Month: June 2020

  • Side Hustles You Can Earn From Home

    10 Sideline Sources of Income That You Can Earn From Home

    Do you have some extra time to kill and need another source of income? There are several ways to generate a secondary source of income without leaving the comfort of your own home. It’s surprising how many home employment opportunities exist. Anyone with a few hours to spare can earn extra money.

    Check out these ways to stay at home and earn money in your free time:

    Freelancing

    With the capabilities of the internet and associated technologies, working from home is a snap. Whether your talent is writing, graphics, building websites, or voiceover work, there’s no end to the amount of work available for a freelancer.

    No matter what your skills might be, there’s someone out there looking for you. Check out one of the many freelance websites to get started.

    Telemarketing

    Any place with a telephone is suitable for your telemarketing headquarters. It’s a job that few enjoy, so there are usually employers looking for callers. If you have a pleasant voice and can deal with rejection, telemarketing can be an easy and flexible way to earn some money.

    Grow and sell vegetables

    Okay, you might have to leave home to do this. On the other hand, you might be able to convince someone else to sell them for you at the local farmer’s market. Seeds are very inexpensive. Mother Nature will take care of the rest, minus weeding.

    Make scrapbooks

    Not everyone has the skill to make a custom scrapbook. Create scrapbooks for those who are unable or unwilling to do it themselves. A few supplies are all you need to get started.

    Begin with offering your scrapbooking service to family, friends, and neighbors. You might be able to generate enough referrals to stay busy without additional advertising.

    Data Entry

    Most jobs pay for each entry rather than by the hour. It’s a great job if you have a few spare minutes here and there. It’s super flexible and can work around any schedule. With focus and fast fingers, you can generate a reasonable income.

    Tutoring

    Part-time tutors can make $30 or more per hour. You might have to brush up on your geometry or Latin, but tutoring can be a lucrative way to spend your free time.

    Translate

    Are you skilled in a second language? There are many opportunities to translate conversations and documents. While certifications are required to translate for large companies and government agencies, they’re totally unnecessary for translating a love letter or a conversation on Skype.

    Rent out a room

    If you have the space to spare, rent out a room. A good roommate can be a blessing and help you cover the bills. It might help your social life, too.

    Host a party

    There are parties for Tupperware, candles, and numerous other types of products. While these parties are typically held in the homes of others, host the parties yourself.

    You could also allow your friends to use your home as a party location, and then keep a percentage of the profits.

    Sell ad space on a personal blog

    Create a blog and then sell ads on your website. You can sell the ad space directly or sign up with Google Adsense. With Google, they’ll post relevant ads for you, and you’ll receive money whenever someone clicks on the ad.

    Whether you’re in financial pain or just need an activity to fill your spare time, a secondary or part-time source of income could be the solution. Someone almost certainly has a need that fits your skill set perfectly. Find them and provide your services. It might be the most enjoyable money you’ll ever earn.

    Sometimes you just need to make a little extra cash. You’ve got extra bills to pay. Maybe a kid is going to college and you need tuition money. Maybe you want to take your family on a special vacation. 

    Whatever the reason, you want to make a few extra dollars. 

    But it’s not quite that simple, right? 

    Do you pick up a part-time job? That’s pretty tough to do if you’re already working full-time. 

    Do you sell some of your possessions? I suppose that’s an option, but probably not the best one. 

    Do you enter the lottery and hope for a great stroke of luck? Probably not. 

    So what are you to do? 

    Thankfully, the internet has fundamentally changed how we make money. 

    Now, there are dozens of ways to make extra cash through a variety of online techniques. We’re no longer forced to take traditional jobs in order to make money. 

    If you can imagine a way to make money, you can probably do it online. 

    But frankly, it can be intimidating to think about trying to make money online, especially if you’ve never done it before. The internet is huge and trying to sort through all the options can feel terrifying.

    If this describes you, then this article is just what you need

    12 effective ways to make money online

    Some of these methods will be more lucrative than others. Some will require more work than others. 

    Some of these money-making methods can even turn into full-time jobs. 

    But they all are proven, sound ways to make money online. 

    One thing that’s important to note before we get started: None of the methods that follow are get-rich-quick schemes. These are real, sustainable ways to make money. All of them require actual effort and investment of time. 

    There are no shortcuts. 

    No hacks to make you ridiculous sums of money every day. 

    These are all real jobs that pay real money. 

    There’s no such thing as an online get-rich-quick scheme.

    Ryan Robinson

    Most of the quick ways people talk about when it comes to making money online are not true businesses.

    Sure, some of them may be good for creating a few hundred or even thousand dollars in one-time revenue. But they’re not going to help you unlock financial freedom and achieve complete control of your lifestyle.

    That’s really good advice. Don’t fall for get-rich-quick online schemes. They almost never pan out. 

    Instead, go for the proven, sustainable ways of making an online income. That’s what this book is all about.

    Ready? 

    Let’s dive in. 

    Method #1:

    Affiliate Marketing

    Affiliate marketing is an outstanding way to get started making money online. The bar to entry is relatively low and you can get started with it right away. 

    Essentially, affiliate marketing works like this:

    • You promote an online product or service created by someone else.
    • If some purchases a product or service through your promotion, you get a commission, or portion of the sale.

    Typically, you promote the online product through a special link that is connected to you. That way the company knows that the sale came through your promotion. 

    Amazon Affiliates is a simple example of affiliate marketing. Once you sign up for their affiliate program, you can promote ANY product on Amazon. If someone clicks on your affiliate link and then purchases the product, you get a small portion of that sale. 

    There are numerous other affiliate networks, such as:

    These affiliate programs have thousands of products to choose from, including ones from top retailers GoPro, Barnes & Noble, Lowes, and many more. 

    You might be thinking, This sounds great, but how exactly do I promote these products? 

    There are numerous ways to promote the products. Really, you’re only limited by your imagination. 

    You can…

    • Write reviews of products on your blog and include affiliate links
    • Have banner ads on your website promoting the products
    • Post affiliate links on social media
    • Promote products to your email list

    For example, you could write a blog post about the top 10 hiking shoes. Or you could have a banner ad featuring hiking shoes on your website. Or you could post links to deals on hiking shoes on Facebook or Twitter. Or you could let your email list know about a great deal on hiking shoes. 

    If you have an audience, whether that be on social media or through a website, you have the opportunity to make money through affiliate marketing. 

    One of the reasons affiliate marketing is such a great way to make money online is that you don’t have to actually create any products. You’re simply selling what someone else already created. 

    You’re a promoter, and if someone purchases through your promotion, you make money. Creating your own products can be tremendously difficult, and affiliate marketing removes that difficulty from the equation. 

    The best affiliate marketers can make thousands of dollars each month through their efforts.

    Method #2:

    Sell Products Online

    There are numerous ways to sell products online (even if you don’t manufacture one yourself). 

    Before you can sell products online, you’ll need a website on which to sell them. If you don’t want to set up your own ecommerce store, you can easily sell products on:

    If you want to sell products on your own website, you’ll need to go one step further and create an ecommerce website on which you can list your products and accept payments. 

    Thankfully, companies like Shopify make it incredibly easy to set up an ecommerce store. In a relatively short time, you can have an online store up and running, ready to sell products and get paid for them. 

    What sorts of products should you sell online? 

    1. First, you can sell home-made products you make yourself on sites like Etsy. If you’re the crafty type and are able to make a product that others would purchase, Etsy can be a great option. The top Etsy sellers make thousands of dollars every month.
    2. You can also sell products you’ve already purchased on sites like eBay, Amazon, and Poshmark. For example, let’s say you like to go to thrift stores. You can find great products to sell on eBay at thrift stores if you’re willing to do a little hunting. Like Etsy, the top eBay sellers (and other sites) can make thousands each month. 
    3. You also have the option of dropshipping products. Dropshipping works a little different than the standard way of selling products online. With dropshipping, you find a product that is available online for a relatively inexpensive amount.

    You list that product on your own ecommerce store for a higher amount. When you make a sale, you keep the markup amount. The maker of the product then sends the product directly to the buyer without you ever touching it.

    To be clear, you act as a middleman, connecting the buyer and the seller and then taking a portion of the sale. You don’t ship any products. You just sell them at a markup and then let the maker of the product ship them.

    If you’re trying to find good products for dropshipping, AliExpress is a great place to start. With Shopify, you can create a store that connects directly to AliExpress to make it easy to sell products.

    If you’re really committed to selling products online, you can have a product manufactured. 

    This involves a significant investment of time and money and requires following a number of somewhat complicated steps. The complex nature of creating your own product is beyond the scope of this book. 

    Out of all these options, selling products on sites like eBay and Etsy is probably the simplest way to get started making money online. If you can find products to sell, such as at thrift stores or garage sales, you can start making money relatively quickly. 

    Method #3: 

     Sell Your Services on a Freelance Basis

    There’s a good chance that you have certain skills that you can sell online on a freelance basis. 

    For example, are you a…

    • Designer
    • Writer
    • Translator
    • Assistant
    • Bookkeeper
    • SEO Expert
    • Voiceover Artist
    • Audio Engineer
    • And more 

    If so, then you can sell your services online. There are literally hundreds of thousands of businesses that need these services and you can make good money working for them. 

    Depending on your skill set and your ability to pitch new clients, you can make a full-time living as a freelancer. Some freelancers even make six-figures every year. 

    In order to get started freelancing, you’ll need to do a few things: 

    1. Create a portfolio that shows off your work. The reality is that most businesses will want to see an example of your work if they’re going to hire you. They want to be confident that they’re hiring the right person. A portfolio shows that you’ve already done solid work.
    2. Set your prices. There are numerous ways to set prices, including by the hour, by the project, or as a retainer fee. Set your prices at what you consider to be a fair amount and be confident in that amount as you talk to potential clients.
    3. Reach out to potential clients. There are numerous ways to connect with potential clients. You can:
    • Call them
    • Email them
    • Reach out to them on social platforms like LinkedIn
    • Apply for jobs on sites like Upwork and Thumbtack
    • List your services on platforms like Fiverr

    Getting a freelance career started isn’t necessarily the easiest way to make money, but if you’re diligent about finding and applying for jobs, you can turn it into a profitable gig relatively quickly. 

    The key to succeeding in the freelance world is persistence. You may have to overcome a number of “No’s” in order to get to a “Yes.” But if you’re persistent and able to overcome objections, you should be able to start making consistent money as a freelancer. 

    Method #4:

     Become an Online Coach

    This is somewhat similar to freelancing but with a bit of a different flavor. 

    If you have significant knowledge in a particular industry or area of expertise, you can package your knowledge and sell it. In other words, you’re selling your expertise as opposed to a product or service. 

    What sort of coach could you become? The options are endless. You could be a: 

    • Health coach
    • Life coach
    • Music/vocal coach
    • Finances coach
    • Executive coach
    • Sales coach
    • And so much more

    In order to be a coach, you only need to be able to add a high amount of value to your clients. You need to be able to help them become consistently better at what they do. You need to be able to help them improve their craft in ways that they couldn’t if you weren’t there to help them. 

    There are also a number of ways to package coaching services. You can offer:

    • 1-on-1 coaching
    • Group coaching
    • A course with accompanying coaching support
    • Or other formats that would work for your field 

    You might be thinking, But I’m not an expert in anything. How could I be a coach? 

    You don’t have to be an expert to be a coach. You simply have to be able to add significant value to your clients. 

    For example, let’s say that you want to be a health coach. You don’t need to be a registered dietician in order to help people get healthy. Does that help? Sure. But it’s not a requirement. 

    Maybe you simply have a lot of experience in the health field and have developed your own particular system for getting healthy. Or maybe you’re a longtime fitness lover and have accumulated a large amount of fitness knowledge. 

    You may not be an expert in the sense that you don’t have a degree, but you’ve still acquired expertise through your many years of experience. 

    There are a number of platforms that make it easy to do coaching: 

    All these platforms make it easy to connect with clients and to receive payment for your coaching services. 

    Method #5: 

     Create Online Courses

    Online courses are a fantastic way to monetize knowledge that you already have. And unlike coaching, which requires regular meetings with a small number of clients, you can sell your course to hundreds, if not thousands of people. 

    The good news is that you can create a course around almost any subject and find people to purchase it.

    For example, you can find courses in many topics, such as: 

    • Losing weight
    • Learning to play the piano
    • Painting
    • Singing
    • Creating a budget
    • Investing in stocks
    • Running
    • Tennis

    The list goes on and on. In order to create a course, you need a platform to distribute it.

    There are many ways to create and distribute a course: 

    • You can create an email course in which all the lessons are delivered via email.
    • You can build a course that’s primarily text-based and involves more reading.
    • You can create a video course where you film yourself teaching.
    • You can create a hybrid text/video course that features a variety of resources. 

    You simply need a method for getting your lessons into the hands of your eager students. 

    There are a number of platforms which make it very easy to create courses, enroll students, and accept payments, such as:

    All of these platforms allow you to upload a variety of materials, including video, audio, and text. 

    One way to get a great feel for what a course should look like is to take a few courses yourself. Udemy offers thousands of courses for relatively low prices. Consider taking a few courses in your niche for ideas about what to include in your own course. 

    Method #6: 

     Create YouTube Videos

    Believe it or not, YouTube is actually a relatively good way to make money online. It takes work and time to build up your subscriber base, but once you do, you can monetize it effectively. 

    How do you make money through YouTube videos? The simplest way is by implementing their advertising program. 

    If you have over 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 hours of view time over the past 12 months, you can have YouTube show ads before your videos. For every 1,000 views a video gets, you’ll make on average somewhere between $2-$4. 

    Granted, this may not seem like a lot, but YouTube is a numbers game. 

    For example, let’s say that you have 100 videos and each video gets 5,000 views per month. That works out to somewhere between $1,000 – $2,000 per month. Imagine if your videos started going viral and getting millions of views!

    When creating YouTube videos, your content will probably fall into one of two categories:

    Educational. 

    These videos educate viewers in some way. Maybe you offer a tutorial on how to solve a commonly-encountered problem. Maybe you educate people on an important subject. Your goal is simply to provide valuable, insightful information to your viewers.

    Entertainment. 

    These videos are much more lighthearted and are intended to bring a smile to the face of your viewers. There are endless ways to entertain people, and if you can come up with a particularly good one, you may be able to rack up thousands of views on a video.

    Once you start producing YouTube videos, you need to work on consistently growing your channel (you need to break that 1,000-subscriber mark). 

    Some simple, yet effective ways to grow your channel include:

    • Sharing your videos on social media
    • Posting your videos to your website
    • Sending your videos to your email list
    • Asking others to subscribe to your channel

    In many ways, growing a YouTube channel is like growing a blog. It takes time and consistency.

    If you post one video per month, you probably won’t get much traction. However, if you post once or twice a week and consistently promote those videos, you’ll slowly but surely build your channel. The more subscribers you get, the more views you’ll rack up and the more money you’ll make. 

    Method #7:

     Write and Sell a Book

    Another highly effective way to monetize your knowledge is to write and sell a book. In addition to making money with every sale, writing a book has a number of other specific benefits:

    • It establishes you as a thought leader in your industry.
    • It provides you with a resource to give to clients.
    • It allows you to attract new clients who wouldn’t have heard of you otherwise.

    Once you’ve written your book, you’ll need to get a cover design and have the book printed. 

    You can get it printed on demand with each sale through Amazon CreateSpace, and you can easily get a cover designed through Upwork or Fiverr. 

    Alternatively, if you want to design the cover yourself, you can use software like Canva. 

    After your book is written, it’s important to promote it. 

    Some simple ways to promote your book include: 

    • Post about it on your website.
    • Send an announcement to your email list.
    • Create shareable graphics with quotes from the book (using Canva).
    • Share insights from the book on social media.
    • Create a video promoting the book and share it on YouTube and other platforms.

    Can you make good money selling books you wrote? You sure can. Let’s say you charge $7 per book and you sell 1,000 copies. That’s $7,000 (minus costs)! 

    Method #8: 

    Start a Blog

    If you have a knack for writing, blogging can be an effective way to make money online.

    To be clear, blogging in and of itself doesn’t pay (unless you’re doing it for someone else on a freelance basis). However, there are numerous ways to monetize a blog. In other words, there are a variety of ways you can turn your blog into a money-making machine. 

    How can you make money with a blog?

    Here are some of the most effective ways: 

    Affiliate marketing

    By regularly promoting affiliate products on your blog, as well as writing reviews of affiliate products, you can make a significant number of commissions. These can add up quickly, resulting in thousands of dollars per month.

    Promote your services

    A blog can be one of the most effective promotional tools for your business.

    • For example, let’s say you’re a health coach. By regularly writing posts about health, you establish yourself as a health expert. This will attract new clients, resulting in an influx of cash.

    Advertisements

    Like YouTube, you can put advertisements throughout your blog. Platforms like Google AdSense make it incredibly easy to put ads on your blog. You don’t even have to worry about finding advertisers. They do all the hard work for you.

    With many advertising platforms, you get paid based on how many people see the ads. The bigger your audience, the more people see your ads and the more money you make.

    Other platforms pay you each time someone clicks on the ad.

    Still other platforms pay you when you make a sale, so it’s really affiliate marketing in this case.

    Or, you could charge a company daily, weekly, or monthly fees to show their ad on your blog.

    Sponsored posts

    Sponsored posts are when you partner with a brand to create original content for your website. The content is typically somehow related to the brand and promotes the brand in a unique way. In return for posting on your blog, the brand pays you a set amount. 

    Before you get started with blogging, it’s important to note that monetizing a blog requires an audience.

    If no one reads your blog, you can’t make money from it. However, if you have a large number of people who read it on a regular basis, you can make a significant amount of money. 

    If you don’t have an audience right away, don’t fret. By blogging consistently and then sharing those posts online through social media, you can slowly but steadily build your audience. 

    With blogging, consistency is the key.

    If you want to build an audience, it’s critical that you create outstanding material on a consistent basis. 

    Method #9: 

     Become a Virtual Assistant

    This is similar to selling your services on a freelance basis but with a bit more specificity. 

    A virtual assistant is someone who performs a large variety of tasks for a person. 

    Unlike a normal assistant, who works in close physical proximity to the person, you don’t need to be anywhere near the person you’re assisting. All the tasks are given to you online. 

    Hence the term, virtual assistant. 

    With many business owners being overwhelmed by the number of tasks they have to do each day, the virtual assistant market is heating up. 

    If you’re organized, can effectively get tasks done, and are able to communicate efficiently online, then you might make an outstanding virtual assistant. 

    What sorts of tasks might you perform as an assistant?

    They run the gamut, including:

    • Responding to emails on behalf of your employer
    • Purchasing items online 
    • Performing small personal tasks 
    • Making phone calls
    • Inputting, sorting, and arranging data
    • Managing a social media profile
    • Responding to inquiries
    • And more

    Anything that can be digitally outsourced can be handled by a virtual assistant. 

    Where should you look for virtual assistant gigs?

    In many of the same places that you look for other freelance jobs:

    Being a virtual assistant isn’t for everyone. You must be comfortable performing a large variety of tasks and have a willing attitude. However, if you’re a capable person who has a knack for checking off tasks, being a virtual assistant could be a great fit. 

    Method #10: 

    Tutor People in English

    If you have a knack for teaching and love to regularly meet with people, tutoring people in English could be a great way for you to make money online. 

    This is different from teaching English as a Second Language (ESL), which typically requires some form of certification. Rather, this is simply acting as a tutor to those who are trying to strengthen their English-speaking skills. 

    There are numerous countries in which people are willing to pay for an English tutor, sometimes as much as $25/hour. 

    How can you know if teaching English would be a good fit for you?

    Having these skills will help:

    • Have a solid grasp of English grammar
    • Understand the nuances of speaking English
    • Have a bachelor’s degree (typically required)
    • Can communicate clearly
    • Have the ability to teach 
    • Enjoy talking with others
    • Are patient (this is critical)
    • Are comfortable using technology like Skype

    There are a number of places where you can find online English tutoring jobs:

    One benefit of tutoring people in English is that it exposes you to a variety of cultures and places you would never experience otherwise. One day you may tutor someone from Korea, while another day you may tutor someone from Saudi Arabia. 

    Method #11: 

    Sell Stock Photos

    Do you love taking photos? Are you always snapping away with your phone or camera? You might be a great candidate for selling stock photos online. 

    Stock photos are photos that are licensed to others for a fee. Once someone licenses a photo, they can use it in a variety of ways, such as on their blog or social media pages or in print. 

    Stock photo sites, such as iStock and Shutterstock allow you to submit your photos to their site. Every time someone buys one of your photos, you get a small royalty. 

    Like YouTube, making money on stock photo sites is a numbers game. If you only have a few photos available for download, you probably won’t make much money (unless they’re incredibly popular photos). 

    However, if you have thousands of photos available for download, and you achieve several thousand downloads per month, you can begin making a substantial amount of income. 

    If you want to make money through a site like Shutterstock or iStock, get busy taking photos. 

    As Shutterstock says:

    When it comes to stock photography, quality is definitely important, but you also need to focus on quantity. We recommend setting a monthly goal for yourself (i.e. 50 to 100 images), so that you build momentum with your earnings. The more images you have in your portfolio, the more consistent your revenue stream will be. 

    For your best results, the photos you take should be of the highest quality. If you want people to download your photos, it’s important for them to be compelling, interesting, and outstanding.

    One other thing to note: Avoid showing any specific brands in your photos unless you have explicit permission to do so. Putting brands in your photos without permission is a copyright violation. 

    Method #12: 

     Do Odd Jobs on TaskRabbit

    TaskRabbit is a website that allows you to do all sorts of odd jobs. 

    Want to help someone pack up and move their house? You can do that through TaskRabbit. 

    Do you know how to assemble a table? You could earn anywhere between $50 – $150 doing so. 

    Are you passionate about cleaning? You could earn anywhere between $50 – $125 for cleaning bathrooms and kitchens.

    The beauty of TaskRabbit is the sheer number of jobs available through the site. And all jobs can be easily managed through their app. 

    You may think that you can’t effectively earn much money by performing tasks through TaskRabbit. This isn’t the case. 

    Time Magazine reported that some people earn as much as $2,000 per week through TaskRabbit. 

    TaskRabbit is a particularly good option if you’re skilled in a variety of things and want to put all those skills to work. For example, if you’re a skilled handyman but don’t want to start your own business, TaskRabbit can supply the jobs for you. 

    One person who works for TaskRabbit on a regular basis had this to say:

    I have the freedom to do everything I want to do. I live on a boat, and I started doing a major maintenance project on it. I can’t imagine getting a job and within a month or two pulling the boat out of the water and undertaking this project. Also, there’s always a last-minute friend gathering, and not every job can accommodate that.

    If you want flexibility plus the ability to make some money, you might want to look at TaskRabbit. 

    The Money Is Out There 

    We live in an incredibly unique time. You no longer have to work for a company in order to make money. You don’t have to work a 9-5 job, sit in a cubicle, or clock in and out. 

    If you want freedom and flexibility, you can have it. You can make money on your schedule, doing the jobs you want to do. 

    Want to travel the world while still making money? You can do that. 

    Want to make a little income on the side while you stay at home with your children? You can do that too. 

    Want to build a full-time career as a freelance writer or blogger? That’s also an option. 

    The ways you can make money online are almost endless. You’re only limited by your imagination. 

    I’ve talked about:

    • Affiliate marketing
    • Selling products online
    • Selling your services as a freelancer
    • Becoming an online coach
    • Creating online courses
    • Creating YouTube videos
    • Writing and selling a book
    • Starting a blog
    • Becoming a virtual assistant
    • Tutoring English
    • Selling stock photos
    • Doing odd jobs on TaskRabbit

    However, I’ve only scratched the surface of what’s available out there.

    If you can imagine it, you can make money doing it. All that’s required is some hustle. If you want to succeed in making money online, you must be self-disciplined and put in the required work. 

    So, don’t wait any longer. Get out there already and start making some money!

  • How to avoid body aches during travel

    Who Else Wants to Travel Without Aches and Pains?

    Travel broadens your horizons. Extravagant vacations or a little sightseeing squeezed into a business trip can make life more enjoyable and meaningful. You have an opportunity to learn about other cultures and break out of your usual routine as you adapt to life on the road.

    But, there’s a downside! In addition to lost luggage and noisy hotel rooms, you may be plagued by aches and pains from all those hours of sitting in planes, trains, and automobiles. Check out these tips for protecting your health while you see the world.

    Travel Tips for Fighting Immobility

    Change positions

    Sitting still is stressful and can even cause blood clots in your legs. Try to stand up and move around at least once an hour, even if it’s just to walk to the bathroom.

    Support your feet and back

    Buy a lumbar pillow or put a rolled up blanket or sweater behind the curve in your lower back. Resting your feet on a level firm surface also takes stress off your back.
    Stretch out. However little room you have, you can still do some simple stretches. Scoop your abdominal muscles, lean your head to one side at a time, and roll your ankles and wrists. If you can stand up, do a deep forward bend.

    Travel Tips for Managing Stress

    Give yourself extra time.

    The aches in your body may start in your mind when you’re anxious about catching a connecting flight. Budgeting an extra hour could pay off.

    Pack light.

    Keeping your luggage to a minimum means less lifting and greater mobility. A small e-reader gives you access to any title you want. Ask yourself how many skincare products you really need for a two-day trip.

    Expect the unexpected.

    Some delays and detours are unavoidable. Consider them a learning experience.

    Go offline

    Are you trying to keep up with responsibilities at the office while you’re attending a conference? Cut down on texts and emails by asking a colleague to cover for you. Be ready to return the favor when they need it.

    Travel Tips for Sticking to Your Workout Program

    Take a walk

    Maybe you’re exhausted from listening to lectures and meeting with clients for hours on end. A gentle evening walk could stimulate your blood flow and give you more energy without disrupting your sleep.

    Exercise solo

    When you have to leave your gym behind, you still have access to exercise programs on your phone or tablet that will keep you limber. If you want something quieter, bring along a jump rope or resistance bands to use in your hotel room.

    Visit a new gym.

    If you prefer to see more of the neighborhood, browse online for fitness facilities. Ask about daily passes or single classes.

    Best Practice Travel Tips

    Lift items carefully

    It’s safer to lift heavy items in stages. Put your bag on your seat before raising it overhead. Engage your legs and core rather than straining your back.

    Balance your load

    If you must tote around books or medical supplies, try distributing your heavy items. A ten pound bag on each shoulder is preferable to lugging around one twenty pound sack.

    Treat pain promptly

    Act fast when you notice a blister or muscle soreness. Rest and first aid may allow you to enjoy your vacation or complete your work instead of becoming laid up.

    You can travel in more comfort even if you can’t afford a private jet. A few new habits may be all you need to stay fit while you journey far and wide.

  • Calm Your Kids Without Using Electronics

    How Do You Calm Your Kids Without Shoving An iPad In Their Face?

    Pulling out the tablet is often the easiest thing to do when your child starts to fuss. I know how challenging it is. But, it’s better in the long run if you handle these situations differently now.

    We’ve all heard the doctor’s recommendations about limiting screen time for kids (although its way harder to implement in real life. Am I right?) But the context matters just as much.

    The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against relying exclusively on media devices to calm children. It may hinder their ability to learn how to manage their emotions on their own.

    Honestly, these things are bound to backfire on us anyway. So why keep using them? Studies have shown that playing games and watching videos for extended amounts of time contributes to behavior issues. Including but not limited to- hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and difficulties with paying attention.

    ADHD anyone? I’m convinced that kids are being misdiagnosed every day but that’s another discussion for another day.

    Related: End The Power Struggles With Your Kids

    So. What’s a parent to do when kids are bored at home or about to throw a tantrum at the supermarket? Let’s get to the nitty-gritty and share what works for me:

    What To Do WITH Your Child

    Limiting screen time can be tough when you’re surrounded by devices at home and away.

    Be prepared with a variety of technology-free options that you can use:

    Be Empathetic

    Give your child your full attention when they need to talk with you. If circumstances prevent that, let them know you want to sit down together as soon as possible. Validate their feelings even if you disapprove of their behavior.

    Let Them Cry It Out

    Teach your child that strong emotions are natural. Give them a chance to find their own solutions. They’re likely to settle down faster if YOU stay calm.

    Arrange Playdates and Movement-Based Activities

    Solo screen time sometimes crowds out the social experiences that are essential to your child’s development. Encourage your child to hang out with friends and participate in after school activities.

    Give Them a Chore Chart

    In addition to teaching responsibility, routine tasks can be soothing. Structure, schedules, and repetition support a child’s development. Prepare meals together or assign each child a day to vacuum, etc.

    Related: This is what you’re doing to your kids when you’re inconsistent

    Related: This is why a routine is important

    Read Books

    Brain scans show that reading is associated with the superior structure in white matter cells responsible for learning. Keep books around the house and use your library card. At least 15 minutes a day will make ALL the difference.

    Go Outdoors

    Nature and exercise both relieve stress. Take a family bicycle trip or play catch in your backyard.

    Make Crafts

    Expressing creativity is another way to relax. Browse online for project ideas and repurpose household materials like fabric and gift-wrapping paper. Pinterest, anyone?

    Encourage Mindfulness

    Introduce your children to meditation and yoga. Walk around your living room slowly chanting happy words. Do simple stretches and breathing exercises. If you prefer prayer, use that instead or a combination of both!

    Enforce Bedtimes

    Children engaged in excessive screen time tend to go to bed later, fall asleep slower, and get fewer hours of sleep each night, according to The National Sleep Foundation. Set a curfew for turning off electronic devices at least two hours before bedtime.

    What To Do For Yourself

    Your children pay more attention to your actions than your words. Consider how your daily habits affect your children, so you can provide a positive role model.

    Try these:

    Give Your Undivided Attention

    Your time and attention are the most valuable things you can give to your children. Plan family activities and one-on-one outings. Staying connected will help your child to feel safe and calm.

    Related: The Right (& easy) Way To Listen To Your Child

    Slow Down

    What are the mornings like at your house? Children are more likely to cooperate when you plan for enough time to avoid rushing around.

    Design a Family Plan

    Create a “family contract” for media use in your home. Agree to basic rules for using electronic devices, so you can make technology your ally.

    Educational cartoon shows, movies, and games can be fine in moderation. However, teaching your children to manage their emotions and entertain themselves offline will prepare them for a healthier and happier life in the future.

  • 17 Ways You’re Losing Money

    If you’re like most people, you probably don’t always recognize the ways you waste your money. No matter what kind of life you lead or career you have, you probably throw away at least some of your precious green.

    Maybe you tell yourself it’s okay that you pay the extra bank fees or that the cable bill increased. You think to yourself, “It’s too much trouble to unplug the laptop,” or “The charger’s not really using any power unless I have the cell phone plugged into it.”

    You may have some money-wasting habits that you don’t even realize you’re doing.

    I want to give you all the ways you can hold onto YOUR moola instead of losing it. Why waste your money when you could put it to good use?

    You’ll discover a variety of alternatives to ensure you make your money extend as far as possible, ranging from bargaining with the department store clerk to buying items for lower than advertised costs or phasing down expenditures for costly and unhealthy habits.

    Top 17 Ways You’re Throwing Money Away And What To Do About It

    1. Practicing Pricey and Unhealthy Habits

    Buying expensive coffee drinks four or five days a week can cost you enough money to buy two or even three meats for dinners at home

    If you’re in the habit of stopping by your local watering hole for a couple of beers on your way home from work, you could be spending anywhere from $4.00 to $7.00 per beer or mixed drink.

    The costs of unhealthy habits add up and cramp your budget big time. These habits are not only pricey – they take a toll on your physical health as well, which can cost you even more in medical bills and missed time at work.

    What You Can Do Instead:

    ‣ Make your own coffee at home and place it in a travel mug for your commute to work. If you like more than one cup of coffee or iced coffee drink a day, take a thermos of your favorite beverage to the office. Keep straws in your car or bag for quick sipping.

    ‣ If you smoke, limit the number of cigarettes you smoke each day. You could allow more time between each cigarette. One way to cut back is to smoke only one cigarette per hour. After a week, extend the time to one and one-quarter hours. The third week, make it one and one-half hours. Work up to waiting as long as possible between cigarettes.

    ‣ Yes, it’s best to quit, but cutting way back on what you smoke will at least get you started in the right direction and save you some money. If you’re not ready to stop smoking completely, strive to save half the amount of cash you now spend monthly on cigarettes.

    ‣ Although there are plenty of reasons to avoid alcohol, you can, at least, save money by limiting how much you drink when you’re out. Better yet, drive straight home and have a beer in your favorite chair with your feet up. You’ll save a decent amount of green when you buy alcohol by the 6-pack or fifth and drink it at home.

    2. Giving Your Money to a Bank for Monthly Fees or Credit Card Charges

    If your bank is taking one cent of your money for your checking account (other than to charge you for printing new checks), that’s one cent too much.

    These days, many banks are looking for any excuse possible to tack on extraneous fees, like charging you for your monthly statement or making you pay ridiculously high monthly balance fees.
    What You Can Do Instead:

    ‣ Go talk to your local credit union. Many credit unions have free checking accounts where they only charge for bounced checks or ordering new checkbooks from the printer. Find out in advance what fees you’ll be billed for before you put your money in any financial institution.

    ‣ Ask your current bank manager to reduce or remove the fees they’re charging you. Sometimes, they will.

    ‣ Ensure you don’t carry any credit card balances from month to month. Pay off all credit card balances each month – otherwise, you’re wasting your money paying extravagant interest fees.

    3. Phone Plans

    Do you really know what you’re paying for on your cell phone bill? If you’re getting charged for 750 minutes per month during business hours and only using about 100 a month, it’s wise to know. Also, unlimited texting or data plans can add an additional $20 to $30 to your monthly bill.

    Unless you use your cell phone for work, the company’s best “package deal” might be full of charges for services you don’t even need – at a higher cost than what you would pay by only ordering the size plan that’s best for your own circumstances.

    What You Can Do Instead:

    ‣ Re-read your cell phone plan to determine whether it’s the lowest and most cost-effective plan to fit your specific needs.

    ‣ Know your approximate minutes used each month. Find out the quick way to access your usage statistics on your cell phone. All cell phone companies have this feature available to their customers. Once you have this knowledge, you can ask informed questions about the types of plans to fit your needs.

    ‣ Have a clear idea of the approximate number of texts you send and receive in any given month. Otherwise, you’ll end up paying the $20 or $30 extra for unlimited texts when you may save way more cash by merely paying the 20- or 30-cent per text charge.

    ‣ In the event, you have an atypical month with a huge number of texts and don’t have the unlimited plan, call your cell phone company right away. Some will change your rate plan right then to the unlimited plan for that month and the next two months.

    ‣ Then, if by the fourth month your texts are back to normal, you can call the company to switch back to paying per text.

    I have enough money to last me the rest of my life unless I buy something

    Jackie Mason

    4. Not Asking Enough Questions

    When you aren’t asking questions, you may be spending more cash than is necessary.

    What You Can Do Instead:

    ‣ When you’re shopping, ask for an extra 10% off or inquire if they have a coupon you can use for bigger savings. And be ready to walk without any items if you can’t get an extra percentage off. Why? Because there are department stores willing to give you extra dollars off your total amount spent. You just need to find out which stores will do it.

    ‣ Call your credit card account carriers and ask for a lower interest rate on your credit purchases. If they want to keep your business, they’ll lower it. If they don’t agree to reduce the fees, stop using the card, and take your business elsewhere.

    ‣ Before starting a new banking or credit card account anywhere, ask these questions:

    ‣ How much interest will you charge me?

    ‣ Will the rate change? When? Under what circumstances?

    ‣ What extra fees will be on my bill, including taxes?

    ‣ In sum, ask questions of everyone you can think of who has anything to do with your money. Step up to get the answers you need.

    5. Ignoring the Coupons in the Newspaper and Mailed Brochures

    Most people simply don’t look at the coupons that come in the newspaper. And what do you do with those leaflets you receive in snail mail – do they just go into the recycling bin?

    You’re throwing your money away when you ignore the special offers that local and national companies are making an effort to tell you about.

    What You Can Do Instead:

    ‣ Rather than ignore these two simple ways to save a few bucks, why not take 15 minutes a week to look through the coupons that are delivered right to your door? Save the coupon leaflets before you throw your newspaper out for recycling. There’s free money in them!

    ‣ Challenge yourself to use at least three or four coupons a week for items you normally use or want to try. You’ll see that you spend less by doing so.

    6. Not Being Informed About Your Finances

    If you’re used to spending your money first and then later trying to figure out what happened to it, you’ll find that you invariably move to a more secure financial position if you pay attention to the details of your cash flow before spending that paycheck.

    What You Can Do Instead:

    ‣ When you get paid, really think about what you’ll be using the money for. Pay yourself first – put 10% of your funds into savings. Then budget the rest. You’ll avoid wasting money on items that really make no difference to you in the long term.

    ‣ Spread out your expenditures over time, so you’re not over-spending when you get paid. For example, if you buy that new electronic tablet you’ve been wanting, plan not to spend for extras for the next three to six months.

    ‣ Keep orderly records on what you spend so that you can look back through your documents or financial software program to see how you’re doing.

    ‣ Knowledge is power! Use it to help you achieve your financial goals.

    Money talks, but all it ever says is good-bye

    American Proverb

    7. Paying Extra Fees because You Missed Bill Deadlines

    You’re pretty much guaranteed to be charged extra fees if you don’t pay your bills on time. Banking institutions just love to add on these fees, and a huge portion of their income comes from late payments – possibly yours included!

    You’re giving money away if you’re paying bills late. Firstly, you’re likely paying an inflated interest rate on the unpaid balance, and secondly, you’re likely being charged a late fee as well. Thirdly, you’re building a financial reputation with the company that you may not be proud of.

    What You Can Do Instead:

    ‣ The best way to be responsible about your money and to save some money is to always (yes, always) pay your bills on time. Develop and use a system that helps you pay before bills are due.

    ‣ Whether it’s the old-fashioned “envelope method” with separate envelopes of cash for each of your monthly payments, or a bank account designated just for paying the house bills, establish an efficient system you can use.

    ‣ Get a calendar to record the dates that each of your monthly bills are due. Use highlighter color-coding or whatever will help you to pay bills 7 days before they’re due. Endeavor now to never miss a payment. You can be successful if you focus your efforts.

    8. Not Paying Attention

    When you talk to your local cable company, banking institution, or another merchant about their products or services, do you fall for the hard-sell tricks they use to get you to sign on for more services?

    Keep in mind that the phone representatives you’re speaking with might be getting paid on a commission basis. Their goal is to convince you you’re getting a good deal if you allow them to bump up your bill a bit.

    What You Can Do Instead:

    ‣ Focus your attention on what the company representative is saying. If you’re unsure about any offer they’re pushing, decline it. Be proactive when it comes to the businesses you work with.

    ‣ Before agreeing to any additional fees, re-state what you believe the rep is telling you so you can clarify and ensure you understand the situation. Ask questions and listen carefully to their responses.

    ‣ Paying attention when talking to representatives of the companies you do business with can put you on the path to financial success.

    9. Faulty Vacation Planning

    If you’re planning your vacation when most other vacationers will be visiting the locale, you’ll pay top dollar for flights and hotels.

    What You Can Do Instead:

    ‣ Schedule your vacations, so they’re during the off-season. This way, hotels will cost less, plus you’ll enjoy the added benefits of no waiting in restaurants or at local tourist attractions. And you’ll likely get the flight you want at a reduced rate as well.

    Never spend your money before you have it

    Thomas Jefferson

    10. Eating in Restaurants Too Often

    In the evening after a long day, you might often feel too tired or busy to cook and serve a meal for your family. It’s so tempting to pick up fast food or take the family out for dinner. But one dinner out can sometimes cost as much as groceries for several days or even a whole week.

    Here are some ways you can save money and have the time to serve cheap tasty meals.

    What You Can Do Instead:

    ‣ Plan your evening meals for the following week on Saturdays or Sundays. Choose meals that are simple to prepare, healthy, and that most family members like.

    ‣ Develop your store list from the meals you planned. Shop on Saturday or Sunday for the following week.

    ‣ Place meats in the freezer if you won’t be cooking them for 4 or 5 days. Learn to use the “Defrost” function on your microwave or move frozen meats from the freezer to the refrigerator one or two days before you plan to cook them.

    ‣ Make your own “fast food.” When you cook, make larger quantities and freeze the leftovers. This way, you’ll always have nutritious, heat-and-serve meals available for fast, easy dinners. Just think of the money you’ll save by being able to pass up the fast-food joints.

    ‣ Make at least one meal a week in your slow cooker to save both time and money.

    ‣ Talk to your partner for assistance with meal preparation. Also, make meal preparation a positive family affair by assigning each child a task to do to get ready for the meal.

    11. Keeping Your Business with the Same Company for Too Long

    You know how it is: you get comfortable with your cell phone or cable company, pest control business, or other merchant. You stop asking questions, and your rate gradually increases over time.

    You recognize the cost of doing business rises so you just go along with it. You simply accept the fact that “things are getting more expensive.”

    What You Can Do Instead:

    ‣ When you notice a rate increase, call the company and inquire about it. “What is the charge for?” “Why did the price go up?” “What can I do to get a lower rate?”

    ‣ If the company isn’t willing to lower their rate, tell them you plan to check the rates of their competitors and then make some calls to other companies who offer the same services.

    ‣ Make an effort to bargain for only the services you want.

    ‣ Contact the competitors of businesses you regularly use to check on their fees and service offerings. Strive to get a better deal. Confidently make a switch if you need to.

    12. Not Thinking About the Number of Electrical Items You Have Plugged in

    Electronics and appliances use power and cost you money even if the item isn’t turned on. So, too, do your chargers for your cell phone, tablet, and laptop.

    Even when you aren’t charging the devices, if the charger is plugged in, it still raises your electric bill.

    What You Can Do Instead:

    ‣ Unplug chargers when you’re not actually charging an electronic device.

    ‣ Unplug your morning appliances like toasters and coffee brewers after you use them.

    ‣ Always turn off your laptop and unplug it when you’re finished using it. Even though it has a “sleep” function, “off” and unplugged cost you absolutely zero.

    If you make a habit of unplugging as many of your electronics and small appliances as possible when you’re not using them, it will become just an automatic move for you, and you’ll not even notice the effort. However, you’ll notice the savings on your electric bill!

    My problem lies in reconciling my gross habits with my net income

    Errol Flynn

    13. Spending Too Much On Your Car

    Of course, it’s important to take care of your cars. But maybe you’re getting your oil checked more often than you really need to.

    Plus, do you pay attention to how much you’re spending per gallon on gasoline? Or do you just pull into the closest gas station? Many times, another station that’s only a block away could be charging much less per gallon!

    What You Can Do Instead:

    ‣ Read your manufacturers’ manual for your vehicle. You’ve probably stored it in your glove box. Look up what the recommendations are for when to get your oil changed and the grade level of gasoline to use to get the best gas mileage and motor performance.

    ‣ These days, most of the newer car manuals state it’s appropriate to change your oil every 6,000 to 7,000 miles. So, even if your mechanic says it’s every 3,000 miles, follow what your manual says.

    ‣ Smartphone users can download apps that tell them where they can go nearby for the cheapest gas. For example, try the free app, GasBuddy. You’re just a few clicks away from finding the lowest cost gas near you.

    ‣ Before you pump, double-check the price you’ll be paying for fuel. Stations often post their cash only prices on their billboards. You’ll pull up to the pump, thinking you’re about to get a good deal. But then if you pay with a credit card, you could get slammed with four to eight cents more per gallon.

    ‣ Carry enough cash for gas, just in case. Rather than paying a higher price per gallon, have a secret stash of cash to pay the lowest rate for fuel.

    14. Purchasing Books, CDs, and DVDs at Full Price

    Reading books, listening to music, and watching movies are wonderful pastimes. But they can also cost a lot of money.

    Books can cost $15 or more. The world of music is so vast that if you’re a music lover, buying many CDs to have a varied collection can be expensive.

    You’ll also put down a healthy chunk of change to indulge your viewing habits if you buy at full price.

    What You Can Do Instead:

    ‣ Rather than pay full price, why not check out your local second-hand book trade shops? It’s likely you’ll pay just half the cost of a new book, CD, or DVD.

    ‣ Better yet, visit your local library! That’s right – don’t spend a dime to indulge your reading habit. The library also carries a plethora of CDs and DVDs you can check out for free.

    ‣ Also, for free music, try downloading the free Pandora Radio Smartphone app. You can choose the music genre you want to listen to and then groove to all the tunes you want for free.
    Strive to enjoy your favorite habits without paying out hard-earned money.

    15. Impulsively Buying the Latest Thing

    Are you an impulse buyer? If so, you’re no doubt wasting your money!

    Grabbing what you want at the moment and then spending your money frivolously is a good way to kiss your money good-bye.

    What You Can Do Instead:

    ‣ Jot down the name of something you see that you want. Then, go home to research it online. What does it do exactly? How does it work? Educate yourself about what you think you want to buy. Otherwise, you may impulsively buy an item and get it home to find it doesn’t do what you thought it would.

    ‣ Find reviews online of products you’re interested in. You might find a different brand for half the price of what you were about to buy that works just as well.

    Perform comparison-shopping online to ensure you get the best deal possible for the item you want or to discover a similar item for less cost. For online items, remember to include shipping in your cost. You’ll save money and still get what you want. Now, that’s living the good life!

    Too many people spend money they haven’t earned, to buy things they don’t want, to impress people they don’t like

    Will Smith

    16. Avoiding Generic Brands for Food, Household Goods, and Clothing

    Do you consistently prefer name brands? If so, you’re spending a lot more money on food items and clothing than you have to.

    For example, if you prefer Tide Liquid HE Laundry Detergent for your energy-efficient washer, you’ll pay $7.54 for a 50-ounce bottle. And when it comes to clothing, a Polo Classic Fit Mesh Shirt for men costs $85.00.

    Thankfully, you can spend much less for a similar quality and look!

    What You Can Do Instead:

    ‣ If you’re willing to switch to the lesser-known laundry detergent brand, Wisk 2X Laundry Detergent, it costs only $9.97 for 100 ounces. Therefore, you’d save $5.11 over what you would have spent on an equal amount of Tide.

    ‣ For men’s short sleeve shirts, you can buy a Lands’ End Peruvian Polo Shirt very similar to the Ralph Lauren Polo for $35.00 to $40.00. That’s less than half the cost!

    ‣ Open up your mind to the idea that you don’t have to purchase expensive name brands to feel better about yourself. After all, how good will you feel when you have extra money in your pocket at the end of the week? Strengthen your resolve to avoid pricey brands.

    17. Using Credit Cards with No Rewards Programs

    Many card companies are all about charging extravagant interest rates, high late payment fees, and even monthly costs to carry the card. You could be carrying a credit card now that doesn’t offer you much in the way of benefits.

    However, when you’re savvy about the world of credit cards, you’ll save a lot of money and enjoy valuable perks as well!

    What You Can Do Instead:

    ‣ Know everything about your credit cards: how much interest you pay for balances carried from month to month, any late fees you could be charged, and anything else pertinent to using the card.

    ‣ Never pay monthly or annual fees to have a credit card. That’s money you could be banking or paying toward your monthly bills.

    ‣ Only use credit cards that offer you rewards for using the card. Whether you earn mileage for your flights, credits to trade for gifts of all types, or a check for cash at the end of the year for 1-2% of your annual charges, ensure you’re getting something tangible back for using the credit card.

    ‣ No matter what type of credit card you use, avoid charging more than you can pay off at the end of the month. In other words, refrain from carrying month to month balances. This can save you more than you imagine. Think positive – you can do it!

    18. Using the Hospital Emergency Room When It’s Not an Emergency

    When you think you have the flu and can’t get into your doctor’s office, what do you do? If someone in your immediate family has a minor accident at home and sustains an injury, where do you take him to get quick medical care?

    The fact is that many Americans use hospital emergency rooms for all types of medical issues, especially those that occur after normal daytime business hours. Unfortunately, emergency room patients wait excessive amounts of time and then get charged incredibly high fees.

    But there are alternatives!

    What You Can Do Instead:

    ‣ Go to a local walk-in clinic, minor emergency care provider, or 24-hour medical care facility if you can’t get into your doctor quickly enough or someone in your family experiences an accident in the evening or on the weekend.

    ‣ Such facilities are set up to expedite medical assessments, cost less money, and may not even charge you a co-payment.

    ‣ Like emergency rooms, they often have an x-ray and other diagnostic equipment. So, even after business hours, you can still get the care you need and save hours of time and perhaps hundreds of dollars by visiting one of these clinics. Of course, use your best judgement and go to a hospital when it is, indeed, an emergency!

    The waste of money cures itself, for soon, there is no more to waste

    M.W. Harrison

    Once you accept the fact that you waste at least some of your money, you can then change some of your money-managing behaviors to keep more cash in your bank account.

    Regardless of whether you spend more money than you should, pay more in monthly fees and payments than necessary, or use expensive ERs to get medical care, make a firm decision to alter your financial habits, and discover a whole new way of living.

    Let’s strive to live a more financially responsible, less wasteful life. After all, you deserve it!

    Waste not want not

    American Proverb