Handling finances doesn’t require an MBA. There are basic skills that make you a savvy financial manager. This section contains a group of articles that cover money management topics everyone should know. Topic #1: Cash Flow – otherwise known as your BUDGET = Income vs. Expenses What is your income? Start with your take-home pay. If you get the same paycheck each period, … [Read more...] about Money Management 101
Archives for May 2017
How to Start a Military Career
A military career can be an excellent opportunity for many women seeking a career. There are various branches of the military to consider, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and National Guard. Joining any branch of the military is a serious decision, and it is not a field to enter into without careful thought and consideration. However, it also important to remember … [Read more...] about How to Start a Military Career
How to Complete a Job Application
Successfully finishing a job application can be a difficult task for anyone competing in the modern job market. Today, the majority of applications are completed online. Knowledge of best practices for completing an application for employment is important for a successful and easier job search. If you have an updated résumé or if there is completed information from an … [Read more...] about How to Complete a Job Application
8 Tricks to Handling Debt
Using credit is a normal part of life. Financing a car or large household items, using student loans for your education, or taking out a mortgage to purchase a home are things people do every day. Good money management requires that you know when and how to use credit wisely. The article on “Your Credit Rating” can help you make the right decisions. But if you find … [Read more...] about 8 Tricks to Handling Debt
How to Find Child Care in Your Community
Finding child care can be one of the most challenging tasks all parents take on. It’s not always easy to know where to find the highest quality care in your area. Even beginning the process can be a daunting task. There are, however, resources to help! Child Care Resource and Referral, known as CCR&R, are agencies that keep a database listing of child care centers, … [Read more...] about How to Find Child Care in Your Community
Where to Find Help Paying for Housing
Learning to navigate confusing systems while also trying to cope with change can be hard, but asking for help is not only OK—it is a sign of strength. Our society often doesn’t make it easy and is quick to judge, but a lot of people need help and a lot of people want to help. You are not alone. Each new challenge you conquer will make you stronger and, in the long run, will … [Read more...] about Where to Find Help Paying for Housing
An Insider’s Guide to Your Credit Rating
Your credit rating comes from many sources—for example, from companies that have rented or leased goods or services, your bank, your landlord, and most often from a credit report. The most important elements of your credit rating are your Credit Report and your Credit Score. We will briefly explain both of these to you and point you to sources where you can learn more. The most … [Read more...] about An Insider’s Guide to Your Credit Rating
How to Find Employment and Training Programs
You may have a job now, but perhaps it isn’t what you want to do long term. Or maybe it won’t pay enough for your new family. Don’t panic! There are actually many communities that offer a wide range of employment and training programs. These are programs that offer on-the-job training and preparation for careers in a wide variety of fields from health care, industrial, and … [Read more...] about How to Find Employment and Training Programs
13 Study Tips for Parents
Studying always takes time. Whether someone is trying to pass a high school equivalency exam or attempting to finish a thesis, the key element is time. The trick is finding it when you have a child, or multiple children, and you are probably working while going to school. Here are a few tips from a woman who completed two degrees while rearing four children and who also has … [Read more...] about 13 Study Tips for Parents
How to Work with Your Employer for Family-Friendly Solutions
When preparing to go to your employer to make your job harmonize better with your situation as a parent, keep in mind that any changes will be more attractive if you can demonstrate that the new policy will benefit the company. And preparation here is key. First, know what policies are already in place. Talk to human resources or get a copy of the policy manual to study. It … [Read more...] about How to Work with Your Employer for Family-Friendly Solutions
Online School As an Option
Going to school as a parent or while pregnant can seem daunting at first, but there are many options available to make school affordable, convenient, and flexible in both time and location. School may also seem pointless or overwhelming, but the long-term benefits will reward you for your work. Online school is an option with endless opportunities, not only for college … [Read more...] about Online School As an Option
Is Transferring Schools Better for You?
College is part of life for most Americans, including mothers. Unfortunately, it can sometimes seem as if higher education just isn’t a place for mothers to be. But is that really true? Actually, no. There are a lot of options out there for mothers who want to attend school. In addition to traditional classes, you could attend night classes, or go to an online school. But … [Read more...] about Is Transferring Schools Better for You?
What to Consider When Choosing Cable, Internet, and Phone
Living in the 21st century, instant communication is easier than ever before. Yet with increased availability comes increased anxieties, especially with the cost of communication being so high. When weighing your cable, internet, and television options, the following tips may be useful. Cable The price of cable has been rising at four times the inflation rate, putting the … [Read more...] about What to Consider When Choosing Cable, Internet, and Phone
Financing Your Education
Though college can be expensive, there are many resources available to you. With grants, scholarships, and loans all available and with different eligibility requirements, the options can seem very overwhelming. Here is a quick look at ways you can make your education more affordable. Where to find help: If you are not aware of the resources your school has to offer … [Read more...] about Financing Your Education
Carpooling Tips and Tools
An affordable and helpful option to get from point A to point B is carpooling, also sometimes referred to as ride-sharing. This can be very helpful when traveling with children or traveling with lots of stuff. The best and safest way to find someone is through friends, the people you already know and trust, and their recommendations. Ways to find them online include … [Read more...] about Carpooling Tips and Tools
Tips and Tricks for Using Public Transportation
One thing to consider when planning for the future is transportation. If you live in a city, public transportation could be your best choice. The American Public Transportation Association has a very helpful website to show you what public transportation is available in your city. Just a few clicks on their site will lead you to the public transportation options in your … [Read more...] about Tips and Tricks for Using Public Transportation
Should You Breastfeed?
The decision of whether to breastfeed your child or to use formula is a very personal one. Before your child is born, you may have a plan to breastfeed or not. When your child is born, that plan may totally change—and that’s OK, too! Here are some things to think about as you decide what is best for you and your baby. Reasons to breastfeed: Breastfeeding is an inexpensive … [Read more...] about Should You Breastfeed?
How to Get Health Coverage for Your Child with Special Needs
Depending upon your child’s condition, regardless of your income or whether or not you have health insurance for your child, there is a way to get your child covered by Medicaid or SSI to help with medical costs that may not be covered by primary insurance. Even if you have decent insurance, there are plenty of medical costs that insurance won’t cover but are essential for … [Read more...] about How to Get Health Coverage for Your Child with Special Needs