Do you cringe when you think about networking? Whether you love it or hate it, networking is an essential skill that could pay huge dividends in your career.For example, networking can help you land a promotion, or find your dream job at another company. If you're in sales, networking can help you connect with lucrative new clients, or build stronger business relationships with the clients you already have.If you have an outgoing, extroverted personality, networking is probably easy and enjoyable. However, those of you with introverted personalities probably find networking to be … [Read more...]
6 Education-Related Tax Credits & Deductions for College Tuition & Expenses
Unless you have wealthy parents or are blessed with a full-ride scholarship, your own or your children's college education is going to be a financial challenge. In-state public colleges cost an average of $24,610 per year, and private universities boast a massive average annual tuition price of $49,320, according to the College Board. College seniors who borrowed money to pay those costs now graduate with an average of $37,172 in student loan debt.While tuition costs are high and increases seem inevitable, there are ways to alleviate the financial burden. The federal government currently … [Read more...]
4 Job-Related & Job Search Expenses That Are Tax Deductible
If you use your own vehicle for work and are not reimbursed for your mileage, or if you incur expenses in looking for work, you may be able to deduct those expenses on your taxes. Similarly, if you travel for work and your travel expenses are not reimbursed, you may be able to deduct those costs. And, if you must take courses to maintain your job skills, certification, or license, those expenses may be deductible on your taxes as well.Record keeping is an important facet of claiming these exemptions, so it is a good idea to "record as you go," rather than trying to reconstruct expenses in … [Read more...]
Tax Deductible Job Relocation Moving Expenses
Did you move to take a new job this year? Census figures on geographic mobility indicate that over 25 million people in the U.S. move every year. Of that number, roughly 20% (nearly 6 million people) moved for employment reasons.The U.S. is a mobile society, and a move related to new employment is not uncommon. In fact, the tax code gives a tax benefit for moving expenses if certain conditions are met. The benefit is an adjustment to income (Form 1040, line 26), which helps lower taxable income. The amount of the adjustment is figured on Form 3903.Let's see if you qualify for the … [Read more...]
Pedicab Driving – How It Works, Earnings Potential, Pros & Cons
If you've spent much time in the entertainment districts of larger cities or college towns, you've probably seen a pedicab in action. Known by a variety of other names, including "bike taxis" and "cycle rickshaws," pedicabs are generally three-wheeled vehicles with a forward-positioned driver's seat and seating space farther back for two to four people.Configurations vary widely, but many pedicabs have semi-weatherproof covers that keep passengers reasonably dry in inclement weather. Some of them sport logos or rudimentary ads for local businesses, an important source of revenue for … [Read more...]
10 Success Tips for New Solopreneurs & Independent Entrepreneurs
Last year, my wife and I moved back to the major city we'd left four years before. In the intervening years, we'd lived in three separate dwellings in two smaller communities, moving an average of once per year.During the second half of our time away, I left the restaurant management job I'd cultivated for the previous several years and began turning a longtime passion, writing, into a full-fledged career. In doing so, I learned a lot about working as an independent freelancer.Once writing gigs became the cornerstone of my career, I in turn became part of a surprisingly large, highly … [Read more...]
Online Freelancer Guide – How to Find Gigs & Earn More Money
It's Monday morning, you've just arrived at your office after a long commute, and the boss is already breathing down your neck. You've had the thought a thousand times before: Is it time to take the leap and go into business for yourself?Although many people would jump at the chance to work in the comfort of their own home, shedding business attire for pajamas and trading in an hour's drive for extra sleep, it's not always easy. Quitting your day job to become a successful freelancer requires serious discipline and motivation, and even experienced individuals have been deterred from … [Read more...]
How to Refinance Private and Federal Student Loans – Pros & Cons
Student loans have evolved. At one time, there was no option to refinance public federal loans (although you could always refinance private loans). Today, there's a tremendous opportunity to refinance federal loans at a lower interest rate.Student loan refinancing can save you thousands, but it is not always the right choice. To avoid major, permanent mistakes, you should understand the refinancing process and what it means for you and your debt.Here's everything you need to know. How Student Loan Refinancing Works Some private lenders, mainly commercial banks and start-up companies, … [Read more...]
Should I Join AmeriCorps? – Benefits & Drawbacks of Service
Interested in volunteering? What about giving back to the community, gaining a leg up in the workforce, and meeting like-minded people? AmeriCorps is a program that teaches you unique skills, lets you earn money towards your education, and instills a new appreciation for your country.While lesser known than the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps is a better fit for many people. Whether you want to serve for a couple months or a year, somewhere in your hometown or in a city on the opposite side of the country, full-time or part-time, you're likely to find something that piques your interest.My … [Read more...]
Top 13 Tuition-Free Colleges: How to Get a Degree for Free
These days, a college education is hugely expensive. According to the College Board, the annual "sticker price" of tuition and fees range from $3,440 at a community college to over $32,000 at a private, four-year college. Steep costs have caused many college graduates to start their working life with thousands of dollars in student loan debt.At the same time, students all over the country are getting their degrees without spending a dime for tuition. They're attending a select group of U.S. colleges and universities that are entirely free. Naturally, these tuition-free colleges aren't easy … [Read more...]
How to Earn Money While You Travel Full-Time
When my husband and I were traveling in our camper full-time, there was one question that came up again and again from fellow campers: "How do you earn money on the road?"If you're considering hitting the road full-time, the issue of a mobile income is pressing. After all, most people can't afford to travel without earning some kind of revenue. The good news is that there are many ways to earn money while you travel around the country in your RV. Whether you're retired or fresh out of college, there are ways to fund this amazing lifestyle.Let's look at your options. How to Earn Money … [Read more...]
