives. Each of its seven offices participates in multiple donation drives throughout the year, helping the communities the employees call home.
KCH has participated in and sponsored events with Toys for Tots and “trunk-or-treat” events, and last year donated over 500 toys, thousands of food items and thousands of clothing items to community members in need.
The company has also partnered with the Ronald McDonald House, the Net Resource Foundation and the St. Andrew’s Center.
“I come to work and smile,” says one staffer. “The people here are amazing and truly care about each other. This is work, this is a lifestyle, and we love what we do. I’m honored to be part of the KCH family and cannot wait to see what the next five years look like.”
Investors who chafe at having to take required minimum distributions (RMDs) each year have a new tool to help them reduce the tax bite of these withdrawals – and provide retirement income for life.
A financial advisor can help you manage your RMDs and tax liability in retirement.
Among the many provisions in the new SECURE 2.0 Act is an option that allows IRA holders to combine qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) with a little-known vehicle called a charitable gift annuity. The result? Your charitable donations can help fund your lifestyle in retirement. Here’s how it works.
How to Turn a QCD into Lifetime Income
Anyone turning 73 this year is required to take a taxable required minimum distribution (RMD) from their IRA (the rules and ages vary according to birth dates). Someone turning 73 with an IRA worth $500,000 at the end of 2022 would need to withdraw $18,868 by the end of the year. That money is taxed as ordinary income.
Contributions to qualified charities can be made directly from an IRA for up to $100,000 each year, with that money being tax-exempt and counting toward the annual RMD amount. As of Jan. 1, retirees ages 70 1/2 or older can donate up to $50,000 of that $100,000 in one single tax year only to a charitable gift annuity.
In exchange for the donation, the charity makes a fixed annual annuity payment to the donor for the rest of their life or for the lifetime of the donor and donor’s spouse. The payment must be 5% of the donation or more. Most charities set the annuity payouts using the American Council on Gift Annuities suggested rates, according to The Wall Street Journal.
A recent article uses the example of a 70-something retiree who donated $25,000 from her IRA to her alma mater, which immediately reduced the taxable income from her required minimum distribution (RMD) by that amount. By directing the money to her college’s charitable gift annuity program, she has a fixed 7% annuity that will pay her $1,750 a year for the rest of her life. If she lives another 15 years, she’ll receive more from the annuity than the amount of her original gift.
Taxes and Other Considerations
While this strategy can help lower your tax bill in a given year, keep in mind that the annuity payments are considered ordinary income, so you’ll owe taxes on the money. Additionally, any money left over after the death of the donors goes to the charity.
While the $50,000 contribution must be made in a single year, it can be broken up into smaller amounts and distributed to different charities that offer charitable gift annuities.
However, both the $100,000 charitable donation limit and the $50,000 charitable gift annuity limit adjust for inflation after 2023. The annuity is backed by the assets of the charity.
Gift annuities allow donors to make contributions to charities that they otherwise might not be able to afford if they weren’t going to receive the annuity payments in return, since it provides some income for the rest of the donor’s life.
Bottom Line
Recent changes to the laws surrounding required minimum distributions (RMDs) from IRAs and other tax-deferred accounts have given retirees a bit more flexibility about how to handle their withdrawals and the resulting taxes. Using RMD money to make a charitable donation reduces the amount of taxable income from the distribution. Making a donation from an IRA to a charity offering a gift annuity provides some lifetime income for donors who might otherwise not be able to afford to make a donation.
Retirement Planning Tips
Tax planning is an essential part of determining how to save and invest for retirement, and becomes even more important when you start taking withdrawals. A financial advisor can help you answer your questions about RMDs and taxes. Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
Social Security is a key component of most retirees’ income plans. Knowing how much you can expect to receive is vital to creating a financial plan in retirement that meets your needs. SmartAsset’s Social Security calculator can estimate how much your benefits will be and help you determine when is the best time to claim them.
Some say there is nothing like curling up with a good book on a rainy day. I say there is nothing like sitting down and putting on a rainy movie on a rainy day. Thanks to a popular internet forum, here is a list of their favorite films for a perfect rainy day.
1. Shutter Island (2010)
U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his new partner (Mark Ruffalo) find themselves at Ashecliffe Hospital, a fortress-like insane asylum on a remote, windswept island in Shutter Island. They are there to investigate the disappearance of a woman who drowned her three children.
It mainly occurs during a massive, devastating storm when the power is knocked out. Throughout the story, it progressively worsens, only adding to the intensity and suspense of the film.
2. Se7en (1995)
Se7en follows detective William Somerset (Morgan Freeman) and his new partner, the recently transferred David Mills (Brad Pitt), as they attempt to stop a serial killer before he can complete a series of murders based on the seven deadly sins.
One of the most well-known things about the film is it was always raining. Director David Fincher has since said this was his idea. He wanted the appearance of an oppressive, heavy rain that continues to fall with no end.
3. The Perfect Storm (2000)
Based on a true story, The Perfect Storm follows the courageous men and women who risk their lives daily working on fishing boats and rescue vessels. Their worst fears are realized when confronted by three raging weather fronts that unexpectedly collide to produce the greatest, fiercest storm in modern history.
4. Identity (2003)
The phrase “on a dark and stormy night” is the perfect way to describe this film. Identity occurs during a vicious storm that causes a group of strangers to hole up at a run-down motel. At the same time, a serial killer awaits execution for murdering a group of motel guests. Eventually, the weary travelers begin to be killed off one by one.
5. Twister (1996)
Twister is an epic disaster film that follows a group of amateur but spirited storm chasers trying to deploy a tornado research device during a severe outbreak in Oklahoma. While there is undoubtedly a lot of rain, there is a lot of devastation too. Maybe not be the best choice for anyone who has been through a natural disaster such as a tornado, but still a great watch.
6. The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
The Day After Tomorrow doesn’t just feature rain; it depicts several catastrophic climatic effects following the disruption of the North Atlantic Ocean circulation. First, a series of extreme weather events usher in global cooling and lead to a new ice age.
7. Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
In Blade Runner 2049, 30 years following the events of Blade Runner, bioengineered humans known as replicants are enslaved. It rains for most of the film, and while it might seem like there is no meaning behind it, there is.
Blade Runner 2049 has a glib view of the future in which corporations wreak untold damage to the lives of civilians. This recurring theme is reflected in its constant rain, intended to illustrate the effects of LA’s dangerously high pollution levels.
8. Jurassic Park (1993)
Jurassic Park is set on the fictional island of Isla Nublar. Wealthy businessman John Hammond and a team of genetic scientists have created a wildlife park of de-extinct dinosaurs. As can be expected, this does not go well. During the most intense moments of the film, it is pouring rain.
9. Bad Times at the El Royale (2018)
Bad Times at the El Royale centers on six strangers and an employee at the El Royale, a hotel located along the California–Nevada border, who arrive with dark personal secrets that eventually intersect on a fateful night in the late 1960s. One of the most memorable moments features Chris Hemsworth, who plays Billy Lee, approaching the hotel during an evening rain storm.
10. The Goonies (1985)
In The Goonies, a group of kids who live in the “Goon Docks” neighborhood of Astoria, Oregon, attempt to save their homes from foreclosure.
In doing so, they discover an old treasure map that takes them on an adventure to unearth the long-lost fortune of One-Eyed Willy, a legendary 17th-century pirate. While they end up soaking wet as they run from thieves with bad intentions, they still find the time to be kids.
This thread inspired this post.
Who is one actress you can never stand watching, no matter their role? After polling the internet, these were the top-voted actresses that people couldn’t stand watching.
10 Actresses People Despise Watching Regardless of Their Role
These 7 Celebrities are Genuinely Good People
We’ve all heard the famous adage that “no publicity is bad publicity,” and while it tends to be accurate, there are certainly exceptions. But what about those few stars who stay out of the limelight and get along without a hint of trouble?
These 7 Celebrities are Genuinely Good People
Have you ever known someone and thought you liked them—until you learned about their hobbies? Then you get to know them and then you’re like, “Wow, red flag.” Well, you’re not alone.
These 10 Activities Are an Immediate Red Flag
Some celebrities definitely seem to enjoy the limelight and keep working to stay in the public eye. While others quickly move out of the spotlight. Many of these actors and actresses stepped out of the spotlight to live a more private life without constant media pressures.
10 Celebrities That Made the Big Times Then Disappeared Off The Face of the Earth
We’ve all been there – sitting through a movie that we can’t help but cringe at, but somehow it still manages to hold a special place in our hearts.
These 10 Terrible Movies Are Still People’s Favorites
Back in 2013 my friends and I graduated, got jobs, and strangely, began seeing positive numbers in our bank accounts (student loans notwithstanding).
To protect and organize this novel and exciting resource, the savvy among us downloaded budgeting apps. Others budgeted in Excel, and the rest (including me) spent blindly, dreading our monthly statement like a jury summons.
Point is, seven years ago there were plenty of options for virtually managing your budget. Today, there are perhaps too many. There are hundreds of apps for climbing out of debt, budgeting between spouses, investing a percentage of your savings, even budgeting as a freelancer.
With overwhelming options and data breaches still making headlines, is it time to return to good ol’ budget spreadsheet?
What’s Ahead:
Here’s why I budget using spreadsheets
For six months in 2015, I tried everything I could to start meditating. I knew the practice would be challenging, so I tried to flatten my learning curve with apps, books, and by carefully studying the esoteric ramblings of gurus on YouTube.
Nothing worked. I couldn’t close my eyes for six minutes without snatching up my phone like Bilbo Baggins to resume my consumerist coma. It wasn’t until I visited a Buddhist monastery, and meditated for 45 minutes straight with no apps, music, or guidance, that I finally mastered the practice.
I found budgeting to be the same way. I knew it wouldn’t be fun, so I spent weeks trying dozens of different budgeting apps. They sent me reminders, gold stars, and even performed many essential tasks for me.
I wasn’t learning. I was looking for the path of least resistance.
But critical life skills are sharpened through resistance. Budgeting in a spreadsheet is like meditating without music or lifting free weights instead of using machines. You’ll sweat more, but you’ll grow faster. If sweating isn’t your thing, using apps like Mint to track your finances is a great alternative to budgeting in spreadsheets.
As illustrated in the “Pros..” section below, there are plenty of objective advantages to budgeting in a spreadsheet versus an app. Spreadsheets are extremely reliable, built upon the most simple, stable, and well-supported software in the world. Spreadsheets won’t crash or hamper you with surprise “security updates.” They’re effortless to share, and there’s a free template for virtually every conceivable scenario. Best of all, spreadsheets are infallibly secure. While many apps will store your most compromising information using security that’s failed before, there’s nothing a virtual villain can do with your spreadsheet in plain view.
But it’s the subjective psychological advantages of spreadsheet budgets that I believe give them the edge. The security and stability lower stress. The raw journaling aspect offers moments of deep introspection. Finally, the act of learning a new skill in the most organic way offers rewards and nourishment.
My top three budgeting tips
If you’re reading this article, you’re either looking to start budgeting or considering changing up your current method. In either case, you deserve a high-five because budgeting isn’t easy.
There’s a psychological weight to knowing precisely how much money you do (or don’t) have at all times. But trust me, it’s much less burdensome than the pervasive anxiety of not knowing and making poor financial decisions as a result. Plus, budgeting helps you save more, invest more, and makes you a better partner.
Whether you’re just getting started or looking to refine your process, here are my top three budgeting tips:
Be as honest with your budget as you are with your doctor
What do your doctor, your therapist, and your budget all have in common? They all help you solve big problems, but they can only help if you’re honest with them.
It can be extremely hard to admit to yourself just how much you’re spending on certain things, and in tandem, how much money you’re not really saving. But like a mystery stomach pain, mystery spending only gets worse with time.
So when you begin the budgeting process, be honest with yourself. Record everything. If looking at a certain expense makes you cringe, good! Like a massage therapist finding knots in your back, discovering cringeworthy expenses is pretty much the whole point.
Don’t forget insurance and retirement
Perhaps the most common mistake among budgeters is forgetting to include big, routine expenses that fall outside of a monthly cycle. The two that are most oft-forgotten are retirement and insurance.
Generally speaking, you should consider putting away at least 10% of your monthly income into a retirement account. I highly recommend opening a Roth IRA. Remember to subtract whatever you stash away from your monthly income on your spreadsheet.
Similarly, be sure to factor your insurance premiums into each month’s budget. Even if you pay in full, whatever you pay in total annually for home/renters, medical, and auto should be divided by 12 and included in your monthly expenses.
Think of budgeting as “money journaling”
The process of journaling is excellent for your mental health because it “helps you prioritize problems, fears, and concerns” and “provides an opportunity for positive self-talk,” according to the University of Rochester Medical Center.
Because “budgeting” can have loaded connotations, I think of budgeting as “money journaling.” If I’m nervous about my income-to-spending ratio, I record everything to remove the fear of the unknown. Then, I either discover that I’m well within my spending limit, or that I’ve exceeded it and should go lean until the end of the month.
In either case, I feel much better.
Pros of budgeting in a spreadsheet
Versatile and easy to share
Perhaps you’re worried that budgeting in a spreadsheet will involve the complex drudgery of designing something from scratch. Thankfully, nothing could be further from the truth.
I like Google Sheets because it’s free, cloud-based, and doesn’t require surprise lengthy updates. Plus, the platform has hundreds of professional and user-sourced budget templates for every possible scenario. When you find a template you like, you can click FILE > MAKE A COPY, and ta-da, it’s yours forever.
Plus, Google Sheets makes it easier than most apps to share your spreadsheet with friends, family members, or your financial advisor. And when things get private, you can dynamically update the view, comment, or edit access (or revoke it entirely!).
Download Money Under 30’s official “Simple Budgeting Spreadsheet” for Excel here.
Here to stay
Apps come and go, regardless of popularity. Thousands of full-time Viners didn’t think they’d lose their primary source of income overnight until they did.
While budgeting apps are probably less volatile than social media platforms, it’s safe to say that Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel will be around much longer than many of the medium-sized budgeting apps competing on the Apple or Play Store.
By “investing” in a spreadsheet over an app, you can rest assured that your preferred budgeting tool will always be available (and offline, no less).
Better security
A lot of money management apps prompted me for my bank account information. Although they listed good reasons for the invasion of privacy (real-time budgeting data, auto-deposits into retirement, etc.), it still made me feel uneasy.
If the Equifax breach has taught us anything, it’s that a miserly approach to sharing personal information is probably a good idea. Keeping your budget spreadsheet and your accounts separated may be less convenient, but it’s indisputably safer.
There’s very little a hacker can do with a copy of your budget spreadsheet other than mock you for spending $41 on Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Therapy.
Now that I’ve covered the advantages of budgeting with a spreadsheet, I should acknowledge some shortcomings.
Cons of budgeting in a spreadsheet
Can lack user-friendliness
Rather than overwhelm you with a sea of empty cells, apps YNAB (You Need a Budget) will ease you into the process by asking a few questions at a time to calculate your income, expenses, and goals.
If you feel especially psychologically intimidated by the budgeting process, or you need extra help cataloging your expenses, the Q&A format of many user-friendly apps may ease some of your troubles.
Short on features
Even the best-designed spreadsheet templates are still static in nature and require your input to work effectively. Apps, by contrast, can be more dynamic, automatically adjusting your data based upon the access you give it to your accounts, bills, etc.
While you can write those off as mere conveniences, it’s hard to ignore how some apps will even go so far as to drive behavior. A spreadsheet admittedly can’t send reminders to your phone to stop spending, nor can it automatically invest for you.
Not mobile-friendly
I’d hesitate to call Sheets or Excel “mobile-friendly” – a more apt descriptor would be “mobile-tolerable.” Before a medium-sized purchase, I can always take a quick glance at my budget on Sheets mobile, but I lack the dexterity or patience to make any actual changes until I find a laptop.
By contrast, virtually all budgeting apps are designed to be mobile-friendly. If you’re someone whose laptop stays sheathed most of the day as you do most admin tasks on your phone, an app may better fit your lifestyle.
Summary
My budgeting spreadsheet is like a Toyota SUV – it may be short on fancy features or connectivity, but it’ll always be there and it will never break down.
Even still, while I strongly prefer to budget using a spreadsheet, there’s really no right answer for everyone. What’s most important is that you’re budgeting somehow, somewhere.
Today is the last day of Financial Literacy Month. To tie everything together, I thought it would be fun to share an interview my real millionaire next door, a man we’ll call John. He used the basic tenets of money management to build wealth and to retire early. Here’s how I described John when I first wrote about him last year:
John is a 71-year-old retired shop teacher who lives in a modest ranch house on half an acre, the same house he’s had for over forty years. He has an old barn filled with salvaged lumber, outdated appliances, and who knows what else. When he’s around, he drives a junkie 25-year-old station wagon. But most of the time, he’s not around.
He spends his winters in New Zealand helping friends on a dairy farm. His summers are spent fishing in Alaska. For a couple of months each year, he’s home, puttering in the yard. Year-round, he rents his house to boarders. He leads a very active retirement.
John’s story was popular with Get Rich Slowly readers, and many of you asked me to interview him. I had to wait for him to return from New Zealand, but earlier this month, the opportunity finally presented itself. John agreed to sit down for a chat.
“I want to take you to lunch at the Chinese place up the street,” I told him.
“What the hell for?” he asked.
“Just to be nice,” I said. “To thank you for taking the time to speak with me.”
“I don’t need that,” he said. “Save your money. Let’s just sit at your dinner table.” And so we did.
In the Beginning
Before John left for New Zealand just after Christmas, I mentioned the idea of an interview. He liked the notion, so on his flight home at the end of March, he made some notes about his financial philosophy. “These are my secrets to financial freedom,” he told me, showing me what he had jotted on the back of an envelope. “This is what I did to get where I am today.”
“I’m ready,” I said. I had a yellow legal pad and a Bic pen. I motioned for him to continue.
“It was interesting to do this,” John said. “It’s really the story of your web site. The real secret is to spend less than you earn. I don’t care how much you earn, you spend less than you earn.”
I laughed. “My readers aren’t going to like that,” I said. “There’s a vocal group that complains that personal finance writers are always preaching ‘spend less than you earn’.”
“It’s not funny,” John said. “Because that’s the secret. They don’t have to like it, they just have to do it.”
“Right,” I said. “There are no magic bullets. There are no special shortcuts. Now, before we get started, can you tell us a little bit about your background?”
“Well, I’m retired,” John said. “I’m 72 years old. I spent twenty years as a shop teacher at a junior high school. I retired at 58. Before that, I did other things. I worked as a carpenter for eight years, and I spent six or seven years working in the juvenile court system.”
“Did you have good financial habits growing up?” I asked.
“Yeah, I really did. My family had a lot of money. We owned a big hardware store. But I saw money wasn’t the key to happiness. There were other families that were happier that had far less. But I’m grateful for having grown up with a solid financial background.”
On Frugality
“What advice do you have for people who want to spend less?” I asked.
“Well, I made this list,” John said, pointing to his old envelope. “I listed all of the things I do. First of all, people should learn what a kilowatt hour is. A kilowatt hour is a thousand watts burned for an hour. All of these appliances left on standby draw power. And don’t leave your lights on.” John gave me a look.
I was sheepish. The lights were on in the bathroom and the kitchen, but we were sitting in the dining room. I got up to turn them off while he continued speaking.
“Learn to figure your own power bill and know why it is what it is. People should learn about electrical use. That’s a drain on your monthly budget. Every penny saved on electricity is a penny you can use for something else.”
“No smoking or alcohol consumption,” he continued. “This has nothing to do with morals and health — okay, maybe health — it’s all about the money. I see people with a cigarette in their mouth, and I think, ‘That’s 25 cents!’” I laughed.
“Don’t have a credit card without autopay. And if you have a credit card, you should benefit from it. I use a credit card for everything I can, but I get things back from that.”
“Like air miles?” I asked.
“Exactly,” John said. “Air miles or a cash rebate. And I have my bank automatically pay the bill every month.”
“Next is food,” he said. “I think people’s eating habits are hell-bent on spending money.”
“Yeah,” I said. “I offered to take you to lunch while we talked.”
“I know, but I don’t need that gesture. I appreciate it, but that’s money that could be spent on other things. Like your new car!“
“You don’t have to spend a lot on food,” John continued. “When I go to the grocery store — which is rarely — I don’t know how anyone could afford to feed a family on that stuff. It seems outrageously expensive. People need to learn to cook from raw ingredients.“
“But where do you get the raw ingredients?” I asked.
“From the farmers market! Or Costco! You don’t need the little individual servings. That’s crazy. You have to be creative. Part of the problem is that you need to buy a freezer. Or look,” he said, waving his hand at Kris’ seedlings. “Over there are your tomato starts. Those cost you what? 50 cents? You’ll get 50 dollars of fruit from those! Plus I buy what I can in bulk.”
“Eating in-season food is important. It’s less expensive and it’s better quality. I also like this eating close to home thing. That’s neat.”
“Kris makes her own granola,” I offered.
“Yeah,” he said. “Exactly. But nobody advertises that. Nobody advertises ‘make your own granola’. Again, it makes sense to own a freezer. The electrical use of a freezer is pretty tiny. That’d be an interesting article for you, J.D. How much electricity does a freezer use versus how much you save by buying in bulk? People don’t understand about electrical use. They have a foggy notion about it.”
“Yeah, I have this device called a Kill-a-Watt,” I said. “It measures electricity use. But I’ve never checked our freezer.”
“Here’s another thing,” John said. “It’s okay to buy used. There’s nobody advertising to be thrifty. There’s nobody advertising to go to Goodwill. That’s not where the profit is. People have to get permission to buy used from somewhere else, because they’re not going to get it from advertising. I buy all sorts of stuff used, but especially cars. I bought my minivan off Craigslist.”
“How did that work?” I asked.
“It worked great,” John said.
“I bought my Mini Cooper used,” I said, “but I didn’t do it as well as I could have. I didn’t take it to a mechanic, for example.”
“I took my car to two mechanics. I wanted to be sure.”
He rattled off a few more tips. “Do your own home repairs. Use the library more — movies and books, and it’s totally free. I think that’s great. Remember: A dollar spent will never produce dividends. Money spent is gone and will never earn you anything.”
On Investing
“That’s a good transition,” I said. “Let’s talk about your approach to investing.”
“I advise people to look for good investments. Take some time to do research. And think outside the box. I just re-opened my account with Reliable Credit. They offer 4%, which keeps up with inflation.” Reliable Credit is a nearby consumer finance company. But it’s not a bank. They take deposits from people like John and they loan them to high-risk clients. They do a lot of used car loans.
“The thing that worries me about Reliable Credit is that they’re not insured. There’s no FDIC insurance,” I said.
“Doesn’t bother me,” John said. “I’m not putting a whole lot in there. It’s just part of my money.”
“What would happen if you lost it all?”
“Not a big deal. I own my home. I have a guaranteed pension. I have no debt. That’s the key. Because I’ve done these other things, I can afford to take some risk. A lot of people can’t.”
“What about your other investments?” I asked.
“If you’re going to do stocks, diversify your stock holdings,” John said. “But for me, no-load mutual funds are the only way to go. To give anybody 3-4% of your money off the top is insane. It used to be I wasn’t aware how much I was paying. Once I figured it out, I thought, ‘Shit, I can make these mistakes myself. Why should I pay anybody to do it for me?’”
“I invested in small-cap funds at Columbia here in Portland. What a great move that was. Those did very well. I tracked their growth in the newspaper. Every week I drew a graph. I plotted the weekly high and the low and where it closed. I had to keep making new pages for my records because it was growing so much. I didn’t mind,” he said, laughing. “Back in the olden days, if I wasn’t getting 20% a year, I looked someplace else. But I can’t hold that up as an example — although it may happen again if things get turned around, once this economy corrects itself.”
“Does this economy worry you?” I asked.
“No. I don’t have to worry about it. I don’t need the income. I’m debt-free. If I was retired and had a mortgage or other debt, or if I had health problems, it would worry me. To my mind, even if you invest and it goes to hell, it’s still better than nothing. The odds of that are pretty slim, though, especially if you diversify.”
“What are your financial goals?” I asked.
“I used to say that when I reached $100,000 I would have arrived. But I got there so fast, I just kept going. Some people plan for retirement, but I didn’t plan. I did go to investment workshops — free workshops — that were put on for the teachers, and I learned from them. You’d be surprised at how few people showed up to them. Nobody cared.”
“When did you start to save?” I asked.
“It must have been 30 or 35 years ago,” John said. “And I’m glad I did. I think there are people who still don’t take advantage of tax-advantaged savings and investments accounts. I did this as soon as I could. I was amazed at how many teachers didn’t take advantage of this. That’s crazy.”
On Choosing a Lifestyle
John looked back down at his list. “Here’s another thing,” he said. “Volunteer to help others. I really think that’s an important personal lifestyle choice. It feels good to me. I used to do scouting. I had a Boy Scout troop for fifteen years.”
“You know, scouting was important for me when I was a boy,” I said. “I think it can be a great experience.”
“Sure it can,” John said. “When I was growing up, a lot of people shared things with me. It feels good to be in a place to be able to share myself now.”
“What kind of things do you share?”
“Well you know I rent the house, but it’s basically at cost. I don’t charge much at all. I host guests on my boat [in Alaska] at no charge. I do my work in New Zealand. Earlier today I picked up some sheet metal. I went and bought some scrap sheet metal and I took it in to Franklin High School. I took it to their metal shop. They can really make use of that.”
“What do you splurge on?” I asked. I’ve seen the things John owns. They’re very functional. He doesn’t have a lot that I would consider “fun”.
“Some people would say that buying a boat is a splurge,” he said. “But I bought that boat right. I bought it for less than market value. I’ve taken care of it. I’ll get a lot more use out of it.”
“I guess I could eliminate a couple thousand dollars airfare getting to New Zealand and back, but I spend very little money when I get there. If I spend a couple hundred dollars in New Zealand, I’d be surprised.”
“How do you keep your costs so low there?”
“I work on farms. I’m part of Willing Workers on Organic Farms. You travel to someplace and do work on their farms for them. They provide room and board. Sometimes they take you to do local stuff. This year I got to see sheepdog trials. That was fun. Anyhow, I do carpentry work. I build stuff and fix things. There are four farms I go to, about three weeks at a time, and I do what needs done.”
He paused for a moment and smiled. “But Alaska is just for fun.”
“How long have you been doing this now?”
“I’ve been doing this for about fifteen years, ever since I was retired. Back when I was 58.”
Reader Questions
We’d come to the end of John’s list, but we weren’t finished yet. “I told some of my readers that I was going to interview you,” I said. “They sent in some questions. Would you be willing to answer them?”
“Sure. Of course.”
“Annie Blue wants to know how money affects your daily happiness.”
“Well,” he said. “I can buy whatever I want. Not need, but want. I just don’t want very much. I always have $100 in my pocket, but I don’t piss it away. I don’t stop for coffee. I seldom eat out.”
“I understand why people buy things,” he said, “I like to buy things, too. There’s a certain satisfaction in looking at the things you’ve accumulated. It’s like an affirmation that you’re doing things right. So you surround yourself with things that make you think you’re doing well — but they’re not necessary. That’s one of the advantages of being older. People just leave you alone to do what you want.”
“Next,” I said, “Suburban Dollar wants to know what advice you’d give to a 30-year-old.”
“Spend less than you earn. This is true whether you’re on welfare or a millionaire. And remember: wealth is created by investing money, not by working longer and harder.”
“Here’s another thing,” he said. “Remember that when you’re raising kids and stuff, that’s really hard. The demands on your money are so great. But you’ve got to be willing to say no. So much money is pissed away to keep kids happy.” (John has grown children. He’s speaking from experience.)
“Here’s a final question from Bill in Detroit,” I said. “He wants to know if outer wealth causes inner wealth. Or is it the other way around? Or are they completely disconnected?”
“There’s a lot of personal power from personal spending,” John said. “If I’m feeling down in the dumps, going out and buying something gives me a lift. But I’m aware of that. I’m aware of how it makes me feel and it helps me to not do it.”
“I think it all has to do with how you feel about yourself,” John said. “I learned long ago that it was okay to spend less than I earned. It wasn’t going to kill me. And I learned that by doing so, I felt really good about myself. I still do. I’m happy. I feel really comfortable.”
I thanked John for answering my questions, and we walked out to look at the vegetable garden. He admired our onions and peas and asparagus. We discussed whether it was time to rototill. At last, we shook hands and said our farewells. I was headed to California in the morning, and he was off to Alaska. He’ll be there until about the time his grapes are ready to harvest in September. I’ll miss him while he’s gone. But if I’m lucky, I just might get to spend a week with him on his boat this summer, catching a glimpse of what early retirement is like.
Welcome to the world of Bohemian-inspired home design, where creativity knows no bounds and a free-spirited aesthetic reigns supreme. Whether you’re seeking to transform your apartment in Rochester, NY or add a touch of wanderlust to your suburban home in Orlando, FL, the Bohemian design can transport you to a world of balance, harmony, and unconventional beauty.
In this Redfin, we’ll explore expert tips and advice from professionals in the field to help you achieve the perfect Boho look for your home. Learn from professionals about self-expression, celebrate diverse cultures, and weave your own narrative into your home decor. Whether you’re a seasoned at heart or a newcomer to this design philosophy, these experts will guide you through the process of creating a space that exudes warmth, peace, and the allure of the unconventional.
1. Boho style is all about balance
In Bohemian design, finding balance is key to creating a harmonious and visually pleasing space. While the style embraces eclecticism and the mixing of various elements, it’s important to strike a balance between contrasting elements to avoid overwhelming the senses.
“One common mistake people often make is forgetting that balance is crucial in Bohemian design,” says Josh Cemelich from ABT Modern. “The style’s essence lies in the artful blend of patterns, colors, and textures while maintaining a sense of harmony. An overabundance of elements without careful curation can result in visual clutter rather than a calming, inviting ambiance.”
2. In Bohemian design, there are no rules
In Bohemian design, the beauty lies in its lack of rules and strict guidelines. It’s a style that encourages individuality, self-expression, and a free-spirited approach to decorating.
“I love the freedom that the Bohemian aesthetic offers. It gives me the liberty to mix different eras, such as Twentieth Century pieces, with organic elements like rattan or various woods. The intentional use of eclectic art and sculpture brings in a layer of personal expression that truly embodies the spirit of boho,” says Josh.
“My advice to those embracing a Bohemian-inspired home is to let your space tell your story. Let each piece of furniture, each artifact, each color, and texture echo your personal journey. Remember, in a Bohemian home, there are no rules—only a boundless canvas for your creativity.”
3. Bohemian design is a tapestry of art, culture, and unconventional beauty
Boho design embraces diverse influences from around the world, blending elements of different cultures, eras, and artistic styles.
“Having a Bohemian-designed home is all about celebrating art, beauty, and bold unconventional choices of colors, textures, and patterns that all unexpectedly harmonize together in a delicious collection from all over the world,” shares Studio Mishou.
“Imagine lush rugs, gallery walls of paintings, light fixtures that resemble interesting giant jewelry pieces, fantastic pillows in all kinds of indulgent fabrics, an abundance of color, and art objects that initiate conversations. Basically, a Boho home is like that eccentric aunt who wears fabulous silk caftans, has traveled the world, and hosts the best cocktail parties with people from all walks of life.”
Courtesy of Studio Mishou
4. Incorporate natural elements into your Bohemian inspired home
Utilizing natural elements is a fundamental aspect of Bohemian design, adding an organic and grounding touch to the overall aesthetic. The Bohemian style embraces the beauty of the natural world, bringing in elements such as plants, natural fibers, and raw materials.
“Use natural, sustainable elements such as wicker, rattan, wood, metal, and bamboo, all of which are beautiful and can be utilized in various ways to create an eclectic and grounding ambiance,” recommends Rooms Refreshed.
“Plants are particularly inspiring for creating a Bohemian atmosphere as they bring the essence of the outdoors inside. With a wide range of indoor plant varieties available, mix and match them to create your own living, colorful artwork.”
Courtesy of Rooms Refreshed
5. Add vibrant, colorful expressions for an artistic flair
Bohemian style celebrates the bold and the unexpected, encouraging the use of vibrant hues and expressive palettes throughout the space.
“As an artist who lives and breathes the boho look, I use vibrant color combinations abundantly to create the desired aesthetic. My favorite colors include orange, pink, yellow, bright purple, lime green, and a profusion of teal,” suggests Teresa Stone, Known as the Gypsy Gardener, from The Bazaar On Apricot & Lime.
“My Bohemian home serves as a direct reflection of my artistic expression. My art predominantly revolves around abstract floral themes, and I extend my creative palette beyond canvas by painting on various furniture pieces sourced from thrift stores or stumbled upon curbside..”
Courtesy of Gypsy Gardener
6. Create a look that reflects your personal style
Boho design encourages you to embrace your individuality, allowing your space to become a canvas for self-expression.
“Bohoemian style is about creating spaces that reflect personal tastes and experiences, rather than adhering to specific design rules or trends,” says Luonto Furniture. “ It’s about creating spaces that are not just visually appealing, but also comfortable, inviting, and full of character.”
Courtesy of Luonto Furniture
7. Create a narrative by weaving travel memories into your decor
Capture the spirit of your adventures by incorporating travel-inspired elements throughout your home. Displaying souvenirs, such as maps, globes, or postcards from your journeys, adds a personal touch and sparks conversations about your experiences.
“Travel is a big focus for me and my family. Sometimes it is to an exotic location like Nepal, and other times it is a Sunday drive to the foothills for a hike. Of course, we have photo albums to record the trips, but I like to keep those memories more present by weaving a lot of our travel finds throughout our house, on bookcases and side tables,” shares Cydney Davis-English, Owner and Design Lead for The English Garden.
“We try to avoid tourist stop posters and shot glasses and instead seek out local artists. Making a purchase from a local artist or shop owner doesn’t have to be expensive, and it helps keep those businesses vibrant. Whether it’s a piece of pottery, a small drawing, or even something functional like a candle or kitchen item, these items can help us relive our trips.”
Courtesy of Cydney Davis-English
8. Add floral accents
Embracing the presence of flowers and botanical elements brings life, color, and a sense of serenity to your space.
“Make a living, organic element one of your decorating layers,” says Cydney, a third-generation flower shop owner. “With Bohemian styling, it’s easy for things to appear busy and cluttered. By focusing your flowers on one bold shot of colo, you can add a vibrant touch without overwhelming the visual space. Additionally, keep the plant elements simple by displaying them in unpatterned terra cotta pots or colorful ceramics.”
9. Break up your Boho-chic space into zones
“Just as if you were planning a boho-chic wedding, break up your space into zones that will serve specific functions while fitting the desired theme,” suggests Walt Shepard from Inside Weddings.
For example, create a cozy reading nook with layers of textured pillows, bold-toned blankets, and candlelight emitted from lantern-inspired votives; adorn the dining area with woven place mats, place settings featuring mismatched china in various colors and prints, and organic centerpieces surrounded by bud vases; or curate a bohemian-inspired lounge with a rich velvet or leather sofa, statement vintage chairs, and cozy, soft accents for an eclectic look.”
Breaking up your Boho-chic space into zones is a practical and stylish way to optimize the functionality and flow of your home. By defining specific areas within your space, you can create distinct zones for different activities, while maintaining the overall bohemian aesthetic.
10. Expand your Bohemian space outdoors
Transforming your outdoor area into a bohemian oasis extends your living space and creates an enchanting retreat.
“I believe in embracing the Bohemian design philosophy not only indoors but also in outdoor spaces,” says says Rafael Montilla from Art Miami Magazine. “By utilizing cozy seating areas, layered textiles, and organic materials, you can create a seamless transition between inside and outside, allowing for a holistic boho experience.”
11. Add texture in every room
“Introduce various textures to add depth and visual interest to your space,” suggests Bohemian Hive. “Combine smooth surfaces like glass or metal with textured materials like velvet, fur, or woven fabrics. Textures can be incorporated through rugs, cushions, curtains, or even wall treatments like textured paint or wallpaper.
Another way to do this is by mixing and matching furniture, old, and new decor. Incorporating unique vintage or thrifted pieces adds character to your eclectic design. Explore flea markets, second hand stores, or online platforms to find one-of-a-kind items that can become conversation starters in your space.”
By incorporating various textures, you can enhance the cozy, eclectic, and inviting nature of Bohemian style.
12. Incorporate live plants whenever possible
“Plants are a great, low-cost way to add energy and color to your space, and they really enhance the modern boho aesthetic,” shares Homescaped. Bohemian design is heavy in texture and can be a mix of furniture pieces from different styles to create an eclectic, collected over time look. Think macrame planters and that vintage coffee table you saw at the flea market last weekend, combined with a modern sofa and colorful, vibrant throw pillows. Avoid making everything too matchy-matchy.”
Plants not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home but also contribute to a healthier and more rejuvenating environment.
Courtesy of Homescaped
13. Use Rainbow prisms to add a magical touch to your space
“Rainbow prisms are one of the most inexpensive, renter-friendly, and easy-level DIY ways to enhance your space,” suggests Amelia Dean, Owner of Bohemian Reves. “Using either a suncatcher window sticker or a faceted crystal hung from clear fishing wire, you can place them in a southwest or northeast window or attach them to the ceiling.
Placing these prisms in hallways and small areas can have a significant impact, and using both methods together can create captivating dimensions. For bolder prisms, use round crystals as they keep the energy flowing. For softer prisms, stick to flatter chandelier shapes.”
Courtesy of Bohemian Reves
14. Dry-lay tiles on window sills and room borders
“Renting? Not a problem. I have a small obsession with dry-laying tiles without adhering them to transform window sills and room borders,” says Amelia. “Often, after living with and testing tiles in a space, I’ll either find it validates my decision in the spot I choose or that it could have a more suitable home. Perhaps they are more delicate than you thought or they clash with something else that has changed along the way.
This has saved me countless times. Be sure to keep a flat, solid substrate in mind and only place them in areas that will not be walked on to avoid breaking or damaging the tile. Look for sale tiles or tiles that have less than 1000 square feet left. It’s an amazing way to save money and keep your home diverse and stimulating. Don’t toss your tile samples, they’re often the perfect size for windowsills.”
Courtesy of Bohemian Reves
16. Embrace mismatched furniture
Rather than aiming for perfectly coordinated sets, embrace the beauty of individuality and mix different styles, eras, and finishes.
“The days of matchy-matchy furniture sets are long gone,” shares KB Design. “Especially if trying to achieve the boho look. The more eclectic, the better. If you currently have a more traditional couch set, and trying to upfit on a smaller budget, create the eclectic feel by sourcing a funky coffee table, lamps, playful pillows and low-sitting accent chair. Mirrors, taper candles, books from your travels, and anything else special that speaks personally to you.”
Courtesy of KB Design
17. Invest in Bohemian craftsmanship
Seek out unique, handcrafted pieces that showcase the skill and artistry of local artisans. Look for furniture, textiles, ceramics, and decorative items that are made with traditional techniques and showcase intricate details.
“Enhance your free-spirited Bohemian Lifestyle by showcasing exquisite solid wood creations in your home,” says Bohemian Works. “Add authentic wood accents that embody organic forms, blending functionality and aesthetics seamlessly. From flooring to kitchen doors, create a harmonious living space that celebrates the essence of Bohemian design.”
You know the movie you watched that had God-awful effects and made you almost smash your TV? We all hate those. Great movie SFX can shoot the viewer’s experience from two to one hundred in a heartbeat.
Someone in an online film forum, probably having had enough of terrible special effects, asked for some foreign movies with remarkable special effects. These are our favorites from the recommendations.
1. Hero (2002)
Hero is set in Ancient China, and Jet Li stars in it. Fun fact: his name in the film is Nameless (无名). The movie is about Nameless recounting how he fought the King’s enemies and won. But the King, who thinks he’s lying, questions the details of his story.
A fan thinks, “Hero is one of the most visually stunning movies I’ve ever seen.” What else can you expect from the most expensive project in China in 2002?
2. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is another Chinese movie directed by Ang Lee and stars Michelle Yeoh, Chow Yun-fat, Zhang Ziyi, and Chang Chen. The film has just the right mix of action, adventure, good acting, and beautiful effects. As a result, it became the highest-grossing foreign-language film produced overseas in American history.
3. Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)
All ye lovers of dark fantasy horror films get in here! This Spanish film was so good that it won many international awards, including three Academy Awards.
The plot follows 10-year-old Ofelia (played by Ivana Baquero), who goes into a magical labyrinth and has to complete some quests to prove that she is royalty. Spoiler alert, Ofelia dies in this movie. Sad, but this makes the film more interesting for some people. One said, “My absolute favorite movie ever. So good.”
4. Space Sweepers (2021)
The film is regarded as “the first Korean film space blockbuster.” It is set in a time when Earth is uninhabitable, 2092. The new “Earth” is for only 1% of the 1%. The fate of the other 99% is anyone’s guess.
Critics agree the movie has “relatable characters and impressive effects.” Still, you would have to see it yourself to agree or disagree.
5. Rigor Mortis (2013)
Back to our horror movie lovers, Juno Mak and Takashi Shimizu directed and produced this Hong Kong horror film. You know those films you watch with keen interest and total amazement, and then after an hour of being entertained, you find out, at the very end, that all was not as you thought it was. This is one.
Ultimately, we find out that most of the story didn’t happen. It was all in the mind of the main character. Oops! Did I forget to say spoiler alert?
6. Sputnik (2020)
Russian Horror movies are one of the best horror movies out there. Case in point, Sputnik. Egor Abramenko directed this one.
Oksana Akinshina stars in this Sci-Fi horror as Tatyana Yuryevna Klimova. She gets recruited to figure out how to help a cosmonaut named Konstantin, the sole survivor of a space accident. Except her recruiter lied to her.
7. Train To Busan (2016)
What is good horror without flesh-eating zombies? This South Korean horror film has one of the best effects from movies released in 2016.
The drama takes place on a train on its way to Busan. Seok-woo, played by Gong Woo, and his daughter Su-an, played by Kim-Su-an, are on the train to see his ex-wife. Let’s just say they never got to Busan. Although the first movie was a huge hit, the sequel, released in 2020, was less successful than the first.
8. Troll Hunter (2010)
This Norwegian film follows a group of students who want to make a documentary about a bear poacher in the forest.
After a series of searches and investigations, they find out that there is no bear poacher; instead, there are trolls in the forest. André Øvredal wrote and directed the film, featuring various famous Norwegian comedians.
9. Night Watch (2004)
We have another Russian horror film on our hands. The storyline of this film puts darkness and light against each other in a great war, but no side wins, so they reach a truce. Night Watch, directed by Timur Bekmambetov, received mixed reactions from critics. Still, the movie has many lovers.
10. The Wandering Earth (2019)
Apparently, Asians have the movie world on lockdown as far as special effects are involved. The last movie on the list is a Chinese science fiction film. It is set in 2058; the sun is dying out, and Earth is in danger. The plan is to find a way to move Earth out of its orbit and into a new one. Did they succeed? Only one way for you to find out.
Frant Gwo directed the film. It set a record in the Chinese film industry by earning more than £232 million in six days.
This thread inspired this post.
Who is one actress you can never stand watching, no matter their role? After polling the internet, these were the top-voted actresses that people couldn’t stand watching.
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We’ve all heard the famous adage that “no publicity is bad publicity,” and while it tends to be accurate, there are certainly exceptions. But what about those few stars who stay out of the limelight and get along without a hint of trouble?
These 7 Celebrities are Genuinely Good People
Have you ever known someone and thought you liked them—until you learned about their hobbies? Then you get to know them and then you’re like, “Wow, red flag.” Well, you’re not alone.
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Some celebrities definitely seem to enjoy the limelight and keep working to stay in the public eye. While others quickly move out of the spotlight. Many of these actors and actresses stepped out of the spotlight to live a more private life without constant media pressures.
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We’ve all been there – sitting through a movie that we can’t help but cringe at, but somehow it still manages to hold a special place in our hearts.
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Some people never take control of their finances because they’re afraid that doing so would require them to give up everything they enjoy. I don’t believe that’s true. Getting out of debt requires hard work and sacrifice, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun along the way.
Aaron recently sent the following e-mail:
You paid off $35,000 in debt in just over three years. Does that mean you were balls-to-the-wall dedicated and had no frills and were dour-faced the whole time? Were you using every spare penny to pay debt? Did you give up all luxuries and all fun? Did paying off the debt consume you?
That’s my greatest fear about the whole thing. What makes it worse is that I’m serious about getting out of debt — I just don’t want to be miserable in the process. Especially since I’m going to be married soon.
Any encouragement you can give would be greatly appreciated.
When a person decides to make a lifestyle change — financial or otherwise — there’s a temptation GO ALL OUT. With the zeal of a new convert, you leap headlong into a life of thrift, for example, giving up everything you valued before.
There’s a problem with this.
Most people who leap from a lifestyle of deficit-spending to one of extreme frugality find the waters very, very cold. It’s a shock to the system. It feels oppressive. They struggle to stay afloat, but before long decide they’re going to sink rather than swim, so return to the warmer, familiar waters, the waters of debt.
I made several false starts before I found my way. I would decide to give up comics completely, or to never buy another computer game. These sorts of goals are foolish. Nobody has that kind of god-like self-control. Everyone needs an indulgence now and then.
Rather than quit cold turkey, I think the best way to begin a life of frugality is by taking small steps. Small steps eventually become big strides, but only after you’ve developed your frugal muscles.
Testing the Water
When I was working to pay off my debt, I was not obsessed. I did not give up all luxuries and fun. I was dedicated, yes, but debt reduction did not consume me. For much of those three years, I was struggling to figure things out. I didn’t suddenly move from clueless spender to clued-in saver. It was a gradual process, one that’s not even wholly complete today.
I started to focus on debt reduction in October 2004. In January 2006, over a year into my quest, I had one of my worst financial months ever. I spent over $1,000 on comic books. (I was buying expensive hard-bound compilations.) I’m almost ashamed to admit that, but it’s true: for that month, I spent more than I earned.
That’s an extreme example, though. Most months I made smart decisions with money, and gradually improved my situation. Measures that seemed extreme at the beginning became much easier by the end. When I started to get out of debt, I thought of cable television as a Need. By the end of the process, I saw that it was a Want. That’s just one example; I cut back in many areas. But again, these changes did not occur overnight.
Finding Balance
For some people, the gazelle-like intensity espoused by Dave Ramsey is absolutely the right way to go. But I believe that the people who succeed with this sort of devotion are those who actually learn to enjoy extreme frugality. They don’t feel like they’re making sacrifices. The rest of us need some sort of balance.
In my case, my most austere period came after I had re-paid my debt. When I quit my job at the box factory last spring, I spent a few months being too frugal, and I was not happy. It was then that I discovered the balanced money formula, which I’ve mentioned frequently over the past few months. Adopting this technique helped me to continue saving while also allowing room for fun. The same thing can be done while you repay your debt.
Yes, you should cut back as much as possible. Yes, thrift and frugality are important tools to meeting your financial goals. But I believe it’s important to develop sustainable financial goals. If you’re miserable, or if you cut your spending so far that you cannot maintain it, there’s a risk that you’ll lapse back into old habits.
There’s no one right path to debt-free living. Each of us has different priorities. To find the way that’s right for you, you need to set financial goals, draft a spending plan that moves you in the direction of these goals, and then practice patient persistence. And let yourself have a treat now and then.
So you want to build a new home — but you’ve got sticker shock. In researching cost-effective options, you may have discovered modular and manufactured homes.
These home types are typically more affordable than traditional new construction, known as “site-built” homes. The Manufactured Housing Institute reports that a manufactured home costs half as much per square foot as a site-built home. For modular builds, a 2017 study by the Terner Center for Housing Innovation at the University of California, Berkeley estimates construction savings of at least 20%.
Depending on land costs and the model you choose, a new manufactured or modular build might even cost less than the average existing home.
Modular and manufactured homes are both types of prefabricated, or “prefab,” homes. That means they’re built indoors at a factory, then transported to the building site. But just because they both start out in a factory doesn’t mean they’re the same thing.
Let’s explore the differences between these two home types.
Definitions: Modular vs. manufactured homes
What is a modular home?
A modular home is factory-built in large, three-dimensional pieces known as modules. When the modules leave the factory, they are up to 90% complete. The finishing touches happen at the building site, where the modules are attached to a permanent foundation and each other. Then, the finished home is inspected to ensure it meets local building codes.
What is a manufactured home?
A manufactured home is what you might think of when you hear the term “mobile home” or “trailer.” However, that terminology is considered outdated. Today’s manufactured homes come in a wide range of designs and styles.
Like modular homes, manufactured homes are built in factories. Depending on their size, they are transported to the building site in one piece, known as a single-wide, or several pieces, known as a double- or triple-wide.
Unlike modular homes, manufactured homes are attached to a permanent chassis. This is a metal frame that can be attached to wheels; that’s where the term “mobile home” comes from. The chassis cannot be removed, but you can remove or cover up the wheels.
Manufactured homes are built to national building standards set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), called the HUD Code.
Did you know…
Technically, the term “mobile home” only applies to factory-constructed homes built prior to June 15, 1976. That’s when the HUD Code went into effect. The HUD Code set federal standards for safety and durability of manufactured homes.
Pros, cons and differences
Compared to new site-built construction, modular and manufactured homes are a more affordable path to homeownership. Here are some things to consider when deciding between the two:
Cost and resale value: A manufactured home typically costs less than a modular home. While manufactured homes have come a long way in terms of quality, they still can depreciate in value over time, similar to an automobile. Modular homes generally change in value with the market similar to site-built homes.
Building codes: Manufactured homes are built to the HUD Code. Modular homes follow the same state and local building codes as site-built houses.
Size and durability: Available sizes vary, although modular homes offer more ability to customize layouts. Manufactured homes don’t hold up as well in high winds or hurricanes compared to modular homes.
Portability: Manufactured homes must be affixed to a steel chassis. Depending on their size, they can be built and transported in full from the factory. Modular homes do not have a chassis. They are built in pieces, transported and assembled on-site.
Construction efficiency: Modular and manufactured homes share some advantages over site-built homes. Indoor construction pretty much eliminates weather delays. Assembly-line construction is also faster and cheaper. Less construction waste saves home buyers money, and with efficiency gains, you’ll likely move in sooner.
Loans and financing
Modular homes
While a modular home is being built, you might have to make up-front or installment payments to the builder. These can be paid in cash or through a construction loan. Once construction is complete on a modular home, it can be financed with a traditional mortgage — just like a site-built home.
Manufactured homes
Manufactured homes are not always eligible for traditional mortgages. Here are some options:
Traditional mortgages: To qualify for a mortgage, you must own the underlying land and have the manufactured home titled as real property.
FHA Title 1 loans: If your home doesn’t qualify for a mortgage, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) offers Title 1 loans to finance manufactured homes. With an FHA Title 1 loan, the buyer is permitted to lease the land where the home resides, such as in a manufactured home community — sometimes called a mobile home park.
Chattel loans: Often, buyers finance manufactured homes using chattel loans. A chattel loan is a direct form of financing for personal property, similar to an auto loan. However, these loans typically have higher interest rates than traditional mortgages. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau reports that around 42% of manufactured home owners use a chattel loan to finance their purchase.
Summary: Key differences
Manufactured home
Modular home
Site-built home
Cost to build
Type of foundation
Semipermanent (e.g. pier and ground anchors) or permanent.
Permanent.
Permanent.
Portability
Yes. (Has a chassis that can be attached to wheels to move the home.)
No. (Once modules are delivered, they are permanently attached to each other and the foundation.)
No. (Built entirely on-site.)
Building code
International Residential Code (local building codes).
International Residential Code (local building codes).
Options to customize
Durability
Financing (after construction)
Chattel loan, FHA Title 1 loan or traditional mortgage.
Traditional mortgage.
Traditional mortgage.
Value over time
Typically decreases.
Typically increases.
Typically increases.
Modular vs. manufactured: Which is right for me?
A manufactured home is less expensive and can get you to your goal of homeownership sooner, especially if you live in a rural area where affordable housing is scarce. Citing January 2023 data, the U.S. Census Bureau reports that the average cost of a new manufactured home is $126,100. However, future home equity is less predictable for manufactured homes. Typically, their value depreciates over time. But it also could hold steady, depending on your local real estate market. Other factors, such as if you own the land underneath — and how you landscape it — affect long-term value, too.
A modular home is a larger up-front investment, but the home value typically grows over time, like that of a site-built home. Modular construction is sturdier than that of manufactured homes, too. If you finance a modular home using a construction loan, you might need a higher credit score and lower debt-to-income ratio to qualify, compared to credit score requirements to buy an existing home. That’s because you don’t have a finished home to use as collateral, like you can in a traditional mortgage.
Alternatives to modular and manufactured homes
If you’re looking for an affordable path to homeownership, here are other options to consider:
Townhouses or condominiums: If you don’t mind sharing walls with your neighbors, buying a townhouse or condo can help you build equity at an affordable price point. You might have to pay homeowners association fees, though, so account for that when budgeting.
Site-built homes: If you’re committed to a new build, you’ll pay more per square foot for traditional construction compared to a modular or manufactured home. However, you can cut costs by building a smaller home and opting for modest finishes.
Tiny houses: Sized around 400 square feet or less, tiny houses can be set on wheels or a permanent foundation. Minimalist living is a lifestyle shift, so consider the pros and cons before you downsize.
Inside: Working mothers face many challenges when balancing work and family life. This guide offers the best jobs for moms. Find out how to maximize your career opportunities while raising children.
Moms often feel like they can’t have a successful career and be a good moms at the same time.
I completely feel that way too. I struggled to be a stay-at-home mom when my kids were little because I wanted to help out financially to help pay down debt. It took me a few years, but I soon realized there are great ways to make a mom and be a great mom!
I have uncovered plenty of jobs for moms with no degree that offers flexible hours, good pay, and satisfying work.
The best jobs for moms with no degree are ones that offer flexibility, good pay, and room for growth.
It can be tough to balance family and career, but it is possible to find a job that fits your lifestyle.
Here are the best jobs for moms with no degree or with a degree.
What jobs are good as a mom?
As a mom, finding a job that allows for flexibility and growth can be challenging, especially if you don’t have a college degree.
However, there are still plenty of opportunities out there that can help you balance your family and career.
Most importantly, you need to find a job that you LOVE! An environment that you thrive in!
With flexible schedules, remote work options, and potential for growth, these jobs can provide the stability and income moms need while still being able to prioritize their families.
Whether you’re looking for a part-time job or a full-time career, there are plenty of opportunities out there for moms.
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What are the best careers for current stay-at-home moms?
Stay-at-home moms face the challenge of balancing their family responsibilities with the desire to pursue a career.
With the high cost of child care, you need to find a job that allows you to take your kids or one that offers flexibility to work around your kid’s schedules.
Hello- that is me! I am a blogger and day trader when I’m not taxing my kids around.
Your best bet is to check out how to make money online for beginners. That is where you will find the most job options that can be done from home or offer flexible schedules, making it possible to have the best of both worlds.
What are the best careers for former stay-at-home moms?
Returning to the workforce after being a stay-at-home mom can be a daunting task, but there are many careers that are best suited for moms.
You still want careers that offer flexibility, high earning potential, and a good work-life balance.
You need to consider your previous employment, any education or certificates you hold, or skills and/or interests.
As such, the answer will vary for each person reading this post. So, consider any one of these past ideas.
Best Jobs for Moms
There are plenty of great jobs for working moms.
The key is to find a position that offers the right mix of income, hours, and flexibility.
Preferably, you want a low-stress job that pays well without a degree.
Here are jobs to consider if you’re a working mom with no degree.
1. Web developer
Web development is a highly flexible and lucrative career option that is ideal for working moms who may not have a college degree. With the ability to work remotely or part-time, web development is a perfect fit for moms who need a flexible schedule.
This field is rapidly growing and in high demand, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a career change.
To become a successful web developer, proficiency in programming languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript is essential. Additionally, knowledge of website design and development tools is crucial to create visually appealing and functional websites.
The skills required for web development can be learned through online courses or boot camps, making it accessible to anyone with an interest in technology and design.
Benefits:
Many web developers work from home or have flexible schedules, making it easier for moms to balance work and family life.
The demand for web developers is expected to grow, making it a stable and secure career option.
Web development is a field that allows for creativity and self-expression.
Pay: The salary for a web developer varies greatly on experience, but it is possible to make six figures.
2. Customer Service Representative
Customer service representative is an excellent career option for working moms who do not hold a college degree.
As a customer service representative, you will be the primary point of contact between customers and the organization, providing information about products and services, taking orders, responding to customer complaints, and processing returns.
You can work from home part-time or full-time, and many times the work takes place remotely. To succeed in this role, you will need to have strong communication and negotiation skills, patience, and the ability to multitask.
Benefits:
The work environment is flexible, and you can work from the comfort of your home.
Job offers great work-life balance and schedule options, making it an ideal choice for working moms.
Pay: As a customer service representative, you can expect to make from minimum wage to $20 an hour.
3. Proofreader
Being a proofreader can be a rewarding and fulfilling career for individuals who have a way with words and a keen eye for grammar. As a proofreader, your primary responsibility would be to review and correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors in various types of written content, such as books, websites, and social media posts.
Moreover, the earning potential as a proofreader can be quite lucrative. For instance, Caitlin Pyle, a successful proofreader, made $43,000 in one year working part-time.
To get started as a proofreader, it is important to develop the necessary skills. You can start by attending a free introductory workshop or enrolling in a course that teaches the skills needed to become a freelance proofreader.
Benefits:
Great flexibility as you work on a project basis.
The significant earning potential in the field of proofreading, especially for those who are dedicated and skilled in their craft.
Rewarding career path for individuals with a passion for language and a meticulous eye for detail.
Pay: In terms of salary, the median pay for a proofreader ranges from $15.22 to $26 an hour, depending on experience and the project you are working on. Many other proofreaders earn between $1,000 to $4,000 per month.
4. Flight Attendant
A flight attendant is a career that does not require a college degree but extensive training and certification. It is an ideal job for working moms due to its non-traditional scheduling that allows them to work part-time, take extended periods off, and get out of the house.
Flight attendants can take on trips when they know they have child care covered, and stay at home for days at a time.
Benefits:
Enjoy the perks of travel.
Flexible schedules.
Great health benefits.
Pay: The pay ranges by airline, but the median salary is $65000 per year.
5. Blogger
For moms who are looking for a flexible work-from-home job that doesn’t require a degree, becoming a blogger could be the perfect fit.
With the rise of the internet, there is an increasing demand for content writers and bloggers. These jobs allow you to work from home, set your own schedule, and choose the topics you want to write about. Additionally, these jobs don’t require a degree, making them accessible to anyone who has a passion for writing and a way with words.
Blogging is another option for those who want to write about specific topics they are passionate about and share their insights with others.
Benefits:
Be your own boss.
Flexibility blogging offers – work as much or as little as you want.
Work from home.
Choose the topics you want to write about.
Pay: As a blogger, you are creating passive income through ads, affiliating marketing, and paid sponsorships.
6. Engineer
Returning to work as a mom can be a challenging transition, but leveraging your engineering degree can open up a range of opportunities for you. With your technical skills and problem-solving abilities, there are several career paths that can offer a healthy work-life balance and flexibility to accommodate your family responsibilities.
Here are ways to utilize your degree and still have the flexibility you crave:
Pursue freelance work in your field. As a freelance engineer, you have the freedom to determine your own schedule and take on projects that align with your interests and availability. Platforms like Upwork provide a space for engineers to connect with clients and offer their services on a project basis. This allows you to work on engineering projects from the comfort of your own home, giving you the flexibility to balance work and family life.
Explore part-time or remote positions with engineering firms or companies that value work-life balance. Many engineering firms recognize the importance of accommodating working parents and offer flexible work arrangements. With your engineering background, you can contribute to projects and collaborate with teams remotely, allowing you to work from home and adjust your schedule to meet the needs of your family.
Pursue a career in technical writing or content creation. Many companies and organizations require technical documentation, manuals, and instructional materials to accompany their products or services. With your engineering background, you can leverage your expertise to create clear and concise technical content.
Work as an engineering consultant. As a consultant, you can offer your specialized knowledge and expertise to clients on a project basis. Consulting also provides the opportunity to work remotely or have a flexible work arrangement, making it an ideal option for moms returning to work.
By expanding your knowledge and skill set, you can position yourself for more opportunities and increase your marketability in the engineering field.
Benefits:
This can be done on a freelance basis or as a remote employee, allowing you to work from home and have more control over your schedule.
Take on projects that align with your skills and interests.
Have a fulfilling career that allows you to balance work and motherhood successfully.
Pay: Additionally, engineering offers high earning potential, which can help support a family and provide financial stability. Most engineers earn over $100000 a year.
7. Virtual Assistant
For working moms with no degree, finding a job that balances well with their family life can be a challenge. However, virtual assistant jobs can be the perfect solution.
As a virtual assistant with no experience, you can work from home, set your own schedule, and earn a good income.
A virtual assistant provides administrative support remotely, handling tasks such as email and social media management, scheduling appointments, data collection, customer service, and event planning. The skills required for this job include strong multi-tasking, organizational, and time-management skills, as well as basic computer skills.
Here is a virtual assistant checklist to see if you would enjoy this job possibility.
Benefits:
Be the boss of your own schedule.
Build your own small business if you desire.
Earn significant income
Pay: Most virtual assistants can earn $21 an hour or more pending experience.
8. Teacher
Teaching can be an excellent option for moms who want to work in a field that values education and have the same schedule as their kids.
Plus you can take on one of these summer jobs for teachers to extra cash.
Another option is to become a teacher’s aide that assists teachers in the classroom, helping with tasks such as grading papers, supervising students, and preparing materials. To become a teacher’s aide, you need to have a high school diploma or GED.
Benefits:
Same work hours as your children.
Work in a field that values empathy and care for children, while also providing financial stability and work-life balance.
Most teacher retirement plans are well worth working your full 30 years for that ongoing income post-retirement.
Pay: Unfortunately, teachers are one of the lowest paid salaries for the fantastic work they do. Find out if teachers get paid in the summer.
9. Substitute teacher
Substitute teaching can be an excellent job option for working moms who don’t have a degree. It offers flexibility, a chance to get teaching experience, and a decent daily rate of pay.
A substitute teacher fills in for full-time teachers when they are absent.
This experience can be helpful if you decide to pursue a permanent teaching position in the future.
Benefits:
Allows you to work when your schedule permits. You can note your availability and work as much or as little as you like.
Gain teaching experience without committing to a full school year.
Rewarding job option for some.
Pay: As of right now, there is a shortage of teachers, so the pay for substitute teachers has increased immensely. Substitute teachers can earn a daily rate ranging from $60 to $200, depending on the school district and the region with most substitutes making $22 an hour or more.
10. Consultant
As a consultant, you can use your prior work or life experience to offer solutions and advice to clients in a wide range of areas, including sales, marketing, operations, and management.
Furthermore, consulting can be an ideal way to transition your prior work or life experience into a new career and shorten the time spent in school, making it a great option.
To become a successful consultant, you need to have strong communication skills, the ability to work independently, and experience in your field to run a successful business.
Benefits:
As a consultant, you can enjoy flexible work hours.
The potential to work from home.
Ability to control your schedule.
Pay: The hourly rate for consultants varies depending on the type of consultant and the industry, with some earning high salaries.
11. Day Trader
Swing or day trading is a popular option for individuals who want to work from home and make a living from the stock market. Day traders buy and sell securities within the same day, aiming to make a profit from small price movements.
This job requires a certain set of skills and investing knowledge, as well as specific equipment and software.
It is possible to make money with stocks fast.
Day trading can be a good option for working moms with no degree because it offers flexibility and the potential for high earnings. Personally, I love trading stocks and options. I learned from Teri Ijeoma.
Benefits:
Unlike traditional jobs, day trading allows individuals to work from home and set their own schedules.
Successful traders can make a significant amount of money, with some earning six-figure or seven-figure incomes.
While a degree is not required for day trading, I highly recommend taking this investing course to jumpstart your learning.
Pay: Widely variable as it depends on your risk. You can lose money or make $1000 a day.
12. Claims adjuster
As a claims adjuster, you will be responsible for investigating insurance claims, negotiating settlements, and collaborating with other professionals such as lawyers and medical experts. To become a claims adjuster, you will need to possess relevant experience, strong communication abilities, and proficiency in data analysis.
The work environment can be fast-paced and stressful, but the potential for career growth and the flexibility to work remotely make this an attractive option for many working moms.
Claims adjusters must also maintain accurate records and documentation of all claims activities.
Benefits:
While the work environment can be fast-paced and stressful, the potential for career growth is likely.
Flexibility to work remotely make this an attractive option for many working moms.
Pay: Claims adjusters can advance to higher positions within the insurance industry, such as senior claims adjuster or claims manager. Additionally, many claims adjusters work as independent contractors or consultants, providing even more flexibility and potential for career growth.
13. Bookkeeper
As a bookkeeper, one is responsible for monitoring a company’s cash flow by keeping track of transactions and preserving copies of receipts. The job requires great attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and an ability to analyze and interpret financial data.
This job can be done virtually, making it an excellent position for moms who want to improve their work-life balance.
Bookkeeping does not require a degree and one can earn a decent hourly pay or salary. To become a bookkeeper, one must have bookkeeping skills, which can be learned from online courses.
Benefits:
Flexible working hours, allowing them to work whenever suits them.
Great for someone who loves analytics.
Pay: Most bookkeepers enjoy relatively high hourly salaries. They can work as independent contractors or be paid as a salaried employee.
14. Nanny
Being a nanny is an excellent option for moms who want to balance work and family life.
As a nanny, you would be responsible for taking care of children, cooking, cleaning, and running errands. The best part about being a nanny is the flexible hours, which allow you to work part-time or full-time while still being present for your family.
Finding a job that allows moms to work while still being present for their families is crucial, and being a nanny provides the perfect solution.
Benefits:
Be able to care for your own children at the same time.
Find a nanny job that works for your circumstances.
Stay young and playful while working with kids!
Pay: The pay varies widely for a nanny, but once you have experience and great references, you can earn good money.
15. Marketing Specialist
Marketing can be an excellent job choice for moms looking for flexibility, potential job growth, and the opportunity to work remotely. With the advancement of digital marketing, moms can now pursue a career in marketing without having to leave their homes or work in a traditional office setting.
As a digital marketer, there are various specializations and skills that can be honed to advance in the field. These include SEO (search engine optimization), web development, content creation, and marketing strategies.
By continuously learning and improving these skills, moms can enhance their professional reputation and open doors to new opportunities within the marketing industry.
Benefits:
Ability to work from home.
Work flexible work hours that can be adjusted to fit their family’s needs.
Digital marketing also offers potential job growth and career development.
Pay: As a marketing specialist, the pay can vary greatly if you work as a freelancer or a bigger corporation.
16. Financial Advisor
Financial advising can be an excellent career path for working moms without a degree, offering flexibility and opportunities for growth.
Honestly, I know many people who have successfully entered the workforce as financial advisors.
The first step towards becoming a financial advisor is to obtain relevant certifications and licenses, such as the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation. Once certified, financial advisors can work for a firm or start their own business, providing financial advice to clients.
Pursuing a career as a financial advisor can offer a good salary and work-life balance, making it a great option for working moms.
Benefits:
Help others pursue a life of financial independence.
Perfect for someone who loves numbers!
Pay: The pay for a financial advisor varies greatly, but the median salary is $75000 a year.
17. Writer
Becoming a writer can be a great career choice for moms who want to work from home and have a passion for writing. With flexibility, the potential for a decent income, and no degree required, it’s an accessible and rewarding career path.
Highly recommended to take this writing course to jumpstart your networking opportunities.
As a writer, you can work as a content writer, staff writer, or freelance writer.
Content writers produce content for websites, such as blogs, news aggregators, and e-commerce sites.
Staff writers write articles for publications, such as magazines or newspapers.
Freelance writers write for clients without being permanent employees.
What’s more important is having a way with words, strong research skills, and a passion for writing.
Benefits:
Flexibility to work on a story when you are able to.
For those with a love of English, this is a great way to express yourself.
Pay: While the average hourly rate for writers and bloggers varies, it’s possible to earn a decent income in these fields.
17. Social Media Specialist
As a social media specialist, you will manage social media accounts, create and post content, increase engagement, analyze data, and monitor social media. This role requires skills such as graphic design, writing appealing content, an eye for design, and flexibility.
Moms possess many of these skills naturally, such as multitasking, creativity, and communication. These skills can be applied to social media management, including content creation, scheduling, and community management.
Social media management is also a growing field. As a result, this job can provide moms with a stable income and career growth opportunities while allowing them to prioritize their family life.
Benefits:
Great for those who personally love social media.
Easy to work anywhere.
Pay: With an average salary of $52000 a year, this job can be done from home, making it a perfect fit for moms.
18. Human resources manager
Work-life balance is crucial for working moms, and a career as a human resources manager can provide just that.
Human resources managers are responsible for managing employee benefits, overseeing hiring processes, and handling employee relations. This job offers flexibility, including the ability to work remotely or part-time.
A career in human resources management can positively impact a working mom’s family life by providing a consistent schedule that doesn’t involve weekends or holidays.
Benefits:
HR managers are in high demand in many industries, as every organization requires HR expertise to manage its workforce effectively.
Opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Make a positive impact on employees’ lives.
Ample networking opportunities with employees, upper management, and external stakeholders.
Pay: Human resource managers often receive competitive salaries, with average annual earnings exceeding $120,000.
19. Sell on Printables on Etsy
In recent years, the demand for printable products has grown tremendously, making Etsy a great platform for working moms without a degree to earn a steady income from home.
Printables are digital files that customers can download and print at home, such as wall art, planners, calendars, and invitations.
The best part is that once you create a printable, you can sell it repeatedly without having to invest more time or money.
Check out the list of the most popular printables you can create.
Benefits:
A flexible job that allows you to work from home and set your own hours.
Earn a steady income from a single printable, which means you can focus on creating new products and growing your business.
Able to start s small business.
Pay: This is a passive income. Learn how much these sellers have made.
20. Retail associate
Many moms become retail associates to get a discount from the retailer!
Working in retail can be a rewarding and dynamic career choice. Retail jobs are generally physically demanding, as employees are often on their feet for long periods and may need to lift and move heavy items.
The nature of retail work can also be stressful, especially during busy periods such as holidays or sales events. However, it can also be an opportunity to develop and utilize various skills, particularly when interacting with customers.
Benefits:
Working part-time hours while your children are at school.
Discounts to the retailer you work.
Flexible scheduling hours.
Pay: This is a minimum wage job earning $13 an hour to $18 an hour.
21. Nursing
Nursing is a fulfilling career for moms who enjoy taking care of others.
While most nursing positions require a degree, there are also entry-level jobs available for those without a degree. Certified nursing assistant (CNA) and licensed practical nurse (LPN) are two such positions.
Both positions require certification and training, which can be completed in a matter of months. Pursuing a career in nursing as a working mom without a degree offers the flexibility to balance work and family while also providing the opportunity for career advancement.
Benefits:
Flexible scheduling around what works best for your family.
Ability to work part-time or full-time.
Great career option to take fewer hours while your children are little and more hours when they are in school.
Pay: The average hourly rate for nursing varies depending on where you work. Most certified nurses make between $32 an hour to $50 an hour.
22. Transcriber
As a transcriber, you will listen to audio files and create a document that contains an accurate record of what was said. This is one of the best jobs for moms with no degree, as most transcription companies just require you to pass their test before they give you work.
To become a successful transcriber, you will need fast typing skills, attention to detail, and the ability to sit for long periods of time. You may also need to purchase special transcribing equipment, depending on the company you work for. Most transcription jobs will require the ability to type 75 WPM or more.
This is a great non phone work from home job.
With the right skills and tools, you can become a successful transcriber and earn a decent income. So if you are a fast typer with an eye for detail, consider taking a free mini-course to find out if this is the right job for you.
Benefits:
Transcription jobs from home are available remotely and work as many hours as you want.
Set your own schedule.
Make money by meeting deadlines.
Pay: Generally, transcriptionists earn around $19 per hour in the US, but this can be more depending on your employer.
23. Graphic Designer
Graphic design is an excellent job for working moms with no degree, as it allows for significant flexibility in working hours and can be done from home.
As a graphic designer, you will be responsible for creating logos, designing websites, and developing marketing materials such as brochures and flyers. To succeed in this field, you’ll need to be creative, detail-oriented, and able to work with clients to meet their specific needs.
Benefits:
Balance their family responsibilities with a fulfilling and rewarding career.
Perfect to showcase your creative side.
Pay: With a median annual wage of $48000 per year, graphic design is a lucrative career that offers plenty of room for growth and advancement.
24. Online Coach
Being an online coach is a great job for individuals who are looking to earn money online without a degree. While some online coaches do gain certifications, it is not always necessary.
There are several types of coaching fields to enter, including career coaching, life coaching, health coaching, family coaching, and fitness coaching. It is advisable to choose a field that you have experience in or feel comfortable handling.
As a life coach, for example, you can assist clients in achieving their goals, dealing with self-esteem issues, or working on relationships.
Benefits:
Freedom to set your own schedule and work from home, which allows you to balance work and family responsibilities.
Potential to earn a good income, especially if you specialize in a high-demand niche and build a strong client base.
Viable career option for working moms without a degree.
Work remotely from their computers and communicate with clients online.
Pay: Most coaches make between $30 an hour – 100 an hour pending experience.
25. Counselor
Counseling is indeed a vital service that plays a crucial role in helping individuals and families overcome difficult challenges.
As a counselor, you work closely with clients to address various issues and support them in achieving their personal and professional goals.
Counselors can work in diverse settings, including private practices, mental health centers, schools, substance abuse centers, or government institutions. This allows for a wide range of opportunities and flexibility in terms of work environment and schedule. Additionally, advancements in technology have made it possible for counselors to provide their services online, further expanding the accessibility and convenience of counseling.
Benefits:
Flexibility to work part-time or full-time.
Making a positive impact on the lives of others and contributing to their well-being is a significant aspect of counseling that attracts many individuals, including moms, to pursue this profession.
Offers a fulfilling and financially rewarding career path.
Pay: The average hourly rate for counselors is $39 an hour.
Other Jobs Options to Consider:
Home Health Aide: Care for patients in their own homes. Many opportunities for part-time work.
Personal Care Aide: Assist clients with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and grooming. Flexible schedules are available.
Event Planner: Plan and organize events such as weddings, conferences, and parties. Can often work on a freelance or contract basis.
Photographer: Take photographs for a variety of purposes such as weddings, events, or marketing materials. Can often work on a freelance basis.
Personal Trainer: Help clients achieve fitness goals through exercise and nutrition coaching. Can often work on a freelance or contract basis.
House Cleaner: Clean homes or businesses on a regular basis. Offers flexibility in terms of schedule and workload.
Online Tutor: This job involves teaching students online in various subjects. Skills required include teaching ability, subject expertise, and communication. To balance work and family life, set a schedule and prioritize family time.
Translator: This job involves translating written or spoken content from one language to another. Skills required include fluency in multiple languages, attention to detail, and communication. To balance work and family life, set a schedule and prioritize family time.
Pet Sitter/Dog Walker: This job involves caring for pets while their owners are away. Skills required include love for animals, responsibility, and time management. To balance work and family life, set a schedule and communicate with clients to ensure availability.
Personal Shopper: This job involves shopping for clients and delivering their purchases. Skills required include organization, communication, and time management. To balance work and family life, set a schedule and communicate with clients to ensure availability.
What to consider when choosing a job for working moms without a degree?
Working mothers without a degree face many challenges when it comes to finding a job.
They need to find a balance between their family and career commitments, and they also need to find a job that is flexible enough to accommodate their schedule. Here are the things to consider when looking for a new job.
1. Hours and Shiftwork
For working moms being able to control their own schedules allows them to be present for their children’s needs while also earning an income is extremely important. It is important to consider the hours you have available to dedicate to a job along with the shiftwork necessary when choosing a job.
Think about whether you want to go part-time or full-time.
Also, weekend shifts are also an option for those who need to work around their family’s schedule. Even better, remote work has become increasingly popular and offers even more flexibility.
2. Salary
Salary considerations play a significant role in achieving this stability a mom desires.
It is essential to explore different salary options and negotiate to ensure that you are being fairly compensated for your skills and experience.
Consider starting salary, the potential for growth, benefits packages, and negotiation when exploring job options.
3. Responsibility and Stress
As any working mom can tell you, being a working mom can be an incredibly stressful experience. Mothers often have to balance their work responsibilities with household chores and childcare, which can be overwhelming.
Finding a job that balances responsibility and stress is crucial for working moms to maintain their mental and physical health, and to be able to provide for their families.
4. Level of Education Required
As a working mom, it is important to consider the level of education required when choosing a job.
Plus, it is crucial to research job requirements and considers personal interests and skills when selecting a job. By doing so, working moms can find a job that offers flexibility, decent pay, and job satisfaction.
5. Professional Licenses and Certifications
Obtaining, professional licenses and certifications is an excellent way for working moms without a degree to increase their job opportunities, earn higher salaries, and improve job security.
These certifications and licenses are often required for specific industries, such as healthcare, education, and law enforcement.
With so many options available, it’s important for working moms to explore the various certifications and licenses that are relevant to their industry and career goals.
6. Work-Life Balance
Balancing work and family life is a challenge for anyone, but it can be particularly daunting for working moms.
However, there are several factors to consider when choosing a job that can help achieve a work-life balance:
Flexible Work Hours: A job with flexible work hours can help working moms without a degree balance their work and family responsibilities. This can include part-time work, remote work, or jobs that allow for flexible scheduling.
Remote Work Options: Remote work can be an excellent option for working moms without a degree who need to work from home.
Company Culture: A supportive company culture can make all the difference for working moms. Look for companies that offer family-friendly policies such as paid time off, flexible work schedules, and on-site childcare.
By prioritizing work-life balance, working moms can achieve success in both their personal and professional lives.
7. Vacation and Time Off
For working moms without a degree, vacation and time off are crucial benefits to consider when evaluating a potential job offer.
Here are three factors to consider when reviewing a company’s vacation and time off policy:
The number of vacation days offered, including paid time off for sick days and personal days.
The flexibility of the policy, such as the ability to take time off for family emergencies or unexpected events.
The potential for extended leave, such as maternity or paternity leave.
8. Career Advancement
When considering a job as a mom, career advancement is an important consideration. It is essential to choose an employer and a job that offers opportunities for growth and progression in your chosen field.
Advancing in your career not only allows you to achieve personal and professional goals but also provides financial stability and job satisfaction.
Don’t underestimate the power of setting clear career goals and actively working towards them.
By investing in your skills, building a strong network, and setting clear career goals, you can pave the way for a successful and fulfilling career as a mom.
9. Job Security
Job security is especially significant for working moms, who may face more challenges in finding and keeping a job.
Typically, working moms are limited in their job options.
So, look for careers that provide financial security as well as companies with a solid track history.
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FAQ
You can search for remote jobs, part-time jobs, or freelance gigs.
You can also look for companies that have flexible policies in place. Also, reach out to your network and ask if anyone knows of any openings that are flexible.
Stay-at-home moms can find a variety of jobs that can be done from home and offer flexibility to work around their schedule. Here are some of the options available:
Working from home offers the benefit of having a better work-life balance and the ability to be present for their families while still earning an income.
Which Job for Moms will You Choose?
For moms who want to balance family and career, finding a job that offers work-life balance and career growth is crucial.
Not only can working increase income, but it can also lead to career advancement and personal fulfillment.
Above, we listed many great jobs for moms. You can choose a job that allows you to work from home, or one that provides flexible hours. Also, many moms like me prefer one of these early morning jobs.
Whatever you choose, make sure you find a job that you enjoy and that allows you to spend time with your family.
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!