7 Best Jobs for Single Moms Starting Over

7 Best Jobs for Single Moms Starting Over7 Best Jobs for Single Moms Starting Over01Teacherkate_sept2004/Getty ImagesFinally, another top job for single moms is being a nanny,babysitter, or daycare teacher. You already know that you love kids and have what it takes to be loving and firm, so why not make a career of it? Reach out to your local community college for classes in early childhood or get your start by working at a local child care center.

Pay yourself first The simple concept to start saving money

Pay yourself first The simple concept to start saving moneyPay yourself first The simple concept to start saving moneyHave you ever wondered why at the end of the month you have very little money saved?Or maybe you were going to put money away in your savings at the end of the month, but then wonder why there is little to nothing to put away.Both of these situations are pretty common, but there is a simple method to breaking this frustrating savings issuepay yourself first.These three words combined create a savings method that everyone should use, but its also overlooked or forgotten.40% of people in the U.S.dont have $400 set aside for an emergency,accordingto the Federal Reserve.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moraThe basics of pay yourself firstPay yourself first is the go-to strategy in the personal finance world and this phrase means automatically saving money from each payche ck first, before doing anything else.The money can go to your savings accounts and investment accounts like a 401k or IRA.Yes, paying yourself first means the money you make goes to you first.Before any expenses or other purchases you may want to make.Sometimes, the pay yourself first strategy may be called reverse budgeting.This is because instead of prioritizing your money around bills and debt, its based on your retirement and savings goals.What are the advantages of paying yourself first?Saving money can beTOUGH. I found it quite challenging a few years ago, so I totally relate with the statistic back near the intro.Between all the expenses (utilities, rent/mortgage, debt, student loans, etc.)there never landseems to be enough left to save.But thats why the pay yourself first method is critical.Most people (myself included a few years back) try to save money last of whatever might be leftover, instead of a set amount first.When you switch to the pay yourself first strategy, you have a much better chance to reach your particular savings goals and stick to it when you see progress.But, here are a few advantages to the is process.Teaches you how to prioritize your savingsPracticing pay yourself first, helps you change your mindset when it comes to money.It begins to establish good financial habits, that hopefully ingrains in your mind .You start thinking about money different and teaches you how to really be successful in your personal finances.Better prepares for your life happens fundsIve been calling emergency funds lately, life happens funds because not everything is an emergency, but there are expenses as life shifts.But, when you pay yourself first, you establish a fund of money for the unexpected moments.You no longer feel stressed, worried, or need to go into debt to pay something.Establishing a good investing schedule for retirementInvesting for retirement is also something that can get overlooked or mistreated.Yet, for your financial future to be in a great place, paying yourself first is another advantage.By automatically contributing to your 401k or IRA, you are in a better financial position when you are ready to retire.It keeps you constantly contributing, no matter where the market stands.This helps you stay consistent and ensure you getcompounding interestto work for your advantage.Helps you view finances differentlyWhen you start building your savings and you see this method working, it revitalizes your entire view on finances.I find it gives you more financial confidence in that you are in control of money, instead of money controlling you.This can be a huge motivator and no longer will you be lumped into some of those dismal statistics about money.How to start paying yourself firstYou are probably thinking, Well duh, just starting paying yourself firstIts in the phraseBut as simple as that might be, there are a few tips and steps to ensure you are successful.Know what your expenses areLike any part of good personal fi nance management, you should understand your monthly expenses.This lets you see how much per month you actually have to save before you get started blindly.This can help you see where you might be able to cut expenses to save more and the exact amount left you can divvy up in your pay yourself first plan.Create automatic transfers from checking to savingsI personally do not do this anymore because its become so natural for me to save, but I was automating when I first started.Many banks allow you to schedule recurring transfers in some way between checking and savings.Then you can choose the specific amount you want sent automatically to your savings account(s).Note I highly recommend keeping your savings account at a different bank than your checking account if you think you will be extremely tempted.Id recommend anonline bank like CIT, which provides over 2% interest and isFDICinsured.Participate in companys 401k planGet started with your companys 401k if they have one and you are eligible to participate.Money is automatically taken out and added to your 401k for you before you get your check, plus many companies offer the company match to a certain percent.And lastly, there are tax benefits as well.Thats paying yourself first and then someHave a side hustle?Send it all to savingsIf you have a side hustle that makes money or even just another job, try to bank most of it if you can.I realize you might be using this money to get ahead on bills and any debt, but if you are in a decent spot send this one directly to thathigh-yield savings account.If your side hustle is a geschftlicher umgang, then make sure to separate this income from your personal bank accounts.Saves you tax -time nightmares and hasslesBut I like to think of my side hustle income as almost non-existent right now.I never touch or use it, other than saving in my business bank accounts and paying any business associated costs.Related There are tons of side hustle ideas, but which ones can really produce a full-time income?Well explore this and morein this article.Saving money with debt is still importantThere is different advice about saving money when having debt.I agree that you should be paying debt and extra towards it if your interest is quite high (like credit card debt for example).But I also think its still important to save money as well.I actually wrote about thesaving money vs.paying debt conundrumI faced a bit more in-depth.Im not going to tell you what the right decision is for you specifically, but I think its important to do both, not one or the other.Final thoughtsIt took me almost four full years of my professional working career to figure out the pay yourself first concept.Its such a simple methodology to personal finances, but is so often overlooked.The earlier you establish this strategy with your money, the better financial life youll have.But, the important part isgetting started now, is better than never.As you started reading more financial blogs or books, youll probably come across the paying yourself first philosophy quite often.I personally first read about it inRich Dad, Poor Dadand it has been a financial game changer for me over the last few years and can be for you as well.This article originally appeared on Invested Wallet.

3 Signs Youre in a Dead-End Job

3 Signs Youre in a Dead-End Job3 Signs Youre in a Dead-End JobPicture yourself in five years. Are you sitting at the saatkorn desk, working for the saatkorn manager, doing the same work, and earning the same salary as you are right now?I didnt think so.Unless you already have your absolute dream job, youre probably working towards some sort of higherbei goal in your career- a more senior position, additional responsibilities, or new skills. But to make aya you have the opportunity to reach those goals, its important to be aware of your potential for growth- and to realize when youre in a job where that doesnt exist.Yes, unfortunately, even good jobs can be dead-end jobs- or positions with little to no room for advancement. So, to make sure youre on the right track to grow in your career, keep in mind these three surefire signs that your job is at a standstill.1. It Would Take a Big Event for You to Get PromotedFor a clear sign that your career might be stalled, look to your superiors and their tenure with the company. For example, say your boss has been in her position for five years, and her boss has been in his position for seven- and they both seem very comfortable where they are. That means, in order for you to move up, something would have to entice one of those big wigs out of his or her position. And youve seen no indication that anyones planning on leaving anytime soon.While this isnt necessarily the mark of a dead-end job (you never know when someone could make a sudden exit from the company or a position), it can- and should- raise some concerns if youre hoping to move up the ladder sooner rather than later.Your Next StepsIf you work for a larger company thats open to horizontal shifts, you may be able to move into another division- one that has more opportunity for growth.If not, you still may not have to throw in the towel completely. Even if you cant move into your bosss position anytime soon, try asking for more responsibility (more on that later) or a title change. You may even be able to create a position for yourself by identifying some needs of the company and then tackling them- effectively working your way into a position that didnt even exist before.2. Even if an Opportunity Arose, You Wouldnt Want ItOK, so youre probably thinking, Why wouldnt I take a aufsteigen that I was offered? But consider this Depending on your current level of satisfaction and your future careers goals, you may not actually want to move up the ladder in your own company.Say, for example, youre a manager at a great company and youre content with your job for now- but you cant imagine doing it for the rest of your life, and truth be told, youve always wanted to break into a different field. So, if you were offered a promotion to take on even more responsibility, more direct reports, and more high-maintenance clients as a senior manager, you wouldnt actually be that excited about it.Or, maybe youarent willing to commit to the extended hours or tr avel required of those roles, or yourenot passionate about the companys mission. Whatever your reason, if you have no desire to move up at your current company, consider it a red flag.Your Next StepsIts time to take a look at your career goals Why are you spending time in a career in which youre not excited about moving up to the next level? You may have solid reasons- finances, job security, or your current skill set- but unless youre willing to stay in that same position forever, you may want to look for a job that youll be excited to grow and progress in.So, consider some other options. Even if youre not ready to jump into the job hunt just yet, take some small steps Set up some informational interviews with contacts at other companies or in other roles, take a class in an area youre interested in, or browse through some career profiles online. You might be surprised at what you find- and it may just give you the spark you need to pursue something new.3. Your Work Hasnt EvolvedAs you gain more experience in your current position, you should be able to expect that youll be given more responsibility and increasingly challenging work. And as you successfully complete each new assignment and prove yourself time and time again, you should eventually start seeing opportunities to move up in a more official sense (i.e., promotions that include a shiny new title and a well-deserved raise).On the other hand, if youre still doing the exact same work today as you did two years ago when you first started with the company, thats a pretty straightforward sign that youre not going to be moving up very quickly- or at all. And without the chance to improve your skills and develop new ones, even if you did have the chance at a higher position, you may not have the marketable skills to fill it. In short Without new opportunities, your career is at a standstill.Your Next StepsDont ever be afraid to ask for more responsibility. For example, when you see a need for a better trai ning program in your department, volunteer to develop it yourself- or if you notice that the companys social media presence is a little lacking, ask if you can take it on as a side project. By accepting new challenges and showing your managers that youre able to take on more than you do right now, youll prove how valuable you areAnd if your request is met with resistance and your work stays stagnant? Well, then it may be time to look for something with more potential for growth.Realizing that youre in a dead-end job can be scary- especially when you consider that your alternative is the not-so-enjoyable search for a new job. But staying put- for longer than youd like- isnt a great alternative. So if your job isnt progressing the way you want, take charge and go after your goals at full speed. Your future self (the one sitting in a corner office) will thank you.Photo of dead end sign courtesy of Shutterstock.

How to Write a Disruptive Cover Letter in 2018

How to Write a Disruptive Cover Letter in 2018How to Write a Disruptive Cover Letter in 2018 10 Expert Resume Tips You Need to Land the Interview Ah, the dreaded cover letter. For many job seekers, the cover letter is harder to write than a resume. And while some job applications list it as optional , this does not mean that a cover letter is a waste of time. In fact, this one piece of paper (or that one schmelzglas attachment) can make or break your chances of landing an interview.We chatted with career coach and CEO of WorkItDaily , J.T. ODonnell, about the keys to getting hired in 2018 and she insisted that wowing recruiters boils down to delivering the right kind of cover letter.Wait, there are different kinds of cover letters?The biggest trend in cover letters is the concept of disrupting the reader. Disruptive cover letters tell a compelling story that creates a connection between the applic ant and the hiring manager or recruiter. The goal? To be original, different, refreshing.The cover letter is your opportunity to connect with the employer, show that you understand them, says J.T. ODonnell. Recruiters and hiring manager want an informed candidate. This cover letter is not about you, its about them. Its about what you know about the company, why youve connected with them, and why you so badly want to work for them.In her recent lifestream webinar, Help Me Get Hired, J.T. dug into what it takes to get hired in 2018 and outlined some of the most common cover letter mistakes, as well as the solutions. Here are our favorite takeawaysA cover letter should not be an overview of your resume. Thats the biggest mistake. Showcasing your experience and qualifications is what the resume is for, not the cover letter. Making this mistake will get your application sent to the No pile.A good cover letter grabs the reader at hello. You want the first sentence of the cover lette r to grab the reader and completely disrupt. Come up with an attention-grabbing first sentence. Make a statement or have a really interesting question that you start with and bold in the center of the page. This will pique the readers interest and entice them to continue reading.Stories are memorable because they create emotion and they create connection. You want to show that youve done your research and understand where you can add value to the company. They should be able to feel a connection with you when reading your cover letter.Another mistake people make is being too formal instead of being personal. The biggest example of this is strategic a cover letter with To whom it may concern. There is nothing more impersonal and dry than this phrase. It shows a lack of effort. In this day and age you can find a recruiters name, find the hiring managers name. If you cannot find this, theres a better option Dear Hiring Team. That is more personal and warmer.

5 ways to show youre a great fit during a second job interview

5 ways to show youre a great fit during a second job interview5 ways to show youre a great fit during a second job interviewGetting the email inviting you to take part in a second round of job interviews for a ort can be both thrilling and harrowing at the same time. Yes, you have a second chance to prove that youre a great fit for the company, but with that can also come with even more pressure this time around.Here are a few things to keep in mind.Dont assume youve already scored the jobJust because you got called in for a second interview doesnt mean the position is already yours. So treat the session like a trial run of what itd actually be like to work there, keep your emotions in check, and be confident but humble.Fill in any gapsThis could be your last chance before its offer time.Career expert Alison Doyle writes in The Balance that you should consider what you didnt say.Was there something you thought you should have mentioned during your first interview? Or was there a ques tion you had difficulty with? The second interview will provide you with the opportunity to expand upon your responses from the first interview. Review the notes you took during the first interview, to see what you might have missed talking about and what you can clarify or add, Doyle writes.Be ready to shed light on your characterUse this as an opportunity to distinguish yourself further.A blog post from specialized staffing firm Robert Half includes questions that you might hear during a second interview with a company.Looking back, what could you have done to make a bad workplace relationship better? This interview question is attempting to find out whether youre capable of rising above an unpleasant situation or learning from past mistakes, both highly desirable qualities. A bitter, critical answer may indicate someone who holds grudges or simply cant get along with certain kinds of people. A reflective, positive answer will show you try to minimize personality conflicts and not use them as excuses for failing to move forward. The company is looking for a candidate who tries to be tactful and diplomatic but nonetheless stands up for whats right, the post says.Do a little bit of diggingAlison Green, author of the Ask a Manager blog, writes in U.S. nachrichten World Report about how to do this.Research anyone who you know youre meeting with if you were given names ahead of time. This doesnt mean compiling a detailed dossier. It just means that you want to know what their role is, how long theyve been with the company, and in some cases, what their professional history was before this job, she writes.Keep making a good impression on peopleAmy Levin-Epstein writes about how you should impress every person you meet on a second job interviewin a CBS Money Watch article.Potential managers and coworkers will be analyzing you in terms of their own needs, says ODonnell. If every person in the interview process sees you as the person who will help them do their own job better or in a less-stressed fashion, youll set yourself up to seal the deal. Ask yourself, How can I help this person? Then try to work that into the conversation, Levin-Epstein writes.

The Insider Secret on Resume Star Exposed

The Insider Secret on Resume Star Exposed A Secret Weapon for Resume Star There are lots of Free resume building apps can be found play shop. The brief announcement opening time is because of the high volume of applications that the human resources specialists will need to read. Your resume must stand out to make it through the very first selection round. If you arent certain how to make one, there some pharmacy assistant templates readily available on this website you are able to check out. Not only do you have to list your relevant qualifications and experience, but you should demonstrate how youve set your knowledge into practice in preceding jobs. In addition, it demonstrates the capability to communicate with professionals outside the university. This list can be beneficial in prompting you to consider what you have actually done and the way in which your communications skills have contributed to your success. Someone states that resumes are dead and it is necessary to have social media, but practice indicates that recruiters continue to find applicants resume, choose more relevant ones and just then connect with applicants. The basic one enables you to build a simple text resume, and the visual editor will boost the look of your resume. The app enables you to customize the sections of your resume. It is also feasible to update your resume utilizing this app. Its a paid app and takes a little amount to become started. The Unexposed Secret of Resume Star An on-site rotation exhibiting your wisdom and skill is similar to an elongated interview, minus a few of the nerves. Before starting writing your resume, consider your work history and note your achievements and techniques. Consider your previous work experience and begin playing madlibs. Describe your task connected to the goal and challenge of your undertaking. What Everybody Dislikes About Resume Star and Why The app provides examples to offer you an idea what kind of information y ou should include. Even when youre not going on interviews at this time, this is a huge self-development exercise that all intelligent folks should do from time to time. The Resume Star Chronicles Make sure that you have an overall idea about the company as some critical details may be asked during the interview. Pay us only once you get the interview. As its been said, you dont know when youll be called in for that interview. Modern-day job interviews are behavioral interviews also referred to as STAR interviews. Sarah is a great recruiter It follows the honor-ware model which usually means you may download the entire version completely free with no restrictions and youre able to purchase it later once you get the interview. If you really need to boost your interviewing skills I would strongly suggest John Thanks to you Pricilla I finally have a work The Downside Risk of Resume Star My Resume Builder can help you create a fantastic resume with the support of its tools. Result Job seekers often neglect to mention the outcomes of the project they worked on. Its a great and fast solution for people who need to seek out a new job. Finding a job it isnt always simply. Lets look at how you could think by means of this process. The most potent and direct method of doing this is using the STAR procedure. Our aim is to produce the creation process simple for you. Your purpose should be to be certain your whole job-seeking presentation lets them obtain that insight. Results Finally, youre going to be requested to describe the outcome. Document the real results which you achieved. Clean, professional outcomes. Life After Resume Star Some states enable you to submit an application for a short-term PA license to begin working while waiting to take the PANCE, but not all them. Try to remember, HR people have a great absprache of resumes to examine and not a great deal of time. When it can improve your odds of getting hired, you shouldnt solely rely on it. Someone to aid with the additional workload and perhaps address a number of those nagging problems that no one has time for. Instead, they werent ready for another 2 weeks. Especially people freshly out of college and having trouble getting work, this is the location for you.

Employee Confidence in the Positive for Second Straight Month

Employee Confidence in the Positive for Second Straight Month In its March 2013 Employee Confidence Index, Randstad reports that employee confidence has edged up slightly for the second consecutive month, increasing to 53.9, even as job market confidence dropped a notch. Even more notably, personal confidence in the ability to secure a new job and in the future of employers has experienced the largest gains since April 2010. This month we saw an interesting, though not too surprising, contrast in workers feelings around the broader economy and their own individual confidence levels, said Jim Link, managing director of human resources for Randstad US. Workers seem to be increasingly cautious about whats happening in the economy as they wait to see the eignung impacts from the sequestration and the $85 billion government spending cuts that took effect on March 1. In addition to the seemingly never-e nding budget debates on Capitol Hill, Americans are likely feeling wary due to continued gas price and payroll tax concerns.Even so, it is important to note the heightened personal confidence reported. Our Personal Confidence Index, which measures optimism in workers ability to find employment and in the health of their employers, rose by nearly four pointsmaking it the largest gain in two yearswhich is very encouraging. In the midst of economic unease, US workers are clearly feeling good about job security, the health of their employers, as well as their ability to find alternative employment if necessarywhich could have very costly implications for organizations if this percentage of the workforce took action. With more sustained stock market and housing price gains, as well as continued job creation, we expect personal confidence to continue to strengthen over the next several months.Highlights from the report include Marchs confidence index grew slightly from 53.5 in February to 53.9. Confidence in macro-economic conditions fell by 2.8 points but personal confidence rose 3.7 points a three-year high. 52 percent of workers feel that there are fewer jobs available, up from 47 percent in February. 42 percent of workers are confident in their ability to get a new job. Workers confidence in the future of their employers jumped 7 points over February to 63 percent. 55 percent of workers do not plan to look for a new job over the next 12 months.