“Until he got all rich and fancy so that he no longer understands the common person’s plight.
Stash probably doesn’t even practice any of these money-saving things he preaches any more!”
When I read things like this, I can’t help but laugh. Because on the one hand, when you put a bunch of personal life details online like this, being misunderstood is just part of the package. But on the other hand, if the critics could peek in and see our real lives – not just mine but those of all the Mustachians – they would have to give up their conspiracy theories and accept the fact that this stuff just works.
Because really, not much has changed when it comes to the basics. Like many MMM readers over the past twelve years, my total wealth level has increased pretty regularly. But also like many of us, I haven’t felt the need to change very much about my spending because I was doing my best to live an enjoyable life in the first place.
How have so many people found such great success? I think we Mustachians have something that’s a bit more rare and special than standard financial advice, which is what makes it work so well:
Standard Advice: Slash your spending and make sacrifices until you reach a certain savings percentage, and beyond that it doesn’t matter, it’s all personal choice. More income? Great, that means you don’t have to sacrifice as much! FatFIRE for everyone!
Mustachianism: Cultivate a love of efficiency, creativity, self awareness, and self improvement. Use this knowledge to improve your life in all ways, including those which help you live better even as your monthly expense rate drops over time.
So what does this mean in practice?
Well, I’ll give you some examples from my own present-day life. Things I do because I happen to enjoy them, which also happen to save a lot of money. Some of these are normal, some are silly and may end up in some future gossip magazine hit piece, but all of them happen to work for me, so the critics can be damned.
As I list each item, I’ll include an estimate of how much the activity saves me per decade, because you should always think at least in terms of decades.
To make that calculation yourself, just use the “rule of 172” – take a monthly expense and multiply it by 172 to estimate how much it would compound into over ten years, if invested.
1) Fixing my own House (and everybody else’s too)
Construction projects from recent years, at home and around the state.
I’m a big believer in self-sufficiency, and working to build up the skills to manage the most important parts of your own life without depending on too many things (or people) that are outside of your control. In other words, one giant recipe for a happy life is simply to Become a Producer of the Things You Most Enjoy Consuming.
And in my case, I happen to love houses. I like living in beautiful, functional spaces and sharing them with friends. But most houses are ugly and poorly designed when you buy them, so I realized that I also love solving problems and redesigning old buildings to become new again. I enjoy this process so much that I spend most of my free time doing it – on both my own properties and the homes of friends.
And I love teaching other people to gain power over their own houses too. It’s amazing how great people feel as they lose their fear and dependence on outside contractors, and gain the ability to fix and maintain things with their own two hands.
Savings: An average of $20,000 per year = $287,000 per decade
2) Craigslist and Community
Members of our coworking space, swapping valuable free stuff every day.
You know what’s great? Having so much money that you can buy whatever you want – high quality things which get delivered to your front door the very next day.
You know what’s even better? Not buying some of those new things, and instead finding ways to share, repurpose and buy equally high quality items from other people who don’t need them any more. All while building up your own community and creating new friendships in the process.
Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and even NextDoor all have Buy Nothing groups for most areas. In the MMM-HQ community, we run a Discord server with about 200 local people, who chat around the clock on a wide range of subjects. They help each other with major projects in one channel called #diyhowto, and give away and sell things on #forsale and #buynothing.
Although our private Discord group is my favorite, I also use Craigslist regularly, and probably save (and earn) a few thousand every year thanks to the habit:
Savings: About $42,000 per decade
3) Bikes over Cars
Sure glad I’m not stuck in a Jeep on these off-road trails!
We all know that Mr. Money Mustache’s biggest contribution to personal finance is to insist that bike transportation is the best way to get around. And I still feel this way. As we learned in The True Cost of Commuting, cars cost at least 50 cents per mile to operate, while bikes are much cheaper, mainly due to reduced depreciation and maintenance costs (which are even bigger than the gas savings).
I do still use bikes (or walking) for at least 95% of my local trips these days, but because I live in the center of a small city, my life is pretty local. So this still only adds up to about 2000 miles per year, a savings of “only” $14,000 per decade.
But when you choose active transportation, there’s much more to the picture than just cutting your car expenses. You’re changing everything about your physical and mental health picture for the better, which brings us to the next point of…
4) Muscle over Motor
Digging out the crappy old window wells to build a bigger terraced garden.
Although I’m no competitive athlete, whenever I see an option to make my body work a bit harder, I usually take it. Stairs instead of elevators, running the golf course instead of using a golf cart, moving my own furniture and appliances instead of calling a mover, shoveling snow and raking leaves instead of using a machine.
When I face a decision like this, I simply ask myself the question:
“Well, Mustache. Do you want MORE health and fitness, or LESS?”
Putting it in that context makes the answer obvious. Every bit helps, because when it comes to your body, the rule is pretty much use it or lose it.
But how much money does this save? There’s no real way to calculate it exactly, but I like to think of it this way: The US average health care spending is about $13,000 per person per year. My lifetime costs due to illness or medication so far have been just about zero, plus I know I’ve had more energy and greater productivity due to being healthy. Let’s just put it very conservatively and set the estimated savings and benefits at $10k per year which means
Estimated Savings: $140,000 per decade.
5) Saving Energy by Running my home like a Glamping Retreat
Outdoor cooking, showering, laundry and even a homemade gym? Why not?!
Here’s where things get a bit silly, but my level of joy is actually at its greatest.
My personality type is probably a weird combination of an engineer, a carpenter, an artsy hippie, and a mad scientist. Oh, and a devoted homebody too. Because of this, my favorite activity most days is to just run around my house taking care of things and trying new little experiments and improvements.
Sometimes I’ll cut a few big holes on on the South side of the house and install sliding doors and big windows to allow nice sunbeams and passive solar energy to get into my house and give me free heat in the winters. Other times it’s just smaller things to save energy and live more at at one with the seasons of my area:
optimizing the use of air conditioning by running fans at night and building heat tolerance during the days (we set the A/C to only kick on at about 80F)
Enjoying most of my showers outside, with free hot water from the 100 foot garden hose that happens to be coiled in a sunny spot
Cooling myself and get free energy boosts by jumping in the “cold plunge”, which is simply an unheated hot tub I have set up in my back yard
Doing most of my cooking and dining outdoors with an induction cooktop, gas grill, espresso machine, and mini convection toaster oven deal that I keep set up outside during the warmer months of the year
Drying 99% of my loads of laundry out on the line instead of using the clothes dryer
I even charge my car with a little off-grid array of solar panels set up in the driveway (from Craisglist, of course!), which gives me free electricity for driving without going through the permit-hell hassle of a full grid-tied system in my city’s currently solar unfriendly environment.
Even taken all together, these things are pretty small – the average combined gas and electric bill for my area is about $250 per month, while my usage adds up to about $75. So while we’re only saving about $30,000 per decade for what sounds like a lot of work to most people, I consider this to be the biggest win because I enjoy living in “MMM’s Energy Efficiency Playground” so much.
6) Local Living over Constant Travel
This little lake right behind my house is a great daily “vacation” which allows me to savor home life more and travel a bit less.
“Hey, we’re having a big back yard pool party next weekend to celebrate Amy’s graduation from kindergarten, can you make it?”
“OH NOOOO!!! We will be off in at Disneyland that whole week! We planned the trip months ago, I wish we could make it!
As I type this in the height of the summer season, I really feel this effect at its fullest: almost all of my friends are off on trips, and my guest suite here at home is almost constantly full. People are traveling a lot, and many of them sound like they wish they could spend a few more of their precious summer weeks and weekends at home.
I’ll let you in on a little secret: you can! The trick is saying, “no thanks” more often to plans that involve you being away, and “yes please” to things that let you stay at home. The benefits are numerous:
You nurture your local friendships more and meet new people who live nearby
You spend way less money on plane tickets, hotels, restaurants gasoline, and car repairs
Your levels of health and fitness can go way up because you aren’t missing workouts and spending hours sitting in plane and car and bus seats. And you can better control your meals – more salads with grilled salmon, less McDonald’s and Pizza Hut
You sleep better
And you have more time to take care of projects around your house where you learn more skills which compound for life
Estimated Savings: Even if you replace just two weeks of travel for a family of four, with equivalent time at home you might save $5,000 per year in direct costs and a further $5,000 per year in incidental benefits like the health and local friendships. This would work out to a shocking $143,000 per decade of wealth increase!
Of course, travel is generally a good thing for broadening the life experience of you and your kids. It’s worth spending on, lavishly at times. But the key is to balance it out and be discerning, keeping the most enriching trips and pruning a few off the bottom of the list. And remembering that home time is valuable and healthy too.
And Whoa! We’ve already built up a huge list and I feel like I was just getting started.
Cutting a friend’s hair at a group event: entertainment, education and free haircut in one!
Taken all together, we’ve already detailed things that compound to $656,000 every decade, which already more than double the median wealth that most American seniors have as they cruise nervously into their retirement years – after over 40 years of work!
And now that I’ve been writing this blog for over ten years myself, I can safely say that over $656,000 of even my most recent worth increases are directly attributable to these simple habits. The same ones many of us have been enjoying and preaching about all along, both before and after our retirement dates.
If money is in genuinely short supply, you could go a lot further than the examples in this article. And indeed, there’s a lot more laid out in this blog or the MMM Boot Camp email series.
But one of the points of Mustachianism is that you usually don’t have to try all that hard. Just tweaking your lifestyle to be slightly less ridiculous and more efficient than average is usually all it takes.
—
In the comments: what are your quirks and frugal indulgences? The things you do now to save money, or things you still do even after it’s no longer about the money? I often wonder how widespread this frugality-just-for-fun is. But since we Humans are a naturally curious and problem solving species in our natural state, I suspect there are many more of us out there.
Looking for the best ways to get free money from the government? Getting free money from the government might sound too good to be true, but there are actually several ways you can receive financial assistance. From helping with monthly expenses to finding unclaimed funds, these programs and resources can be a big help. The…
Looking for the best ways to get free money from the government?
Getting free money from the government might sound too good to be true, but there are actually several ways you can receive financial assistance. From helping with monthly expenses to finding unclaimed funds, these programs and resources can be a big help. The key is knowing where to look and meeting eligibility requirements.
This article will show you different ways to get extra money from the government. Whether you need help with your bills or want to get back money that belongs to you, there are many options for you.
Best Ways To Get Free Money From the Government
Below are the best ways to get free money from the government – for housing, children, health insurance, food, and more.
1. Apply for unemployment benefits
If you lose your job, you might be eligible for unemployment benefits. These benefits can help you cover some of your expenses while you look for a new job.
To qualify, you usually need to have worked a certain amount of time in the past year. Each state has its own rules, so you should check your state’s specific requirements.
You can apply for unemployment benefits online or by phone, and be ready to provide details about your recent jobs and earnings. This will help determine how much you can get each week.
The benefit amount is based on a percentage of your earnings from your previous job. It can range from about 40% to 60% of your past earnings. This money can be a helpful bridge while you search for new work.
Each week, you’ll need to report if you’re still unemployed and looking for a job. Some states may also ask you to document your job search activities so it’s important to follow these rules to keep receiving benefits.
Unemployment benefits probably won’t cover all your expenses, but they can make a tough time a little easier. Remember to apply as soon as you lose your job to start getting support right away.
2. Check for child tax credits
Child tax credits can be a big help for families.
You might be able to get money back from the government if you have kids such as for childcare or for just having children. The amount you can get depends on your income and the number of kids you have.
The Child Tax Credit now gives up to $2,000 for each child.
Make sure you check if you qualify for these credits. You can find out more by visiting the IRS website or talking to a tax expert.
3. Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program helps pregnant women, new mothers, and young children get healthy foods. This program is a great way to get extra help when you need it the most, and this is free government money for low-income families. It’s focused on keeping you and your little ones healthy and well-fed.
If you’re pregnant, you can get help right away and continue to receive it for up to six months after giving birth. If you have children, they have to be under the age of 5.
To qualify, you need to meet income guidelines and show that you are at nutritional risk. This can include being underweight or having a diet low in essential nutrients. WIC then provides monthly benefits that can be used to buy specific foods like milk, eggs, and fruits.
To apply, you need to contact your state or local WIC office (you can start by Googling “WIC + your state name”). They will tell you what documents to bring and where to go for your appointment.
4. Use SNAP for food assistance
SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. It’s a government program that helps low-income families buy healthy food. If you qualify, you get an EBT card loaded with funds every month.
Using SNAP is easy. You can use your EBT card at most grocery stores and it works just like a debit card.
To qualify for SNAP, you need to meet certain income and other eligibility requirements. These can include having a low income based on your household size.
SNAP can be a huge help if you’re struggling to afford groceries. It allows you to buy essential foods like fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products.
5. Free and reduced breakfast and lunch at school
Your child may be able to get free or reduced-price meals at school through several programs, and these programs make sure kids have healthy meals every day.
The most well-known program is the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). It provides low-cost or free lunches to millions of children in public and nonprofit private schools.
Schools many times also have the School Breakfast Program. This is similar to the lunch program but focuses on providing a nutritious morning meal.
In addition to these programs, there is the Special Milk Program. This program provides milk to children who do not participate in other meal programs.
Some schools offer the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). This allows schools in high-need areas to serve breakfast and lunch at no cost.
To find out if your child is eligible, check with your school. They can guide you through the application process and let you know what your child qualifies for.
6. Seek Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is a government program that can help you if you’re facing hard times. It provides financial aid to families with children who are struggling to make ends meet and can help with childcare, job training, and finding work.
To apply for TANF, you need to contact your local TANF office. They will help you through the application process and let you know what documents you need.
It’s important to know that each state runs its own TANF program, so the benefits and services might vary. Be sure to ask your local office (you can also reach out to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) what specific help they can offer.
7. Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
If you need help paying your energy bills, you might qualify for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This program helps low-income households with their heating and cooling costs.
LIHEAP provides federal funds to reduce energy costs. This can include help with your energy bills and dealing with energy crises.
You can also get help making your home more energy-efficient. This is known as weatherization and might include things like adding insulation or fixing drafty windows.
8. Early Intervention and Head Start
Early Intervention services are great for families with young children who have special needs. These services help kids from birth to age three. They offer things like speech therapy, occupational therapy, and more. Most services are free, and others have a sliding scale fee. They make sure your child gets the help they need, even if you can’t pay.
Head Start programs are for kids aged three to five. They help with early learning and development. Head Start also supports families with health and dental services.
Both Early Intervention and Head Start focus on getting kids ready for school. They help children learn and grow in important ways and also support families by connecting them to resources they may need.
You can usually self-refer your child to these programs (each state has its own), or ask your pediatrician for a referral.
9. Apply for college grants
College grants are a great way to get free money for school. Unlike loans, you don’t have to pay back grants. They can help cover your tuition, books, and other school expenses.
One of the most well-known grants is the Pell Grant. For the 2023-24 school year, the maximum Pell Grant is $7,395. This grant is for students with financial need.
Another option is the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG). This is for students with exceptional financial need. The amount you can get depends on your school and your financial situation.
To apply for these grants, you’ll need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA helps the government determine how much aid you qualify for.
Many states and schools also offer their own grants. Check with your school’s financial aid office to see what you might be eligible for. It’s a good idea to apply for as many grants as you can.
Grants can make a big difference in paying for college, so it’s worth the effort to apply. Make sure to look for scholarships too!
10. Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program
The Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program can help if you work in public service. This includes jobs like teaching, nursing, firefighting, and more. If you work in these fields and have federal student loans, you may be able to get your remaining loan balance forgiven after ten years of payments.
To qualify, you must work full-time for a qualified government or nonprofit organization. You also need to make 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan. Only payments made after October 1, 2007, count toward the 120 payments required.
The program mainly benefits people who work in low-paying, but important, public service jobs. It’s a way to give back while also getting financial relief. Though the application process can be long and require careful tracking, many find the effort worth it when their loans are wiped out.
11. Claim Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) gives low- to moderate-income workers and families a tax break.
If your income is under a certain amount, you might qualify. This credit can either reduce the taxes you owe or increase your refund. For 2024, the EITC amounts can go up to $3,995, based on your income and family size.
To claim the EITC, you need to file a tax return, even if you do not owe any taxes. You should fill out Form 1040 and a Schedule EIC if you have qualifying children.
12. Get housing vouchers
Housing vouchers are a great way to get help with rent. They are commonly known as Section 8. These vouchers help low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities afford safe and decent housing.
To get a voucher, your income must be below a certain level and this varies by location and family size.
With a voucher, you can choose any housing that meets program requirements. This gives you some freedom to pick a home that suits your needs best. The government will pay part of the rent, making it more affordable for you.
13. See if you qualify for down payment assistance
Buying a home can be tough, especially when it comes to saving for a down payment. That’s where down payment assistance programs can help prospective homeowners.
These programs come in many forms. You might find grants, loans, or other types of aid to help you with the down payment. Each state offers different programs and some are more generous than others.
To qualify, you’ll need to meet certain requirements. These can include income limits or being a first-time homebuyer.
14. Apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a program that gives monthly payments to people who are disabled, blind, or over 65 and have limited income. You may get help with food, rent, and medical bills.
To apply for SSI, visit the Social Security Administration (SSA) website. There, you can find the application forms and details about the process. You may need to provide information about your finances and living situation.
The application can be done online, by phone, or in person. If you’re under 18 or applying for someone under 18, there are special forms for children.
15. Look for health insurance in the marketplace
We all know that health insurance can be very expensive. Before you skip it, I highly recommend comparing pricing of health insurance on the Health Insurance Marketplace to see if you can find something more affordable for you and your family.
It’s a great way to get coverage and possibly save money. Sometimes, if you qualify, you can get free or low-cost health insurance plans.
Go to Healthcare.gov to start, and each state has its own Marketplace, so follow the specific steps for your state. It can be a little confusing, so make sure you have no distractions and can spend some time doing this.
During the open enrollment period, you can choose a new plan or keep your current one. If you’ve had a big life event, like losing your job, you might qualify to sign up outside the usual enrollment times.
16. Medicaid
Medicaid is a state and federal program that helps people with low incomes get health care. If you qualify, you can receive free or low-cost medical services, like doctor visits, hospital stays, and even prescription drugs.
Medicaid is especially helpful for families, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities.
One of the best parts is that Medicaid covers a wide range of services – you can get help with dental care, mental health services, and even long-term care.
Your income and family size usually determine if you can get Medicaid.
17. Search for unclaimed money
You might have unclaimed money waiting for you. This money comes from many sources like unpaid wages, forgotten bank accounts, or unclaimed insurance benefits.
You can check by going to unclaimed.org, the website managed by the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA).
Each state has its own database for unclaimed property. Check your state’s website to see if there is money owed to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are several ways you can get money from the government to help with different needs, like paying for food or getting extra support if you don’t make a lot of money.
What ways can I get money from the government?
There are many ways to get free government money. You can apply for unemployment benefits if you lose your job. Families can also check for child tax credits, which give extra money for children. Programs like WIC and SNAP can help with paying for food, and students can get free and reduced breakfast and lunch at school.
How can I get help from the government if I don’t make a lot of money?
Low-income families can use programs like WIC (Women, Infants, and Children), SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program), and more to get help from the government if they don’t make a lot of money.
How can I borrow money from the government?
The government offers student loans for education through programs like FAFSA. Small businesses can apply for loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA). There are also some loan programs based on specific needs like starting a farm or buying a home.
What is FAFSA?
FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It’s a form that students fill out to get financial aid for college. It can help you get grants, loans, and work-study opportunities to pay for your education.
Can I borrow money from my social security benefits?
No, you cannot borrow money from your Social Security benefits. Social Security is designed to provide income during retirement or if you become disabled, so it’s not a source of loans or advance cash.
Is there free grant money for bills and personal use?
Yes, there can be grants for specific needs like paying utility bills or home repairs. You might also find grants for education, food, and health care. Check with local and federal agencies to see if you qualify for any of these grants.
How do I find out if I qualify for any government assistance?
You can visit government websites or contact local agencies. Many state and local governments have online tools to check your eligibility. It’s also helpful to reach out to community organizations that can guide you through the application process.
How To Get Free Money From the Government – Summary
I hope you enjoyed this article on the best ways to get free money from the government.
There are many ways to get free money from the government, such as for housing, to help pay for your children’s expenses, to afford health insurance, to buy food, and more.
Note: There may be changes or updates to the free government programs above. I recommend contacting the program to learn more. Also, please be sure to stay safe with your sensitive information and only use official websites (look for .gov websites and official government organization websites to start with to avoid scams).
What do you think of these free government programs? Have you ever used any of the ways above to get free money from the government?
While a lot of the conversation regarding the 2024 presidential election is focused on the historically high ages of the two expected major party candidates, the aging U.S. workforce often faces doubts about their own abilities that are “crudely conflating old age with physical and cognitive capacity.”
This is according to a recent NextAvenue column co-written by two aging experts: Robert Espinoza, CEO at the National Skills Coalition and a fellow at the Brookings Institution; and Leanne Clark-Shirley, president and CEO of the American Society on Aging.
Since the first presidential debate roughly two weeks ago, discussions pairing age and fitness for the presidency have dominated the political landscape. But conflating these ideas of old age and capacity to perform required tasks of a job is “wrong,” the pair writes.
“Only a person’s medical team can offer that assessment, and age alone says nothing conclusive about one’s physical and mental health,” the pair wrote. “Further, to propose age limits for holding office with no consideration for individual differences is grossly ageist and discriminatory.”
On top of this, the conversations dominating the political sphere also serve to divert attention “from the more pressing concerns” facing older people, the authors state.
“Chief among them are the profound employment barriers facing older workers, a growing population that could help address a widespread labor shortage if our government properly supported them,” the column reads. “Yet these issues are glaringly absent from the election discourse.”
The 55-and-older population encompassed roughly 14% of the U.S. labor force in 2002, but that share is expected to reach 24% by 2032. On top of this, people 75 and older are the largest-growing segment of the workforce, according to data from the Pew Research Center.
“This trend is due to positive factors, such as healthier profiles and more age-friendly jobs, and negative factors, including more rigid retirement plans and policy changes that discourage early retirement,” the authors said. “Older workers personify the future of work, and let’s face it: most of us will age into this reality if we’re not there already, so it should feel personal.”
As workers grow older, they often face discrimination based on assumptions about their age. This can lead to older workers being passed over for advancement opportunities, with the assumption that “fresh thinking” is needed or that older workers are more expensive.
“Many older workers deal with all these factors and have always worked in low-wage jobs with limited benefits — as care workers, taxi drivers, food servers, grounds maintenance workers and many others, segregated into these occupations by decades, even centuries, of racially discriminatory policies,” the column explains. “They form the backbone of our economy and are essential to its success, yet they are egregiously neglected by government at all levels.”
Each of us has our own agenda in terms of what makes stashing our cash away worthwhile. For some of us, it’s the anticipation of doing something fun or buying something beautiful. For others, it’s all about using our money to secure some quality of life and peace of mind.
Regardless of what gets you saving, whether you’re stashing funds to buy a new computer, a used convertible, a house, or even retirement funds to ensure your future, you’ll be honing your saving skills and likely boosting your financial wellness as well.
Why Saving Is Important
The importance of saving cannot be overstated; it’s a very big part of successful money management. Consistently putting away cash can make a major difference over time, especially in your quality of life. By planning and prioritizing what expenses to fund, you’ll have the means to achieve your goals. It’s incredibly rewarding when you make a plan for your money and then realize it.
To jumpstart your savings, try one or more of these creative strategies.
• Budget first. The mere mention of the word budget can stress some people out, but a budget is simply a plan for how you will spend your money. Having a strategy in place can really help keep your spending and savings on track. There are a number of methods you can use to budget, including the good old cash envelopes system and the 50/30/20 rule, as well as a number of mobile apps. Research your options online, and find the one that works best for you.
• Automate savings. One of the easiest ways to ensure you’re saving toward your goal may be to automate your savings. This can take much of the stress out of saving. For instance, you could set up an automatic bank transfer from your checking to your savings account every payday.
• Save consistently. Once you open a bank account, over time, you have a great chance of meeting your goal. Maybe it’s only $5 or $25 a pop, but contributing to your savings account regularly is vital. Be consistent and trust the process.
• Save bonuses, tax returns, and other unexpected windfall amounts. These extras can give your savings account a tremendous boost.
• Match your own purchases. For every amount that you spend on a treat, transfer that same amount into savings.
• Save every $5 bill. By setting aside every $5 bill you encounter (as change from a purchase, from an ATM, etc.), you can save quite a bit in a year’s time.
• Use the 30-day rule to control impulse purchases. Write down that shiny new thing you want, whether it’s a pricey new mobile phone or a designer bag, and wait 30 days to see if you still want it. You may find that your urge to spend on it has passed. If so, you can put the money you save this way into savings to fund something that’s on your wishlist.
Recommended: How Much of Your Paycheck Should You Save?
25 Smart Items to Save Up for
Spending money according to your own personal preferences — whether it’s a vacation, a new car, or a comfortable home for your family — should be the driving force behind your saving goals. This is how to make saving fun: Make a list of cool things to save up for. Create a vision board if you prefer; the idea is to entice yourself to perhaps pass up some unnecessary spending (takeout meals, a multitude of streaming services, and so on) and achieve those things you really crave. Not sure what to start saving for? Here are 25 ideas to get you going.
1. Vacations
You may have heard that vacations are good for both your physical and mental health. Even the act of looking forward to a vacation can improve your happiness. Whether the vacation you crave is a week at a nearby beach, a long weekend with your college besties, or a jaunt through Europe, the prospect of travel can be great motivation to save money.
2. Brand New Electronics
Buying new electronics isn’t just a leisure pursuit. New electronics can help with your productivity and ability to earn an income (or a higher one). It may be worth it to you to save for and invest in tools, such as a new laptop or video equipment, that can make your life better.
3. Starting a Business
If starting a business and becoming your own boss is a dream of yours, savings can go a long way toward making it happen. In fact, 82% of small businesses fail because of cash flow problems. Start accumulating capital so you can hopefully avoid becoming part of that statistic.
4. Home Maintenance
Keeping your home in tiptop shape can not only make living in it more enjoyable and enhance its looks and curb appeal, it can be helpful when you decide to sell it. Maintenance can include such things as getting your furnace and air conditioner checked regularly and getting your carpets cleaned, to lawn care, landscaping, and painting.
5. Weddings
This is a popular motivation to save. Most people dreaming of their big day know that it doesn’t come cheap. The average cost of a wedding in 2024 was about $33,000, according to one survey. Saving for this expense means you can celebrate the special day with loved ones, just the way you want to, while minimizing money stress.
6. Pet care
Owning a pet is enjoyable and rewarding, but it can also be expensive: The annual costs of owning a dog can run anywhere from $1,000 to more than $5,000. Pet care costs include, food, treats, veterinary bills, toys, grooming, and supplies such as beds, collars and leashes. Saving up for these expenses can help you enjoy your furry family member without being stressed out about paying for the things they need.
7. Brand New Car
Most people need wheels to get around, but cars aren’t just about function. Maybe you are dreaming of a low-slung sports car or an SUV that’s ready to offroad. When you get the keys to a new car, you’ll likely know that your time and energy spent saving was worth it.
8. Down Payment on a Home
Saving for a home is a top priority for many and for good reason. Home prices will typically rise 18% to 20% in the next five years, based on historical averages, meaning the value of your home will rise and likely continue to do so. Aside from the potential financial benefits, owning your dream home is a major boost to your and your family’s quality of life.
💡 Quick Tip: Want a simple way to save more each month? Grow your personal savings by opening an online savings account. SoFi offers high-interest savings accounts with no account fees. Open your savings account today!
9. Clothing and Shoes
There’s something about fresh clothes and shoes that can give you a psychological boost. For a household, costs averaged $1,434 for apparel for the year. Saving a little toward making yourself look good is one of the fun things you can save up for. It could be a whole wardrobe upgrade or a special splurge piece, but clothes can be excellent saving motivation.
10. Hobbies
If there’s something you enjoy doing in your free time, be sure to save enough money to fully invest yourself in the activity. Do you want a new acoustic guitar or perhaps a pottery wheel? Save for it. You may even be able to monetize your hobby or start a business from it.
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Open a SoFi Checking and Savings Account with direct deposit and get up to a $300 cash bonus. Plus, get up to 4.60% APY on your cash!
11. A Quality Mattress and Mattress Accessories
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one out of three Americans don’t get enough sleep. Being deprived of sleep can have a major impact on how you feel and function. Which is all the more reason to save for the comfiest mattress you can find.
12. Exercise Equipment
The right exercise equipment can help you make your health a priority and work out regularly. It’s not cheap, though. Equipment can cost less than $20 for a kettlebell or thousands for a top-of-the-line rowing machine, exercise bike, or Pilates equipment.
13. Professional Lessons (Sports, Dancing, Cooking, etc.)
Whether you want to dance more smoothly or perfect your golf swing, saving toward developing those skills can bring a lot of joy and satisfaction.
14. College
So many people feel the thrill of pride and achievement when earning a college degree, and it can help fuel a career. But college is expensive. As of 2024, the average cost of college in the U.S. is more than $38,000 per student per year, according to the Education Data Initiative. Saving toward these expenses, whether for yourself or your dependents, can help them get the education they need and dampen the blow of the cost of education.
15. Quality Home Appliances
Maybe you’d like to remove that old eyesore of a dishwasher and replace it with a top-notch new one, or swap out your old washer/dryer for an eco-friendly new model. Or, say, a professional-grade stove is calling to you to live out your gourmet dreams. Once you get the appliance you were dreaming about, you’ll likely feel that saving for it was worthwhile.
16. Home Security
While it may not exactly be a cool thing to save up money for, a home security system can give you peace of mind. As a bonus, you may have fun doorbell footage to look at once you buy your system.
17. Jewelry
If you love shiny baubles, they can certainly be worth saving for. Maybe there’s a dream piece you’ve been pining for. With the cost of some custom jewelry ranging from about $500 to $10,000 or more, you’ll definitely want to have a plan to save for it.
18. Home Furniture
If you value updated and stylish furniture, you’ll want to put it on your list. New furniture can uplift the comfort, function, and look of your home. Not to mention, when (or if) you sell your home, it can possibly help your place fetch a higher sales price.
19. Events & Special Occasions (Concerts, Dinners, Sports Games, etc.)
Many of us look forward to making lifelong memories at special events, from a Taylor Swift concert to the Super Bowl to a local gala. These occasions can both entertain and help you feel connected to the people who accompany you. Indulging in tickets every now and then is an incredibly fun and cool thing to save up for.
20. Home, Car and Health Insurance
Putting money toward insurance premiums may not always be fun, but it may give you peace of mind. It helps you know that you’re covered in case of accidents, unexpected health problems, and natural disasters. Saving up to afford a policy is wise if you are, say, planning to buy a house or car or are prepping for a big live event, like marriage or becoming a parent.
21. Retirement
Saving for retirement is a critical part of your financial health. A Federal Reserve survey found that only 34% of adults felt their retirement savings were on track. If you want to give yourself a healthy cushion for some of the most vulnerable years of your life, you may want to add to your retirement savings. While it doesn’t give you a tangible payoff now, you may rest easier knowing you’re prepared for tomorrow.
22. Anniversaries
Have someone (or something) special you want to celebrate? Put aside some money to do it up right, especially if it’s a nice round number that’s coming up. It’s up to you whether the funds go towards a gift, a trip, or a special night out with friends and family.
23. Repairs and Remodels
Home improvements can make your home more comfortable and functional but they are likely a major expense. With the average remodel topping $41,600 in 2024, it will take quite a chunk of change to make it happen. Saving for this type of cost can help you turn your place into the showplace you know it can be.
24. Birthdays
Celebrating birthdays is a fantastic way to nurture the relationships in your life. Maybe it’s with a candlelit dinner or tickets to a show, but it can be a great excuse to save and then spend some cash.
25. Holidays
Creating holiday memories is important for many of us. Saving up for the holidays and seeing your vision for your family come to life can be incredibly rewarding. Americans spend around $866 each holiday season, according to data from the National Retail Federation; 71% of that goes toward gifts. Stashing some cash in advance can help alleviate stress during the most wonderful time of the year.
Banking With SoFi
Focusing on a wish-list item can give you the motivation and discipline to start saving. Of course, the savings goal will vary with each person. One person may want a trip to Bali, another may need a new car, and a third may be focused on getting a down payment together for a home.
Whatever the goal, opening a bank account and consistently depositing your cash into it to save for an important purchase can be a great way to help build your financial skills, improve your financial foundation, and elevate your quality of life.
Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.
Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall.* Enjoy up to 4.60% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.
FAQ
How can I develop the mindset to save long-term?
To develop a mindset to save for the long term, be sure to start with a goal. Brainstorm some important, meaningful things to save up for. Then, automate regular transfers to your savings account. If you don’t see that money in your checking account, you likely won’t spend it.
Is saving money long-term hard?
Saving can be hard, and even a small amount stashed regularly can make a big difference in your financial wellness. The Federal Reserve Bank of St Louis reports that the personal savings rate in April 2024 was 3.6%. It may not be a huge amount, but it can be a good start.
How do I make saving money easier?
Saving money is easier when you have a plan in place. Automating money transfers to your savings account when your paycheck hits is one easy way to start saving towards a goal. You can also experiment with different budgeting methods to help “find” more money to put into your savings.
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Inside: Dream about what life could be if you didn’t have a job? If you are in the boat of I don’t want to work anymore, then you must read this post.
The reality is most people have days where they absolutely have no desire to work. Yet, you know deep down that you have to make money in order to pay your bills.
You are thinking… I don’t want a job I just want a life.
So, what happens when you don’t want to work anymore?
Well, if you don’t want to go to work today, you could take a sick day and get away with it. You can do that here and there for a while, but unfortunately, your employer is going to catch up to the quality of work that you are able to do or not do.
At this point you might be saying, you know I don’t want a job, I just want a life.
And that is very understandable if you don’t want to work in a field anymore job that you don’t love.
You want time freedom in your life!!
We will dive into the reasons for not wanting to work and how to overcome them when you need the money.
What to do if I don’t want to work?
The best thing to do is to find a job that you love and want to do on a daily basis!
Something that you can’t wait to go to work to be able to do. A way to make money that doesn’t feel like a job!
Unfortunately, too many of us feel we cannot do what we want to do when we want to do it. Thus, we want more out of life.
In this post, we are going to detail. If you don’t want to work anymore, what steps can you take to quit the job and live the life that you want?
Is it normal to not want to work?
I think each and every one of us has a desire not to work. Maybe you are thinking “I hate my job.”
This desire to work may ebb and flow based on what is going on, how you are feeling, and your current situation.
Especially if you are in a situation where you do not enjoy your boss, your co-workers, the company culture, or the current assignment, it will make going to work harder.
Whatever your job entails, if you are not enjoying what you’re doing, it is harder and harder to go to work on work every day.
As you can read on Reddit personal finance threads, there are plenty of people who have shared their stories about how they don’t want to work, seeking solace from others, and looking for ways to get out of the current situation that they’re in.
Also, if you are thinking that I can never make it until I am 55 then think about retirement. You are just sick of working and you may be in your 20s, 30s, or 40s.
It is okay to dream about not working daily!
Why We Don’t Want to Work
There are several reasons for not wanting to work.
Primarily many people do not feel engaged at their jobs, which makes them less likely to want to continue working. Gallup found that only 15% of employees feel engaged at work.1
In addition, there is an increasing amount of competition in the workforce as well as a lack of clear career paths and advancement opportunities for those who desire more freedom or flexibility with their careers. This can lead someone to think about becoming self-employed or going into a different field.
There are many reasons for not wanting to work.
People on Reddit share their stories about how they don’t want to work anymore. Some are still in school, some are retired, and others have other reasons for not wanting to work.
We all have heard about the Great Resignation with people saying “enough is enough; I don’t want to go back to work.”
1. Burnout
Burnout is when an employee begins to feel exhausted and overwhelmed by their job. They do not want to be there anymore and it negatively impacts the happiness of both the individual and their work environment.
If you want to stop working, it is okay!
Just make sure you can still be financially independent.
2. Not enjoying your job
Many people wake up and say, “I don’t really want to do the work today.” If you are not enjoying your job, it is harder and harder to go in every day.
People don’t want to work because they feel like they’re working more than is necessary, or there’s no meaning behind their job anymore.
If you find yourself not enjoying your job, it might be time to leave. Many people experience dissatisfaction with their jobs and want to retire early.
Many times this is when people leave their jobs and find success is the best revenge.
3. Mental Health
Mental health issues can be caused by outside factors, such as stress and anxiety, and can lead to feelings of wanting to avoid work.
For many, the idea of going to work can feel overwhelming and lead to feelings of anxiety and dread. It is also essential to take a step back and assess the quality of your mental health.
If this is something you have been struggling with, it is important to think about why you are feeling this way and take steps to address it.
If this persists, it is important to seek professional help. Visiting a therapist or counselor can help you identify the root causes of your negative feelings and develop a plan to overcome them. In many cases, your workplace may even cover the cost of therapy, so you don’t have to worry about paying out-of-pocket.
This is one of the good excuses to miss work.
4. Lack of Interest
When you find yourself feeling like you don’t want to work anymore, it’s important to take some time to examine the reasons why and identify potential solutions.
It could be that you’ve been in the same job for a long time and need a change of scenery.
Maybe you’re feeling overwhelmed and undervalued by your current role.
Possibly you have other things that are taking president and you don’t have the same level of interest.
Whatever the source of your feelings, they need to be addressed.
5. Support System
Friends and family can be a great source of support, offering advice and understanding. However, if they do not believe in you, it can make it even harder to find motivation.
On top of that, if you have family obligations such as childcare, it can be difficult to make the time to work or even to access the necessary resources.
Talking to your loved ones about your feelings and concerns is a great first step in getting through this tough time.
One of these family emergency excuses could help you in a pinch.
6. Lack of Appreciation
It can be incredibly disheartening to work hard and not be appreciated.
It’s easy to become discouraged and feel like you don’t want to work anymore if you’re putting in the effort and not being recognized.
When this happens it’s important to remember that you are valuable and your work does matter. It’s also important to talk to someone about how you’re feeling, whether that be a friend, family member, or therapist.
You just want someone to say to you, “I appreciate you!”
7. Thinking of Career Change
If you find yourself in a position where you don’t want to work for weeks on end, it’s important to figure out why. Are you having a hard time at your current job or do you no longer wish to pursue a career? If it’s the latter, it can be freeing to consider all the possible career changes you can make.
Many people don’t want to work anymore because:
they don’t want to pursue a career in corporate America
tired of the same job they’ve been doing for years
don’t want to continue vying for raises, bonuses, or promotions
It’s okay to dream about something else, something fresh and different.
You may find yourself researching other opportunities to put your skillset to use.
9. More Interest in Hobby to Turn into Side Hustle
For many people, having a side hustle is a great way to make extra money, explore a passion, and turn a hobby into something productive and profitable.
If you find yourself no longer wanting to go to work and feeling more fulfilled in your hobbies, it may be time to pursue a side hustle.
You can monetize your hobby and create a side gig to give yourself a new source of income.
This will provide you with the freedom to pursue what you’re interested in and make a living from it. It can also give you the option to quit your job and explore other areas of your life.
10. Wanting to make money passively
Making money passively is a goal that many people desire, but it can be hard to turn into reality.
While it is possible to make money passively in the stock market, real estate, or a small business, one can also earn passive income by doing any type of side hustle.
It is better to find ways to make passive income from something you enjoy.
You need to figure out what should I do for a living that will make passive income.
How do you make a living if you don’t want to work?
If you don’t want to work, you still need to find a way to make a living.
Passive income is the most effective way of making money without working.
It allows you to work on your business or hobby full-time and then withdraw a certain amount every month that helps pay for all of your expenses, including food, rent/mortgage, etc.
So, your first step is to create a passive income source.
If you don’t, then don’t say, “I don’t want to do the work today.”
In fact, there are many good excuses to miss work.
Can I survive without working?
Well, that completely depends on your financial situation. (Since most people are not aware of where they stand financially, here are the Money Bliss Steps to help you.)
If you are lucky enough to be a trust fund baby with somebody else managing your money, you are likely fine and can survive without working.
However, if you are like most normal folk, then you may be able to survive for a little bit without working. But over time, it will catch up to you. Not working is not a long-term solution.
While you may be on unemployment and collecting unemployment benefits, or maybe even disability payments that are not enough to make ends meet. In most cities, you can survive in the short term without working. But in the long term, it is not going to work out for you.
If you are serious about not wanting to work, you need to find the FIRE movement, which means financial independence retire early.
That is a better term for not wanting to work anymore. When you want to quit the job and do something else in life, you have to do what is called FIRE.
5 Simple Steps To Quit the Job
To quit the job or the career path that you were in, you have to take steps ahead of time to make sure that your transition (financially) is as smooth as possible.
The biggest question is how can I make money if I don’t want to work ever.
You set aside money to take care of your obligations and bills while being able to live the life that you want to live. That means you have more types of income than just a paycheck.
These are the exact steps you need to take to quit the job. Obviously, it won’t happen overnight. But, you can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
1. Make an Exit Plan
First, you have to make a plan of how finances will work without a typical paycheck. You need to learn how to FI quickly.
In order to retire early or quit the job, you must be able to financially support yourself without a consistent income coming in from a regular paycheck.
Specifically, it means you need to find ways to make passive income. That could be in the stock market, real estate, small business, side hustle hobby, or driving for Uber. There are a variety of different ways to make money; it is just better to find ways to make money doing something you enjoy.
One of the things you will quickly realize is that to make money passively, you must have money on hand to invest. That is the “Catch 22” of why people get caught in the cycle of it being too difficult to change their financial position and just give up.
If you don’t like your job and you don’t want to work anymore, then you need the mindset that something is gonna change, you are gonna make it a reality.
It will be hard for a short period of time to save up the money necessary to build the steps to be able to quit working or FIRE, but you might be surprised how you can double $10k quickly when you put your mind to it.
Motivation is a great thing, especially given the right circumstances.
Related Answers:
2. Save Money
If you don’t want to work anymore, then you have to save money to cover your bills. Period.
There is no way to get around that situation.
Your friends and family are not going to pick up the slack just because you want to quit your job.
So, you have to find all of the possible ways to save money. A great place to start is with one of our money saving challenges.
Another great way to save more money is by changing your habits.
In order to “retire early,” you must save a majority of your income at an early age to gain the benefit of compounding early. If you are thinking, “Well shoot, I missed that bucket,” then don’t worry … now is better to start than waiting too long.
Things only look up from here!
3. Cut Expenses
You have to be able to live below your means.
If you’re not interested in your job or the career that you are currently in and you don’t want to work anymore, then you need to cut your expenses in order to save more money.
One of the wisest tricks of the FIRE community is becoming a thrifty person. You know when to spend money on quality items as well as you know when to save money on frivolous expenses.
4. Pick a date.
As with any smart financial goal, you need to put a deadline on when you want things to happen.
If you are not happy with your job and your depression isn’t worth it anymore, then you have to find a date to move on and do something else.
Obviously, you’ll need some of these FIRE calculators to learn how much you need to make your dream a reality.
that happen. Here are some of the best fire calculators that you can find, to learn, how much you need to quit your job.
5. Start Hustling
Let’s face it, 2020 changed the workplace as well as our priorities. Honestly, I think it was for the better. We all realize there is more to life than just the constant line of being busy.
In addition, many of us found the extra time that we can now put to work and start to make money.
It is easier to work when you have a target goal in mind of not working anymore. You must start saving money to put to work passively.
Below you will find ideas to help you search out the best serious ways to make more money. The last thing you want to do is learn what happens when you don’t save enough for retirement.
When You Don’t Want to Work Anymore
In this post, we answered the question of how can I make money if I don’t want to work.
The secret sauce is called passive income.
You must earn money on your investments. So, yes, now is a good time to invest in stocks.
There are many ways to make passive income; it could be in the swing trading the stock market, real estate, a business venture, a side hustle, or simply long-term investing.
Unless you are massively independently wealthy and part of the 1%, with millions of dollars that you do not know what to do with, then you will want to make some money on your nest egg that you create over time.
If you are saying, “I just want a life,” then stop waiting for the magic time for your retirement. You don’t have to wait until the retirement age of 65 years old.
You are in charge of your life and can make it happen… if you put your mind to it.
Source
Gallup. “What Is Employee Engagement and How Do You Improve It?” https://www.gallup.com/workplace/285674/improve-employee-engagement-workplace.aspx#:~:text=Based%20on%20over%2050%20years,in%20the%20%22engaged%22%20category. Accessed March 11, 2024.
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More importantly, did I answer the questions you have about this topic? Let me know in the comments if I can help in some other way!
Your comments are not just welcomed; they’re an integral part of our community. Let’s continue the conversation and explore how these ideas align with your journey towards Money Bliss.
Victor Ciardelli beamed as his mortgage company, Chicago-based Guaranteed Rate, launched a “financial wellness” and “personal well-being” app last fall before a live audience in Times Square with wellness celebrity Deepak Chopra.
“Something we are passionate about at Guaranteed Rate is caring about people and their overall well-being,” Ciardelli said in a video of the event posted online. “We wanted to make sure that we did something to help people in their general stress and alleviate pain.”
But in the days following the launch of the app, which offers home loan applications and other financial services alongside yoga classes and nutrition advice, Ciardelli wasn’t happy. Yelling at executive leadership on company calls, he referred to his employees as “failures,” complained that the team did not show him from a particular camera angle and said “Marketing is a f−−−ing disaster,” according to two executives who were on the calls.
Despite Ciardelli’s public remarks on the importance of personal well-being, many former employees told the Tribune they experienced or witnessed persistent verbal abuse and a misogynistic environment while working at Guaranteed Rate. As part of a Tribune investigation, reporters interviewed nearly 80 former employees and reviewed court records, internal company emails, written exit interviews and text messages.
Many of the former staff members who spoke with the Tribune described Ciardelli, the company’s president, CEO and founder, as a boss who was quick to berate, swear at and demean employees.
“Every person that works directly under Mr. Ciardelli is terrified of his potential anger outbursts,” one former assistant wrote to human resources after she was let go from the company a couple of years ago, according to an email reviewed by the Tribune.
Some former employees who spoke with the Tribune said they were driven to seek mental health care because of the work environment at the company; one former worker said she contacted a suicide hotline last year.
Multiple women who used to work at Guaranteed Rate, meanwhile, described working in a sexualized atmosphere where some male loan officers and managers made sexually explicit remarks to female employees, hit on them in the office or at work events, and commented inappropriately on their appearance — even, in one case, encouraging a woman to use her looks to help close a loan.
In February, a woman who used to work as a loan officer at Guaranteed Rate filed a lawsuit against two high-producing loan officers at the company, alleging sexual harassment and gender discrimination. Her complaint alleges one of the male loan officers sexually harassed her at a corporate event, that the other loan officer pressured her not to report the incident to human resources, and that for the remainder of her employment the man who made the remark used “gender-based and demeaning slurs to refer to” her and other women at the company.
Other former employees said they did not bring their complaints to human resources because they thought Ciardelli or other executives and managers meddled in the department’s business and might retaliate, with at least two former employees saying they’d observed how company leaders protected certain staff members. Others said they did complain but felt the department didn’t take the information seriously.
In response to a detailed list of questions from the Tribune, Ciardelli and Guaranteed Rate vehemently denied all of these allegations, describing the company as a positive workplace environment where women in particular are supported. The firm went to remarkable lengths to dispute the allegations, including sending the results of a worker satisfaction survey it conducted and forwarding more than 80 testimonials from current and former employees. Among them were five of Ciardelli’s current or former assistants, as well as numerous male and female executives praising his leadership and support.
The company also retained an outside law firm that, even before receiving the reporters’ list of questions, threatened to sue the newspaper for defamation.
Guaranteed Rate, whose corporate headquarters is in Chicago’s North Center neighborhood, has grown tremendously since its founding in 2000 to become one of the largest mortgage lenders in the country based on loan volume, according to industry news and data provider Inside Mortgage Finance. Its name has adorned the White Sox stadium since 2016, and as recently as 2018, Guaranteed Rate was named a Chicago Tribune Top Workplace — a distinction based on surveys conducted by an outside company, with no input from editorial staff on the selection.
Guaranteed Rate CEO Victor Ciardelli prepares to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at a White Sox home game in August 2016. The ballpark would be renamed after his company later that year. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Jason Scott, a former top-producing loan officer and director of VA lending, which provides home loans to military veterans and active-duty service members, at Guaranteed Rate said his earlier years at the company — when lower mortgage rates fueled industry growth — were positive. But Ciardelli’s outbursts and verbal abuse of employees grew more noticeable, he said, when rising interest rates started to erode those gains, especially after the boom years of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I think crazy success just brings out who the real people are,” said Scott, who reported to Ciardelli in his director role and now works for CrossCountry Mortgage, a competitor of Guaranteed Rate. “What did you sacrifice to get there? Did you sacrifice your soul or your core values?”
Many other former employees who spoke with the Tribune did so on the condition they would not be named in this story, saying they feared Guaranteed Rate would sue them. Guaranteed Rate has filed lawsuits against former employees to claw back signing bonuses; it also has sued competitor New American Funding and former employees who have hired former Guaranteed Rate workers, accusing them of unlawful poaching.
Ciardelli declined to be interviewed without his attorney for this story. In response to written questions provided by the Tribune, he and the company suggested the criticism of Guaranteed Rate came from disgruntled employees who could not succeed in a demanding work environment within a challenging industry, or from people who now work for a competitor and therefore would benefit from disparaging the company.
“We hold ourselves and our team members to an incredibly high standard and are not apologetic about that,” Ciardelli said in his written responses, sent through the outside law firm retained to handle communications with the Tribune. “We also recognize … that to achieve great success, one must embrace a full ownership for their actions, both successful and otherwise to achieve growth and most important optimally serve our customers. We promote a transparent culture that supports all our team members toward that goal and welcome constructive criticism. As a result, we are not for everyone.”
Ciardelli specifically denied berating staff, yelling at executives after the app launch or ever calling employees “stupid” or “failures.” He quoted the company’s chief operating officer, Nik Athanasiou, as saying: “I have worked with Victor for 15 years. No one is in more meetings with him than me. I do not ever recall an instance where Victor was abusive toward another employee.”
Ciardelli also pointed to the company’s anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies and said neither he nor any other executive interfered with human resources.
In response to questions from the Tribune about women’s complaints, including being subjected to sexually explicit comments and working in a “boys club” atmosphere, Ciardelli wrote that such allegations are “simply not true.” The company “has not, does not, and would not objectify women or put them in uncomfortable personal or professional situations,” he wrote.
Ciardelli also highlighted the large number of female loan officers working at the company, their professional success and the testimonials from female employees. When the Tribune asked to speak with four of those women, only one — Rola Gurrieri, the company’s New Jersey-based chief fulfillment officer — agreed to be interviewed without outside counsel or management present.
Regarding the lawsuit filed by former Guaranteed Rate loan officer Megan McDermott, the company told the Tribune it had “found no evidence supporting Ms. McDermott’s allegations of sexual harassment or gender discrimination” after conducting a “comprehensive investigation.”
Guaranteed Rate also sent a general statement detailing the company’s business philosophy, which includes a “fierce commitment to excellence.” Employees who do not “meet our core values or our quality standards” find it challenging to maintain job satisfaction at the company, it said.
“Many of these employees walk away not feeling good about the company which is a natural emotion when faced with a reality that their standards and the company standards are not aligned,” the statement said.
But many of the former employees who spoke with the Tribune described a cutthroat work culture they said could be frightening and upsetting, with several attributing that culture to Ciardelli’s laser focus on making money and growing Guaranteed Rate.
A sign is installed at the White Sox stadium in October 2016 to proclaim its new name: Guaranteed Rate Field. (Zbigniew Bzdak/Chicago Tribune)
The former assistant who emailed human resources asked not to be identified in this story, fearing it might jeopardize her current job or trigger retaliation from Ciardelli. In that email, the woman wrote that she was “constantly on edge and terrified to have an interaction with Mr. Ciardelli” and that she had “consoled each assistant on his team that endured the wrath of Mr. Ciardelli’s behavior.”
“I hope that my experience will open your eyes,” she wrote.
Flying too close to the sun
In an interview with the Tribune in 2014, Ciardelli made plain his ambition to grow the company.
“If you can’t handle it, you shouldn’t be here,” Ciardelli said. “Instead of feeling like, oh, we care about people’s feelings and all that, it’s all about results.”
In the same article, Ciardelli said he worked constructively with his employees when issues arose at work. “There’s no drama involved; there’s no yelling,” he said. “Let’s fix the issue and move on.”
But multiple former executives and employees told the Tribune Ciardelli regularly yelled at and verbally attacked executives and other employees in person and on company calls, sometimes in front of hundreds of people, with the calls following the app launch just one example.
Some former and current employees told the Tribune they tried to avoid Ciardelli because they were scared of his temper.
Scott, the former director of VA lending who worked at Guaranteed Rate from 2017 until he resigned in 2022, splitting his time between offices in Hawaii and Colorado, called Ciardelli a “bully.”
Scott told the Tribune that, during one call, Ciardelli took an executive “to the woodshed and just eviscerated him verbally,” saying things such as “I can’t believe you are this stupid.”
“(Victor) throws the grenade and then he leaves the room,” not giving people a chance to explain or talk through the issue, Scott said.
At the time of Ciardelli’s 2014 Tribune interview, Guaranteed Rate had 2,500 employees nationally, 1,050 of whom were based in Chicago, according to Tribune archives.
The company grew to employ 9,708 people nationwide at its peak in 2021, Guaranteed Rate told the Tribune in May. Part of the company’s growth stemmed from its acquisitions of other mortgage companies: Manhattan Mortgage and Superior Mortgage in 2012 and Stearns Lending in 2021.
Victor Ciardelli, shown in 2014 at Guaranteed Rate’s headquarters, told the Tribune that year that he had ambitious plans for the company and “if you can’t handle it, you shouldn’t be here.” (Abel Uribe/Chicago Tribune)
Guaranteed Rate also partners on mortgage services with some of the largest real estate companies in the country. Including the people working in those partnerships, Guaranteed Rate had 14,264 employees at its height in 2021.
Like other mortgage companies, Guaranteed Rate has suffered a significant decline in business over the last two years, stemming from mortgage rates that have more than doubled from their record lows during the pandemic.
As mortgage rates soared in 2022 and 2023, the firm implemented thousands of layoffs, with only 3,871 workers remaining as of April, or 5,756 among all its companies, excluding contractors, as of May, according to the company.
Yet Ciardelli’s volatile behavior predated the stressful times in the housing market, according to some people who worked for Guaranteed Rate. Many people who “fly too close to the sun” — a metaphor some employees used to describe working directly with Ciardelli — eventually leave, they said.
People who work in personal and executive assistant roles for Ciardelli rarely last long in their jobs, with many leaving after less than a year, former employees said. Some referred to Ciardelli’s assistant position as a “revolving door,” and the LinkedIn profiles of multiple former assistants show short stints with the company.
More than two dozen executives and senior loan officers have left the company over the last decade, with a significant exodus occurring in the past two years. Multiple former executives and loan officers — including Scott — told the Tribune they left because of Ciardelli’s verbal outbursts and what many described as a workplace where they felt bullying and misogyny were tolerated. Most now work for competitors.
Ciardelli and other executives sometimes would disparage people who left the company, according to Scott.
“I would be like ‘Guys, did anybody ever think about reaching out to them before they left and having an exit interview with them?’” Scott said. “You are talking about a person that was a top producer here that you loved them as long as they produced, and now that they leave, they are an enemy? … They are leaving for a reason.”
In Ciardelli’s written responses to Tribune questions, he said allegations of a toxic work environment or bullying on his part are “not aligned with Guaranteed Rate or my leadership.” He said neither he nor other executives have disparaged former employees when they left the company.
In response to a question about assistant turnover, Ciardelli wrote that he has worked closely with five “primary” assistants since 2000. “As is the case with any demanding support roles, there has been some turnover with secondary and tertiary assistants, but nothing that is abnormal or unexpected,” he wrote.
One testimonial sent to the Tribune was from Melissa Czaszwicz, who said she worked for Ciardelli as an executive assistant in the early 2000s. She wrote that she had a positive experience working closely with Ciardelli, who she said was especially supportive when she had children.
“Never did I witness anything inappropriate or out of line,” said Czaszwicz, who still works at Guaranteed Rate.
‘Mental health has suffered’
Some former employees who spoke with the Tribune said they were driven to seek mental health support during and after their time at the company because of the negative work environment they experienced at Guaranteed Rate.
Most of those who shared their experiences worked for an executive who has a close working relationship with Ciardelli. Former workers said this executive also verbally abused staff and was prone to volatile mood swings.
One told the Tribune she texted and called a suicide hotline last year while working at the company because of verbal abuse from the executive; she shared the texts she sent with the Tribune.
In her resignation email, sent to the executive and to the human resources department last year, she wrote: “My mental health has rapidly declined due to the way I have been treated and spoken to in the last couple of months.”
Another employee from the same team wrote in a 2019 resignation letter sent to the executive, human resources, Ciardelli and others that his “mental health has suffered.”
Founded in 2000, Guaranteed Rate grew to become one of the largest mortgage lenders in the country but has suffered a decline in business as mortgage rates have soared in the last two years. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
In the resignation email and in an interview with the Tribune, the former employee said his boss gave him the runaround when he asked for time off to attend his mother’s chemotherapy appointments and complained to other employees about his requests.
Other employees discouraged him from requesting leave directly from human resources, warning him he would be fired if he went around the executive, according to the email.
Alyssa Ortiz, another former employee, said working with this executive was like being in an “abusive” relationship, being yelled at one minute and being invited for drinks the next.
“Everyone has gotten … chewed out and left crying,” said Ortiz, who worked for Guaranteed Rate from 2017 to 2019.
Ortiz told the Tribune that human resources and Ciardelli had been notified of this executive’s verbal mistreatment of employees but did nothing. She and about a dozen other former employees told the Tribune they felt Ciardelli protected this executive because of their working relationship.
In a written exit interview from 2020, one employee from the same department described how the executive would discuss former employees’ exit interviews with current employees.
“This created a fear for us to go to HR for anything moving forward,” the employee wrote.
Ciardelli said the company was not aware of any incident in which an executive read former employees’ exit interviews aloud; he said Guaranteed Rate “would never support this practice.”
Dozens of employees have left the executive’s department since 2017, according to interviews with former workers and LinkedIn profiles. The executive has since been promoted, the executive’s LinkedIn profile and the company’s website show.
In 2018, the head of human resources at the time took away the HR representative working with the executive’s department because of “risks” the executive posed to the company, according to an email reviewed by the Tribune.
“I can’t in good conscience keep allowing (the executive) to drag other employee (sic) into … schemes,” the former HR head wrote. “And by schemes I mean risky bull−−−−.” The department would have no assigned human resources representative after that, according to the email.
In correspondence with the Tribune, Guaranteed Rate described the company as a positive workplace where abuse and harassment are not tolerated and where complaints to human resources are taken seriously.
“We are not perfect by any means, but we do work hard to listen to our employees and make sure they feel supported,” a company spokesperson wrote in an email to the Tribune in April. “Most of all, we have no tolerance for any form of bullying, harassment or mistreatment. It is not who we are or who we want to be.”
Some of the employee testimonials provided by Guaranteed Rate expressed similar sentiments. For example, Mohamed Tawy, a branch manager and senior loan officer who has been with Guaranteed Rate for three years, wrote that the culture at the company is the best he has experienced in his 15-year career.
In an interview with the Tribune, Tawy said: “As a top producer … and I’m also a minority myself, I haven’t felt anything or seen anything that makes this company in any way negative for anybody that’s different. … I’ve seen here all that matters is that you do a good job, your production is good and that you follow the protocols and the rules, and I’ve seen people succeed with that more than any company I’ve been with.”
The Guaranteed Rate spokesperson also shared the results of an employee experience survey conducted in February. According to the company, the average rating for the culture at Guaranteed Rate was 8.49 out of 10, with nearly 75% of 3,745 employees responding. Those ratings were based on employees’ stated level of comfort providing feedback and/or concerns, how much they felt supported by the company in maintaining a healthy work-life balance and their sense of Guaranteed Rate’s commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion.
The email from the spokesperson said the company received “a countless number of positive comments and appreciation for their leaders, teams and our overall culture.”
In response to Tribune questions, Guaranteed Rate said in May that the survey was anonymous and it was analyzed by its “employee experience team.” The company did not provide the Tribune with a complete set of responses from the survey, but it volunteered that employees used the word “toxic” to make a negative comment about Guaranteed Rate in only 14 of the more than 5,000 written responses provided to three open-ended survey questions.
‘Mortified and disgusted’
Megan McDermott, a single mother of three, met her supervisor at Guaranteed Rate, Jon Lamkin, in person for the first time at a corporate event in December 2015, according to the lawsuit she filed in February.
When Lamkin heard the age of her oldest child, the suit alleges, he said: “You should have known better than to let some guy’s d−−− c−−− inside you.”
According to her lawsuit, McDermott reported the comment to Joseph Moschella, a regional manager and senior loan officer at Guaranteed Rate who was responsible for McDermott’s region while she worked at the company. Moschella, the suit alleges, “pressured” her not to make a formal complaint of sexual harassment to human resources.
McDermott told the Tribune she was “mortified and disgusted” after Lamkin made the comment.
“The irony here is that Jon should have known better than to treat an employee the way he did rather than telling me I should have known better to become a single mother at 20 years old,” McDermott said, “which is vile. … He set the tone the first day I met him of the power Joe and Jon had over my career.”
Megan McDermott, shown in March in New Jersey, has filed a lawsuit alleging she was “subjected to a sexual and gender-based hostile work environment” at Guaranteed Rate and did not receive the same opportunities, treatment and pay as male loan officers. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
As McDermott went on to become a top-producing loan officer for Guaranteed Rate in New Jersey, her suit alleges Lamkin subjected her to abuse by “regularly screaming at her and using gender-based and demeaning slurs to refer to” her and other women at the company.
Her lawsuit alleges she was “subjected to a sexual and gender-based hostile work environment” by Guaranteed Rate, Lamkin and Moschella. Her suit also alleges McDermott did not receive the same opportunities, treatment and pay as male loan officers, which some other female loan officers told the Tribune reflected their own experiences as well.
McDermott did not lodge a complaint after Lamkin’s comment because she “believed she would be retaliated against” if she did so, the suit states. When she did report to HR around 2019 that Lamkin had engaged in “abusive behavior,” the department “failed to do anything to investigate or curtail Defendant Lamkin’s behavior,” the complaint alleges.
“Joe encouraged me not to go to HR because of the damage it would do to Jon’s career,” McDermott said. “Ultimately, all that they were worried about was Jon, his reputation and his career versus reporting inappropriate behavior.”
Guaranteed Rate told the Tribune in its May response that Lamkin’s comment was “nothing more than a single off-color joke,” that McDermott accepted an apology from Lamkin and that Moschella “encouraged” McDermott to contact human resources if she was “still upset.”
The company said it “could not find any record of Ms. McDermott making any form of complaint to the company’s human resources department in 2019, either verbally or in writing.”
McDermott told the Tribune she helped build Guaranteed Rate’s business in north Jersey from the ground up and said she loved the work until she found out she was not being treated equally as a woman.
“I believe management did not want to see me succeed, didn’t take me seriously and made decisions that negatively affected me and my children financially,” said McDermott, who now works for CrossCountry Mortgage, a competitor. “I ultimately left GR because I could no longer work in an environment where I was not valued and leadership felt that they could exploit me.”
Moschella and Lamkin are still employed at Guaranteed Rate. They did not respond to a Tribune request for comment. Guaranteed Rate told the Tribune in May that it had investigated McDermott’s allegations of sexual harassment and gender discrimination and found that “there is no evidence that Mr. Lamkin or anyone else at Guaranteed Rate ever created a hostile work environment for women.”
Guaranteed Rate also said in a statement that it complies with state and federal equal pay laws. The company said an “outside law firm” had reviewed its 2023 pay data and found it compliant with state equal pay laws.
In his written responses, Ciardelli highlighted the high percentage of female loan officers at the company in comparison to its competitors and said “our women originators thrive more than at any mortgage company in the industry.”
Employee statements provided through Guaranteed Rate’s attorneys included testimonials from dozens of women. Some noted the existence of the company’s employee resource group for women, GROW, while others cited the presence of women in leadership roles throughout the company.
“In addition to my professional growth I’ve experienced, I am equally grateful for the respect and dignity with which I have been treated as a woman in the workplace,” Jaime Kinman, a senior loan officer, said in her statement. “In an industry where gender biases still exist, I have never once felt marginalized or overlooked because of my gender.”
Gurrieri, the company’s chief fulfillment officer, said in an interview with the Tribune that she “never one time” experienced misogyny at the company.
“I got promoted when I’m six months pregnant,” she said. “That’s unheard of.”
Gurrieri, who has worked for Guaranteed Rate for more than six years, described Ciardelli’s leadership style as “extremely passionate.”
“There’s never been a day where I ever felt disrespected or not appreciated,” she said.
According to a former top executive who reported to Ciardelli for many years and a former human resources employee, a handful of loan officers at Guaranteed Rate were known sexual harassers, making women feel uncomfortable with inappropriate touching and unwanted advances in work settings.
But that behavior was rarely addressed, the former workers believed, because the men were friends with Ciardelli or were high-producing loan officers — each responsible for bringing in tens of millions of dollars in loan volume. Some of these loan officers still work at Guaranteed Rate.
Ciardelli called these allegations “simply not true” and said they were contradicted by the employee testimonials provided through the company’s attorney.
“They are also inconsistent with the recollections and experiences of multiple former HR professionals,” Ciardelli wrote.
A ‘sex-driven’ culture
In interviews with the Tribune, multiple former employees described a “boys club” atmosphere at Guaranteed Rate; Scott, the former director of VA lending, said there was “a lot of misogyny.”
Jessica Moreno, a former Chicago employee who started at Guaranteed Rate at age 23, said she was the first in her family to get a corporate job. Within a year of starting her job, she said, she was paying the mortgage on her family home.
But in her department, Moreno said she experienced a “sex-driven” culture.
“All the guys were just like, tongues on the floor,” said Moreno, who worked for the company for about four years starting in 2014. Her workplace was “like a men’s locker room, and women were in it,” she said.
Jessica Moreno, shown in April in Arizona, worked for Guaranteed Rate for about four years starting in 2014. She said male co-workers and managers hit on her and made comments on her appearance. It was “like a men’s locker room, and women were in it,” she said. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
Male co-workers and managers would hit on her and make comments on her appearance, calling her pretty, Moreno said. Comments made at Christmas parties or happy hours could be crasser, she said.
“You’ll get, ‘Oh, I’ve always wanted to f−−− you,’” she said.
Moreno said she once overheard a male manager describe a woman who had interviewed for a job as a “fox.” Another time, she said, a manager invited a female massage therapist to the office; Moreno remembers male co-workers commenting on the therapist’s body, too.
Soon after she’d started at Guaranteed Rate, Moreno said, she met with HR to make a complaint about a manager who swore at and belittled her. The HR representative brushed off her concerns in that meeting, she said.
“After that, I felt so discouraged to never even speak up again,” Moreno said.
Moreno ended up leaving her position before taking a job working for a Guaranteed Rate loan officer; she said she was terminated after clashing with the loan officer’s assistant.
Some female former employees of Guaranteed Rate said they understood looks to be a currency within the company.
One former Chicago employee said a manager encouraged her to text a selfie to a client after hearing the client flirt with her over the phone and say he’d be inclined to speed up the loan process if he knew what she looked like.
The employee said she sent the selfie, and the manager then pushed her to go along with the client’s harassment until the loan closed, she said.
After receiving the photo, the client responded, “As pretty as you are I can’t believe some man hasn’t run off with you just howling away,” in a text reviewed by the Tribune. Later on, after sending her forms, the client texted her: “You said I would get another pic when I sent you the forms so?”
The employee said another manager in her division would frequently flirt with her and comment on her appearance. He once texted her to “stop losing weight damn it” and another time texted her that she “broke (his) concentration,” according to texts reviewed by the Tribune.
Another former Chicago employee remembered a manager telling her, while she was pregnant with her first child, “Whatever you do, don’t get a C-section — you’ll never wear a bikini again.” The employee went out on maternity leave days later. She said she did end up needing a C-section and remembers the manager’s comment echoing in her head as she was wheeled back for surgery. Two people the woman told about the incident at the time corroborated her account in interviews with the Tribune.
Several former employees in the marketing department, including two men, told the Tribune Ciardelli made comments about workers’ ages. One employee got Botox and fillers after Ciardelli told employees they were “too old” and likened the marketing department to his “grandmother’s mortgage company,” according to former marketing department employees.
In his written responses, Ciardelli said “Guaranteed Rate is committed to fostering an environment that promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. We maintain a comprehensive set of employment policies aimed at providing a work environment free of unlawful harassment and discrimination, where all employees treat one another with dignity and respect.”
Guaranteed Rate’s corporate headquarters is in Chicago’s North Center neighborhood in a building with a rooftop gathering space. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
A spokesperson said in the April 1 email sharing the employee survey results that the company had launched “even more initiatives to ensure we have a positive work environment,” including anti-harassment training, training for the human resources team “to take proper and appropriate steps and best practices for investigating and responding to employee complaints” and reminders to employees on how to report harassment or abuse.
“Our executive team has emphasized to Human Resources that all complaints should be investigated, and any form of harassment and misconduct should be dealt with swiftly – and all managers and employees who are not acting in accordance with our values be rooted out of our organization,” the spokesperson wrote.
In the company’s May responses, it said these initiatives were launched in 2023 and were to “expand and enhance” the existing training program.
All Guaranteed Rate employees must complete “harassment and discrimination prevention training” upon being hired and on an annual basis thereafter, according to the company’s May response. The company said Guaranteed Rate has an “anti-retaliation” policy that prohibits retaliation against employees who report alleged harassment or discrimination or participate in an investigation into the conduct. The company also noted it has an ethics hotline through which employees can make anonymous complaints.
“We respect and treat all employees equally no matter their sex, color, or creed,” Ciardelli wrote.
In the last 10 years, Guaranteed Rate has not settled any lawsuits involving claims of a hostile work environment, according to the company. Guaranteed Rate’s response stated that within that time frame, the company settled six claims involving allegations of a hostile work environment, including arbitration cases as well as claims filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and state and local agencies. The majority of those claims were brought by male employees, and one was resolved in Guaranteed Rate’s favor, the company said.
Guaranteed Rate employees are asked to sign mandatory arbitration agreements when they are hired, but sexual harassment claims and claims filed with the EEOC and similar state agencies are not subject to arbitration, according to Guaranteed Rate’s May responses.
‘Positive thinking’
Publicly, Ciardelli presents himself as a champion of a positive work environment — an image the company has encouraged employees to promote.
In an email sent in February by a company executive and obtained by the Tribune, employees were encouraged to share a Forbes article featuring Ciardelli; the email provided step-by-step instructions for posting it on social media.
The story, published Feb. 7, was titled “Guaranteed Rate Founder Is All In On ‘Positive Thinking’ This 2024” and described his leadership style as “Chicken Soup for the Mortgage Industry.”
“I communicate the power of positivity and gratitude to everybody around me: employees, friends, family members, everyone,” Ciardelli was quoted as saying.
Less than 24 hours after it went live, the article disappeared from the Forbes website. The site provided no explanation, but one former Guaranteed Rate employee told the Tribune former workers had written to the author about factual inaccuracies.
On Feb. 8, a Guaranteed Rate executive sent another email encouraging employees — again with step-by-step instructions — to delete any social media posts linking to the article.
“We are working with Forbes to resolve and will let you know when it will be reinstated,” the email said. “We apologize for the inconvenience, and we will send out a new link as soon as it’s available.”
The Forbes contributor declined to comment for this story. Forbes told the Tribune the article was taken down because it did not adhere to the company’s “editorial guidelines” and did not respond to further questions.
The article has yet to be republished, but Guaranteed Rate still wants people to read it. The company shared it in a PDF on its LinkedIn page.
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Types of Fun 30 Day Challenges:
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So, in order to keep it fun, you can always have a reward tied to the end.
Once you complete your 30 day challenge, then this is your reward for completion.
Too many times we look at thirty day challenges as “what should I give up for a month,” when in reality, you are not really depriving yourself for a month, you are trying to build a better you and better habits.
Here are the fun categories for all of our thirty day challenges:
How to Do a 30 Day Challenge?
As you will see shortly, there are lot of ways that you can intertwine these 30 day challenges together in your life and your schedule.
You may do one of these challenges while you’re sitting in the car waiting to pick up children from their activities. You may carve out time, specifically to work on a new skill, how and when you accomplish these challenges is up to you.
At the end of 30 days though, you are going to find a new level of happiness, enjoyment and fulfillment by sticking to these challenges.
The best way for success is to track your progress! There are resources at the bottom to help you out.
If you fall off the bandwagon for a day or two, that’s okay. Shake it off, and jump right on.
Don’t skip, more than a day. You got to get back on and complete your challenge.
30 Day Challenge Health & Fitness
First of all, I don’t like the sound of a 30 day wealth loss challenge because managing your health and fitness is a lifelong skill.
While thirty day challenge will give you a kickstart, you need to continue focusing on your overall health and fitness level.
Here are quick things to improve your health and fitness in the next month with one of these 30 day health challenge.
1. Do Workouts at Home
There is no reason you must go to the gym, so find a workout that you can do at home. There are plenty on YouTube, as well as subscription services to get you started.
Are 30 day workout challenges good? Personally, I have found that they keep my motivation going and accountable.
2. Daily Yoga
This is a challenge that I completed in the month of September is every day to do yoga. Some days it may be just 10 minutes, other days I may do an hour, but it is just a simple challenge to keep improving my flexibility and movement. Here is my favorite yoga instructor.
3. Drink Only Water, Tea & Coffee
Without realizing it, it is really easy to add a lot of liquid into your body that may not be the best. So, a quick and easy health challenge is to only drink water, tea, and coffee.
Eliminate all extra drinks, especially mixed cocktails, sodas, or energy drinks.
4. Stop Snacking
In today’s society, we are bombarded with eating small meals, and snacking is good for us. However, with the constant influx of food, we are more in a habit of snacking, rather than out of hunger for food.
To stop snacking, focus on your main meals for 30 days. Evaluate how you feel afterward a month.
5. Walk Before Lunch or Dinner
Walk before you sit down to eat a meal. Get outside, stretch your legs and take a walk around the block. It does not have to be for long; it can be 10 minutes or 30 minutes.
But, by taking that time to walk beforehand, you are burning calories and at an opportune time before you eat your main meals.
6. Focus on Core Strength
A quick 10 minute abs / core strength exercise helps us in everyday life. Yet, we tend to forget about building up the strength in our core.
Head to YouTube and do a 10 minute ab workout. It is very quick and easy.
You can easily fit in, when you go to take a break, instead of jumping on Facebook or Instagram. Do a quick 10 minute ab workout, and that will improve your health and fitness level by the end of 30 days.
7. Check out Fasting
Fasting is not for everyone. However, this statement intrigued me… the word breakfast means breaking your fast.
We are bombarded with food options 24/7, but maybe our bodies need a break from eating consistently. Check out this book for more info and talk to your doctor first.
8. Fit Bride-to-be Workout
If you are an upcoming bride, you probably want to be at the best possible fitness level that you are capable of doing. So here is a 30 day workout challenge, just for brides.
30 Day Challange Happiness & Gratitude
We all need a little bit more happiness in our life, and we all could express more gratitude. It does not have to be difficult.
These are simple concepts, but we get too focused on everything that is going wrong in our life. Thus, we do not look around and see the beauty and all of the good that is happening.
9. Walk Outside for Fresh Air
Did you know that fresh air is beneficial for your health? Also, it instantly improves your happiness level. So, all you have to do is step outside and take a fresh breath.
10. Start a Gratitude Journal
This helps you focus on three things. Each day wrote down three positive moments in your life. After you do this over the course of 30 days, your happiness level will improve, as well as your gratefulness.
11. Take Control of Your Phone
There is a great book written by two previous Google employees on how to use your technology appropriately and not have your technology take over your life. Check it out. You need to use your phone for the purposes of your phone, and not as a distraction tool.
12. Take a Social Media Break
Every day you are overwhelmed with the picture-perfect life of everybody else on Instagram and Facebook. Studies prove that will leave you discouraged and unhappy with your real life.
Take a thirty-day break from social media and stop focusing on everybody’s highlight reel. During those 30 days, connect with real people and have real conversations, and let your mind focus on the reality around you.
13. Buy a Bouquet of Flowers
Every once in a while, I splurge and buy a bouquet of flowers to put on the table – just because it brings a smile to my face every time I walk through that room. It is something very easy. Plus for my frugal side, I always buy flowers under $10.
14. What Brings Joy in Your Life?
For a quick minute, think about what just brings that extra joy in my life. Focus on those things. Plan to dedicate extra time to what you want out of life and not what others want for your life.
15. Take a Day for You
This is true for everyone, but right now I am going to speak directly to the mamas out there first. As a mom, we put our family and our kids first. We always make sure that we are available and ready to help them in every possible way. This will leave us drained over the course of a day, week, month and year.
Plan a day for yourself. Take a mental break from being in that role of a mom.
This applies to everyone; take a day to recharge your batteries. Then, you will be able to come back for another day with a fresh gusto!
16. Say Yes to that Hobby
We always have a reason or excuse why we are not going to start that hobby that we have thought about for many years. So, what better time to be happy, and give it a try? Try your new hobby for thirty days and see how it works out.
Resources for More Happiness & Gratitude Ideas:
30 day Financial Challenge
One of the hardest parts of managing money is it takes time to make progress. In a couple of days, you are not going to notice a significant change in one direction or another with your money.
At the end of 30 days, you can actually start to see progress with your money and your habits.
Here are the best financial challenges that you can do within a 30 day time period.
17. No Spend Challenge
If you have never participated in no spend challenge this 30 Day financial challenge is just for you. Learn how you spend money, and why you spend money.
That will help you evaluate whether spending money is worth it or not. Check out how to participate in a no spend month.
18. Have a 24 Hour Buy Period
Oh, retailers love to make a spend, spend, spend. This is your “conscious” way to pause your spending. Wait 24 hours before you could buy anything.
While this may not be convenient, it is a good way to see if you actually truly wanted that item, or if you are buying it for no specific need.
19. Envelope Challenge
With this super popular 100 envelope challenge, there is absolutely no reason that you cannot just do 30 days. Your results will vary on how much you end up saving. But, something is more than nothing!
If you decide to just do the numbers one through thirty, you will end up saving $465 at the end of the challenge. If you keep all the numbers 1-100 and randomly pick thirty envelopes, then your results are going to be different based on what envelopes you pick.
But either way, it is a good way to start saving money.
20. Financially Stable Habits
Regardless of where you are on your money journey, you can pick one of the financially stable habits and focus on those for the month. Pick a few habits to focus on for 30 days. If you want to be successful with money long term, you need to learn how to be financially stable.
21. Pick a Habit of a Thrifty Person
Being thrifty is a great quality to have! You are not cheap with your money, you know when to spend on quality, but a lot of times people look frown upon those who are thrifty.
By being thrifty, you will actually end up saving money in the long term. And that will impact your finances, so learn a quality of a thrifty person.
22. 30 Day Money Saving Challenge – Save $465
Our money saving challenges, here at Money Bliss, are extremely popular, and for good reason, it sets you up for financial success.
There are plenty of options to save money in thirty days. You can save $5 a day over the course of 30 days, and end up saving $350. Or find ways to stop spending money and save $20 a day, then you accumulate $600 in just one month.
30 Day Journaling Challenge
In this section, some people either love or absolutely hate it because journaling can be overwhelming (mostly thanks to Pinterest). We always feel like our journaling is not as good as others, or our handwriting is not as pretty. Or that you do not have the time to dedicate to journaling.
So when it comes to this 30 Day journaling challenge, I challenge you to do what you can do and not compare yourself to others.
Personally, my handwriting and the beauty of my journals are not great either. I do bullet points mostly and that works for me. I just find ways to clear my head and write down my thoughts.
23. Set a Time to Journal
You must dedicate time to journaling. Block out time to journal. If not, It is not gonna happen. You need to set a time for you to journal, whether it is five minutes, ten minutes, thirty minutes, or an hour!
Take time for whatever you need to journal what is on your heart.
24. Find Journaling Prompts
Do not go into your journaling time without an idea of what you should journal about. In advance, look for journaling prompts that work for you where every day you focus on a different part of your life.
For example… Day one is work. Day two is your family. The third day is your friends, and keep going from there.
Or start with these money affirmations to guide you.
25. Create a Bucket List
We all have goals, aspirations, and dreams. Nevertheless, have you ever written them out on a list? This is your time to create a bucket list. Start thinking about what you want to do, where you want to go, and how it is going to happen.
26. Write a Letter
Letters are a great way to share your thoughts with others. You may find finishing a letter may take a little bit longer than one day (and that is completely okay).
These letters could be written for future events like once a person graduates from college, gets married, finds their first job, or has a baby – whatever it may be, the letters share your heart now to be opened later down for a future.
27. Journal about your Pet Peeves
If you have certain pet peeves that drive you crazy, then why not journal about them? Then, you can notice signals to stop them before they start or get worse. Consequently, you can also find happiness at the same time.
28. Learning Opportunities
Write a list of all the things that you want to learn. Next, journal about the action steps you need to take in order to start learning and doing.
29. Describe your Life in 5 Words
Sometimes we do not want to write at all, sometimes we want to write a ton, and that is completely okay. If somebody asked you today, describe your life in five words, what would you say? Journal about that.
30 day Self-Care Challenge
It is okay to participate in self care. This is extremely important for your mental health.
Don’t keep putting this off until tomorrow. Wellness at home is extremely important!
This is your chance at self care if not all the other people in your household will be begging for your attention.
30. Extra Time for You
We go through the day focused on everything that needs to be done and a lot of times we do not take a breath. Blocking out time for you is extremely important for self care. Right now, set a timer in your phone for 5-30 minutes of just extra time, just for you, and spend it how you choose.
31. Be Still
Plan the time to take an extra 10 minutes to get away and have time for yourself. Just to be still. It could be when you get ready in the morning, be early to a meeting, or while waiting for kids to be picked up. Give yourself an extra 10 minutes to get ready.
32. Get a Massage
Work out all those kinks in your neck and your back plus all that tension. Get a massage for yourself. If you cannot afford regular massages, then look at the handheld massager to use at home.
33. Take a Detox Bath
Soaking in a bathtub is a great way to help with self care. Even soaking your feet is an indulgent experience. By doing a detox bath, you are able to draw out the impurities in your skin. Here are good detox sea salts to evaluate your soaking time.
34. Get Enough Sleep
If you are not sleeping well, then you need to get to the core of the problem. Everybody needs around eight hours of quality sleep. So, pull the drapes, cool the room, and get the rest you truly need.
35. No Phone for a Day
This one is probably going to be a challenge for most of us, but by having a phone-free day you will realize how different you react to things and how different your life actually feels. Sundays are a great day to do this!
36. Get your Hands Dirty
For some people, this may be gardening in the dirt. For others, it may be kneading dough in the kitchen. Whatever it is, getting your hands dirty and activating your hand muscles is therapeutic.
37. Listen to your Favorite Music
Indulge in your favorite tunes. Take time to fill your mind with music that you enjoy! Even better, upgrade the subscription so you have ad-free listening time. Did you know with Amazon Prime, you have access to over 2 million songs for free.
38. Get Dressed Up – Just Because
Dressing nicely brings out confidence. You do not need a reason to dress up. Pick out your favorite dress or dazzle an outfit with fun heels or jewelry. Just because.
Resources for More Self Care Ideas:
30 day Self-Improvement Challenge
You cannot just say you want to improve. You have to put action behind those plans.
Self-improvement is one of the hardest areas to overcome.
We feel like there is too much self-improvement to be done. So, go into this section on simple habits you can start doing today that will make a difference in the long run.
39. Write a List of Areas to Improve
You may have grand goals for everything you can do for self-improvement. But, in reality, we cannot accomplish all those things overnight. So, write a list of areas that you can improve in. Then, focus on certain aspects over the next 30 days. Stick with only three to five of those items on your list.
40. Say Yes
There are many times that we are too afraid to do something new that we will not even give it a try. If you want to improve something in your life, then take the initiative and go ahead and say yes to trying something.
41. Read a Book
Spend at least 10 minutes reading a book. Ultimately, you should spend at least thirty minutes or more a day of reading. Pick a nonfiction book in an area you improve in your life. Make sure it is a topic you enjoy.
Great Self-Improvement Books:
42. Improve your Habits
As said in the book Atomic Habits, you are unable to make progress in life if you don’t start building solid habits. There is no faster way to improve than my daily progression of your habits. Grab a habit tracker and commit to the best 30 days.
43. Write Down Future Goals
If you’re not sure where you want to go in life. If you want to improve in areas you don’t even know where to start. So create a list of goals of what you want to do.
Find: 100 Self Care Ideas For A 30-Day Self-Improvement Challenge
30 Day Productivity Challenge
By being productive, you can get more done. Just because you are getting more done, it doesn’t mean that you need more time.
It means that you are more effective with the time you have in what you can get done.
44. Use a Timer
This is the best way to get focused quickly. Use a timer, set it for 30 minutes, and get to the task at hand. Get it done and move on. By focusing on one thing at a time, you are more likely to be extremely productive during that time.
This is the timer I use.
45. Limit Distractions
If the distractions are notifications on your phone or on your laptop, remove those while you are trying to be productive in whatever you are currently working on. Do not be tempted to do something else. Move the distractions to a different area (hint: your phone)!
46. Habit Tracker
If you really want to be productive, then use a habit tracker! You can cross off all the habits you are specifically focusing on each and every day. By doing this, you are able to be consistent and focus on building those good habits.
47. Plan your Day in Advance
Don’t let life plan you. You must be planning your day in advance. Make a list of the things that you want to accomplish. That is how you become productive.
48. Track Your Time
Use a tool like Toggl or a written plan to track your time. This is different than planning your time in your calendar. This is how you actually spend your time. Also, this helps you to realize where your infinity pools of wasted time happen and you can dedicate time towards self car.
Don’t just guess how you spend your day; actually, figure out how you spend every single hour of your day.
49. Understand Time Freedom
If you have never heard of time freedom, then you are missing out on the best self improvement tool available. If you’re wasting a good portion of your day doing things that are not going to make a difference at the end of the day, then what is the point?
Your time is important. Make sure you experience all life has to offer!
30 Day Creativity Challenge
Just for those of us who feel not creative enough, this is for you!
You do not have to worry about being super creative; just by using that other side of your brain, you are able to create new neuropathways and lower many aging conditions.
50. Color Daily
You can pick up a great coloring book for adults that are beautiful and you can spend time coloring yourself. Start with coloring for ten minutes a day and see how you feel.
51. Sidewalk Art
Let your creativity escape onto the sidewalks and driveways. Every day write an inspirational message for others to read. You may start a trend of people stopping daily on their walks.
52. Dance Like Nobody’s Watching
Let your mind and your body move just because you are enjoying the song. Move to how you feel your body needs to move. Let that creativity come out in ways that you have not experienced since you were a child.
53. Drawing Challenge
Drawing is not my strength. However, over the past year, I have been working with my daughter on drawing challenges for kids. It has helped to overcome my fears, actually improve, and given me more confidence to draw. Here is a great drawing channel to help you start.
54. Play Music
Find ways to be creative and just play music. Just play to play. Do not play to practice. Play for pure enjoyment.
55. Try a New Craft
Head to the craft store and find something that you want to do. There are plenty of crafts to suit your personality. Plus some are a great way to decompress and destress.
One of my friends started knitting hats as a way to pass the time while she was waiting for kids at sports activities.
30 Day Organization Challenge
By far, the most popular 30 day challenges are for organizing your home, your life, your stuff, your clothing, etc. More than likely, it is probably what you first associate with any 30 day challenge ideas.
Organize, declutter, spring clean … Get rid of the extra stuff in your house.
Take time to clean those areas that you have been neglecting. All great ideas, so let’s dig in!
56. Spring Clean
There is a great feeling of getting rid of stuff and the process of spring cleaning. You can feel this freshness in the area. Honestly, this is something we all should be doing each year. Here is a great spring cleaning checklist to help you get started.
57. Sell Your Stuff
Get rid of extra stuff in your house. If you have not used it for the last month, then you more than likely probably do not need it in your house. Start selling your stuff and here is a great resource to help you.
58. Declutter. Declutter Declutter.
There are lots of resources on decluttering. Just remember, decluttering is extremely important because every single day we have more and more stuff coming into our life, but we are not getting rid of more and more stuff.
Take time and declutter by doing a 30 day challenge. You are only focusing on a small area every single day and by the end of thirty days, you have made great progress.
Decluttering Resources for You:
59. Big 30 Day Decluttering Projects
Let’s face it, not every place in our house, we can organize in a day and sometimes they take a month. Perfect examples are the basement or garage. So on those bigger areas, you can still break them down and every day check one thing off the list.
During the overall decluttering challenge, focus on one area or one shelf per day in that space that needs help. Also, give yourself the grace to actually accomplish what you need to get done.
60. Keep a Clean House
Guilty of not being the best housekeeper? Don’t worry most of us are not great. Thankfully, you can easily check off tasks with this clean house checklist!
61. Take in Less
This is something that you can do on a daily basis. Your goal is to nothing or very little into your house, and have zero impact on the trash and waste. Your home slowly producing a minimalistic vibe. This is known as frugal green.
62. Minimalism
One of the best ways to live life with less and spend less money on a regular basis is to be a minimalist. You can choose your level of minimalism. This means that your cupboards are not allowed to overflow with extra stuff; those shelves must fit only what you need and what you use. Check out this minimalism challenge.
30 Day Challenge For Kids
Let’s not forget why we are trying to build good habits for ourselves, we can also instill good habits into our kids!
These are the 30 day challenge specifically designed for kids. All of them are fabulous 30 day challenge for students!
63. Teach Kids to be Grateful
Most children in America are extremely privileged and have access to things, and resources than most of the world and more than their own parents. They have become accustomed to the little things in life and take everything for granted.
So, we must teach our kids to be grateful. Here is a great gratitude challenge for kids.
64. Kindness Challenge
We all know the trouble that happens at our schools. Also, we know kids are choosing mean words, without realizing it, or maybe doing it on purpose. Either way, we need to instill kindness into our children. Here’s a great kindness challenge for kids to get you started.
65. Money Challenge for Kids
Kids need to be taught to save money. There is no way around it. If they are not taught at home, they will not have those lessons as adults. So, teach them to save their age, every single year growing up.
If they start this at age three, by the time they graduate, they will have over $2,000, not including interest in their accounts. Here is the Save Age challenge for kids.
66. Drawing Challenge for Kids
Every kid wants to learn to draw. Let them use their creative side and have fun. It is a simple project to complete each day. Plus when someone joins them, it becomes a fun experience to share. Use this drawing challenge to get the creative juices flowing!
67. Back to School Decluttering
Get the kid’s help on back-to-school decluttering! They need to learn to be responsible for their things too! Make it fun with a scavenger hunt with this back to school calendar decluttering list.
Success happens when you are able to track your progress!
Are you Ready for your Thirty Day Challenge?
The goal of this post is to get you motivated to find fun 30 day challenges for 2021!
It is not overwhelming with all of the possibilities that you could do in order to become fitter more healthy, improve your self care, improve your productivity, or clean out your house.
The goal of these challenges is to provide opportunities for you to choose what you want to do. You can find plenty of 30 day challenges on Instagram, TikTok, or Pinterest. But, don’t get caught up in trying to find all of these challenges.
Pick the thirty day challenge that is on your heart and you want to do. The best 30 day challenge is one that you deep down you need to accomplish.
No one else can write that, or find the challenge for you – only you can do that.
Right now, set a timer for five minutes and think about what areas would you like to do a 30 day challenge.
We have given you plenty of 30 day challenge ideas, but now you need to decide what works for you.
One of the great things about many of these challenges is they overlap.
Above you will find all of the their day challenge examples. Which one is your favorite challenge idea?
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
Did the post resonate with you?
More importantly, did I answer the questions you have about this topic? Let me know in the comments if I can help in some other way!
Your comments are not just welcomed; they’re an integral part of our community. Let’s continue the conversation and explore how these ideas align with your journey towards Money Bliss.
Northwestern Mutual Reaffirms $500K commitment to Milwaukee Area Scholars Attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities with Announcement of Second Scholarship Cohort As part of its larger commitment to providing access to quality education to all Milwaukee students, Northwestern Mutual awards nine students its 2024 Hometown HBCU Connection Scholarship MILWAUKEE, June 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Today, … [Read more…]
Welcome to wild and wonderful West Virginia, where quaint college towns create unparalleled community life. Known for its stunning landscapes and hard-working people, West Virginia also has a strong undercurrent of academics that make it a truly special place to spend four years or more.
Whether you’re an aspiring engineer looking for an affordable apartment in Morgantown or a professor of the arts on the hunt for your forever home in Charleston, West Virginia has what you’re looking for and then some. Let’s explore nine exceptional towns that offer strong programs in a welcoming atmosphere.
Lace up your hiking boots, we’re about to explore nine of the best places to study, live, and thrive in the Mountain State.
West Virginia University (WVU) is the heart and soul of Morgantown. Popular majors include engineering, business, and health sciences. The university is known for its well-funded research facilities and dedicated faculty. The PRT (Personal Rapid Transit) system, a unique feature of the campus, showcases the engineering prowess of WVU. Additionally, the John Chambers College of Business and Economics offers students a comprehensive education that includes real-world business experience.
WVU works closely with Morgantown on a handful of projects. The Lane Innovation Hub is a great example of their collaboration, providing students with opportunities to work on real-world projects. Students often find internships with local businesses through university connections. The university also partners with the Morgantown Area Partnership to drive economic development, ensuring that the town and the university grow together. The partnership’s initiatives include promoting local businesses and attracting new companies to the area, providing more opportunities for four-year students and lifetime locals.
Apartments near West Virginia University | Houses for rent near West Virginia University
At Marshall University, nursing, education, and business programs are top-rated. The university’s forensic science program is one of the best in the nation. The Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine is another standout. The College of Arts and Media also provides plenty of opportunities for students to find their artistic voices.
Marshall University and Huntington have a strong partnership. The university supports local startups and provides resources for small businesses through its Brad D. Smith Business Incubator. This incubator helps students and local entrepreneurs bring their business ideas to life with mentorship and funding opportunities. The annual Huntington Music and Arts Festival is another joint effort, showcasing local talent and fostering a sense of community. The university also works with the Cabell Huntington Hospital, giving health sciences students experience through internships and clinical rotations.
Apartments near Marshall University | Houses for rent near Marshall University
Shepherd University has excellent programs in nursing, social work, and environmental science. Their historic preservation program is also well known, attracting students interested in conserving and restoring historical sites. The contemporary art and theater programs attract creative students from all over, offering opportunities for artistic expression and performance in professional settings.
Shepherd University is deeply integrated into Shepherdstown. Students often work on community projects, like the town’s annual arts festival, which draws visitors from across the region and showcases student talent. The Shepherdstown Visitors Center frequently collaborates with the university for events, promoting local tourism and cultural activities. The university also works with local environmental groups on sustainability initiatives, like the Shepherdstown Good Shepherd Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers program.
Apartments near Shepherd University | Houses for rent near Shepherd University
Fairmont State University is known for its programs in aviation, architecture, and education. Their criminal justice program is also very popular, attracting students interested in law enforcement and public safety careers. The school’s unique National Security and Intelligence program is a significant draw for students interested in government careers, providing specialized training and education in security studies.
Fairmont State University partners with local schools and businesses around Fairmont to provide students with hands-on experience through internships and community service projects. The university also hosts events that bring together residents and students, like the annual Science and Engineering Fair, which showcases student projects and fosters interest in STEM fields. The university’s Center for Civic Life promotes community engagement and collaboration on local issues, encouraging students to participate in town meetings and civic activities.
Apartments near Fairmont State University | Houses for rent near Fairmont State University
University of Charleston has strong pharmacy, business, and nursing programs. Their leadership studies program is unique and highly rated. The Physician Assistant program is one of the top choices for students pursuing medical careers, offering comprehensive training and clinical experience.
The university has a great relationship with Charleston. Students often intern at the West Virginia State Capitol, gaining real-world experience in government and policy-making. This opportunity allows students to see the legislative process firsthand and network with state officials. The Innovation Center on campus fosters local entrepreneurship and business development by providing resources and support to aspiring business owners. This center helps bridge the gap between academia and the local economy, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their future careers.
Apartments near University of Charleston | Houses for rent near University of Charleston
Bluefield State University offers excellent programs in engineering technology, business, and nursing. Their computer science program is also noteworthy, providing students with a strong foundation in technology and programming. The radiologic technology program is solid and prepares students for healthcare careers with extensive hands-on training.
The college has strong ties with Bluefield. Students often intern at nearby businesses and organizations, like the Bluefield Regional Medical Center, where they gain practical experience in their fields. The college also collaborates with local high schools for STEM outreach programs, inspiring future engineers and scientists through workshops and mentorship opportunities. The Bluefield Innovate Initiative helps bridge the gap between education and local industry needs, fostering collaboration and innovation. This initiative supports local economic development and provides students with valuable real-world experience.
Apartments near Bluefield State University | Houses for rent near Bluefield State University
West Virginia Wesleyan College is known for its biology, nursing, and creative writing programs. Their musical theater program is nothing to scoff at either. The college’s School of Fine Arts offers extensive opportunities for artistic expression, with numerous galleries, performance spaces, and workshops available to students.
The college works closely with Buckhannon in many ways. Students volunteer at local schools and community centers. The annual West Virginia Strawberry Festival is a joint effort between the college and the town, bringing in visitors and boosting the local economy. The festival features parades, live music, and local vendors. The college’s WE LEAD program encourages students to engage in local service projects, fostering a sense of civic responsibility and community pride.
Apartments near West Virginia Wesleyan College | Houses for rent near West Virginia Wesleyan College
Davis & Elkins College has a particularly strong hospitality management program, preparing students for careers in the tourism and service industries. The Outdoor Recreation Management program takes advantage of the nearby natural resources, offering students unique opportunities for experiential learning.
The college and Elkins have a close-knit relationship. Students participate in community service projects and local events, like the Ramps & Rail Festival, which celebrates local cuisine and history. The college’s arts programs often collaborate with local theaters and galleries, like the Old Brick Playhouse, providing students with opportunities to perform and showcase their work. The Center for Sustainability Studies works on local environmental projects, promoting green practices and sustainability. This center involves students in research and community outreach, helping to address local environmental challenges.
Apartments near Davis & Elkins College | Houses for rent near Davis & Elkins College
Concord University offers popular programs in education, business, and social work. Their psychology program is also highly rated, providing students with a strong foundation in mental health and behavioral sciences. The RTV (Radio Television) program prepares students for careers in media and broadcasting, offering hands-on experience with modern equipment and techniques.
The university and Athens work together on many projects. Students often intern at local schools and social service agencies, gaining practical experience and contributing to the community. The annual Athens-Concord Town Social is a highlight of their partnership, fostering community spirit and bringing together students and residents. This event features music, food, and activities that showcase the talents of the university and the town. The Concord Business Development Center supports local entrepreneurship and business growth, offering resources and support to aspiring business owners.
Apartments near Concord University | Houses for rent near Concord University
Methodology
College towns are qualified as towns or cities with at least one college or university and fewer than 150,000 people according to U.S. Census data. Average rental data from Rent.com in May 2024.
This is not a comprehensive list of all of the towns and cities in the state meeting those requirements.
Looking for the ultimate college towns in Oregon? You’ve hit the jackpot! Oregon is home to some of the best college towns in the country. From top-notch academic programs to tight-knit communities, there’s something special around every corner.
Whether you’re looking for an off-campus apartment in Portland or a forever home in Bend, we’ve got all the inside scoop on ten of the top college towns in Oregon to spend your undergrad years and beyond.
Eugene is home to the University of Oregon, known for its stellar journalism and business programs. Students rave about the School of Journalism and Communication, which offers hands-on experience and opportunities to work with professional media outlets. The Lundquist College of Business is another highlight, offering top-tier business education with specializations in sports business, entrepreneurship, and finance.
The University of Oregon has strong ties with Eugene. They partner with local businesses for internships and community projects, providing students with real-world experience. The school’s sports teams enjoy a strong partnership with Nike, headquartered not far away. The annual Eugene Marathon also sees heavy student involvement, showcasing the university’s commitment to community engagement.
Apartments near University of Oregon | Houses for rent near University of Oregon
Oregon State University is famous for its engineering and agriculture programs. The College of Engineering is one of the best in the nation, offering programs in mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering. The agriculture programs are also respected, focusing on sustainable practices and innovative research in crop science and animal husbandry.
Oregon State University collaborates closely with Corvallis. Many students work on community projects through the university’s extension service, which supports local farmers and businesses. The university’s research in renewable energy and sustainable agriculture often involves partnerships with local companies and farms. Additionally, the annual Da Vinci Days festival, celebrating science and technology, sees significant participation from students and faculty.
Apartments near Oregon State University | Houses for rent near Oregon State University
Portland State University is right in the heart of Portland. It’s known for its urban planning and environmental science programs. The College of Urban and Public Affairs is top-notch, preparing students to tackle complex urban issues. Environmental science students get hands-on experience with real-world projects, often collaborating with city agencies on sustainability initiatives.
Portland State has deep connections to Portland. Students often intern at local companies, nonprofits, and government agencies, gaining valuable professional experience. The university partners with the city on various sustainability initiatives, including the Portland Climate Action Plan, making a significant impact on urban development and environmental conservation.
Apartments near Portland State University | Houses for rent near Portland State University
Southern Oregon University is famous for its theater arts and creative writing programs. The Oregon Center for the Arts is a hotspot for theater students, offering state-of-the-art facilities and opportunities to perform in professional-level productions. Creative writing programs are also top-rated, attracting many aspiring writers with courses in fiction, poetry, and screenwriting.
Ashland and the university have a special bond. The Oregon Shakespeare Festival involves many students who gain practical experience in theater production and performance. Local businesses support student artists by providing venues and opportunities to showcase their work, creating an active arts community.
Apartments near Southern Oregon University | Houses for rent near Southern Oregon University
Bend is home to Oregon State University-Cascades, known for its outdoor recreation and tourism management programs. The natural surroundings make it perfect for these studies, with students learning about outdoor leadership, adventure sports, and sustainable tourism. The program’s focus on experiential learning ensures that students are well-prepared for careers in the growing Pacific Northwest outdoor industry.
The campus works closely with Bend’s outdoor industry. Students often intern at local recreation companies, gaining hands-on experience in guiding, event planning, and tourism management. The university’s partnerships with organizations like the Bend Park and Recreation District provide students with opportunities to lead community programs and outdoor events, fostering a strong connection between Bend and the university.
Apartments near Oregon State University-Cascades | Houses for rent near Oregon State University-Cascades
Linfield University excels in nursing and wine studies programs. The School of Nursing is highly respected, offering comprehensive training in patient care, healthcare management, and nursing research. Wine studies attract students interested in the region’s famous vineyards and winemaking, providing in-depth education on viticulture, enology, and wine business.
Linfield University has a strong presence in McMinnville. The nursing program partners with local hospitals and clinics, offering students hands-on clinical experience and opportunities to work with experienced healthcare professionals. Wine studies students often work with nearby vineyards and wineries, gaining practical skills in winemaking and vineyard management. The annual International Pinot Noir Celebration held in McMinnville sees significant involvement from Linfield students, enhancing their education and professional connections.
Apartments near Linfield University | Houses for rent near Linfield University
Willamette University is known for its law and business programs. The College of Law is well known, producing many successful lawyers and judges. The Atkinson Graduate School of Management offers excellent business education, with specializations in sustainability, entrepreneurship, and nonprofit management.
Willamette University and Salem are closely linked. Law students often intern at local courts, law firms, and government offices, gaining practical legal experience and networking opportunities. The business school partners with local companies and nonprofits for real-world projects, providing students with hands-on experience in managing and growing businesses. The annual Salem Art Fair & Festival, which involves many Willamette students, showcases the unbreakable ties between the university and the town.
Apartments near Willamette University | Houses for rent near Willamette University
Pacific University is noted for its health professions and optometry programs. The College of Health Professions offers top-tier healthcare education, preparing students for careers in physical therapy, occupational therapy, and healthcare administration. The College of Optometry is one of the best in the area, with advanced training in eye care and vision science.
Pacific University works with local health facilities, providing students with clinical experience in hospitals, clinics, and community health centers. Optometry students often intern at eye care centers around Forest Grove, gaining hands-on experience in diagnosing and treating vision problems. The university’s community partnership programs, including free health screenings and educational workshops, benefit both students and residents, fostering a strong sense of community.
Apartments near Pacific University | Houses for rent near Pacific University
George Fox University is known for its psychology and engineering programs. The psychology department is respected, for offering specializations in clinical, counseling, and experimental psychology. The College of Engineering provides excellent hands-on training in mechanical, civil, and electrical engineering.
George Fox University has strong ties with Newberg. Psychology students intern at local mental health clinics and schools, gaining practical experience in therapy and counseling. Engineering students often work on projects that benefit the community.
Apartments near George Fox University | Houses for rent near George Fox University
10. Klamath Falls – Oregon Institute of Technology
Oregon Institute of Technology excels in engineering and health sciences. The engineering programs are highly technical and industry-focused, offering specializations in renewable energy, civil engineering, and manufacturing technology. Health sciences students receive practical training in cutting-edge facilities, preparing them for careers in medical imaging, respiratory care, and dental hygiene.
The university partners with local industries for internships and job placements, ensuring that students gain relevant experience and professional connections. Health sciences students often work with Klamath Falls medical centers, providing patient care and participating in community health initiatives.
Apartments near Oregon Institute of Technology | Houses for rent near Oregon Institute of Technology
Methodology
College towns are qualified as towns or cities with at least one college or university and fewer than 750,000 people according to U.S. Census data. Average rental data from Rent.com in May 2024.
This is not a comprehensive list of all of the towns and cities in the state meeting those requirements.