Looking for an engaging read that can teach you more about managing your money? Look no further! We've compiled a list of free personal finance education books available on Kindle. Whether you prefer reading on your phone or Kindle or listening on the go, these books can help rekindle your love for reading and improve your financial literacy. Remember to make taking care of your finances a priority by setting aside time for learning. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 9 Free Personal Finance Education Books on Kindle 1. From Money Disaster to Prosperity by Larry Faulkner and Michelle Bohls Discover the reasons behind your money issues with the Breakthrough Formula outlined in "From Money Disaster to Prosperity." This comprehensive guide helps you explore past emotional trauma and family history of poor money management. You'll learn how to develop positive money emotions and avoid overwhelming debt through practical examples and workbooks. Say goodbye to self-sabotage and achieve financial freedom with the guidance of those who have been through similar struggles. 2. A Girl's Guide to Personal Finance by Nanette Beech If you know a young woman or recent graduate who wants to learn more about personal finance, The Girl's Guide to Personal Finance is a great resource. This book presents personal finance basics in a relatable and easy-to-understand way. It's a quick read, ideal for the fast-paced lifestyle of Gen-Z and Millennials. The practical tips and tools can be applied throughout one's lifetime and referred to easily during times of financial uncertainty. 3. How to Day Trade for a Living: A Beginner's Guide to Trading Tools and Tactics, Money Management, Discipline, and Trading Psychology by Andrew Aziz In his book, Andrew Aziz provides an insightful guide for beginners interested in trading. He shares practical tips on how to get started, what to expect, and how to develop a solid trading plan. However, It is important to remember that simply reading this book will not automatically lead to profitable trading outcomes. Achieving success in trading requires consistent practice, access to effective tools and software, and ongoing education to stay informed about the latest market trends and developments. It is essential to stay up-to-date with the ever-evolving nature of the market to make informed decisions and achieve long-term success. 4. DeFi (Decentralized Finance): The Future of Finance Evolution Explained and the Complete Guide for Investing in Crypto & Digital Assets by William DeVito Delve into the intricate world of Decentralized Finance (DeFi) by exploring its defining characteristics through a comprehensive overview of the concept of decentralization. Gain valuable insights into the reasons why the world is transforming, and learn how cryptocurrencies and other novel financial assets are shaping the future of global finance through DeFi. You can stay ahead of the curve by understanding the complex mechanisms and opportunities that DeFi presents and make informed decisions that can help you navigate the ever-evolving financial landscape. 5. The Beginner's Guide to Investing & Wealth Building: Understanding Emergency Funds; Life, Disability, Umbrella Insurance; & How They Work Along with Stocks, Mutual Funds, & Real Estate Investments by Steven Cheung If you are considering investing and want to learn how to get started, the Beginner's Guide is an excellent resource that provides clear and actionable strategies from seasoned investors that can help you achieve your financial goals. One of the first steps in investing is to carefully document your objectives and create a concise financial plan that takes into account your risk tolerance, investment horizon, and overall financial situation. With the right approach and guidance, investing can be a rewarding and fulfilling way to build wealth and achieve your long-term financial goals. 6. Entrepreneur Mindsets and Habits: To Gain Financial Freedom and Live Your Dreams by James Moore If you're serious about building a successful business that goes beyond a simple side project, "The Mindset of Successful Entrepreneurs" by James Moore is a great resource. Moore explores the crucial mindset that can lead to success and provides valuable insight on finding a mentor to help you take your business to the next level. With Moore's guidance, you'll be on your way to achieving financial independence and realizing your entrepreneurial aspirations. 7. Beginner's Guide to Minding Your Money: Simple Strategies to Take Control of Your Money to Create the Life You Want by Patricia Stallworth Patricia Stallworth's guide to minding your money provides you with simple strategies for managing your money. It also provides the necessary steps to design the life you want and create a workable plan to get there while eliminating the common mistakes that can stop you from turning your goals and dreams into reality. 8. Entrepreneur: Entrepreneur Mind sets and Habits to Live Your Dreams by John McMahon Ready, set, develop an entrepreneur mindset. John and Daniel can help you prepare to get started as an entrepreneur. There are five habits of highly effective entrepreneurs. To establish these habits, developing a positive business mindset is essential. This book teaches you how to take your dream to the next level and create the financially free life you deserve. 9. Your Money Made Simple: The Key to Financial Freedom by Russ Crosson Your Money Made Simple is a straightforward guide on creating your path to financial freedom and independence. Russ provides easy-to-use financial tools and charts to help you understand how to manage your income and budget to build wealth. It's time to eliminate the mystery of money management and reduce the uncertainty of your financial future.

Do you feel that you have to hide your spending from your significant other? If it makes you feel guilty when you spend money, it may be a sign of a bigger problem. If you're in a relationship hiding your purchases or lying about how much money you're spending can be a sign of financial infidelity. Financial infidelity is hiding the accurate financial picture of a couple's finances in a relationship. Signs of Financial Infidelity Hiding shopping purchases Lending money to others Having hidden bank accounts or credit cards Not informing your partner about your income Hiding Shopping Purchases People may choose to conceal their shopping purchases from their significant other for various reasons. It could be due to feelings of shame regarding their spending habits or a desire to keep the amount of money spent a secret. Alternatively, they might be trying to keep up with the Joneses. Regardless of the motivation, hiding shopping purchases can harm a relationship, leading to distrust, resentment, and conflict. Additionally, it can jeopardize the financial stability of the couple. Lending Money to Others Have you ever been in a situation where a family member asked you to borrow money? Has your spouse asked you to stop because it's causing a drain on your finances? If you're considering lending money to someone, it's important to talk to your partner first. Be honest with them about why you're lending the money, how much you're lending, and when you expect to be repaid. If your partner is not comfortable with you lending money to this person, consider their thoughts on the situation. It's also important to remember that lending money is a risk. There's no guarantee that you'll be repaid. If you're not comfortable with the risk of never getting your money back you probably should not lend the money. Hiding Money in Secret Accounts or Using Secret Credit Cards There are many reasons to have a secret savings account or credit card. If your partner overspends and you're trying to build a nest egg in case of emergencies, then you may feel that this is a justification for the secrecy. Another reason for a secret account is that you are trying to leave the relationship at some time in the future. Others may have secret accounts or credit cards because they don't want their partner monitoring their purchases and overspending. It's important to consider the stress on a relationship that will occur if your partner finds out that you've been hiding your accounts for months or years. So, what happens if you discover that your partner has a secret account? If you find that your partner is hiding money talk to them about it. Be direct and honest, and let them know that you are concerned. If they are unwilling to talk about it, or if you don't believe them, you may need to seek professional help. Not Informing Your Partner About Your Income Here are some reasons why someone might not inform their partner about their income: They may be ashamed of their income. They may make more than their partner. They may be afraid of their partner's reaction. They may be trying to hide debt. They may be trying to control the finances. If you are not comfortable sharing your income with your partner, consider talking to them about it. Be honest about why you are not comfortable sharing your income and listen to their concerns. Financial Infidelity Can Ruin a Relationship It's risky to bring financial infidelity into a relationship because it could lead to deception in other areas of an individual's life. For example, not being truthful about one's spending habits can lead to the need to hide clothes in a closet or lie about when you bought a particular item. The stress of financial infidelity can lead to the destruction of a relationship. This comes when one partner's trust is broken. Trust can be compromised when one person puts their needs or desires ahead of what's in the relationship's best interest. See my feature in the 9 Secret Habits of People With Credit Scores Above 800. Overcoming Financial Infidelity Talk About Financial Security To move from financial infidelity to speaking more openly about money, individuals must understand their emotions around money. A better understanding of an individual's emotions, value of money, and history with money can help them move past the stressors that make talking about it difficult. In addition, being realistic about one's financial situation and the concept of money can make having the conversation with their partner a little easier. Being honest with oneself is the first step in moving past financial infidelity. See my feature in Veterans Build Debt-Free Life After the Military to see how planning as a couple can help achieve goals.

Finding an easy job in finance may seem daunting, but with the right approach, you can certainly land a great position. You can find the right job for you by searching online job boards for entry-level positions in finance. You can also seek the help of staffing agencies specializing in finance placements. And remember, networking with industry professionals is always a good idea as it can lead to hidden job opportunities. As an Amazon Associate, this post may contain affiliate links. Easy Jobs in Finance Accounts Payable Analyst Actuary Business Data Analyst Finance Support Coordinator Finance Associate Financial Counselor SBA Loan Administrator Accounts Payable Analyst An Accounts Payable Analyst serves in an organization's accounts payable/receivable department. In this role, you will be responsible for ensuring that vendor payments are processed on time. You will also be responsible for maintaining accurate records so that you can contact vendors who may have past-due accounts. If you have an innovative or creative mindset, it would also be helpful to recommend improvements to the accounts payable/receivable processes. This job is easy because it follows standard processes and procedures without the need to process complex tasks. To become an Accounts Payable Analyst, you must obtain a bachelor's degree in finance or accounting and have at least two years of experience. The salary range for this role is between $53,000 to $70,000.* Actuary As an Actuary, you will conduct pricing and risk assessment to estimate the financial outcomes of future events. You mainly find actuaries in the insurance and retirement fields. To excel in this field, having a good grasp of evaluating probabilities, statistical models, and the basic principles of finance and business would be helpful. You will use your mathematical knowledge to calculate life, health, casualty insurance, annuities, and pension payments. The main driver is to find the probability that an event, such as fire, natural disaster, or death, will occur when determining insurability and future pension payments. Working as an actuary, you'll find that your role will have limited complexity and low stress. You can land a job as an Actuary right out of college with a bachelor's degree and no experience. The salary range for this role is between $67,000 to $84,000. Business Data Analyst Suppose you're looking for an entry-level role that supports and contributes to projects and processes that develop analytical strategies that support an organization's future initiatives. In that case, a role in data science and business analytics may be what you're looking for. This Business Data Analyst role is another role that requires statistical analysis, so it's important to understand how finance plays a key role in business performance. With a degree in business finance, you'll be able to use statistical methods and data analysis to develop dashboards, infographics, and reports to tell a story that helps aid organizational decision-making. A Business Data Analyst role is typically entry-level and supports senior-level business leaders. To become a Business Data Analyst, you must obtain a bachelor's degree in finance or statistics. However, no experience is required, and you could earn between is between $60,000 to $76,000. See my feature in the University of Arizona: 11 Reasons to Get Your Master's in Finance How Finance Works: The HBR Guide to Thinking Smart About the Numbers How Finance Works is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the world of finance. It is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand how money works and how to make sound financial decisions. Here are some of the key takeaways: Finance is the study of how money is raised, invested, and managed. There are many different types of financial assets, including stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. The value of a financial asset is determined by supply and demand. Finance Support Coordinator If you're interested in learning more about investments, mergers, and acquisitions, a Finance Support Coordinator role can help you understand how to negotiate opportunities for an organization. As a Finance Support Coordinator, you can assist in collecting the data needed to prepare proposals and presentations. More importantly, if you are looking for an easy finance job, you won't have to worry about presenting to corporate leaders. You will coordinate the meetings and ensure that everyone is prepared to discuss the information you have gathered for future M&As. However, you will need a basic understanding of industry-level databases and spreadsheets to help you collect and manage the data you gather. The requirements for a Finance Support Coordinator are typically one to three years of experience and a bachelor's degree. The salary range for this role is between $48,000 to $65,000. Finance Associate A corporate-level Financial Associate is slightly different than a Financial Support Coordinator. A corporate Financial Associate works with an organization's financial data to help them make decisions like, compensation, sales, or production goals. Suppose an organization is thinking about a merger or acquisition. In that case, the financial associate provides the organization with a clear picture of how each department and the organization is functioning quarterly or annually. It's a limited complexity role that takes historical data to help predict future growth opportunities. While no direct experience is required as a corporate-level Finance Associate, it may require a bachelor's degree in finance. The salary range for this role is between $69,000 to $82,000. Financial Counselor Financial Counselor jobs are available in just about every organization. You could find a job available in an education where you guide college students in making financial decisions on how they will fund their education. When working with students, you will help them make the best decision possible for their financial future and help them achieve the desired education. You could also work in a hospital to help guide patients in completing paperwork that could help them to afford or pay for their healthcare expenses. When working in the healthcare industry, you will determine patient coverage levels and benefit limits with their health insurance providers. Most hospitals have aid available to patients through alternative funding or assistance from social service agencies. Helping students and patients prepare and file any documentation needed to complete payment arrangements and secure funding can be rewarding. It can also be surprisingly easy once you understand the aid available to help them achieve their goals. Knowing financial practices and procedures will be helpful if you seek a role in financial counseling. You can enter this job with a high school diploma and at least one to two years of experience. Since this job is entry-level, the pay ranges between $37,000 and $47,000. See my feature in GoBankingRates: Is it More Important to Do What You Love or Work for the Money? Small Business Administration Loan Officer There's nothing like giving back to your community. An SBA Loan Officer is different from your typical loan officer. Your goal is to support the growth and development of small businesses in your local area through the development of government-guaranteed loans and lines of credit. How will you do this? It's easy. Business owners will provide you with their financial and organizational information. You can structure an SBA loan proposal, complete the underwriting, and prepare a credit package that fits the business owner's needs. This is all accomplished by building working relationships with business owners in your community so that you can understand their business needs. Let's face it. Government regulations can be complex, so you must stay current on SBA products, rules, and regulations. However, as an SBA loan officer, you can continue your career in finance and build quality community relationships with local business owners. If you have experience working with loan origination and business development, you can land an SBA loan officer role. Obtaining a degree in finance or business can increase your earning potential and chances of pursuing a career in banking. The salary range for this role is between $90,000 to $116,000. You may also be eligible for commission. Considerations For Choosing a Career in Finance: Salary: When choosing your job, it's important to consider if the salary meets your needs. Consider if it will help you afford your monthly living expenses, benefit deductions, and transportation costs to and from work. You should also determine if you will have enough funds at the end of the month to put money aside in savings. Work-life Balance: An adequate work-life balance is what you may be looking for when searching for an easy job in finance. If most of your time is spent at work and you have little time for extracurricular activities that you enjoy, then the job and the salary may not be worth the imbalance. Growth Opportunity: Most easy jobs are considered entry-level due to the role's level of responsibility or complexity. This may be exactly what you're looking for today. However, if you are entering into finance and will seek growth opportunities in the future, it's important to research the career path of the job you choose. If you can't find a clear path for growth, it may be difficult for you to transition out of the role when you are ready. Job Satisfaction: Once you enter your chosen profession, it's essential to assess your satisfaction periodically. If you are constantly regretting your decision, then it's time to consider your options. Whether applying for a different role in your current organization, an external organization, or even changing your career path, job satisfaction is essential to your physical, financial, and mental health. See my feature in Real Simple: 5 Questions to Ask When You Have to Choose Between Two Jobs. Ultimately, the easiest job in finance best fits your skills, experience, and interests. Whatever job you choose, ensure that it offers an excellent work-life balance and a chance to use your financial skills to help others. *All salary ranges are as of May 2023.

Retirement planning can be challenging for any couple but incredibly challenging for couples with a significant age gap. This is because the older partner may retire earlier than the younger partner and have different financial goals and needs. With careful planning and communication, couples can create a retirement plan that meets the needs of both partners. Planning for Retirement When There's a Significant Age Gap 1. Consider Future Work Plans for Both Scott Krager, Founder of Tubesplit.com, states that you should consider the following questions: Is the younger person in the relationship going to keep working until they are older, or will both people in the relationship stop working? Scott mentions, "If the younger person is going to keep working, planning for the older individual's retirement is key. If both are going to stop working, you need to plan for your own retirement and the other person's if they are younger. This will ensure that both of you are in a good financial position for the rest of your lives." Couples can also consider working part-time after retirement to supplement their income and stay active. When one spouse continues to work, it can become a delicate balance between trying to interact with the non-working spouse and work. Working part-time in retirement can give the older spouse a sense of purpose and make them feel like they are continuing to contribute to society and the household's finances. 2. Prioritize Estate Planning According to Lorien Strydom, Executive Country Manager for Financer.com, estate planning takes on a unique significance when there's a significant age gap in a relationship. From my personal experience, I've seen couples navigate this intricacy. For instance, one of my close friends, considerably younger than her spouse, faced this. In their retirement planning, they realized that the older partner might pass away while the younger one could still have several active years ahead. They had to consider the financial security of the surviving partner. Consequently, they put a robust estate plan in place to ensure the younger partner's financial stability. This included life insurance policies, the careful designation of beneficiaries, and an established trust to ensure smooth asset transfer. So, when there's a significant age difference, it's crucial to plan and create a comprehensive estate plan to ensure the financial well-being of the surviving partner. How do you prioritize estate planning? Start early Seek professional Help Review your plan regularly Communicate with your spouse Determine who your beneficiaries will be 3. Discuss Death & Dying Brian Porter, CTO of Dream Home Studio, says that if there's a significant age gap in your relationship, you must discuss what would happen if the older person happened to get sick or even pass away. It is a complicated conversation to have, but it should be considered. Owning a home, paying a mortgage, and maintaining that space can be difficult for one person to do, so a plan should be in place. If the older person passes, it might be hard for the other person to continue with a smaller income, so figuring out a plan will allow them to live comfortably without going backward. It's a tough conversation, but it has to be done, especially if the older person in the relationship is getting up there in years, but the younger person has many years ahead to plan for. 4. Address Retirement Timeline Differences Couples should be realistic about their financial resources in retirement and remember to be flexible when things don't go according to plan. Hosh Amishave, Founder of Breachsense, says you should consider the difference in retirement timelines when there is a significant age gap is important. The older partner may need to plan for retirement sooner, while the younger partner has more time to save and plan. This can affect retirement planning in various ways, such as prioritizing retirement savings, considering higher-risk investments, and planning for increased healthcare costs. To address these concerns, couples should communicate openly and work together to develop a retirement plan that takes into account their unique financial considerations. 5. Focus on the Younger Partner's Needs It's essential to be realistic about your retirement age. Anirban Saha, Founder of MrPlanter, says that couples with significant age gaps should consider the long-term financial implications of retirement planning. A significantly older partner might have to retire earlier, reducing the overall nest egg. In comparison, a younger partner may need to continue working longer to finance their own retirement (and lost income). Since women tend to outlive men, the situation is particularly precarious for older men who retire with younger partners. Hence, it's crucial to strategize not based on how long the older partner should work but on how their savings should be arranged to support the younger spouse in retirement. 6. Plan Based on Life Expectancy The Social Security Administration creates life expectancy tables based on the probability of an individual's death based on their current age. In the 2023 Trustees Report, a 40-year-old woman is expected to live until 81. A 55-year-old man is expected to live until the age of 82. Assuming all things are equal, that will leave the younger spouse alone for 14 years if her husband passes away. Gabriel Bogner, Co-founder of Mate Fertility, shares that one way to make sure that both parties are taken care of is by considering the life expectancy of each partner. Planning for retirement should consider how long each partner is likely to be alive, as this will affect any financial arrangements that are made. It's also important to consider how the age difference may impact incomes and the ability to save for retirement. If one partner is significantly older, they may already have a pension or other savings that provide a secure income in retirement. On the other hand, the younger partner should plan to save as much as possible now for their later years. It's a tough conversation, but discussing how to share resources in the future is a critical aspect of planning for retirement with a big age gap. 7. Navigating Healthcare Costs According to Dr. Willy Portier, Co-founder of Concerty, long-term care and health insurance costs are significant financial considerations that couples with big age gaps should consider when planning for retirement. Medical expenses are bound to soar for the older partner as they age, and the cost of health insurance for this individual will also go up. It might also reach a point when the older partner may need long-term care, which is also quite expensive. Here are a few healthcare options available to retirees. Medicare: Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people aged 65 and older and those with certain disabilities. When you or your spouse turn 65, they can enroll in Medicare before they officially retire. Medicaid: Medicaid is a joint federal-state health insurance program for low-income individuals and families. Medicaid eligibility is based on income and assets and varies by state. Retiree health insurance: Some employers offer retiree health insurance to their employees after they retire. Retiree health insurance can be a valuable benefit, but it is important to understand enrollment and disenrollment criteria before retiring. Health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace: The ACA marketplace offers a variety of plans, including plans specifically designed for people aged 50 and older. COBRA: After one spouse retires, they may be eligible for COBRA under their prior employer's plan for up to 18 months after their employment ends. This can help bridge the healthcare gap. Enrolling in the working spouses plan: If one spouse is still working and the other is not eligible for any of the options above, the retired spouse can potentially enroll in the working spouses plan due to a life event change. You can also consider establishing a rainy day fund. A rainy day fund for health insurance is a savings account to pay for unexpected medical expenses. Ian Wright, Managing Director of Business Financing, states that "despite many couples keeping a "rainy day fund" for the rising cost of healthcare, it's often understated just how important proper insurance and budgeting for healthcare-related matters are, particularly in relationships with a significant age gap." A few things to keep in mind when you are establishing your rainy day fund for health insurance are: How much should you save? Where should you save your money? How much should you contribute, and how often? Do you have an HSA that you could use in retirement? Ultimately, with careful planning and communication, age-gap couples can create a retirement plan that meets the needs of both partners and ensures a secure financial future.

You might feel like giving up on managing your money for many reasons. It can be a lot of work and frustrating when you don't see results right away. Finding ways to stay motivated and on track with your financial goals is important. Staying motivated can help you reduce money stress, build wealth, and achieve your financial goals. Tips to Help You Stay Financially Motivated Define Your Budgeting Process Start small. Try to do only a little at a time. Start by setting small, achievable goals. For example, start by setting a goal to save $100 monthly. Once you reach that goal, you can set a new goal to save $200 per month, and so on. Start by creating a budget. This will help you track your income and expenses and see where your money is going. Once you make a budget, you can start changing your spending habits. Set financial goals. Once you have a budget, you can start to set financial goals. These goals can be short-term (e.g., saving up for a television), medium-term (e.g., paying off credit card debt), or long-term (e.g., paying off your mortgage). Having goals will give you something to work towards and help you stay motivated. Automate your savings. The easiest way to save money is to automate your savings. This means setting up a system where a certain amount of money is automatically transferred from your checking account to your savings account each month. For example, every time you get paid, have $50 go to your savings account. Or you can have your employer automatically send a portion of your pay to your savings account for you. You'll save money without realizing it. See my feature in Yahoo 8 Simple Ways for People in Their 20s To Begin Saving Now Reward Yourself for Reaching a Goal When you reach a financial goal, reward yourself for staying on track. Take a vacation. Go on a trip to a place you've always wanted to visit. Buy something you've been wanting. This could be a new piece of clothing, a gadget, an experience, or anything else you've been saving up for. Give back to the community. Donate your time to a cause you care about. You don't always have to provide financial support to non-profit organizations. The majority of these organizations appreciate the time you spend supporting their cause. Treat yourself to a spa day. Get a massage, pedicure, facial, or other spa treatment. Go out to eat at a restaurant. It doesn't have to be expensive, but ensure it's delicious. Buy yourself a new outfit. Update your wardrobe with some new clothes that make you feel good. Go to the movies. See the latest blockbuster or catch up on a classic film. Go to a museum. Learn about history, art, or science at a local museum. Go to a play or show. See a live performance of a play, musical, or other show. Go to a comedy show. Laugh your head off at a comedy show. Go to a dance club. Let loose and have fun at a dance club. Go to a karaoke bar. What's your favorite song to sing along to? Is it Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror" or Alica Key's "Girl on Fire"? Go to a sporting event. Cheer on your favorite team at a game. Go to a concert. See your favorite band or artist live in concert. Build a Financial Support System Find a financial buddy. Having someone to support you can make a big difference. Find a friend, family member, or colleague trying to manage their money. You can check in with each other regularly, share tips, and offer support. Your family can also watch your children while you're attending your financial counseling session. Get professional help. If you're overwhelmed by your finances or need help getting started, don't be afraid to get professional help. A financial counselor can help you create a budget, set financial goals and resources to help you invest your money. See my feature in LegalZoom What is a Financial Coach and What They Do? Don't Give Up When Money Stresses You Out Remember, managing your finances is a journey, not a destination. Getting your finances in order takes time and effort, but it's worth it. When you have a handle on your money, you can make rational decisions about your spending, saving, and investing. You can also reduce stress and anxiety and build a more secure financial future. I know it's not easy, but I believe in you. You can do this!

What is Juneteenth? Juneteenth is commemorated as the date enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, were notified by federal troops that they were free. It occurred on June 19, 1865. Enslaved people in the Confederacy were free on January 1, 1863, with the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. However, the information did not get to enslaved people in Texas until Juneteenth. How Can Employers Celebrate Juneteenth? Making a financial and social impact within your community is essential for business owners, large and small. To help celebrate Juneteenth as a company, I asked business leaders for their best insights on how employers can celebrate Juneteenth within their community and with their employees. From supporting Black-owned businesses to hosting an African-American guest speaker, there are several ideas that may help you bring your employees together to recognize and celebrate Juneteenth properly. Give Employees the Day Off Launch a Juneteenth Team-Building Event Invite an African American Guest Speaker Line Up Activities To Help Employees Reflect and Give Support Black-Owned Businesses Go on Museum Tours Celebrate Through Social Media Choose a Way To Actually Celebrate Together Play Trivia Games Throw Virtual Parties Give Employees the Day Off Sounds simple enough, right? Giving employees the day off is a great way to show them that you value their time and are committed to celebrating Black history and culture and the significance of Juneteenth as a holiday. Launch a Juneteenth Team-Building Event A company can commemorate Juneteenth by launching a team-building event, where everyone is tasked with researching and presenting one fact related to the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. This can include historical facts from the time of emancipation, other milestones such as the end of the Jim Crow Era and segregation, or the modern-day challenges we still face. Let everyone know that you want to make a safe environment for uncomfortable conversations and stay positive. Use it as an opportunity for learning, growth, and bonding. - Dennis Consorte, Snackable Solutions Invite an African American Guest Speaker Invite an African American guest speaker to the company to discuss their inspirational story of how they achieved success as a black professional. Research the speaker and make sure they reflect your company's niche or values. Lastly, inviting a leader within your industry will have a better impact and significance when reflecting on their success and the importance of Juneteenth. - Yooseok gong, Ohora Line Up Activities To Help Employees Reflect and Give A company can recognize and solemnize Juneteenth by providing opportunities for reflection and giving. Therefore, you need to do some legwork for your employees and source a list of numerous meaningful ways they can get involved in celebrating Juneteenth. Moreover, you can also curate a company-wide resource list, which will help employees critically contemplate race and host breakout rooms to discuss what they read and listened to. Finally, give your employees a list of social justice companies or civil rights to donate to, and then match the donations to a specific dollar amount. - Caroline Lee, CocoSign Support Black-Owned Businesses An excellent way for a company to celebrate Juneteenth is to support Black-owned businesses in their communities. And as every business is unique and has its own needs, the first step is asking what they need. So reach out to companies in your community and ask how you can help. And then get other local enterprises involved to provide an even greater level of support. Black-owned businesses and communities can thrive together when everyone has equal access to a diverse range of local resources that offer opportunities for support and growth. - Chris Gadek, AdQuick Go on Museum Tours Taking a tour of a museum can be a powerful way to celebrate Juneteenth. The holiday is rich in history, and touring a museum that delves into slavery and the fight for freedom can be an immersive way to educate employees. This activity is especially impactful if a nearby museum has an exhibit dedicated to Juneteenth. - Tasia Duske, Museum Hack Celebrate Through Social Media Our brand uses social media to celebrate Juneteenth. For instance, we post Instagram stories using Instagram stickers. Instagram has stickers to help users acknowledge holidays such as Juneteenth. Since Juneteenth relates to freedom, we also use other related Instagram stickers on our stories. These include "Buy Black" and similar stickers. We also use TikTok to recognize holidays. TikTok users add hashtags to their content. Many TikTokers post holiday-related videos with hashtags for interested users to find during the holidays. In a video, our brand will wish people a happy Juneteenth. - Janice Wald, Mostly Blogging Choose a Way To Actually Celebrate Together I think companies should actually celebrate the holiday! Not just observe it or recognize it with a low-impact acknowledgment. Like any major holiday, it should be celebrated from the CEO to the newest junior staffer. Too often, we see companies go through the motions of acknowledging certain holidays, making sure they check the box. Ultimately this will be seen for what it is; pandering. Employees want to see sincere engagement on these issues, and Juneteenth is no exception. Communicate with your employees and get their feedback about what a meaningful celebration of Juneteenth would look like. Then, follow through! Don't be the company that does not take employee feedback to heart, especially with something as meaningful as Juneteenth and everything it represents. - Devin Schumacher, SERP Play Trivia Games Trivia is a great way to celebrate Juneteenth in the office. Many employees are unfamiliar with the history and reasons for the holiday, and trivia games are a fun and informal way to educate staff without feeling lecture-y. Not to mention, trivia is a great team activity and an opportunity for team bonding. - Michael Alexis, TeamBuilding Throw Virtual Parties One way a company can recognize and celebrate Juneteenth is to throw a virtual party for the occasion. Since the holiday falls halfway through the year in June, this can be great timing to gather employees– Christmas does not need to be the only corporate holiday event. During your virtual party, you can play trivia, display relevant virtual backgrounds, enjoy reimbursable takeout from a Black-owned restaurant, and get to know colleagues while reflecting on the reasons behind Juneteenth. - Carly Hill, VirtualHolidayParty.com How are you planning to celebrate and commemorate Juneteenth at your place of work?

The metaverse is shaping up to be the source for business owners to provide innovative products and service opportunities. If you're a graphic designer or an avid user of the metaverse, you've probably learned some tips and tricks to make it better. To help you discover ways to make money in the metaverse and identify viable metaverse investments, I asked CEOs and business leaders for their best insights. From becoming a tour guide to selling virtual avatar assets, there are several ways that you can make money in the metaverse. How to Make Money in the Metaverse Become a Tour Guide Play Play-to-Earn Games Consider Hosting Events Buy and Sell Virtual Real Estate Own An Online Shop Create and Sell NFTs Sell Virtual Avatar Assets Become a Tour Guide One way to make real money in the metaverse is by becoming a tour guide or by serving as a middleman between hotels and travel firms. In the metaverse, you can open a travel agency and market your services to travelers because there is a lot to discover in the metaverse, so visitors will need someone who can take them around. If you are knowledgeable about a specific metaverse or have established a solid reputation as an explorer, you may easily become a tour guide and lead tours for newcomers or those wishing to visit popular locations. You may even create your own tours and charge visitors a fee to participate. The travel and tourism industry in the Metaverse has a lot of promise, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. - Arkadiusz Terpilowski, Head of Growth and Co-founder, Primetric Play Play-to-Earn Games One of the easiest ways to make money in the metaverse is by playing play-to-earn games. Many games in the metaverse will pay users in cryptocurrency just to play them. They range from typical strategy games like chess up to more intricate MMORPGs. The transactions will be small at first, but the increments will add up over time. - Gigi Ji, Head of Brand and Business Development, KOKOLU Consider Hosting Events Consider hosting events in the Metaverse. As companies learn more about this virtual world, they'll start advertising events in the space. For example, the Gucci Garden is in the Metaverse. If you can afford to buy land, you can then sell tickets to attend. Whether it's a new product launch or a place to hang out, companies can easily make a dime. - Natália Sadowski, Director of Aesthetics, Nourishing Biologicals Related: 7 Side Hustle Ideas for Graphic Designers Buy and Sell Virtual Real Estate Buying and selling virtual real estate is an excellent way to make money in the metaverse. Finding areas that have great growth potential can be a goldmine for those who like to invest. When the land begins to flourish, others will take notice and become interested in purchasing it. When the time is right, selling land to interested buyers can be highly profitable. - Adam Bem, Co-Founder and COO, Victoria VR Own An Online Shop The metaverse is a virtual 3D cyberspace that connects people from all over the globe via the internet. A proven way to make real money in this virtual world is to create an online store. The metaverse has made it possible for people to trade virtual items; hence you can tap into this. You have a large selection of virtual items that you can sell. Ranging from weapons to tokens to clothes or just household items. Be assured that whatever you trade in, an online store will profit in hard currency. - Yongming Song, CEO, Live Poll for Slides Create and Sell NFTs Virtual world technology is gaining traction, and the need for its services will only create more opportunities. The metaverse has created a craze for the demand for virtual goods. Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are among the most in-demand products. The NFTs can be created in the metaverse and sold in the open marketplace. The metaverse has space for avatars, property, accessories, and equipment, among other decentralized digital objects and infrastructure. This means that they can be entirely designed and created by users to grow and support open economies. The popularity of NFTs among tech-savvy clientele and celebrities will increase the probability that such a venture turns a profit. - Ruadhan O, CEO, Founder, Developer, and Trader, Seasonal Tokens Sell Virtual Avatar Assets There are many ways to make money in the metaverse, but one of the most popular is to create and sell virtual assets. This can include anything from avatar clothing and accessories to houses and land. If you have a creative flair and programming skills, you can create some amazing things for which people will pay good money. So if you're looking to make some real money in the metaverse, selling virtual assets is a great option. - Gabriel Krikunez, Criminal Lawyer, Crimlawcanada

As a personal finance coach, many individuals ask me about businesses they can start when they have a limited amount of funds. Many small business owners start their businesses based on skills gained through their professional careers or a lifetime of learning. A few jobs you can start with limited to no funds are consulting, coaching, graphic design, or skilled trades like home repairs or painting. Branding your business is also important, so here are a few tips to get you started. Businesses You Can Start with No Money? Web Design for Small Business Owners Many small business owners do not have a landing page for their website. This could be a no-cost business idea if an individual has the skills and abilities to create a website. The business owner would be responsible for hosting the website and providing the content. The only requirements are time and knowledge of the individual building custom websites for other small business owners. Become a Notary Public In most states, becoming a notary public is a four-step process. You will be required to take an online course. Then you will need to locate a bonding agency, pay the minimal fee and complete your application. Once your application is approved, you can begin promoting your services in your local area or with online notary services. Create a Consulting Firm Depending on your chosen profession, you may be able to market your knowledge and skills to local or national businesses. If you work in human resources, you can start your own consulting firm and provide support to non-profits or small business owners trying to scale their businesses and develop legally compliant processes. As an accountant, you can provide bookkeeping services to business owners to help them organize their finances or file taxes. The possibilities are endless. See my feature in Bizstarters: How To Start a Business with No Money How do you Create a Branding Strategy to Scale and Market Your Small Business? Expand Your Reach by Volunteering Volunteering can help you grow your business by expanding your reach to other business owners, potential customers, and clients. Sharing your business knowledge with your local community through workshops or webinars can increase your credibility and act as a form of free marketing. Even if you don't make a connection immediately, your presentation and volunteer efforts can be shared by those you contact, resulting in future collaborative business partnerships and growth opportunities. Encourage Personal Stories on LinkedIn Personal stories are more compelling on any platform, but especially on LinkedIn. Having employees create personal posts about their experience with a company provides current and potential applicants with a glimpse inside the company. It builds the company's employer brand and compels the organization's followers to learn more about the employee experience. Combining posts with a custom hashtag also lets job seekers view all historical posts. When building a brand, you have to tell a story. Use Canva as a Marketing Tool Canva can be used for multiple marketing purposes. Canvas features allow you to create posts specific to each social media platform. It also contains templates for newsletters, YouTube covers, and even the ability to create and record a pitch deck. The free version of Canva has thousands of photos and available features, but the paid version may be a good choice if you want to elevate your marketing. Remain Diligent in Your Efforts As an entrepreneur, one habit that should be gained to be more successful is diligence. When you create your branding strategy, diligence requires that you continue putting in the work to accomplish the mission and vision that you have for your company. At times, it may seem that you are not making progress or not receiving the income you expected, but staying consistent in your efforts can bring about change. If you have a product- or service-based business, continuing your efforts to market your business shows potential and future customers that you are relevant and persistent in your efforts. All it may take is reaching one consumer or client and for them to value your product or service for word of mouth to expand your business.

Payday loans can be tempting to use when you are strapped for cash. Some people use payday loans as a back option to ensure that their account balance doesn't get too low or to have a certain dollar amount in their bank account. This may seem like a good way to get you from one payday to the next, but with consequences. Once you start using payday loans, it can be difficult to stop. Payday Loans and How To Avoid Using Them Payday Loan Interest Rates Payday loans typically come with very high-interest rates, often with an APR (annual percentage rate) of 400% or more. This means that if you borrow $200, you could end up paying back $800 or more in fees and interest over the course of a year. The high interest rates make it challenging to pay off the loan and can lead to a cycle of debt. If you are really cash-strapped, other alternatives may help get you to the next payday. One option is talking to your creditors or utility company to see how your payments can be adjusted or delayed until you have the cash to make your next payment. You will be surprised how flexible some companies are when it comes to requesting a payment extension or reduction. See my feature in: 10 Signs Your Spending is Out of Control - and How to Address It Short Repayment Terms Payday loans usually have to be repaid within a few weeks or on your next payday, which can be difficult if you're already struggling to make ends meet. If you have had a payday loan, did you find yourself in a deeper financial hole when it was time for you to close the loan? Did you have to get another payday loan to repay the original one? The short repayment term is built into the loan so that you can keep returning to the payday lender repeatedly. It can also make it challenging to come up with the funds to pay off the loan in full, which can lead to rolling over the loan and incurring more fees and interest. Payday Loans are Easy to Access Payday loan lenders are on every street that you drive down. Today, you can also find online payday lenders that don't require a credit check or are okay if you have bad credit. This can make it tempting to use them as a quick solution to financial problems, even though they come with high costs. The lenders don't care if you have bad credit or if you don't have the means to repay the loans. Typically, you will have to put down some sort of collateral, like your car or home. The lenders know you don't want to lose these valuable items, so they are willing to let you put everything on the line to get you to the next payday. You Have Limited Options Payday loans may seem like the only option if you have limited access to credit or are facing financial emergencies. This can be especially true if you don't have good credit or cannot qualify for other types of loans. If you've been declined by your local bank or your family or friends cannot provide assistance, it can cause even more financial turmoil. However, there are ways out of the cycle of using payday loans. See my feature in Yahoo: Black Americans Are More Likely to Be Denied Credit What's Next? To break the cycle of using payday loans, seeking alternatives, such as budgeting, saving, and financial assistance from local non-profits or government programs, is important. You can visit sites like findhelp.org to help you find options in your local zip code for financial aid, food, work, healthcare, and transportation resources. You should also consider working with a financial counselor who can help you develop a plan to manage your finances and avoid relying on payday loans in the future.

What happens if you don't make your wishes known when you pass away? It could lead to your estate going into probate and your family members having to deal with the disbursement of your assets. This could lead to family infighting on what they think your wishes would have been. From hiring a professional to ensuring there is a digital copy of the will, here are six answers to the question, "What are some helpful tips for managing your estate to avoid inheritance nightmares?" An Estate Planning Checklist Consult an Estate Planning Attorney Clarify Your Wishes Keep All Documents Up to Date Consider Tax Implications Organize All Estate Documents Be Sure to Have a Digital Will 1. Consult an Estate Planning Attorney Consider consulting with an estate planning attorney to ensure everything is in order and provide peace of mind for the future. An attorney can help you create a comprehensive plan tailored to your needs, allowing you to decide exactly who will receive your assets and in what form. Additionally, they can review documents like wills and trusts to ensure everything is up-to-date and legally valid. Proper planning prevents future inheritance nightmares and ensures your legacy is passed on the way you want. Michael Fischer, Founder, Elite HRT 2. Clarify Your Wishes The best way to avoid inheritance nightmares is to make your wishes clear. If you have children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, or other relatives likely to be beneficiaries of your estate, make sure they know what you expect from them. Talk to them about what you expect from them to support you in your old age, help you with your finances, drive you to appointments, etc. Ensure they know any specific conditions or things you need that you would like them to be mindful of before you pass away. If you have property that you want them to inherit, make sure they know about it. Tell them if you have specific items you want them to have. If you have property you do not want them to inherit or want them to donate your assets to a charity, be sure to let them know. Matthew Ramirez, CEO, Rephrasely 3. Keep All Documents Up to Date One tip for managing your estate to avoid inheritance nightmares is to stay organized. Keeping all of your documents up to date and easily accessible for family members and other executors can help reduce the stress involved in settling an estate after a person's death. Make sure that you have a coherent plan, including who will be responsible for what tasks, and keep copies of important documents in a secure location. It is important to note that estate planning can be complex and requires careful consideration, so it is best to seek the advice of a qualified financial planner or attorney. Aviad Faruz, CEO, FARUZO A few key estate planning documents are: Personal identification documents: Birth certificate, driver's license, passport, and marriage certificate Tax returns Copies of statements for all bank accounts and investment accounts Insurance policies Real estate deeds and vehicle titles Last will and testament Health Care Directive Social media account passwords Debt summaries from loans, mortgages, credit cards, etc. 4. Consider Tax Implications One tip for managing your estate to avoid inheritance nightmares is to consider the tax implications of your estate plan. Depending on the size of your estate and the specific assets involved, there may be significant tax consequences for your beneficiaries. It's important to work with an experienced tax professional who can help you understand these implications and structure your estate plan in a way that minimizes the tax burden on your heirs. This can help to ensure that your assets are passed down to your loved ones in the most efficient and effective way possible. Will Gill, Event Entertainer, DJ Will Gill 5. Organize All Estate Documents It's important to keep your estate documents organized and stored in a safe place so your heirs can easily access them when needed. Additionally, it's wise to review them periodically and make any necessary updates to ensure that your wishes are accurately reflected. Yusuf Shurbaji, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Prismfly 6. Be Sure to Have a Digital Will Much of what we do these days is digital. From banking to entertainment, almost everyone has digital assets that need to be managed after they die. A digital will, such as those offered by DigitalWill.com, applies smart technology to give your loved ones access to these vital records and accounts when you're gone. This way, they aren't scrambling to find passwords and login information while grieving a loss. Joe Karasin, CMO, Karasin PPC What's one thing you've done to begin your estate planning process? Leave a comment below.

You need money to meet the essentials of your life, such as food, shelter, and clothing. Money also helps you to enjoy life if you spend it wisely and have enough of it to achieve your goals. If you spend every waking moment trying to determine how you can have more money, then it may take control of your life and become a source of constant stress. So, how do you stop letting money control your life? From removing shopping apps from your devices to getting comfortable with your numbers, here are a few helpful tips. How to Stop Letting Money Control Your Life Remove Shopping Apps from Your Phone Pay Yourself First by Saving Avoid Comparing Your Situation to Others Reduce Lines of Credit Try Service-based Travel to Have Unique Experiences Minimize Consumption Prioritize Your Values Try Out a Hobby Spend Smart and Let It Occupy You Make Finance as Boring as Possible Make a List of Free Things that Bring You Joy Get Comfortable With Your Numbers Remove Shopping Apps from Your Phone Try removing apps from your phone that offer online shopping. Nowadays, it's incredibly easy to spend money by just pressing a button on your phone. However, when you delete these shopping apps, you will notice that they are gone every time you try to open them, and you will be reminded of why you deleted them. Miles Beckett, Co-founder and CEO, Flossy Pay Yourself First by Saving One often-overlooked tip I have found beneficial in my financial planning is paying yourself first. Paying yourself first means taking a portion of each paycheck and saving it away before spending it. It's not only responsible, but it can keep money from controlling your life. When you commit to putting back a portion of each check, no matter how small, the money adds up over time, leaving you less reliant on your salary or income to cover necessary expenses and emergencies. Setting aside money for savings will help stop the cycle of frequent borrowing and debt that so many find themselves in today. Paying yourself first is an effective way to control your finances and become more secure with your investments without having to avoid every affordable luxury or purchase. Lorien Strydom, Executive Country Manager, Financer.com Avoid Comparing Your Situation to Others One way to stop money from running your life is to focus on yourself rather than worrying about others. So often, people compare themselves to others and their success, which makes them insecure and willing to spend a lot of money on material things to compensate for their perceived failures. One great way to avoid comparison is to restrict your time on social media. Then you can live your life, concentrate on yourself, and keep your finances in order. Drew Sherman, Director of Marketing and Communications, Carvaygo Reduce Lines of Credit Managing your lines of credit can become a daunting task after a while. If you have several credit cards along with car and mortgage payments and all of the other monthly expenses, you will have to devote significant amounts of time navigating through all of it to make sure your payments are made in a timely manner. You need to reduce those monthly payments as much as you can. If you need to start small, pause a couple of streaming services, and pay off a Macy's card, then do that. Pay off those smaller lines of credit quickly so you can manage your remaining debt better. Pay off and eliminate the smaller debt so you will have more money to take on the bigger debt. Sean Doherty, GM, Box Genie Try Service-based Travel to Have Unique Experiences One tip to prevent money from controlling our lives is to prioritize experiences over possessions. Instead of buying that shiny new car or opting for the high-end vacation package, try something like service-based travel. Not only will it make more of an impact on the world, but it can provide unique experiences and help us develop empathy and knowledge regarding those around us who do not have many possessions. Service-based travel encourages travelers to volunteer with local organizations, providing an opportunity to interact with and learn from different cultures while making a meaningful contribution. Kate Duske, Editor in Chief, Escape Room Data Minimize Consumption Minimizing consumption is likely the best tip to stop letting money control your life. By doing so, you take away the significance of money and turn it into the means of achieving a much higher purpose, that is, positively impacting our environment and other human beings. You become more aware of the harmful effects consumption can have, which range from increased pollution to unfair labor wages, and it makes you a better person in turn as you prioritize helping others, forming meaningful relationships, practicing kindness, and caring for our world instead of being distracted by mindless consumption. Remember that when it comes down to it, more consumption does not give us greater joy, and it comes with the price of harming the planet and the creatures that live on it; instead, find value by focusing on what truly matters. Piotrek Sosnowski, Chief People and Culture Officer, HiJunior Prioritize Your Values Understanding your values is important in stopping money from controlling your life. Your values are the beliefs and principles that guide your decisions and actions, shaping how you prioritize different aspects of your life. By being aware of what you value most, you can ensure that your money is being spent in a way that aligns with your priorities and supports the life you want to lead. To understand your values, consider what is most important to you. What do you believe in, and what do you stand for? What brings you joy, fulfillment, and purpose? Maybe it's family, faith, or freedom. Once you have a clear understanding of your values, you can start to decide how to allocate your money to support them. By prioritizing your values, you can make sure that your money is being spent in a way that reflects what truly matters to you, reducing money's power over your life. Diana Royanto, Content Writer, Milkwhale Try Out a Hobby It might seem strange, but picking up a hobby can be a great way to get out from under the credit card. Some hobbies do come with a starter cost, but overall, these activities are more about enjoyment and less about their cost. You can invest in a hobby knowing that the return is something that brings you happiness, contentment, and stress relief rather than simple material gain. Not only will this help you relax, but it can help you solidify the idea that money isn't the only thing that can bring you happiness. Try finding the small, low-cost things that bring you joy and expand on them. They don't need to be costly or flashy to bring you satisfaction. They really can help you stay grounded. Finding joy in a simple hobby you love can give you an easier time avoiding using money to fill the void. Max Ade, CEO, Pickleheads Spend Smart and Let It Occupy You If you can make your spending last longer and go for long periods of time without having to spend, the better chance you have of forgetting about it and not letting it control your life. For example, a subscription to the T.V. streaming service of your choosing could save you money. Instead of going out and spending money, a T.V. streaming service can keep you entertained at home and won't lead to more spending. This can allow you to save money and get ahead of things. Then, with less money being spent and more money in your bank account and occupying your mind with good entertainment, you can worry less. For others, a good video game could take up this time. It varies from person to person, but it is important to find what interests you and spend your time with it rather than going out there and searching for something to occupy your time (which could lead to more spending). Aaron Winston, Strategy Director, Express Legal Funding Make Finance as Boring as Possible The human mind craves novelty and excitement, and we are bombarded with marketing-led financial products daily. Every day, some new, exciting fintech product, investment vehicle, or innovative challenger bank tries to gain your business. However, these all rely on the same principle, making finance exciting when it should be boring. Research shows that a set-and-forget approach to finance almost always yields better results than meticulous active management, especially with investments. Instead, automate your savings, investments, and expenses, so they require as little attentional resources as possible. Although you cannot alter your innate need for novelty and excitement by making finance boring, you can seek it elsewhere, improving your financial outcomes and quality of life. Ben Schwencke, Business Psychologist, Test Partnership Make a List of Free Things that Bring You Joy Make a list of things that don't cost you anything that brings you joy. You'll be surprised to see how many things you can do daily that make you happy. It can be as simple as standing in the sun and relishing the warm rays on your face, taking a stretch every 30 minutes when working, sending a short message to a friend on your lunch break, reading a good book, or playing with your cat. When you start incorporating so much joy into your life, you begin to feel rich - regardless of how much money you have. Laurel Robbins, Founder, Monkeys and Mountains Get Comfortable With Your Numbers When we don't know enough about a subject, that's when it usually feels like it's taking over our lives, especially when it's a subject that is integrated with our daily routines like money. Familiarizing yourself with your expenses, income, and savings and creating/following a financial plan will help you control your finances instead of letting finances control you. Inbar Madar, Founder and Business Consultant, M.I. Business Consulting

If you're nearing retirement, you might be looking for ways to maximize your reduced income to cover your future expenses. The reality of retirement is that as you age and costs rise, your retirement benefit or social security may not sustain your future standard of living. So, how do you survive financially if you didn't plan for retirement, and what remedies are there? From putting your unique skills to use to investing in low-cost index funds, here are a few things you can do with a fixed income and limited savings in retirement. What Do You Do If You Have No Money Saved for Retirement? Consider a Reverse Mortgage Put Your Unique Skills to Use Look for Costs to Cut Research and Use Available Resources Sell Some of Your Assets Invest in Real Estate Generate Passive Income Keep Your Income Coming as Long as Possible Prioritize Your Health and Fitness Invest in a Diversified Portfolio of Low-cost Index Funds Consider a Reverse Mortgage Retiring with a mortgage payment is a fixed cost that will not go away until you pay off your mortgage. If your retirement income doesn't pay your mortgage, you can consider a reverse mortgage to make ends meet. With a reverse mortgage, you will be responsible for paying your property taxes and homeowners insurance only. A reverse mortgage can help you bridge the income gap until you no longer live in the home or in the event your heirs inherit your home. Your heirs will then be responsible for paying off the remaining balance of the borrowed money, interest, and fees associated with your reverse mortgage. Annette Harris, Founder, Harris Financial Coaching Put Your Unique Skills to Use I know many people who had careers that weren't as fulfilling as they had hoped because they weren't doing what they loved or were best at. Eventually, after their careers were over, they had more time to hone their skills and figured out how to make money from them. I knew someone whose diversion from a stressful job was playing guitar - and he got pretty good at it after a while. He lived in Florida, and a buddy of his who played drums suggested that he jam with his three-person band at a local beachside bar. He knew the songs and sat in. He loved it so much that he started tagging along for other gigs. He connected with other local musicians and played live music at various places in and around town every week - and managed to make a good income doing it. He didn't have the portfolio he wanted upon retirement, but it turned out that he didn't need one. He made more money playing Jimmy Buffet and Eagles songs than he ever imagined, and it still supports him. Brittany Dolin, Co-founder, Pocketbook Agency Look for Costs to Cut If you haven't planned for retirement and are worried about how you'll support yourself financially, the first step is to look at your expenses and see if there are any areas you can cut back on. If you're living paycheck to paycheck, it's important to make sure you're not spending more than you can afford and leaving yourself with little room to save. Make sure you're not spending more than you can afford on things like cable, cell phone plans, and dining out. By looking at your expenses and making some cuts where you can, you may be able to save enough to put aside money for retirement. Matthew Ramirez, CEO, Rephrasely Research and Use Available Resources Having experience in financial planning, one piece of advice I would give someone looking to survive financially in retirement without having planned for it is to use the resources available to them. Many people are pleasantly surprised at how many options exist that offer assistance with rent/mortgage payments, bill payments, and so on. This could be anything from government-funded grants and loans to charities or lenders specializing in this area. Understanding and accessing these resources can be difficult. Still, it is worth putting the time into researching them, as they could go a long way in helping you get through a difficult financial situation. Lorien Strydom, Executive Country Manager, Financer.com Sell Some of Your Assets If you have a home, you may need to sell it. If you've had your home for a while, its value has probably increased. The same goes for any valuable assets, such as furniture or a vehicle, you may not need anymore. Then you may have enough money to afford to rent a modest apartment. Drew Sherman, Director of Marketing and Communications, Carvaygo Invest in Real Estate One uncommon thing someone could do to survive financially if they didn't plan for retirement is to invest in real estate. By utilizing the current home's equity or purchasing a single or multi-family investment property and renting it out, they can generate income that helps fund their retirement instead of Social Security and other benefits. With this strategy, they would also build wealth that can ultimately be tapped into later when needed, either as immediate cash flow from rental income or from selling the property later. Carly Hill, Operations Manager, VirtualHolidayParty.com Generate Passive Income There are plenty of ways to generate passive income- money you make while devoting yourself to the business. Maybe you can rent your spare room on Airbnb and collect the fees, or maybe you invest in dividend-paying stocks. Perhaps you could even start a blog and use Google AdSense to make money from the ads on your site. Whatever passive income ideas you have in mind, it's worth looking into them to see if they're right for you. As long as you have income coming in, you can cover your expenses and have plenty left over for savings. Luciano Colos, Founder and CEO, PitchGrade Keep Your Income Coming as Long as Possible Working until retirement (or even past it) isn't necessarily ideal, but it has one significant benefit that no retirement plan can replace: saving. Of course, retirement can be comfortable if you've diligently saved money and carefully managed your finances - but if you haven't had a retirement account or couldn't save for retirement properly, extending your work life as much as possible may be your best bet. Building up a cushion of savings over many years of hard work is probably still the most reliable way to ensure financial stability in retirement age; after all, there's nothing quite like having an emergency fund made of cold, hard cash to get through difficult times. Piotrek Sosnowski, Chief People and Culture Officer, HiJunior Prioritize Your Health and Fitness Although often ignored, the gym can be the single most important tool to help you survive financially in lieu of retirement savings. A 2022 European Journal of Aging study reported that working life expectancy is strongly underpinned by general, physical, and cognitive health, regardless of occupation. Consequently, staying in great physical shape is essential to career longevity, even in white-collar work. Resistance training and moderate-vigorous physical activity both show significant anti-aging properties and are essential to preventing muscle wasting and cognitive decline. By prioritizing your health and getting sufficient exercise, you will likely significantly extend your working life expectancy, giving you more time to save for retirement. Ben Schwencke, Business Psychologist, Test Partnership Invest in a Diversified Portfolio of Low-cost Index Funds If someone didn't plan for retirement, I'd advise them to invest in a diversified portfolio of low-cost index funds. This type of investment strategy provides a low-cost way to achieve broad market exposure, which can help an individual achieve better returns over the long term. In addition, index funds are typically composed of thousands of different securities, providing greater diversification than an individual stock picker could achieve. Also, index funds are passively managed, so they generally have much lower fees than actively managed funds, which can help individuals maximize their investment returns. Investing in a diversified portfolio of low-cost index funds is one of the best things someone can do to survive financially if they didn't plan for retirement. Shaun Connell, CEO, and Founder, Learn Financial Strategy What's Next? If you haven't planned for retirement, it's not too late. If you work for an employer, find out what retirement benefits are available to you and if you're eligible for increasing your retirement contributions. You may also be eligible for catch-up contributions to your retirement plan if you're over 50. Plan for your retirement now so you don't have to scramble later. Contact trusted resources like a financial coach, counselor, or advisor for assistance in planning and understanding your retirement benefits.