The unexpected always happens when you're least prepared for it. That's why you may be surprised when an unexpected event does occur. Things like car accidents, doctor's bills, natural disasters, or even air conditioner repairs all occur seemingly out of nowhere. So, how do you protect yourself from these unexpected events without going into financial ruin? Here are a few unexpected life events and how you can protect your finances in an emergency. Expenses That You Might Charge To Your Credit Card Living in Florida, numerous unexpected emergencies can lead to individuals using their credit cards to cover expenses. One of the most prevalent emergencies is air conditioning repair or replacements. The temperatures in Florida can rise into the 100's and air conditioners are used for at least ten months out of the year. Increased usage puts a strain on the a/c and can cause you to replace the entire system or overhaul it faster than expected. In my case, it was less than ei

What's one thing to consider when asking for a raise?  To help you with preparing to ask for a raise, we asked HR managers and CEOs this question for their best insights. From communicating challenges you overcame to presenting tangible numbers and results, there are several tips that may help you ask for a raise in the future. Here are eleven things to consider when asking for a raise: Communicate Challenges You Overcame Consider Asking For Perks Prepare for the Worst Ask for More Than You'd Settle For Make Sure Your Industry is in Good Shape Expect a Waiting Period Determine Why Your Boss Should Give You a Raise Come Into The Meeting Well-Prepared Plan a Year Ahead Consider Your Timing  Present Tangible Numbers and Results Communicate Challenges You Overcame Your boss and company must see your real growth. Therefore, instead of raving about your achievements, narrate the stories of how you encountered a challenge, made a superior result, and solved an issue. When we're ne

What is one tip that you would give a first-time homebuyer? To help assist first-time homebuyers, we asked experienced homebuyers and insurance experts this question for their best tips. From searching for first-time buyer programs to having extra money set aside for hidden homeowner costs, there are several recommendations that may help you with buying your first home.  Here are nine tips for first-time homebuyers: Search for First-Time Buyer Programs Avoid Unnecessary Upgrades Don't Get Too Attached to Specific Homes Make an Offer Only When You are Sure Do Your Due Diligence Make a Competitive Offer Get a Loan Pre-Approval and Stay Within Your Budget Make Sure You Have a Good Credit Score Have Extra Money Set Aside for Hidden Homeowner Costs Search for First-Time Buyer Programs A first-time home purchase is often treated by local and federal governments differently from other such transactions. Different programs are often available, offering anything from a minor tax rebate to p

I took a look at your website, and I can help you with your SEO. I have some great ideas on increasing the traffic to your website. Does that sound familiar? I get one of these emails almost weekly in my inbox. Delete! Well, not only do I receive these emails; I also have individuals reaching out to me to partner with me for my services. This is how it all went down. Photo by Azamat E on Unsplash Referral Partners Many agencies attempt to partner with my business for credit repair services as a financial coach. Well, with the word coach in my title, I'm a support teacher and not a person who fixes things quickly. I want my clients to learn using a systematic approach. The first business reached out to me to refer potential clients if they were having difficulty paying their student loans. They offered student loans with interest rates that were below the industry average. I looked them up, and they were a legitimate company. In addition to my clients getting a better deal, I would

What is one thing employers can do to celebrate Women's History Month?  To help employers with celebrating Women’s History Month, we asked women-owned small businesses and successful entrepreneurs this question for their best insights. From sharing personal accounts of female leaders to supporting and networking with female entrepreneurs, there are several tips that may help you celebrate Women’s History Month within your company. Here are 6 ideas for celebrating Women’s History Month:  Share Personal Accounts of Female Leaders Start a Micro-Fund to Support Female Entrepreneurs Identify Unconscious Bias Against Women Involve Every Employee Conduct a Fundraising Campaign Support and Network With Female Entrepreneurs Share Personal Accounts of Female Leaders Presenting portraits of successful female colleagues adds a personal touch to the celebration, making it more relatable for fellow employees. It also keeps the conversation light and focused on internal affairs. Both internal and

My husband does not know how much money we have. Can you believe that he hasn't paid one household bill in the past 19 years? When we met, he was very savvy with his money, which attracted me to him. We both were excellent money managers, and at the time, we were both in the U.S. Army. One year later, we were married, and two months later, he went to Iraq while I stayed home with my son and soon-to-be-born daughter. Needless to say, I was glad I didn't have to go back to Iraq. He Left Me With The Money With him going on his second deployment to Iraq, I managed the household and the bills. We combined our financial resources but also maintained separate accounts. I had to set some boundaries, right? At 22 years old, this was my first time managing a household and paying bills, but I knew I could do it. I set up automatic bill pay, budgeted our funds using an Excel spreadsheet, and set up a joint savings account.  I Made One Mistake Okay, so no one's perfect. We searched for