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36k salary is a solid hourly wage; above most minimum hourly wage jobs.
For most people, an entry-level job would be paying just over $36,000 a year. The question that remains is can you make a living off $36k a year.
The median household income is $67,521 in 2020 which decreased by 2.9% from the previous year (source). Think of it as a bell curve with $68K at the top; the median means half of the population makes less than that and half makes more money.
The average income in the U.S. is $48,672 for a 40-hour workweek; that is an increase of 4% from the previous year (source). That means if you take everyone’s income and divided the money evenly between all of the people.
But, the question remains can you truly live off 36,000 per year in today’s society since it is well below both the average and median household incomes? The question you want to ask all of your friends is $36000 per year a good salary.
In this post, we are going to dive into everything that you need to know about a $36000 salary including hourly pay and a sample budget on how to spend and save your money.
These key facts will help you with money management and learn how much per hour $36k is as well as what you make per month, weekly, and biweekly.
Just like with any paycheck, it seems like money quickly goes out of your account to cover all of your bills and expenses, and you are left with a very small amount remaining. You may be disappointed that you were not able to reach your financial goals and you are left wondering…
Can I make a living on this salary?
$36000 a year is How Much an Hour?
When jumping from an hourly job to a salary for the first time, it is helpful to know how much is 36k a year hourly. That way you can decide whether or not the job is worthwhile for you.
36000 salary / 2080 hours = $17.31 per hour
$36000 a year is $17.31 per hour
Let’s breakdown how that 36000 salary to hourly number is calculated.
For our calculations to figure out how much is 36K salary hourly, we used the average five working days of 40 hours a week.
Typically, the average workweek is 40 hours and you can work 52 weeks a year. Take 40 hours times 52 weeks and that equals 2,080 working hours. Then, divide the yearly salary of $36000 by 2,080 working hours and the result is $17.31 per hour.
Just above $17 an hour.
That number is the gross hourly income before taxes, insurance, 401K, or anything else is taken out. Net income is how much you deposit into your bank account.
You must check with your employer on how they plan to pay you. For those on salary, typically companies pay on a monthly, semi-monthly, biweekly, or weekly basis.
What If I Increased My Salary?
Just an interesting note… if you were to increase your annual salary by $7K to $43K per year, it would increase your hourly wage to over $20 an hour – a difference of $3.36 per hour.
To break it down – 43k a year is how much an hour = $20.67
That difference will help you fund your savings account; just remember every dollar adds up.
How Much is $36K salary Per Month?
On average, the monthly amount would be $3,000.
Annual Salary of $36000 ÷ 12 months = $3000 per month
This is how much you make a month if you get paid 36000 a year.
$36k a year is how much a week?
This is a great number to know! How much do I make each week? When I roll out of bed and do my job of $36k salary a year, how much can I expect to make at the end of the week for my effort?
Once again, the assumption is 40 hours worked.
Annual Salary of$36000/52 weeks = $692 per week.
$36000 a year is how much biweekly?
For this calculation, take the average weekly pay of $692 and double it.
This depends on how many hours you work in a day. For this example, we are going to use an eight-hour workday.
8 hours x 52 weeks = 260 working days
Annual Salary of$36000 / 260 working days = $138 per day
If you work a 10 hour day on 208 days throughout the year, you make $173 per day.
$36000 Salary is…
$36000 – Full Time
Total Income
Yearly Salary (52 weeks)
$36,000
Monthly Salary
$3,000
Weekly Wage (40 Hours)
$692
Bi-Weekly Wage (80 Hours)
$1,384
Daily Wage (8 Hours)
$138
Daily Wage (10 Hours)
$173
Hourly Wage
$17.31
Net Estimated Monthly Income
$2,290
Net Estimated Hourly Income
$13.21
**These are assumptions based on simple scenarios.
36k a year is how much an hour after taxes
Income taxes is one of the biggest culprits of reducing your take-home pay as well as FICA and Social Security. This is a true fact across the board with an all-salary range up to $142,800.
When you make below the average household income, the amount of taxes taken out hurts your hourly wage.
Every single tax situation is different.
On the basic level, let’s assume a 12% federal tax rate and a 4% state rate. Plus a percentage is taken out for Social Security and Medicare (FICA) of 7.65%.
So, how much an hour is 36000 a year after taxes?
Gross Annual Salary: $36,000
Federal Taxes of 12%: $4,320
State Taxes of 4%: $1,440
Social Security and Medicare of 7.65%: $2,754
$36k Per Year After Taxes is $27,486
This would be your net annual salary after taxes.
To turn that back into an hourly wage, the assumption is working 2,080 hours.
$27486 ÷ 2,080 hours = $13.21 per hour
After estimated taxes and FICA, you are netting $27,486 per year, which is $8,514 per year less than what you expect.
***This is a very high-level example and can vary greatly depending on your personal situation and potential deductions. Therefore, here is a great tool to help you figure out how much your net paycheck would be.***
Taxes Based On Your State
In addition, if you live in a heavily taxed state like California or New York, then you have to pay way more money than somebody that lives in a no tax state like Texas or Florida. This is the debate of HCOL vs LCOL.
Thus, your yearly gross $36000 income can range from $24,606 to $28,926 depending on your state income taxes.
That is why it is important to realize the impact income taxes can have on your take home pay. It is one of those things that you should acknowledge and obviously you need to pay taxes. But, it can also put a huge dent in your ability to live the lifestyle you want on a $36,000 income.
How Much Is 36K A Year Hourly Salary Calculator
More than likely, your salary is not a flat 36k, here is a tool to convert salary to hourly calculator.
Many entry-level jobs start at this range, which may make you believe that a business degree is worth it.
36k salary lifestyle
Every person reading this post has a different upbringing and a different belief system about money. Therefore, what would be a lavish lifestyle to one person, maybe a frugal lifestyle to another person? And there’s no wrong or right, it is what works best for you.
One of the biggest factors to consider is your cost of living.
In another post, we detailed the differences of living in an HCOL vs LCOL vs MCOL area. When you live in big cities, trying to maintain your lifestyle of $36,000 a year is going to be extremely difficult because your basic expenses, housing, transportation, food, and clothing are going to be much more expensive than you would find in a lower cost area.
To stretch your dollar further in the high cost of living area, you would have to probably live a very frugal lifestyle and prioritize where you want to spend money and where you do not. Whereas, if you live in a low-cost of living area, you can afford the cost of living and maybe save more money. Thus, you have more fun spending left in your account each month.
As we noted earlier in the post, $36,000 a year is well below the average income that you would find in the United States. Thus, you have to be wise in how you spend your money.
What a $36,000 lifestyle will buy you:
If you are debt free and utilize smart money management skills, then you are able to enjoy the lifestyle you want.
You are able to rent in a decent neighborhood in LCOL.
Driving a beater car is normal.
You should be able to meet your basic expenses each and every month.
Not be able to afford many of the fun spending luxuries.
Ability to make sure that saving money is a priority, and very possibly save $5000 in one year.
When A $36,000 Salary Will Hold you Back:
However, if you are riddled with debt or unable to break the paycheck to paycheck cycle, then living off of 36k a year is going to be pretty darn difficult.
There are two factors that will keep holding you back:
You must pay off debt and cut all fun spending and extra expenses.
Break the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle.
It is possible to get ahead with money!
It just comes with proper money management skills and a desire to have less stress around money. That is a winning combination regardless of your income level.
$36K a year Budget – Example
As always, here at Money Bliss, we focus on covering our basic expenses plus saving and giving first, and then our goal is to eliminate debt. The rest of the money leftover is left for fun spending.
If you want to know how to manage a 36k salary the best, then this is a prime example for you to compare your spending.
You can compare your budget to the ideal household budget percentages.
recommended budget percentages based on $36000 a year salary:
Category
Ideal Percentages
Sample Monthly Budget
Giving
10%
$150
Savings
15-25%
$450
Housing
20-30%
$884
Utilities
4-7%
$135
Groceries
5-12%
$270
Clothing
1-4%
$18
Transportation
4-10%
$135
Medical
5-12%
$150
Life Insurance
1%
$8
Education
1-4%
$8
Personal
2-7%
$24
Recreation / Entertainment
3-8%
$60
Debts
0% – Goal
$0
Government Tax (including Income Tatumx, Social Security & Medicare)
15-25%
$710
Total Gross Monthly Income
$3000
**In this budget, prioritization was given to basic expenses and no debt.
Is $36,000 a year a Good Salary?
As we stated earlier if you are able to make $36,000 a year, that is a low salary. You are making around or just above minimum wage.
While 36000 is a decent salary just starting out in your working years, it is a salary that you want to rapidly increase before your expenses go up or the people you provide for increase. If not, you will be left working multiple jobs to make ends meet.
However, too many times people get stuck in the lifestyle trap of trying to keep up with the Joneses, and their lifestyle desires get out of hand compared to their salary. And what they thought used to be a great salary actually is not making ends meet at this time.
This $36k salary would be considered a lower class salary. You must make each dollar count in your budget.
Check: Are you in the middle class?
In fact, this income level in the United States has enough buying power to put you in the top 95 percentile globally for per person income (source).
The question you need to ask yourself with your 36k salary is:
Am I maxed at the top of my career?
Is there more income potential?
What obstacles do I face if I want to try to increase my income?
In the future years and with possible inflation, in many modest cities 36,000 a year is not a good salary because the cost of living is so high, whereas these are some of the cities where you can make a decent living at 36000 per year.
If you are looking for a career change, you want to find jobs paying at least $45000 a year.
Is 36k a good salary for a Single Person?
Simply put, you can make it work.
You can stretch your salary much further because you are only worried about your own expenses. A single person will spend much less than if you need to provide for someone else.
Your living expenses and ideal budget are much less. Thus, you can live comfortably for $36000 per year.
And… most of us probably regret how much money wasted when we were single. Oh well, lesson learned.
Is 36k a good salary for a family?
Many of the same principles apply above on whether $36000 is a good salary. The main difference with a family, you have more people to provide for than when you are single or have just one other person in your household.
At the 36K salary with a family, you would need more than one income stream to make this possible without government help.
The costs of raising children are high and will steeply cut into your income. As you can tell this is a huge dent in your income, specifically $12,980 annually per child and this does not include college.
That means that amount of money is coming out of the income that you earned.
So, the question really remains can you provide a good life for your family making $36,000 a year? This is the hardest part because each family has different choices, priorities, and values.
More or less, it comes down to two things:
The location where you live in.
Desire to improve your career and make more money.
Your lifestyle choices.
You will not be able to afford everything on this salary.
Many times when raising a family, it is helpful to have a dual-income household. That way you are able to provide the necessary expenses if both parties were making 36,000 per year, then the combined income for the household would be $72,000. Thus making your combined salary a very good income.
Learn how much money a family of 4 needs in each state.
Can you Live on 36000 Per Year?
As we outlined earlier in the post, $36000 a year:
$17.31 Per Hour
$138-173 Per Day (depending on the length of day worked)
$692 Per Week
$1384 Per Biweekly
$3000 Per Month
Next up is making $40,000 a year.
Like anything else in life, you get to decide how to spend, save and give your money.
That is the difference for each person on whether or not you can live a lower-class lifestyle depends on many potential factors. If you live in California or New Jersey you are gonna have a tougher time than Oklahoma or even Texas.
In addition, if you are early in your career, starting out around 32,000 a year, that is a okay place to be getting your career. However, if you have been in your career for over 20 years and still making $36K, then you probably need to look at asking for pay increases, pick up a second job, or find a different career path.
Regardless of the wage that you make, if you are not able to live the lifestyle that you want, then you have to find ways to make it work for you. Everybody has choices to make.
But one of the things that can help you the most is to stick to our ideal household budget percentages to make sure you stay on track.
Learn exactly how much do I make per year…
One of the best ways to improve your personal finance situation is to increase your income. Here are a variety of side hustles that are very lucrative. With time and effort, you can start enjoying the lifestyle you want.
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Inside: Do you have a passion for something, but don’t know what to do with it? This guide will help you find a career that is perfect for you and match your interests and values.
This is something all of us wonder, right?
What should I do for a living?
Am I doing what I should do as a career?
Did I make the right decision with my career?
Or is it time to switch gears and find something that I love to do and make money at the same time?
I have been asking this question so many times, I finally decided to make a list of answers.
This is not just for those who want to know what they should do with their lives; it’s also for anybody looking for some new ideas on how they can fit into a career that will bring them satisfaction and happiness.
Recently, my middle schooler was asked, what do you want to do beyond high school? And he looked at me shell shocked.
Remarkably, this question of what should I do for a living is a doozy to answer. So, don’t feel alone if you cannot answer it… yet.
How do I find out what I should do for a living?
The first step to finding out what you should do for a living is to identify your skills and interests.
What are you good at?
What do you enjoy doing?
Once you have a better idea of your strengths and passions, you can start researching your options.
The bottom line…you must be happy to spend the next decades doing what you picked.
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Tips for finding a career you love
When you’re looking for work, it’s important to remember that there are many different ways of making a living. You can be an artist or designer in your own home studio, or run your own business. The key is to figure out what your interests are, and then find a way to use those skills in the work you love doing.
The goal of this article is not just to help you find a job that pays the bills, but to help you find work that is satisfying, meaningful, and fun.
Here are some tips to keep in mind as you go through the process of figuring out what you want to do with your life.
#1 – Focus on You
Don’t listen to people who tell you that you should do one thing. If your parents want to see you be a doctor, or if your friends think it’s important for you to have a “real” job, you might be tempted to listen to them.
Don’t let anyone else tell you what your passion is, or how you should spend your life.
Determine what’s important for YOU!
As you go through the process of figuring out what to do with your life, keep in mind that there are many different ways to live a happy and fulfilling life. You don’t have to be a doctor to help other people. You don’t have to work in an office all day, every day.
Do what you love and the money will follow.
If you do something that you love, you will never have to work a day in your life. If you do what you love, and are good at it, people will pay for that service or product.
Do what makes YOU happy. If you’re not happy, no one else will be either.
Don’t let anyone tell you what to do with your life. You should never have to justify your decisions or choices to anyone. You are the only one who has to live with your decisions and choices.
Do what you want, not what other people want for you or think that you should do. Period.
#2 – Identify What Interests You & Makes You Tick
There are a variety of ways you can go about finding out what interests you. You can read books and articles on different topics, talk to people with various careers, or take online quizzes and assessments – like this what should I do for a living quiz.
The first step to finding the right career for you is to identify what interests you intellectually.
What fascinates you?
What makes you feel like you are not working?
How do you want to spend your free time?
Once you know what fascinates you, the next step is to figure out how you can turn this into a career. Then, pursue your career interests relentlessly so you can reach your full potential.
#3 – Uncover your Strengths
Identifying your strengths is the key to finding opportunities that will be a good fit for you and enable you to reach your full potential.
Here are some things to take note of:
Pay attention to what you enjoy doing.
Notice when you feel most energized and engaged.
Consider what you do well naturally.
Reflect on feedback you’ve received from others.
Ask yourself how you can use your strengths more often in your current role or situation.
Once you know what they are, make sure to pursue opportunities that are based on them. This will help you stay focused and motivated in your work and life.
#4 – Match Your Values With Your Interests
Your values are the things that are most important to you in life. They guide your decisions and actions. They direct you to live a life that is meaningful to you.
There are many ways to identify your values. One way is to think about what is most important to you in different areas of your life, such as your relationships, work, leisure activities, and so on. Another way is to think about what you would like people to say about you when you are no longer here. What do you want them to remember about you?
Once you have identified your values, it can be helpful to write them down or share them with someone who will support and encourage you in living according to them.
When you link your values and interests together, it creates a powerful combination that can help you to live a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
When you know what is important to you (values) and what makes you happy and excited (interests), it becomes much easier to make decisions about how to spend your time and energy.
For example, let’s say one of your values is “family” and one of your interests is “cooking”. You could combine these by cooking meals for your family members or friends. Not only would this be enjoyable for you (because it aligns with your interest in cooking), but it would also be meaningful because it would be an act of love and care for those closest to you (which aligns with the value of family).
#5 – Consider your Lifestyle
Are you okay living below your means? Or do you prefer to flash your cash?
If you tend to spend money frivolously or struggle with saving money, then you need to be a high-worth earner. If you are okay living stingy, then a modest salary will probably work for you.
Keep in mind your lifestyle and what would be the best fit for you.
Consider if the hours are flexible, if you’d have time for hobbies and other interests, and how the commute looks. Sometimes rethinking your opportunities can give you a better perspective on what’s truly important to you.
Other Questions to Ponder:
Do you want a job that will consume most of your time?
Do you want a job where you can have a good work-life balance?
Are you okay with being tied to one location or have the flexibility to move around?
Are you willing to travel for work? If so, how often and how far?
What are your salary expectations? Are you looking for health benefits, paid vacation, or other perks?
Ultimately, there are many factors going into your decision. When considering a new potential career opportunity, it’s important to think about more than just the paper qualifications and the salary.
#6 – Spend Time Doing your Research
The best way to find a career you love is to first figure out what it is that you’re passionate about. What are the things that make you excited to get out of bed in the morning? Once you know what your passions are, research careers that align with those interests.
This just doesn’t happen overnight.
In fact, I recently went back to something of interest to me years ago because it would provide the time freedom I desired.
Spend time doing your research and following all the steps we cover in this post.
#7 – Find a career that matches your skills and interests
It can be difficult to identify what you want to do with your life, especially if you’re feeling lost or uncertain.
However, once you’ve identified what areas of interest might suit your skillset, try to link these interests with some type of career options.
Consider how your interests would fit into potential careers before choosing one.
It’s important to consider how your unique passions would fit into certain occupations or fields of work before choosing one. This will help you find a career that is satisfying and fulfilling. Consider the skills and interests you have and search for job openings that match them.
Start by researching the field you’re interested in.
# 8 – Talk to people in the field
There are a few ways to find people to talk to about your career interests. You can start by talking to friends and family members who might know someone in the field you’re interested in. You can also look for professional organizations related to your field of interest, or search for networking events in your area.
When you’re talking to someone about their career, it’s important to ask questions that will help you learn more about the field and whether it’s a good fit for you. Some questions you might want to ask include:
What does a typical day look like?
What is the most challenging part of the job?
What are the biggest rewards of the job?
These people will have better insights than what you can find searching the internet.
#9 – Get experience in the field
Oh, I cannot tell you how important this step is!
You have heard a similar story… my son dreamed of being an engineer and we planned to send him to engineering school. After his internship, the thought of being an engineer sucked the life out of him. Glad we learned this lesson before we spend money on his college education.
That is why I believe schools like this are so important to get real-life experience doing what you think you want to do for a living.
Consider internships or volunteer work to get your foot in the door.
Gaining experience can help you learn more about a particular field or company, and whether or not it’s the right fit for you.
#10 – Be open to change
Here are some things to keep in mind with change.
1. Change can lead to new opportunities: When you’re open to change, you’re also open to new opportunities. Embracing change can help you find a new job, start a business, or even move to a new city.
2. Change can help you grow: Personal growth is important for a fulfilling life. Change can challenge you and push you out of your comfort zone, leading to personal growth.
3. Change can be exciting: If you’re bored with your current situation, change can be exciting. It’s a chance to start fresh and experience something new.
4. Change can be positive: Even if it’s difficult, change can ultimately be positive. It can lead to improved relationships, increased happiness, and a better life overall.”
15 Most Popular Working for a Living Jobs
Many people want to know what they should do for a living.
For some, it’s not as easy as just “doing what you love.” There are definitely jobs out there that allow you to do what you love and make a living.
But first, we need to talk about the types of work available.
All salary estimates from Salary.com.
Registered Nurses
Registered nurses are in high demand and make a good living. They work with patients to assess their health, provide treatments, and help them recover.
Average Pay: $65k-70k per year
Education Needed: You need to have a nursing degree from an accredited school. You will also need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN)
Police Officers
Police officers are responsible for upholding the law and maintaining public safety. A successful career in law enforcement requires strong communication skills and the ability to stay calm under pressure.
Average Pay: $54k-72k per year
Education Needed: Requires a college degree
Security Officer
More people are looking for security officer jobs as the world becomes increasingly dangerous. Security officers are in high demand and are usually the first responders in an emergency situation. It’s a challenging and rewarding career that can make a difference in people’s lives.
Average Pay: $32k-53k per year
Education Needed: Depends on their background and previous experience.
Real Estate Agents
If you’re looking for a job that’s in high demand, consider becoming a real estate agent. With the right education and licensing, you could be helping people buy and sell homes in no time. You must be comfortable marketing yourself and closing sales.
Average Pay: $38k-140k per year
Education Needed: Real estate agents need to be licensed in order to work. The real estate agent licensure test has a written and practical exam that must both be passed. In order to pass, you will need to know about contracts, financing, legal issues, and more.
Nursing Assistant
One of the most popular jobs in America is nursing assistant. It requires little training and pays relatively well. The work can be demanding, but it is also rewarding, and many nursing assistants feel a sense of satisfaction from their work.
Average Pay: $29k-41k per year
Education Needed: The Nursing Assistant job requires a high school diploma or equivalent, on-the-job training, and certification.
Delivery Driver
One of the most popular jobs in America is being a delivery driver. There are many positions for delivery drivers with different companies. Popular companies to work for include UPS, FedEx, and Amazon.
Average Pay: $39k-54k per year
Education Needed: Minimal. To become a delivery driver, you need to have a valid driver’s license and be able to lift heavy objects.
Firefighter
The most popular jobs in the United States vary from year to year, but there are always a few constants. Among these are firefighters, who protect lives and property from fires and other emergencies. They undergo rigorous training and must be physically fit to do the job.
Average Pay: $54k-94k per year
Education Needed: To become a firefighter, you need to have completed high school and be at least 18 years old. You will also need to pass a physical test and complete a training program.
Customer Service Representative
A customer service representative is the front line of a company and often the first interaction a customer has with the brand. The customer service representative’s job is to handle customer complaints, provide product information, and handle other inquiries. In order to be a successful customer service representative, one must have excellent communication skills and be able to stay calm under pressure.
Average Pay: $28k-44k per year
Education Needed: Minimal. Most require on-the-job training.
Dental Assistants
Dental Assistants are needed in every dental office. They help the dentist chair-side and perform a variety of tasks such as: take X-rays, prepare patients for treatment, sterilize instruments, and more. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the number of jobs for Dental Assistants will grow by 18% from 2016 to 2026.
Average Pay: $32k-50k per year
Education Needed: To become a dental assistant, you will need to complete an accredited program and pass certification exams.
Nanny
One of the most popular jobs, and one that is likely to continue being in high demand, is nannying. To become a nanny, it is important to have experience with children and to be comfortable caring for them.
Average Pay: $37k-51k per year
Education Needed: You should also be CPR certified and have a clean background check.
Medical Assistants
A medical assistant is responsible for a variety of tasks in a doctor’s office, such as handling insurance claims, scheduling appointments, and helping the doctor with examinations.
Average Pay: $33k-44k per year
Education Needed: The job requires certification from an accredited program and on-the-job training.
Home Health Aides
Being a home health aide can be a rewarding career. Home health aides assist people who are unable to care for themselves in their own homes. They may provide basic needs such as bathing and dressing, or they may provide more specialized help, such as caring for someone who has Alzheimer’s disease.
Average Pay: $23k-33k per year
Education Needed: In order to be a home health aide, you need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, be at least 18 years old and have a driver’s license.
Personal Assistants
Being a personal assistant is a profession that helps people with various tasks. These tasks can include things like preparing meals, cleaning, and running errands. There are many different types of personal assistants, but all of them must have good communication skills and be able to multi-task.
Average Pay: $50k-83k per year
Education Needed: None
Graphic Designer
A graphic designer creates visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. They develop the overall layout and production design for advertisements, brochures, magazines, and corporate reports.
Average Pay: $39k-65k per year
Education Needed: Many hold a bachelor’s degree in graphic design or related fine arts field.
Marketing Manager
A marketing manager is responsible for planning and executing marketing campaigns that promote a company’s products or services. They must have a strong understanding of marketing principles and be able to develop creative strategies that will engage consumers
Average Pay: $47k-94k per year
Education Needed: Usually need a least a bachelor’s degree, but the experience is more important.
High Paying Career Opportunities that Pay Over $100k a Year
There are many popular career choices that people will argue about. For example, which is the best job? This section covers jobs that pay over $100000 a year.
These jobs typically have six-figure salaries and require years of schooling and training.
Software Engineer
A software engineer is someone who designs, creates, tests, and maintains the software that makes computers work. They design, develop, test, and maintain the software that makes our lives easier. As technology advances, the job of a software engineer becomes more and more important. Writes code, tests, and debugs programs and perform a variety of complicated tasks.
There is a high demand for software engineers in the airline industry. Pilots need software engineers to design, develop, and maintain the software that controls the aircraft. They also need software engineers to help with the maintenance and troubleshooting of the software.
Average Pay: $65k-130k per year
Education Needed: Requires a college degree. Many have master’s degrees as well. To become a software engineer, one must have a strong foundation in mathematics and computer science.
Database Administrator
A database administrator is responsible for designing, implementing, maintaining databases, and troubleshooting databases while ensuring their availability 24/7/365. They work with clients to understand their needs and create databases that meet those needs. Database administrators need strong technical skills, as well as good communication and problem-solving skills.
Average Pay: $97k-150k per year
Education Needed: May require a bachelor’s degree in area of specialty or require certification.
Investment Banker:
A career as an investment banker can be quite fulfilling, as you will be responsible for helping companies raise money by issuing and selling securities. You will need to have a good working knowledge of financial markets, as well as excellent communication and organizational skills. As well as provides analysis of opportunities and potential investments, assists clients with the formulation of investment proposals, and provides guidance on the structuring and negotiation of transactions.
Average Pay: $56k-110k per year
Education Needed: College degree is typical and may require an advanced degree.
Air Traffic Controller
Air Traffic Controllers work in airports to ensure safe and efficient air travel. They monitor aircraft and make sure they follow all the necessary safety procedures. They also direct the movement of flights and keep an eye on traffic congestion. An air traffic controller is key for the safety of the pilots and passengers.
Average Pay: $54k-120k per year
Education Needed: Requires certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Petroleum Engineer:
There is an increasing demand for Petroleum Engineers. They are responsible for the exploration and production of oil and gas and work in a variety of industries, including energy, mining, and transportation. They develop plans to extract oil and gas from deposits below the earth’s surface and new ways to extract oil and gas from old wells.
Average Pay: $82k-120k per year
Education Needed: Requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering. May specialize in reservoir engineering, drilling engineering, or production engineering.
Anesthesiologists
Anesthesiologists are responsible for the care of patients during and after surgery. They monitor patients to make sure they are safe, help them breathe, and make sure they are comfortable.
Average Pay: $310k-520k per year (most anesthesiology assistants make well over $100k)
Education Needed: Requires a bachelor’s degree. Then, medical schools are offering anesthesiology education.
Airline Pilots
Being an airplane pilot is a very demanding job. Pilots need to be able to stay focused for long periods of time while flying. They also need to be able to make quick decisions while flying. Pilots also need to be able to multitask while flying. With travel demand constantly growing, there will be a growing need for pilots.
The airline pilot profession is a very demanding one that requires a great deal of education and training. It takes many years of dedicated study to become a qualified airline pilot.
Average Pay: $125k-163k per year
Education Needed: In order to become a certified pilot, pilots must first complete an accredited undergraduate program. After that, they must complete a professional pilot training program that can last anywhere from 1 to 4 years. Finally, they must pass a certification.
Psychiatrists
There are many different types of psychiatrists and their job duties vary. Psychiatrists are typically employed as full-time employees in hospitals, clinics, or private practices. A psychiatrist’s job duties may include diagnosing mental disorders and providing treatment.
Average Pay: $190k-300k per year
Education Needed: Usually required to have a graduate degree in psychiatry and pass a psychiatric board examination.
Orthodontists
Orthodontists are a type of doctor who specializes in the treatment of teeth and jaws. They use orthodontic appliances (braces and retainer devices) and other treatments to correct problems with teeth and jaws. Orthodontists typically work in private clinics and hospitals.
Average Pay: $100k-210k per year
Education Needed: Required to have a four-year undergraduate degree in dental hygiene, dental medicine, or dental technology. After completing an orthodontic residency, they must pass the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) license examination.
Day Trader
A day trader is someone who makes a living by trading stocks, commodities, or currencies. They do this by buying and selling stocks, commodities, or currencies at the right time, and making a profit. This means that they are constantly on the lookout for opportunities to make money. A day trader typically works from home and may use a computer, telephone, or other electronic devices to trade.
Average Pay: $65k-120k per year
Education Needed: Required None required. However, many have a background in finance or economics.
Hedge Fund Manager
A hedge fund manager is a person who manages hedge funds. Hedge funds are investment pools that are used to protect investors from losses. Hedge fund managers make money by investing money in different types of securities.
Being a hedge fund manager is a very demanding job. It requires a lot of skill, knowledge, and experience. A hedge fun manager must be able to analyze financial data and make decisions quickly. He or she must also be able to communicate with clients and other employees of the hedge fund.
Average Pay: $87k-131k per year
Education Needed: Hedge fund managers must have a strong educational background. Studying finance or economics is usually necessary.
Web Developer:
A web developer is responsible for creating and maintaining websites. They work with clients to understand their needs and create a website that meets those needs. Web developers need strong technical skills, as well as good communication and problem-solving skills.
Average Pay: $97k-140k per year
Education Needed: College degree required. Must have certifications as well.
Network Engineer
A network engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining networks. They work with clients to understand their needs and create networks that meet those needs. Network engineers need strong technical skills, as well as good communication and problem-solving skills
Average Pay: $73k-120k per year
Education Needed: College degree required. Must have certifications as well.
Trade Jobs that Pay A lot More than Minimum Wage
Trade jobs often come with good pay. This is because they require specialized skills and training. Some of these jobs include welders, plumbers, and electricians. Many trade jobs also come with good benefits packages. This includes things like health insurance and retirement plans. Some even offer the choice to join a union.
For example, welders and power plant operators can make an average of $23 an hour. Plumbers and electricians can make an average of $30 an hour.
Power Plant Operator
Aircraft Technician
Welders
Plumber
Construction Manager
Electricians
Real Estate Appraiser
HVAC Technician
Elevator Mechanic
Radiation Therapists
Boilermakers
Most Needed Job Opportunities
There are a number of jobs that are on-demand and in high demand right now. These jobs may have different requirements or be in higher demand in certain areas, but they all offer the potential to make a good living doing something you love.
There are many trade jobs that are in high demand right now. This means that there are more job openings than there are people to fill them.
This list of the top five jobs in demand right now was formed with the help of Best Colleges.
Nurse Practitioner
A Nurse Practitioner is a type of doctor who helps patients with a wide range of health problems. They work in a team with other doctors and nurses to care for patients.
Nurse Practitioners are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of health problems, which can include everything from common colds to more serious diseases.
Average Pay: $100k-140k per year
Education Needed: Medical training is beyond what a registered nurse needs. A Master’s in nursing is required as well as state licensure.
Genetic Counselor
A genetic counselor is a healthcare professional who helps individuals and families understand and adapt to the medical, psychological, and social implications of genetic disorders. They work with patients to provide risk assessment, education, and support for inherited conditions.
Genetic counselors are poised for rapid growth and long-lasting job security due to advancements in genomics and genetic testing.
Average Pay: $67k-99k per year
Education Needed: Master’s degree in genetics and board certification.
Occupational Therapy Assistant
An occupational therapy assistant (OTA) is a healthcare professional who helps people regain and improve the skills they need to live and work independently. They provide rehabilitative services to patients who have sustained an injury, have a disability, or are experiencing physical and/or cognitive changes.
This may include helping individuals improve their mobility, balance, and coordination through exercise programs; improving the social skills of children with developmental challenges; working with people who have mental health conditions to help them participate in daily activities; or providing support to elderly patients who want to remain independent.
Average Pay: $52k-76k per year
Education Needed: Associate’s degree and field experience.
Physical Therapist Aides
Physical therapists aides help patients who have physical problems such as bed sores, fractures, and paralysis. They work with the physical therapist to help the patient move and perform activities of daily living. Typically duties include helping patients with exercises, massages, and other treatments.
Average Pay: $30k-38k per year
Education Needed: Physical therapist aides must have a high school diploma or GED and pass a criminal background check.
Information Security Analyst
The information security analyst job market is projected to grow by 33% over the next three years, making it one of the fastest-growing job markets. Information security analysts are vital to the protection of data and are responsible for the protection of computer systems and networks from cyberattacks and data breaches. They work to protect an organization’s most valuable assets- its data.
Average Pay: $70k-103k per year
Education Needed: Most have a Bachelor’s degree in software engineering or computer science. Also, many have certifications.
Thinking to Follow Your Passion – Cool Jobs to Do
There are a variety of jobs that you may not have considered that can be a great fit for you.
If you’re looking for a career change or just want to try something new, here are a few jobs you may want to consider. These jobs offer great opportunities and allow you to do what you love every day.
Video Game Programmer or Designer
If you love playing video games and have some creativity, you may want to consider becoming a videogame designer. This job allows you to use your imagination and creativity to create new and innovative gaming experiences for players all over the world.
Average Pay: $53k-185k per year
Education Needed: A college degree in computer programming is preferred. However, you can program get a certification and start working sooner.
Virtual Assistants (VA)
Being a virtual assistant can be a great way to make some extra money. It can be a lot of work, but with the right skills and equipment, it can be a lot of fun. Virtual assistants work with people all over the world, so there is always something new to learn. A VA has very flexible hours and can set its own schedule.
Average Pay: $39k-52k per year (depending on how much you hustle). Very common to make more.
Education Needed: None. But, this virtual assistant training is highly recommended.
Video Producer
There are a variety of video production jobs that are in high demand. If you have the skills and are passionate about video, there are plenty of opportunities out there. You could work as a video producer for a news organization, create video content for a website, or work for a company that produces video content for marketing purposes.
Average Pay: $47k-100k per year
Education Needed: Most have a college degree in design and video production. But, experience is preferred.
Tour Guide
If you are good at giving information tours, you may want to consider becoming a tour guide. Tour guides give visitors an overview of a particular place or attraction. They must be knowledgeable about the history and culture of the area they are touring, and be able to answer visitor questions.
Average Pay: $22k-44k per year
Education Needed: None.
Fashion Stylist
Detail-oriented people who have a passion for fashion and design can make a great living as a stylist. Stylists are in high demand, especially in the fashion industry. They typically work with clients to help them choose outfits or styles that will suit them, as well as style photo shoots and provide consultation on current trends.
Average Pay: $47k-64k per year
Education Needed: This is a job where you get popular by your experience and referrals.
Translators
Being a translator can be a very rewarding and challenging career. The most popular jobs for translators are in the legal, medical, business, and technical fields.
Translating is a very versatile job that can be done in many settings. Learning about the different types of translation and which language pairs are the most popular can help you get a better understanding of the field.
Average Pay: $43k-72k per year
Education Needed: Typically hold a bachelor’s degree. Must be proficient in at least two languages.
Social Media Manager
If you are able to communicate well, have strong writing and communication skills, and have some marketing experience, you may want to consider becoming a social media manager. A social media manager is responsible for developing and executing a social media strategy for their employer or client.
A social media manager is responsible for creating and managing a company’s social media presence. This includes creating content, monitoring activity, and engaging with followers.
Average Pay: $49k-75k per year
Education Needed: A college degree in marketing is preferred.
Event Planner
Event planners are in charge of organizing and managing events. They come up with ideas for events, coordinate with various departments to make them a reality, and keep things running smoothly. Event planners can work for businesses of all sizes, from small businesses to multinationals. There are many different types of event planners, so if you’re interested in a career in events, you should explore this avenue.
Average Pay: $47k-70k per year
Education Needed: Many have a college degree, but that is not mandatory. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to work under pressure. Experience is best.
Florist
There are many cool jobs that you can consider if you are interested in the floral industry. A florist can work in a variety of settings, such as a grocery store, a restaurant, or a ballroom. A florist can also work as a freelance artist, creating floral arrangements for special events. This is a creative outlet for many and comes with flexible hours. However, work can be seasonal and require working on weekends and holidays.
Average Pay: $35k-76k per year
Education Needed: Nothing special. Just have an eye for creativity and a love of flowers.
Work Opportunities to Make Real Money
How do you want to make money? There are many ways. You could choose a career in medicine, law enforcement, or any other occupation that ultimately benefits society and helps people thrive.
Many people believe a business degree is worth it, but may not be the best choice for you.
Here are real jobs to make real money at work.
Teacher
One of the most popular jobs in America is teaching. Teachers are needed in every state, and the profession offers great stability and benefits. We need our teachers to teach the next generation.
Average Pay: $39k-80k per year
Education Needed: In order to become a teacher, you need to have at least a bachelor’s degree and be certified in your state. Many pursue a master’s degree in order to receive higher pay.
Veterinarian / Veterinary Tech
There are a lot of different jobs in the veterinary field, and if you love animals, chances are you would enjoy working with them. Veterinarians work with all types of animals, from pets to livestock. Veterinary technicians work with animals in veterinary hospitals, performing tasks such as recordkeeping and taking care of furry patients.
Average Pay: $60k-150k per year / $25k-55k per year
Education Needed: Becoming a veterinarian is much like going to college to become a doctor requiring specialty degrees. However, a vet tech only needs a high school diploma.
Construction Worker
Being a construction worker can be a challenging, but rewarding experience. It can be a great way to meet new people and build some amazing structures. The job requires a lot of physical labor, but it can also be very rewarding to see a project come to life. If you are interested in becoming a construction worker, be sure to research the profession and prepare yourself for the challenges that will come with the job.
Average Pay: $26k-47k per year
Education Needed: Starting out no experience is needed. To become a project manager, you will need a college degree.
Marketing Assistant
A marketing assistant helps with a variety of tasks in marketing. They may be responsible for monitoring and managing budgets, creating and distributing marketing materials, or working with customers to improve their experience with a company. If you have a strong interest in marketing and are comfortable working in a collaborative environment, a marketing assistant role may be a good fit for you.
Average Pay: $34k-57k per year
Education Needed: A college degree in marketing is preferred.
Truck Driver
One of the most popular jobs in America is a truck driver and a heavily needed position. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are 1,187,500 truck drivers employed in the United States.
Average Pay: $45k-58k per year
Education Needed: A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required to become a truck driver.
Administrative Assistant or Office Manager
The Administrative Assistant position is one of the most popular jobs in America. The role generally entails providing support to managers and employees, handling office operations, and managing schedules. In order to be successful in this career, you’ll need strong organizational skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Average Pay: $35k-55k per year
Education Needed: None
What Should I Do for a Living FAQs
You enjoy going to work,
Your work makes you feel fulfilled.
Your skills are utilized and challenged.
You feel like you are making a difference.
This is why it is important to spend time making a decision on what to do for a living.
You’re not passionate about your work
You’re always stressed out
You dread going to work
You’re not challenged by your work
You don’t feel like you’re making a difference
It is better to make a decision to move out of the wrong career to maintain your happiness in life.
Research other careers that might be a better fit for you and consider making a switch.
Your interests can give you clues about the types of careers that might suit you. Your skills can help point you towards careers that will make use of your strengths.
Passions:
What are you passionate about?
What topics can you talk about for hours without getting bored?
Skills:
What natural talents do you have?
Are you good at working with your hands, or do you prefer working with your mind?
Do people often come to you for advice or help with problems?
Values:
What is important to you in a job?
Do you want to feel like your work makes a difference in the world, or do you just want a steady paycheck?
Do you prefer working independently or as part of a team?
Personality:
Are you an extrovert or an introvert?
Do people describe you as spontaneous or cautious?
Work environment:
Do you prefer working indoors or outdoors?
In an office or from home?
With animals or with people?
When it comes to choosing a career, it’s important to consider what kind of personality traits will make someone successful in their chosen field. Also, knowing your values can help narrow down your career options.
How can you create a career you love?
Your career is one of the most important aspects of your life. It’s what you spend the majority of your time doing, and it can have a huge impact on your overall happiness and satisfaction with life. That’s why it’s so important to find a career that you love.
When you have a career that you’re passionate about, it doesn’t feel like work. You’re more likely to be engaged and motivated, and you’ll be more likely to stick with it even when things get tough. Plus, pursuing a career that you love can lead to all sorts of other benefits, like increased success and earning potential.
There is no reason why you can’t create a career that brings joy into your life every single day!
How can you make a living doing what you love?
What are you good at? What do you enjoy doing? Which things are you naturally drawn to?
Those are the areas you need to focus on.
Once you have a plan, it’s time to start making money. There are a number of ways to do this, but the most important thing is to get started and keep moving forward.
Remember, it takes time and effort to build a successful business or find an enjoyable career.
What Should I Do Now?
There’s no single answer to the question “what should I do for a living?”
Everyone has a different idea of what they would like to pursue.
There is no right or wrong answer when answering this question, but if you are struggling with the decision-making process, take note of these most popular jobs and the skills you need to get them.
But by exploring your interests and values, you can find a career that is a perfect match for you.
No matter what your interests or skills may be, there is sure to be a cool job out there that is perfect for you.
You could also become an environmental scientist, web developer, or event planner. There are many exciting and rewarding careers out there – you just need to find the one that’s right for you.
Then, at the next social event, you can be proud to answer “what do you do for a living?”
So what are you waiting for? Start your search today!
More Ideas for You:
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
Have you ever wondered how you could double your money with or without the stock market? The reality is, there are a ton of ways you can double your money by investing smartly and giving it enough time. There are also plenty of ways to double your money in a hurry — maybe within a day.
The thing is, it’s a lot easier to double a $300 or $500 initial investment than it is to double, say, $10,000 or $20,000. Either way, we all want our money to grow, and there are lots of ways to achieve a great return-on-investment on both your money and your time.
Let’s Talk Safety vs. ROI
Wouldn’t we all want an investment which gave us a 12% ROI and had no risk? That would be a perfect world.
Sadly, you won’t find an investment with decent returns which doesn’t come with a certain level of risk.
Think of safety and ROI as a seesaw. The more you have of one, the less you’re going to have of the other. As the old adage goes, “more risk, more reward.”
For example, let’s look at investments with low-risk.
Bonds are a common low-risk investment. If you buy a long-term bond, you can get around 4% back on your investment. This means that bonds will give you a modest return (depending on the type of bond) and they have almost zero risk.
At the other end of the spectrum, you’ll find stocks, REITs, and high-yield bonds. These are going to come with a much higher level of risk, but there is a chance you could make a lot more money over the long-term.
For example, you can put some money in a REIT. You could get dividends worth around 15%, but the real estate market can be shaky.
If someone ever tells you they have an investment you can make excellent returns on with ZERO risk, then it’s probably a scam. You will never be able to invest your money without the chance of losing some or all of it.
The Rule of 72
The Rule of 72 is an easy strategy you can use to determine how long it will take for an investment to double based on a fixed rate.
To use this method, all you have to do is take the number 72 and divide it by the rate of return you expect to receive. The number you get back is a rough estimate of how many years it’s going to take for the investment to double.
Here’s a good example: Let’s say you invest in a specific index fund known as the Mid-Cap Growth Fund from T. Rowe Price (RPMGX), which has returned a whopping 14.91% for investors over the last 10 years. Using the Rule of 72, you would find this fund might let you double your money in 4.82 years. That’s pretty amazing if you ask me.
But all funds are not created equal. Imagine for a moment you invested in VanEck Global Hard Assets (GHAAX) instead, which has featured an average return of .67% over the last 15 years. Using the Rule of 72, you would probably be shocked to find that you could double your money with this fund in 107 years. Obviously, that is not going to do you much good!
With all this in mind, one problem with the Rule of 72 is the fact that, the higher the rate of return is, the less accurate it becomes. This is due to the fact that, by and large, short-term investment returns are incredibly volatile and hard to predict. With that in mind, my suggestion is you never use the Rule of 72 as a “hard” rule. Instead, use it as a rough estimate of what you may be able to earn on an investment.
50/50 Approach
The 50/50 investment technique has become one of the most popular through the years.
The idea is simple: Put half of your investments in stocks and the other half in bonds. Ideally, the bonds will give you financial security while the stocks give you an opportunity to achieve much higher returns.
With that being said, my suggestion is to put half of your money into a CD. You will be able to sleep at night knowing you won’t lose the money, but you can still earn a slight return.
Take the other half of the money and put into some higher risk investments. This can be mutual funds or ETFs depending on your goals and your risk tolerance.
These investments can help you earn some extra returns without leaving you high and dry if something were to happen to the investment market.
7 Ways to Double Your Money Fast
If you don’t want to wait a decade or longer to double your money, there are some ways to double smaller initial investments in a hurry. Some of these strategies require more work than others, but at least one of them should work for you. Read over these options, pick one, and get started toward doubling your investment right away.
Get a free stock
When you open an account with Robinhood, you get a free stock. You don’t get to choose which stock since Robinhood randomly chooses from their inventory of settled shares. However, you will get a stock worth something, and you can keep it or sell it down the line.
Better yet, Robinhood will give you a free stock each time you refer a family member or friend who opens an account through your link. You can receive up to $500 in free stock through referrals each calendar year, which is pretty sweet.
Webull is another online brokerage firm that offers free stock when you meet certain conditions. Just remember that the stock you receive will be chosen automatically from their settled shares, so the value of your free stocks can vary. In total, you can receive a stock worth up to $250 for opening your account and another stock worth up to $1,400 with your initial investment of at least $100.
These options are actually better than doubling your money. Robinhood and Webull offer free money, and who wouldn’t want that?
Buy the right IPO
An IPO is an initial public offering, which is basically the first time a stock is being sold to the general public. IPOs can wind up flopping for sure, but you can definitely double your money or better if you buy into the right IPO at the right time.
Case in point: The IPO price for Facebook stock was around $38, yet its trading at over $290 as of this writing. If you had bought a single share at the IPO price point, you would have received a return of over 700 percent so far.
The same is true with Tesla stock, which was originally offered at around $17 per share. Tesla stock was recently trading at well over $2,000 per share, so initial investors basically made bank. The stock went through a five-for-one stock split in August of 2020, and investors in Tesla are still ahead by a lot more than double since just the beginning of 2020.
With all this being said, keep in mind that not all IPOs are created equal and that you can buy the wrong IPO just as easily as you buy the right IPO.
Take the SmileDirect Club Inc. (SDC) I received as a free stock from Robinhood, for example. This stock is currently trading at a little over $11 per share when the original IPO price was $23 per share. This means early investors in Smile Direct Club did not double their money. Instead, they have lost about half of their initial investment so far, provided they bought in at the IPO price and haven’t sold.
When it comes to IPOs, the most important factor to keep in mind is buying into companies positioned for growth. According to Barron’s, IPOs performed really well in 2019 with the average IPO gaining around 20 percent. A few IPOs from 2019 are up huge too, like Karuna Therapeutics (KRTX) and NextCure (NXTC).
Buy and sell sneakers
Shoes are pretty hot right now, and the spoils of their surge in value really does go to those who can put in some time and effort. There are many times in the last few years where I have purchased a pair of “hot” sneakers for around $800 then turned around and sold them for $1,250. That’s not quite doubling my money, but it’s not bad, either. Plus, you can do it over and over again.
My Air Jordan One Chicagos (which are super sweet I might add) were originally purchased for $519. However, they now sell for a little over $1,300. Part of this is due to all the hype surrounding The Last Dance, which is a newer documentary that chronicles the historic rise of basketball legend Michael Jordan.
Crazy enough, one pair of Michael Jordan’s sneakers recently sold at auction for over $500,000. I don’t have any shoes that can sell for anywhere close to that, but you can still check out this video where I share my top 10 Jordan sneakers and more insights into how to make money buying and selling shoes.
If you love sneakers and want to get into the game, you can try buying and flipping shoes using StockX or even eBay.com. You can also download the SNKRS app from Nike, which can help you be the first to know when a popular pair of sneakers is about to drop.
Use Fiverr
Fiverr is an online marketplace that helps connect creatives with people who want to hire them. You can use this site to hire someone to design a logo, build your website, design a video, or work on data entry for you.
On the other side of the spectrum, you can use Fiverr to find almost any kind of work, and usually with little investment or no investment upfront. You don’t have to have an incredibly technical skillset, either. Or you might have a really specific skill set. For example, one time I paid a day trader who was advertising his services on Fiverr to tell me which stocks to invest in for speedy returns. You could watch this video to see how that project turned out, and to find out what happened to the $10,000 in cash I put on the line.
Funny enough, this example actually shows two different ways to make money on Fiverr. First, someone is making money by teaching other people how to become a day trader on Fiverr. Second, you can make money as a day trader, although it’s also just as likely you could lose your initial investment.
Keep in mind there are plenty more additional ways to make money with Fiverr. You could sign up for a service like Canva for $10 per month, for example, then charge people for basic design work they don’t have time for. Heck, you could edit resumes or write blog posts or do other basic tasks without any initial investment at all. Either way, Fiverr is an excellent resource if you need to earn money or double money you have in a hurry.
Garage Sales
Garage sales and consignment shops are a great place to find stuff you can buy and sell. You’ll only get ahead and double your money with this strategy if you buy low and sell high, but this is entirely possible if you know which items to look for.
At garage sales especially, many people price extremely nice clothing and household items for a few bucks, and you can monopolize on this by buying low and reselling these items online at a higher price point.
Heck, a lot of people head to garage sales to buy brand name clothing then resell it for much higher prices using websites like Poshmark.com. This is an easy side hustle that can help you double your money over and over again if you know which brands sell easily and for how much.
While I’m not a garage sale junkie, Gary VaynerChuk is constantly sharing his tips and tricks to help people double their money or better. Gary V. has a ton of blog posts and videos where he talks about buying vintage beer mugs for $5 and reselling them for $20, or how you can sometimes find collectible stuffed animals for $1 or less and resell them on ebay for many multiples of that.
One time he even bought a box of Skylander toys for $7 and sold them for over $180. The key to making money with garage sales is knowing which items can sell for a lot of money, and of course paying as little as possible.
Flip Websites
You can also buy and sell websites, which are basically virtual property. You might be amazed at how much some people are willing to pay for just a simple domain name. For example, my friend Noah Kagan once paid $1.5 million dollars for the domain Sumo.com. He’s made his money back and then some, but whoever bought the domain the first time definitely made a pretty penny.
You can find websites to buy on Flippa.com, including both domains and full websites that already have some content. From there, you can try to improve the sites so you can sell them for more money later on. You can also use them to make long-term, passive income with affiliates or ads.
As an example, I bought a website called FinanceforTeachers.com several years ago. I haven’t sold it, but I have more than doubled my money thanks to the ad revenue it brings in! I might keep it for a while until I feel I have made enough money and sell it for a profit, too.
Buy an Online Course
Sometimes you have to spend money to make money, right? This is exactly how I feel about buying online courses.
I’ve invested up to $30,000 on different courses over the years, and that doesn’t even include mastermind and coaching programs. For example, I bought Brian Dean’s course on how to make money using YouTube videos, which has paid for itself many times over even though the initial cost was over $2,000.
However, there are a ton of other courses out there that can help you double your money. This includes the Facebook side hustle course from LapTop Empires, which can teach you how to set up a Facebook ad company. With your own company, you can get paid to run Facebook ads for other people. Obviously, you’ll need to fork over some money upfront, but with a few clients, the course can pay for itself and you can be on your way to doubling your money over and over again.
Bobby Hoyt of Laptop Empires says the reason that you can get such high return-on-investment from this course is pretty simple. Once you’re trained on how to run Facebook ads, you can realistically charge a $1,500 monthly retainer for your services. The course is less than $500, so you can “double or triple your investment” within the first month of working with a client.
If you’re curious about more ways to earn money by investing in yourself, you should also check out my Passive 1K Income Accelerator Course. My course will help you learn how to grow a passive income business from the ground up — as in, make money while you sleep!
I will provide one final caution about investing in online courses. You should only fork over the cash if you’re willing to do the work. So many people buy courses but never finish them or follow through, which will not help you double your money in the long-term.
New to Investing?
If you’ve never invested your money, you might be worried about getting started. Maybe you clicked on this page to get some advice about doubling your money, but you’re scared to put your money on the stock market or you don’t know where to begin.
Thanks to the internet and some fancy algorithms, investing your money has never been easier. There are plenty of websites where you can start investing and they make it as simple as a few mouse clicks.
Betterment is one of the best. All you have to do is create an account, set your investment and financial goals, and then start contributing money. Betterment will handle the rest for you.
They automatically invest your money and will continue to invest it as you earn returns.
If you are interested in learning more about investing an inheritance, safe places to store your money, and the best places to open up a brokerage or savings account, here are some good reads:
Best Online Brokers for Beginner Investors – Want to get started investing, but don’t know how. Check out our post that outlines the best places online to get going.
Top Places to Invest Your Money for The Short Term – This post outlines 11 different options to put your money for the short-term. Also good options for people that don’t want to take a lot of risk starting out.
Low Risk Investments with High Return – Does investing give you sweaty palms and elevated heart rate? If so, first go out and buy some good deodorant. 🙂 Next, check out our post that lists 10 different safer options for people timid of the stock market.
Save more, spend smarter, and make your money go further
Earlier this month I had a major #fangirl moment. It was a full #fangirl evening, in fact, when I teamed up with New York Times bestselling author and Girlboss founder Sophia Amoroso to share in a very special money event.
In partnership with Mint, Sophia and I hosted a panel of four trailblazing entrepreneurs to have an “impolite” conversation about money. The audience heard from Mackenzie Barth, founder of Spoon University (which recently got acquired by Scripps Networks), Lisa Price creator of Carol’s Daughter, a multi-million dollar beauty brand, fashion entrepreneur Nina Faulhaber and Wing Yau, acclaimed jewelry designer.
The only rule for the evening was to be brutally honest. So, we went deep. We talked about our financial hang-ups, our money mantras, how we spend and save, as well as our money wins and losses.
While there were many takeaways, as moderator, I picked up on a few common threads – impolite “rules” – that ran through many of the stories shared. Here are my 5 favorites.
The panelists, a row full of successful entrepreneurs who seem to have a great handle on life and work, admitted that money can sometimes make them feel scared or anxious. In some cases it’s because, as business owners, they don’t always earn a consistent paycheck. In other cases they may not know the best way to save or invest. From time to time, they have doubts, insecurities and fears.
The room was full of nodding heads.
We all can get a little (or a lot) emotional over money, right? The topic triggers all sorts of feels, depending on our upbringing and life experiences. And that’s ok. Emotions provide context for how and why we the make decisions we do. On the panel, some grew up wealthier, while others remember living paycheck to paycheck. Each experience left them with a unique set of money emotions.
Rather than keep them bottled up, these women embraced their feelings. They shared them and through that discovered they weren’t alone and received acceptance and support.
To help us jump over our emotional hurdles, we need to arm ourselves with facts.
The panelists talked about how they continuously seek knowledge and answers to guide their decision-making. They need to make informed choices around saving money, using credit, taking on loans and building financially sound businesses. If they don’t know something, they’ll ask experts and advisors to find out. There’s no sense in guessing.
#3 You’re More Money Savvy Than You Think.
The voices in our head may be telling us that we’re not good enough or smart enough with numbers to manage our money well. Ignore the noise and realize it’s not that difficult. You may face a learning curve when it comes to budgeting, investing and expense tracking, but sometimes the only thing getting in the way is a bad mindset.
Panelist Wing Yau, the founder of WWake, is an artist first and businesswoman second. Like fellow artists, she admitted that she wasn’t exactly hard-wired to know how to analyze a profit and loss statement or manage the financials of her business. Money was an overwhelming topic, at times. But Wing insisted on learning how to manage her company’s books through research and seeking help, as well as trial and error. The process not only left her more educated. It gave her the confidence to fully tackle her business.
You can’t possibly know it all. And you shouldn’t go it alone. Each panelist credited friends, advisors and partners in giving them the support and feedback they need to make smart money moves, as well as business decisions.
Having an accountability partner, someone to keep you motivated and on track, was also critical.
For example, Nina Faulhaber, co-founder of ADAY, an active wear startup, recalls meeting with Sophia Amoruso prior to launching her fashion business to ask a laundry list of questions. Nina was coming from the finance world but knew very little about the fashion industry. Sophia was more than helpful, providing feedback and connecting her with other key people in the clothing world to offer guidance and mentorship.
So now that they’ve established successful businesses, are friends and family coming out of the woodwork asking for money or help? In some cases, yes, the panelists admitted.
But if there is one money rule Lisa Price, founder of the uber successful beauty line Carol’s Daughter, lives by, it is to never lend money. “Only give what you can gift,” she said. In other words, never give money to anyone with the expectation that it will be returned. Instead, offer it as a gift to avoid resentment or disappointment, since, as we know, many personal loans can go awry.
Save more, spend smarter, and make your money go further
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Last Updated on February 25, 2022 by Mark Ferguson
I love real estate; becoming a real estate agent was one of the best decisions I ever made. However, when you become a real estate agent, you give up a steady paycheck and it takes a while to start making money. Unless you can start out as an assistant making an hourly wage, you are going to have to save money before you become a real estate agent. It could be a month, three months, or six months before you sell a house and earn a commission check. It is very important that new agents plan for the time they will not be making money or it can make it very tough to succeed in this business.
How much money can agents make?
It is risky becoming a real estate agent because you do not have a steady income in most situations and it can take months before you make a sale. It can also take years before you become an established agent earning a steady income. Many people ask themselves why anyone would want to become a real estate agent under these circumstances.
The biggest reason people want to become real estate agents is that they can make a lot of money. In this article, I talk about exactly how much money you can make as a real estate agent. The average income for a full-time real estate agent is $54,000, but many agents make much more. You also are able to run your own business, create your own schedule, and invest in real estate more easily as an agent.
Why does it take so long to start making money?
One reason it takes so long to make money as a real estate agent is that it takes a long time to close on a house. Once a house goes under contract, it usually takes 30 to 40 days for that house to close. If real estate agents are able to get a deal right after they get their license, they will not be paid until the house closes at least a month later.
It can also take a real estate agent months or longer to get their license. I talk about how hard it is for an agent to get their license here. If potential agents quit their jobs before they get their licenses, there will be a couple of months without any money while they are getting their license.
It takes time to build up business as a real estate agent. When starting out, an agent’s circle of influence is the best opportunity to make sales. Friends and family are the easiest targets to make sales, but they may not be in the market to buy or sell right away. Finding buyers or sellers can take months for a new agent, and then you have to wait for properties to close.
If you are interested in taking online classes, I took my real estate classes and I take all of my continuing education through VanEd.com. My assistant got his license through Real Estate Express.
How long does it take to make consistent money?
The key to being a successful real estate agent is getting leads. The more leads you get, the more people become your clients, and the more sales you will have. I have seen new agents go into real estate with everything they have. Those agents have closed one or two deals a month in their second or third month in the business. After six months, they really start to take off and have consistent sales and income every month.
I have seen other agents get stuck educating themselves and preparing to be an agent for months without going after business. It takes them a year or longer to start making consistent money and some give up before they make it. It is hard to say it will take three months or six months before a new agent will make enough money to support themselves because everyone is different. I would plan on it taking at least six months.
Remember, there is no better way to learn the business than to start working with clients right away. The more people you talk to about being a real estate agent, the better chance you have of making sales.
How much money do you need to become a real estate agent?
Not only do you have to worry about working for months as a real estate agent before you start making money, but you also have to spend money to make money as an agent. What an agent has to pay for will depend on the agreement the agent has with their broker. Some brokers will help an agent with costs like MLS dues, board dues, and advertising. Other brokers will not pay for anything, but they offer a larger commission split to the agent.
A real estate agent will most likely have to pay for E and O insurance, MLS fees, advertising, marketing materials, business cards, mailings, office fees, and the cost of getting a license. This assumes that an agent has the basic materials needed such as a smartphone, laptop, desk, chairs, and other basic supplies most agents need.
Minimum startup costs for real estate agents
Obtain license $1,000
Initial marketing $500
Insurance $200
MLS and board dues $200
Total: $1,900
Minimum monthly costs for real estate agents
Marketing $250
Insurance $40
MLS and board dues $50
Office fees $200
Total: $540
These are the minimum costs needed to get started, and these costs vary from state to state and market to market. I would always check the costs before you make the decision to become an agent. Talk to other agents and brokers in your market to see what their costs are. Some other costs to consider are that you will be driving much more and you will have higher fuel costs. You may have to take clients out to lunch or dinner. You may have to buy for sale signs or name riders.
How much should you save?
I would calculate all your costs based on a realistic plan of becoming an agent. That plan should include when you will start making money and how much money you will spend on marketing and expenses. If you want a basic idea of how much you should save, I would save six months of living expenses plus $700 per month for expenses once you become an agent. That does not include the initial start-up costs of becoming a real estate agent such as getting your license. The cost of being a real estate agent is why many people start as part-time agents, but I explain here why it is very hard to make it as a part-time real estate agent.
What are some ways to get started without saving?
Many people simply cannot save enough money to start a real estate career. Some may get lucky and sell houses right away but others will have to give up because they were not prepared for the long wait for a paycheck. There are some ways to get started as an agent without a huge savings.
Join a team
When you join a team you may be able to get hourly work on top of the real estate sales commissions. This can be a huge boost to keeping you in the business even if the hourly pay is not significant. Teams can also help pay some of the expenses.
Get a part-time job
I do not recommend real estate agents working part-time. However, they may be able to get a part-time job that can supplement their income. We had an agent on our team that drove for Uber. It was the perfect part-time job for an agent because they could work whenever they wanted and stop working whenever they needed to. You also get to drive around and explore neighborhoods.
Become an assistant
This may seem similar to joining a team, but it is different. When you join a team your primary goal is to become an agent. When you become an assistant to an agent your primary goal is to make money as an assistant. In the process of working as an assistant, you may be able to get your real estate license and you will also learn a ton about the business.
Conclusion
Starting in the real estate business can be very tough because it takes time to sell houses and it takes money. One of the biggest reasons many people fail at the business is because they are not prepared and they run out of money. You have to plan as much as possible for the time it takes to gain traction as an agent and the costs.
There’s no easy answer to the question “Should I rent or buy a house?” It depends on so many factors: your age, your finances, your neighborhood, your future plans, the current real estate landscape, and the mortgage market, to name just a few.
Being a landlord requires a lot of responsibility and quite the investment. But it also comes with a great set of benefits, including becoming your own boss and gaining more control over your time — and earning.
If you’ve ever wondered if it would be worth it to become a landlord (and what exactly that entails), keep reading.
Entire books have been written about finding a good rental property. So much text has been dedicated to the topic because of its critical importance. Buy too expensive a place, and you’ll never make money. But trying to snag a bargain can be troublesome too.
Buying a fixer-upper requires that you have the skills, time, tools, and cash to make the necessary repairs and renovations. But here are some of the biggest concerns you should have before embarking on the journey to becoming a landlord:
Do you have enough in savings?
Let’s just say that your tenants can’t make the rent, but they are not going to move out without a fight.
Before you buy a rental, you need to amass an economic cushion amounting to at least six months of housing expenses, plus a few thousand dollars to pay attorneys. That gives you the staying power required to manage most worst-case scenarios.
Are you handy?
If you’re a handy person who likes doing your own work around the house, light plumbing, perhaps some construction, yard work, and so on, you might be a good candidate for becoming a landlord.
If you’re just starting out, it may be too expensive to handle outside contractors if you expect to turn your rental income into profit. Doing the work yourself saves money.
Are you available for 24-hour responsibility?
Hiring a company to manage your properties is an expense that cuts into your profit. Depending on the location, you may be able to afford this from just your rental income. If that’s the case, work with a professional property management company who will answer the phone at any hour to fix any household problems that arise.
Otherwise, be prepared for calls in the middle of the night. If you’re starting your adventure with rental properties while working at another job, you will find yourself with competing priorities often. Usually, a good idea is to start out small, and see whether being a landlord truly is a good fit for you — before embarking on bigger projects, with many units.
Another question you need to answer is: Are you old enough? You can legally buy a house as young as 18. But bear in mind that, on top of the financial responsibility that comes with a purchase, you will also have to account for the property in the eyes of your renters.
Can you keep tenants happy?
Of all the costs associated with being a landlord, the biggest one is a vacancy.
Every time a tenant moves out, you’re going to spend money, probably quite a bit of it. That means finding and keeping good tenants is the heart of successfully investing long-term in real estate.
Happy tenants are critically important. They’re your customers. And the way you keep them happy is by keeping the property in good shape and treating them with respect.
This means being a landlord also comes with a great deal of hospitality and marketing tasks that you probably haven’t factored in before, but that are crucial to your long-term success.
More helpful tips
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Last Updated on February 25, 2022 by Mark Ferguson
As a REO agent one of my main tasks is to complete Broker Price Opinions or BPOs. When I get a new REO assignment I have to complete a BPO and in some cases multiple BPOs on that property. I also complete paid BPOs on many properties that are not my listings. On paid BPOs most companies will pay between $40 and $80 per order. Completing a great BPO will help you get more REO listings and get you more business with paid BPO companies. It takes time to learn to complete a good BPO in a timely manner.
What is a Broker Price Opinion?
A BPO is a report compiled by a licensed real estate agent that is similar to an appraisal. A BPO is not an appraisal and appraisals can only be completed by licensed appraisers. In fact some states have made it illegal for real estate agents to complete BPOs, so always check with your state laws before completing BPOs.
Here is what will be needed for each BPO:
Exterior or interior pictures depending on the type of BPO. Interior BPOs require the agent to inspect the interior of the property and usually pay more than exterior BPOs. Exterior BPOs require pictures of the property be taken from the street.
Three comparable sold properties and three listed comparable properties. You will have to find comps that are similar to the subject property and enter data for those comps into the BPO form.
Subject property data also has to be entered into the form which includes: square footage, room count, type of property, tax id numbers, location (rural, suburban, urban), condition and amenities (AC, deck, pool, etc)
You will have to enter extensive comments on the BPO as well that describe the property you are valuing, the comparable properties, the neighborhood, the market and how you came up with you value.
Many BPO forms require the agent to make adjustments to the comparable properties. If the subject has different features than the comparable properties you would adjust the sold or listed price of the comparable property like an appraiser would. If the subject has AC and the comp does not, you would have to add value to the comp property for it not having AC.
Some companies also require the agent to upload MLS sheets or public records information to confirm the information the agent entered was correct.
How long does it take to complete a BPO?
When I complete BPOs I can finish the report in about 20 to 30 minutes and that includes pulling comps and entering data. I have done thousands of BPOs and I am much faster than most people who are just starting out. At this point in my real estate career I have my assistants complete the BPOs and they have gotten as fast as me. When they first started to complete BPOs it would take them over an hour in many cases to complete the report.
As my team did more and more BPOs they got faster and faster completing the reports. They learned to pull comp data quicker, enter data quicker and write comments quicker. If you are getting paid $50 a BPO and it takes you two hours to complete, it may not be worth your time, because you have to drive to the property and inspect it as well. If you can complete the report in 30 minutes or less and you are getting a lot of orders, you can make a good living completing BPOs.
Driving to complete inspections on BPOs can take up a lot of time. If you are getting one or two orders a week and the properties are 20 miles away that is a lot of time and gas. You have to make sure you are considering the drive time when you accept BPOs. I would not accept orders over 30 minutes away unless the BPO company would agree to pay more or I had multiple orders in the same area. When I started getting a lot of orders I would wait a day or two to complete pictures so that I could drive by as many properties as I could in one trip to save time.
If you get a new REO assignment and have to complete a BPO, I would go to the property as soon as possible and complete the BPO as soon as possible.
How much do you get paid for BPOs?
Most clients will pay about $50 for an exterior BPO and about $75 for an interior BPO. Some companies pay less and some pay more. The prices for BPOs has gone down over the last few years as BPO companies try to save time and money. Some companies pay as little as $30 for an exterior order. I will not accept any orders that are less than $40 and those orders have to be very close to me. For interior orders I have to get at least $70 for it to be worth our time.
In some cases the properties will be in very rural areas and the BPO companies will be willing to negotiate. I have been paid $150 for orders before that were an hour away from me. For me to drive that far, it is not worth $150, but in some cases the BPO companies will let you hire a runner to take pictures for you. If you are doing interior inspections you have to be a licensed agent.
How much can you make completing Broker Price Opinions?
Making $50 a couple of times a week does not add up very fast, but you can complete a lot of orders when you get used to the work. One year I completed over 1,000 BPO orders and grossed close to $50,000 just from BPOs alone. I was not doing BPOs full-time, I also was listing and selling REOs. The BPO income was a bonus on top of the income I was making from the REOs. You probably won’t be able to complete 1,000 BPOs in your first year doing them. It takes time to build up business, find clients and prove you can do a good job. But, getting BPO business is much easier than getting REO listings. Completing BPOs and good BPOs can lead to REO listings.
How can completing BPOs lead to REO listings?
On every REO listing an agent receives they must complete a BPO. They do not get paid for doing the BPO, because it is considered part of the job of listing the property. Many companies and banks that have REO listings, also use agents to complete BPOs not associated with REO listings. If you do an awesome job completing BPOs for a company, you will have the best shot of selling REOs for them if they need an agent in your area.
When you complete BPOs for companies that only do BPOs and do not have REO listings you still are helping yourself. Your name is on each BPO you complete and that BPO eventually makes its way to the owner of the property. There is a pretty small chance the owner of the property whether it is a bank, hedge fund, or the government will use the agent just because they completed a BPO, but it had happened. Getting your name out there as much as possible is one of the best ways to get REO clients.
One of the biggest challenges for agents to get REO business, is the banks and asset management companies want to use experiences REO agents. If you have never listed a REO property it is hard to get any REO listings. If you can’t get any REO listings, it is very tough to get experience. If you complete BPOs, that shows you are in the REO industry and gives you a much better chance of getting REOs, than if you have no experience at all.
How to find REO and BPO companies
If you are looking to get into the REO or BPO business, I created a kit to help you get more business. The REO and BPO Starter Kit is for agents who are looking to start doing REOs or BPOs or agents looking to increase business. The kit comes with video training, a detailed guide on how to get REOs and a list of companies to sign up with. I just added a brand new guide that shows you exactly how to complete an awesome BPO, which is included.
Have you ever thought about doing a cash-out refinance on your home for investment?
A lot of people have.
I received exactly this question from a reader.
Reader Question
Hi Jeff,
Thanks for your videos and educational websites!
I know you are very busy and this may a simple answer so thank you if can take the time to answer!
Would you ever consider approving someone to taking a cash-out refi on the equity in their house to invest?
I have been approved for a VA 100% LTV cash-out refi at 4% and would give me 100k to play with.
With average ROI on peer to peer, Betterment, Fundrise, and S&P 500 index funds being 6-8%, it seems like this type of leveraging would work. However, this is my primary residence and there is an obvious risk. I could also use the 100k to help buy another property here in Las Vegas, using some of the 100k for a down and rent out the property.
BTW, I would be debt free other than the mortgage, have 50k available from a 401k loan if needed for an emergency, but with no savings. I have been told this is crazy, but some articles on leveraging seem otherwise as mortgages at low rates are good at fighting inflation, so I guess I am not sure how crazy this really is.
I would greatly appreciate a response and maybe an article or video covering this topic as I am sure there are others out there who may have the same questions.
My Thoughts
But rather than answering the question directly, I’m going to present the pros and cons of the strategy.
At the end, I’ll give my opinion.
The Pros of a Cash-Out Refinance on Your Home For Investment Purposes
The reader reports he’s been told the idea is crazy.
But it’s not without a few definite advantages.
Locking in a Very Low-Interest Rate
The 4% interest rate is certainly attractive.
It will be very difficult for the reader to borrow money at such a low rate from virtually any other source. And with rate inching up, he may be locking into the best rates for a very long time.
Even better, a home mortgage is very stable debt. He can lock in both the rate and the monthly payment for the length of the loan – presumably 30 years. A $100,000 loan at 4% would produce a payment of just $477 per month. That’s little more than a car payment. And it would give him access to $100,000 investment capital.
As long as he has both the income and job stability needed to carry the payment, the loan itself will be fairly low risk.
So far, so good!
The Leverage Factor
Let’s use an S&P 500 index fund as an example here.
The average annual rate of return on the index has been right around 10%.
Now that’s not the return year in, year out. But it is the average based on nearly 100 years.
If the reader can borrow $100,000 at 4%, and invest it and an average rate of return of 10%, he’ll have a net annual return of 6%.
(Actually, the spread is better than that, because as the loan amortizes, the interest being paid on it disappears.)
If the reader invests $100,000 in an S&P 500 index fund averaging 10% per year for the next 30 years, he’ll have $1,744,937.That gives the reader a better than 17 to 1 return on his borrowed investment.
If everything goes as planned, he’ll be a millionaire using the cash-out equity strategy.
That’s hard to argue against.
Rising Investment, Declining Debt
This adds an entire dimension to the strategy. Not only can the reader invest his way into millionaire status by doing a cash-out refinance for investment purposes, but at the end of 30 years, his mortgage is paid in full, and he’s once again in a debt-free home.
Not only does his investment grow to over $1 million, but over the 30 year term of the mortgage, the loan self-amortizes down to zero.
What could possibly go wrong?
That’s what we’re going to talk about next.
The Cons of a Cash-out Refinance on Your Home
This is where the prospect of doing a cash-out refinance on your home for investment purposes gets interesting.
Or more to the point, where it gets downright risky.
There are several risk factors the strategy creates.
Closing Costs and the VA Funding Fee
One of the major disadvantages with taking a new first mortgage are the closing costs involved.
Whenever you do a refinance, you’ll typically pay anywhere from 2% to 4% of the loan amount in closing costs.
This will include:
origination fees
application fee
attorney fee
appraisal
title search
title insurance
mortgage taxes
and about a dozen other expenses.
If the reader were to do a refinance for $100,000, he would only receive between $96,000 and $98,000 in cash.
Then there’s the VA Funding Fee.
This is a mortgage insurance premium charged on most VA loans at the time of closing. It’s usually added on top of the new loan amount.
The VA funding fee is between 2.15% to 3.30% of the new mortgage amount.
Were the reader to take a $100,000 mortgage, and the VA funding fee set at 2.5%, he’d owe $102,500.
Now… let’s combine the effects of both the closing costs in the VA funding fee. Let’s assume the closing costs are 3%.
The borrower will receive a net of $97,000 in cash. But he will owe $102,500. That is, he will pay $102,500 for the privilege of borrowing $97,000. That’s $5,500, which is nearly 5.7% of the cash proceeds!
Even if the reader gets a very low-interest rate on the new mortgage, he’s still paid a steep price for the loan.
From an investment standpoint, he’s starting out with a nearly 6% loss on his money!
I can’t recommend taking a guaranteed loss – upfront – for the purpose of pursuing uncertain returns.
It means you’re in a losing position from the very beginning.
The Interest on the Mortgage May No Longer be Tax Deductible
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was passed in December 2017, and applies to all activity from January 1, 2018, forward.
There are some changes in the tax law which were not favorable to real estate lending.
Under the previous tax law, a homeowner could deduct the interest paid on a mortgage of up to $1 million, if that money was used to build, acquire or renovate the home. They can also deduct interest on up to $100,000 of cash-out proceeds used for purposes unrelated to the home.
That could include paying off high interest credit card debts, paying for a child’s college education, investing, or even buying a new car.
But it looks like that’s changed under the new tax law.
Borrowing up $100,000 for purposes unrelated to your home, and deducting the interest looks to have been specifically eliminated by the new law.
It’s now widely assumed that cash-out equity on a new first mortgage is also no longer deductible.
Now the law is still brand-new and subject to both interpretation and even revision. But that’s where it stands right now.
There may be an even bigger obstacle that makes the cash-out interest deduction meaningless, anyway.
Under the new tax law, the standard deduction increases to $12,000 (from $6,350 under the previous law) for single taxpayers, and to $24,000 (up from $12,700 under the previous law) for married couples filing jointly. (Don’t get too excited – personal exemptions are eliminated, and combined with the standard deduction to create a higher limit.)
The long and short of it is with the higher standard deduction levels, it’s much less likely mortgage interest will be deductible anyway. Especially on the loan amount as low as $100,000, and no more than $4,000 in interest paid.
Using the Funds to Invest in Robo-advisors, the S&P 500 or Peer-to-Peer Investments (P2P)
The reader is correct that these investments have been providing steady returns, well in excess of the 4% he’ll be paying on a cash-out refinance.
In theory at least, if he can borrow at 4%, and invest at say, 10%, it’s a no-brainer. He’ll be getting a 6% annual return for doing virtually nothing. It sounds absolutely perfect.
But as the saying goes, if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.
I often recommend all of these investments, but not when debt is used to acquire them.
That changes the whole game.
Whenever you’re thinking about investing, you always must consider the risks involved.
The last nine years have somewhat distorted the traditional view of risk.
For example, the stock market has been up nine years in a row, without so much as a correction of greater than 10%. It’s easy to see why people might think the returns are automatic.
But they’re not.
Yes, it may have been, for the past nine years. But if you look back further, that certainly hasn’t been the case.
The market has gone up and down, and while it’s true that you come out ahead as long as you hold out for the long term, the debt situation changes the picture.
Matching a Certain Liability with Uncertain Investment Returns
Since he’ll be investing in the market with 100% borrowed funds, any losses will be magnified.
Something on the order of a 50% crash in stock prices, like what happened during the Dot.com Bust and the Financial Meltdown, could see the reader lose $50,000 in a similar crash.
But he’ll still owe $100,000 on his home.
This is where human emotion comes into the picture. Since he’s playing with borrowed money, there’s a good chance he’ll panic-sell his investments after taking that kind of loss.
If he does, his loss becomes permanent – and so does his debt.
The same will be true if he invests with a robo-advisor, or in P2P loans.
Robo-advisor returns are every bit as tied to the stock market as an S&P 500 index fund is. And P2P loan investments are not risk-free.
In fact, since most P2P investing and lending has taken place only since the Financial Meltdown, it’s not certain how they’ll perform should a similar crisis take place.
None of this is nearly as much a problem with straight-up investing based on saved capital.
But if your investment capital is coming from debt – especially 100% – it can’t be ignored.
It doesn’t make sense to match a certain liability with uncertain investment gains.
Using the Funds to Buy Investment Property in Las Vegas
In a lot of ways, this looks like the most risky investment play offered by the reader.
On the surface, it sounds almost logical – the reader will be borrowing against real estate, to buy more real estate. That seems to make a lot of sense.
But if we dig a little deeper, the Las Vegas market in particular was one of the worst hit in the last recession.
Peak-to-trough, property values fell on the order of 50%, between 2008 in 2012. Las Vegas was often referred to as the “foreclosure capital of America”.
I’m not implying the Las Vegas market is doomed to see this outcome again.
But the chart below from Zillow.com shows a potentially scary development:
The upside down U formation of the chart shows that current property values have once again reached peak levels.
That brings the question – which we cannot answer – what’s different this time? If prices collapsed after the last peak, there’s no guarantee it can’t happen again.
Once again, I’m not predicting that outcome.
But if you’re planning to invest in the Las Vegas market with 100% debt, it can’t be ignored either. In the last market crash, property values didn’t just decline – a lot of properties became downright unsalable at any price.
The nightmare scenario here would be a repeat of the 2009-2012 downturn, with the reader losing 100% of his investment. At the same time, he’ll still have the 100% loan on his home. Which at that point, might be more than the house is worth, creating a double jeopardy trap.
Once again, the idea sounds good in theory, and certainly makes sense against the recent run-up in prices.
But the “doomsday scenario” has to be considered, especially when you’re investing with that much leverage.
Putting Your Home at Risk
While I generally recommend against using debt for investment purposes, I have an even bigger problem when the source of the debt is the family homestead.
Borrowing money for investment purposes is always risky.
But when your home is the collateral for the loan, the risk is double. You not only have the risk that the investments you’re making may go sour, but also that you’ll put your home at risk in a losing venture.
Let’s say he invests the full $100,000. But due to leverage, the net value of that investment has declined to $25,000 in five years. That’s bad enough. But he’ll still owe $100,000 on his home.
And since it’s a 100% loan, his home is 100% at risk. The investment strategy didn’t pan out, but he’s still stuck with the liability.
It’ll be a double whammy if the money is used for the purchase of an investment property in your home market.
For example, should the Las Vegas market take a hit similar to what it did during the Financial Meltdown, he’ll not only lose equity in the investment property, but also in his home.
He could end up in a situation where he has negative equity in both the investment property and his home. That’s not just a bad investment – that’s a certified nightmare!
It could even lead him into bankruptcy court, or foreclosures on two properties – the primary residence and the investment property. The reader’s credit would pretty much be toast for the next 10 years.
Right now, he has zero risk on his home.
But if he does the 100% cash out, he’ll convert that zero risk to 100% risk. Given that the house is needed as a place to live, this is not a risk worth taking.
Final Thoughs
Can you tell that I don’t have a warm, fuzzy feeling about the strategy? I think you figure it out by the greater emphasis on Cons than on Pros where I come down on this question.
I think it’s an excellent idea in theory, but there’s just too much that can go wrong with it.
There are three other factors that lead me to believe this is probably not a good idea:
1. The Lack of Other Savings
The reader reports that he has “…50k available from a 401k loan if needed for emergency, but with no savings.”For me, that’s an instant red flag. Kudos to him for having no other debt, but the absence of savings – other than what he can borrow against his 401(k) plan – is setting off alarm bells.
To take on this kind of high risk investment scheme without a source of ready cash, exaggerates all of the risks.
Sure, he may be able to take a loan against his 401(k), but that creates yet another liability.
That that will need to be repaid, and it will become a lien against his only remaining unencumbered asset (the 401k).
If he has to borrow money to stay liquid during a crisis, it’s just a question of time before the strategy collapses.
2. The Reader’s Risk Tolerance
We have no idea what the reader’s risk tolerance is.
That’s important, especially when you’re constructing a complex investment strategy.
While it might seem the very fact he’s contemplating this is an indication he has a high risk tolerance, we can’t be certain. He’s basing his projections on optimistic outcomes – that the investments he makes with the borrowed money will produce positive returns.
What we don’t know, and what I ask the reader to consider, is how he would handle a big reversal.
For example, if he goes ahead with the loan, invests the money, and finds himself down 20% or 30% within the first couple of years, will he be able to sleep at night? Or will he instead contemplate an early exit strategy, that will leave him in a permanent weakened financial state?
These are real risks that investors face in the real world. At times, you will lose money. And how you react to that outcome can determine the success or failure of the strategy.
This is definitely a high risk/high reward plan. Unless he has the risk tolerance to handle it, it’s best not to even start.
On the flip side, just because you have the risk tolerance, doesn’t guarantee success.
3. Buying at a Market Peak
I don’t know who said it, but when asked where the market would go, his response was “The market will go up. And the market will go down”.
That’s a fact, and one that every investor has to accept.
This isn’t about market timing strategies, but about recognizing reality.
Here’s the problem: both the financial markets and real estate have been moving up steadily for the past nine years (but maybe a little bit less for real estate).
Sooner or later, all markets reverse. These markets will too.
I’m worried that the reader might be borrowing money to leverage investing at what could turn out to be the absolute worst time.
Ironically, a borrow-to-invest strategy is a lot less risky after market crashes.
But at that point, everyone’s too scared, and no one wants to do it. It’s only at market peaks, when people believe there’s no risk in the investment markets, that they think seriously about things like 100% home loans for investments.
In the end, the reader’s strategy could be a very good idea, but with very bad timing.
Worst Case Scenario: The Reader Loses His Home in Foreclosure
This is the one that seals the deal against for me. Doing a cash out refinance on your home for investment is definitely a high-risk strategy.
Heads you’re a millionaire, tails you’re homeless.
That’s not just risk, it’s serious risk. We don’t know if the reader also has a family.
I couldn’t recommend anyone with a family putting themselves in that position, even if the payoff were that high.
Based on the facts supplied by the reader, we’re looking at 100+% leverage – the 100% loan on his house, then additional (401k) debt if he runs into cash flow problems. That’s the kind of debt that will either make you rich, or lead you to the poor house.
Given that the reader has a debt-free home, no non-housing debt, and we can guess at least $100,000 in his 401(k), he’s in a pretty solid situation right now. Taking a 100% loan against his house, and relying on a 401(k) loan for emergencies, could change that situation in no more than a year or two.
Last Updated on February 24, 2022 by Mark Ferguson
Getting a loan on one or two rentals is not difficult if you have good credit and a decent job. However, many banks will tell you it is impossible to get more than four loans. The fact is there are many ways to get loans on multiple rentals, but the big banks don’t like to do it. There are ways to get loans on 10, 20, or even 100 properties. There are traditional banks that will finance more than four properties and portfolio lenders that will lend on multiple properties if you know where to look. There are even national lenders that specialize in rental property loans who prefer to lend on huge packages of rentals. When you hear a bank tell you it is impossible to get a loan on more than four properties, they are only talking about their bank. Don’t give up hope!
What is a portfolio lender?
Local lenders who offer portfolio financing are another option (my favorite) for investors. It can take some research, time and networking to find a portfolio lender, but they have much looser lending guidelines. Portfolio lending means the bank is using their own money to fund deals, and they don’t have to use Fannie Mae guidelines. My portfolio lender has no limits on how many loans they will give to investors as long as they have the cash reserves and income to support the mortgages. They allow 20% down on those properties and don’t require your life’s history to give you the loan.
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There are some drawbacks with a portfolio lender. My local bank does not offer a 30 year fixed mortgage. They offer a 15 year fixed, a 5/30, or a 7/30 ARM (adjustable-rate mortgage). I prefer to use ARMs with a 30-year mortgage instead of 15-year mortgages because the payments are much lower, which gives me much more cash flow. I can save that cash flow and keep buying more and more rentals that make much more money than the 4% or 5% interest rates on the loans. It does not hurt me to get an ARM and it is so much easier working with a local bank than it is working with the big banks.
Every local bank will have different terms and rates when they lend money. Some will not offer 30-year loans, some will have balloon payments, and some will not want to lend on rentals at all. It can take some time and work to find great investor-friendly banks.
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Why don’t big banks like to lend on rentals?
I think long-term rental properties are one of the best investments. Part of my retirement strategy is buying as many long-term rental properties as I can. The problem with buying many properties is most lenders don’t like lending to an investor who already has four mortgages. Most big banks will tell you it is impossible for them to give the fifth mortgage to anyone. The big banks have strict policies about loaning to investors because their primary business is lending to owner-occupied buyers. There is no law that says they cannot give investors more loans, it is simply the bank’s policies.
Most big banks will sell their loans off to other banks or as mortgage-backed securities. Because they sell their loans and do not keep them in-house as a portfolio lender does, the big banks have much stricter guidelines.
When are big banks a good option?
I used a conventional loan to finance my first rental that was from Bank of America. The loan was not easy to get, but I got it. I am a real estate agent and it is tougher for self-employed people to get loans, especially right after the housing crash (2010)! It was a 30 year fixed rate loan with an interest rate of right around 4 percent and I had to put 20 percent down. It was a great loan and I wish I could have continued to get loans like that, but Bank of America would not lend to me after I had four loans in my name. When starting out with less than 4 mortgages a big bank may be a good option.
How to get started investing in rentals.
Can you get a conventional loan on more than four properties?
It is possible to finance more than four properties with a traditional bank. Technically Fannie Mae guidelines say investors should be able to get a loan for up to 10 properties. Even with these guidelines in place, many lenders still won’t finance more than four properties because it is too risky for their investors. If you are diligent and make enough calls you should be able to find a lender who will loan up to ten properties. If you want to try an easier route, call a mortgage broker who can help you find a lender who can get it done. These are the requirements for most lenders that will finance from four to ten properties.
Own between 5-10 residential properties with financing attached
Make a 25 percent down payment on the property; 30 percent for 2-4 unit
Minimum credit score of 720
No mortgage late payments within the last 12 months on any mortgage
No bankruptcies or foreclosures in the last 7 years
2 years of tax returns showing rental income from all rental properties
6 months of PITI reserves on each of the financed properties
These guidelines are much stricter than when you are getting a loan and have fewer than four mortgages.
Refinancing rentals
If you want to refinance any of your properties and you already have four mortgages, most banks will only allow a 70% loan to value ratio and probably won’t allow you to take any cash out. One of the keys to my rental strategy is being able to take cash out when refinancing my rentals. I then take that cash out money and invest in more rental properties. Lenders will say it is too risky to do a cash-out refinance for investors with more than four mortgages. In my opinion, if an investor has the cash to put 20% down and has the cash reserves needed, they are less risky than the first-time home buyer putting 3.5% or less down.
Just because the big banks will not do it, does not mean it is impossible to do! I have been able to complete many cash-out refinances with a 75% loan to value ratio with local banks. I have done this on residential and commercial rental properties.
How to find a great lender
In order to find a portfolio lender, it takes some work. The first step is to ask everyone you know in the real estate industry. Ask Realtors, lenders, title companies, property managers, and other investors. Local real estate investor clubs may be able to provide information on portfolio lenders as well. If you can’t find a portfolio lender through word of mouth, try calling local banks. Ask banks if they loan their own money, what their policies are for investors, and if they don’t offer the right terms ask them who might.
National lenders
There are some new programs available from national rental property lenders that are built for investors to get loans on their rental properties. The lenders base their loans on the properties, not the investors. They have slightly higher rates than conventional lenders but are a great option for those who cannot find other financing. They often are much easier to work with if you have a high debt to income ratio, bad credit, or other issues. They usually do not have any limit on the number of loans you can obtain.
If I ever run into a problem finding a local bank to finance my rentals, I would look into using some of the national companies to finance me.
You can see a list of some of the lenders here.
Conclusion
There are ways to finance more than four properties even though many people will tell you it is impossible. Try talking to a mortgage broker who can get you in touch with banks that will finance more than four properties. If you have a big goal like myself like buying 100 properties in the next ten years, then you will need a portfolio lender who will finance more than four, more than 10, and more than 20 properties.
Last Updated on February 25, 2022 by Mark Ferguson
Becoming a successful real estate agent is not easy, because it takes time to sell enough houses to make a good living. The great thing about being a real estate agent is you can make a lot of money if you work hard, have a plan, and stick to it. You don’t have to do everything yourself as an agent. Joining a successful real estate team is a great way to jumpstart your career and make more money. I run a successful real estate team and I have been part of a team my entire real estate career. If you want to join a team, it has huge advantages; you learn from experienced agents, you get leads, you have someone to go to for advice, and you won’t have to pay for everything yourself!
Why do agents create teams?
There are many reasons an agent will create a real estate team. The goal of most agents is to sell a lot of houses by building up their client base and getting referrals from past clients and their circle of influence. When a real estate agent builds a big enough circle of influence, they will start to see many referrals and leads come in. Some agents are happy doing enough business to keep themselves busy, while others look to expand and take advantage of all those leads. When a real estate agent gets busy, their first hire should be an assistant to help with contracts and paperwork. After the agent has an assistant to help with the busy work and they still can’t keep up, they look to hire more agents.
The agent who starts a team will make money off the agents they hire because they take a split of the agent’s commissions. Some lead agents will provide training, pay office bills, and offer other perks to get agents on their team. When an agent becomes successful, starting a team is a great way to build off their success by adding agents and making money without selling more houses themselves.
How can new agents get started?
It is hard to get started as a real estate agent, because you only make money when you sell houses, and it can take months before you sell your first house. The average agent makes less than $20,000 in their first year because it takes time to become established. As a new agent figuring out how to get leads, what to spend money on and how to sell houses is difficult.
When you choose a broker to work with, they may or may not offer training. Real estate classes do not teach how to sell houses, but the laws and regulations regarding the process of selling houses. Learning from a mentor who has been successful in your market is the best way to learn how to sell houses and build your business. It will drastically reduce the learning curve when starting out as an agent and save you money as well.
What are commissions splits on teams?
The lead agent will take a part of each agent’s commission in return for the services and training they offer. However, that does not mean a new agent will earn much less on a team than they would on their own. New agents usually will receive a lower commission split than experienced agents when they join an office. The fewer houses you sell, the less money you make the office, and the smaller commission split you will get. When you join a real estate team, the team leader most likely sells a lot of houses and will have a very high commission split. In some cases, the team leader may even be the broker and will not have to split any of his team’s commissions with the office. In my office, I am not the broker, but I am on a 100 percent commission split because I pay a base fee every year to my broker.
Since the lead agent gets most or all the commission, they can pay agents on their team close to what that agent would make on their own. I offer agents on my team a 50/50 split on all deals they do (I offer a better split for more experienced agents). Some teams offer different commissions depending on where a lead came from; the team or the agent. I offer the same split no matter where the lead came from because I want agents working just as hard on my leads as their own. There is also difficulty knowing where a lead actually came from because calls come in from for sale signs and other sources that cannot be tracked.
Even though some teams may offer a higher split than other teams, a real estate agent does not always want the higher split. New real estate agents need training and mentoring to learn the business and become successful. The more training an agent gets, the more deals they will do, and the more money they will make. The higher commission split does not mean more money but does usually mean less training and help. I like to tell new agents 100 percent of $0 is still $0. A lot of agents make very little money trying to do everything on their own with no training.
What education do teams offer?
When you get your real estate license the courses do not teach you how to get business. You have to learn how to build your business on your own or with the help of a mentor. Here are a few things a new agent will learn from a real estate team.
There are many companies out there who promise great leads to agents. Some of those lead sources are okay and some are a complete ripoff. I discuss real estate leads in this article, but a new agent can easily go broke trying out different lead sources. The best way to build the business is not from buying leads, but from building a database from people you already know. A real estate team will help you decide where to spend money and which programs are worth paying for.
A great real estate team will also provide training for new agents. I have a team meeting every week with training sessions and I am thinking about holding meetings every day to increase my team’s performance. My training sessions discuss lead sources, how to talk to clients, how to talk to new leads, what you can and can’t say, how to prospect, how to work with investors and much more.
A real estate team will help agents with paperwork and contracts. My least favorite part of real estate is dealing with paperwork. I have assistants on my team who handle almost all paperwork for me, and they help other agents on my team with paperwork as well. We teach our agents how to handle inspections, appraisals, loans, closings, contracts, the MLS and more, but my assistant can create all the contracts and addendums for those tasks.
Our team teaches agents how to build a database. We teach our agents how to meet people, how to contact people, who to contact and how to follow-up. This is the most important part of being an agent and new agents have no idea how to get started with it.
Will agents make more money if they join a team?
I already discussed why a lower commission split with a team may not equal less money to a new agent. How exactly can a real estate team help a new agent make more money?
A team will help you learn the business and they will give you leads in many cases. With my team I let them put name riders, on my listings and their names go on all the advertising. I don’t work with buyers because I am busy with many other money-making activities. We also have a lead line that goes to agents’ cell phones in a round robin style format. That line has leads coming in from advertising, websites, Zillow and many more sources.
My team makes our agents hold open houses to get business. We have many listings, which make it easy for our agents to find houses to hold open. We also provide training on the best way to hold open houses and get clients from them.
My goal is to have every agent on my team take home $100,000 a year. The more money my agents make a year, the more money I make. I am motivated to help my agents succeed and sell as many houses as possible. Not only does a team help agents sell houses by providing leads and training, but they also provide motivation and push agents to succeed.
A team should provide books, CDs, and other learning material to their agents. I signed up for a real estate agent training course that provides training CDs every month. We give those CDs to all our agents to listen to and we also give them good books to help them succeed.
A real estate team should have accountability with their agents. We help our agents create and track their goals in the business and life. We provide tracking sheets that help agents determine how many people they have to talk to and meet to reach those goals.
My team holds events like happy hours that the entire team attends and invites clients too. These events help our team build better relationships and keep in touch with their best lead sources; people.
A real estate team may also help agents with expenses such as advertising, board dues, licensing fees, continuing education, and office bills. I take all my CE credits online a Real Estate Express, which also offers licensing programs.
Some real estate teams may even offer hourly wages to help with tasks, which can be a huge bonus to new agents.
Who should consider a team?
This article is geared towards new agents starting a career, but established agents will benefit from a team as well. If a team is set up well, it will help an established agent sell more houses by providing support staff, leads, accountability, and help when an agent is sick or goes on vacation. Our goal is to let our agents sell houses, while our staff takes care of the advertising, paperwork and lead generation. I know I sell many more houses with a team and help than I ever could on my own.
How can you find a team?
The best way to find a real estate team is to find out what agents are selling the most houses in your area. The most successful agents usually have a team and if they don’t, they need a team! Contact those agents that sell the most houses and see if they hire new agents on their team or are looking for assistants to help their team. You can also check with different offices to see if there are real estate teams in their office that are looking for new agents. My real estate team in Northern Colorado (Greeley) is always looking for new agents to join our team. New agents that join our team must be highly motivated, be available full-time, have a great work ethic and be willing to talk on the phone a lot. A real estate team will help agents succeed, but agents still have to work very hard to succeed.
Update on my team and office
I ran my team for many years but opened my own office in 2018. Blue Steel Real Estate was opened for many reasons and I am the managing broker of the office. I no longer have a team, but an office! If any agents are interested in joining, send me an email [email protected].
Conclusion
Joining a real estate team can be a huge boost to any real estate agent’s career. Not every real estate team is the same and not every real estate team will provide the training and support agents are looking for. If you are interviewing to join a real estate team, do more than answer their questions. Ask the team what training they provide, what leads they provide, and how they will help you succeed. We do our best to help our agents succeed, but some teams add agents hoping they will sell houses without showing them how to sell houses.
I created my course, Real Estate Agent Jumpstart Course, to show you exactly what you need in order to be a successful real estate agent and what to expect when starting out. You can check it out here.