Once every six months, whether I need to or not, I meet with my investment adviser from Fidelity. I’ve been doing this for five years, and have come to value the experience as truly educational. On Tuesday, for instance, my new adviser Michael talked me through some income planning.
My financial life has been turbulent over the past few years:
First, I was deep in debt and struggling.
When Get Rich Slowly began to grow, I paid off my debt and accumulated cash.
When I sold Get Rich Slowly, I invested the windfall in index funds and municipal bonds.
When Kris and I divorced, she received the municipal bonds.
When I bought my condo, some of my index funds were converted into real estate.
For years, my income and expenses have been all over the map with no semblance of normalcy and no consistency. Now, at last, things are settling into something of a routine and I can think about planning for the future. Since June, I’ve once again been tracking every penny I spend in order to get a clear picture of my financial situation.
In my meeting with Fidelity, I explained to Michael that my income is smaller than it has been since the 1990s. Between writing gigs and interest income on three business loans, I make less than $2000 per month. (I’m also being paid about $1000 per month principal on those three loans, which I treat as income even though it’s not. It’s more like savings.)
My monthly spending is reasonable except that I spend a lot on travel. My income (including principal on the loans) would come close to covering my expenses if I didn’t take two big trips (and several small trips) every year. But I do take those trips, and that adds $2000 per month to my expenses.
So far, I’ve subsidized my travel by slowly drawing down cash savings, but those funds will be gone by the end of 2014. It’s time to start thinking about the future. If I choose to maintain this sort of lifestyle, how will I fund it? Michael and I talked about the options.
Note: Mr. Money Mustache thinks I should just slash my spending. He interviewed me about this recently by email, and may write about it soon.
One path, of course, is to make more money, and that’s my top choice.
At any time, I could return to the traditional work force. It might be fun to do so, but I’d rather earn more from my writing. I could pick up paid gigs writing about personal finance — I don’t get paid for my work at Get Rich Slowly, and I’ve resigned from my column at Entrepreneur magazine effective next month — but I’ve found that getting paid to write about money takes the joy out of it. I could write another financial book; in fact, I’m doing so right now. Or I could change my focus to fiction, which holds a certain appeal. (I plan to take a fiction writing class starting in January.)
Another path is to start a side business. Or two.
I told Michael about my desire to open a money store where I’d sell books and magazines, hold classes about budgeting and investing, and offer one-on-one counseling. Or I could try to make money from another blog. I have several great domains and ideas on the back-burner, including a couple I could do with Kim. Or I could start some other of business. I do not lack for ideas!
Michael suggested another way to fund my lifestyle: “For a while, until you’re making full-time income again, you could take systematic withdrawals from your portfolio. You wouldn’t need to take a lot. Just enough to cover the difference between your existing income and expenses.”
He showed me Fidelity’s guide to retirement income investing, which includes a simple calculator that computes “potential sustainable monthly withdrawals” from a portfolio based on a starting balance, asset allocation, and life expectancy. In other words, you tell it how much you have and how long you expect to live, and the calculator tells you — at a “90% confidence level” — how much income your portfolio could give you for the rest of your life.
If we assume you’ll live until 80, for instance, and have a balanced portfolio (50% stocks, 40% bonds, 10% cash):
If you’re 30 years old and have $100,000 saved, there’s a 90% chance that your portfolio would produce $291 per month, adjusted for inflation.
If you’re my age — 44 years old — and have $1,000,000 saved, there’s a 90% chance that your portfolio would produce $3348 per month.
If you’re 60 years old and have $250,000 saved, there’s a 90% chance that your portfolio would produce $1202 per month for the next twenty years.
After playing with the numbers for a few minutes, I’d come up with a plan.
I like my lifestyle. It’s comfortable but not extravagant. Still, I’ve become lazy. It’d be good for me to exercise my frugality muscles a little more. I can cut back on food, for one. (My food expenses have been high for the past two years because I eat out a lot and I shop at a fancy supermarket.) I can also find ways to travel more economically by focusing on domestic travel instead of going abroad.
Meanwhile, I’ll fund my spending with income and cash savings for as long as possible. Also, I’ll strive to increase my income from writing (through the book I’m working on) and a couple of targeted websites (including at least one that I do with Kim). As a last resort, I’ll tap into my investments to subsidize my lifestyle, as Michael suggested. But I shouldn’t have to worry about that for a couple of years. By then, I hope to have established equilibrium!
Not everything in my meetings at Fidelity is useful. I don’t care about the hot new funds, and I’m not interested in annuities. But each time I talk with an adviser, I learn something new, and I think that’s the point.
It’s easy to get wrapped up in the day-to-day details of our own lives. We get mired in the minutia of our finances so that sometimes we miss the forest for the trees. Plus, it’s an objective third party can always see things we don’t, helping us to explore options we might not otherwise have considered.
Last year the zipper on my winter coat broke. Not before time, mind you; I’d had it so long that I couldn’t remember exactly when I bought it. My best guess is 25 years.
Gut reaction: Oh no! I can’t afford a new coat. But of course I could. I have a regular writing gig. Yet I actually thought about getting a seamstress to put in a new zipper.
Folks, this coat wasn’t classy even when it was new way back in the mid-1980s. It was a navy blue, butt-length cloth coat with a hood, bought from the clearance rack for about $40. After a couple of dozen years of wear it was fraying badly, especially around the cuffs and pockets.
Paying for a new zipper would have been like putting a new door on a condemned property. Why not apply that money toward a new garment?
Because I was used to doing without.
Because I was afraid I couldn’t afford it.
Because I was afraid, period.
Call it a scarcity mentality, call it cheapskatery, call Dr. Phil and have him work me over. The fact is, I had trouble spending money because I remembered the time when I had nothing.
Still Stuck in the Pain
Like someone who’d gone through the Great Depression, I was afraid to loosen the purse strings. Sometimes I still am. And I’m not alone.
Plenty of the folks body-slammed by the current recession are also fearful, according to Dr. Ted Klontz, co-author of Mind Over Money: Overcoming the Money Disorders That Threaten Our Financial Health. Even after their finances improve, he says, it’s likely that some “are going to have a lot of difficulty (taking) care of themselves and their families in reasonable ways.”
Spending after a financial crisis is like dating after a divorce, Klontz says. “It’s a natural process to restrict it, because you don’t want to go through the pain again. What that would tell me is that you’re still stuck in the pain associated with that time.”
He’s right. To me, hitting the mall would have been as unnatural as signing up for one of those online dating sites. (Even though I do enjoy foreign films, taking long walks on the beach at sunset and reading to orphans.)
After a day or two I came to my senses and got a replacement coat. (More on that later.) It was a good sign that my personal improvement program — aka “Get a grip, Freedman!” — was taking hold.
Before you judge me too harshly, know this: If you’ve never done without, you have no idea how hard it can be to believe — to really BELIEVE — that the wolf is nowhere near your door.
Instead, you remain in frugal lockdown. You pay the bills, allow for a bare minimum of necessities, and hoard the rest in case something bad happens.
Knowing You Have Enough
These days I think in terms of living mindfully, which some people call living intentionally — i.e., thinking hard about wants and needs and then meeting them in a low-cost, preferably low-impact way.
In other words, I’m not hoarding every dime because something bad might happen. I’m saving so that something good will happen, such as buying a home of my own. In the short term, I’m using a portion of saved funds to do some of the things I want, such as traveling — or buying a coat. (We’ll get to that soon. Honest.)
What helped me, and what might help you, was creating a “spending intention statement.” Financial adviser Spencer Sherman suggests making a list of all the basics (including an emergency fund and a retirement fund), plus categories for long-term savings and charity. Pay those bills/honor those commitments each month. Congratulations — you’re solvent!
“If you’re saving money and you’re giving some money away, that’s telling you you’ve got enough — the rest of the money, you can spend,” says Sherman, author of The Cure for Money Madness: Break Your Bad Money Habits, Live Without Financial Stress — and Make More Money!.
So once I’ve paid my monthly bills, filled the larder with frugal vittles, mailed a check to an elderly relative, set aside money for quarterly taxes, and seen automated monthly savings siphoned off into an online bank, I know that whatever’s left over is mine to enjoy.
Sort of.
Where Your Money Goes — and Where it Stays
Should I really want to use up every dime? Should anyone, especially if you’re in debt, recently out of debt, or the kind of person who, before layoff, always spent like a sailor on shore leave?
Nope. And nope. That’s where the big, bad B-word comes in. Two B-words, actually: budget and balance.
A “spending intention statement” is just a highfalutin synonym for “budget.” As noted earlier, an SIS eases panic and anxiety because it gives you a clear picture of where your money goes — and where it stays. It’s control. It’s choice.
Suppose you make your bills, continue to fund for the future and enjoy the occasional package of Sweet Tarts. If there’s any left over you can choose to put some or most of it into additional categories: new car fund, college savings plan, replacement winter coat. (Nearly there. I promise.)
Don’t forget a “fun” category. Fun is a major component of the “balance” side of the ledger. Do without entertainment for too long and you’re likely to bust loose and blow the budget. You’ll hate yourself in the morning. (The company that holds your credit card will probably send you flowers, though.)
Whether your idea of a good time is a monster truck rally or the New York Philharmonic, that part of the budget is yours to use as you see fit. Don’t deny yourself fun — but don’t try to run through every possible permutation in the same weekend, either. When coming off a long, dry, fun-less spell, it’s best to start small.
Oh, and to pay cash. Choose something you find both wonderful and affordable and treat yourself, using fresh green tender from your wallet. Leave the plastic home. You’re less likely to overdo it that way.
Savor and Appreciate
This is especially true if overindulgence was the reason you wound up in trouble in the first place. Learn why that was a problem, lest you repeat this particular history. Did you:
Try to cover up pain or loneliness by accumulating Stuff?
Strive to keep up with free-spending peers?
Have an entitlement mentality?
Fall into the trap of eating every meal out? (My friend knows a couple who routinely spends $700 to $800 a week in restaurants.)
Googols of self-help and personal-finance books exist to help you get to the bottom of your overspending. (You will, of course, get them from the library. Right?) Or you might want to seek help from a therapist, a reputable credit counseling agency or a group such as Debtors Anonymous.
One personal finance expert told me that it’s best to initiate or reinstate treats slowly. Maybe add one indulgence every couple of months, whether that’s a new video game, a perennial for your garden, brunch with your sister or a therapeutic massage. Just make sure that it doesn’t raise your total monthly budget by more than 5%.
Take the time to savor and appreciate each new treat, and to think about when — or whether — to add a new one. Having money once more doesn’t mean you can throw it around. (You could put someone’s eye out that way.) Even though I’m working to overcome my spending phobia, I’m still striving to meet needs and wants alike as reasonably as possible:
Ha! Told you we’d get there! I needed a coat but I wanted to save money, so I compromised: I went to Value Village in Seattle, where I found a barely-worn Eddie Bauer down coat for $14.99.
Keeping Money in Perspective
Being super-aware of spending isn’t a bad thing. It’s a reminder to send my bucks toward things that matter. That can be a small thing, incidentally — say, an ice-cream cone with my great-nephews. On a warm summer day while I’m on vacation, ice cream matters.
But I don’t need to have ice cream every day. If I do, it no longer matters. (It also plays hob with my cholesterol.) Thus skeptical spending keeps me from piddling away a ton of money on things that ultimately make no difference in my life.
Besides, remembering the tough times helps me keep money in perspective. It reminds me that I don’t really need much to live on. It also reminds me how blessed I am: After meeting basic needs I now have the luxury of selecting from among my wants.
So join me. Look for the place between paranoia and profligacy. Look for balance. And look in thrift stores on half-off days. I’m still mildly irritated that I spent $14.99. That coat better last another 25 years.
Inside: Many jobs are available in the early morning hours. This is an opportunity to make a bit of extra money before your 9-5 or when kids are at school with early morning jobs.
It’s a commonly held belief that working the early shift is not worth it. If you’re waking up at 4 am every day for work, your earnings will be drastically lower than if you worked a regular 8-hour day.
The idea of this article is to show why it could actually be worth waking up before sunrise and trying to earn more money by doing these “early” jobs in earnest.
For me, many of my jobs have always followed the non-traditional hours of a 9-5 job. Personally, that works great for me as it frees up my day for other things, pursuits, and kids.
The funniest part is I’m not a morning person by any stretch of the imagination! Yet, I make my money early in the day consistently.
So, if you are thinking, early morning jobs are not for me – wait until you actually give it a try.
In this article, you will find a list of jobs that are available for people who love working early hours as I do and want more money!
Hint, hint… It is the allure of making money that gets me motivated and out of bed!
How can I make money early in the morning?
There are a variety of early morning jobs that you can do in order to make some extra money.
You just need to find one that is a good fit for your lifestyle and personality. It’s important to pick an early morning job that you feel comfortable doing so that you don’t dread waking up early every day.
Additionally, many employers are willing to pay a premium for employees who are willing to work the early shift.
Making money early in the morning is easy if you put your mind to it.
How early is an early morning shift?
An early morning shift jobs start between 3 and 6 am and typically ends late morning or early afternoon.
This gives people the opportunity to work during the daytime and still have time for other activities in the evening.
Most start work at 5 am.
Why morning jobs are better?
Working the early shift has its perks.
For one, you’re done working by the afternoon and can run errands, schedule appointments, and socialize. Secondly, many employers are willing to pay a higher wage for employees who are willing to work during the morning hours.
Additionally, many people opt for an earlier start who want to avoid the rush hour traffic or those who have children they need to care for once the school day is over.
Plus some people work early morning hours because they want a flexible schedule, while others do it because they need the extra money. No matter your reason, there are plenty of opportunities to make money in the early hours of the day.
The 10 Best Early Morning Jobs
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.
The most common are shift work jobs, which require employees to work during hours that are not typically considered “normal” working hours. This can include the night shift, early morning shift, or swing shift.
There are many different types of early morning jobs. The most popular type is a full-time job, but there is also part-time, temporary, and freelance work available. Each type of job has its own advantages and disadvantages.
1. Warehouse Worker
Warehouse workers are responsible for ensuring that goods are unloaded from trucks, inspected for any damage or defects, and sorted and placed in the correct locations in warehouses or stores. They may also be responsible for preparing goods for shipment to customers.
Most of these positions are for early morning hours.
This can be a great opportunity for people who are looking for work and would prefer to work during the earlier hours of the day.
2. Barista
Barista is the term used to describe a person who performs coffee-related tasks, such as preparing and serving espresso drinks. Ideally, baristas serve beverages in establishments that offer coffee or other hot beverages.
Baristas are in high demand and typically have flexible hours. They can earn up to $15 per hour, depending on their level of experience.
Plus you have the flexibility of afternoons off after the morning rush.
3. Stock Trader
For those who want to work from their own home and have flexibility in their schedule, then you want to learn how to become a successful stock trader. Someone who buys and sells stocks to make income.
This is a highly lucrative side hustle for many people. In fact, how fast can you make money in stocks?
Personally, this is what I choose for my early morning job.
Stock Trading can be a full-time career opportunity if you have the ambition and patience to make it through the ups and downs.
Many people start trading with the hope of generating supplemental income, but it can become more than that with hard work and consistent effort.
Nowadays, the barrier of entry is very low to start trading stocks. However, you need to take the best online investing classes first.
4. Personal Trainer
Personal trainers typically offer their services at early morning hours, before most people go to work.
They help people achieve their fitness goals, whether it be weight loss, toning up, or building muscle. Personal trainers are responsible for creating workout routines and helping their clients stay on track.
Personal trainers are in high demand and the median salary is around $40,000 per year. If you have the time and availability, you can build a client base and the earning potential is endless.
5. Package Delivery
Another morning job hiring near me is package delivery drivers. These workers are responsible for the delivery of a shipment of goods from one place to another.
This position offers consistent and part-time morning hours. You will be responsible for package delivery in the area. Pay normally starts at $21 an hour plus.
6. Online Seller/Flipper
Side hustles are becoming more and more popular as people look for ways to make extra money.
One way to make some extra cash is by selling items online.
You could also get these items at local yardsales, estate sales, or donation stores and sell your items on Etsy, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace.
If this is something you are serious about, then check out Flea Market Flippers.
7. Freelancing
Freelancing is a great option for people who want to work on their own schedule. You can choose when you want to work and how much you want to work, which is great for people who want to get an early start on their day.
Freelancing can be a great way to utilize your skills and make some extra money on the side, but it’s important to keep in mind that freelancing is a business.
In fact, many people start freelancing as a side hustle in order to make some extra money but it may turn into a full-time career. In fact, according to recent studies, 1 in 3 Americans are now freelancing. This number is only going to grow in the years to come so don’t be afraid to start freelancing yourself. It may just lead to a more fulfilling career.
Learn how to earn money writing.
8. Baker
Bakers are often some of the first people to arrive at a bakery or shop. This is because many bakeries and shops open early in the morning.
Bakers are responsible for baking bread, pastries, and other items. They are required to have a fundamental understanding of baking as well as the ability to work in early morning shifts and afternoon shifts. They must also be able to handle flexible hours.
Bakers typically earn an hourly wage of around $14 an hour, but with experience and additional skills (like cake decoration), that number can go up to $20 an hour or more.
9. Online English Tutor
There are many opportunities for online English teachers to make money. One great opportunity is for early risers who want to work from home in the morning. There are many students looking for online classes at this time of day.
There are a number of companies that offer English teaching jobs to those who are certified in teaching English as a second language. The majority of these positions have you teaching students in China, Korea, or Taiwan. However, there are also opportunities to teach business professionals and executives in other countries.
If you’re looking for a way to make some extra money, becoming an English tutor for international students is a great option. You can typically expect to earn around $14-$22 per hour, depending on your experience and qualifications.
10. Flight Attendant
Flight attendants are responsible for the safety and comfort of passengers on an airplane. They must attend to passengers’ needs, provide information about flights, and ensure that all safety regulations are followed.
Flight attendants typically work long hours, often including overnight shifts, and earn an average salary of over $75,000 per year.
However, with more experience, they can make more money. Some ticket counters open as early as 4 am in order to prepare for morning departures.
Other Types of Early Morning Jobs
Those are not the only type of early morning jobs. There are plenty more morning jobs near me. You can find both part-time and full-time.
Here are more jobs to pursue.
1. Store Stocker
A store stocker is a person who stocks shelves in a grocery store. The stores they work at are typically open 24 hours and the job entails cleaning, restocking items that run out of stock, and making sure the shelves are neat.
This is typically an entry-level position in a grocery store or department store.
2. Childcare Related Jobs
Have you ever asked what are morning jobs hiring near me, then consider working with children. There are always plenty of open jobs to look after kids.
Here are some positional childcare related jobs:
Preschool teacher
Paraeducator
Substitute teacher
Daycare teacher
Nanny
Before and after-school programs
In all honestly, this can be one of the most rewarding morning jobs because kids will always make sure you laugh and smile.
3. Rideshare Driver
Yes, driving for Uber or Lyft can be a great way to make some extra money early in the morning. The hours are flexible and you can often make good money during those times.
The most popular route is heading to the airport.
Since many people book these types of rides in advance, you can earn a steady stream of income.
4. School Bus Driver
School bus drivers are responsible for transporting children to and from school. They ensure the safety of students on their bus as well as have a number of other responsibilities such as making sure all students are wearing their seatbelts and that the bus is clean.
Right now, we are facing a severe school bus driver shortage, which is affecting how children must get to school.
In many areas, you can find starting hourly wages for school bus drivers at $19 an hour.
5. Dog Walker
There are many ways to make money through Rover. You can provide pet care, pet sitting, dog walking, and more. You can also choose to offer services like delivery or house sitting. The options are endless!
This is one of the easiest ways to make money.
6. Truck Driver
A truck driver drives a semi-trailer truck loaded with freight. They drive the freight to its destination and unload it when they arrive.
For truck drivers who want to save money on fuel or have good mileage, the best time to drive is during the early morning hours. This is when there is less traffic and you can avoid rush hour.
Truck drivers can make a lot of money. In fact, they can earn up to $35 an hour. That’s a lot of money for early morning work.
Don’t want to drive? Then, become the middleman. Learn the exact freight broker salary.
7. Landscaper (Yard Work)
If you’re an early riser and you’re looking for a job that gets you outside, landscaping is a great option. It’s hard work, but it can be very rewarding.
It might be hard to get your services as there are already established landscapers in the area. If you don’t have a business, see if there is a business that needs lawn work done and if so, offer your services. You can also go door-to-door asking people if they need their yards done; just make sure you have a good sales pitch ready!
This seasonal job is great to do in the morning because it tends to be cooler and there’s more daylight. The pay usually ranges from $10 to $20 an hour, so it’s a good way to make some extra money.
8. Chef
Chefs are some of the most hard-working professionals in the culinary industry.
They often start their day at 4 am, preparing for the onslaught of orders and tasks that come with a busy kitchen.
While many chefs have formal training from culinary schools, there are also many ways to learn the trade. Some chefs start out as dishwashers and work their way up the ladder, while others may take online courses or watch cooking shows to learn new techniques.
The average salary for a chef is just over $50,000 a year.
9. Mail Carrier
Mail carrier and other postal worker jobs are excellent for early risers because there is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes before delivering mail.
These types of jobs offer some excellent benefits that can be harder to find these days.
Mail carriers are nearly always employed by the United States Postal Service, but they can also be hired independently.
10. Factory Worker
Factory work can be a great option for people who are looking for full-time or part-time work. The hours are usually regular, and the job doesn’t require many if any formal qualifications. However, you may need some experience in the field and a high school diploma.
However, if you have practical skills such as forklift driving, you can earn more by picking up shifts in the mornings, nights, or weekends. The work is physically demanding so you’ll need to be in shape and stand or sit in one position all day long.
Working the early shift at a factory can be tough, but it also has its benefits. The pay can vary a great deal depending on the company, so it’s important to do your research. However, if you’re looking for work and don’t mind getting up early, then this might be the perfect opportunity for you.
11. Part-time Retail Employee – Early Morning
Part-time Retail employees working early morning shifts will be paid for their time. There are always companies looking to hire for early morning jobs.
These are great for stay-at-home moms. In fact, the employee discount can be a nice bonus for working there.
This is a perfect low stress job after retirement.
12. Gig Worker
Gig work is a term used for short-term, contract-based work. It can be a great way to have more control over your schedule and to make some extra money on the side. There are many different types of gig work available, so you’re sure to find something that suits your skills and interests.
Those who need to run errands or get an early start on their day may use gig work apps like Grubhub, Postmates, DoorDash, and Uber Eats. Additionally, you can increase your chances of getting gigs by downloading all the relevant apps and clicking on the one that seems to produce the best results.
13. Farm Worker
As you can imagine, farm work can be difficult, but if you’re someone who loves working outdoors and enjoys physical labor, then this may be a great career for you.
Farm workers are typically hired based on their qualifications and experience.
If you can offer the help local farmers need, you should be a great fit for the position. Farm work is often physical labor, so make sure you’re physically prepared for the job before applying.
14. Morning Radio DJ
Morning radio DJs reflect the lives of their listeners, who may be early risers or working professionals. The job involves playing music and talking about topics that are important to the listener in order to help them wake up and start the day.
The main goal of morning show DJs is to keep listeners tuned into their station while providing a fair amount of entertainment.
Starting out your career in radio can be a great way to get started in the industry. Many DJs start their careers at small community or college radio stations and then move on to bigger stations as they gain more experience. The morning time slot is from 6 AM to Noon, which is a great opportunity to reach a large audience.
15. Cleaner
There is a high demand for cleaning services and cleaners can earn up to $22 per hour, plus tips. Some of the highest earners are making over $1000 a week.
This is one type of service that is not going away and the barriers to entry are extremely low. The average cost a house cleaner charges are $50-90 for two hours of work.
16. Online Surveys
That’s the beauty of online surveys – you can do them at any time of the day that works for you.
You don’t need to focus too much on taking them, either; in most cases, you can do other things while completing the survey. This means that they’re a great way to make some extra money without having to put in a lot of effort.
The best surveys are normally released first thing in the morning and only available for a limited time. That’s why it’s important to do online surveys as soon as they’re available. This will give you the best chance of getting rewarded for your efforts.
Best Online Survey Companies:
Where to find morning jobs near me?
Some tips for finding early morning jobs include using job search engines, checking job boards, and networking with friends and family. It is also important to be prepared for the interview and to have a strong resume.
If you’re looking for a job that starts early in the morning, you’re in luck! There are many jobs available that start at 5 am, 6 am, 7 am or 8 am. You can find these jobs by searching online or by going to your local job center.
It’s never too early to start looking for a job.
In fact, many people start their job search well before they’re actually ready to start working. This is because it can take some time to find the right job for you. And remember, it’s important to keep learning and earning money so you can be happy!
The best way to find an early morning job is to search online.
What to do when you land an early morning job
So you’ve landed an early morning job. Congratulations! This can be a challenging but rewarding experience when you first start out.
Prepare what your days will look like with your early morning job.
If you are adding a second job, make sure you are fully rested to take on both jobs.
Tips for surviving the early shift
When you start your early morning job, the most important thing is to get a good night’s sleep.
In fact, most of the early birds actually follow the billionaire morning routine to get in their flow.
Here are a few tips to help make the most of it:
Get plenty of rest the night before. It’s important to be well-rested for those early morning shifts.
Arrive on time. Punctuality is key in any profession, especially so when working the early shift.
Stay focused and work hard. Those early hours can be tough, but it’s important to stay productive and get the job done right.
Take breaks as needed. It’s important to stay hydrated and quick breaks to recharge your batteries.
Enjoy your free time wisely. The evening hours are precious, so make sure to use them wisely and enjoy your time off responsibly.
What morning time jobs interest You?
Early morning jobs are a great opportunity for those looking to make a bit of extra money.
They are also a great way to get your foot in the door with a company you are interested in working for.
Plus you don’t have to debate is a business degree worth it as many of these jobs don’t require one. In fact, find low-stress jobs that pay well without a degree now.
In the post, we detailed plenty of early morning jobs. Since you are getting up earlier than most people prefer, make sure you pick an interest that can become a life-long career.
You want to be passionate about what you are doing early in the morning!
Especially because you don’t want to start only to say… “I don’t want to work anymore.”
Be sure to dress for success, be punctual, and be prepared to work hard and you will be sure to land an early morning job.
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
The easy step-by-step instructions to learn how to create a budget – that works!
Far too often, I hear people asking if really need a budget. Whether you are in debt or not, it is imperative that you have a budget. Without one, your money tells you where it wants to go rather than you controlling how you spend it.
If you are just learning about budgeting, you will want to check out our page — How to Budget. There, you will learn everything you want to know about budgets and budgeting.
Budget.
I know that this is the other “B” word out there. However, without a budget, you have absolutely no control over your finances. This is one of the key tools required to work yourself out of debt and achieve financial freedom.
Before my husband could dig ourselves out from debt, we had what we called a budget. The truth is that it was not a budget at all. It was a piece of paper with the list of the people we had to pay every month. It was not a true budget.
When we began our debt free journey, I had a difficult time creating a budge. It made me sick to my stomach to see it all written down on paper. The reality was that when our bills were all paid, we had nothing left over. Nothing for food. No money for anything at all.
But, as we started to pay off our debt, we began to see a change in our budget. We were able to remove debtors from our budget and eventually added in categories like dinner out, vacation, movies, and even SAVINGS.
When you have a budget, you are taking charge of telling your money where it needs to go rather than it telling you where it wants to go.
[clickToTweet tweet=”When you have a budget, you tell your money where it should go instead of the other way around.” quote=”When you have a budget, you tell your money where it should go instead of the other way around.”]
WHY DO I NEED A BUDGET?
This is a question that many people have asked me over the years. Allow me to turn that around.
Why is it that you think you don’t need one? Do you think you don’t need to remember which bills need to be paid? Perhaps you think that you don’t need to remember to plan for annual or unexpected expenses? Even if you feel you don’t need a budget, the truth is you do. Everyone does.
A budget helps you know where your goes. It can help you ensure you are saving enough and paying down your debts. Your budget can help you control your spending.
Simply put – a budget helps you gain financial control. We all know we can’t control a lot of things in our lives, so it is nice to know there is something we can!
Even if you don’t have debt and are financial stable, you still need a budget so you can just monitor your spending and make your money work for you rather than against you.
WHERE DO I START?
If you have never had a budget before, you may not even know where to begin. It can really be scary and overwhelming to get started. I’ll break it down for you into simple steps so that you can get yours set up and working for you.
1. BUDGET FORM
First, you need a budget form. I have created a budget template for you to use — free of charge! You can either download the form, or use the spreadsheet version.
If you want something high tech, I’d recommend You Need A Budget (YNAB). You can try it for free for 34 days and then it is $60. It is worth every penny (and a one-time fee! However, I don’t pay for most apps or software I personally use as there is so much out there that is FREE!!!
2. INCOME
Next, look at your paycheck(s) – what we call your Income Source(s). Since your budget is based upon your monthly income, you will have to possibly complete some calculations to reach that figure. Here are some calculations to help you:
Paid Bi-Weekly (i.e. every other Friday): Take the 4 income totals and subtotal them. Divide them by 2 and you will read your average monthly income.
Paid Monthly: If the amount listed in each pay period is the same, you can just use the monthly income you see. Otherwise, add 3 or 4 months of income and divide by that same number of months calculated.
Paid Weekly: Take the total of the 4 income periods and that will give you an average monthly income.
Hourly or Commission Based (i.e. fluctuating income): Total your last 4 months of income and divide by 4 to reach an average. However, since your income fluctuates more frequently, you will need to adjust your income and revisit your budget more frequently.
3. EXPENSES
The next step in your budget is to determine your expenses. To ensure an accurate budget, you will handle your fixed expenses differently than discretionary.
Your fixed expenses include items such as your mortgage, car payment, insurance, etc. The things you pay every month which do not change (or only vary in payment slightly).
Your discretionary expenses include those which are not always the same payment (like your mortgage or cell phone bill). To get an accurate number for your budget, I recommend you create a spending plan. This will look at your spending over a period so that your budget reflects the amount you spend.
For example, if you spend $500 on food in month one, $600 in month 2 and $575 in month three, the three-month average would be $558.33. That is the amount you will add to your budget.
Look at your budget form to ensure you did not overlook any items you need to include. While we have included most that should be considered, check out this list of the categories you need to include in your budget.
4. FILL OUT YOUR BUDGET
This is the “fun” part. Transfer the amounts you have listed above into each spot on the budget. Your monthly income should go at the top and then the amounts for each expense in the appropriate location. Those listed on the form are to be used as a guide (reminder if you will) to ensure you properly account for all of your expense. You can add rows / edit the descriptions as needed.
Subtotal both the income and expenses. If you see that you are spending more than you take home, then you are short on income and will need to adjust your expenses. If you are not spending all you make, then you might consider increasing your savings or retirement account contributions.
If you would rather, you can watch a short tutorial video which explains how to complete the form. (Click here for larger screen version, if necessary).
[embedded content]
WIPE YOUR TEARS AND LET’S MAKE SOME CHANGES
Yes, tears are common at this point. In fact, when I saw our budget for the very first time, I cried. I was sick to my stomach. I could not believe that we were in such horrible shape financially. However, the tears were quickly wiped away and my husband and I tackled our budget and started to rework the numbers and I started to feel better. I felt like I could do it. It would be tough, but nothing in life worth having is ever easy!
What we had to do was just really look at where we were spending our money. The first thing that had to go was dining out. Did we need to dine out every single week? No. We wanted to get out of debt, so we wanted to free up extra income to apply towards our debt. That was far more important than dinner out. Eliminating that expense immediately freed up more money which we could apply towards other mandatory expenses.
Just take a long, hard look at where you are spending your money. Even if you are not trying to work yourself out of debt like we were, you might see that you are spending more than you are making. You will need to eliminate some of your expenses. The simplest way to do this is to make two lists: Mandatory and Discretionary. Go through each item and indicate if it is a mandatory expense or discretionary.
Look at your mandatory expenses – like cable. If you get a high-end package, you might want to scale back to basic cable to get your budget to work (or even do this and free up income to pay down your debts). You might be like us and find you spend a lot of money dining out and can save a lot of money that way as well.
Then, look at your discretionary spending. Are you paying $50 a month for a yoga class that you go to only now and again? What about your subscription to that magazine that sets you back $75 a year? These are luxuries. They will have to go.
If you are spending more than you make or are trying to pay down your debt, you can’t afford anything but what it takes to keep a roof over your head, the lights on and food in your family’s stomachs (so to speak). Trim that budget down to bare bones and you might be surprised to find that extra $100 – $300 or so hiding that you can now start to use towards your debt elimination, or to help put food on the table.
If, once you have adjusted your budget it still doesn’t look right, make more adjustments. If you have already scaled back on everything and it isn’t balancing out, make some calls to your debtors. Ask for reduced interest rates or how to reduce your payments. You can also suggest to them a different monthly payment other than the one they are asking you for. You never know what they will accept if you don’t make that phone call.
You are going to have to make tough choices/changes to your budget to make it work. As I said, one that we did was dining out. We ate out only about 10 – 20 times for a period of 2 years (unless someone else took us out to eat). Was it hard – Darn Skippy it was!! Was it worth it? More than you can imagine.
I HAVE MY BUDGET – NOW WHAT?
Once your budget is created, does that mean you are done? Sorry, but the answer is no. You will need to revisit your budget at least once per month to make any necessary adjustments. For most there will not be any to be made, but for some, things will happen to cause your line items to need to be adjusted. That might mean you will remove something (once you pay down a debt) or may need to add one (saving for that new vehicle).
Budgets are not easy nor are they fun, but once you have one set up and continue to refer to it, it will work. You will find it helps as you are now telling your money where you want it to go rather than it telling you where it is going to end up each month. Financial control – such an amazing feeling!
Check out our FINANCE section on the site for more budgeting, debt reduction and money saving tips and helpful ideas.
Ten years ago, my husband and I began our journey to pay off more than $37,000 in debt. It took a little more than 2 years, but we reached our goal.
Was it easy? Not at all. But, it was worth it.
As you read my posts, it may seem like I have a great system to help teach others to get out of debt. I know what to do and what to avoid. But, that wasn’t always the case.
When we began our journey, we knew nothing. In fact, we made a lot of mistakes. A LOT of them. In the moment, we felt as if we knew nothing. However, looking back, we had to make those mistakes in order to reach our goal to become debt free.
Other helpful articles:
MISTAKES WE MADE WHEN GETTING OUT OF DEBT
Which mistakes did we make and how did we overcome them? I’m giving you insight into my life, so you can avoid making these same blunders while you work yourself out of debt.
1. Not knowing our spending patterns
We really did not look at what we were spending our money. Not doing so led us to make the second mistake getting out of debt.
When we took the time to develop our spending plan, we had a more accurate picture of our spending lifestyle
2. We didn’t have a complete budget
As mentioned above, we didn’t really know where were were spending money. As a result, some of our first budgets were not accurate. They weren’t even close.
Once you have a workable budget, you will be able to see where your money goes.
3. Not changing our lifestyle
Getting out of debt should not be fun. It should not be easy. In the beginning of our journey, we tried to life the same life we had all long. When we finally woke up and said, “DUH!” we were able to change things, such as dining out and were on track to get out of debt.
The lifestyle we lived was why we had debt. Without making this change, we were not only destined to make the same mistakes, but also create more challenges for ourselves to pay off our debt.
4. Not understanding our money attitude
When I declared bankruptcy in 2002, it was the lowest moment of my life. I knew I never wanted to go down that path again. Sure, I knew I should not get into debt, but the problem was that I didn’t know the why behind what lead me there.
Once I figured out my attitude towards money, then things started to change. My husband did the same. And, our views were not the same at all. Not even close. That lead us to mistake #5.
5. Not being on the same page with one another
Have a different view money was another mistake I made when getting out of debt. I had my thoughts. He had his. We started having several discussions about money. We learned more about not only one another, but also about ourselves.
Once we had these discussions, we were able to have more compassion and understanding about one another and worked together to develop a plan that worked for both of us.
6. Not finding more ways to save
We can all do better about saving money. Even years later, I still need reminders and ideas to help us save money. When we were getting out of debt, we just tried to make the budget work as it was.
We did make some lifestyle changes, such as scaling back on cable and not dining out. However, we didn’t look at other ways to lower our spending.
The first line item I looked at was groceries. We were spending more than $150 a week on groceries – for our family of 4! I knew I had to find a way to save. At that time, the only option available was coupons. There were not some of the great apps such as Ibotta, Target Cartwheel or Checkout 51. Once I figured out how to make those coupons work for our family, our spending went down and we had more money for our debt.
As great as it was to reduce our spending, the best thing that came from me figuring out these money saving tactics was this site.
7. Not making more money
When we were working on getting out of debt, I was a stay-at-home mom. My husband was making a decent income. I did not want to get a job. But, if we really wanted to get out of debt quickly, I had to find a way to make money.
As stated in #6 above, I began to make changes to our grocery budget and started my site. After I began my site, I realized that I could make money doing this! Once I figured that out, I started working even harder so I could make even more.
This site is one of the reasons we were able to pay off our debt as quickly as we did. The additional money we made went towards our debt. Every. Single. Penny.
While starting a blog is one way to make money, there are countless other ideas and tactics you can use to increase your income by working for yourself or trying out unique side hustles.
8. Not having a goal in mind
When we started, we just said that we wanted to get out of debt. However, that wasn’t really a “goal” per se. Once we said that we wanted to get out of debt so we could save to buy a new pickup, we had an actual goal.
Getting out of debt is a goal, but it did not have a prize at the end for us. We couldn’t picture a life without debt, but we could imagine that pick-up sitting in the driveway.
A clearly defined goal really helped us figure out what we really wanted to achieve by getting out of debt.
9. Keeping our plan visible
We started off right away by creating a debt snowball. So, we knew what we wanted to do. However, the numbers were on Excel, on a computer. It wasn’t visual.
One day, I decided to make a list and put it on fridge. Each time we saw it, we could see where we were before and where we were headed. That visual reminder helped us know that we did not need to go out to dinner. It kept my weekly grocery budget where it needed to be.
Not only that, but we had pride in what we were doing. We saw that we had already paid of $x in debt. That was to be celebrated as it wasn’t easy, but we were doing it.
If you’re just starting your journey to get out of debt, don’t worry. You will probably also make mistakes along the way. Hopefully, after reading this, you’ll avoid making the same mistakes we did. But, regardless of what happens, just be sure to learn from them and keep moving forward to your goal.
Almost everyone wants to find ways to make more money. It’s only natural, as making more money may allow you to:
Pay off debt
Travel more
Retire early
Stop living paycheck to paycheck
Afford the things you want in life
And more!
One of the things that usually stops people from making more money is a lack of time. However, making more money and managing side hustles all depends on how badly you want it.
Some people may not want it as badly, and that’s fine. However, excuses won’t help you, so if you really want to make more money, then you will have to find more time in your day.
Just think about it: What do you think you could do with an extra 5-10 hours, or even more, each week?
Whether you want to transform your side hustle into your full-time career, want to make more money to tackle a financial goal, or something else, finding ways to make more money can completely change your life.
While I don’t side hustle any more, I am always looking for ways to increase my income. Before, I used to side hustle, work a full-time job, attend college, volunteer, and more. Now I mainly just focus on my business and managing a comfortable work-life balance.
Related:
Whatever it is that you are trying to balance, below are my tips for finding time to make more money.
Be realistic about how much time you have
Everyone has the same 24 hours in a day, but others may be more limited than others. I understand that different situations can make a person quite busy. In the end you always need to be honest with yourself about how much available time you have to make more money.
You don’t want to run yourself ragged, forget about the things that truly matter in life, hurt your work performance, and more.
However, many people do have extra time in their days but just don’t realize it. For one week, I recommend keeping track of the time you spend on various tasks and see how much time you waste.
You’ll most likely be very surprised and learn how to find extra time to make money.
Wake up earlier
When I had my day job, I would usually wake up around one to two hours before I had to start getting ready for work. I would use this time to work on my side hustles, which included replying to emails, brainstorming ideas, managing my blog, finding mystery shops, and more.
Sometimes, waking up early was rough, but it was nice to get everything done before I went to work.
If you’re not a morning person, you can always try to fit in time before you go to bed. Often I would even work on my side hustles for a few hours before I went to bed.
If you spent two hours every day before you went to work, you could put 10 hours each week towards your side hustle ideas.
Related: 9 Tips To Wake Up Early & Why It Feels So Good
Get rid of time wasters
I want you to do something right now. Yes, right at this moment!
Take a moment and really think about how much time you waste watching TV and browsing social media.
According to Neilsen statistics, the average person in the U.S. spends 40 hours each week watching TV and movies. Plus, according to AdWeek, adults spend nearly two hours every day on social media. For teenagers the amount of time increases dramatically, to nearly 9 hours a day!
That is an enormous amount of time being wasted.
Use short gaps in your day wisely
Everyone has gaps in their day. This could be a gap before you have a meeting, a gap between your day job and night classes, a gap before you have to pick up the kids from school, or something else.
Maybe you have 30 minutes or an hour. Most people will just plunk down on the couch and watch TV or browse Facebook. However, you should find ways to wisely use these gaps in your.
Multitask correctly, if you can
You may want to try to multitask, as long as it does not decrease the quality of your work or cause you to waste more time.
Some examples of easy and productive multitasking include:
While I am cooking a meal I work at the same time. Instead of just standing and making a meal, I use the little breaks I have to work. Or, I may even use that time to do short exercises, such as lunges, sit ups, squats, and more.
If you are on the phone and on hold, you could do something while you are waiting, such as creating your grocery list, short workouts, finishing up an email, and more.
Do all of your errands in one trip instead of spreading it over a longer period.
You do want to keep in mind that some people are good at multitasking, whereas some are not. There is proof that multitasking can actually result in you wasting time, because it can take time to get yourself ready every time you stop and start a task.
I recently read something that said whenever you start and stop a task you waste at least 25 minutes. That adds up over time!
Due to this, you will want to be smart when it comes to multitasking, and see what is and isn’t helping you.
Rethink your commute
This one may not be for everyone, as many people do need to drive to work. However, if you commute to work using something like a bus or train, then you might want to efficiently use this time by working on your side hustle jobs.
If your side hustle is something that you can do from your phone, laptop, or just with a piece of paper, then this can be a great time to brainstorm ideas and work on your side hustle.
Stay organized
Being organized can help you save time and make more money.
Here are some surprising statistics about being unorganized that I found from Simply Orderly:
The average person spends 12 days per year looking for things they can’t find.
Every day the average office worker spends 1.5 hours looking for things.
In a recent survey, 55% of consumers stated they would save anywhere from 16 to 60 minutes a day if they were organized.
Strategically use your lunch time
When I had my day job, my lunch time was almost always used for my side hustles. I would often bring my lunch to work, which allowed me to save money on food and to use that whole hour for my side hustle ideas.
Right there, that’s five hours every week for side hustles, just by using your lunch hour.
What do you do to save time, so that you can make more money? What time management tips do you have to share?
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.
Zero based budgeting is a process where every dollar that comes in goes to the number one priority.
It’s an effective way of prioritizing your money and executing properly, but it can be hard to know where to start when you are just getting started with this new system.
Budgeting can be a nightmare when you don’t have the mindset and tools to make it easier.
So many people struggle with money- they are overspending on things their family doesn’t need or doesn’t enjoy, which causes stress in their lives. But if your goal is financial freedom, it’s time to learn about a new budgeting system.
If you have a desire to:
Spend less than you make
Get out of debt
Save money faster
Become financially independent
Then, you are in the right place! Let how easy and simple zero based budgeting really is!
Decide what you want your budget to achieve: a zero-based budget forces you to think about what you want your money to do, rather than just accepting the status quo.
If you want to use zero based budgeting but aren’t sure where to start, this article will guide you through setting it up in an easy and effective way.
What is zero based budgeting?
Zero based budgeting is a financial planning strategy where every dollar in the budget has a specific purpose. With this type of budget, it can be helpful for those looking to get their finances in order or who want more control over their spending.
A zero based budget is when you start from scratch every month and assign every dollar a job.
Income – Expenses = $0
You begin by calculating your income for the month, then subtracting your known expenses. What’s left is $0, which means you have to get creative with how you’ll spend the rest of your money.
You can use a zero based budget template to help make this process easier.
What are the benefits of using a zero based budget template?
There are many benefits to using a zero based budget template.
Perhaps the most obvious benefit is that it allows you to see where every penny is going. This comprehensive view gives you a clear picture of your expenses and makes it easy to identify areas where you can cut back on spending.
In addition, using a zero based budget helps individuals worry less about their financial health. Since all living expenses are accounted for in the budgeting process, there is no need to panic if an unexpected expense pops up. This peace of mind can be very helpful when trying to stick to long-term financial goals.
A zero based budget template is also easy to follow. The basic plan can be executed without any difficulty, making it a great choice for people who want a simple way to manage their finances.
How to create a zero based budget template?
A zero based budget template can be helpful in tracking your money and achieving financial goals.
There are a variety of ways to create a zero based budgeting template, and no one size fits all approach. That is why we offer a zero based budget template in our shop that you can modify to your needs.
There are a few key things you’ll need to create your zero based budget template. The first is a list of your monthly income, expenses, and savings goals for the year. This will help you stay on track and plan ahead.
The next step is to individually itemize each expense and income. This may be time-consuming but it’s crucial in order to get an accurate picture of where your money is going.
After that, it’s important to track your spending and income on a monthly basis. This will help you see if you’re meeting your goals or not.
It is important to choose the proper zero based budgeting template for your needs.
What are the 5 steps in creating a zero based budget?
There are five steps in creating a zero-based budget. This system was made popular by Dave Ramsey.
We will quickly outline the five steps to make your first zero based budget. Then, we will go into detail on creating your own zero based budget.
List your income
List your expenses
Subtract your income from expenses to reach zero
Track your expenses.
Make a new budget for the next month or pay period.
One way to ensure success by following a zero based budget is by taking small steps instead of making large changes all at once–this can be difficult for some people who are used to living paycheck-to-paycheck.
Another suggestion is to allow yourself some “fun money” so that you don’t feel too restricted while trying to adjust your spending habits.
By following these tips and using a zero based budgeting template, you can successfully get yourself back on track financially!
How to Create a Zero Based Budget
Zero-based budgeting is a system of budgeting that has been gaining in popularity since the introduction of personal computers and spreadsheets. It encourages decision-making based on values and not numbers, which is important in a time when numbers are often used to make decisions.
Zero-based budgeting allows you to start with a clean slate and create your own vision of what the future looks like.
You will need to gather all of your financial information together, including your income, debts, and expenses.
Step # 1: List out your income
The first step in creating a zero based budget is to list out all of your income.
This should include job income, side hustles, rental properties, alimony, child support, and investment income. Once you have a complete picture of your income sources, you can start to make decisions about how to allocate your money.
It is important to decide how you plan to budget your money on a monthly basis, bi-weekly basis, or by paycheck.
Step #2: Tally up your expenses
Be sure to include any regular expenses you have as well, such as rent or mortgage payments, car loans, and credit card bills.
Think of all of the budgeting categories you need for absolutely everything.
This will help you track your spending more closely and make it easier to find areas where you can cut back. Some people recommend creating as many budgeting categories as possible, including for example:
Housing
Utilities
Food
Transportation
Entertainment
Health care
If there’s something that doesn’t fit neatly into a category, come up with a name for it that will help you remember what it is. For example, “clothes” or “misc.”
You’ll also need to factor in any debts you may have.
Step #3: Get your budget to zero
Once you have a full list of your expenses, it’s time to subtract that amount from your income. Then, figure out if you are close to zero.
This is where you will likely have to make adjustments.
There are two ways to get your budget to zero- either spend less than you make (aka cut spending) or make more money.
If you want to stay out of debt and save money, it’s important to do one or both of these things. It may be difficult at first, but with a little bit of effort, you can get your budget under control and start saving for the future.
Budgeting is an extremely important tool to have in your financial arsenal. It allows you to have more control over your money and can help you make more of it. By following a few simple steps, you can get your budget to zero and start saving for the future.
Step # 4: Track your expenses
In order to be successful with a zero based budget, you have to be willing and able to track your expenses. This means being mindful of every penny that goes in and out of your account – ALL month long!
By tracking your expenses, you’re ensuring that every penny goes into the right place. This enables you to see where your money is going and how you can save in specific areas.
Expenses tracking apps allow you to easily record, categorize, and analyze your spending. They let you see how much money you spend on different categories of items from groceries to travel and more. Some of the most popular apps are Simplifi, You Need a Budget, and Qube Money.
This also makes tax season less daunting because you’ll have a complete record of all of your transactions.
You can also use this information to refine a realistic budget that works for you.
Step # 5: Make a new budget for each month or paycheck
Creating a new budget every month is an important part of zero based budgeting. This helps ensure that you are always aware of your current financial situation and can make changes as needed.
It is best to create your budget before the month begins, so you have time to adjust as necessary.
A zero-based budget is a great way to get your finances in order. It can be tough to stick to, but it’s worth it because it forces you to pay attention and make adjustments.
This is why the budget by paycheck method has gained popularity in conjunction with the zero based budgeting system.
Tips to Make Your Zero Based Budget Successful
It can be difficult to stick to a budget, but there are ways to make it happen.
Here are a few quick budgeting tips:
Make a list of your necessary expenses and stick to it.
Cut back on unnecessary spending.
Live within your means.
Find cheaper alternatives to your regular expenses.
In addition, here is what you need to make sure your money is spent where you want and not following the status quo.
You need to learn which payment type is best if you are trying to stick to a budget.
Know your End Goal
What do you want your money to do for you?
Too many times, we let life dictate how and where we want to spend money. Then, we are always chasing from behind.
To truly make your money work for you, decide on three core areas you want to spend your money. Then, make your budget reflect those values.
Understand the Flexibility of Zero Based Budget
Zero-based budgeting is a great way to stay flexible with your finances. There are no set rules to follow, and you can adapt as your life changes. The goal is to always be mindful of your spending and make sure that every penny counts.
Unexpected expenses are going to pop up from time to time, so it’s important to have some flexibility in your budget. That way, you can handle these unexpected costs without breaking the bank.
Put Most Important Expenses at the Top
When creating a zero based budget, it is important to start with the most important items and work your way down.
This ensures that you do not miss any essential expenses and that you are able to stick to your budget. It is also important to be realistic about what you can afford and to make sure that you are flexible in case of unexpected expenses.
Put in a Cushion or a Buffer
When starting a zero based budget, it is important to be realistic about what you can and cannot do.
Some people find it helpful to have a cushion in case of unexpected expenses, while others prefer to keep their spending as low as possible. It is important to find what works best for you and stick to it.
Additionally, remember that your goal should be to live within your means, not spend less than you make.
Look Ahead
When creating or following a zero based budget, it is important to be mindful of any upcoming events that may require more money.
This includes things like holidays, birthdays, and special occasions. If you know these events are coming up, you can plan for them in your budget and make sure you have the funds available.
Check out ideas for bill calendar strategies.
Sinking Funds
One of the most important things to remember is that you need to plan for big-ticket items and one-off events. This can be done using sinking funds.
Sinking funds are special savings accounts that are specifically designated for planned expenses.
You put money into the account over time until you have saved enough to cover the expense. This allows you to avoid breaking your budget when something unexpected comes up.
Learn how to use sinking funds.
zero based budgeting Example
Zero based budgeting is a way of organizing your finances in which you spend money only on things that have an actual impact on your financial situation.
This method can help you stay mindful of how much you are spending and where it is going.
It can also help you to make better decisions about what needs to be paid off, saved for, or invested in.
Here is a basic zero based budget example:
Can You Make a Zero-Based Budget With an Irregular Income?
Zero-based budgeting is an excellent way to manage your finances when you have an irregular income.
Regardless of how much money you earn each month, you can create a budget that will help you save money and make the most of your income. With a zero-based budget, every penny has a purpose and you can be sure that you are making the most of your resources.
It is also helpful to “age” your money by at least one month. That means your April income will be paying your May bills.
The Best Zero Based Budget Templates and Apps
Zero-based budgeting is a methodology of budgeting that starts with the assumption that how much one has at the beginning of each period should be used to purchase only those things needed. This is different from the traditional budgeting practice of starting with how much one has at the end of the last period and using that as a basis for what needs to happen during the next period.
There are a number of zero-based budget templates and apps that are available on the internet. The following seven are some of the most popular:
1. Tiller Money
Tiller Money is a budgeting app that allows you to create a zero-based budget. This means that every dollar in your budget has a specific purpose.
It has a “Foundation Template” feature that allows expenses to be budgeted against goals in order to make sure the amount of money actually spent is at a minimum.
This allows you to create a zero based budget quickly and easily.
You can try Tiller Money for free for 30 days, and the annual cost is $79.
2. Simplifi by Quicken
Simplifi by Quicken is a budgeting app that takes a different approach to budgeting.
Rather than starting with your current income and expenses and trying to adjust them, Simplifi starts with your savings goals and works backwards. This can be helpful for those who have trouble sticking to a budget because it allows you to focus on your financial dreams rather than your current spending habits.
You can set up your own categories, limits, watchlist, and spending plan.
It offers all of the features of Quicken with the added convenience of being able to access it on your phone or tablet.
Another thing that makes Simplifi stand out is that it is ad-free (unlike Mint), which can be helpful if you are trying to stay focused while budgeting.
Enjoy your first 30 days free and then pay as low as $3.99 per month.
3. Qube Money
Qube is an app that helps you create intentional, smart spending habits.
With Qube, you have the freedom to manage your money with real purpose. Qube helps you stay on top of your finances by giving you a clear picture of where your money is going and how much you have leftover each month.
Qube Money is a budgeting tool that helps you manage your money by automatically ledger transactions and allowing you to divvy up your money into qubes. This makes it easy for you to see how much money you have in each category and click to spend.
Get started with Basic for free with 10 qubes. Upgrade to Premium for $6.50 per month.
4. YNAB
You Need a Budget (YNAB) is a popular method of budgeting that requires you to spend money from the previous month’s income. They stress “aging your money” to break the living paycheck to paycheck method.
Each month you start from scratch each month, accounting for all of your income and expenses.
YNAB is best known for its awesome support community and training.
It offers a free trial for 34 days, after which it costs $84 per year.
Best Zero-Based Budget Template For Debt Payoff
It is useful to make a debt payoff plan that starts from the zero level. This will allow you to track your progress and adjust your budget as necessary.
Using Tally is a great tool when paying off debt.
Time for you to Start with the 0 Budgeting Method
A zero based budget is a financial planning strategy where every dollar in the budget is assigned a purpose. This differs from traditional budgeting where the focus is on last month’s spending and last year’s income.
With a zero based budget, you start fresh each month and assign every dollar a job or responsibility. This way, you can ensure that your money is being put to its best use.
When you use a zero based budget template, you are able to track every dollar that you spend.
This comprehensive view gives you a clear idea of where your money is going and where you can cut back on spending. Additionally, using a zero based budget template makes it easy to see if there have been any areas where you could save money.
The best part is you are comfortable knowing that all of your living expenses are accounted for.
This means that you can spend money without worrying about jeopardizing your financial health.
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
If you’re looking for a free checking account, you have multiple options in both traditional and online banks. With more than 4,100 banks in the U.S., according to the FDIC, the choices can be downright overwhelming.
It can help if you get clear on what you want in a checking account, narrow down your options, and then read reviews like the one below to find the best free checking account to meet all your needs.
12 Best Free Checking Accounts
When you’re ready to open a new checking account, consider the no fee checking accounts on this list. We’ve evaluated the fees, minimum deposit requirements, annual percentage yield APY on those that earn interest, and more.
Most of the best checking accounts offer features like overdraft protection, mobile banking and the ability to get paid up to two days early with your direct deposit. But financial institutions that let you earn interest on your checking balance or deliver cash back also gained our favor.
1. Chime Checking
Chime boasts truly fee-free checking and a host of advantages for those seeking an online-only banking solution. The bank has no monthly service fees, no overdraft fees, no transaction fees, and no minimum daily balance fees. If you lose your debit card, you don’t even have to pay to replace it!
Chime has a few features that can help you manage cash flow. First, if you sign up for direct deposit you can receive your paycheck up to two days earlier than you might with a conventional bank.
Second, Chime’s SpotMe program covers overdrafts up to $200 (depending on your qualifications). To take advantage, you must have a monthly direct deposit of at least $200. If your debit card purchase exceeds your overdraft limit, it will be declined, so you won’t ever pay overdraft fees.
Your Chime debit card is linked to a nationwide network of 60,000+ fee-free ATMs. The only fee you might pay is if you withdraw money from an out-of-network ATM or use your debit card to withdraw funds from your account during an over-the-counter debit card purchase.
Chime is an online financial services company, not a bank. It provides $250,000 worth of FDIC insurance per account holder, per account, through Stride Bank and The Bancorp Bank, both members FDIC.
Unlike some neobanks, Chime offers multiple means to reach their customer service representatives. You can reach out on live chat through the app or website 24/7/365.
Best for: Free Overdraft Coverage
Minimum Deposit: None
Monthly Fee: None
2. Bank of America Advantage Plus Banking®
Bank of America offers three Advantage checking accounts:
SafeBalance
Advantage Plus
Advantage Relationship
All three allow you to waive the monthly maintenance fee in a few different ways. Preferred Rewards members, who hold at least $20,000 in a Bank of America account or Merrill investment account enjoy free checking from Bank of America.
Otherwise, to waive the fee for your Advantage Plus checking account, you’ll need a qualifying direct deposit of $250 or more per month, or maintain a $1,500 minimum daily balance.
If you don’t qualify to have fees waived, your Bank of America Advantage Plus account will cost a reasonable $12 per month.
As the “middle-of-the-road” account which would fit the needs of the average customer, we chose Advantage Plus as the best free checking account from the big bank. It is also the most popular of the three.
You’ll want to be aware that your BOA account may have additional fees, including an overdraft fee of $10 for each item paid. You can avoid this fee by linking another eligible Bank of America account to your Advantage Plus checking account to cover overdraft transactions with no transfer fees.
Other Bank of America fees include a $15 replacement fee for a lost debit card, an international transaction fee equal to 3% of the transaction in U.S. dollars, and ATM fees of $2.50 for using an out-of-network ATM. With roughly 16,000 ATMs, nationwide, however, it should be easy to avoid out-of-network ATM fees.
Bank of America offers some features you won’t find at other banks. For instance, you’ll gain access to “Erica,” Bank of America’s virtual financial assistant to easily manage your accounts.
You can also enroll in Bank of America’s Keep The Change program, which allows you to round up debit card purchases and have the extra money deposited into your BOA savings account or your child’s linked BOA account.
Keep the Change is an easy way to sneak some extra savings into your budget. Preferred Rewards members can earn more than 5% interest on money in their linked Bank of American Advantage Savings account.
Best for: Preferred Rewards members
Minimum Deposit to Open: $100
Monthly Fee: $0 or $12
3. Quontic High Interest Checking
While it doesn’t compare to Wealthfront’s 4.55% APY for a Cash Account, Quontic offers what qualifies as a high interest checking account with a 1.10% APY.
Be aware that to earn that rate, you’ll need to make at least 10 qualifying debit card purchases of $10 or more in each statement cycle. Otherwise, your money will earn just 0.01% APY.
Quontic’s free checking account with no monthly maintenance fees, no overdraft fees, and no minimum account balance is straightforward, FDIC insured, and socially responsible. The online bank is one of fewer than 3% of all banks designated as a Community Development Financial Institution.
That means Quontic uses your money with fiscal responsibility for social good, depositing it into accounts to help serve lower income families, under-served demographics and small business owners obtain affordable mortgages.
But opening an account with Quontic doesn’t just help others. Account holders enjoy a host of benefits. You’ll gain access to online bill pay and a “roundup program” to shuffle extra “change” from your debit card purchases into your linked high yield Quontic savings account with a 4.25% APY.
You’ll also get a Quontic Pay Ring, a wearable that replaces your debit card for point-of-sale purchases.
Enjoy access to 90,000+ fee free ATMs through the AllPoint, MoneyPass, or SUM program ATMs, as well as Citibank ATMs nationwide. You’ll find these ATMs at popular stores like Target, Speedway, Walgreens, CVS, Kroger, Safeway, Winn Dixie, and Circle K.
In addition to its High Interest Checking Account, Quontic offers a Bitcoin Rewards checking, which rewards you in cryptocurrency for debit card purchases, and a Cash Rewards checking account, which pays 1% cash back on all eligible debit card purchases.
Both accounts offer the same features as the High Interest checking account, except you’ll receive rewards instead of interest on your checking balance.
For a higher APY, you can open a Quontic Savings account with no monthly service fee and a high 4.25% APY.
Best for: Socially conscious banking
Minimum Balance to Open: $100
Monthly Fee: None
4. Wealthfront Cash Account
Like Chime, Wealthfront is not a bank. But some would argue that, with no monthly maintenance fee, FDIC insurance of up to $5 million through partner banks, and a high 4.55% annual percentage yield APY on the Wealthfront Cash Account, it’s even better.
Your Wealthfront Cash Account offers many of the same features as a traditional or an online bank. You’ll receive a free debit card and can withdraw cash with no ATM fees at a network of 19,000 ATMs nationwide.
Most consumers will choose the Individual Cash Account, with features such as early direct deposit, online bill pay, mobile check deposit through the app, and fraud protection. Wealthfront also offers a joint account, with up to $10 million FDIC insurance, and a Trust Cash account.
Best of all, Wealthfront charges no overdraft fees, no transfer fees from external accounts, and no fees if your account dips below a minimum balance. It requires just $1 to open an account.
If you are interested in retail investing, Wealthfront makes it easy with virtually instant transfers between your Wealthfront Cash Account and linked Wealthfront Investment accounts.
As you build your portfolio, you can take advantage of Wealthfront’s vast array of financial services, including automated investing, stock investments with zero commissions, and tax loss harvesting services.
As your Wealthfront investment portfolio grows, you can borrow up to 30% of your portfolio’s value at an interest rate as low as 7.40% APR.
For consumers looking for a one-stop shop for investments, fee-free checking, and savings with a high annual percentage yield, Wealthfront represents a solid choice in online financial service companies or neobanks.
Best for: High Annual Percentage Yield APY
Minimum Deposit to Open: $1
Monthly Fee: None
5. Capital One 360
A Capital One 360 checking account combines the security and convenience of one of the nation’s largest banks with no monthly maintenance fees and no minimum opening deposits.
Account holders also earn 0.10% APY on all checking account balances in their Capital One 360 account.
You can open your account online or in a branch. If you want in-person assistance, you can visit a Capital One branch or Capital One Café for help.
Capital One 360 gives you access to your money through more than 70,000 fee free ATMs in the Allpoint, MoneyPass or Capital One networks.
Capital One 360 has no overdraft fees, but you can decide how you want the bank to handle transactions that exceed your account balance.
You can set it up so that a transaction that would cause an overdraft is declined. Or you can transfer funds from a linked savings or money market account to cover an overdraft.
Alternatively, Capital One may accept certain transactions that put your account into overdraft. You’ll need to deposit money to cover the overdraft or additional transactions will be declined.
Capital One offers direct deposit up to two days sooner than many banks.
Capital One’s robust mobile app allows for bill payments online, mobile check deposits, and Zelle person-to-person transfers. If you want to add cash to your account, you can do it in person at a CVS store. If you have other Capital One accounts or credit cards, you can manage them all through one login.
Your Capital One 360 account has no foreign transaction fees, but keep in mind there may be fees for using out-of-network ATMs, cashier’s checks, outgoing wire transfers, or paper checkbooks.
Best for: Capital One Credit Card customers
Minimum Balance to Open: None
Monthly Fee: None
6. Consumers Credit Union
The only credit union on our list of the best free checking accounts, this checking account is open to virtually all U.S. residents over the age of 18.
You’ll just need to pay a one-time, $5 membership fee to the Consumers Cooperative Association. Consumers Credit Union even reimburses this fee after you open your free checking account. Children as young as age 12 can join as the second member on a joint account.
Your Consumers Credit Union Rewards checking account offers many of the same benefits as top rated online banks with no monthly fees and no fees of any kind.
You will even be reimbursed for fees incurred while using out-of-network ATMs. CCU has a network of 30,000+ ATMs nationwide.
Enjoy early direct deposit, mobile banking, and even the ability to write unlimited checks with no fees. Plus, you’ll earn up to 5% APY on your balance, depending on certain actions you take. Here’s how the tiered checking account interest works for balances up to $10,000:
Earn 3% APY if you make at least 12 debit card purchases a month and have direct deposits, mobile check deposits, or ACH credits of at least $500 each month
Earn 4% APY if you meet the above requirements plus spend $500 or more on your CCU Visa credit card each month
Earn 5% APY if you meet the requirements to earn 3% plus make $1,000 or more in purchases on your CCU Visa card monthly
Balances of $10,000.01 to $25,000 earn 0.20% APY and balances over $25,000 earn 0.10% APY.
If you don’t meet the requirements in a given month, you will still have free checking and free online bill payments and you will receive a 0.01% APY on all checking account balances. You also won’t qualify for ATM fee reimbursement.
You can reach Consumers Credit Union customer service online, by phone, or at CCU branches across Illinois. You can also bank at shared branches across the U.S. that are part of the CU Service Center Network, a co-op of credit unions.
Best for: Those who prefer to bank at a credit union
Minimum Balance to Open: $5
Monthly Fees: None
7. Ally Bank Interest Checking
Ally is not just a robust fin-tech; it is a nationally chartered bank with $196 billion in assets and 11 million customers. The bank offers an interest earning checking account with no monthly fee and no overdraft fees, high-yield savings, money market account and CDs. Plus, it provides investment services, loans, and credit cards.
The Ally Bank free checking account lets you earn interest of 0.25% annual percentage yield APY on all balances.
You’ll pay no monthly service fees, no overdraft fees, and no ATM fees at more than 43,000 Allpoint ATMs nationwide. Ally also reimburses you up to $10 on out-of-network fees charged at other ATMs.
Your Ally checking account makes money management easy. You can put money in specific “spending” buckets allocated for different purchases. This can help you track your spending and stick to your budget. You can also get paid up to two days early with direct deposit.
Many of the best free checking accounts offer overdraft protection. Ally offers two choices to help you avoid overdraft fees. With the Overdraft Transfer Service, you can link your Ally Bank online savings or money market account to your Interest Checking account.
Ally will automatically transfer funds to your checking account to cover your purchase. If you make more than six withdrawals in a statement period, you may be charged “excessive transaction fees,” but Ally Bank reimburses those fees.
The CoverDraft service will cover purchases up to $100 as long as you have deposited at least $100 into your Interest checking account in the past 30 days. You can extend that coverage up to $250 if you receive a qualifying direct deposit of at least $250 for two months in a row.
You’ll need a direct deposit every 45 days to maintain your expanded coverage. You will have 14 days to bring your balance out of the negative.
Best for: Online only banking
Minimum Balance to Open: None
Monthly Fee: None
8. Axos Bank Rewards Checking
Axos Bank offers three different checking accounts with no monthly maintenance fee.
The Essential Checking online account has no overdraft fees, no monthly account fees, and unlimited reimbursement for out-of-network ATM use within the U.S.
The Rewards Checking has all the benefits of the Essential checking account and adds up to 3.30% APY in interest on qualifying balances.
Now until June 30, 2023, you can earn a sign-up bonus of $100 when you open an Axos Bank Rewards checking account and receive direct deposits totaling $1,500 or more each month for the first three months your account is open.
The Axos Bank Rewards checking account has complicated requirements to qualify for the highest annual percentage yield. Here’s how it works:
Direct deposits of $1,500 per month or more earn 0.40% APY
Once you fulfill that requirement, you’ll need 10 point-of-sale signature transactions with your debit card (minimum $3 purchase) or enrollment in account aggregation/personal finance manager account to earn an additional 0.30% APY.
Maintain an average daily balance of $2,500 in an Axos self-directed trading invest account to earn 1%
Maintain an average daily balance of $2500 in an Axos Managed Portfolio Invest account to earn another 1%
Make a monthly payment to an open Axos Bank consumer loan from your Rewards checking account to earn up to 0.60%
Together, this results in a 3.30% APY.
A Cashback Checking account offers the same benefits as the other checking accounts, except instead of earning interest you will receive 1% cash back on eligible debit card purchases.
Keep in mind that to earn the full 1% cash back, you’ll need to maintain an average daily balance of $1,500 in your checking account. If the balance falls below $1,500, you’ll earn .50% for that month.
Best for: Sign-up bonus
Minimum opening balance: $50
Monthly fee: None
9. SoFi Checking and Savings
Another excellent option in online banking, SoFi offers a wide range of financial services, including investments and loans. The bank provides a combination Checking and Savings account with a high yield APY of 4.20% for balances in your savings or Vault, and 1.20% APY on checking balances.
You will need to set up direct deposit to qualify for the high interest rates and other benefits, such as 2-Day Early Paycheck and no-fee overdraft coverage. But there is no minimum balance required.
Right now, the bank is offering new customers who open a free account up to $250 in cash. To receive your bonus, simply open your account and set up direct deposit. Deposits of $1,000 to $4,999.99 qualify for $50 cash back, while a deposit greater than $5,000 will net you $250.
There are no account fees when you bank with SoFi. Account holders with qualifying direct deposits receive fee-free overdraft protection for up to $50 per purchase.
You can even keep the money in your SoFi online savings to collect the high annual percentage yield APY of 4.20% and the bank will automatically transfer funds to checking to cover certain purchases. It will not, however, transfer money from Vaults, which are designed to help you reach specific savings goals.
Your SoFi debit card gives you access to your money for free at more than 55,000 ATMs in the AllPoint network. Plus, when you use your debit card for point-of-sale transactions at many local businesses, you can earn 15% cash back.
SoFi is a nationally chartered back with FDIC coverage. Thanks to a partnership with other banks, SoFi’s FDIC insurance exceeds the $250,000 maximum.
Your deposits are insured up to $2 million per account holder, per account, with SoFi. That makes SoFi an excellent choice in online banking for those with high savings, money market, or CD balances.
Best for: Money management and saving
Minimum Opening Balance: None
Monthly Service Fees: None
10. Varo Bank
Varo Bank has the distinction of being the first financial technology company to become a nationally chartered, online only bank. While most of the banks on our list of best free checking accounts have important features in common, Varo has a few perks that are harder to find in a free account.
First, your Varo debit card offers up to 6% cash back at select online retailers and brick-and-mortar stores. Each time your cashback balance reaches $5, you’ll see the funds deposited directly into your Varo bank account.
When you open a Varo checking account, it pays to open Varo savings at the same time. You’ll gain access to features like “Save Your Change,” which allows you to round up debit card purchases and put the difference in savings.
You can also use Save Your Pay, which deposits a portion of every paycheck you receive via ACH transfer directly into savings. You can set up these features in the mobile app.
Varo also offers a cash advance feature called “Varo Advance,” which allows you to borrow up to $250 and pay it back within 30 days.
You’ll pay nothing for advances less than $20, but there are fees up to $15 associated with borrowing larger amounts. As with many other banks, Varo also lets you get paid via direct deposit up to two days early.
Varo makes it easy to deposit cash into your account by purchasing a Green Dot MoneyPak at stores like Walmart, CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens, 7-11, Dollar General, and others. You can also deposit cash at the register in any of these stores. You might pay a fee of up to $4.95 for this service.
Varo has no minimum balance requirements, no overdraft fee, no monthly fee, no foreign transaction fees, and fee-free access to 55,000+ ATMs in the Allpoint network.
If you use an out-of-network ATM, you will be charged a $3 fee by Varo, plus any charges incurred from the other bank. If you withdraw money using your Varo debit card at the point-of-sale in a store, you’ll pay $2.50 for the convenience.
You can reach Varo customer support via chat on the app every day from 8 AM to 4:30 PM, Mountain Time, except on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
Varo phone support is also available Monday through Friday during the same hours for help logging into your account, filing a dispute if you suspect fraudulent charges, or to receive help adding your Varo card to a digital wallet.
Best for: Cashback debit
Minimum Opening Balance: None
Monthly Fee: None
11. Discover Cashback Debit
In the world of finance, Discover is best known for offering a straightforward cashback rewards credit card. Discover’s free online checking account also offers cash back rewards of 1% for up to $3,000 worth of debit card purchases monthly.
That could equal up to $30 in free money every month. You can even choose to have that Cashback Bonus deposited directly into your Discover Online savings account, where it can earn up to 3.90% APY.
Discover has no fees for anything. This includes overdraft protection through your linked Discover savings, no insufficient funds fee, no fee for official bank checks, no fee to receive expedited delivery of a new debit card, and no fees for paper checks. The only service that incurs a fee is an outgoing wire transfer. That will cost $30.
You can use your Discover debit with no fees at any of 60,000+ ATMs nationwide. Like many other financial institutions on this list, Discover allows you to receive ACH deposits from your employer up to two days early through the Discover “Early Pay” program.
Unlike many other online only banks, Discover offers 24/7 U.S.-based customer service by phone at 800-347-7000. If you prefer the convenience and cost savings of an online only bank account but want access to 24/7 phone service, Discover Bank could be the best choice for you.
Best for: 24/7 customer service by phone
Minimum Opening Balance: None
Monthly Fee: None
12. Chase Total Checking®
JPMorgan Chase & Co. is not just one of the “big four” banks in the U.S. It is the biggest bank in the U.S. and the world’s largest financial institution based on market cap. For that reason, many people choose Chase Bank for its convenience and 4,700 branches nationwide.
Chase Total Checking is the bank’s most popular checking account, requiring no minimum opening deposit, and a low monthly fee of $12 that’s fairly easy to waive. To waive the fee, you’ll need to do one of the following each month:
Have at least $500 in direct deposits
Maintain a beginning daily balance of $1,500 or more
Maintain an average beginning day balance of $5,000 or more in any combination of your Chase checking account plus other qualifying accounts
Chase offers overdraft protection in the form of its Overdraft Assist program. You won’t pay an overdraft fee if you’re overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day.
If you are overdrawn by more than $50 but bring the account current or bring your overdraft to $50 or less by the next business day, you also won’t pay any fees.
Chase offers access to Zelle for person-to-person payments and has an intuitive and user-friendly app for online and mobile banking.
You can also take advantage of Chase Autosave features to automatically have a portion of deposits transferred into your Chase savings account, or set up automatic transfers on a schedule, such as weekly or monthly.
Set savings goals and have money deposited into specific buckets or transfer funds into your general savings account to build your emergency savings. You can even pause automatic savings if your checking account drops below an amount you set.
Chase Premier Plus Checking offers even more benefits, including free money orders and cashier’s checks, ATM fee reimbursement for out-of-network ATMs four times per statement cycle, and free checks.
Your Chase Premier Plus Checking account earns a 0.01% APY on all account balances, which is the same as a Chase Savings account.
You can avoid the fees on your Chase Premier Plus Checking account if you have an average beginning day balance of $15,000 in any combination of Chase checking, savings, and other deposit accounts.
Another option is if you have a linked qualifying Chase mortgage enrolled in automatic payments, or if you are a member of the U.S. military or a veteran.
When you are a Chase checking customer, you can refer friends to open a Chase account and receive a $50 bonus, up to $500 per year. Like most financial institutions on this list, Chase has a robust and easy to use mobile app.
Best for: 4,700 branches nationwide
Minimum Opening Balance: None
Monthly Fee: $12.95 (for Chase Total Checking) or free if you meet requirements
Methodology: How We Select the Best Free Checking Accounts
We evaluated multiple factors to find the best free checking accounts for consumers across the U.S. Whether you have large monthly direct deposits or have been “unbanked” until now, you’ll find the best free checking accounts for any need or any budget here.
ATM network or generous ATM-fee reimbursement program
You shouldn’t have to pay extra money to access your money. After all, that’s the opposite of a “free checking account,” isn’t it? You want to find a bank with a large, fee-free ATM network to conveniently withdraw cash or make deposits. If the bank reimburses out of network ATM fees, that’s a bonus.
Nationwide availability (Physical locations or mobile access)
If you’re looking for a traditional bank, you want to make sure it has branches near you. Otherwise, an online bank might be the best choice. For this list of free checking accounts, we eliminated credit unions that don’t serve customers nationwide or have strict membership requirements.
Credit unions are often a solid choice for banking, and often have low fees and high interest rates. For instance, Navy Federal Credit Union is a highly ranked financial institution backed by the National Credit Union Administration. But it’s only open to members of any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, U.S. veterans, their families, and Department of Defense personnel.
We tailored this list around banks with national appeal, with means they serve customers nationwide, with no residency requirements or specific occupational requirements. The one outstanding credit union on the list, Consumers Credit Union, is open to virtually anyone in the U.S. over the age of 18.
No Monthly Maintenance Fee
When most people think of a free checking account, they think of one with no monthly maintenance fees. You’ll see a few banks with monthly maintenance fees on this list because the benefits outweigh the fees. But any monthly service fees are easy to waive by meeting direct deposit or minimum balance requirements.
Low Minimum Deposit and Balance Requirements
Truly free checking accounts should be accessible to most consumers. That means having low or no minimum deposit or minimum balance requirements.
No or Low Foreign Transaction Fees
If you travel abroad or make international transactions, you don’t want to pay fees. This may not be important to everyone, but foreign transaction fees may be a point to consider.
No Account Closure Fee
This was a deal-breaker for us. If you choose to close your account, you should be allowed to do so with no account closure fee. All the banks on this list make it as easy to close your checking account as it is to open it.
No Overdraft Fees
Likewise, if you accidentally spend more money than you have in your account, you shouldn’t be punished. Sometimes we forget that an automatic payment cleared or sometimes, you just need a helping hand to make it to your next paycheck. We gave preference to account with no overdraft fees, overdraft protection, or generous overdraft forgiveness.
Benefits such as high APY, cash-back rewards, or other additional perks
From cash back debit cards to interest bearing checking accounts, generous perks can make it easy to choose one fee-free checking account over another. Other nice-to-have features include:
The ability to pay bills online
Early direct deposit
Mobile check deposit
These account features make it easy to manage your money. We evaluated all these aspects when compiling our list of the best free checking accounts.
Customer Service
Whether you opt for a neobank or a traditional bank with brick-and-mortar branches, you want fast and responsive customer service. We took branch hours or phone hours into consideration, as well as a responsive chat or email for those who prefer automated service without speaking directly to a person.
Other Products and Services
Many people want to use the bank that holds their primary checking account as a one-stop shop for all their financial needs. They don’t want to download another mobile app, remember another password, or keep their money in different places.
For this reason, we considered the availability of high yield savings or money market accounts, CDs and other financial services when choosing the top free checking accounts. Chase, Capital One, and a few others got bonus points from us for the ability to link a child’s account to teach money management at a young age.
How to Choose the Best Free Checking Account
Before you choose a free account, decide what features are most important to you. Do you want a bank with brick-and-mortar branches or are you comfortable banking online only? If you choose an online financial institution, find out if there is a way to deposit cash, since some only allow mobile deposits and ACH transfers from other accounts.
Most of the checking accounts on this list offer similar features, including an easy to use mobile app, no monthly fees, direct deposit capabilities, and overdraft protection. Some have no minimum deposit to open the account, which is convenient since you can set up the account and then fund it within a few days or when you receive your next paycheck.
If you’re looking for interest bearing checking accounts, you’ll find a few on this list. Others provide debit rewards, which isn’t a common feature in a free deposit account. These benefits can help put extra cash in your pocket to help you reach your financial goals.
Determine if you want a linked savings. If so, do you want the capability to transfer funds into multiple savings buckets to help with budgeting?
All the banks on this list are FDIC insured for up to $250,000 per account holder for each type of deposit account. CCU is insured for the same amount by the National Credit Union Administration. That means your money is safe, which is important in today’s climate of economic uncertainty.
Ultimately, your checking account becomes a hub for your financial life. Whether you’re opening your first account or thinking about switching banks to get free checking and more perks, this list provides a good place to start your search.
Free Checking Account FAQs
See what people are asking about the best free checking accounts.
What are monthly maintenance fees?
Monthly maintenance fees are service charges imposed by a bank simply for holding an account. The free checking accounts on this list have fee free checking or it is easy to waive the monthly maintenance fee by having monthly direct deposits or meeting minimum balance requirements.
Do free checking accounts have any fees?
When people think of fee-free checking, they often think of an account with no monthly maintenance fees. However, some free checking accounts may have a monthly fee that can be easily waived with a monthly direct deposit or by meeting minimum balance requirements within a statement cycle.
So-called free checking accounts may have over fees besides the monthly fee. Read the fine print closely to find truly free checking accounts.
What fees do I need to watch out for?
Some banks who advertise free checking accounts may forego a monthly maintenance fee, but charge overdraft fees, ATM fees, withdrawal fees (typically only for savings or money market accounts), fees for paper checks, fees for paper statements, foreign transaction fees, and wire transfer fees. If you lose your debit card, you might have to pay a fee to have it replaced, as well as covering mailing costs.
Can I open a free checking account without a deposit?
Some banks allow you to open a checking account with no minimum deposit required. Of course, if there are any perks, benefits, or sign-up bonuses, you’ll want to fund the account to earn interest or take advantage of special offers.
How do banks make money on free checking accounts?
Banks might make some money from monthly maintenance fees and other customer service charges. But the bulk of their revenue comes from the interest rate they earn on your money when they invest it in other securities, as well as interest collected on loans they make.
Banks don’t necessarily keep the money you deposit in your account. They hold cash withdraws to allow customers to withdraw their money. But they also invest the money and earn revenue on those funds.
They may also earn money on loan services, financial advisory services, investment services with fees, and other services they provide to customers.
These other revenue streams allow banks to offer free checking accounts without losing money.
What’s the difference between a checking and a savings account?
A checking account is where you keep cash for everyday spending. Typically, you can make debit card purchases and withdraw funds from an ATM easily, without fees. Most checking accounts don’t pay interest on your deposits, but some do.
A savings account, on the other hand, holds money you are saving either for a specific events – such as vacation or large purchase – or for an emergency. Financial experts recommend keeping as much as three to six months of living expenses in an easy-to-access savings account.
Savings accounts pay interest ranging from .01% annual percentage yield APY up to 4% or 5% APY. Be aware that some savings accounts charge fees for monthly withdrawals exceeding a limit of six per month.
A cruise can satisfy the greatest wanderlust, satisfy your favorite (and newfound) food cravings and open new horizons and interests you never thought possible. But you can also fall for tourist traps or miss the authentic culture of the places you visit.
🤓Nerdy Tip
If you’ve never cruised, talk to others who have more firsthand insights. Their perspective can shed even more light on the experience you can expect.
Going on a cruise has pros and cons, and it may be worth reviewing them before your next sailing. Let’s look at the pros and cons of cruises.
Pros
A good deal
Cruises can be costly, but you get more than just a great view of the ocean. Cruise bookings often include your:
Accommodations.
Some drinks.
Entertainment.
Recreational amenities like pools and waterslides.
Other onboard activities.
You can step aboard the ship and not spend a penny if you play your cards right.
There are plenty of ways for cruises to pull more money out of your pocket on board (think: spa, specialty restaurants, upgraded drink packages, shore excursions, shops and casino), but you can still have plenty of fun without spending an additional dime.
Cruise lines are reinventing their onboard options, and specialty restaurants tap in to the talents of well-known chefs and restaurateurs. This can take some of the boredom away from the same dining rooms, but it comes at a cost.
For the most part, however, if you find a good price on the cabin, the number of inclusions that come with it can quickly drive down the cost of an overall vacation. Of course, the more you spend on the cabin (some of those luxury suites, for example), the lower the bargain you’ll get.
Entertainment and education galore
You read that right — you can learn something educational on a cruise.
Many cruises have port talks, destination immersion lectures covering the history and culture of a place, art galleries and trivia games. You can learn something on board, and then when you’re ashore, you can explore the destinations you visit.
Cruises are a great way to learn more about the world, meet new people and learn from them, too.
And there is more entertainment than you can shake a stick at on board and ashore. From musical performances to game shows and cinemas, you can easily fill up your schedule.
Every ship is different, so it is important to review what is available on your sailing if staying busy is your goal. Otherwise, bring a book and watch the world float by from the deck.
On sea days (when the ship is traveling between ports), it’s like having your own resort with pools and activities included in the overall cost of your vacation.
Maximize your time
A cruise can introduce you to many places at once without your worrying about unpacking and repacking between destinations or paying for transportation between cities.
You unpack once and then are on your way, with all of the details handled for you — from immigration protocols to where to go and when.
The cost of a cruise includes a preplanned journey to some of the most popular points within a region and your transportation between them.
For example, your itinerary may have multiple Mediterranean cities or several European capitals.
There’s something quite relaxing about waking up each morning in a new city. And when you return after a day of exploring, housekeeping has cleaned your room.
A cruise may be a great option for less-frequent travelers because the cruise line is essentially “holding your hand” along the way.
Even better, some stops may be hard to reach by land — like many Alaskan ports — or expensive to reach independently, like some Greek islands or pricy ports in the Caribbean like St. Barts.
Family and group travel come easy
Cruises are an easy option for groups traveling together. Unlike on land, where it can be hard to find restaurant reservations for large groups or find one activity that suits every interest, cruises have something for everyone.
People can branch off to do what they like on the ship and then meet back up an hour later without worrying about traffic or safety issues for kids.
Cons
Lots of people
While this varies by ship — some enormous ships have so much space that there are plenty of areas where you’ll be one of only a few people — crowds may flood popular areas.
For example, people vying for their moment in the sun may swarm the pool deck and families may descend on the water park area simultaneously.
Lines can form at popular buffets or restaurants at meal times, and when it’s time to go ashore (or disembark after the cruise), you’ll be one of many waiting in line.
Repetition
If you’re not willing to pay for specialty venues or you’re on a smaller ship that doesn’t have many free dining options, you may find that the dining rooms become repetitive. Menus change daily, but the setting does not. The window views at dinner will vary by destination, though, adding a bit of pizzazz.
If you make an effort, it is possible to find different things to do each day on almost all larger ships. River cruises, on the other hand, are much smaller and tend to feel more repetitive.
The same premise appears with the destinations for repeat cruisers. Because the cruise line plans itineraries, you may visit places you have been to multiple times if you sail often enough. It becomes harder to exclusively visit “new-to-you” places.
If it’s the latter you’re after, planning your own trip may be a better option.
One price is not always just one price
If you loosen your purse strings easily, spending more than you realize aboard a ship is possible.
A few cocktails by the pool each day, an extra tour or specialty restaurant dinner another, and before you know it, you’ve paid twice as much as you thought. It’s wise to board a ship with a budget in mind and plan your sailing accordingly so you don’t overspend without realizing it.
Tourist traps
Cruise lines are often important economic engines for destinations. You may find yourself dealing with tourist traps, such as shops by the port, and beginner tours organized by the cruise line.
If you want the most authentic experience, it might be worth studying local guides and tour options online in advance to find something more authentic without falling for what’s waiting for you right at the port.
If you’re going on a shore excursion through the cruise line, you can count on being carted to places designed for large groups rather than hidden gems. Many tours often include a stop at a local shop or business that may be presented as authentic, but locals will tell you it is not.
This trend is amplified because travelers usually have only one day at each destination. As a result, time is of the essence to visit the most important sights without wasting it at tourist traps.
Frequent cruisers, however, will tell you that you should use a cruise to determine places you want to return to by using it as a sampler to explore many destinations. They also suggest planning what you want to do so you can hit the ground running.
Exploring independently or with a local guide (not booked through the ship) can often be your best bet. It also has the added benefit of directly supporting a local business or guide rather than funneling that cash through the cruise line.
The pros and cons of cruises, recapped
It’s unfair to decide how you feel about a cruise without trying one. Even those who insist they wouldn’t like one may end up having a good time.
Perception is not always reality, and you can be better prepared by considering all of the pros and cons of a cruise in advance. Talk with people on either side to get answers to your questions.
Not every type of travel is for everyone, but the ever-expanding cruise industry keeps adding amenities, perks and destinations. That alone speaks for itself.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for:
Inside: Trade and Travel is a legitimate investing course to learn how to make money in the stock market. See my personal view as a student.
I have been in the personal finance industry for a long time and have watched gurus with CFP and many more designations struggle to make money consistently in the stock market.
There are many concepts on how to trade the stock market.
Teri’s IWT system works.
It’s legit.
I’m a part of her investing course. I have seen the results. $1000 a day club in my LIVE account. Yes.
So, you get to read my Invest with Teri review first.
Teri is able to break down investing into the stock market like no one else I have seen.
You can read a book or blog and find many different concepts that work for them. Then, walk away with your head spinning and quit on the idea of trading and lose a bunch of money along the way. This is why most people leave it to professionals (which is a mistake with that pesky 1% asset management fee).
The Invest with Teri Method is a 7 Step Process that simplifies how to invest in the stock market.
She goes into detail on each of the seven steps to make sure you pick the right companies, limit your risk, know when to buy, and when to take profit.
Plus you have access to a private Facebook group and countless hours of coaching calls to really understand the IWT method.
This is how I am choosing to finance the life I want.
Okay, now that we got that out of the way… let’s dig into the details of the Invest with Teri review and learn how to travel and travel.
This is what you want? Right?
Make more money and have more time freedom.
Enough sitting on the sidelines… read this IWT review and then sign up today.
Honestly, if you have any money in the stock market, you need to take this course to understand the fundamentals.
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.
What Are Online Stock Trading Classes?
If you’re interested in taking stock trading classes, there are a few things to consider before jumping into the world of investing. Stock trading is an investment that can be profitable if done correctly and is a way to grow your money.
Stock trading courses are a great way for newcomers to learn about the stock market. Also, courses are fantastic for those who want to refine their investing skills or maybe stop the bleed of money from trying on their own.
The Invest with Teri Ijeoma course provides a more structured learning path and can help you avoid some of the common mistakes made by novice traders.
In order to get the most out of a stock trading course, it is important to find one that matches your individual needs and goals. Plus one that can offer support and guidance because learning to trade is a learning curve.
Who Should Take Stock Trading Classes?
It is possible to learn the ins and outs of stock trading on your own without taking any classes.
However, for those who want a more structured learning experience, or for those who want to have access to a community of traders, stock trading classes can be a great option.
Taking stock trading classes can be a great idea for people who are interested in getting into the industry. The stock market is one of the most popular industries to get involved with, so it is likely that you’ll want to pursue a side hustle that may lead to a career in this field.
There are many different types of stock trading classes available, so it is important to do your research and find the one that best suits your needs.
Even if you are an index fund investor doing it on your own, this investing class is great knowledge to understand how the market works beyond “I hope it keeps going up.”
Must Read: How To Invest In Stocks For Beginners: Investing Made Easy
Trade and Travel 2.0
Right now, Teri and the rest of her coaches are doing a MAJOR overhaul on the signature course.
Her design team is currently working really hard to create an updated look and feel so you can experience Trade and Travel even better than before.
However, there will be changes – some we know about and some we don’t.
What we Know Today:
A significant Price increase happened (like double to $10k)
Shorting and gaps will be included in the main Trade and Travel course.
Limited time support on coaching calls. (However, a subscription model for additional coaching will be available.)
What You’ll Learn in the Trade and Travel 1.0 Course
The Trade and Travel course is an online course that will teach you everything you need to know about the world of trading, and more!
First of all, Invest with Teri along with Trade and Travel are used interchangeably. They are both the same AMAZING course that will teach you to make money in the stock market.
You will learn the Teri Ijeoma trading strategy.
The Invest with Teri 1.0 course is divided into two sections:
Travel & Travel – This is the basic course to understand fundamentals and to learn how to make money as the stock market goes up.
VIP Program – This is an advanced course that covers shorting, gaps, and options.
The great news… you can start with the basic Trade & Travel program and upgrade to VIP at a later date.
If any of this sounds foreign to you, Teri is one of the best teachers I have ever met. She breaks break down investing in the stock market like no one else I have seen. She is able to take difficult concepts and make them easy.
Simply put, Teri offers a course that teaches you everything you need to know about investing.
Later, in this Invest with Teri review, I will detail the difference between the two courses and what you will learn.
Teri’s Purpose of Trade and Travel – Financial Independence
The purpose of the course is to help students learn how to generate wealth.
Students can use the extra income earned from the course to supplement their income, pay off debt, or save so they can solidify their financial independence.
There is no doubt that in order to achieve financial independence, you need to invest in yourself. This means learning new skills, working on your mindset, and making smart choices with your money.
With a positive attitude and a determined spirit, anything is possible!
Want to Learn More about Investing?
How do you trade with Teri?
The privilege to have one-on-one coaching with Teri herself is very rare. However, she is known to offer group mastermind sessions for her VIP students.
So, in order to trade with Teri, you must enroll in the full $5000 course and wait for the next opportunity to trade with her.
Trade And Travel Program
The Trade and Travel program is the fundamental part of the investing course. This section will teach you the basics of the stock market and how to make money on the way up.
Teri’s trading strategies focus on risk management and she has seen many of her students achieve success with trading.
To be upfront in this Trade and Travel review, you will learn:
Learn how to pick stocks
Understand how the stock market works and how you can make money off it
Recognize why risk management is the most important aspect of trading
Understanding how to read charts
Learn the best places to buy and sell a stock could be
Be able to tell the story of the candles
Understand if your stock trade has a strong likelihood of being profitable
Determine how many stocks to buy based on your risk tolerance
How to place a trade at your brokerage
Manage your trade and exit based on your trading plan
That is a highlight of what you will learn in the basic Trade and Travel program.
Trade And Travel VIP Investor Program
The VIP program is the advanced piece of the course once you learn the fundamentals of the Trade and Travel program.
For those looking to upgrade to the VIP program, you will learn:
Make money when the market goes down.
How does shorting the stock work
When to look for gaps and what they mean
What is globex?
Options! This is everyone’s favorite part of the course!
Understand how to make money with option contracts
Risk management with options
Plus so much more!
Plus you can rewatch all of the curriculum and coaching calls over and over until you get it. That aha moment!
Both Travel & Travel and VIP offer live zoom training each week. Plus there is a vault of recording coaching calls to review.
Supportive Trading Community
Teri has built a supportive trading community of fellow students who have gone through the course.
Each trade cuzzin offers encouragement, advice, moral support, and feedback to each other.
This supportive community can help people overcome their anxiety and doubts when trading and investing.
You can find this supportive community on Facebook groups, Telegram groups, Clubhouse clubs, local meetups in your city, and people have connected to create a mastermind group. Honestly, there are plenty of people available to make sure you are successful on your journey.
Don’t forget… There are weekly live calls and chart parties.
This is how many people have turned 10k into 100k.
My Personal Trade and Travel Reviews
This is one of the best educations I have received.
My biggest regret is that I did not enroll in the course sooner (same as the time before I upgraded to VIP).
In all honesty, this course is a better education than spending hundreds of thousands on a college degree.
Personally, I meet Teri during FINCON, a huge conference for personal finance content creators and brands.
I loved how Teri spoke during her presentation and quickly reached out to learn more about her Invest with Teri course. Also, I was intrigued by the $1000 in a day club.
As always, I investigate every single company or platform that I recommend.
Obviously, this course has an eye-shocking price tag when you first see it. However, once you start earning your money back, you quickly realize how undervalued her course is.
As I always tell my readers… if I wouldn’t put my time, energy, or money on the line, then I am not going to tell you about it. I will only recommend products, services, and courses only that I truly know that work.
My View as a Trade and Travel Student
After a few months of debate if I could afford to spend the money on this investment course…
I became a Trade and Travel student in February 2021.
As outlined above, the course is jam-packed with information. I thought with my background in personal finance I would have a leg up over the others. However, I quickly learned that I need to view the stock market from Teri’s point of view and put blinders on to others’ opinions or styles of trading.
There are a ton of ways to make money in the stock market. This is one of them.
You can google and probably find many more investment courses and rabbit holes to follow. Investing is one of the most popular Reddit Personal finance topics. People want to learn to trade and most are looking to be fed information.
You have heard that saying, “teach a man to fish and he will never go hungry.”
The same holds true for completing this course, “Teach a trader to make money and you will be more profitable than your dreams.”
The best thing about life is you get to decide what you want to do, spend your time, and budget your money. Investing in this course is a big pill to swallow and I get it. However, I would not be so adamant about telling others about this course since I see a path for people to stop the stress with money.
I am successful with trading. Now, it is your turn to become successful.
This is by far the best investing course I have ever seen. 1000% recommended by me personally.
$1,000 In A Day Club
Here is proof. I made the $1k club in my live account and $10K in SIM.
I am a part of the trading community.
What exactly is the $1000 in a day club?
This exclusive club is for those traders who have made over $1k in a day.
Many IWT traders have received this plaque and part of this $1000 in a day club.
If you want to invest money and make $1000 a day this is how to start.
This is how I am choosing to finance the life I want.
Get one step closer to reaching your dreams and financing your life!
How Long Does It Take to Learn to Trade Stocks?
The time it takes to learn how to trade stocks depends on your personal learning style.
It typically takes 2 to 3 years to learn how to trade stocks.
By taking an in-depth course, you can shorten your learning curve.
Teri’s Approach to Learning to Trade Stocks
More importantly, the results you see trading stocks will depend on the effort put in to learn the curriculum, manage the trade, minimize your risk, and prepare your mindset.
Teri’s goal for her student is to earn 1% of our capital consistently.
This is not a get-rich-quick scheme. You have to put in the hard work to reap the benefits (aka profit).
For example, some people learn better by reading and others prefer watching videos. Some people may find that they learn best by following an instructor in a live trading room.
Who is Teri Ijeoma?
How many years of trading experience does Teri have?
Teri Ijeoma has over 10 years of trading experience.
Once she left her job as an elementary school assistant principal, she took off to travel the world. Those around her started asking questions and she taught her first group of students in Thailand.
Teri enjoys enlightening people on investing strategies and is passionate about building wealth.
Combining her trading experience with her teacher background, Teri is a talented educator in the investing world.
Teri has been featured on Forbes, NBC, CBS, ABC, Black Enterprise, Yahoo Finance, Business Insider, Fox News, Comcast – just to name a few!
She thrives by teaching others how to invest, so they can afford the life of their dreams.
Teri has made significant amounts of money through trading and is motivated by helping others achieve success.
Check out Teri discussing her $1,000,000 in a day profit. Yes, one million dollars in a day!
I’m scared to lose my real money trading. Can I still take the course?
Don’t want to risk your money, but are curious?
You can practice in a simulated account before you move to real money. Then, you can make mistakes. Learn from those mistakes. Understand how the stock market moves. Make wins.
The bottom line you can make real money in the stock market. You just have to be armed with knowledge and a trading system that works.
That is why most people lose money in the stock market! They don’t understand how the stock market works. They have poor risk management strategies and tend to select the wrong companies to trade with.
In the Trade and Travel course, you will walk away with so much investment knowledge and support from other people in the course to be successful.
Afraid to trade individual stocks? Teri’s process works with ETFs too!
Is Invest with Teri Reviews Reddit? Is this a scam?
As with any popular r/personalfinance thread, this is one that comes up often…is Invest with Teri legit?
There is a lot of mixed information on the web when it comes to Invest with Teri.
Some people have had great experiences and made a lot of money, while others have had negative experiences and lost money.
Since I have been forthcoming that I am a student of her course, I would recommend active trading as a way to supplement your income.
However, you must be willing to put in the time and effort to see the results.
And honestly, that is where most people give up because you must put in the effort.
At Invest With Teri, they believe anyone can learn how to invest and generate income through investment. They offer a variety of courses on how to invest, as well as a community of support to help you get started.
Their program has helped people from all backgrounds achieve their financial goals.
Did this Trade and Travel Review Convince You?
Teri Ijeoma is a millionaire trader and coach who shares her tips and tricks for success.
Trading is a skill that can be learned, and with the right education, anyone can do it successfully.
Trading is not a get-rich-quick scheme – it takes time and effort to learn.
Don’t waste your time or money on being a self-taught trader. Take a course from an expert.
I am part of this trading community and so excited to be a trade cuz!
Start building another income stream for yourself.
Invest with Teri Ijeoma teaches you how to make a lot more money than you currently are. Very possibly, trading can help you replace your current income or even exceed it
To be successful, you need to invest in this investing course, develop a solid trading plan and stick to it.
Get one step closer to reaching your dreams and financing your life!
Be the first to know when Teri releases a coupon code for her Invest with Teri course.
Do you have an Invest with Teri Coupon?
It is VERY rare that Teri puts out a coupon code.
However, if she does, I always notify my email list who have been on the fence about enrolling.
Typically, these coupon codes are valid for a limited time only.
Trade and Travel FAQs
Obviously, you are doing your due diligence before enrolling in this course, which I completely understand. I did too! I spent a lot of time researching prior to enrolling in this course.
Here are answers to the most asked questions about Invest with Teri, Trade and Travel, VIP program, as well as Teri Ijeoma.
Is the Trade and Travel course for new investors?
Yes, the Trade and Travel course is for both new investors and experienced investors.
Honestly, you are more likely to lose money in the stock market by trading on your own rather than spending money on the best investing course available.
The course is designed for everyone, regardless of experience level.
There are different courses available within the program for more advanced students (like shorting and options).
How long does the program take to complete?
You can complete the course within a weekend if you binged watch everything.
However, it takes 8 weeks to thoroughly go through the curriculum.
The main Trade and Travel course is broken down into sections, and modules include videos, tutorials, pdf worksheets, quizzes, and more.
The course instructor, Teri Ijeoma, estimates that it will take 8 weeks to complete the online course material before you begin trading.
In addition, there are plenty of coaching calls, which are filled with gems of information that you can watch.
This investing course is much like obtaining a college degree. The more you study, the better results you will have.
What will I learn in Invest with Teri course?
You will learn how to trade stocks and options based on her Invest with Teri method.
This is a solid, effective investing strategy.
Learning how to effectively trade stocks and make 1% consistently is the goal. This is higher than the market returns on any given day.
How much does Teri ijeoma course cost?
The cost of the Trade and Travel 2.0 course is $10000.
In addition, there is a payment plan available that allows you to pay in installments which is a great option without interest or hidden fees.
Honestly, this investing course is undervalued given the amount of knowledge you will gain.
Is there a payment plan?
Yes, there is a payment plan.
This is a great way to invest in the program with an affordable payment plan based on what you can pay today.
Right now, you can start the course with Payment Plans as LOW as $208/Month.
Can I purchase the Trade and Travel course and upgrade to the VIP program later?
Yes, you can always upgrade to VIP and pay the $2,500 difference. This is something you can do at any time.
I purchased the course to learn the basics and when I made money to pay for the VIP course I upgraded. Many students have done the same.
My gem of advice… eventually, you need to upgrade to VIP to fully understand the chart analysis as well as make money on the way down.
How much money do I need to start trading?
Many students start with $500.
This question is very difficult to answer because it depends on your personal finance situation and the type of trading you want to do.
The best advice is to start small and grow your account.
Trading stocks and options come with risk as such you must recognize that it is possible to lose all of your trading money.
Personally, I recommend starting with the amount you are comfortable losing. For me, I started with $3000.
Again, you do not need a lot of money to start trading. Check out this interview with Chris Calvin (aka Trade with Coach). He started with $500 and quickly grew it to 5 figures!
What trading platform does Teri Ijeoma use?
In her Trade and Travel course, she reveals which brokerages she has used in the past.
Right now, she is known to use Tradestation.
Recently, in her 5 Day Take the Trade Live Challenge, she set up a brokerage account with TD Ameritrade.
Do I have to attend coaching calls live?
You don’t have to attend coaching calls live. Also, all of the live trainings are recorded except the weekly Trade and Travel Q&A.
By attending a live coaching call, you have the opportunity to ask questions and get help from the instructor.
You can access the class recordings at your convenience once the coaching call is uploaded.
Personally, I attend the VIP coaching calls live to get the best out of the experience.
Remember, if you miss a class, you can always watch the recording later. You will have lifetime access to the coaching call recordings.
How long do you have access to the curriculum?
LIFETIME ACCESS!
You will have lifetime access to the curriculum.
That is pretty amazing to have these resources available forever.
You can review the curriculum as many times as you like.
Personally, I have gone back and reviewed many modules and coaching calls again (and again).
Is there a Facebook group? How long do you have access?
In fact, there are two Facebook groups for students that are run by the IWT coaching staff.
One Facebook group focuses on the general IWT method and the other is specific to VIP strategies.
In addition, there is a Trade and Travel sponsored Telegram group.
These Facebook groups are a great way to connect with other students and to learn from each other.
You have access to the group for as long as you are enrolled in the course.
What’s Teri’s Instagram handle?
First of all, there are so many fake accounts for Teri Ijeoma, Invest with Teri and the Trade and Travel Course.
Teri’s real account is @teriijeoma
Beware of imposters accounts and scams.
Can I share my course log-in information with others?
No, this is not allowed.
Each person should purchase the course separately.
The only exception is you can share with your spouse.
What is the refund policy?
According to their policy, refunds are not available for any of their courses. (You can read that here).
However, they do not want unhappy students or I don’t want unhappy trading cuz.
So, if you need additional assistance, reach out to their support team at [email protected] and one of the fabulous coaches will assist you.
Honestly, this makes 100% sense as a student. There is so much knowledge and information in the course that it is not surprising.
If you truly put in the time and effort, you will see success. You have to put in the work though.
Just a reminder… trading is a risky investment if you don’t know what you are doing. You can lose money in the stock market.
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!