volunteering

9 Ways Work-At-Home Seniors Can Master Work-Life Balance

Sarah Winfrey — Fri, 04 May 2018 09:00:08 +0000

You're retired, but maybe you still want to keep a hand in your old business. Or maybe you love consulting, or you want some extra cash, or you don't like having too much idle time on your hands. No matter the reason, working from home can be a great way for retirees to earn an income without being subject to the daily commute and grind of a traditional 9-to-5.

Remote work can be highly rewarding and even fun. Here are some ways to keep your work-life balance while working from home in retirement.

1. Look for a flexible schedule

One of the great benefits of retiring is being able to do what you want, when you want. Don't lose that completely by ending up with a rigid work schedule. Sure, you'll need to be there for your new employers or clients some of the time, but make sure you have the flexibility to take time off for the things that matter most to you.

2. Start small

It may be tempting to jump right into a new job. However, working from home is different from going to work at a company. If you've never done it before, it can be overwhelming at first to be self-directed and spend so much time alone.

If you think you want to work from home, start by taking on a project or two, or working a few hours a week. If you like it and can still do all of the other things that you want to do with your retirement, you can look for a more permanent gig.

3. Make time for family

Many retirees make the jump into retirement at least in part so they can spend more time with their families. If this is you, ensure that your new job doesn't interrupt this time. Even if you work from home, it's important to put child care obligations or family days on the calendar early, and make sure your new employer knows you won't be available at those times. You can keep your family first even if you're going back to work. (See also: 9 Signs Your Work-Life Balance Is Off)

4. Unplug yourself

Whether you're old or young, it's easy to get sucked into the internet. You may find yourself surfing Facebook for pictures of your grandchildren, looking up decorating ideas on Pinterest, or getting lost in a sea of YouTube videos.

Time spent online is often little more than a distraction. Ultimately, it isn't very satisfying, and it often takes you away from the things you really want or need to be doing. Limit your time online, especially when you're away from work, so you can really engage with the people and the experiences around you. If you're glued to your desk all day, you probably won't be enjoying your retirement to its fullest.

5. Plan vacations ahead of time

Some retirees enter retirement with the intention to travel. You can still do this while working from home. Make sure you get your vacations on the calendar early so your employer knows when you won't be available. This helps ensure that you'll have the free time you need to fully embrace your travel, even if you have to get right back to work when you get home.

6. Exercise

Exercise makes us feel better. It gets the blood flowing and helps boost our mood. Both of these will go far toward helping you feel like your life is in balance. When you make time for exercise, you're making time for yourself. You're also prioritizing your health, as exercise can help you live longer and avoid or minimize many of the physical problems that plague people in retirement. (See also: 7 Smart Ways to Invest in Your Health)

7. Meditate

Make time to meditate. Clear your head. If you don't like meditation, get a journal and spend a few minutes every day writing down your thoughts. Giving yourself this space helps you remember what's important to you, and that your stated priorities are actually prioritized in your real life. It also gives you the mental clarity to fully engage with work when you're working, and with other people and things when you're outside of work. (See also: 6 Meditation Alternatives for People With Busy Minds)

8. Walk every hour

When you're on the clock, make sure you stay moving. Get up every hour and take a short walk, even if it's just down the hall and back. This not only fights the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle, but it also helps you stay focused.

9. Schedule time to give back

If one of your retirement goals was to give back to the community, rest assured that you can still do that while you're working from home. Make volunteering a priority by scheduling it in your calendar, getting the time off or clearing your client list for the day, and helping out however and wherever you like. Giving back will offer a sense of fulfillment, and it will also remind you of the things that are truly important. (See also: 9 Unexpected Benefits of Volunteering)

Like this article? Pin it!

This article is from Sarah Winfrey of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

How to Set Career Goals When You Lack Direction

Carrie Kirby — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 08:30:14 +0000

You're long past the age where people ask you what you want to be when you grow up — but you're still trying to figure out what you want to be when you grow up. Maybe you're in a dead-end job, or maybe you're out of work. You know that you need to make some positive moves, but you just can't figure out what you want in a career.

It's time to block out some time in your calendar to sit down with yourself and make a plan. Here are some things that can help point you in the right direction of your perfect career.

Mark the day when you will quit your job on the calendar

You're about to embark on a journey of self-exploration, and just like a vacation, this journey will have a hard end date. A deadline gives you the urgency you need to figure this all out. Don't feel guilty when you come to work each day knowing that this job has a set ending point. Remember that company loyalty is rarely reciprocated; if it didn't need you anymore, the company would most likely discard you at the drop of a hat.

Don't worry about how long you've been on the job. If you have financial reasons to stay, such as union seniority or a pension vesting, certainly take those into consideration. But do not let yourself be stuck in place out of a feeling of obligation. (See also: 6 Reasons It's Never Too Late for a Career Change)

Look for self-improvement opportunities at work

Before you leave your current job, explore every benefit your employer offers. If they pay for education, take a class. If they allow telecommuting, set up a day a week that you work from home to arrange your work schedule around job interviews if the need arises. If they have a mentorship program, sign up. Take advantage of every resource at your disposal while you still have them. Don't feel guilty about using these resources when you're planning to leave. Of course, you also shouldn't be slacking off or searching for a new job while on company time, either.

Reach out to your network

At work, in your neighborhood, or among college or high school alumni, ask everyone you know and trust about their workplace and their job. What do they love about it? What kind of staff can they never find enough of? What could they imagine you doing there? Can they give you a tour of their workplace?

After college, my husband didn't know what he wanted to do with his art degree. But he met some friends who had a startup video game company, and he started visiting this company after his regular job, offering some of his skills for free and just hanging out. Once he realized how much he liked the work, he ended up pursuing a career as a game artist.

When you ask friends and family for career advice, accept that you will get plenty of unrealistic suggestions. These people may not have researched the jobs they're suggesting, so they might not know, for example, how long it takes to start making money as a hair stylist or how long you have to study to become a veterinarian. Pass up the fluff and push people to share their firsthand knowledge about their own jobs and workplaces.

Assess yourself

Take a career aptitude test. It can help you identify what your skills and preferences are and make suggestions on what careers might be within your skill set. You may even learn about a career you didn't know existed.

Try volunteering

For obvious reasons, a volunteer job is a lot easier to get than a paid job, and the commitment tends to be low. So it can be a good opportunity to try out new roles and to uncover passions you didn't know you had. Through volunteering during the cookie sale with my daughters' Girl Scout troops, for example, I learned that I love inventory management, a career path that I never would have imagined for myself.

Find out if your company offers paid volunteer time during the weekday, or carve out some evening or weekend time for volunteer jobs. (See also: 7 College Courses That Will Boost Your Career)

Make a list of what you're passionate about

If you've already tried the first few steps on this list, you've had the opportunity to explore your interests. Now have a meeting with yourself where you list those things. Rank them. You only have one life. Is it most important to you that you spend it in a career that helps children, or is it more important that you get to use your organizational skills? Once you have a short, well-edited list, post it in a place that forces you to look at it every day.

Look for opportunities to pursue your passions in your current job

Once I had a relatively boring copy editing job, but I really wanted to write. I let this desire be known in my company. I brought it up in performance reviews, and I posted a freelance article I'd published on my cubicle wall. After a few months, when a manager needed someone to write something for the company's internal website, she called upon me. It wasn't the journalistic writing I later progressed to, but it was writing, and the task helped push me to look for a real journalism job, which I soon found. (See also: 12 Ways to Rekindle Passion for Your Job)

Remember that you're more than your job

Look beyond your current job description when you assess what you have to offer. Consider every positive goal and outcome you've contributed to at work, and how you helped achieve them. Keep those successes in mind — whether or not they're part of your official job title — when assessing what abilities you could bring to your next job.

Go back to school

Before you've identified your new career goal, taking a class can help you explore your interests and skills. After you've identified a career goal, taking a class can help you get there. It could be a whole new degree, but it could also be a certification in a software program, a public speaking class, or a professional training program. (See also: 7 College Courses That Will Boost Your Career)

Lay the groundwork for change

Figuring out your passions and how to use them may take time. During that time, work to prepare your landing pad for the leap you will eventually take. Set aside some money each week for an emergency fund, in case you end up quitting your job before you find a new one. Deal with any personal situation that is taking up too much of your time and energy, whether it's an unhealthy relationship or a nagging health problem.

At the same time, don't fall into the trap of believing that conditions must be perfect before you can make your move. Remember that date on the calendar? Work every day toward being prepared when that date comes, but don't push Quitting Day back just because you don't have every single duck in a row.

Invest in yourself

Spend 3 percent of your income on professional development. Attend professional conferences even if your company won't pay for your plane ticket. Read career books. Treat potential mentors to lunch or coffee. Take courses, as mentioned above. All of these activities can help you find or hone those career goals and get you closer to reaching them. (See also: Here's How Spending 3% On You Will Advance Your Career)

Like this article? Pin it!

This article is from Carrie Kirby of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

7 Organizations That Need Your Help During Christmas

Kat Tretina — Tue, 12 Dec 2017 09:00:09 +0000

There are people in your community right now who are struggling with financial problems, illness, and homelessness. Although you want to help, you might be on a tight budget yourself; and you don't have enough to donate to the various causes. Thankfully, you can still contribute in a meaningful way by volunteering.

Christmas can be a wonderful occasion to volunteer your time, as many groups need extra help around the holidays. If you're looking for a volunteer opportunity, these seven organizations are still in need of help. (See also: 8 Charities You Can Trust With Your Holiday Donations)

1. Knit for the Gift of Life

If you enjoy knitting, the Gift of Life needs your skills. It's an organization that is dedicated to helping and supporting parents of premature babies and babies in neonatal intensive care units. Many families will be spending Christmas Day in the hospital to be near their babies.

The Gift of Life collects stuffed bears and beanies to distribute to families at Christmastime to provide comfort and hope. The organization needs knitters and crocheters to create the bears and hats. You can contact them to volunteer and they will send you the hat sizes and patterns they need.

2. Wrap presents for the American Red Cross

You might have taken advantage of American Red Cross wrapping booths in the past, yourself. They're common in shopping malls nationwide during the holiday season. Volunteers wrap shoppers' presents for them in return for a donation. It's an effective fundraiser that goes toward disaster relief and support for the military.

If you enjoy wrapping presents, you can find seasonal American Red Cross volunteer gigs on VolunteerMatch.org or by contacting your local chapter office.

3. Deliver hot meals with Little Brothers: Friends of the Elderly

Many elderly or disabled individuals are homebound and cannot go to the grocery store for food. Or, they might not have family to help them and are completely isolated. They often rely on organizations like Meals on Wheels for hot meals and companionship.

However, Meals on Wheels is not open on Christmas Day. Little Brothers: Friends of the Elderly chapters fill the gap by delivering hot meals directly to individuals' homes, ensuring they're not alone on Christmas Day. Contact your local chapter office to sign up to become a deliverer.

4. Cheer hospital patients with the Salvation Army

Spending the holidays in the hospital can be a very grim and lonely experience. As part of its holiday efforts, Salvation Army chapters nationwide arrange for hospital and nursing home visits. Volunteers sit with patients on Christmas Day. It can be uplifting for patients, especially for children and the elderly. You can contact your local Salvation Army chapter to inquire about visitation schedules.

5. Distribute warm clothes with Goodwill

While many children are dreaming of new video games, others just wish for a warm coat. Each year, Goodwill chapters collect new and gently used coats, shoes, and gloves for both children and adults. You can contact your local chapter to volunteer, or you can help by collecting gently used warm clothing from family and friends.

6. Assemble hygiene kits for the Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Unfortunately, the National Domestic Violence Hotline receives hundreds of phone calls on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and throughout the holiday season from victims of domestic abuse in need of help. Some are connected with local shelters so they can get to a safe place.

When victims of domestic abuse leave their abuser, they often have to leave suddenly with just the clothes on their back. They might arrive at the shelter without even a toothbrush. The local chapters of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence need help collecting new supplies and assembling hygiene kits. Contact your local coalition office to volunteer or donate supplies.

7. Visit nursing home residents with the Holiday Project

The Holiday Project is an organization devoted to making visiting people in nursing homes, hospitals, or other residential institutions a normal holiday tradition. It arranges for volunteers to visit nursing home residents, who are often without family and may never receive visitors otherwise. During your visit, you might sing Christmas carols, hang up decorations, or play games with residents. You can find a list of existing groups or learn how to create your own group by visiting HolidayProject.info.

Like this article? Pin it!

This article is from Kat Tretina of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

How to Find Your New Identity After Retirement

Sarah Winfrey — Mon, 27 Nov 2017 10:00:06 +0000

Most people work for at least 35 years before they decide to retire. This provides ample time for a person's job to become one of the most stable parts of their identity.

A lot of retirees end up feeling lost once their career is no longer part of their everyday life. Without the identity that their job provided them, they don't know who they are anymore. Some retirees end up going back to work, while others eventually find their way through to a fulfilling second act. If you are retiring or thinking about retiring, here are some ways to make the transition to your new life smoother. (See also: 6 Things You Might Do on Your First Day of Retirement)

1. Volunteer for your favorite nonprofit

Most of us have a nonprofit or two that we support and would love to do more for, if only there were time. Well, guess what? When you retire, you will finally have that time. Why not invest it in an organization that means something to you? You can volunteer at your local animal shelter, church, homeless shelter, or any other organization you've always wanted to offer a helping hand to.

If you think you will miss your job or you have professional skills that you want to continue using, you can almost always find a way to use them in the nonprofit sector. Many retirees end up having a voice on the board of their favorite nonprofit, maintaining the books, or using their interpersonal skills to provide friendship and counsel to vulnerable populations, such as at-risk teens, elderly people, or refugees. If you have the interest, the skill, and the time, you can always find a place that needs what you're offering.

2. Focus on relationships

When life is busy, it can be hard to focus on relationships. As you look toward retirement, think about the relationships you want to invest more time in. Maybe you can finally take your spouse out to dinner every month, like you've wanted to do since you got married. Maybe you want to baby-sit your grandchildren once a week to develop a closer bond with them.

Investing in relationships can be an adjustment at first, especially if the people around you aren't used to you having so much time available. If you persist, though, you may find that you get to know your loved ones better than you ever did before.

3. Find a part-time gig

Retirement is the perfect time to find a part-time job doing something you've always wanted to do. Maybe you adore animals, and now you finally have the time to put in a few hours a week at a boarding facility. If you love plants, you can probably find part-time work at your local nursery. If antiques have always been your hobby, look for work at a shop or auction house.

See this as an opportunity to explore interests that you couldn't explore before. If you're truly interested, willing to learn, and humble, you can find work where you can learn about almost anything. (See also: 6 Cool Jobs for Retirees)

4. Follow your dreams

Most of us have things we've always wanted to do but just couldn't get into because of the time involved. Retirement is the perfect chance to pursue these opportunities. Think about taking up an instrument, learning to paint, or finally getting that degree you've always put off pursuing. You may even want to start a small business or look at selling something that you make on the side.

Remember that you're never too old to start or learn something new. Whatever it is that you have always wanted to know, do, or be, you have the chance to pursue that after retirement, as long as you don't stand in your own way.

5. Look for open doors

One of the best things about being retired is that you can do what you want, when you want. You can also change course at any time if something isn't working out the way you wanted it to. This means that there's no reason not to go after something, even if it doesn't end up working out. Because you have freedom with your time, you can go through any and all of the doors that open to you, since you can always change your mind later.

If you aren't sure what to pursue after retirement, keep an open mind. Try to see everything around you as a potential opportunity. When a door opens or an offer is made, walk through it. If it doesn't work out, something else will come along eventually.

Like this article? Pin it!

This article is from Sarah Winfrey of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

7 Easy Ways to Give Back This Thanksgiving

Christa Avampato — Wed, 01 Nov 2017 08:00:09 +0000

Thanksgiving is coming, and though we should keep helping others in mind all year, the holidays are a special reminder to take care of our community. Here are seven easy ways to give back this Thanksgiving. (See also: Make the World Better With These 17 Free Ways to Give Back)

1. Buy a pre-packed bag at your local grocery store

While you're in your grocery store, you'll likely find pre-packed bags of food that the grocery store will deliver to people in need. Just say you want to add it to your grocery bill, pay for it with your groceries, and the store takes care of the rest! To find out if your grocery store offers this program, just stop by the customer service desk on your next trip.

2. Contact your local food bank

Your local food bank is one of the major sources of food for those in need throughout the year. They often have special holiday donation drives, and they are usually able to find a major donor or corporate sponsor that will match any donations during this time of year. Reach out to your local food bank and ask about any special holiday programs they are running.

Remember, your monetary donation will go a lot further than bringing food to your local food bank because the food bank buys exactly what they need at wholesale prices that are cheaper than what we pay at the grocery store. Also, if you have a little extra time, offer to volunteer for a shift at your local food bank. They always need help during the holidays. This is a great activity to do solo, with a group of friends or coworkers, or with kids. (See also: 8 Charities You Can Trust With Your Holiday Donations)

3. Ask your employer about special holiday programs

Many employers go the extra mile during the holidays. Get in touch with your corporate philanthropy or human resources department to ask about any special holiday programs to give back to the community. Many workplaces match the donations of their employees, provide a certain amount of hours that employees can take off to volunteer throughout the year, and organize team bonding activities that involve local volunteering.

4. Find Amazon wish lists

Many nonprofits have started setting up Amazon wish lists. Last year, I bought needed items from the Amazon wishlist of a homeless shelter in my city. I paid for the items that they needed, Amazon shipped the items directly to the shelter, and then the shelter sent me an acknowledgment letter a few weeks later. It's as easy as that! Contact a nonprofit you love and find out if they have an Amazon wishlist. And if they don't, encourage them to create one! You can also search for a nonprofit's existing Amazon wishlist right on Amazon's site.

5. Be a layaway Santa

Layaway is still a service widely used by people who are on limited incomes and have thin credit files. Next time you're at a store, ask if they have a layaway service, go to the customer service desk, and anonymously put money toward someone's layaway items. Then encourage your friends and family to be layaway Santas, too.

6. Go the extra mile right where you are

Going out to eat, getting your haircut, or ordering food delivery? Add a bigger tip beyond what you normally give. People in the service industry work hard all year, especially during the holidays, and anything extra that you give for great service is always appreciated.

7. Be kinder

We can all use some extra encouragement. Anonymously leave a note with an inspirational quote or compliment on someone's windshield or doorstep in your neighborhood. You may never know how much it means to someone. And just be friendlier in everyday life. Smile, say good morning, hold doors open, or offer to carry someone's heavy bags while holiday shopping. A little kindness goes a long way and it's so easy to offer!

Like this article? Pin it!

This article is from Christa Avampato of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

13 Ways to Get Free Travel Accommodations

Nick Wharton — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 08:30:10 +0000

Accommodations make up the biggest part of most travel budgets. Even if you opt to stay in the cheapest of places, it can still be a real drain on your finances. But with a little effort and an open mind, it's easy to get free accommodations all over the world when you travel. (See also: 7 Ways That Anyone Can Travel for Free)

1. Work in a hostel

Most hostels employ a mixture of permanent, long-term staff and temporary, short-term volunteers on a work-to-stay arrangement. These volunteers usually do a variety of work, ranging from reception duties and cleaning, to bartending and decorating. Often, you'll be required to work for just three or four hours a day so you still get plenty of time to explore. Just make sure you agree to the terms before you start. In exchange for your labor, you'll get a bed and often some food and drinks.

2. Housesit

Opportunities to housesit are available all over the world, usually for people who want someone to look after their pets while they are on vacation. The arrangement means that you get to stay in a whole house or apartment and enjoy the home comforts that come with it. Many websites, including Mind My House and Trusted Housesitters, act as agents between the homeowners and potential sitters. Sometimes you have to pay a small fee to join. (See also: 10 Tips for Landing the Perfect House-Sitting Gig)

3. Work exchanges

In return for free accommodations, travelers can offer their time and expertise to work within a small organization or even a family home. This may include farming duties, building or repairing properties, teaching English, or baby-sitting. The opportunities are wide ranging and vary in duration as well. One thing to keep in mind is that you will usually be working four to six hours a day, sometimes six days a week. If you're doing manual labor you may be too tired to sightsee in your downtime, so you may want to plan for doing that before or after your work exchange. You can find work exchange opportunities on websites such as Workaway and HelpX. (See also: The Work Exchange Way to See the World)

4. Couchsurf

Couchsurfing is an online network that enables generous hosts to offer their spare beds or couches to travelers looking for somewhere to bed down for the night. It's absolutely free, and hosts are usually extremely sociable people looking to meet new friends and introduce them to their local area, with many being travelers themselves. This is better for short stays of a few days or less.

5. House swap

This is a really simple premise that involves swapping houses with someone who lives in a location that you want to visit. Sites such as Home Exchange allow you to search for situations worldwide. It's the perfect way to get free accommodations while ensuring that your home is looked after while you're away. Obviously it requires you to have a property in the first place, and as such, it is particularly good for families who own their houses and want a home to vacation in. (See also: Home Exchanges: Free Accommodations With Perks)

6. Volunteer

Lots of charitable organizations offer free room and board in exchange for your services in helping with their activities. Opportunities range from teaching English to helping build schools in places that need them. These will often be longer-term, full-time placements where you'll be lodging with other volunteers or with local families. To get started, check out Free Volunteering. (See also: Volunteer to Travel: 11 Opportunities for Free or Very Cheap Travel)

7. Camp

There are lots of countries where it's absolutely legal to wild camp on public land, meaning you can stay virtually anywhere you want for no cost. Clearly you need to have camping equipment such as a tent and sleeping bag, but once you've got them, the world is your oyster. Always ensure that camping is allowed in the location you select to pitch up, and leave the site as you found it when you arrived.

8. Write a travel blog

One of the perks of starting a travel blog is that with a reasonable following, companies will want to work with you in exchange for access to your audience. Many accommodation providers, hotels, and hostels are willing to provide free stays in their properties in exchange for reviews or "shout outs" on your blog or social media channels. It takes time to grow a following, but the rewards are worth the effort. (See also: Can You Really Make Money by Starting a Blog?)

9. Work on a boat

Captains from across the world are constantly on the lookout for people to provide them with a helping hand as they sail the seas. The boats will vary, from small sailboats to huge super yachts. Tasks can range from cooking and cleaning to deckhand duties. Most captains aren't necessarily looking for experienced sailors, just someone willing to pitch in when needed. (See also: How to Get Free Accommodations (and Paid Jobs) on Boats)

10. Stay in a monastery or temple

Religious houses across the globe offer free stays to people wanting to learn and take part in their way of communal living. You don't have to have a great faith yourself, but you will be expected to abide by their rules, which in some cases can be quite strict. It's a great way to get a different perspective on an area, though, and opens you up to new experiences.

11. Language exchanges

Learning a new language can be costly, and finding someone to practice with can be difficult, depending on where you live. Language exchange trips such as those offered by lingoo allow people wanting to learn a new language the opportunity to live with a native speaker who wants to learn English. In exchange, you may be asked to host that person in your home, too. As a traveler, you'll get regular language speaking opportunities and the opportunity to completely immerse yourself in the culture by living with a local.

12. Use your points

Credit cards that offer travel rewards are extremely common now, with many providing generous sign-up bonuses that you can put toward accommodations. This could make it possible to get free nights in swanky hotels just for taking out the card. Many large hotel chains also have their own hotel-branded credit cards that enable you to rack up points really quickly on your everyday purchases to use on stays at their properties. (See also: How to Get a Free Vacation in 9 Months With Credit Cards)

13. Use your connections

If you have friends or family living in a place you'd like to visit, ask if you can stay with them! Most people don't make the most of the connections they already have. Why not put out a message on social media asking if any of your friends know someone in your desired location who could put you up? You may be surprised at just how effective this is, and you'll meet some new people in the process. (See also: How to Travel Full-Time for $17,000 a Year (or Less!))

Like this article? Pin it!

This article is from Nick Wharton of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Make the World Better With These 17 Free Ways to Give Back

Emily Guy Birken — Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:30:16 +0000

Giving back feels good and offers support to those who need it, but it can sometimes feel like the only contributions that make a difference are financial. While donating money to charity or to community members in need is a wonderful way of giving back, monetary donations can be out of the reach of some budgets.

Even if you don't have the finances to write checks to your favorite charities, you can still give back without spending a single dime. Here are 17 entirely free methods of making the world a better place.

In-person volunteer opportunities

Giving your time to a charity or an organization you care about is one of the most selfless ways that you can give back. There are a number of ways to volunteer that will match up with both your interests and the needs of your community.

1. Volunteer Match

Volunteermatch.org brings together local volunteers with local nonprofit organizations that need help. You can search for a cause that means something to you, and offer your time, expertise, or services.

2. Idealist

Idealist.org was created to connect idealists with opportunities for collaboration and action to bring their good ideas to life. With more than 120,000 organizations listed and 1.4 million monthly visitors to the site, you can connect with other people who share your ideals.

3. Elder Helpers

If you'd like to make a difference in the life of a local senior citizen, sign up with ElderHelpers.org to connect with a local senior in need. You could volunteer to help with anything from running errands to gardening and housework to entertaining.

4. Project Sunshine

Volunteers with ProjectSunshine.org bring arts, educational, and social services programming to children living with serious medical challenges and their families. Volunteers can work to create program materials and deliver these programs on-site to the children.

5. Girls on the run

If you love to run, then volunteering with Girlsontherun.org could be a great fit for you. Volunteers coach a group of girls through 10-12 week running programs that include physical activity and a service project. You'll help empower young women to be healthy, confident, and more connected to their communities.

Online volunteering

Believe it or not, you can volunteer your time from the comfort of your home. The internet allows volunteers to bring their skills to organizations that need them, no matter where they are. (See also: 7 Amazing Ways to Pay It Forward for Under $10)

6. Skills for Change

SkillsforChange.com calls itself a microvolunteering site, similar to microlending. Volunteers share which types of causes they care about and what skills they can offer, and the site matches them with organizations that need help.

7. Catchafire

Catchafire.org wants professionals to use their skills to make a difference. You can browse opportunities based on causes, needed skill sets, and time commitment, and then apply for opportunities.

Donating your stuff

While we all know that we can drop off unused clothes and household items at Goodwill or the Salvation Army, there are many more ways that our unwanted items can help others in need.

8. Union & Fifth

Fashion conscious altruists can use their fashion for good with UnionandFifth.com. Simply select which charity you would like to benefit, download a free shipping label, and clean out your closet. Union & Fifth will sell your clothes and send 75% of the sale price to your chosen charity.

9. Dress for Success

Gently used business attire can help disadvantaged women to succeed at work through DressforSuccess.org. Find an affiliate location near you, and drop off your unneeded office wear.

10. Nike Reuse-a-Shoe

Worn out athletic shoes can be given a new life as part of tracks, playgrounds, outdoor courts, or other places to play through the Nike Reuse-a-Shoe program.

11. Soles 4 Souls

This nonprofit program will distribute your gently worn shoes to people in need all over the world. You can find a local drop off location on Soles4souls.org, and you can also organize a shoe drive to increase your impact.

12. National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

If you don't know what to do with your old cellphone or other digital electronics, the NCADV has partnered with Cellular Recycler to collect these items, and refurbish and sell them. The money from these sales goes to support the NCADV programming that helps to stop domestic violence.

13. Cellphones for Soldiers

If you have an old cellphone that is still functioning, donating it to Cellphones for Soldiers will allow a deployed service member the ability to call home.

14. The Make-A-Wish Foundation

This heroic charity works to grant the wishes of terminally ill children. To cover the travel for many of these wishes, Make-A-Wish accepts donations of airline travel miles from certain airlines. This can be a great way to make use of the miles you collect.

Online giving opportunities

Most of us tend to spend our days in front of the computer, so why not use that time to give back?

15. AmazonSmile

This is exactly like the Amazon store you already know, but when you sign on with AmazonSmile, you are allowed to choose any one of over a million 501(c)(3) charitable organizations to benefit from your shopping. Each time you make a purchase, AmazonSmile gives 0.5% of the purchase price to your charity.

16. Free Rice

Rather than taking another '90s-themed quiz, why not take a break with FreeRice.com? This site asks vocabulary, grammar, math, science, foreign language, history, geography, and SAT test prep questions. For each correct answer, the site donates 10 grains of rice through the World Food Programme.

17. The Greater Good

Believe it or not, just clicking on a button can help provide mammograms for underprivileged women, food for hungry people, meals for veterans, therapy for autistic children, research for Alzheimer's and diabetes, books for underprivileged children, and protection to the rain forest. The site the GreaterGood.com offers clickable buttons for each of these issues, and your click will help to provide those services. It takes approximately 45,000 clicks to provide one service, and each user is limited to one click per day, but you can click each issue's button every day. Clicking here once a day can be a completely painless good deed.

Like this article? Pin it!

This article is from Emily Guy Birken of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

7 Things Employers Care About More Than Your Degree

Paul Michael — Fri, 12 May 2017 08:30:07 +0000

A college education is a wonderful asset. You get a foundation on which you can build a great career, life experiences, and friendships that can last a lifetime. However, a degree is not the be-all and end-all of what makes you an ideal job candidate. Employers are looking for other key factors that separate you from the crowd.

1. Hands-on experience

There is a world of difference between college experience and real world experience. As it was so profoundly put in The Secret of my Success, it comes down to this: "What you've got is college experience, not the practical, hard-nosed business experience we're looking for."

Education is great, but it doesn't compare to being in the trenches, and employers know that. If you've got years of experience under your belt, it can often take the place of a degree or other form of education. And, it means you have references from people in the industry. This is by far the best way to separate yourself from the competition.

2. Ability to solve problems

It doesn't matter whether you have an office job, work in a garage, or are out in the fields every day. Whatever your chosen career, you are going to encounter problems; it's a daily part of every job. How you handle those situations will hold you in good stead, and problem solvers are highly prized.

Do you think laterally? Can you condense the problem into key issues that should be addressed? Do you take charge when faced with a challenge? If you can hold your head up high and demonstrate your ability to solve problems quickly and effectively, your future employer will find you very hirable.

3. Communication skills

Directly related to problem solving, how well you communicate can be just as important as what you're communicating. It's no good having a great solution to a problem if you're afraid to speak up, or find yourself unable to distill your thoughts into actionable directions. Someone who can communicate well, and in a way that motivates and produces results, is a great asset to any employer.

4. Collaboration skills

Loners tend not to do well in most jobs. Sure, there are a few exceptions here or there, but for the most part, you must be able to work well as part of a team. In fact, one of the keywords you'll see most frequently listed in job postings is "team player." Employers want candidates who can quickly and easily become part of a team, even if individuals in the group have clear differences. A candidate that can put aside those differences to produce a great team effort is worth their weight in gold.

5. Work-related achievements

Think about what achievements you can use as a plus during your application and hiring process. Have you written a successful blog or book about the industry? Are you a guest speaker at industry-related events? Have you appeared on television or radio? Have you won any industry awards?

Any and all of these things can go a long way to getting you hired, and are often far more valuable than a degree. It shows that you know your stuff and know it well. Don't be afraid to list your achievements, even if they're not directly related to the job. They still count, and they have cachet.

6. Volunteer work

Charitable endeavors can do a lot to highlight the kind of person you are, and employers love seeing this on a resume. First and foremost, it's a sacrifice of personal time to do something for the greater good, and that says a lot about your character. The kinds of charities you work for can also sway the employer even more.

For example, while volunteering at an animal shelter is great, helping people in need, like military veterans, will hold a little more value. How long you have been volunteering is also important. If you have been at it for 10 years, despite a poor economy and changing jobs a few times, it shows real dedication. And of course, you will get excellent references from anywhere you volunteer for, which leads to the final point.

7. Awesome references

The old saying "It's not what you know, it's who you know" is directly applicable to your career. In fact, many people climb the corporate ladder with great speed due to knowing the right people, regardless of skills or accomplishments.

For example, let's say you're in the film industry, and you have no formal education in video production, editing, sound, or any of the other required skills. The employer will obviously overlook all of that if you have a reference from Steven Spielberg, Ron Howard, or Martin Scorsese. This is, of course, an extreme example. But if you have references from well-respected professionals in the industry, you're golden.

When it comes to getting a job, you need to use every advantage you have; especially if you do not have the "right" kind of education for the position. But if you're smart and inventive, you can still get the job without the diploma. Good luck.

Like this article? Pin it!

This article is from Paul Michael of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

6 Ways Travel in Retirement Keeps You Young

Amanda Gokee — Tue, 04 Apr 2017 08:30:21 +0000

Traveling and retirement is a great combination, and it doesn't have to cost a fortune. Read on for how travel can lead to a healthier, more enjoyable time after you leave the workforce.

1. More excitement

Being bored is a valid concern for those considering retirement. People wonder: How will I fill up the long hours that I used to spend in the office, where I was valued and useful?

Incorporating travel into your retirement is a foolproof way of keeping things fresh and new. In fact, the routine of going to the office every day is arguably much less interesting than being able to experience new places, cultures, and people, as you can do when you're on the road.

To really get to know a place and its people, you may want to stay several weeks. In that case, you may be more comfortable in accommodations you can find through short-term home rental websites such as Airbnb and HomeAway. Or, you could list your own place on Home Exchange and swap with someone who has a home in another country that you're interested in visiting. Signing up for Home Exchange costs around $100 but then you can find free accommodations around the globe. Any of these options allow you to experience the excitement of being in a new place with the comfort of living in a home. (See also: How One Woman Retired at 60 and Traveled the World)

2. Constant learning

Traveling during retirement is a wonderful opportunity to learn new things. Reading up on the history and natural environment of the place you're visiting, spending time in museums and at other points of interest, and talking with locals are all learning opportunities.

Visiting a foreign country can be the perfect opportunity to pick up a new language that you've always wanted to learn, too. Learning languages is not only fun, it helps keep your mind sharp. You can take up a language through any number of immersion courses, some aimed specifically at seniors and retirees. Or, you could polish your language skills simply by engaging in conversations with locals you meet.

Cooking classes can be another great way to learn about a new place. Often, cooking classes abroad are very affordable, and they're a fun way to experience a new culture and meet new people. (See also: One Surprising Skill That Will Save You Money When You Travel)

3. Better climates

With the freedom to travel whenever you want, you can hop from place to place to chase your ideal climate. Leave behind cold, snowy winters and travel to a warm, sunny place. Find a tropical paradise any time of year. You might even fall in love with one particular city and decide to stay there. (See also: 5 Incredible Places to Retire Abroad That Anyone Can Afford)

4. Money-saving opportunities

Those willing to stay overseas for extended periods of time, or indefinitely, may be able to save big on living costs. Often you can make your retirement savings go much further abroad. (See also: Retire for Half the Cost in These 5 Countries)

This can be helpful in lessening anxiety about having enough money saved for retirement, and it may even allow you a large enough margin to retire sooner than you thought. You may choose to rent out your U.S. home, or sell it if you're moving permanently. Either option could help you feather your nest egg while you're staying in cheaper accommodations elsewhere.

What's more, senior citizens are eligible for discounts on many travel expenses. All of the major U.S. airlines offer senior discounts on at least some routes, but usually you need to call the airline's reservations department, as the fares are not visible online. Most major American hotel chains also offer discounts for seniors or AARP members.

5. Volunteer opportunities

Volunteering can be the perfect way to create meaningful connections with people wherever you go and find fulfillment in giving back to the communities you are visiting. You can teach English, or offer health, law, or other professional services that you may have expertise in. Often, international volunteer organizations will place you with a host family while you are in the country, giving you an excellent opportunity to get to know locals and see the way they live.

A working holiday is another great way to save on accommodations while getting to meet people and spend time in another culture. Websites such as HelpX.net list farms, ranches, lodges, and even sailboats that invite volunteers to help them in exchange for room and board.

6. Health

Traveling can promote a healthy retirement as well as it can facilitate an active lifestyle, with plenty of new physical and mental stimulus in the places you will be visiting.

Not to mention that some foreign countries have both more affordable and more accessible health care. In Colombia for instance, even with prices that have been rising, a visit to a doctor will cost you around $25 and you may be able to get in for a visit much faster than you would in the United States.

Live the retirement of your dreams

Often people have worked hard their entire lives with hopes of being able to travel, experience other cultures, and take in the natural beauty of exotic locales. Now is the time to make those dreams a reality and cross destinations off your bucket list.

Like this article? Pin it!

This article is from Amanda Gokee of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

6 Millennial Money Habits Every Retiree Should Learn

Brittany Lyte — Tue, 14 Mar 2017 11:00:11 +0000

When it comes to money matters, Millennials don't always get a good rap. These young adults are likely to view themselves in good financial health so long as they make the bills at the end of the month, let alone stow a little extra away for retirement. But don't mistake them as financial illiterates. In fact, there are some common ways Millennials handle their money that could benefit the older generations. (See also: 6 Ways Millennials Have Changed Money So Far)

1. Get Creative

As retirees age, their expenditures fall — but their income drops even faster. Perhaps retirees, who are unlikely to jump back into the traditional workforce due to a suddenly trickling cash flow, can benefit from some Millennial-style money tactics. Indeed, Millennials know how to get creative when it comes to their earnings. The old rules simply didn't apply to this generation of '80s and '90s babies that entered adulthood during the uncertainty of the financial recession. So, they made their own rules. They found their own innovative ways to survive. And now, as they continue to develop a distinctly entrepreneurial spirit, many Millennials are beginning to thrive.

More than any other generation, Millennials have embraced the sharing economy, in which a lawn mower, their car, or a spare bedroom can become a valuable source of revenue. The average Airbnb host earns more than $20,000 a year renting out a full, two-bedroom apartment or house in a major city, and this is exactly the kind of peripheral revenue stream that Millennials have become accustomed to seeking out for themselves.

When it comes to ride-sharing, 21% of Millennials have used user-powered programs like Lyft and Uber to save money while on vacation. Among other age groups, those numbers are much lower — 7% for Gen-Xers and 4% for Baby Boomers. For older retirees, the percentage is presumably even lower. Yet transportation is a significant expense for most retirees, and it's one that could potentially be lowered through the use of ride-sharing — not only during a vacation, but on a daily basis. Older households spend about $8,000 a year on transportation, ranging from a high of $9,321 for the 55 to 64 age group, to a low of $5,091 for the 75-and-older group, according to federal data.

2. Don't Buy Stuff, Spend on Experiences Instead

Millennials highly value experiences — concerts, yoga festivals, French lessons, surf lessons, palm readings, trips to Italy — and they are increasingly willing to fork over more and more money to get them. All told, 78% of Millennials would choose to spend money on a desirable experience or event over buying something desirable, and 55% of Millennials say they're spending more on events and live experiences than ever before, according to a 2015 study by Eventbrite. What's more, nearly eight in 10 Millennials say some of their best memories are from an event or live experience they attended or participated in, while 69% say attending live events and experiences make them more connected to other people, the community, and the world.

As it turns out, there's scientific evidence to support the idea that people of all ages who spend money on experiences rather than things have a greater shot at attaining happiness. More than stuff, experiential pursuits promote greater happiness, psychologists have found. Perhaps painting lessons, bowling clubs, and a little international travel might also hold the key to a happy retirement.

3. Save Like You Mean It

A recent survey by T. Rowe Price found that 67% of Millennials will save by any means necessary. One reason might be this: It's reassuring to have a stash of cash available for emergencies, and this fact very well may be a major motivator for young adults who came of age during the recession, when jobs were scarce and layoffs were commonplace.

Older generations could benefit from that same mentality. Saving by any means necessary, as if the financial future was completely uncertain, will help build up a money cushion should the worst actually happen.

4. Embrace Technology

Millennials are famously tech-savvy, and they're using their familiarity with mobile apps to track their investments, as well as their spending and saving habits, in real time. Tools like Mint and Digit make financial planning quick and easy, while Acorns helps Millennials automatically invest their spare change into a diversified and customizable portfolio. There are money-saving apps specific for grocery shopping, couponing, freelancing, and so much more. (See also: 7 Apps That Make Budgeting Fun — No Really!)

While retirees generally lag in technological proficiency, there's been great improvement in recent years. All told, 58% of people 65 and older go online, according to the Pew Research Center, which marks an impressive increase from 14% in 2000. The app and website Life Reimagined by AARP is one example of a highly-rated financial and social planning tool for retirees of all ages.

5. Volunteer in Exchange for Free Tickets

Americans 55 and older spend 5.3% of their budget on entertainment, which is slightly more than the entertainment spending of all Americans, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Perhaps older Americans could benefit from this tip straight out of the Millennial playbook: A little volunteer work can go a long way to get you access to concerts, festivals, and sporting events. Many theaters, stadiums, and festival grounds offer volunteers free tickets to events in exchange for some time spent charitably directing parking or ushering the aisles.

6. Talk It Out

Millennials are markedly open when it comes to discussing their financial woes, worries, and successes. Not only are they quick to seek expert advice, but they are also undeterred from engaging in frank financial talks with friends, spouses, parents, co-workers, and others. Retirees who come from a generation that largely believed that it's rude to talk about money in public could learn from the younger generation's fiscal transparency. Experts say that open conversations about finances can help save relationships, especially intimate ones. They can also lead to people to better address their financial concerns, which can help prevent financial crises from building up later on down the road.

This article is from Brittany Lyte of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

5 Ways to Keep Anxiety From Ruining Your Budget

Emily Guy Birken — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 11:00:09 +0000

Life gets tough sometimes. When work is overwhelming, you are fighting with your parents, and the news seems to get grimmer every day, you might find yourself shopping your way into a better mood or pulling the covers over your head and ignoring all of your responsibilities.

Stress, anxiety, and depression affect all of us at some time or another. And whether you are dealing with occasional and momentary periods of stress, or you are in the grips of a long-term and serious depressive episode, your mental state can often wreak havoc on your finances. It's not easy to protect your budget from your anxiety's destructive impulses, but the following types of self-care will not only help you to feel better when stress strikes, but they will also protect your bottom line.

1. Recruit an Accountability Partner

Accountability partners are an important strategy for improving your finances. Not only does having a partner motivate you to stay on the straight-and-narrow while you pay down debt or increase your savings, but working with someone else can offer you encouragement when you are feeling down and add some fun to a long process.

All of these benefits are also crucial if you are trying to keep your budget looking healthy while you're dealing with stress, anxiety, or depression. In the case of trying to keep your mental state from hurting your finances, your accountability partner may act a little bit more like a sponsor from a 12-step program. You can call that person when you are overwhelmed and count on her to remind you of why a shopping binge will not actually help you feel better.

Obviously, you and your accountability partner need to be able to offer each other the emotional support you both need. In times of widespread anxiety, it can be a little more difficult to find a partner when everyone is feeling overwhelmed. However, leaning on each other is often a great way for two friends to both feel better and make the best financial choices for themselves.

2. Meditate

Mindfulness meditation has been proven to alleviate the symptoms of both anxiety and depression. The focus of such meditation is to train your brain to remain in the moment, rather than obsess over the past or worry about the future. Such mindfulness will not only help you to put worries in perspective, but it can also help you to recognize the link between your emotions and your financially-destructive behavior.

For instance, let's say that after a day of bingeing on news online, you badly want to put a lavish vacation on credit, just so you have something to look forward to. If you take 10 minutes to meditate instead, it can help you to see that your anxiety will not be helped by a vacation you can't afford. It will also allow you to feel your anxiety, rather than push it away, which is a much more productive method of getting past the negative feelings.

If you have never meditated before, there are many beginner's guides out there to teach you the practice of mindfulness.

3. Go for a Run

Exercise is the closest thing we have to a no-fail antidepressant. Research has shown that people are happier after breaking a sweat than they were beforehand, even if they had to force themselves to go to the gym.

In addition, an exercise habit can help you to avoid budget-destroying habits you might otherwise engage in, like retail therapy or a weekend-long Netflix marathon that keeps you from taking care of your grocery shopping and laundry.

Of course, when you are in the midst of a deep funk, the idea of lacing up your sneakers and going out for a life-affirming run sounds about as enticing as getting a root canal. This is another place where your accountability partner can help you do what's best for you both. Set up a regular date to exercise together, and you will both get to enjoy the endorphins and the good company.

4. Volunteer

Depression, anxiety, and stress are often side effects of feeling helpless. When it feels as if you have little power over your circumstances, it's easy to retreat into bad and expensive habits to help yourself feel better.

But there is always meaningful work that we can do to improve lives — even if we can't improve our own. That is why volunteering for a cause you believe in can be such an important tool in improving your outlook on the world. According to a 2008 study by the London School of Economics, people who volunteer experience greater happiness than those who do not.

The researchers theorize that volunteering makes you happier because it helps to put your situation in perspective. In addition, volunteering your time helps alleviate depression because it allows you to feel like you are a part of something important that is doing good in the world.

5. Engage in Productive Self-Care

Sometimes things feel so bleak that you really do need to retreat and take care of yourself. There is nothing wrong an occasional "Stop the world, I want to get off!" day for yourself. But there can be a fine line between healthy and productive self-care, and self-destructive wallowing. For instance, buying a bottle of nail polish might make you feel good, which could prompt you to keep buying to keep that good feeling going. Instead, you might be better served by inviting a friend over to paint your nails together.

To make sure your self-care is helpful rather than harmful, start with your needs. Ask yourself what needs are not being met right now, and listen carefully to the answer that bubbles to the surface. Wallowing is often a passive reaction, whereas productive self-care is when you engage in fulfilling your unmet needs. Taking the time to think through what you need may help you realize that you don't actually want to go out drinking, but instead you need to talk with a good friend.

Don't Let Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Hurt Your Finances

When your thoughts get stuck in a hamster wheel of anxiety or depression, the easy method of handling your distress can often cause you financial stress. Being intentional and mindful about how you handle your negative mental states can help to alleviate your feelings of helplessness and keep your finances healthy.

If you are experiencing severe depression and/or suicidal thoughts, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Like this article? Pin it!

This article is from Emily Guy Birken of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

7 Amazing Ways to Pay It Forward for Under $10

Sarah Winfrey — Tue, 30 Aug 2016 09:00:08 +0000

By now, most people have heard of folks paying it forward at Starbucks, and some of us have even experienced it for ourselves. There's really nothing like driving up to pay for your drinks, only to find that someone else has covered the bill for you. Even if it's just a couple of bucks, it will make your day.

I know that folks are sometimes hesitant to keep a chain like that going, simply because they have no idea how much it will cost them. When money is tight, paying it forward can feel impossible. Fortunately, there are some ways to guarantee that paying it forward won't cost you much, so you can still make someone's day better.

1. Cook a Meal

If you know someone who is struggling and you can't afford to take them out (or they can't go), consider making them a meal instead. It's easy to make a meal that will feed a whole family, or a couple or a single person for several days, for less than $10. And if you're still concerned about cost, make something hearty like a vegetarian chili or jambalaya, which doesn't require meat to produce a hearty meal.

2. Donate Blood

If you qualify, you can donate blood for free, minus the cost of your time. Sure, this is less personal than some of the ways you can pay it forward because you won't get to see the person who receives your blood, but that gift will surely make someone's day. Since most people who need blood need it fairly urgently, you can be assured that your donation will be appreciated. Be sure to eat well before you donate, so you don't crash afterwards.

3. Feed a Meter

Do you see a meter expiring soon? Toss in a quarter. If you like this idea, you can even keep a roll of quarters on you or in your car so that you can toss one in whenever the need or desire arises. There are few things worse than looking at the clock and suddenly realizing your meter ran out 20 minutes ago, or knowing that your meeting won't be over before your meter runs out. What a relief, then, to run out to the car and discover that someone took care of it for you! (You may want to double check with your local traffic ordinances. Depending on where you live, metered parking may also have time limits whether or not the meter has expired, and your act of kindness may put its recipient over the limit.)

4. Tip Extra

Servers don't make that much money, even when people tip well. If you'd like to make someone's day, add an extra $10 to your tip. If you want, leave a little note wishing the server well or telling them to put the money toward their dreams. Sure, it's not a lot, but it's amazing how much better people feel when they know they were noticed.

5. Pay Their Toll

You could also offer to pay the toll of the car behind you. After all, the cost of commuting can be a major expense, especially for folks who aren't making much to begin with. You paying that toll might provide someone with just a bit of financial relief, and it will make them feel special, too. And who knows? You might start a new trend.

6. Leave Quarters by the Vending Machine

If you work in an office with a vending machine, try leaving some extra money in the coin return. You don't even have to cover the total cost of a drink or a snack. Just leaving a quarter or two could brighten someone's day. If you do this regularly, make sure you stagger the times when you leave the quarters, since you don't want one person to be the only recipient of your generosity.

7. Let Someone Have Your Spot

Are you at the front of a long line but not in a hurry? Did you time it just right to get a killer parking spot? If you give your prime place to someone else, it just might make their day a little better. This is particularly true if you can tell that someone is in a hurry or is stressed out. As a mother of small children, I can testify that having someone give me their place in a grocery store line when my kids are on the verge of meltdown has entirely changed my day for the better. And the best part is, it's free!

How do you pay it forward for less than $10? How do you feel after you do it?

This article is from Sarah Winfrey of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

8 Surprising Ways to Pay Off Your Student Loans

Mikey Rox — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 18:00:18 +0000

If you went to college, chances are you have student loan debt. Personally, I'm on the 20-year payback plan, and while I'm comfortable with my payments now that two out of three loans are paid in full, the first seven to eight years post-college were extremely hard on my wallet. If you're in a similar situation, there may be some relief in your future. Consider these eight surprising ways to pay off your student loan debt a little faster. (See also: Should You Refinance Your Student Loan?)

1. Volunteer With SponsorChange.org

When I graduated college, I was 100% job focused. I had to find full-time employment right away to pay my rent, gas, food, bills, and of course, my student loans. The job search took up most of my time, and when I finally landed a position, that took up even more of my time. After making ends meet, I certainly didn't have much time to volunteer for activities I enjoyed or support causes I believed in.

And that right there is what I love about SponsorChange.org. Their mission is to connect volunteers with social impact organizations that provide a $10 to $20 per hour stipend for participation in meaningful skill-based project opportunities. The concept is simple: Organizations list projects on the SponsorChange.org site to attract the talent they need. Volunteers — that's you — can find projects and build their skills doing something they love by earning money that will go directly toward student loans. It's a win-win for everybody, and you don't have to feel one bit guilty about it. (See also: 8 Ways to Get Student Loan Debt Forgiveness)

2. Find Student Employment Through Start Jobs

If you're still in school or even a recent grad, you'll want to check out Start Jobs, an organization that connects students to paying jobs in the field they want to start a career. This allows them to gain the experience necessary to land that first big job right out of college, in turn either taking on less student debt or paying it down faster.

"Start Jobs was ranked by Inc.com as one of the best four websites for college graduates seeking jobs, listed alongside LinkedIn, Indeed, and CareerBuilder, and it's the only site specifically created for current students and recent graduates for the purpose of attacking the ever-expanding student debt crisis," according to Start Jobs Community Manager Bryce Hamlin.

3. Accept Help From Your Post-College Employer

The student loan crisis has gotten so bad in recent years that employers are now stepping up to help their workers pay down debt quicker. Price Waterhouse and Coopers, for instance, recently announced that it would help its junior employees (roughly 46,000 staffers) with paybacks starting next year. Eligible employees will receive $1,200 a year for up to six years for student loans. The money will be paid directly to the loan provider, though it will still count as income for employees.

4. Play Givling, an Online Trivia Game

Givling is a pay-to-play online trivia game that is making crowdfunding interactive and fun. Three months after its launch this past spring, it paid off contestant Kevin Foster's $31,625 loan and it will pay off the next loan in the queue — which amounts to $97,000 — soon. The best part? You don't even have to play the game yourself. You have to sign up, of course, but participation in the trivia games isn't necessary to win.

According to Business Insider, "Separately, trivia gamers sign up and are randomly placed into teams of three. Team members answer true or false questions to rack up points. The highest-scoring funding team is eligible for a $4 million prize. In addition to the large $4 million prize, there are smaller daily prize amounts awarded."

Givling costs $0.50 to play a round and an additional $0.30 for a transaction fee. Players also receive one free game a day.

5. Earn Supplemental Income Through Peer-to-Peer Services

Thanks to the "sharing economy" — which was largely established by the still-growing popularity of peer-to-peer services — you can make extra cash by renting out items you already own, like your home or car, or offering services like dog sitting.

I've rented out a guest bedroom in my home to tourists for the past seven years on Airbnb, and I'm also listed as a dog sitter on DogVacay, in order to bring in extra income. I have a full-time job just like everyone else, and I still have time to manage both of these additional revenue streams. If you have mounting debt from student loans, these peer-to-peer service are a highly effective way of bringing in serious cash — if you're wholly committed to your endeavors' success — that you can put toward your payback.

6. Charge Part of the Balance to a No-Interest Credit Card

It's not the ideal solution to use a credit card to pay down other debts, but if the interest rate makes more sense on plastic than it does from you loan repayment terms, it might be a smart move to make a swipe. (See also: Best Credit Cards with 0% Intro Offers)

"Using Great Lakes (a loan provider), we were able to call and make a one-time payment using a credit card," says Douglas Hutchings, who has student-loan debt. "We had an offer for 0% interest for 12 months so we picked an amount that we were confident we could pay over 12 months and charged it to the card. Due to the size of the payment, we also scored a fair amount of credit card rewards points that we plan to use for a future vacation. Between saved interest and credit card points, we came out ahead by over $2,000 for about 60 minutes of 'work.'"

7. Take Out a Loan From Your 401K

Like using a credit card to pay down your student-loan debt, tapping into your 401K shouldn't be the first place you go for extra cash for loan payments. But if it makes sense overall — in saved interest and other benefits — it's not an altogether terrible prospect to consider.

"One of the things I did to jump start the pay down of my substantial student loans was to take out a loan from my 401K, and put the total amount towards the principal on the student loan," says Eric Meerman, a portfolio manager at Palisades Hudson Financial Group. "I then kept paying the same monthly amount on the student loan, in addition to paying back the loan to the 401K. While this is not always the best idea since you don't want to miss out on the market appreciation available to stock investments in your 401K, it worked out for me because the market was virtually flat over the term of the payback period."

8. Live at Home With Your Parents a Little Longer

If mom and dad will have you, live with them a little while longer after college. Chances are they won't charge rent — or at least not as much as you would pay on your own — and you'll get lots of free services (laundry, meals, and more), which will ultimately free up more of your income to pay down your student loan debt. I have a buddy who moved back home at age 26 after a few years on his own because his expenses became too much to handle. There's no shame in it, and many of us (myself included) have been there. (See also: 15 Ways to Pay Back Student Loans Faster)

Do you have other interesting ideas on how to pay off student loans? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

Like this article? Pin it!

This article is from Mikey Rox of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

7 Surprising Tax Deductions You Might Miss

Christa Avampato — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 13:00:03 +0000

It's getting serious: We're just days away from the tax filing deadline. If you haven't filed your taxes yet, your procrastination may pay off in spades. Here are some surprising deductions that you may be able to take this tax year. (See also: Often Overlooked Tax Deductions)

1. Professional Enhancement

Are any of your expenses related to your work? For example, if you're a music teacher, consider everything you do that enhances the knowledge that you communicate to your students. Do you attend concerts or musicals? Are you taking lessons to brush up your own music skills? These types of costs, while largely recreational and enjoyable, may also be tax deductions if you can show how they translate to your career.

2. Caring for Community Service Animals

While you could set bait and traps to keep pests such as snakes, rats, and other dangerous critters at bay, you could also use more natural methods such as caring for outdoor cats who take care of these pests for you. Believe it or not, the food that you feed these animals is a tax-deductible expense because these animals help make your property (and the community) safer by eliminating harmful pests.

3. Fostering Adoptable Animals

If you're an animal lover who fosters critters prior to adoption, your good deed will be rewarded in more ways than one. Many major animal charities and local shelters have foster programs. With proper documentation from the charity, you may be able to write off all of the expenses incurred when fostering animals, including food and any veterinary bills.

4. Company Giveaways

If you're a business owner, you know that promotional giveaways can often boost sales. The costs of these freebies and promotional items can often be deducted as business expenses because they helped promote, and hopefully grow, your business.

5. Volunteering

It can be tough to carve out the time and budget to volunteer — for example, if you have kids, you have to arrange for a sitter. The good news is that even though you're paying a sitter (and not making a direct donation to the nonprofit), the cost of the sitter is a tax deduction because it enabled you to volunteer your time and effort to the charity.

6. Volunteer Vacation

Volunteer vacations are a great way to immerse yourself in a culture and have a unique travel experience. Many organizations provide these types of trips. They coordinate housing, in-country cultural activities, and even pay for emergency insurance. Many of the expenses, including the donation you usually make to the nonprofit, can be deducted from your taxes because incurring these expenses enabled you to do the volunteer work.

7. Home Improvements for Medical Reasons

If your doctor advises you to get more exercise or make changes to your home for specific medical reasons, those costs may be tax deductible. That means adding in a gym, fitness equipment, or even a swimming pool if it's used for prescribed medical purposes, may qualify as a tax deduction.

As always, please check with your tax preparer to see if you qualify for certain tax deductions. Make sure that you keep precise records of all these expenses and any supporting documentation. Remember, taxes must be filed by April 15th!

Do any of these deductions apply to your tax situation?

This article is from Christa Avampato of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

How to Get Work Experience Without Having a Job

Kelly Kehoe — Fri, 30 Aug 2013 09:48:29 +0000

"Need experience to get a job; need a job to get experience" is one of the most frustrating paradoxes faced by those who are still in school or in the midst of a career change. Although unemployment numbers are slowly falling, the race to land an entry-level job is not only hyper-competitive, but also somewhat deceptive, since some employers require a couple years of experience before applicants qualify for even an entry-level position. (See also: Awesome Accomplishments: 50+ Questions to Ask Yourself and Figure Out What You've Done)

If you're currently searching for a job but don't have extensive work experience to back you up, boost your resume and make valuable contacts in the industry you want to work in by exploring some alternatives.

Internships

One of the most popular ways of getting your foot in the door is by completing an internship. Depending on the industry, these may be paid or unpaid, part time or full time, short term or for several months, and for college credit or just for another bullet point for your resume.

Internships.com and InternMatch are great resources for finding internships in your area (remote/virtual internships are also available). If you go above and beyond what is expected of you during your internship, your boss might write a letter of recommendation, which will help you stand out from the crowd when you apply for your next job. Or better yet, your internship could potentially lead to a full time, paid position with the company.

Volunteer

If you want to make a difference in your community and gain valuable experience while you're at it, consider becoming a volunteer. Like many internships, this isn't paid work, but compared to the regular job market, volunteer positions are much more readily available. Although there are certainly differences between regular jobs and volunteer positions, you could perform similar tasks at a nonprofit as you would in a normal work environment (office work, teaching, researching, event planning, etc.). At the very least, you'll likely improve your communication skills and make connections that can serve as references later on when you're job hunting. (See also: Translating Volunteer Experiences to Workplace Credentials)

Take Specialized Classes

Being a college student or graduate is almost mandatory for decent-paying jobs these days, but employers want more than employees who learned everything in a classroom. Consider taking some hands-on classes that relate to the industry you want to work in. This can be anything from wood or metal shop to culinary classes. Many community colleges offer trade-specific classes, and some high schools have a Regional Occupational Program (ROP) for their students. ROP offers hands-on courses to prepare students for careers in industries such as health care, engineering, manufacturing, tourism & hospitality, and more.

Start Up Your Own Startup

Entrepreneurship isn't for everyone, but if you're really determined to get your foot in the door, you could run your own side business until you amass the experience needed for your dream job. This is probably the most complex way of getting experience, but you may find that working for yourself is more rewarding after all. Either way, entrepreneurship will help you add valuable experience to your resume, as well as show you both the employer and employee's perspectives in your industry. (See also: 6 Reasons Your Great Startup Business Is Doomed)

Freelance

If running a business isn't your cup of tea, and you offer services rather than products, consider getting into freelancing.

Upwork is a popular website for new freelancers, although there's one thing you should know about bidding sites — it's a race to the bottom. You'll be competing with other freelancers, many of whom are willing to charge minimal prices just to get work. An alternative to this is building a portfolio in which you have several pieces of your work available for potential employers to peruse prior to hiring you. As an independent contractor, you could also offer your services for free for a couple clients when you're just starting out (in exchange for portfolio samples and references). (See also: New Year, New Resume)

Final Word

Landing a new job — even in a struggling economic climate — isn't impossible. It's admittedly harder for those who don't have firsthand experience required by many employers, but as you can see from the points above, there are ways around this problem.

How have you gotten experience without first having a job? Tell us your job search story in the comment section below!

Like this article? Pin it!

This article is from Kelly Kehoe of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread: