Money Tips Network

Last week, I published an article on 10 things you should know before getting your first credit card. That article included a lot of worthwhile tips for first-time credit card users, but one area I didn’t cover thoroughly was travel rewards.

One big reason that many people sign up for credit cards is to generate rewards points that they can then use for travel. Sometimes, these rewards convert into travel benefits at a very nice rate. For example, a card might reward two miles for every dollar spent, and then those miles can be used to book cheaper flights than one can find while paying cash, or a card might be used to get free nights at a hotel chain and can be used in conjunction with a rewards program within that chain to accumulate even more free nights with frequent use.

For the last several years, almost every hour of professional work that I’ve put in has been remote work. Although I write in Iowa, the team that keeps The Simple Dollar running is located around the country. Other writing I’ve done, such as pieces for US News and World Report, has been remote as well. I know the ins and outs of working in an environment where there aren’t any coworkers or management within many miles of me.

What I’ve learned is this: working remotely has a ton of upside in terms of flexibility, but it is incredibly easy to get distracted and fall into low productivity routines.

So, how do I make that work? How do I get the most value out of remote work? How do I avoid traps of distraction and low focus?

Here are twelve strategies I live by to get things done while working remotely.

In case it's not completely obvious, I am on an extended leave from this site.

I currently do not plan on posting new content here, nor am I doing any of the following:

• Accepting guest posts
• Looking to add revenue/affiliate partnerships
• Wanting to sell the site (it's my baby, how could I?)

If you email me about any of these you will not get a response since I assume that 1) I've answered your question here and 2) you don't take your time to read/do research on who you are contacting, and who would want to work with someone like that?

If you'd like to read what I'm writing now, check out ESI Money.

And if you have any questions about partnerships with that site, I suggest you read the contact page in detail before you send me a note. ;) 

Do you want to fit your travel packing needs into carry-on luggage, regardless of whether your trip is two weeks or two months?

Find the Best Renter Insurance

Enter your ZIP code below and be sure to click at least 2-3 companies to find the very best rate.

Hawaii is a gorgeous state, beloved by its estimated 1.4 million residents. The Aloha State is also prone to hurricanes and strong coastal winds that cause damage. Residents are vulnerable to the whims of the Pacific. With all of Hawaii’s perils, renters insurance is more important than ever.

Debt can be devastating. What began as small, manageable credit card debt or personal loans can quickly get out of hand if life throws you a curveball. From critical illnesses to family emergencies, unexpected bills or sudden cash flow shortages, it’s easy to find yourself underwater.

But it’s not all bad news — creditors increasingly realize the benefit in giving clients options to reduce debt and get back on track. Known collectively as debt consolidation, this framework includes multiple ways to address current debt load and create a road map to help rebuild credit and remove financial obstacles.

Delta offers business customers three credit card options, and the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card is in the middle of the pack. This credit card offers a wide variety of special offers and perks for business travel including a generous welcome offer, one free checked bag and the potential to earn a solid amount of miles.

Among comparable airline credit cards, the has average rewards with a relatively high annual fee of $250 (See Rates & Fees). However, it’s a great option for loyal Delta customers who are intrigued by the lucrative welcome bonus and the chance to earn medallion qualification miles (MQMs), which can be redeemed for Delta elite status and perks.

Some part of me has always deeply disliked throwing food away. Even if it’s a food scrap, I still don’t like throwing it away.

Whether it’s the lessons learned from growing up without much money, my own frugality by choice as an adult or my simple aversion to wasting food, it makes me feel extremely wasteful when I put any food in the trash or the garbage disposal.

Over the years, however, I’ve found lots of ways to turn food scraps and food waste into things that are genuinely useful. Here are twelve things that I do just as a matter of routine that keep food scraps from going to waste.

If you have poor credit, the can help you get back on track. The UNITY® Visa Secured Credit Card is not a prepaid debit card. Instead, the card’s line of credit — anywhere from $250 to $10,000 — is tied to the amount you have on deposit with OneUnited Bank. The card has a 17.99% (Fixed) APR, meaning it is far less likely that the interest rate will increase over time. Unlike a prepaid debit card, it reports to three main credit bureaus, so using the card responsibly will improve your credit score over time.