tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56483455834256044752024-03-13T20:20:17.244-03:00My Grown-Up GuideYour guide to the grown-up world!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5648345583425604475.post-45778584749180237182017-09-14T09:00:00.000-03:002017-09-14T09:00:19.153-03:00MOOCs: Free Online Classes!<img alt="MOOCs" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy1kpxhay_JRXC-qeck-ktWSHJRf9URkxH3Wvy5Ewqku1mcnkN4wfqn_s_vqIEpHyo8OqNVBPp80ULE8xnyaehgzuhyoJqxk25Yz6ifw-mG-nVaG5Tiw9MkGa_o4m3FQjZR4Bo2ejKKO8/s320/MOOC.jpg" style="display: none;" /><br />
Before you start asking yourself if I made a typo in the article name, fear not. MOOC stands for "massive open online course" and has becoming a hot topic among those in education.<br />
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If you've never heard of MOOCs before, then you're in for a real treat. What are they, you ask? Well, MOOCs are online courses that are open to absolutely anyone and are completely free!<br />
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Want to learn more? Below, I've outlined the basics of a MOOC and how they could benefit you.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOWn080bVinLzq-Eh8o20E5Syk5T8yc3odhpxgoyVlrXS9IjZv323twx61DWmGmoluhfR8uMNYqKr5M2mL6aYLXBI44sf9deJhXDqOBK1jN1ESStyJZP4a-MTKdye0w0d28mrbR8UuadA/s1600/MOOC+banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="mooc" border="0" data-original-height="116" data-original-width="723" height="102" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOWn080bVinLzq-Eh8o20E5Syk5T8yc3odhpxgoyVlrXS9IjZv323twx61DWmGmoluhfR8uMNYqKr5M2mL6aYLXBI44sf9deJhXDqOBK1jN1ESStyJZP4a-MTKdye0w0d28mrbR8UuadA/s640/MOOC+banner.jpg" title="mooc" width="640" /></a></div>
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<h3>
Free, huh? Tell me more about MOOCs!</h3>
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While the notion on distance learning and online education is far from new, the MOOC in its current form has experienced a lot of hype over the past few years. The emergence of websites like Coursera, edX and Udacity only helped to grow the interest in these e-courses.</div>
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These days, MOOCs are offered everywhere from Ivy League American colleges, such as Harvard University, to international schools like Universiteit Leiden in the Netherlands or Peking University in China. Courses range from topics in <b>business</b> and <b>marketing</b> to <b>social studies</b> and <b>languages</b> to <b>computers</b> and <b>engineering</b>.</div>
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Generally speaking, MOOCs are <b>self-paced</b>, meaning you determine when you study and how slowly/quickly you want to read through the material. Most MOOC websites offer suggested timelines, in case you want some guidance.</div>
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Additionally, you don't get graded in MOOCs unless you choose to pursue a certification, which will cost some money. Some assignments include writing essays, taking quizzes or submitting projects (depending on which course you study).</div>
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Why should I sign up for a MOOC?</h3>
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People such as myself sign up for MOOCs because we just genuinely love to learn. I have always loved school, so taking an online course where the schedule is flexible and the costs are zero just seemed natural to me.</div>
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There appear to be two motivations for taking a MOOC:</div>
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<ol>
<li><b>Personal</b> - You love to learn new things or improve your existing knowledge on certain topics. Taking a MOOC for personal reasons is great because you're not necessarily looking for grades or "proof" that you passing the course; you just want to study!</li>
<li><b>Professional</b> - You want to gain professional experience that enhances your CV, gives you a bit of a boost at your job or contributes to career certification. There are a lot of specializations and certifications that you can earn by attending a MOOC, which looks great on your resume and also could give you a leg up at your job.</li>
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Whatever your reasons for signing up, MOOCs cover a really wide range of topics (and are continuously expanding) and are great for anyone looking to learn!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOWn080bVinLzq-Eh8o20E5Syk5T8yc3odhpxgoyVlrXS9IjZv323twx61DWmGmoluhfR8uMNYqKr5M2mL6aYLXBI44sf9deJhXDqOBK1jN1ESStyJZP4a-MTKdye0w0d28mrbR8UuadA/s1600/MOOC+banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="mooc" border="0" data-original-height="116" data-original-width="723" height="102" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOWn080bVinLzq-Eh8o20E5Syk5T8yc3odhpxgoyVlrXS9IjZv323twx61DWmGmoluhfR8uMNYqKr5M2mL6aYLXBI44sf9deJhXDqOBK1jN1ESStyJZP4a-MTKdye0w0d28mrbR8UuadA/s640/MOOC+banner.jpg" title="mooc" width="640" /></a></div>
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Final Notes</h4>
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If you're looking to sign up for a MOOC, there are a bunch of great options out there. I have taken both a specialization certification series of courses on Coursera, as well as a one-off course, and had an awesome experience in both situations.</div>
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Looking for more information or have any questions? Feel free to leave a comment below or shoot me a message on <a href="https://twitter.com/mygrownupguide" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.</div>
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Thanks!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5648345583425604475.post-54594601338148524772017-09-12T09:00:00.000-03:002017-09-12T09:00:00.248-03:00LinkedIn (Pt. 2): Networking!<img alt="Linkedin" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWvfdCZ3QLRMmctY9U7gZu22ioejx_4Mg8dHiRqxHqjlG4V1oKEQtuoHelH1tgd6eo_J06nJt8pXQGqDujABly7mWijcyURPf658VUx9pN_zlzmZVZLlE3-xIvqGxqGYfxd9DOF6JucHY/s1600/LinkedIn+article+image.jpg" style="display: none;" /><br />
<div>
Welcome to the second installment in our <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a> series! By now, you've learned all about the <a href="http://www.mygrownupguide.com/2017/08/linkedin-getting-started-pt-1.html" target="_blank">LinkedIn basics</a>, including how to set up your profile and generally get started on the site.<br />
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Now we're going to delve into one of the main purposes of LinkedIn as a platform: networking. Professionals use the site to stay in touch with current or previous contacts, whether from their jobs or career events.</div>
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So let's get right into it!</div>
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Why should I network?</h3>
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Honestly, I think everyone has their own reasons for professional networking. But I'll go through two of what I believe are the main purposes that someone should network:</div>
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<ul>
<li><b>Keeping current</b>! You meet a lot of people throughout your career and it's nice to stay in touch and up-to-date with what's going on. Connecting with former or current co-workers, managers or contractors means you can see when someone has a job update, such as a promotion or a job change, and you can also see their posts, which will often be either personal or related to their industry/job.</li>
<li><b>Job hunting!</b> One great aspect of networking on a professional social media platform is that recruiters use the site to look for potential job candidates. Networking with these recruiters, or even just your coworkers, means more opportunities for finding a job. While some people may reach out to you directly for work, sometimes you'll just stumble upon something posted by a connection!</li>
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I personally tend to use LinkedIn more for the former than the latter, as I absolutely love keeping in touch with all of the amazing people I've met over the years. When someone gets a new job, I reach out and say congratulations, or when I see a great post, I'll comment with my input.</div>
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That being said, I have found two of my jobs through LinkedIn! On both occasions, I was contacted via messaging by a Human Resources (HR) specialist or recruiter.</div>
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My advice: use LinkedIn as best fits your situation, but definitely at least use it to stay in contact with people you've met.</div>
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How do I network using LinkedIn?</h3>
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Good question! There are a few ways of networking, so I'm going to list them out along with some tips and pointers on how to network successfully.</div>
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<ol>
<li><b>Adding your colleagues and professional contacts</b> - don't be shy! When you start at a new job and start meeting everyone, feel free to then request a connection on LinkedIn. Since it's not Facebook, it doesn't have that personal feel to it that means sharing photos of your dog or updates about your relationship, but it does allow you to see their alma mater, college major or previous companies. Who knows, maybe you went to the same school or were part of the same Greek organization?</li>
<li><b>Joining groups</b> - check out topics that pertain to or interest you! LinkedIn has a <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/groups/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Groups</a> feature that allows you to search for and join groups for your industry, job or personal interests. They have everything from culture and language to industry and career, so look through your options. Groups will often share posts regarding its topic with members on which you can provide your input or feedback. Sometimes, people will ask for advice or help, which is great for getting your name out there! I just love seeing what's going on in my industry.</li>
<li><b>Following business leaders or companies</b> - a ton of people and businesses have their own pages and LinkedIn allows you to "follow" them to see their posts and updates on your home page. Do you have your sights set on a job at IBM? Following them means that you'll see all of their posts, updates and insights so that you know when new jobs are available and stay current with their company updates. What's great about following specific businesspeople is learning from them through their ideas and reflections, which they often post on the site.</li>
<li><b>Cold connecting with strangers</b> - this is for the more adventurous out there, but definitely worth it in the long run. I personally do this when I want to connect with someone I admire or want to learn something from. For example, in my industry, there are a lot of really innovative entrepreneurs out there and I've reached out to a few CEOs of smaller, related companies to message them about advice or simply just to connect and see what they get up to.</li>
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You've got quite a few options for networking on LinkedIn, so I suggest you go through the list above and at least push through the easier ones to get started.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDpFgyZ3DsJfgaCwPiTDc9ZQp98S4td_IfvAZAFTnXw3rf4dGCMVqqYxE6m7B8fuxpVUQ1r5h0dc5F9Gku1FqrUvvZNJQT1mwXyLbdFBc73ugeTdaK8Q9xecrTzXC2MkDqzTFDw_cBCu0/s1600/LinkedIn+banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="linkedin" border="0" data-original-height="103" data-original-width="721" height="90" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDpFgyZ3DsJfgaCwPiTDc9ZQp98S4td_IfvAZAFTnXw3rf4dGCMVqqYxE6m7B8fuxpVUQ1r5h0dc5F9Gku1FqrUvvZNJQT1mwXyLbdFBc73ugeTdaK8Q9xecrTzXC2MkDqzTFDw_cBCu0/s640/LinkedIn+banner.jpg" title="linkedin" width="640" /></a></div>
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<h4>
Final Notes</h4>
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Now you should be on your way to a pretty awesome LinkedIn profile, if I do say so myself. Remember, all of these steps are meant to guide you through the process and help you get on your way to being a full-on adult professional.</div>
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If you have any questions at all, leave a comment below or reach out to me via <a href="https://twitter.com/mygrownupguide" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a>. Share your profile with me so I can see how you're doing; I'd love to see how my tips are implemented in real life.</div>
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Thanks!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5648345583425604475.post-31985644124485500192017-09-07T09:00:00.000-03:002017-09-07T09:00:01.378-03:00WTT - What the Tax? (Pt.1): Basics<img alt="taxes" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlRiNuXyL0pwe3FR2xTrbgAscDPZPZRFHRbITQe6V164rpiwqx8V2mtlkNScLY4iYQ2SUSklOPeT_pwXGsgGAQw1Hmz9rSmRKlyMO9AYt6Rm_Yl755TyQ3hX0_tv0X0re2OmdnKDPl4WM/s1600/taxes.jpg" style="display: none;" /><br />
If there is one topic that tops the list of every young adult's list of "<i>how does this work</i>," it's taxes. They are the pinnacle of adulthood, but many of us truly know what they are and why we pay them every year.<br />
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So I'm going to do a rather shallow dive into the world of taxes to try to help you, my fellow young adults, understand them a little bit better. This is part 1 of the Guide's newest series: "WTT - What the tax?"<br />
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An important note is that the information below is referring to the <i>American</i> system of taxes. I don't presume to be an expert, so I'll be relying on credible sources of information for the details.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjehyXfPj8sB0bVhXN8JpufzeY3zPcCLGOTtdQSUF1kIJWb1-t3nOMhZsl20mvj-toedhAwM9i7-j0oA4-lm0GxxMa3jdqPLnwV8EE0-mjUNYThJ64H7RNj-k-Tw8-2hRp_ZDCEat5kJz4/s1600/taxes+banner.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="105" data-original-width="728" height="91" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjehyXfPj8sB0bVhXN8JpufzeY3zPcCLGOTtdQSUF1kIJWb1-t3nOMhZsl20mvj-toedhAwM9i7-j0oA4-lm0GxxMa3jdqPLnwV8EE0-mjUNYThJ64H7RNj-k-Tw8-2hRp_ZDCEat5kJz4/s640/taxes+banner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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What are taxes?</h3>
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<i>Deep breath.</i></div>
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Taxes are a source of income for the state and federal governments. As the American economy is based on a <u>free enterprise system</u>, they need to make money from somewhere and do so from income, sales and property taxes.</div>
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This income then funds public services, such as national defense, <u>infrastructure</u>, education or natural resource management. Not only are these kinds of services considered more efficiently managed by the government, but they also cover some services not otherwise provided by the free enterprise system.</div>
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So, in very brief summary, we fund these services through the taxes that we pay.</div>
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Types of taxes</h3>
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There are three main sources from which taxes are collected in the US: income, consumption and wealth.<sup>1</sup></div>
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Income</h4>
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In an attempt to keep this short, I'm going to talk about the main type of <u>income</u> taxes in the US based on relevance to you. If you want an exhaustive list, I suggest you check out the table provided by the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc400.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">IRS</a>.</div>
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One type of income tax that anyone with a job has been subject to is that wages, salaries and tips income tax. When you earn money working at your job, that company will provide you with a W-2 form, normally in January, detailing how much you made while in their employment, as well as any <u>tax withholdings</u>. </div>
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Any W-2s provided to you (one per job that you have) will be submitted in your tax return so that the government can collect the appropriate taxes.<br />
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More information on specific forms will be outlined in upcoming articles in this series.<br />
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Consumption</h4>
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This kind of tax is that which is applied to a good or service and can take the form of sales taxes, tariffs, and excise.<sup>2</sup></div>
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Each state has its own set of tax rates and taxable goods or, for example in Delaware, can decided to not levy sales taxes at all. States earn a large part of their revenue from sales tax but they can also use taxes as instruments for spending.<br />
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In this case, excise taxes, also known as "luxury taxes," are used by the state and federal governments as a way to either deter purchase by the consumer or place a certain burden on the consumer based on the service/good. Gas is normally subject to an excise tax, paid by people who fill up their cars, which pays for things such as highway maintenance or mass transit systems.<br />
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Alcohol and tobacco are also subject to excise taxes to deter people from buying these potentially harmful products.<br />
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What next...?</h3>
Next up in this series is a post all about how to pay your taxes using all of the methods out there available to you! I'll also go into more details about the different forms and IRS information that may be helpful for your first filing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_8dRhWbhy3Q3piW6ix6ynumSE96otqFRWqWtTqZG8oY-YjFcWpbprM0pq7gA_uJpY_p18sgIKJ6s3p53oSidO1kh6Sb_UofNjq6pA32pA1xerGRiRCiWD9P_G9OhR2gWKEhkdskNBoqs/s1600/taxes+banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="105" data-original-width="728" height="92" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_8dRhWbhy3Q3piW6ix6ynumSE96otqFRWqWtTqZG8oY-YjFcWpbprM0pq7gA_uJpY_p18sgIKJ6s3p53oSidO1kh6Sb_UofNjq6pA32pA1xerGRiRCiWD9P_G9OhR2gWKEhkdskNBoqs/s640/taxes+banner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Important terminology</h3>
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<ol>
<li><u>free enterprise system</u> - this economic system is based on consumers being free to decide how to spend or invest their money. Producers create or sell their goods based on demand and products are improved in quality and cheaper based on open competition among producers. </li>
<li><u>infrastructure</u> - infrastructure is the basic physical systems of a business or nation; transportation, communication, sewage, water and electric systems are all examples of infrastructure.<sup>3</sup></li>
<li><u>income</u> - money that an individual or business receives in exchange for providing a good or service or through investing capital.<sup>4</sup></li>
</ol>
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<h4>
Final Notes</h4>
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Whew... so there you go: an introduction to taxes! I hope that you found this useful and informative in your quest for adulthood. As mentioned, this is the first in a series, so keep an eye out for more articles on this subject coming up in the coming month.</div>
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In the meantime, feel free to reach out in the comments below or via <a href="https://twitter.com/mygrownupguide" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> in case you have any questions.</div>
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Thanks!</div>
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<h4>
References</h4>
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<sup>1</sup><a href="https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/faqs/Taxes/Pages/economics.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">US Treasury</a><br />
<sup>2</sup><a href="http://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/consumption-tax.asp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Investopedia</a><br />
<sup>3</sup><a href="http://www.investopedia.com/terms/i/infrastructure.asp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Investopedia</a><br />
<sup>4</sup><a href="http://www.investopedia.com/terms/i/income.asp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Investopedia</a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5648345583425604475.post-37931139826080681202017-08-31T12:00:00.000-03:002017-08-31T13:15:26.176-03:00Grocery Shopping (Pt. 1): First time tips!<img alt="grocery shopping" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkzZlclptZSj0v_b-OoAAy-8uPQwPJyD_3OLf-MBQG6J87WDNDRPRNu41hwuPGM998KkvGaDniKMzojpeJpWVk437oV1ViMfUCOggUPxaU5TxGv9SfSUT88kVSuL0haNIYZ2m1kydKqBo/s1600/grocery.jpg" style="display: none;" /><br />
Going grocery shopping for the first time and overwhelmed by all of the options and prices and packaging? Living on your own and tackling tasks like this are the first steps towards full-on adulthood.<br />
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Put that ramen down!! Look, I've been there myself. Ramen is cheap and you get a ton, but there are so many other great foods and snacks you can get for a low price.<br />
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In this article, I'm going to help you explore some basics and tips for grocery shopping that will keep your bill down but give you more variety than "chicken," "beef" or "vegetable"...<br />
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<h3>
Grocery Shopping 101</h3>
<div>
So you've moved out and are slowly running out of the food that you were lucky enough to shop from your family's pantry. Or you're on your own and need to figure out where to start. Let's first go through some of the basics that I've learned while grocery shopping since moving out:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<ol>
<li><b><u>Make a list and check it twice.</u></b> Seriously, you'll forget half of the things you actually need and will end up buying doubles of stuff you already have. Shopping according to a list will save you both money and time. I use the app <a href="https://www.anylistapp.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">AnyList</a> on my phone for food shopping because you can share the list with a roommate or significant other and can make notes on the individual items.</li>
<li><b><u>Plan recipes ahead of time.</u></b> Instead of making one arbitrary list of food items, plan out some recipes for the week and only shop for those ingredients. What this does is saves on food waste and unnecessary purchases by ensuring that you actually use what you buy. Not sure where to look for recipes? Check out <a href="https://www.yummly.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Yummly</a> or <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> for quick and easy ideas.</li>
<li><b><u>Never shop for food on an empty stomach.</u></b> Literally everything you pass will look delicious and you'll end up buying more than you needed. I have #hangry shopped before and I did so much damage in the form of Lay's chips and chocolate-covered pretzels.</li>
<li><b><u>Bring reusable bags.</u></b> Since I was shopping only for myself at the time, I limited myself to only what I could carry in one average-sized reusable shopping bag. You're both saving the environment from plastic bags and preventing yourself from over-shopping. Additionally, some stores will actually give you credit for bringing your own bag!</li>
</ol>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
Now that we've gone over some of the basics in preparing for a trip to the grocery store, I want to share with you some of my tips for saving money on your grocery bill.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Money-Saving Tips</h3>
<div>
No one wants to spend a ton of money buying food from the grocery store, but it's important to know how to find some good deals on the staples. Whether you're a college student or a busy first-time employee, the tips below will help you save some money on your next grocery trip.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><b><u>Take advantage of coupons & applications.</u></b> Coupons are great for saving money, but should only be used when you know that you need that item. Don't buy something just because you have a coupon for it! Most stores have a section up front with little coupon booklets, otherwise you can find them online on the store's website. Another great option is apps on your phone. Check out <a href="https://cartwheel.target.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cartwheel</a> for Target or the <a href="http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/digitalcoupons" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Whole Foods</a> application for weekly/monthly sales.</li>
<li><b><u>Pick from bottom or top shelves.</u></b> Stores normally stock the most expensive products at eye level, so that customers are more prone to buy those items. Next time you're looking for a product, check out the lowest or highest shelves for lower prices.</li>
<li><u style="font-weight: bold;">Realize that store brands aren't terrible.</u> Everyone loves their brand, whether it's Kraft mac & cheese or Ragu pasta sauce. But what people don't realize is that store brands are cheaper and often contain the <i>same ingredients</i>. So why are brands more expensive? You're paying for the name! Take a look at store brands as a cheaper alternative to your favorite name brand food items.</li>
<li><b><u>Consider frozen or canned ingredients.</u></b> This is especially important for any items you know you might not finish or use right away. If you're worried about preservatives, there are plenty of organic or flash-frozen fruits and veggies out there that you can stock in your cupboard or freezer. Frozen fruits and veggies are extra helpful if you want to eat healthy but worry about food going bad.</li>
<li><b><u>Buy dried goods in bulk.</u></b> I ate a <i style="font-weight: bold;">lot</i> of pasta when I first lived on my own. It was a mix of working a lot of hours and not having the energy to cook. I've since been able to move past that and enjoy cooking, but I still buy my pasta and dried goods in bulk. You can quickly make some rice, quinoa, pasta or boxed mac and cheese after a busy day, which saves you money on takeout.</li>
</ul>
<div>
Cooking isn't for everyone, so don't force yourself to start making fresh meals your first week on your own. Instead, ease into it using the tips above. The main idea is to try to avoid ordering out when you can as this can save a lot of money in the long run.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But, don't get me wrong, I love a good takeout on a Friday night after a long week. It's all about moderation!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKkYADFvJ2Fm963A3-DuNl6Ylhcbi3Ja8VoqSj2TduUuRVqYKhs_8vFJH5qAITESL1bkAEyWMI-HKoP5ggf7lIXgmnm-ZhB7TCKvg_M_bokyZsT8jC9Y37W0ghtL1JwOqJvMrx2NR5MTg/s1600/grocery+banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="grocery shopping" border="0" data-original-height="75" data-original-width="721" height="66" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKkYADFvJ2Fm963A3-DuNl6Ylhcbi3Ja8VoqSj2TduUuRVqYKhs_8vFJH5qAITESL1bkAEyWMI-HKoP5ggf7lIXgmnm-ZhB7TCKvg_M_bokyZsT8jC9Y37W0ghtL1JwOqJvMrx2NR5MTg/s640/grocery+banner.jpg" title="grocery shopping" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
Final Notes</h4>
<div>
Grocery shopping can be a bore at first but it's really a great step towards independence. I love being able to choose my own meals and food, but it's important to keep my budget in mind.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I hope that this helped you in your venture to the grocery store! If you have any of your own tips or have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below or reach out to me on <a href="https://twitter.com/mygrownupguide" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.</div>
<div>
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<div>
Thanks!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5648345583425604475.post-73041054598474945412017-08-28T12:00:00.000-03:002017-08-28T12:00:01.047-03:00Financial Aid (Pt. 3): Scholarships<img alt="Scholarship" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuEsn_beWfqJ33SPP3RrQylD33CBS7GZDjicn30AJsaYJQnTseeiCrHYU7wgoelbNWSYkcK4NLFWQUcuXBy08jr4u2JFeacTuw91t7xTsLm4kSM2OnksxCdUt-wyzwOk-K8COcFIhJCCQ/s1600/scholarship.jpg" style="display: none;" /><br />
Welcome to the third installment in our Financial Aid series! By now, we've gone over the <a href="http://www.mygrownupguide.com/2016/06/financial-aid-pt-1-fafsa.html" target="_blank">FAFSA</a> and <a href="http://www.mygrownupguide.com/2016/08/financial-aid-pt-2-student-loans.html" target="_blank">student loans</a>, which leads us perfectly into this next topic: scholarships.<br />
<br />
Now, before you rule yourself out because you think, "<i>I'm not smart enough</i>" or, "<i>I don't have a high enough GPA</i>," consider the fact that scholarships range in their scope and often go overlooked because students don't think they qualify.<br />
<br />
So let's re-enter the world of financial aid and go through some of the basics of grants and scholarships!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLfgK2M3WVlAHNsBhfykcYI_U9WiQOfYyOB_2B_-QCUxRb3t1KznY0kajqFK2_f2IZPeuua8zu3hBJ6jr3qEfymXEMlpnG6A3NMzB4rYzItIi3OPVHEbHc1IBzr5G96PIAAriKoHxHZbw/s1600/scholarship+banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="scholarship" border="0" data-original-height="93" data-original-width="723" height="82" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLfgK2M3WVlAHNsBhfykcYI_U9WiQOfYyOB_2B_-QCUxRb3t1KznY0kajqFK2_f2IZPeuua8zu3hBJ6jr3qEfymXEMlpnG6A3NMzB4rYzItIi3OPVHEbHc1IBzr5G96PIAAriKoHxHZbw/s640/scholarship+banner.jpg" title="scholarship" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
What is a grant or scholarship?</h3>
<div>
Unlike other forms of financial aid, grants and scholarships are a form of "free money" applied to your college costs that <b>you don't need to pay back</b>. They can come from the government, the college you apply to or from private entities.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Scholarships and grants are also called <u>gift aid</u> and may be granted on several factors. Most of the time, gift aid is granted based on financial need.<sup>1</sup> However, it is also awarded based on academic achievement or the course of study that you're pursuing.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Grants and scholarships are meant to cover part of the costs of your education and should be used in conjunction with personal loans, help from family/friends, federal or state loans, etc.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
So how do I get a scholarship?</h3>
</div>
<div>
Let's go through some of the major sources of gift aid one at a time.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
Federal government</h4>
<div>
If you've already filled out your FAFSA, then you're on the right path! The federal government finances about 37% of all gift aid, which you will be considered for if you have filled out your FAFSA already for financial aid.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The primary form of need-based gift aid from the federal government is the Pell Grant. Pell Grant recipients are decided based on financial need and receive a certain amount of money from the federal government per year to cover the costs of their schooling.<sup>2</sup></div>
<div>
<br />
For more information on the Pell Grant and if you qualify, please check out the DOE's <a href="https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/types/grants-scholarships/pell" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pell Grant website</a>.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Colleges</h4>
</div>
<div>
Most colleges have merit-based scholarship programs for applicants. Want to know if your school has a scholarship for you?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>Speak to your admissions officer or school counselor.</li>
<li>Check out the CollegeBoard's <a href="https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarship-search" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">scholarship search</a>.</li>
<li>Review the college's Financial Aid or Scholarships page on their website.</li>
</ol>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When I was applying for college, I found out about scholarship options in the actual application itself in a section asking me to select any that applied to me.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you're unsure where to look, leave a comment below and I'll take a look for you!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
Private organizations</h4>
<div>
To start off, check out this <a href="https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-college/grants-and-scholarships/scholarships-start-here" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">infographic</a> from the CollegeBoard with some ideas as to where to look for scholarship or grant opportunities.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Are you a Girl or Boy Scout? Do you participate in a local organization or sports team? These groups often have programs for prospective college students, so be sure to check with organizers or program coordinators for more details.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Similarly, you may not even realize that places of worship, such as mosques, synagogues or churches, or employers, such as the companies that your parents work for, offer scholarships.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When in doubt, reach out to your local community leaders to see what's available!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdUrMaLoYQHjPkdO_Q725fXY1MSZhj0Jtq5DOqDIxf0ZkfbCDzMHuQovItQSMOo0o98EMk7hzHHvuTKJ0KSU5irzFNEskyAokg_sVZuoLK2Y35YkBJRBDfgv_2rQc0blV_QKgl5-irYmw/s1600/scholarship+banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="scholarship" border="0" data-original-height="93" data-original-width="723" height="82" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdUrMaLoYQHjPkdO_Q725fXY1MSZhj0Jtq5DOqDIxf0ZkfbCDzMHuQovItQSMOo0o98EMk7hzHHvuTKJ0KSU5irzFNEskyAokg_sVZuoLK2Y35YkBJRBDfgv_2rQc0blV_QKgl5-irYmw/s640/scholarship+banner.jpg" title="scholarship" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div>
<h4>
Final notes</h4>
</div>
<div>
This is by no means a comprehensive list, so please use this article as a guideline for your own research. I spent a good week or two just looking up scholarship options for my undergraduate degree, but it certainly paid off in the end (see what I did there? So punny...)!<br />
<br />
Do you have any questions about your own scholarship search? Leave a comment below or reach out to me on <a href="https://twitter.com/mygrownupguide" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.<br />
<br />
Thank you and good luck!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">PS: this post was <u>not</u> sponsored by CollegeBoard, I simply think it's an amazing site and used it during my own college application process.</span></div>
<br />
<h4>
Reference</h4>
<div>
CollegeBoard <a href="https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-college/grants-and-scholarships/the-basics-on-grants-and-scholarships" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">1</a> | <a href="https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-college/grants-and-scholarships/what-is-a-pell-grant" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">2</a><br />
<a href="https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/types/grants-scholarships/pell" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Department of Education</a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5648345583425604475.post-49545568693981224352017-08-24T11:00:00.000-03:002017-09-05T21:05:06.936-03:00LinkedIn (Pt. 1): Getting Started!<img alt="Linkedin" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWvfdCZ3QLRMmctY9U7gZu22ioejx_4Mg8dHiRqxHqjlG4V1oKEQtuoHelH1tgd6eo_J06nJt8pXQGqDujABly7mWijcyURPf658VUx9pN_zlzmZVZLlE3-xIvqGxqGYfxd9DOF6JucHY/s1600/LinkedIn+article+image.jpg" style="display: none;" />If you've started looking for a job and haven't heard of <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a> yet, get ready. I normally describe LinkedIn as somewhere between an online resumé and a social network for professionals.<br />
<br />
But what is it, how does it help you and what purpose does it serve?<br />
<br />
In this first post in a new series all about LinkedIn, we're going to take a look at everything it offers any new entrant to the job market or anyone who's already employed!<br />
<br />
Let's get started with the basics...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCKBeVkityxh-8yi4V92YEEJfIyp-bPiR6R8VBILANFvv7bBvJspGZ6SR88xe-1X4-q5xNXvRbW2TVigd1sabZoFIgKkW4z6CqaREHx944BowMrBlM2wfIjLJXhozo8SGzp6LhJO-Vdr0/s1600/LinkedIn+banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="LinkedIn" border="0" data-original-height="103" data-original-width="721" height="90" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCKBeVkityxh-8yi4V92YEEJfIyp-bPiR6R8VBILANFvv7bBvJspGZ6SR88xe-1X4-q5xNXvRbW2TVigd1sabZoFIgKkW4z6CqaREHx944BowMrBlM2wfIjLJXhozo8SGzp6LhJO-Vdr0/s640/LinkedIn+banner.jpg" title="LinkedIn" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
What is LinkedIn?</h3>
<div>
LinkedIn is a website for professionals that is meant for networking. Think of it as the Facebook for jobs! It's a way of putting yourself out there as a business person, no matter the position or industry, and connecting with other people.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In order to network, though, you have to set up a profile with your professional details.</div>
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<br />
<br /></div>
<h3>
Setting up a profile</h3>
<div>
This is where you get to tell the world who you are. Treat your profile as you would your <a href="http://www.mygrownupguide.com/2016/06/resume-advice-5-tips.html" target="_blank">resumé</a> and include:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Job history</li>
<li>Education</li>
<li>Languages</li>
<li>Skills</li>
<li>Certifications</li>
<li>Awards & accomplishments</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
But LinkedIn takes it even one step further. Want to show off a great presentation? Do you work in an industry that requires a portfolio? There's a section for uploading files and documents that people can access and download.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You can also add some personal flair by choosing a profile picture and header image. An important note is that your picture should be professional and appropriate for potential employers and coworkers.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
About Me</h4>
<div>
At the top of your profile, you have the option to write a little summary about yourself. Take advantage of that space to explain what you're looking for or highlight aspects of your experience or personality that best represents you.<br />
<br />
This is the perfect section for telling potential employers something they wouldn't get from just looking at your resumé.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Endorsements</h4>
</div>
<div>
This is what would normally be listed under "skills" on your typical resumé. The great thing about LinkedIn, though, is that your coworkers or others can actually endorse you for those skills.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Why do endorsements matter, you may ask? Well, it shows other people that your skills are proven. If you have "project management" on your profile with 40+ endorsements, that's 40+ people who can attest to your abilities as a project manager.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h3>
Getting recommendations</h3>
</div>
<div>
Starting out unknown on LinkedIn can be overwhelming at first. Once you have all of your information in and people start endorsing you for your skills, it's important to also reach out for recommendations.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
LinkedIn has an option for you to actually request recommendations from people directly in the platform, so no need to send emails.. just a click of a button and a short message.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Recommendations really serve as a more personal insight into your professional experience, so make sure to request them from people with whom you've worked well and have benefited from your work.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxN068DLmvf9EUOqkZnfBdhDHU3RMrZB7mf8q6EOxKxDG9BqDRfv1KeO8IAD5VOu2pGsGOt2MYB6jyiUfsFtxPYHS_qYurV2XKWSItE51VUPFMpuGnH9sEQShLT7PwkK3adUbFMnlRXAU/s1600/LinkedIn+banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="LinkedIn" border="0" data-original-height="103" data-original-width="721" height="90" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxN068DLmvf9EUOqkZnfBdhDHU3RMrZB7mf8q6EOxKxDG9BqDRfv1KeO8IAD5VOu2pGsGOt2MYB6jyiUfsFtxPYHS_qYurV2XKWSItE51VUPFMpuGnH9sEQShLT7PwkK3adUbFMnlRXAU/s640/LinkedIn+banner.jpg" title="LinkedIn" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
Final Notes</h4>
<div>
Whew - so that's the first part, all about how to get started with your new LinkedIn profile! I personally love the website and I've found that it's helped me a lot in managing my professional connections.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you're getting set up and have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below or reach out to me on <a href="https://twitter.com/mygrownupguide" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a>!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Thank you!</div>
<div>
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<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">PS: No, this post is not sponsored.. although if you want to sponsor the articles on this website, feel free to reach out.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5648345583425604475.post-62354224286462071782017-08-21T11:00:00.000-03:002017-08-21T11:00:00.184-03:00BMI: What does it mean?<img alt="Moving Out" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi8TO3PC1rxEMpQhBUX_UokvqY07wNV3jp6XsKwL8pni80zr4hcggPGByNKRkYmrPPzbR1xPdFu9nsbl9yslr_f0bixa_sQJmS5qr8xjLDethxxZFGe2PoFa9whu9WUyR-j9nJDhYI_N0/s1600/BMI_article+image.jpg" style="display: none;" /><br />
Weight loss programs, personal trainers and doctors have all given me a lecture on my BMI. But what is it and how important are those three letters to my overall health?<br />
<br />
I wanted to see exactly what BMI is, how it's actually calculated and how it could accurately reflect the current state of my body in terms of weight.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfE8NefeFhQeoC7NTyae135jpjitJwMI-fdi8WhEH5-V1-HUDmeTRw6sfBoNpTiVqdCyIOHEVa7iwg-rjzm9PK3MzKdAHYXHfw3iWtNUpjeYV2SaW9CX8e9qkfHhn1beIE80RIseAZ5DA/s1600/article+banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="BMI" border="0" data-original-height="97" data-original-width="724" height="84" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfE8NefeFhQeoC7NTyae135jpjitJwMI-fdi8WhEH5-V1-HUDmeTRw6sfBoNpTiVqdCyIOHEVa7iwg-rjzm9PK3MzKdAHYXHfw3iWtNUpjeYV2SaW9CX8e9qkfHhn1beIE80RIseAZ5DA/s640/article+banner.jpg" title="BMI" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
What is BMI?</h3>
<div>
BMI, or body mass index, is a way of measuring fat in a weight to height ratio. It's used by doctors and health professionals to see how much fat you have in relation to your height and can be used generally as the first step towards a more detailed diagnosis.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's a free and easy way to determine an individual's weight category, whether it be underweight, normal/healthy weight, overweight or obsese.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
Calculation & Numbers</h4>
<div>
BMI = weight in pounds / height in inches<sup>2</sup></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table class="table table-bordered" id="table5" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-bottom-style: solid; border-image: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-radius: 4px; border-right-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-right-style: solid; border-spacing: 0px; border-top-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-top-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 0px; color: black; font-family: Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 20px; max-width: 100%; width: 500px;"><tbody>
<tr><th scope="col" style="background-color: #f3f2f9; border-left: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); border-top-left-radius: 4px; border-top: 0px; line-height: 20px; padding: 8px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">BMI</th><th scope="col" style="background-color: #f3f2f9; border-left: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); border-top-right-radius: 4px; border-top: 0px; line-height: 20px; padding: 8px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Weight Status</th></tr>
<tr><td style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); border-top: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); line-height: 20px; padding: 8px; vertical-align: top;">Below 18.5</td><td style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); border-top: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); line-height: 20px; padding: 8px; vertical-align: top;">Underweight</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); border-top: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); line-height: 20px; padding: 8px; vertical-align: top;">18.5 – 24.9</td><td style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); border-top: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); line-height: 20px; padding: 8px; vertical-align: top;">Normal or Healthy Weight</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); border-top: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); line-height: 20px; padding: 8px; vertical-align: top;">25.0 – 29.9</td><td style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); border-top: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); line-height: 20px; padding: 8px; vertical-align: top;">Overweight</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom-left-radius: 4px; border-left: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); border-top: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); line-height: 20px; padding: 8px; vertical-align: top;">30.0 and Above</td><td style="border-bottom-right-radius: 4px; border-left: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); border-top: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); line-height: 20px; padding: 8px; vertical-align: top;">Obese</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<h3>
What does my number mean?</h3>
</div>
<div>
Your BMI is exactly what the calculation above indicates: your weight in terms of your height. And nothing more.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The number you get does not determine your level of health, it's not used by doctors to diagnose you with any conditions. It's merely a way to give a broad category and assessment of your body fat. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Further measurements are done to give your health professional more specific information.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
Accuracy</h4>
<div>
One great example is that muscles weigh more than fat, meaning that a bodybuilder in amazing shape may be classified as "obese" based simply on their BMI.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That being said, BMI may be indicative of someone being unhealthily under- or overweight, so it is important to at least keep it in consideration initially.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My main point is, don't look at your number and immediately think that you're obese and need to go on a diet. If you calculate your own BMI and are concerned about the results, that's a great reason to <a href="http://www.mygrownupguide.com/2016/09/how-often-should-i-see-my-doctor.html" target="_blank">see your doctor</a>!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfE8NefeFhQeoC7NTyae135jpjitJwMI-fdi8WhEH5-V1-HUDmeTRw6sfBoNpTiVqdCyIOHEVa7iwg-rjzm9PK3MzKdAHYXHfw3iWtNUpjeYV2SaW9CX8e9qkfHhn1beIE80RIseAZ5DA/s1600/article+banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="BMI" border="0" data-original-height="97" data-original-width="724" height="84" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfE8NefeFhQeoC7NTyae135jpjitJwMI-fdi8WhEH5-V1-HUDmeTRw6sfBoNpTiVqdCyIOHEVa7iwg-rjzm9PK3MzKdAHYXHfw3iWtNUpjeYV2SaW9CX8e9qkfHhn1beIE80RIseAZ5DA/s640/article+banner.jpg" title="BMI" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
Final Notes</h4>
<div>
So that's about it! I hope that this helped to clear up any misinformation or doubts you may have had about what BMI is and what is means.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
However, feel free to reach out in the comments below or on <a href="https://twitter.com/mygrownupguide" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> in case you have any questions at all.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Thanks!</div>
<h4>
References</h4>
<div>
<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/adult_bmi/index.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)</a></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/how-accurate-body-mass-index-bmi#1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">WebMD</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5648345583425604475.post-22092203322913941152017-08-18T11:00:00.000-03:002017-08-19T20:32:54.027-03:00Travel Light: How to Pack!<head><style> .indented { padding-left: 50pt; padding-right: 50pt; } </style></head><br />
<img alt="Packing" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJvsKIUBdoeEb-BqK-YzDg8qnlvoU3Uz9Wj4i0W3eqtREiZ-D9u_jhA9APbgfRrXNZbq_6sRQ8A48UGU5o2t0BsLvSj8GGCO6FwYEbu7AImXn3fNrEIl8cGiyQJc1BvzUZrQM-6OmSLs0/s1600/packing_article+image.jpg" style="display: none;" />Anyone who knows me will tell you that I'm a light packer. If I can't fit everything I want to bring in a carry-on suitcase, I pack less. Generally speaking, I tend to want fewer options when traveling and hate lugging around huge bags.<br />
<br />
This isn't the case for everyone, so I wanted to share some of my own packing strategies for short- or long-term trips.<br />
<br />
So let's get right into it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJ_Dh6VuiM1bpqhhn1EN9mzrkVsVaZF2Q97w3gmKI5o86yMdODETlTkxWhMRIMFIuMAUsqn9jE7PQfeyeGJ3KMJQ1qKL00BMm7131pP2DWr1hutzQ8nsJqkX567IZC_suhOiViHszIPg/s1600/article+banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="packing" border="0" data-original-height="106" data-original-width="720" height="94" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJ_Dh6VuiM1bpqhhn1EN9mzrkVsVaZF2Q97w3gmKI5o86yMdODETlTkxWhMRIMFIuMAUsqn9jE7PQfeyeGJ3KMJQ1qKL00BMm7131pP2DWr1hutzQ8nsJqkX567IZC_suhOiViHszIPg/s640/article+banner.jpg" title="packing" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
Carry-on vs. Checked</h3>
I admit, the struggle is real when deciding whether or not I'm going to check in luggage. To simplify the process, I normally consider the following factors:<br />
<br />
<div class="indented">
<h4>
<b>1. Trip length</b></h4>
How long will I be traveling for? If it's more than 2 weeks, I check a bag in because I can normally mix-and-match my clothing up to 2 weeks before I need to start rotating through my outfits again. More on mixing and matching below.<br />
<br />
<h4>
2. Purpose of the trip</h4>
<div>
Am I going for business or pleasure, or both? If for work or both, I tend to check a bag to account for garment bags and nice shoes. It's easier to bring less when you're traveling for fun, as there are no real outfit restrictions or expectations.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
3. Weather</h4>
<div>
How temperate will the destination be? Traveling to places like the UK or Scandinavia can be difficult, as temperatures may vary from day to night, meaning you'll have to bring some lighter clothing as well as warmer sweaters and tops. More stuff = bigger bag.</div>
<br />
<h4>
4. Souvenirs</h4>
<div>
Now this is completely up to you, but I <b>love</b> buying souvenirs for people. If I know that I'm going somewhere like Paris or London, I'm going to want to get a bottle of wine or t-shirts for friends and family, which means I would need more space and therefore would check a bag.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
5. Liquids</h4>
<div>
Further to the point above, regarding the wine, I always check a bag if I'm going to have a lot of liquids on a trip. This could be extra shampoo or soap, souvenir wine, face wash, etc. If I'm only traveling for a week, I can manage squeezing my toiletries into mini travel bottles. But, any longer and I'll need to pack more.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Keep in mind that the current TSA limit for liquids is: one (1) quart-sized bag containing bottles or containers no larger than 100ml (3.4 oz) each.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
6. Laundry</h4>
Ah, laundry... this one is tricky whilst abroad. If you're staying at a hostel or hotel, you can generally assume that laundry will be either non-existent or expensive. That being said, most (if not all) major cities have laundromats that you can use on your travels. Opposed to this idea or don't have the time? Well, you'll need to pack more as a result.<br />
<br />
<u>Fun fact</u>: you can always just wash your clothing in the shower or a sink if you're in a rush or don't want to use a public facility.</div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJ_Dh6VuiM1bpqhhn1EN9mzrkVsVaZF2Q97w3gmKI5o86yMdODETlTkxWhMRIMFIuMAUsqn9jE7PQfeyeGJ3KMJQ1qKL00BMm7131pP2DWr1hutzQ8nsJqkX567IZC_suhOiViHszIPg/s1600/article+banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="packing" border="0" data-original-height="106" data-original-width="720" height="94" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJ_Dh6VuiM1bpqhhn1EN9mzrkVsVaZF2Q97w3gmKI5o86yMdODETlTkxWhMRIMFIuMAUsqn9jE7PQfeyeGJ3KMJQ1qKL00BMm7131pP2DWr1hutzQ8nsJqkX567IZC_suhOiViHszIPg/s640/article+banner.jpg" title="packing" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<h3>
How much is too much?</h3>
<div>
When in doubt, pack less. I normally follow the standard of laying everything out on my bed and then cutting that by 30%, if not more, because I've found that I just don't end up using half of the stuff I end up bringing anyway.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Packing clothing and accessories is a lot easier than you might think, especially if you have a more solid-colored wardrobe. Start off by sorting your clothing by outfit and then identifying which pieces would go well with others, mix-and-match.</div>
<div>
<ul></ul>
<div>
For styling, I would mix one solid top with all bottoms, a print top with at least 2 bottoms, a jacket with all outfits, etc. I don't pack anything that can't be matched with at least 3-4 other items and I always wash my clothing at the end of each week using one of the methods I mentioned above.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The same goes for shoes and accessories: try to pack ones that match almost all outfit combinations.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Are you a fan of make-up or skin routine? Well, the less you pack in terms of clothing, the more space you have for toiletries!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJ_Dh6VuiM1bpqhhn1EN9mzrkVsVaZF2Q97w3gmKI5o86yMdODETlTkxWhMRIMFIuMAUsqn9jE7PQfeyeGJ3KMJQ1qKL00BMm7131pP2DWr1hutzQ8nsJqkX567IZC_suhOiViHszIPg/s1600/article+banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="packing" border="0" data-original-height="106" data-original-width="720" height="94" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJ_Dh6VuiM1bpqhhn1EN9mzrkVsVaZF2Q97w3gmKI5o86yMdODETlTkxWhMRIMFIuMAUsqn9jE7PQfeyeGJ3KMJQ1qKL00BMm7131pP2DWr1hutzQ8nsJqkX567IZC_suhOiViHszIPg/s640/article+banner.jpg" title="packing" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
Final Notes</h4>
<div>
I get that the above tips don't apply to everyone, especially those who love louder prints and bolder statement pieces. But packing light doesn't just mean using only one carry-on; it means prioritizing space for the items with which you most want to travel!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Do you have any tips for traveling light or packing for vacation? Feel free to share them, or ask any questions, in the comments below or on <a href="https://twitter.com/mygrownupguide" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Thanks!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5648345583425604475.post-64582204633335718902017-08-16T21:05:00.002-03:002017-08-19T20:17:29.091-03:00Apartment Hunting: Moving House<img alt="Moving Out" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgguyMQ9vmJXrLxg1ZzErT9p9lrQuSobeekAdBMAed-X90Nx7vbX6JUY-kzpiLYfckv-xCfqohlSTdltlcexASaddsZUr2hQQi23rb4sUZpW0Rr6UcCKZYMm8A0ebI_1heV4iD6AaZ5qEs/s1600/Untitled+design.jpg" style="display: none;" /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
So you've <a href="http://www.mygrownupguide.com/2016/08/apartment-hunting-where-to-search.html" target="_blank">found</a> your perfect place and completed all the <a href="http://www.mygrownupguide.com/2016/11/apartment-hunting-paperwork.html" target="_blank">paperwork</a>. Congrats! Now it's time to get settled into your new apartment or home, which happens to be my favorite part of the process...<br />
<br />
For some, this means buying all new furniture and decor and, for others, it means the dreaded task of moving all of your stuff from one location to another.<br />
<br />
Let's rip the band-aid off and get into the less fun part of moving...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHcw-fjuoyHqEhE_o_U2MLj3xRLVwpPKfePDE8J-Ppw3wf0YLIng-m1GhPh81QP53puzEL0ME4b0pIspitUzssS3f9Cwm9tZg3-MINtV-R5BDkJmp0PZDUCX06fAablQhAAaFLTugI2Q0/s1600/article+banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="moving out" border="0" data-original-height="99" data-original-width="720" height="88" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHcw-fjuoyHqEhE_o_U2MLj3xRLVwpPKfePDE8J-Ppw3wf0YLIng-m1GhPh81QP53puzEL0ME4b0pIspitUzssS3f9Cwm9tZg3-MINtV-R5BDkJmp0PZDUCX06fAablQhAAaFLTugI2Q0/s640/article+banner.jpg" title="moving out" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3>
<b>Packing and transferring your belongings</b></h3>
I am the first to admit that moving is a pain in the rear-end. However, as someone who has moved several times in her life, it does mean that I'm able to put together some practical tips in the hopes that others do not have to suffer as much I have with cardboard boxes and hangers.<br />
<br />
<h4>
<b>Sorting</b></h4>
The first thing that I always do pre-move is sort out all of my stuff. My general though is, '<i>having fewer things means moving fewer things</i>.' So take time to get rid of anything you don't absolutely want to keep by:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>donating it to charity,</li>
<li>giving it away to friends/family, or</li>
<li>just tossing it out.</li>
</ul>
<br />
By reducing the number of items you own, you're also reducing the amount of stuff you need to pack.<br />
<br />
Next, sort out your items by <b>fragile/not fragile</b> and <b>urgent/not time sensitive</b>. Since moving involves a ton of boxes, some of which get moved sooner than others, it's important not only to mark what could break, but also what stuff you will absolutely need once you get to your new place.<br />
<br />
There's nothing worse than arriving to a new apartment and forgetting where you packed your underwear and toothbrush...<br />
<br />
<h4>
<b>Packing</b></h4>
If you have the money, I would definitely suggest hiring a moving company to disassemble any furniture, pack the truck, etc. But, if you're broke like me, you'll be needing a lot of cardboard and bubble wrap.<br />
<br />
Supplies such as these can be picked up at your local <b>mail office</b> (USPS, FedEx, etc.), <b>Home Depot</b> or <b>moving company</b> (U-Haul). They're relatively cheap and can be grabbed in bulk.<br />
<br />
When packing, be sure to wrap all fragile items in bubble wrap. Or, what I do, is shove any smaller trinkets into my socks or use towels and sheets to stuff into vases or other glassware. This is a great 2-in-1 because you're packing the fragile items and your random houseware at once!<br />
<br />
<h4>
<b>Transportation</b></h4>
Finally, weigh out the options in terms of actually moving your belongings. Friends with trucks/vans are particularly helpful at this time (as are parents; thanks, parents!) but moving trucks can be pretty economical if you're not moving too far.<br />
<br />
If you decide to book a moving truck, be sure to check the rates both <b>per mile</b> and <b>per day</b>. Most companies will charge you a flat rate per day just to rent the truck and then will have an additional fee per mile. This really hurts if you're moving far away, so don't forget to calculate overall costs.<br />
<br />
Generally speaking, you want to pack all of your heavy and/or large items first and then pile on smaller boxes and items as you go along. Remember to keep any important paperwork or special belongings separate, perhaps closer to you, to prevent misplacement.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHcw-fjuoyHqEhE_o_U2MLj3xRLVwpPKfePDE8J-Ppw3wf0YLIng-m1GhPh81QP53puzEL0ME4b0pIspitUzssS3f9Cwm9tZg3-MINtV-R5BDkJmp0PZDUCX06fAablQhAAaFLTugI2Q0/s1600/article+banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="moving out" border="0" data-original-height="99" data-original-width="720" height="88" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHcw-fjuoyHqEhE_o_U2MLj3xRLVwpPKfePDE8J-Ppw3wf0YLIng-m1GhPh81QP53puzEL0ME4b0pIspitUzssS3f9Cwm9tZg3-MINtV-R5BDkJmp0PZDUCX06fAablQhAAaFLTugI2Q0/s640/article+banner.jpg" title="moving out" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4>
Final Notes</h4>
<div>
So that wraps up another edition of Apartment Hunting, the series! Moving house is tough on anyone, but having supportive family and friends is really helpful. I normally can persuade people to come help by ordering pizza and baking cookies (food is a great motivator).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Good luck with your move and, as always, feel free to comment here or shoot me a message on <a href="https://twitter.com/mygrownupguide" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> in case you have any questions.</div>
<br />
Thank you!<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5648345583425604475.post-79686311353076907452016-11-30T19:00:00.000-04:002017-08-19T20:17:01.684-03:00How to Choose A College Major<img alt="College major" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHfboH5NYDNDhNiHJFvjty7PdNBJ9zIWhC22x3Dsoj1M7O_ZlOUSOPWN5nunJbYozYaBcLu1ApHNsXaTDDG8uNWYcgYO36iSphb9hRmVvFK5eq-R4ly4OXg5jwhCUsGJ8JSJWeXtM3kdU/s1600/college.jpeg" style="display: none;" /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
When I was in high school, I was absolutely certain that I wanted to study English and be a teacher for the rest of my life. So, the natural thing for me to do was to apply as an English major when I went to college.<br />
<br />
In my first semester, I took a history class that changed my life (at that point) and I changed my major to history. After trudging through an additional semester of history classes that I absolutely hated, I took a step back and really thought about everything for a moment.<br />
<br />
What did I really want to do? What interested me? I thought, 'well, there was this one business class I thought was cool... but business? How boring, but it's better than history!' Believe it or not, I graduated in business and have been working in it ever since. And I <b>love it</b>.<br />
<br />
So the question is: how do you choose a college major and avoid the struggle that I put myself through? Let's go through it below!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7kfwVhyphenhyphenS9TEPZDNBRvzXGcDttCCGSoxF545X9l8fE2t68EIcyWyisVUq9NpF4QotlE1h-JdGRHN9klvNGZYzdJ9Y8QjKOPsqypjotS4nnLK0rX9SWV7d_57tbIHTIko5MU1OR81VmgU8/s1600/college-banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="college major" border="0" height="106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7kfwVhyphenhyphenS9TEPZDNBRvzXGcDttCCGSoxF545X9l8fE2t68EIcyWyisVUq9NpF4QotlE1h-JdGRHN9klvNGZYzdJ9Y8QjKOPsqypjotS4nnLK0rX9SWV7d_57tbIHTIko5MU1OR81VmgU8/s640/college-banner.jpg" title="college major" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
Research the possibilities</h3>
<div>
If you're completely in the dark as to what majors are available or what your options are, I highly suggest look at a website such as <a href="https://www.collegeboard.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The College Board</a>, which has so many resources for prospective college students.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
They have an extremely detailed <a href="https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/majors-careers" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">list of majors</a>, <a href="https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/explore-careers/college-majors" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">articles</a> with helpful advice and <a href="https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/explore-careers" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">questions</a> that help you narrow down your options. I relied very heavily on the resources that this website offers back when I was looking at college, so I can highly recommend it from experience.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Once you have a good idea of what interests you, even if it's several subjects that aren't related in any way, look at some of the schools that offer those majors or ask teachers or friends their opinions. It's sometimes helpful to get an outside perspective.</div>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Testing the field, registering as "Undeclared"</h3>
<div>
One great option that you have when applying for college is simply to register as "undeclared" or "undecided" when prompted for a major. This allows you to take your required courses and electives up front during your first year, to get them out of the way, while simultaneously exposing you to different subjects.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When choosing your general education (gen-ed) courses, keep it varied and try different subjects. What you might find is that you want to declare a major in a specific subject that you had never considered before!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Generally, you want to get an idea by your sophomore or junior year, at the latest, so that you have enough time to complete your major-specific coursework.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Change your mind; it's totally okay</h3>
<div>
Choosing your major is not a permanent decision; you can change your mind as many times as you want. However, keep in mind that if you change it too late in your schoolwork or if you've already completed most of your major-specific coursework, a change in major may delay graduation.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If it helps, I changed my major three times in my first year and a half and only had one additional semester's worth of classes (which I completed over summer and winter semesters).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Consider your future</h3>
<div>
This is important, as your major and course of study will play a part of determining your future lifestyle and career path. If you have a clear vision of how or where you want to live, keep that in mind when choosing what to study.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For example, looking at majors that offer the highest employment rates post-graduation will provide you more financial stability, especially if you will have student debt. In the same manner, some majors boast the highest salaries post-graduation, so this may affect your choice.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Alternatively, you could disregard the financial aspect altogether and simply go for the course of study that makes you happiest. In the end, you can take whichever approach best fits your situation.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Go for a double major or minor</h3>
<div>
In the end, if you <b>really</b> can't choose: don't! You can apply for a double major, which will allow you to study two full schedules of coursework for two majors. Of course, this will add time, and <b>money</b>, to your undergraduate degree based on how many courses may overlap between the two majors, so keep this in mind.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Otherwise, you can also declare a minor. This means you can study another subject that interests you, but don't have to dedicate the time needed for a complete course of study that makes up a major. Minors often have fewer required classes to complete, but still allows you to put that experience in your resumé.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-MOtJ6Yba5gfLvhTaw2G9q1mFrgbuv5PbT8rNHu4nGNQF1LSCktnDwVxghzKcXbyy9knlL30ZOWxExAOn7eOa6NIS4CZTi3gVqtZ2FsDD3pIHhcL_RQG-VCVMQnNZ-qKMga0HAiqjyFs/s1600/college-banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="college major" border="0" height="106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-MOtJ6Yba5gfLvhTaw2G9q1mFrgbuv5PbT8rNHu4nGNQF1LSCktnDwVxghzKcXbyy9knlL30ZOWxExAOn7eOa6NIS4CZTi3gVqtZ2FsDD3pIHhcL_RQG-VCVMQnNZ-qKMga0HAiqjyFs/s640/college-banner.jpg" title="college major" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
Final Notes</h4>
<div>
Everyone may tell you that this choice decides the rest of your career, but try to take it one step at a time. The important thing is to find something that interests you and that you're passionate about.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
College is an exciting time to explore different opportunities and experiences, so take the time to review all of your possibilities.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you have any comments or suggestions, feel free to leave a comment below or reach out to us on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/mygrownupguide" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Thank you!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
References</h4>
<div>
<a href="https://www.princetonreview.com/college-advice/choosing-college-majors" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Princeton Review</a></div>
<div>
<a href="http://time.com/4103006/college-major-tips/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">TIME</a></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.bestcolleges.com/resources/choosing-a-major/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Best Colleges</a></div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.collegeboard.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The College Board</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5648345583425604475.post-77007054284652250392016-11-27T12:30:00.000-04:002017-08-19T20:16:38.727-03:00Health Insurance: International Coverage Pt. 2<img alt="Hospital visit" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxr-I8hOAc9c1JX8W5kmiQdUIVL9LXSqBdX3K4e9nyTvaZnyZa3p0zwxVmDcjrpe4RZIZzsKTpwUzSHYl_S4R-5L6obtF5o2vFnOQ4sfD335tgim5kb2-g09mt6AFaQaI4Pd6jNRssFiA/s1600/hospital-1802680_1920.jpg" style="display: none;" /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
This is the second installment of the Guide's health insurance series. <a href="http://www.mygrownupguide.com/2016/07/health-insurance-so-many-acronyms-pt-1.html" target="_blank">Part one</a> discussed the basics and how it relates to your career, and part two will go through how your health insurance covers you when you're abroad.<br />
<br />
Whether you're a student, an expat or just traveling, it's important to ensure that you are covered by your health insurance policy in case something happens while you're away from home. Most travelers may not consider this during their planning, but it's actually pretty easy to set up.<br />
<br />
In this article, let's explore the different international coverage you have and how you can ask if your insurance provider covers you while you're abroad.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiUya4sh7AcvHJazq2HKAzzjLbYPU3oi230NLPNaGApa38GlIGkfPZwx0Df_2MSJVJXWWES3_SDK6AQYzK1woyg_hcFHwMcbyj4kIObNga_YfTxDCDuzMrh3zo33cXHa8RI8_KyEHt9CI/s1600/hospital+banner.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="health insurance" border="0" height="88" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiUya4sh7AcvHJazq2HKAzzjLbYPU3oi230NLPNaGApa38GlIGkfPZwx0Df_2MSJVJXWWES3_SDK6AQYzK1woyg_hcFHwMcbyj4kIObNga_YfTxDCDuzMrh3zo33cXHa8RI8_KyEHt9CI/s640/hospital+banner.jpeg" title="health insurance" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
Types of travel insurance</h3>
<div>
Whenever you book a flight, you're normally prompted as to whether or not you want insurance to cover your trip. But what does this cover? Let's go through the three common aspects of travel insurance coverage.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<ol>
<li><b>Travel Insurance</b> - this is the most general insurance and usually covers the financial aspects of your trip. Two examples are the costs of lost luggage or cancelled flights. It is meant to cover what are considered "unforeseeable" situations, such as a last-minute medical emergency or a large weather event. For more information, Allianz, which provides travel insurance, provides a <a href="https://www.allianztravelinsurance.com/travel/planning/unforeseen-event-coverage.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">great list</a>. I personally use Allianz on all flights that I purchase.</li>
<li><b>Travel Medical insurance</b> - this insurance covers the more general or basic levels of overseas treatment that you may need. This may include a visit to a local doctor for a cold or going to emergency care for breaking an arm.</li>
<li><b>Medical Evacuation Services</b> - this would provide evacuation services for overseas travelers, such as air ambulance, medical evacuation or medical escort services.</li>
</ol>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you're looking to purchase travel insurance outside of the usual option that's included in the last step of your flight booking, there are companies out there that offer coverage plans at different levels.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's important to determine what level of insurance coverage you would need when abroad.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
Who is recommended to buy travel medical insurance</h4>
<div>
There are certain travelers who are suggested to purchase travel medical insurance. It's normally straightforward, but here are some examples:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>People with pre-existing medical conditions</li>
<li>Pregnant women</li>
<li>Those at risk for serious health issues</li>
<li>Anyone traveling to countries considered "risky" for health concerns</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
In most cases, you can go to the State Department's <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">website</a> or the CDC's <a href="http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">site</a> to look up which countries require vaccines or may be experiencing higher levels of contagious or spreadable diseases. This ranges from bird flu to yellow fever to, now, Zika.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
How to find doctors internationally</h3>
<div>
Once you're abroad, often in a country where you don't speak the language or know anyone, it may seem difficult to find a local doctor. But a visit to the local U.S. embassy's website will often do just the trick in case of a medical issue.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here is the government's official list of embassies, by country: <a href="https://www.usembassy.gov/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.usembassy.gov/</a>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When in doubt, it is best to reach out to your consulate or embassy for advice, as that is essentially one of the main purposes that they serve. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You can also do a simple Google or Yelp search, however those results aren't guaranteed in terms of quality nor language-speaking capabilities. However, as some reference, I used Yelp to find a doctor when I visited Barcelona once and, aside from the high price, the service itself were top notch.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I would highly recommend doing some research and making a decision that best fits your situation.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Paying for health services</h3>
<div>
So, you've seen a doctor or had to visit the hospital and suddenly you're stuck with a bill. This is a good example of when checking with your home health insurance before leaving is important.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In most cases, your health insurance will offer reimbursement for medical claims. Meaning: you pay for the local services out-of-pocket and then file a claim with your medical insurance back home to reimburse you for the amount spent.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Your standard coverage will extend to the services that you used, so you can expect to pay any normal fees, such as a copay, which will be deducted from your reimbursement.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Just so you know, this process could take a while, so be sure to keep all relevant paperwork and information such as receipts from your visit so that you don't have to go digging later on.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Important note</b>: if you have Medicare, it does <u>not</u> cover overseas medical emergencies, so please plan accordingly.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigOvZgDQ-xeDumqL0E_hJ64qMhD5BIp65hrLtHmqgiyQwUDQbfee9Dw0-ibeW-D-eBkH0b_ZKSPdCkkGqw4XFEqYLl3iYSJaMjKnTPES8MHI8As62Hglndi1FOa2k47silDW3QXreQw7Q/s1600/hospital+banner.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="health insurance" border="0" height="88" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigOvZgDQ-xeDumqL0E_hJ64qMhD5BIp65hrLtHmqgiyQwUDQbfee9Dw0-ibeW-D-eBkH0b_ZKSPdCkkGqw4XFEqYLl3iYSJaMjKnTPES8MHI8As62Hglndi1FOa2k47silDW3QXreQw7Q/s640/hospital+banner.jpeg" title="health insurance" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
Final Notes</h4>
<div>
When traveling, it's fun to plan day trips and excursions, but it's important to cover all of your bases ahead of time to avoid any issues, which can really dampen any trip. So, the next time you're booking a trip and are about to skip through the insurance section like usual, take a moment to consider where you're visiting, what you'll be doing and your options.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As usual, feel free to leave any questions in the comments section below or reach out to me on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/mygrownupguide" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Safe travels!</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
References</h4>
<div>
<a href="https://www.allianztravelinsurance.com/travel/planning/unforeseen-event-coverage.htmhttps://www.allianztravelinsurance.com/travel/planning/unforeseen-event-coverage.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Allianz Travel Insurance</a></div>
<div>
U.S. Department of State <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/go/health/insurance-providers.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">1</a> | <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/go/health.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">2</a></div>
<div>
<a href="http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/getting-health-care-abroad" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Center for Disease Control</a></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.budgettravel.com/feature/will-your-health-plan-cover-you-overseas,1912/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Budget Travel</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5648345583425604475.post-73380228800453818692016-11-24T11:00:00.000-04:002017-08-19T20:35:23.340-03:00BONUS: Thanksgiving Day Recipes!<img alt="Thanksgiving Recipes" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_qBoEtq70eAGUxaua90OYzx0NiQlZL8Eec61HKBTYI7rf4_XLR68OnLrsCrdLyydUSXyme9R0inxFe5hoUSftnqjSrG44h-TJDBWEr0E7JA8E5T0MM_BUlgE-fSx6ayty1LQJLg7YuYU/s1600/turkey.jpeg" style="display: none;" /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>If you're anything like me, you're a huge fan of Thanksgiving because of the food (yum). For me, the day is normally filled with friends, family and food: the essential trifecta for any good holiday. Are you a sports fan? Add in football for a magical fourth "f."<br />
<br />
Thanksgiving is known for being a day of cooking. Lots and lots of cooking. Normally, you start early in the morning, roasting and basting the turkey, and you end well into the afternoon with your salads and mashed potato dishes.<br />
<br />
As a bonus article this week, I'm going to share with you some of my favorite recipes that you can make to impress your family and friends today.<br />
<br />
<i>Disclaimer</i>: I am vegetarian, so I have included some veggie-friendly and vegan recipes below.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnEgAdwvQyG0utbpeZHHuZ3SzlQZZ1I30iU43DCImDgKjczyUZazMwODMKnKIFglZk9Zo4gQKm_YOVpGnZ4fpLb-iATsv5fg-ejrsYK0N5xL-z7qeTnIkLxi2Pz318Od4obcCkxRxI8ks/s1600/pumpkin-1651969_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="thanksgiving recipe" border="0" height="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnEgAdwvQyG0utbpeZHHuZ3SzlQZZ1I30iU43DCImDgKjczyUZazMwODMKnKIFglZk9Zo4gQKm_YOVpGnZ4fpLb-iATsv5fg-ejrsYK0N5xL-z7qeTnIkLxi2Pz318Od4obcCkxRxI8ks/s640/pumpkin-1651969_1920.jpg" title="thanksgiving recipe" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Symbols</u>: (V) - Vegetarian, (V!) - Vegan, (GF) - Gluten-free, (DF) - Dairy-free<br />
<br />
<h3>Main Dishes</h3><div>Everyone who celebrates a more traditional Thanksgiving knows that the main dish is the turkey. However, there are tons of other options available. Check out some of them here.</div><div><br />
</div><div><ul><li><a href="http://leitesculinaria.com/97262/recipes-maple-glazed-turkey.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Maple Glazed Turkey</a> (GF)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.justataste.com/simple-roast-chicken-garlic-lemon-recipe/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Simple Roast Chicken with Garlic & Lemon</a> (GF)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.oliviascuisine.com/rosemary-and-garlic-roast-beef/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rosemary & Garlic Roast Beef</a> (GF)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.rootandblossom.com/2013/02/turkey-and-spinach-lasagna.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Turkey & Spinach Lasagna</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.loveandlemons.com/vegan-butternut-squash-stuffed-shells/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vegan Butternut Squash Shells</a> (V!, DF)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.averiecooks.com/2015/11/classic-traditional-thanksgiving-stuffing.html#" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Classic Traditional Thanksgiving Stuffing</a></li>
<li><a href="https://veggieprimer.com/apple-cranberry-stuffing/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Apple Cranberry Stuffing</a> (V!, DF, GF)</li>
</ul><div><br />
</div></div><h3>Side Dishes</h3><div>This is personally my favorite part of Thanksgiving and I end up loading my plates with all different things. Normally, I tend to make salads, to balance the creamier dishes, as well as the very traditional, rich dishes.</div><div><br />
</div><div><ul><li><a href="http://homegrownandhealthy.com/chickpea-avocado-and-feta-salad/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chickpea, Avocado and Feta Salad</a> (V, GF)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.spendwithpennies.com/spinach-artichoke-dip-pasta-salad/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spinach Artichoke Pasta Salad</a> (V, GF)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.carlsbadcravings.com/herb-scalloped-sweet-potatoes-with-bacon-and-gruyere/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Herb Scalloped Sweet Potatoes with Bacon & Gruyere</a> (GF)</li>
<li><a href="http://diethood.com/quinoa-spinach-stuffed-tomatoes-giveaway/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Quinoa & Spinach Stuffed Tomatoes</a> (V, GF)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTRkJIyxoP0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mashed Potatoes & Mushroom Gravy</a> (V!, GF, DF)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.budgetbytes.com/2011/08/summer-vegetable-tian/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Summer Vegetable Tian</a> (V, GF)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqhpOJtfccw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sweet Potato Casserole</a> (V!, GF, DF)</li>
<li><a href="http://selfproclaimedfoodie.com/perfect-green-bean-casserole/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Green Bean Casserole</a></li>
<li><a href="http://simplefood365.com/easy-homemade-cranberry-sauce/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce</a> (V!, GF, DF)</li>
</ul></div><div><br />
</div><h3>Desserts</h3><div>Now for the dishes that are eaten most quickly in my household: desserts. I love a really great, traditional pecan or apple pie. Here are some variations that I've found that I really want to try out.</div><div><br />
</div><div><ul><li><a href="http://www.afamilyfeast.com/chocolate-bourbon-pecan-pie/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie</a> (V)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.texanerin.com/swedish-apple-pie/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Swedish Apple Pie</a> (V!, GF, DF)</li>
<li><a href="http://juliasalbum.com/2014/06/strawberry-chocolate-chip-cake/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Strawberry & Chocolate Chip Cake</a> (V)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.yummyhealthyeasy.com/2015/02/flourless-chocolate-cake.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Flourless Chocolate Cake</a> (V, GF, DF)</li>
</ul></div><div><br />
</div><h3>Drinks</h3><div>When I think about fall, cider is the first thing that comes to mind. Whether alcoholic or non-alcoholic, drinks really help the meal feel festive and wash down all of the amazing food.</div><div><br />
</div><div><ul><li><a href="http://www.thereciperebel.com/slow-cooker-cranberry-apple-cider/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Cider</a></li>
<li><a href="http://blommi.com/hot-pumpkin-nog-non-dairy-holiday-beverage-recipe/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hot Pumpkin Nog</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.thewholesomedish.com/caramel-apple-sangria/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cranberry Apple Sangria</a> - Alcoholic</li>
<li><a href="http://www.baileys.com/en-us/baileys-pumpkin-spiced-chai.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pumpkin Spiced Chai</a> - Alcoholic</li>
</ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1uSb2aiB8XpMV1lzyP6j9eYJCU2bVm6gwPqOU84neit61Ljoqhi12ExxD5nQvp_EPu2c58ulVNfOPodi2_N-fpDU3IgAYj3mF66LjpgKy7C-MLoIyvVXsl8RiV59PLDU-qC9X9wf11kw/s1600/pumpkin-1651969_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="thanksgiving recipe" border="0" height="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1uSb2aiB8XpMV1lzyP6j9eYJCU2bVm6gwPqOU84neit61Ljoqhi12ExxD5nQvp_EPu2c58ulVNfOPodi2_N-fpDU3IgAYj3mF66LjpgKy7C-MLoIyvVXsl8RiV59PLDU-qC9X9wf11kw/s640/pumpkin-1651969_1920.jpg" title="thanksgiving recipe" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><h4>Final Notes</h4><div>So that's it - a round-up of some easy, sometimes healthy, Thanksgiving recipes. I hope that you all have a great day and that, for those of you who are lucky, you enjoy your long weekend!</div><div><br />
</div><div>Got any favorite recipes? Share them in the comments below or over on our <a href="http://www.twitter.com/mygrownupguide" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Cheers!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5648345583425604475.post-83038848813097834272016-11-23T12:30:00.001-04:002017-08-19T20:39:26.142-03:00Job Interviews: Tips & Advice (pt 2)<img alt="Job Interview" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNTVoSF9bh8-qXFa6MMSgiXSTmff20_0baNINZ4rDxVTxTorv2YUaSoXiQ8jvQheEIyqmg6jADlqE-4fi3OBSysug9ScWoyYj4plV2UgaV9oRaMuk_SRkq_tM3zEIter6wrgyRCvfXkH0/s1600/interview+-+icon.jpg" style="display: none;" /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>It's now the big day of the interview! Hopefully, you've gone through the steps outlined in <span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.mygrownupguide.com/2016/11/job-interviews-tips-advice-pt-1.html" target="_blank">part one</a></span> of this little two-part article, have an amazing <a href="http://www.mygrownupguide.com/2016/07/cover-letters-why-theyre-so-important.html" target="_blank">cover letter</a> and <a href="http://www.mygrownupguide.com/2016/06/resume-advice-5-tips.html" target="_blank">resumé</a>, and are feeling prepared. Now what?<br />
<br />
In the second part of this two-part interview series, we're going to dive in and approach the interview itself and what follows (yes, there is something to do even after the interview is over).<br />
<br />
Let's jump right in!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSGgbdegqW274Ma_Oy9umbI3cPsckuRlHDGA0f3WQ2VSN9FEN2c2Qz0yzVpqyawHhnQYisQAXXztoIlc9xSW9pw9TNDfzepbJkak9rFI2hzhKt-ssxvRZD_9k-n17h6EyVDjudP0icWyQ/s1600/interview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="job interview" border="0" height="90" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSGgbdegqW274Ma_Oy9umbI3cPsckuRlHDGA0f3WQ2VSN9FEN2c2Qz0yzVpqyawHhnQYisQAXXztoIlc9xSW9pw9TNDfzepbJkak9rFI2hzhKt-ssxvRZD_9k-n17h6EyVDjudP0icWyQ/s640/interview.jpg" title="job interview" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<h3>During: Deep breaths!</h3><div>You've made it. It's time to shine and show these people what you've got! You're all dressed up, you've done your research and ready to tackle this interview.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Walk into that room and personally greet each person there, take a moment to look them in the eyes and shake their hand. Make it personal, because it's possible that you're the 20th or 55th person that they've seen that day.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Now is the time that they review your resumé and start asking questions. Easier questions will be related to your experience and job history and harder questions will be more open-ended and general in terms of your responsibilities.</div><div><br />
</div><div><b><u>Here's a secret</u></b>: you don't need to know the answer for every question. Don't know? Tell them that you're not sure but would be interested in knowing more. Or admit that you don't have a ton of experience with the topic of that question but are dedicated to learning more if hired.</div><div><br />
</div><div>But more than anything, be you! Let your personality shine and really enjoy yourself. If you feel yourself getting nervous or tripped up: pause, take a deep breath, smile and continue.</div><div><br />
<br />
</div><h3>After: Follow-up</h3><div>This is an important aspect of interviews that most people aren't aware of: the follow-up. Now, I want to be clear that this doesn't mean e-mailing the recruiter or interviewer a million times asking how you did (please don't do that).</div><div><br />
</div><div>But, what you can do is send a e-mail, or even a handwritten letter, thanking them for taking the time to speak with you. This is sometimes a game-changer and really shows your interest in the position and also some common decency.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Finally, order a pizza and watch a movie. You did a great job and deserve it!</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSGgbdegqW274Ma_Oy9umbI3cPsckuRlHDGA0f3WQ2VSN9FEN2c2Qz0yzVpqyawHhnQYisQAXXztoIlc9xSW9pw9TNDfzepbJkak9rFI2hzhKt-ssxvRZD_9k-n17h6EyVDjudP0icWyQ/s1600/interview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="job interview" border="0" height="90" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSGgbdegqW274Ma_Oy9umbI3cPsckuRlHDGA0f3WQ2VSN9FEN2c2Qz0yzVpqyawHhnQYisQAXXztoIlc9xSW9pw9TNDfzepbJkak9rFI2hzhKt-ssxvRZD_9k-n17h6EyVDjudP0icWyQ/s640/interview.jpg" title="job interview" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><h4 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Final Notes</h4><div>I hope that you find this latest addition to the career section helpful! Interviews can be stressful, but we all go through it and the more prepared you are, the better you'll feel.</div><div><br />
</div><div>As usual, feel free to comment below or reach out on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/mygrownupguide" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> with any questions.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Thank you!</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5648345583425604475.post-30219749731673376402016-11-20T12:00:00.000-04:002017-08-19T20:39:10.901-03:00Job Interviews: Tips & Advice (pt. 1)<img alt="Job Interview" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNTVoSF9bh8-qXFa6MMSgiXSTmff20_0baNINZ4rDxVTxTorv2YUaSoXiQ8jvQheEIyqmg6jADlqE-4fi3OBSysug9ScWoyYj4plV2UgaV9oRaMuk_SRkq_tM3zEIter6wrgyRCvfXkH0/s1600/interview+-+icon.jpg" style="display: none;" /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Here at the guide, we've gone over <a href="http://www.mygrownupguide.com/2016/06/resume-advice-5-tips.html" target="_blank">resumés</a> and <a href="http://www.mygrownupguide.com/2016/07/cover-letters-why-theyre-so-important.html" target="_blank">cover letters</a>. So what happens when you've nabbed the interview invitation? Well, for me: nerves, panic, excitement. Don't worry, this is absolutely normal.<br />
<br />
Interviews are a way for recruiters and potential employers to see your personality and ask you questions that weren't otherwise addressed in your documents. Trust me, they know how nerve-wracking it is more than anyone else.<br />
<br />
If you're looking for some tips and advice on how to nail your job interview, keep reading below as I go through some ideas on how to calm your nerves and bolster your confidence.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJA-tnHhxKJ59zIpDBqCgpzdeZOTzh6y1wPXysk5_eU-V_cYryc2n_AhccTZqYxEHqiGVbQtt5vlnB4MqxoodLGvoAgOXFRcSKYkVds9YRzFshZfLa3zxAsOH3iFQZAiEi7qOJjHZ0vE/s1600/interview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="job interview" border="0" height="90" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJA-tnHhxKJ59zIpDBqCgpzdeZOTzh6y1wPXysk5_eU-V_cYryc2n_AhccTZqYxEHqiGVbQtt5vlnB4MqxoodLGvoAgOXFRcSKYkVds9YRzFshZfLa3zxAsOH3iFQZAiEi7qOJjHZ0vE/s640/interview.jpg" title="job interview" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<h3>The week/days before: Research & Preparation</h3><div>Get a head start on preparing for the interview by doing some research in the week or days leading up to the interview. My suggestion: go on the company's website, read their recent announcements on LinkedIn, search for any news articles from the past year.</div><div><br />
</div><div>This may seem over-the-top, but the most success that I've had in my interviews was when I felt knowledgeable and could ask questions of the interviewer regarding the company's business. Nothing shows that you've done your homework more than being able to discuss current business-related events.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Also, take this time to review any "commonly asked questions" that you can find online. You should check out <a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/index.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Glassdoor</a>, where past candidates will actually list questions that they were asked in their interviews, which is extremely helpful for anyone who doesn't know where to start.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Finally, take these days to relax. Get enough sleep every night, eat breakfast, take time to breathe and really focus on you and remind yourself how amazing you really are!</div><div><br />
<br />
</div><h3>The night before: Packing</h3><div>For those of you who don't bring bags to work, now is the time to grab one. No backpacks or plastic bags, of course, but a canvas tote, work satchel or purse is perfect. Here are some suggestions on what to throw in there:</div><div><br />
</div><div><ul><li>Notepad</li>
<li>Pens <i>(yes, plural)</i></li>
<li>Water bottle</li>
<li>Snack</li>
<li><b>Copies of your resumé!!</b></li>
</ul><div><br />
</div></div><div>Water and snacks are optional, but I've had to sit and wait for interviews before and there is nothing worse than your stomach growling in the middle of a question. This will also help to settle your nerves! So grab a granola bar or a banana or something that you can munch on.</div><div><br />
</div><div>The most important item on the list above is bringing copies of your resumé. It is almost guaranteed that the person or people interviewing you will want to have a physical copy in front of them. This is almost certainly the case in which the interviewers are doing open screenings for candidates and have dozens, if not hundreds, of people to interview.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Get all of this in order the night before to avoid stress the following day and then get a good night's sleep!</div><div><br />
<br />
</div><h3>The day of: Last-minute details</h3><div>It's the big day! If you're new to interviews or just don't feel comfortable in these situations, you're going to experience a crazy range of emotions. And that's totally okay. Leading up to the interview itself, take some deep breaths, go over some of your research or possible questions if that makes you feel more at ease.</div><div><br />
</div><div>The most common question I get from people about job interviews: what do I wear?</div><div><br />
</div><div>If I were you, I would rather overdress than underdress. My advice? Bring out that suit and tie or work dress. Unless the announcement for the job said "come to the interview in sneakers," it's safe to assume that they're looking for you to dress nicely.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Plus, what I find really boosts my confidence is putting on a really nice outfit with some great shoes. If I look the part, I'm more likely to act the part.</div><div><br />
<b><i>To be continued Wednesday in part 2 of Job Interviews: Tips & Advice...</i></b><br />
<b><i><br />
</i></b> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSGgbdegqW274Ma_Oy9umbI3cPsckuRlHDGA0f3WQ2VSN9FEN2c2Qz0yzVpqyawHhnQYisQAXXztoIlc9xSW9pw9TNDfzepbJkak9rFI2hzhKt-ssxvRZD_9k-n17h6EyVDjudP0icWyQ/s1600/interview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="job interview" border="0" height="90" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSGgbdegqW274Ma_Oy9umbI3cPsckuRlHDGA0f3WQ2VSN9FEN2c2Qz0yzVpqyawHhnQYisQAXXztoIlc9xSW9pw9TNDfzepbJkak9rFI2hzhKt-ssxvRZD_9k-n17h6EyVDjudP0icWyQ/s640/interview.jpg" title="job interview" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><h4>Final Notes</h4><div>A lot of preparation and work goes into a successful interview before you even step in that door. Take your time and do your research if you are truly committed to nailing it!<br />
<br />
As usual, feel free to ask any questions in the comments below or on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/mygrownupguide" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.<br />
<br />
Thank you!</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5648345583425604475.post-62820272828994518072016-11-16T12:00:00.000-04:002017-08-19T20:37:29.713-03:00Budgeting Basics: How to set-up a budget<img alt="Budget" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRyps7-I_HcF3J454edCSmJyM24xnH24KlFph4pN6x9bdlKlspoTKlgu0AUNNGidJY4kvVyaXY2rP8YfTd3KeCM3T0Mu9uM4sSGcqXfnRo93ZanF__VI6MVmGogLjvR4T0z9714MHd8H8/s1600/budget+article+image.jpg" style="display: none;" /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>You didn't think I wouldn't write about budgets, did you? How could I not? Budgeting has been a constant point of contention in my life since I got my first job and is usually at the top of every person's list of "do I really have to do this" points.<br />
<br />
Well, I have good news for you! Creating and sticking to a budget is a lot easier than you think, especially when you take the time to customize it to your personal situation.<br />
<br />
Sure, budgets mean tracking your spending, spreadsheets, math. But they also represent an opportunity for you to see your financial growth, to put money aside for life experiences and to get a better view of your spending habits.<br />
<br />
Let's jump right in!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMbWFuMlWWZohXniXjJHWZFqlk_Gwff7b5IuN_WLwnSVRLKiqE1ED-gjfZbh5fFxMzRhSMQaFf1Pwh-qk6QtzdkwyobFAVTnhwShFei7MiI16mZelcHgSGA1mUzhCHMKFISNhYRuH-9wk/s1600/coins-currency-investment-insurance-128867.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="budget" border="0" height="83" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMbWFuMlWWZohXniXjJHWZFqlk_Gwff7b5IuN_WLwnSVRLKiqE1ED-gjfZbh5fFxMzRhSMQaFf1Pwh-qk6QtzdkwyobFAVTnhwShFei7MiI16mZelcHgSGA1mUzhCHMKFISNhYRuH-9wk/s640/coins-currency-investment-insurance-128867.jpeg" title="budget" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<h3>Setting up your foundation</h3><div>I would like to start by saying this: your budget does <u>not</u> need to be some fancy spreadsheet with formulas and color coding and categories, etc. It should only be as detailed as you need it to be, which means that you can show as much information as you believe necessary to get a view of your finances.<br />
<br />
In today's post, we're only going to go over setting up a basic, foundational budget and will expand upon this in future posts.</div><div><br />
</div><div>First of all, start by setting up a basic spreadsheet in Excel or Google Sheets. I normally name the first row as the headers for the columns. To keep it easy, let's go with "Date" "Item" "Item Amount" and "Balance."</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3r036dYkmm5tfYxJh7XcIYNwr_iqOZgeJ3h3L7mGrqXyerJT0yq6xawuR0vmP0BGzqdcuJW02ATACwC_OAKez3NLRU8Oq_stlSmSqwNL4bxfaQwZondYzL1ifPZZf7JcFHbSW6XO62OQ/s1600/header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="budget" border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3r036dYkmm5tfYxJh7XcIYNwr_iqOZgeJ3h3L7mGrqXyerJT0yq6xawuR0vmP0BGzqdcuJW02ATACwC_OAKez3NLRU8Oq_stlSmSqwNL4bxfaQwZondYzL1ifPZZf7JcFHbSW6XO62OQ/s400/header.jpg" title="budget" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div>Next, it's time to start inserting your data. I would suggest doing a monthly budget, going through your monthly input and output amounts. These are the two main items that I usually start with:</div><div><br />
</div><div><ol><li><b><u>Income</u></b></li>
<ul><li>You should start by listing out any income that you receive. This is going to be your paycheck(s) or any money you receive from working.</li>
<li>If you would like to go into more detail, you can also include here any money that you make from things like selling items on eBay, ad revenue from a website or social media, etc.</li>
</ul><li><b><u>Repetitive expenditures</u></b></li>
<ul><li>This is going to include any monthly or repeating bills that you pay. For example: rent, utilities, loan payments, phone bill, internet/cable bill, health insurance (if not included in your paycheck), etc.</li>
<li>As these are normally fixed amounts every month, or very near so, they are easy to track in the long-term and can help you get a wider view of your finances more easily.</li>
<li>Make sure to insert these with a <b>negative sign</b> to let you that this is an expenditure.</li>
</ul></ol><div><br />
</div><div>What does this look like for one month? Let's say your rent is the first of every month, your utilities come in the first week of the month, you have one loan payment and you get paid every two weeks:</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhWUWQorop6hTNCQFhqfTtma4cihRyGOSILzxg3p_I5mS9eOg0Lwns0EdOsVs3saYGkkILzzJ-zPrGyHFpRN9EQKAxn4bW0VK6erqDwI5jfhgkFik67oBuChtAHLQ9LGKq-KFZiJppM-4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-11-13+at+9.41.53+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="budget" border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhWUWQorop6hTNCQFhqfTtma4cihRyGOSILzxg3p_I5mS9eOg0Lwns0EdOsVs3saYGkkILzzJ-zPrGyHFpRN9EQKAxn4bW0VK6erqDwI5jfhgkFik67oBuChtAHLQ9LGKq-KFZiJppM-4/s400/Screen+Shot+2016-11-13+at+9.41.53+PM.png" title="budget" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Figures and dates are examples, used as reference.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><br />
</div><div>Not too difficult, right? Just by looking at this, you can calculate your <u>discretionary income</u> to determine how much you have left over from these items alone to pay for things like food, transportation, drinks with your friends, entertainment, etc.</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><h3>Getting fancy with basic formulas</h3><div>If you don't like doing mental math or having to use the sum function every time you add something into your budget, you can create a handy function in the "Balance" section to calculate all of this for you.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Start by finding the current balance of your bank account. If you're creating a budget template, you can use 0 and the formula will still work.</div><div><br />
</div><div>In the cell D2 (selected in the image above), type the following formula without quotation marks: "C2+###" where ### is the current balance of your bank account, or 0.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Now, in cell D3, enter this formula without quotation marks: "$D2+$C3". Once this is done and you hit enter, a new number will appear. This is your new balance, taking into account your first paycheck, current bank balance and rent payment.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Simply drag the formula down as many cells in column D as you have and it will copy this formula to all of those cells. The final cell (D7 in this case) will be your <b>final balance</b>, taking into account all items.</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9SWHEMxu6SO7FNi9ixgOe8IzNWDaWikIo-ORy7im2rq9BbHN5Wxk_BSH80SPgnAm8DOL0RMPg7yRrmgtNSdsrZny99UE3r0bavz9nXpXU-EVRAWJZg0JGTKmDtrLDywi5JjRmD6C4KNU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-11-13+at+9.52.29+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="budget" border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9SWHEMxu6SO7FNi9ixgOe8IzNWDaWikIo-ORy7im2rq9BbHN5Wxk_BSH80SPgnAm8DOL0RMPg7yRrmgtNSdsrZny99UE3r0bavz9nXpXU-EVRAWJZg0JGTKmDtrLDywi5JjRmD6C4KNU/s400/Screen+Shot+2016-11-13+at+9.52.29+PM.png" title="budget" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>Alternatively, you can just add the "SUM" function to cell C8: "=SUM(C2:C7)". This will just add up everything in column C.</div></div><div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdKJ8Jd7zZGfnz6d6XIGlZIdHfsz49nkz_L6tHjPgR-QwADtlj15J1dLssYeRZSmveQO2hP_zIG7UZis_4JooUyL4xdLodpTwVPddvpmkDMRaYkLe8fO3STxRVs0x5vSNWlfNdoVGawTk/s1600/coins-currency-investment-insurance-128867.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="budget" border="0" height="84" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdKJ8Jd7zZGfnz6d6XIGlZIdHfsz49nkz_L6tHjPgR-QwADtlj15J1dLssYeRZSmveQO2hP_zIG7UZis_4JooUyL4xdLodpTwVPddvpmkDMRaYkLe8fO3STxRVs0x5vSNWlfNdoVGawTk/s640/coins-currency-investment-insurance-128867.jpeg" title="budget" width="640" /></a></div><br />
</div><div><h4>Final Notes</h4></div><div>Budgets can be time-consuming, but they are vital to young people as we start to make more money and pay bills. It's easy to ignore the numbers; as they say, "ignorance is bliss." However, this mindset can lead you into debt and poor decision-making. Take a moment to set up a simple budget and go from there! You never know, you could end up liking it.</div><div><br />
</div><div>This is the first in a series exploring the world of budgeting, so keep an eye out for more tips!</div><div><br />
</div><div>As always, please reach out via comment or <a href="http://www.twitter.com/mygrownupguide" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> in case you have any questions.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Thank you!</div><div><br />
</div><h4>Important Terms</h4><div><ol><li><u>discretionary income</u> - the amount of money left after expenses have been factored in. Basically, this is your "free" money to use for spending outside of your necessities: food, rent, utilities, bills, etc.</li>
</ol></div><div><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5648345583425604475.post-91628713670171469652016-11-13T15:09:00.000-04:002017-08-19T20:14:11.366-03:00Apartment Hunting: The Paperwork<img alt="Rental application" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDM6RXOvC62EKRtPPfcsBqSiwJJHgTn67T_Bi9MnsjaWnrs4EOMJIwa102vD5tz3lQDDNJ0fHdbMPIQCBwZBoBnnmIkywKXiLvDrB6DE9urPScsMGW3_4U8RqXinK3VrYrOKoNoUSQXws/s1600/contract-1464917_1920.jpg" style="display: none;" /><br />
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</div>
So you've been <a href="http://www.mygrownupguide.com/2016/08/apartment-hunting-where-to-search.html" target="_blank">hunting for an apartment</a> and have finally found a few that you really like. After visiting them, meeting the landlord or property owner or broker, you decide that one of them is absolutely perfect for you and you want to proceed.<br />
<br />
What's next? The one thing most new adults despise doing on their own for the first time: paperwork.<br />
<br />
I'm going to walk you through some of the standard information that you'll need to have on-hand and what you should prepare in advance.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE0WotbQFBHqtOnhqiyZZZie_GaAH78woiTvICoIRCLAfFAWhs0ciN9J1zJpLEl5rryL4NjUtDOF74tnrUWBVZHE8Vvgb1I2L_ifYtfuzjn9g5w4gqX_j9t-f19TgIsZen2qS6kSjZ_SQ/s1600/business-962355_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="apartment lease" border="0" height="74" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE0WotbQFBHqtOnhqiyZZZie_GaAH78woiTvICoIRCLAfFAWhs0ciN9J1zJpLEl5rryL4NjUtDOF74tnrUWBVZHE8Vvgb1I2L_ifYtfuzjn9g5w4gqX_j9t-f19TgIsZen2qS6kSjZ_SQ/s640/business-962355_1920.jpg" title="apartment lease" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
Personal Information</h3>
<div>
This is kind of obvious, but let's go through it anyway. When you're applying to rent an apartment, you will need your basic personal information. This includes, but is not limited to:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Photo ID</li>
<li>Social Security number</li>
<li>Previous addresses</li>
<li>Job history/Resumé</li>
<li>Rental history*</li>
<li>Vehicle registration & proof of insurance*</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
*Rental history and vehicle information is only required if this pertains to you or the area in which you are looking to live. If you have never rented before, don't worry about it. As for cars, this mainly applies in situations where a parking spot comes with the rental.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For your photo ID, you should ideally bring a government identification, which most commonly is either a <b><i>driver's license</i></b> or <b><i>passport</i></b>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Landlords need this personal information to verify who you are and will sometimes run a <b>background check</b> before confirming that you are approved.</div>
<div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<h3>
Financial Information</h3>
<div>
Now that you've shown who you are, the landlord needs evidence that you will be able to pay the rent. It's important to bring the following financial information to your apartment viewing if you plan to fill out an application:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Pay stubs</li>
<li>Bank statement</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Think about it this way - if you're looking at an apartment for $1500/month and your pay stubs show that you make $2000/month, the landlord is going to be hesitant about giving you approval.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Of course, you can apply with a <u>co-signer</u> if that is something offered as an option. However, this varies based on the requirements of the property owners or landlords.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Based on all of the personal and financial information above, the landlord may run a <b>credit check</b> to determine your creditworthiness (more about that <a href="http://www.mygrownupguide.com/2016/07/credit-scores-why-so-important.html" target="_blank">here</a>).</div>
<div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<h3>
Miscellaneous</h3>
<div>
Some landlords have more required documentation than others, so you may want to check if the following are beneficial or pertinent to the application:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Reference</li>
<li>Letters of recommendation</li>
<li>Credit report</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
These are often great for bolstering your application or making you seem more appealing as a renter, so I wouldn't overlook them completely.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Once you've filled out the application and provided the necessary documents, you will almost always be asked to put down a <b><i>deposit</i></b>. This deposit will essentially hold the apartment that you want until your application is processed.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I would suggest bringing a <b>checkbook</b> or <b>cash</b> to the appointment and to ask ahead of time what the deposit would be so that you are prepared ahead of time.</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6n1Ur9GFvHajGFwOdZ9GP9pii-FzUz8pX3-TIIR0q-qHwnDGCjEeHzsr_ngcrE-4OtuKHNlpaK6iCts3oXmSzBKzEewxESlnT1Y2viPyNQp8njHJfOLXfhbzdi2_sXfTAuYPuDYx5as/s1600/business-962355_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="apartment lease" border="0" height="74" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6n1Ur9GFvHajGFwOdZ9GP9pii-FzUz8pX3-TIIR0q-qHwnDGCjEeHzsr_ngcrE-4OtuKHNlpaK6iCts3oXmSzBKzEewxESlnT1Y2viPyNQp8njHJfOLXfhbzdi2_sXfTAuYPuDYx5as/s640/business-962355_1920.jpg" title="apartment lease" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
Final Notes</h4>
<div>
Finding an apartment can be a drag when it comes to searching through the options and doing all of the boring paperwork. But, at the end of the day, you will have a place to call your own: home. I wish you luck in your search and congratulations if you have already found the spot for you!<br />
<br />
If you have any questions, feel free to comment here or shoot me a message on <a href="https://twitter.com/mygrownupguide" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.<br />
<br />
Thank you!<br />
<br />
<h4>
Important Terms</h4>
</div>
<div>
<ol>
<li><u>co-signer</u> - someone who will guarantee that the required payments are made either by you or by them, as needed. Normally, this is someone with a better credit score or perhaps a more appealing bank statement. In the past, I have generally asked my parents to co-sign for me.</li>
</ol>
<h4>
References</h4>
</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.mydomaine.com/what-to-bring-when-apartment-hunting/slide2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MyDomaine</a></div>
<div>
Apartment Guide <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/apartment-application-items-you-need/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">1</a> | <a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/rental-application-process/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">2</a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5648345583425604475.post-66446792317720719832016-09-11T13:24:00.000-03:002017-08-19T20:13:43.137-03:00How Often Should I See My Doctor?<img alt="Doctor visit" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2rshAtbpdRJ3nPOQ2ISu1Z1XC_76FMS2PeTRx5rCdQVArZWupgC7STTuVh90gnMy6D6xUhg5Z8oTaZ4TwDnC4O7IpgIEIn2k-ob8dgN4NaiiD6hib43BYLzj2gwnM-XeIvGUr4jGvjJ0/s1600/dentist+chair.jpeg" style="display: none;" /><br />
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</div>
As a busy 20-something in a major city, I often lost track of time between visits to my doctors, whether it be my primary physician, dentist, or eye doctor. Then I would get the ominous reminder card from my dentist's office telling me it was "time for my next visit!"<br />
<br />
My question always was, when do I actually have to see some of these doctors? Well, what I didn't know is that there are some established guidelines for when you should get a check-up (without relying on your annual post card as a reminder).<br />
<br />
Below are some tips to when you should be scheduling your next visits.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkH53ilfKjLBNuAzYbnLzcAbakVOShjwHcJClIlqApcyuMjrMQLWcr46W-511-kYJLrNxx_K6df3Wqm0skXgqMOn2JMHT59UQa1yxDH8KDJIouNIKVkx7fM5Kmm_S7Jt93CZSaaDXEQvY/s1600/dentist+chair+banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="doctor" border="0" height="97" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkH53ilfKjLBNuAzYbnLzcAbakVOShjwHcJClIlqApcyuMjrMQLWcr46W-511-kYJLrNxx_K6df3Wqm0skXgqMOn2JMHT59UQa1yxDH8KDJIouNIKVkx7fM5Kmm_S7Jt93CZSaaDXEQvY/s640/dentist+chair+banner.jpg" title="doctor" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
Primary Care Physician</h3>
<div>
On average, a young person in normal health with no pre-existing conditions or concerns should visit their primary care physician <b><i>at least once per year </i></b>for their annual check-up. Even if you have gone the past 3 years and nothing has been wrong, it doesn't hurt to keep in touch with your doctor regarding any changes in diet, exercise, mental health or outside factors that could affect you long-term.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Not sure what to talk about at your annual exam? It's important to bring up anything health-related that occurred since your last visit. Have your allergies been especially bad? Did you have to go to the hospital for any emergencies? Try any new vitamins recently?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When in doubt as to whether you should schedule an appointment, check out this handy list seen on <a href="http://health.usnews.com/health-news/patient-advice/articles/2015/10/23/how-often-should-you-see-the-doctor-5-important-considerations" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">US News</a>:</div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>When was the last time you visited a doctor?</li>
<li>Has anything changed since?</li>
<li>When did your doctor last say that you needed a follow-up?</li>
<li>Was there something you needed to follow-up on with your doctor?</li>
<li>Has your family's medical history changed?</li>
</ol>
</div>
<div>
These are all important questions when factoring in when considering an appointment.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Dentist</h3>
<div>
If you're like me, you avoid the dentist with a passion. But, I've come to terms with my aversion recently by finding a dentist that I really liked and who had a very, very soft touch when it came to those dreaded cleaning tools.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Before that, I prescribed to the method of "if my tooth hurts, I'll go to the dentist," which, as it turns out, is <b><u>not</u></b> the way to live your best life.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The standard schedule for visiting your dentist is <b><i>once every 6 months</i></b> for your general cleaning and check-up, but it really depends on the health of your teeth and gums and the opinion of your dentist. The reason for this 6-month standard timeline? Well, most of the issues that you face, such as cavaties and gum disease, are preventable if you get your teeth and gums regularly checked.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Do you remember the last time you visited the dentist? If not, it's probably time to head in for a check-up. From there, your dentist will let you know the frequency of future visits based on their evaluation of your current health.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Reproductive Health (Gynecologist)</h3>
<div>
As a woman, you normally should start seeing a gynecologist for check-ups anywhere from the age of 13 to 15, especially if you have started your period or are sexually active. This is just to make sure that everything is as it should be for your age.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When you hit your twenties, though, you will need to start <b><i>scheduling yearly appointments</i></b> for your pelvic exam and/or Pap test, as well as a general exam to check for lumps in your breasts. This is all overwhelming for the first time or two, but I assure you that it quickly becomes routine and is nothing more than a once-a-year nuisance.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But it's still extremely important nonetheless! You should get screened for any STIs or STDs (sexually transmitted infections or diseases) during your visits, especially if you are sexually active or have recently started seeing a new partner. This is also relevant if your family has any history of breast cancer.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Additionally, your gynecologist is a great source of information in general in regards to sexual health, questions you may have or any concerns. Want to know more about birth control and contraceptives? This is where you should inquire as to more information.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Optometrist</h3>
<div>
Do you wear glasses or contact lenses? You'll have to make sure that you visit the optometrist for your vision test at least <b><i>once every 2-3 years</i></b> in order to keep your prescription up-to-date. If you're younger than 19, you should be getting regular eye exams at least annually until you turn 20, at which point you can visit as needed or follow the schedule mentioned in the previous sentence for your glasses/eyewear.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Otherwise, if you don't have existing vision problems, regular visits to the optometrist won't be relevant for you until you reach your forties. It is recommended that you get checked <b><i>at least once in your twenties</i></b> and <b><i>twice in your thirties</i></b> for general health issues.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
What health factors should I keep track of?</h3>
<div>
For younger people, this is our time to take preventative actions for our future. This means keeping an eye on certain aspects of our health which may become troublesome as we age.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So what should I keep an eye on when you see your doctor?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><u>Cholesterol</u> - this test is performed by your family doctor (or general practitioner).</li>
<li><u>Blood pressure</u> - you'll most likely get this checked no matter where you go, but your family doctor will keep a record of this, as well.</li>
<li><u>Height/weight</u> - again, pretty routine for any doctor that you visit. It's important to keep an eye on your weight to account for any major fluctuations that could indicate a more major health risk.</li>
<li><u>Blood tests</u> - during your annual exam, your doctor may have routine blood panels run to check for any issues. Be sure to follow up with any questions you have or make an appointment to review the results.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There are certainly other factors to keep in mind on an individual basis, so be sure to consult with your doctor and ask if there are any health issues you may be at risk for, or if there are any visits or test you may need more frequently than others.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
Final Notes</h4>
<div>
If there is any final takeaway from this article, it should be this: we need to be more proactive in our approach to our health while we're young to try to prevent and avoid major issues down the line. It's as simple as calling up your doctor now to make an appointment for a check-up. So don't waste any time!<br />
<br />
If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to pop in to the comments section below or reach out to me via <a href="https://twitter.com/mygrownupguide" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
References</h4>
<div>
<a href="http://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/do-you-really-need-an-annual-checkup" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Women's Health</a></div>
<a href="http://health.usnews.com/health-news/patient-advice/articles/2015/10/23/how-often-should-you-see-the-doctor-5-important-considerations" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">US News</a><br />
<a href="http://www.nhs.uk/chq/pages/1780.aspx?CategoryID=74&SubCategoryID=741" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">NHS</a><br />
<a href="http://www.colgate.com/en/us/oc/oral-health/basics/dental-visits/article/how-often-should-you-go-to-the-dentist" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Colgate</a><br />
<a href="http://girlshealth.gov/body/health_help/gynecologist.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">US Dept. of Health</a><br />
<a href="http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/visit-eye-doctor" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">WebMD</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5648345583425604475.post-68623959932443842642016-08-28T20:12:00.000-03:002017-08-19T20:13:19.331-03:00Financial Aid (Pt. 2): Student Loans<img alt="Student loans" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3jwWGXQxa0s2-q7Z22rhC29KdZA_cJI5nD5u127wN3ZTXgZoBXrFMlddCP0TJcBdxmeXAxIU0_n6hcYSqnQiGKVhsUycASnRDnscuaT9e15MRZRZ-66SQhT_O30eRs01DquLaA2KBbRI/s1600/coins-currency-investment-insurance.jpg" style="display: none;" /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
We're headed back now into the territory of financial aid just in time for back-to-school, this time to tackle the topic of student loans. If you're a young adult or entering into adulthood, you've definitely heard of the "dreaded student loan," but it doesn't have to be that painful as long as you have the information on your side.<br />
<br />
This post is meant to assist prospective students in their search for methods of paying for college, but my hope is that all of the information provided here will also help those of us out there who are already doggy-paddling around in student loan debt.<br />
<br />
So let's get right into it, by first addressing what loans are and the different types.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAFjZaLTYI8Rf7DiDlGjS9EM5nXvyPvMEUE63UK6uk-qOukVT8xlCLz2EQdWTWLCN4WYOEojwWMsY7SmHIkrzR881ueCvW7bPxQJjMxPnhU8bx8dS7nbf0zeIKd2rn1Ko4FQSrX_6BQAI/s1600/loan+banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="student loans" border="0" height="62" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAFjZaLTYI8Rf7DiDlGjS9EM5nXvyPvMEUE63UK6uk-qOukVT8xlCLz2EQdWTWLCN4WYOEojwWMsY7SmHIkrzR881ueCvW7bPxQJjMxPnhU8bx8dS7nbf0zeIKd2rn1Ko4FQSrX_6BQAI/s640/loan+banner.jpg" title="student loans" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
What kinds of loans are there?</h3>
<div>
There are three main types of loans for students and their families when looking for ways to fund a college education. A loan is an amount of money that the student/parent borrows from an institution, whether it's a bank, the government or a private company.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<ol>
<li><b>Federal loans</b> - this is money borrowed from the U.S. government, specifically the Department of Education. They have two programs and several types of loans, based on the status and needs of the potential borrowers.</li>
<ul>
<li>William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program</li>
<ul>
<li><i>Direct subsidized loans</i> - the money for this loan type is provided to students that demonstrate financial need, for example if their family is within a certain income bracket. If approved, you will receive a certain amount as specified by your school and the government will make the interest payments while: you're in school at least half time, for a grace period of 6 months following graduation, during a period of <u>deferment</u>.</li>
<li><i>Direct unsubsidized loans</i> - these are the same as the subsidized loans indicated above, however the applicant does not require any demonstrate any financial need and the government does not pay the interest.</li>
<li><i>Direct PLUS loans</i> - the main point regarding this loan is that it is aimed towards graduate and professional students or to the parents of a dependent child for whom the loan would apply. The applicant must have <a href="http://www.mygrownupguide.com/2016/07/credit-scores-why-so-important.html" target="_blank">good credit</a> and meet the general requirements for federal financial aid.</li>
<li><i>Direct consolidation loans</i> - this allows any borrower of multiple federal loans to combine them into one loan. The main benefit would be to pay one monthly installment as opposed to multiple, however this would extend the life of the loans and possible the interest, so you may end up paying more in the end over the life of the loan itself.</li>
</ul>
<li>Federal Perkins Loan Program</li>
<ul>
<li>These loans, more commonly referred to as Perkins Loans, are low-interest and provided to those who demonstrate "exceptional financial need." The money is issued through your school, who would be your lender in this case, and payments would be made directly to that school or the school's loan provider.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<li><b>State loans</b> - it's difficult to provide too much detail regarding state loans, as they vary among the states in the U.S. and have different requirements and specifications. The Department of Education has a <a href="http://www2.ed.gov/about/contacts/state/index.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">search tool</a> that allows you to find the contact information for your state.</li>
<li><b>Private loans</b> - borrowing from a private institution is available to any student or parent, regardless of their financial situation. As such, the interest rates tend to be higher and the repayment may be stricter. It's important to do your research on the information and terms of the loans.</li>
<ul>
<li>You can receive a private student loan from banks and other financial institutions, private organizations or foundations, and some colleges offer financing, as well.</li>
<li>Some popular private loan institutions are: Sallie Mae, Wells Fargo, Discover, etc.</li>
</ul>
</ol>
<div>
Based on your, or your family's, financial situation, some loans are better options than others. I say this every time, but it's really important: do your research! The information provided above and in this article is meant to help in the original crazy search and help you to get your feet wet. I cannot express enough how you will also need to do additional work to look through the options.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<h3>
Which loan is right for me?</h3>
<div>
Well, this is based on your financial needs and what you're looking for when borrowing money. Everyone comes from a different background and should keep that in mind when looking at loan options.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Tip #1: fill out the <a href="http://www.mygrownupguide.com/2016/06/financial-aid-pt-1-fafsa.html" target="_blank">FAFSA</a>!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><i>Do you require additional financial assistance?</i> If so, check out the federal subsidized loans or Perkins loans to see if you qualify. These are great resources for anyone who may have otherwise not thought it possible to afford a college education.</li>
<li><i>Are you in a position to borrow but don't qualify for the subsidized or Perkins loans?</i> Your next bet would be either the federal unsubsidized, state or private loans.</li>
<li><i>Are your parents or guardians thinking of taking out loans?</i> The PLUS loan is a great option for them. They can also help by <u>co-signing</u> on private loans.</li>
<li><i>Do you need to borrow money beyond the normal costs of tuition, room and board, or textbooks?</i> Private loans do not have borrowing limits and allow the applicant to request the amount suitable to their request.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
All of the options have their benefits or disadvantages, so let's go over some of the key points to keep in mind when researching your student loan.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
What should I know about loans?</h3>
<div>
Just as with any other major decision, especially one related to finances, the terms are foreign and can be really confusing to the average person. Below are some of the points you should keep in mind during your research.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<ol>
<li><b>Interest rates</b> - what is the average range for that type of loan? Are they variable? What would your interest rate look like based on your financial situation? Are the payments deferred during school? These are all questions you should address with your loan officer or bank representative.</li>
<li><b>Borrowing limits</b> - do you have enough to cover the basic costs of college? Would you need to borrow additional money to cover any extra costs during the school year? Be sure to check that the loan you are choosing has a borrowing limit that works with your requirements.</li>
<li><b>Repayment</b> - how many years do you have in the repayment plan? Does it begin after graduation or once the money is issued? Is interest paid off from the start or deferred? Are your monthly payments income-based?</li>
<ul>
<li>Repayment is a very important topic when borrowing, as the different student loan options may have varying requirements in regards to their repayment plans.</li>
<li>Keep in mind that interest is being applied to your monthly payments at the rate established by the lender, or variable based on the market.</li>
<li>The longer the plan is, the more that you will end up paying in the long-run due to the interest rate being applied.</li>
</ul>
<li><b>Deferment</b> - while payments are deferred, is interest accruing? Is the deferment based on graduation, number of credit hours or upon getting your first job? Normally, you won't have to start making payments until you graduate, however you will need to check that your loan is not accruing interest during this period of time.</li>
</ol>
<div>
<b style="background-color: yellow;">Important</b>: one fun fact that some people may not know is that student loans are tax deductible! When you or your parents/guardians are filing for your tax returns every April, be sure to keep your loan information handy for a possibly refund.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
Final Notes</h4>
<div>
I think there should be some sort of plaque - the moment you apply for your first student loan, you get a golden cookie-shaped trophy and a letter welcoming you to adulthood. It's truly a subject that bonds many of us over beer/soda/mozzarella sticks anywhere across the U.S.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But, you can do it! We all have to go through it and, in my opinion, it's a great introduction into the world of financing. That being said, please be responsible and remember that student loans will be with you for a while.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Thank you and please let me know if you have any questions, tips or suggestions in the comments below or say hi to me on <a href="https://twitter.com/mygrownupguide" target="_blank">Twitter</a> or <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mygrownupguide/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
Important terms</h4>
<div>
<ol>
<li><u>deferment</u> - a postponement of payments or actions required until a further specified time.</li>
<li><u>co-signing</u> - the ability for another person to be considered as a "back-up" in case you are not able to follow through with the payment or obligations required for the loan. This often will reduce the interest rate, if the other person signing is creditworthy.</li>
</ol>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
References</h4>
<div>
<a href="https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/types/loans#types" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">U.S. Department of Education</a></div>
<div>
CollegeBoard <a href="https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-college/loans/types-of-college-loans" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">1</a> | <a href="https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-college/loans/loan-debt-and-repayment" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">2</a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5648345583425604475.post-57438716798771570542016-08-22T19:44:00.001-03:002017-08-19T20:13:01.692-03:00Apartment Hunting: Where to Search!<img alt="Apartment rentals" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0f6U0L4gmAQUhTZho4nhrQE8FHIb9LZL9etTDSJccswIuv-JJBzeNw4AvMOYsd5D9XoYLgrBC2BL9sEpC1F2aweglYztUlwTBIeDWAAwfLnRiV3Yx07TjeDJ9CQinHlV7qqZapeH1pwg/s1600/apartment-for-rent-1223901.jpg" style="display: none;" /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Moving away from home or away from college for the first time can be really daunting. But nothing can seem scarier than living in a new city, especially when you're starting out.<br />
<br />
When I moved to New York City after college, I was really overwhelmed with the amount of information being presented to me about the city in general. For me, though, the craziest issue that I faced was trying to find an apartment.<br />
<br />
In an effort to make this task easier for others, I'm going to go ahead and list some of the resources that I used when looking for my apartments.<br />
<br />
<i>Fun fact: the three main options below also apply to anyone moving internationally!</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3fAcRmwfLGJwNUtdUNYwpeasYln7Zmp4xb4pAO5sSXsnIFU3t4t31YrO3mzl65FRszFjvK4AZZq7obju170FR3WbwOrvPWpk6DN0XnCMmoWoLfBpJqlmhpVTdmm9ls7jVwwfeiL2N6ck/s1600/apartment+divider.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="apartment" border="0" height="68" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3fAcRmwfLGJwNUtdUNYwpeasYln7Zmp4xb4pAO5sSXsnIFU3t4t31YrO3mzl65FRszFjvK4AZZq7obju170FR3WbwOrvPWpk6DN0XnCMmoWoLfBpJqlmhpVTdmm9ls7jVwwfeiL2N6ck/s640/apartment+divider.jpeg" title="apartment" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
PadMapper</h3>
<div>
The website that I used the most during my search for an apartment was <a href="https://www.padmapper.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PadMapper</a>, which is a very simple site that allows you to pick your city and set your requirements via filters.<br />
<br />
Some of the benefits:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>It compiles information from different sites where apartments are posted and centralizes them for quick reference (instead of going to each of those individual sites).</li>
<li>The map view is really great for anyone looking for apartments in one specific area or particular neighborhoods.</li>
<li>Filters in the tool are really useful and relevant to anyone who has stricter requests.</li>
<li>It's free!</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And now for some of the aspects that I didn't necessarily like:</div>
<div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>The map can get crowded if your filters are more lax; it takes time to go through each listing to find the diamond in the rough.</li>
<li>Some of the listings expire pretty quickly, so you have to spend extra time ensuring that the apartment is still even available.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Overall, this was one of the best options for me when looking for rentals, so I highly recommend it.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Real Estate Agent or Broker</h3>
<div>
This is, in my opinion, the most reliable option but also definitely the priciest. When I moved the first few times (to new cities and also between apartments in the same city), I used a broker or real estate agent when I either didn't have enough time to do research myself or when I just wanted convenience.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Finding a broker or agent is as simple as searching for one on Google and checking Yelp or Google+ reviews to see who is on the top of that city's market.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here are the points that I like most about using a broker or real estate agent:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>By far, the practicality and the convenience of using a broker or agent is key.</li>
<ul>
<li>Essentially, you just find one in the area you're moving to and then provide all of the information for your dream apartment.</li>
<li>Appointments to view the listings are all scheduled by the broker based on your schedule.</li>
<li>You don't have to look through photos or filters or take the time looking at random information like how far from work you'll live.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<br />
<div>
There are only two downsides that I've experienced with this option:</div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>It is <u>very</u> expensive. On top of your apartment deposit and first monthly payment, you'll also usually have to pay an additional month to the broker or agent, unless they charge a percentage. Be sure to check the fees before you use their services.</li>
<li>You're now relying on someone else to find your apartment. If you like being in control of these kinds of things, this may not be the best choice for you.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
We have one more option to go through in detail before listing out some alternatives, one that people are very conflicted about.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Craiglist</h3>
<div>
<a href="http://www.craigslist.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Craiglist</a> is often a controversial topic amongst my group of friends, as some are huge fans and others think that it is a black hole of misery and despair.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
While I tend to think more optimistically than most, I usually agree more with those who do not like to use this site. However, I feel obligated to include it due to the successes that I have seen and will provide the information in as much of an unbiased way as possible.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For anyone using this option to look for apartments, here are some perks:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>So many people use craigslist to advertise rentals. There are literally hundreds of listings at any given moment in the major metro cities around the world. If you want choices, this is a great option.</li>
<li>A lot of the listers are property owners, so you can try to avoid any additional broker's or agent fees.</li>
<li>The website offers a map view functionality of apartment listings so that you can check possible rentals geographically.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
Now for the disadvantages:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Scams. I won't sugar coat this: you can get scammed with anything online, but craigslist tends to be especially guilty of this.</li>
<ul>
<li>If you use this option, be sure to do your research. Does any of the information seem weird? Is the price not matching the description at all? Are the photos the same as 3 other listings that you already looked at?</li>
<li>Any doubts can usually be resolved pretty easily by simply calling or emailing the lister with your questions. However, be sure never to give away any personal information such as credit history, banking numbers, etc., until you receive any credential verifications.</li>
</ul>
<li>With apartments coming and going so quickly, craigslist has old or outdated listings that the posters will not remove from the site once an apartment has been rented. It's a good idea to call the person listing the apartment to check its availability before getting your hopes up.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
This is by no means an exhaustive list of possibilities for finding a new apartment, so I've provided some additional links below for your reference.</div>
<br />
<h4>
Other resources:</h4>
<div>
<div>
<a href="https://hotpads.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">hotpads</a></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.trulia.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Trulia</a></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.apartments.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Apartments.com</a></div>
</div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijfRGSF6R8hUQCmk6E5N3DiU0RkY9z7jzX4gD9TfuxdQ2OlIk0dND6QZROaIPcV4hOPj6cNdZGEUkWJFh5S6dG6YKAAVMgjCAXpxEv33optetw4NEr3XcqpY9qIS8pQEy6wlnZrb2Ks5U/s1600/apartment+divider.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="apartment" border="0" height="68" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijfRGSF6R8hUQCmk6E5N3DiU0RkY9z7jzX4gD9TfuxdQ2OlIk0dND6QZROaIPcV4hOPj6cNdZGEUkWJFh5S6dG6YKAAVMgjCAXpxEv33optetw4NEr3XcqpY9qIS8pQEy6wlnZrb2Ks5U/s640/apartment+divider.jpeg" title="apartment" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
Final Notes</h4>
<div>
Sure, moving is difficult - but finding an apartment doesn't have to be. Take your time to research different possibilities and options before taking the plunge and choosing the first option with a dishwasher.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you have any questions or suggestions of your own, please share them below or with us on <a href="https://twitter.com/mygrownupguide" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a>. I would love to hear about your experiences looking for apartments!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5648345583425604475.post-15551728006031799412016-08-12T15:41:00.000-03:002017-08-19T20:12:31.896-03:00Affordable Travel: Finding Deals on Transportation! (pt. 2)<img alt="Airplane travel" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi45TQ8VyEg6Ssv5pPOsW28Smh5zclTAhvoFr5XEkpati2nh6zLDJkXiDUX2uRNyccWGIMktfFrY2jv-DLayblZruO4aNSJqwUtO-0Nempp3eZUUTMVzaDsGM455zlW-xcuyE2SKsI_INk/s1600/aircraft-jet-landing-cloud-46148.jpeg" style="display: none;" /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
If there are two things that cost the most amount of money while traveling, it's accommodation and transportation. Since we already addressed the former in a <a href="http://www.mygrownupguide.com/2016/07/affordable-travel-accommodation-on.html" target="_blank">previous post</a>, it's time to tackle the latter right here, right now.<br />
<br />
When I speak to my friends about taking any kind of vacation or trip, the consensus is that no one has any money for the airfare. I'd like to dispel this sort of thinking immediately, as it has lead to a lot of people that I know missing great opportunities to travel.<br />
<br />
So let's get to it with this burning question: how do I book airfare and other transportation for less money? We're going to go one-by-one through the common methods of travel, looking at the best ways to save.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3Gh4I-zAKmYC_fCOfQXs72fCoVYZc5qrDUchzpcFbWrK-cG5CqWOOzb_TPEJzKHY31CMm7zn0F-Z30ptqUuu88ISkqlohjdZU3_FH6mAjBVWN1Ezh-yS06VScD-AdyRE1X_ekKJQ3-Y/s1600/travel-banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="travel" border="0" height="91" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3Gh4I-zAKmYC_fCOfQXs72fCoVYZc5qrDUchzpcFbWrK-cG5CqWOOzb_TPEJzKHY31CMm7zn0F-Z30ptqUuu88ISkqlohjdZU3_FH6mAjBVWN1Ezh-yS06VScD-AdyRE1X_ekKJQ3-Y/s640/travel-banner.jpg" title="travel" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
Airplanes</h3>
<div>
By far, the most expensive item on this last, airplanes are both the easiest way to spend all of your budgeted money but also the best method for getting between and among continents.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here is some of the advice that I have accumulated over the years, as well as some tips from one of my favorite travel writers, <a href="http://www.nomadicmatt.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nomadic Matt</a>:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><i>Travel during periods of time that are <u>off-peak season</u> and be flexible with your dates</i>. This is a big one, as the prices of flights can really vary throughout the year and even from day-to-day.</li>
<ul>
<li>By traveling during seasons that are normally busy, such as <b>October/November</b> or <b>February</b>, or by checking times that aren't popular for your destination, you will be able to take advantage of lower prices.</li>
<li>When buying your tickets, it's advised to <b>do so during the week</b> instead of over the weekend, as that's when flight deals are more commonly announced.</li>
<li>Finally, when booking your flight, <b>set your arrival and departure days mid-week</b>, on a Tuesday or Wednesday, instead of on a Saturday or Sunday. Being flexible in your schedule is a huge money-saver!</li>
</ul>
<li><i>Compare airlines for the same trip</i>. Using tools such as Kayak or Skyscanner has really helped me to narrow down the airlines that offer the best prices for tickets.</li>
<ul>
<li>If you're looking to book a trip, start off on one of these sites, or others that are similar, in order to really <b>get a perspective of the average prices</b> and by finding an airline that you might not have originally been familiar with that has cheaper flights.</li>
<li>These sites often don't have budget airlines, though, so you may need to search for those separately. Which leads to the next point...</li>
</ul>
<li><i>Fly with budget airlines when possible.</i> While not as common in the United States (especially since we don't have a lot of budget carriers), flying with smaller airlines for cheaper is a lot easier.</li>
<ul>
<li>Carriers such as EasyJet or Ryannair, to name just two, offer flights around Europe for as low as $50 USD to major cities.</li>
<li>If you can find a low-cost flight with a major airline into a European city that isn't necessarily on your itinerary, you can try to hope on a budget flight to your desired destination for cheap!</li>
<li>Just make sure to <b>check the fees</b> associated with those airlines, though, as they tend to charge extra for things like checked baggage or in-flight amenities.</li>
</ul>
<li><i>Take advantage of frequent flier programs or credit card rewards</i>. For this final tip, I suggest you look into different ways of <u>earning miles</u>, which can be used when traveling to pay for tickets.</li>
<ul>
<li>You can earn miles by joining a <b>frequent flier program</b>, which can be associated to a specific airline or group of airlines, and allows you to collect miles as you travel that can then be used on future trips.</li>
<li>Additionally, check out any <b>credit cards with travel rewards</b>, such as earning miles or points with your purchases, or ones that offer an amount of miles upfront by signing up. Just make sure to read the fine print and do your research before signing up for any old credit card. You can check out one of our <a href="http://www.mygrownupguide.com/2016/08/credit-cards-what-you-need-to-know.html" target="_blank">recent articles</a> for more information!</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<div>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
Cars</h3>
</div>
</div>
<div>
For those of you who aren't crossing any oceans, or for anyone who wants to travel a continent once you land, renting cars or carpooling are two great ways to get around with flexibility and control.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
By renting a car, you essentially have almost the same freedom of having your own car back home. But don't be fooled into thinking that you can do whatever you want. Time to go over some rules and basic tips...</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><i>You have to have some form of driver's license and be of a required age, depending on the rental company.</i> This is a give-in, surely, but some companies require the main driver/renter to be at least 25 years old. If you are younger, you may still be able to rent but might have to pay an additional daily charge.</li>
<li><i>Car insurance is extremely important, especially when abroad.</i> Before you rent, check first if your own insurance covers rentals. If not, I would highly suggest paying for the insurance while you have the car, as it normally covers everything up to a complete wreck.</li>
<li><i>When you receive and return the car, make sure to check for any damage that might have been caused.</i> The car rental company will perform their inspections and will charge you for any damages, aside from very small scratches (depending on the company). By checking the car first and when turning it in, you will be spared any surprises.</li>
<li><i>Check the rules provided by the company.</i> There are some points that will pertain to you specifically on a trip. Can you cross international borders? Do you have to return the car at the same location that you rented it? Is the mileage unlimited? Does the gas tank have to be refilled when you return it? These are all questions that you want to ask or research when renting your car.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
If ever you don't want to rent, the other option is to carpool. The main service that I'm familiar with is called <a href="https://www.blablacar.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BlaBlaCar</a> and allows groups of people going to the same location to hitch a ride together. One person, with the car, will post an ad on the website saying when they are leaving and where they will stop/visit, and then other riders can hitch a ride and pay the driver for gas, tolls and other fees.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For those of you who want to meet other people and join the travel community, carpooling is a great option. Heck, my mom did it and had a blast!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Trains</h3>
<div>
From experience, I can tell you that some of the most enjoyable travels I have had have taken place inside a train. While in the United States, train travel tends to be fairly expensive, traveling by train is common and more than often within my budget while I'm exploring Europe.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyone looking to book trains straight across the European continent can consider two options: a <a href="https://www.raileurope.com/rail-tickets-passes/europe-rail-pass-list/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">railpass</a> or point-to-point travel. For a railpass, you pick that country or region in which you're looking to travel and then can jump on trains in those areas using the pass. In some countries, you may need to pay a supplemental fee or reservation fee, but for train travelers looking to score a discount, a railpass is super handy.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Point-to-point travel is more straightforward in that you buy the ticket when you arrive in a city, or ahead of time before your trip, for certain legs of the journey. Like I said, train travel is relatively less expensive in Europe, especially in areas of Eastern Europe, so you still won't end up spending a lot.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3Gh4I-zAKmYC_fCOfQXs72fCoVYZc5qrDUchzpcFbWrK-cG5CqWOOzb_TPEJzKHY31CMm7zn0F-Z30ptqUuu88ISkqlohjdZU3_FH6mAjBVWN1Ezh-yS06VScD-AdyRE1X_ekKJQ3-Y/s1600/travel-banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="travel" border="0" height="91" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3Gh4I-zAKmYC_fCOfQXs72fCoVYZc5qrDUchzpcFbWrK-cG5CqWOOzb_TPEJzKHY31CMm7zn0F-Z30ptqUuu88ISkqlohjdZU3_FH6mAjBVWN1Ezh-yS06VScD-AdyRE1X_ekKJQ3-Y/s640/travel-banner.jpg" title="travel" width="640" /></a></h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
Final Notes</h4>
<div>
If there's one thing that I'd like anyone to take away from this article, and especially this series of articles, it's one that I myself learned from <a href="http://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/the-ultimate-guide-to-traveling-when-you-have-no-money/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Matt</a> years ago: "You do not need to be rich to travel." I personally am a young adult with crippling student loan debts and a standard 9-to-5 job, so I am by no means rich myself.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What I try to do, though, is to do my research, save my money and spend in ways that are budget-friendly and affordable.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you guys have any of your own tips or suggestions, please send them my way in the comments below or via <a href="https://twitter.com/mygrownupguide" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a>!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
Important Terms</h4>
<div>
<ol>
<li><u>peak/off-peak season</u> - this is how certain times of the year are categorized, from when they're the most to least busy, respectively. As examples: summer in Italy, spring break (March) in Mexico and winter in any warm climate are all considered "peak" season. On the other hand, spending winter in Boston or August in South America, may be considered "off-peak" season."</li>
<li><u>earning miles</u> - miles are a form of points system offered by airlines to frequent fliers. When you fly with that program, for every mile that you fly, you earn one mile in points. Then, once you have accumulated a specified amount of points, you can redeem them on flights and other rewards.</li>
</ol>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<h4>
References</h4>
<div>
<a href="https://www.skyscanner.net/news/20-money-saving-travel-tips-and-secrets" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Skyscanner</a></div>
<div>
<a href="http://money.howstuffworks.com/personal-finance/budgeting/5-ways-to-save-money-on-flights4.htm" target="_blank">HowStuffWorks</a></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-tips/how-to-find-a-cheap-flight/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nomadic Matt</a></div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.lonelyplanet.com/europe/travel-tips-and-articles/76624" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lonely Planet</a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5648345583425604475.post-19753226297105073062016-08-08T18:17:00.001-03:002017-08-19T20:11:53.744-03:00Credit Cards: What You Need to Know<img alt="Credit card" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhho68LXWhSBY_S94mE6T4baYr-ob8YwBE45qrA7QO_SPh-tr2V5Mxij42AcDNdzfdJbOWvGKopaHA7l_5w8VSUlDSOEfRKlBJ3emSu2dQCmsvg51GMDL4J6X3yVqXDSndwHTFXNc-Vb4E/s1600/credit+card+article+photo.jpg" style="display: none;" /><br />
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You know you've reached adulthood when your mail suddenly starts filling with offers from credit card companies telling you all about "introductory rates," "low APR" and "waived annual fees." And, despite the fact that you've probably just graduated high school, "YOU'RE APPROVED!"<br />
<br />
Now, before you get too excited, let's break down the information being presented in this offer so you can make a decision about getting a card that best reflects your needs.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Mf-a31mdFY9zqLZzKVB0dTqlk3qEpYKzSp2Jb8itZytVxrsZggA83xjNOaXO813h_z2A3f5avF0GHP0Tf8JiIH8PDVhMjLnVp34Td47fo5vlZNhE9lHku8xz1daef3hzTmb4mBhip5A/s1600/credit+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="credit card" border="0" height="92" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Mf-a31mdFY9zqLZzKVB0dTqlk3qEpYKzSp2Jb8itZytVxrsZggA83xjNOaXO813h_z2A3f5avF0GHP0Tf8JiIH8PDVhMjLnVp34Td47fo5vlZNhE9lHku8xz1daef3hzTmb4mBhip5A/s640/credit+card.jpg" title="credit card" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
What are credit cards anyway?</h3>
<div>
In the simplest manner of explaining, a credit card is a way of buying something at one point and paying it down over time, kind of like a loan.<br />
<br />
But, let's be clear: this isn't free money! The credit that you have on your card can be used to purchase what you want, but you still need to pay it back. It's extremely important to stay on top of the credit that you use, as it's also relevant to your <a href="http://www.mygrownupguide.com/2016/07/credit-scores-why-so-important.html" target="_blank">credit score</a>, and can impact you further down the line if not managed properly.<br />
<br />
When you don't pay the balance off your card at the end of every 30-day billing cycle, but instead opt to pay the <u>minimum payment</u> only, the remaining balance will incur interest at the <u>APR rate</u> established when you first open the card.<br />
<br />
<i>So, how does it work?</i><br />
<br />
If you're approved for a credit card, the company will review your credit and financial history in order to assign you a specified <u>credit limit</u>. You can then use this amount to make your purchases, in stores or online as you normally would.<br />
<br />
The difference is that the money won't come directly out of your checking account at the <u>point of sale</u>, like what happens when you use a debit card.<br />
<br />
<i>Why should you get a credit card?</i><br />
<br />
Well, maybe you don't need one, but let's go through some of the benefits and disadvantages.<br />
<br /></div>
<h3>
What are the perks of having a credit card?</h3>
<div>
For starters, the main benefit is that you're building your credit score (if you're using your card wisely). But here are some other advantages to having a credit card:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><i>Emergency access to money between paychecks</i> - if you're in a tight financial situation, a credit card can help in the clutch. For emergencies only, this can be really helpful, however it's important not to rely on your credit card if you don't have the cash to back up your purchases.</li>
<li><i>Airline miles, cashback bonus, credit rewards etc.</i> - some credit cards offer really great deals where, for every certain amount of money you spend, you can get some sort of reward in return. If you like to travel, like I do, you can get a card that awards you with airline miles in exchange for your purchases.</li>
<li><i>Bolstering your credit score</i> - by managing your credit card(s) and spending carefully, having them can actually bolster your credit score, as it shows potential lenders that you are responsible when it comes to lending.</li>
<li><i>Budgeting</i> - this may seem like a strange perk, but having a credit card has made me a really great budgeter. By seeing how much credit I have and then checking my account balances, keeping an eye on my expenses became a habit.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We've heard now all about the reasons credit cards are useful, so let's go over some of the issues we should be wary of when using them.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<h3>
Any disadvantages I should know about?</h3>
<div>
Generally speaking, the disadvantages to owning a credit card apply to anyone who has one, but they can all be mitigated as long as you're careful and don't get too spend-happy.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><i>Fees</i> - there are so many fees that are involved with owning a credit card, and a lot of them are only explained in that tiny print on the super thin and tiny paper you get with your application. I advise that you check online or speak with a company's customer service before getting any card to discuss any/all fees relevant to the card that you want.</li>
<ul>
<li>Some examples include an: <u>annual fee</u>, <u>balance transfer fee</u>, <u>foreign transaction fee</u>, <u>late payment fee</u>, or <u>over-the-limit fee</u>.</li>
</ul>
<li><i>Debt</i> - it's very easy to see a credit card as a way to buy everything that your heart desires, from that luxury bag you've always lusted over or the Target spree you've worked hard to earn. But getting caught in that trap of using your credit card whenever you don't have the cash to back it up is dangerous and could lead you down a long road of debt.</li>
<ul>
<li>Remember, you will have to pay interest on your monthly balance. So if you get spendy and can't pay off your total at the end of your billing cycle, you will be charged <b>extra money</b> on the money that you've already spent!</li>
<li>Some interest rates are <b>insanely high</b> so you could end up paying up to 25% of your balance for every billing cycle that you don't pay it down completely.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<div>
Be sure to weigh the pros of cons of getting a card before you dive right in!</div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<h4>
Final Notes</h4>
<div>
Overall, credit cards are really practical and can come in handy when spending and for earning rewards. However, there is a cost to everything and you have to be careful with all that newfound power (you know, the whole "with great power, comes great responsibility" deal).<br />
<br />
If you are interested in getting a card, I suggest popping over to the comparison tool at <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nerdwallet</a>, which actually helped me to narrow down to the card that I currently use.<br />
<br />
My best advice? Take your time, do your research and think like an adult.<br />
<br /></div>
<h4>
Important Terms</h4>
<div>
<br />
<ol>
<li><u>minimum payment</u> - this is the smallest amount of money, determined by your card company, that you must pay at the end of each billing cycle in order to remain in good standing.</li>
<li><u>annual percentage rate (APR)</u> - your yearly interest rate, or the cost of having credit with that card company.</li>
<li><u>credit limit </u>- the maximum amount of credit that you are provided by the card company to spend, based on your income and other financial information.</li>
<li><u>point of sale</u> - this is the place where a purchase occurs, whether it's at the mall or an online store.</li>
<li><u>annual fee</u> - a standard, yearly charge, for use of a credit card. You can choose to get a card without this fee, or, if you spend enough, a card that will waive the fee after you've reached a certain spending limit.</li>
<li><u>balance transfer fee</u> - this is an amount of money charged when you are transferring the balance of one credit card to another.</li>
<li><u>foreign transaction fee</u> - applies to any purchase made abroad while using the card. There are cards, especially travel cards, that will waive this fee (which is a huge benefit for travelers).</li>
<li><u>late payment fee</u> - a fee that is charged if you don't make <b>at least</b> your minimum payment by the due date for that billing cycle.</li>
<li><u>over-the-limit fee</u> - this is charged when you overspend past your credit limit.</li>
</ol>
<br />
<br />
<h4>
References</h4>
</div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/11-credit-card/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nerdwallet</a></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/creditcard.asp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Investopedia</a></div>
<div>
U.S. Federal Trade Commission <a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0205-using-credit-card" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">1</a> | <a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0332-credit-debit-and-charge-cards" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">2</a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5648345583425604475.post-49224568625126881072016-07-31T16:54:00.000-03:002017-08-19T20:11:36.454-03:00Health Insurance: So Many Acronyms! Pt. 1<img alt="Cover letter" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHmUy0mAkh9WpjuHi3qpwMM415-4LXwSjdV15mDaZI1S0pnwFpFndC_pmiIpvCbGwEdiO6RQZAtKn5Xw6EZgcELqyJSi72SU6KxJXJiFw_jG-_JK-dZQesfkJmiYko4BTCSQi8VMkQJwA/s1600/heart-1239269.jpg" style="display: none;" /><br />
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Some of my most frequently asked questions to my parents back when I was first entering adulthood were related to health care benefits. Usually, they were some iteration of "what the heck is this?" or "do I need this?" or "what does this mean?"<br />
<br />
For many of us, with no experience in insurance at all, reading about your employer's benefits plan is like reading a foreign language. It's normally filled with specialized terminology and numbers that just don't make sense.<br />
<br />
This article is going to be the first of a series exploring health insurance and, hopefully, simplifying the information for confused young adults out there.<br />
<br />
So let's get started with some of the basic information!<br />
<br />
<h3>
What is health insurance?</h3>
<div>
Just like your car needs insurance against crashes, your health needs insurance against sicknesses. By getting health coverage, you mitigate the risks of being sick, such as: hospital or doctor visits, preventative or reactive treatments and prescription medication.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As a young adult, you will most likely be exposed to three different sources of health insurance:</div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>Employer</li>
<li>Dependent - through your parents</li>
<li>Private</li>
</ol>
<div>
In my own personal experience, I was covered by my parents' insurance up until college, at which point I was covered by the health insurance paid through my tuition, and then received benefits from my first job until now.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
What does my insurance do for me?</h4>
<div>
The insurance company with which you have your plan will contribute financially in some method, depending on the plan that you have, to your medical costs.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you suddenly have a medical emergency and end up at the hospital, your insurance is meant to help you with the bills incurred by that hospital visit.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's very important to review the different types and levels of insurance to pick the one that best matches your health and lifestyle.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
Do all employers offer insurance as a benefit?</h4>
<div>
When you're looking at jobs for the first time, you'll receive information regarding the benefits that they offer employees. Generally speaking, companies will provide health insurance to their full-time employees in order to remain competitive among the many companies who do offer it as a standard.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you are hired, take the time to discuss details with your HR administrator. Two important points to bring up are: 1) whether the health insurance is paid by the employee or the employer, and 2) when the benefits kick-in. Once a year, a company will have a period of <u>open enrollment</u> during which you can review your current plan and change it, if needed.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Some companies offer to cover the monthly payments for insurance coverage and others may have probationary periods of new hires before they are able to access their benefits.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGOEbLjqGUrKsQBg58u79sM_lxtbKBH4GH2hbUF9HIKTyy3aTiDrhX4cILMsFOYtEYXciYdfnI0X4iQ1CmVJRl7JJ0cYeeIVU_eu6MhiwaSqS8TzDOnc3YmcLkpHWusGgdGc43Oz07VD4/s1600/medicine-thermometer-tablets-pills.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="health insurance" border="0" height="94" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGOEbLjqGUrKsQBg58u79sM_lxtbKBH4GH2hbUF9HIKTyy3aTiDrhX4cILMsFOYtEYXciYdfnI0X4iQ1CmVJRl7JJ0cYeeIVU_eu6MhiwaSqS8TzDOnc3YmcLkpHWusGgdGc43Oz07VD4/s640/medicine-thermometer-tablets-pills.jpg" title="health insurance" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
The alphabet of health care acronyms</h3>
<div>
There are three main types of health insurance offered, and each of them has their own advantages or disadvantages.</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><i>Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO)</i> - for this plan, the individual is responsible for choosing a <u>primary care physician</u> who operates under that HMO, who then manages any referrals to other doctors or specialists within that network.</li>
<ul>
<li>You must receive all services within the HMO's network.</li>
<li>If you need to see a specialist or a new doctor, your primary care physician must provide you with a referral, and that other doctor must also be part of the HMO network.</li>
<li>Every time you visit the doctor, you pay a <u>copayment</u> and the insurance company will cover the rest.</li>
</ul>
<li><i>Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO)</i> - this type of plan allows the individual to choose their doctor and hospitals within the network without referrals, as well as the freedom to use <u>out-of-network</u> doctors for some level of coverage.</li>
<ul>
<li>This plan tends to be more expensive and incur more <u>out-of-pocket expenses</u>.</li>
<li>Costs are negotiated by the insurance companies with providers, so then you choose the provider and then pay a small amount per visit.</li>
</ul>
<li><i>Exclusive provider organizations (EPO)</i> - this is more of a combination of the two other plans in that you can save some costs, just as with the HMO, but you don't need referrals or a designated primary care physician, just as with the PPO.</li>
<ul>
<li>You'll have a limited number of doctors and hospitals.</li>
<li>Any services provided out-of-network are not covered, unless in the case of emergencies.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<div>
When you're discussing options for your coverage plan, figure out, individually, whether or not it's better for you to have the costs-saving HMO plan or the more unrestricted PPO plan.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Reviewing these plans may bring up some terminology that you've never encountered before, so I'm going to try to explain what I see as the most relevant terms and phrases in the next section.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGOEbLjqGUrKsQBg58u79sM_lxtbKBH4GH2hbUF9HIKTyy3aTiDrhX4cILMsFOYtEYXciYdfnI0X4iQ1CmVJRl7JJ0cYeeIVU_eu6MhiwaSqS8TzDOnc3YmcLkpHWusGgdGc43Oz07VD4/s1600/medicine-thermometer-tablets-pills.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="health insurance" border="0" height="94" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGOEbLjqGUrKsQBg58u79sM_lxtbKBH4GH2hbUF9HIKTyy3aTiDrhX4cILMsFOYtEYXciYdfnI0X4iQ1CmVJRl7JJ0cYeeIVU_eu6MhiwaSqS8TzDOnc3YmcLkpHWusGgdGc43Oz07VD4/s640/medicine-thermometer-tablets-pills.jpg" title="health insurance" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
</div>
<br />
<h3>
Important Terminology</h3>
<div>
First off, let's get the terms that have already been mentioned out of the way, then we can move on to other miscellaneous phrases.</div>
<div>
<ol>
<li><u>primary care physician</u> - this could be your family doctor or any general practitioner (GP), as well a pediatrician depending on your age or requirements.</li>
<li><u>copayment</u> - the amount you pay when visiting your doctor's office or a hospital. When insured, this generally ranges from $10-25 per visit.</li>
<li><u>out-of-network</u> - any services that are not within your insurance coverage. For example, if you have Aetna, a hospital that only serves patients of Blue Cross Blue Shield would be considered out of your network.</li>
<li><u>out-of-pocket expenses</u> - these are any payments that you make <i>before</i> your insurance picks up the bill and would come directly from you when receiving services.</li>
<ul>
<li><u>out-of-pocket limit</u> - each insurance plan will have a limit to the amount of money that you pay out-of-pocket before the insurance company will begin covering the costs.</li>
</ul>
<li><u>deductible</u> - this is the specific amount that you must pay, for the out-of-pocket limit, before your insurance starts covering the costs.</li>
<li><u>open enrollment</u> - companies will normally set aside a period of time, usually annually, for employees to make any requested changes to their benefits, including their health insurance.</li>
</ol>
<ul>
</ul>
<div>
If you think that any terms are missing or would like further clarification, feel free to drop me a line via <a href="mailto:allison@mygrownupguide.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">email</a> or <a href="http://www.twitter.com/mygrownupguide" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a>!</div>
</div>
<br />
<h4>
Final Notes</h4>
<div>
This is not supposed to be, by any means, a fully comprehensive article of information regarding health insurance, however I hope that this will at least familiarize you with some of the most relevant facts and terminology.<br />
<br />
As usual, please let me know if you have any questions or suggestions. Have a great rest of your weekend!<br />
<br /></div>
<h4>
References</h4>
<div>
<a href="http://www.investopedia.com/terms/h/healthinsurance.asp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Investopedia</a></div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/health-plans" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">U.S. Dept. of Labor</a></div>
<div>
Inc. <a href="http://www.inc.com/guides/2010/04/offering-competitive-employee-benefits.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">1</a> | <a href="http://www.inc.com/encyclopedia/health-maintenance-organizations-and-preferred-provider.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">2</a></div>
<div>
<a href="http://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/articles/2015/11/24/open-enrollment-deciding-between-a-ppo-hmo-epo-or-pos-plan" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">US News</a></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.bcbsm.com/index/health-insurance-help/faqs/topics/how-health-insurance-works/difference-hmo-ppo-epo.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Blue Cross Blue Shield</a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5648345583425604475.post-29527593863562380032016-07-23T09:32:00.001-03:002016-07-23T09:32:24.693-03:00Cover Letters: Why They're So Important<img alt="Cover letter" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCmkJWux0-VaH-nLtTeREAD_D0Qg1tQ2TTp3_kPwYpXiox7CV_NYQXvh0Ve4QE3_TOWMLbXDxya2UhjPPosDn2hKbix7-7sMidHAnmeYi9CXPjnOULlISleFNdU73PyyxbLVw3tW4Ww88/s1600/cover+letter.jpg" style="display: none;" /><br />
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Whenever I used to apply for jobs that required a cover letter, I would always cringe. My thoughts were, 'why do they need a cover letter if they're also looking at my resume?'<br />
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Well, my fellow young adults, cover letters are often more important than you might think.<br />
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For background on what a resume is and my tips on how to write one, check out <a href="http://www.mygrownupguide.com/2016/06/resume-advice-5-tips.html" target="_blank">that article</a> first. We're going to jump straight into cover letters, assuming that your resume is already ready-to-go!<br />
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<h3>
What purpose do cover letters serve?</h3>
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First, let's start by imagining ourselves as a potential employer or recruiter. When they post a new job opening, they may receive anywhere from dozens to hundreds to, in the case of some companies, thousands of resumes from job seekers.</div>
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Now, when your job is to sift through possibly thousands of resumes or CVs, they're going to be looking for anything that stands out (and I'm not talking pink font and glitter hearts).</div>
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So what purpose does a cover letter serve? Well, just that - <i>to set you apart from other applicants</i>.</div>
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How does it accomplish this? On to the next section...</div>
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<h3>
How do cover letters and resumes differ?</h3>
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Both documents are meant to serve the same purpose: to share information about yourself with recruiters or potential employers in the hopes of getting the posted job offer.</div>
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The ways in that they differ focus mainly in how the two documents convey your information.</div>
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Where the resume is very factual and has your experience bullet-pointed and straightforward, the cover letter is meant to allow your personality to show and for you to express your interest in the job being offered.</div>
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You should use the cover letter to, basically, brag about yourself but also to tell the reader why you should get the job that you are applying for. </div>
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Here are some questions to consider:<br />
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<ul>
<li>What makes you different from the other job applicants?</li>
<li>Why do you want to work for that company?</li>
<li>Have you always wanted that position?</li>
<li>Why are you the best person for the job?</li>
<li>What skills do you have that fit the job position?</li>
</ul>
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So now that you know the purpose of a cover letter and how it's different from your resume, let's go over how to write one.</div>
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<h3>
How do I write my cover letter?</h3>
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There is a basic "template" that you can follow when writing your cover letter. Of course, feel free to personalize it and work with the different sections to make it better reflect yourself.</div>
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<ol>
<li><b>Greeting</b></li>
<ul>
<li>Address the person who will be reading your cover letter and resume.</li>
<li>This information is usually found on the job offer page.</li>
<li>If you are unsure or no information is indicated, you can just include the company's name and "to whom it may concern."</li>
</ul>
<li><b>Introduction</b></li>
<ul>
<li>Use this space to introduce yourself.</li>
<li>Explain who you are and why your skills make you a great fit for the position.</li>
<li>Feel free to explain here why you're so interested in the job offer (if you have a reason - don't make anything up).</li>
</ul>
<li><b>Skills/Experience</b></li>
<ul>
<li>Delve a little deeper into your skills and experience.</li>
<li>Remember to keep this short and sweet and to only mention relevant information.</li>
<li><i>Relate the requirements for the position to your own experience.</i></li>
</ul>
<li><b>Closing</b></li>
<ul>
<li>Write a sentence or two summarizing your interest and experience in regards to the position.</li>
<li>You can write a line mentioning that you would be happy to discuss any questions, as needed.</li>
<li>Finally, make sure to include your contact information, including: your name, e-mail address, phone number and/or address.</li>
</ul>
</ol>
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I will highlight one of the points above for you, as an important note: be sure to keep all of the information in your cover letter relevant to the position to which you are applying.</div>
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Your cover letter should be a template, in that it has standard information, but requires customization for each application that you submit.</div>
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Final Notes</h4>
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If you have the opportunity to include a cover letter with your resume for a job application, take it! For you, it may seem unnecessary or redundant, but it is important and can make a difference. Set yourself apart from the rest of the crowd and don't be shy in selling your abilities.</div>
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Want help with your cover letter or resume? Feel free to shoot me a line either via email or on <a href="https://twitter.com/mygrownupguide" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a>; all information listed under Contact above.</div>
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Thank you and good luck, job hunters!</div>
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References</h4>
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Monster: <a href="http://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/sample-cover-letter" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">1</a> | <a href="http://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/cover-letter-point-counterpoint" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">2</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/jobs/10334044/A-cover-letter-can-be-more-important-than-your-CV.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Telegraph</a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5648345583425604475.post-10297769834134604502016-07-15T15:54:00.000-03:002016-07-15T15:54:44.797-03:00Affordable Travel: Accommodation on a Budget (pt. 1)<img alt="Affordable travel" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQr2E57UwCKeLndWsDibZ89u26uz6Jg8Mz8j6AjsDqUCP-VYuhnLD9rH3OvxC7FmJDLMJ6OFDkC4SH2UdoZ385Kc_K7Jp28S1vJ0V4pCcqGoFOU4jWGgOOdGrtBmhNjh8a6aIXmj2IU68/s1600/hostel.jpg" style="display: none;" /><br />
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One of the most disheartening statements that I hear from people my age these days is "I don't have enough money to travel." We're in one of those periods in our life where our jobs may not pay really well or we're not in the position to save a lot of money or, worse yet, we have a lot of loans to pay off.<br />
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Don't lose hope, because there are ways to travel that won't break the bank. In the first part of this series, I will be providing information on some of the best ways to find cheap accommodation in countries around the world.<br />
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<h3>
Hostels</h3>
If the word "hostel" makes you think back to the horror movie that came out years ago, stop now. That movie has given hostels such a bad name, and I'm here to set the record straight: hostels are a great alternative to hotels where you can meet other travelers at a lower price.<br />
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That being said, yes there are probably creepy hostels out there, just as there are probably creepy hotels, as well. It's just about being smart and doing your homework.<br />
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First of all, start off by going to a website such as <a href="http://www.hostelworld.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hostelworld</a> or <a href="http://hostels.com/">Hostels.com</a> and search for the location that you are considering for your trip. These two sites are great because they have information like pictures, reviews and amenities available for visitors.<br />
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Once you have some hostels that you like lined up, consider the factors listed below when choosing.<br />
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<ul>
<li><b>Private or Shared Rooms</b></li>
<ul>
<li>This is just what the name implies. A private room will be just for you and/or whoever you are traveling with. Some private rooms have an en suite bathroom (meaning it's in the room) and others will have shared bathrooms by floor.</li>
<li>A shared room, however, usually comprises of a certain number of bunkbeds and each bed is reserved when booking. The larger the room and the more beds there are, the lower the price per bed will be.</li>
<li>Shared rooms are great for anyone who wants to meet fellow travelers, as there can be up to 12 people sharing one room. It makes for great stories and was perfect for me when I traveled by myself a year ago.</li>
<li>Shared rooms are <b>not</b> a good idea for anyone who values their personal space, is a light sleeper, or doesn't like the idea of sleeping in a room full of strangers. It's definitely something that you have to get used to and depends on the person.</li>
<li>Finally, be sure to check if the shared rooms are co-ed or single gender. Some hostels will have dorm rooms that are for women-only and some will have only mixed rooms, where both men and women sleep.</li>
</ul>
<li><b>Reviews</b></li>
<ul>
<li>You can learn a lot about any place by the reviews that are left by previous visitors, so I tend to check out the rating of any hostel before booking.</li>
<li>Keep in mind: some people just aren't meant for hostels, which is totally fine, but they often write some of the worst reviews. Some examples are: "ugh I had to share the bathroom and someone used all the toilet paper" or "the person above me snored all night and kept me awake" or "there was no continental breakfast served in the morning and people were in the bar all night."</li>
<li>If you are seriously considering staying at a hostel, I would recommend weeding through the types of reviews above and skip to the ones mentioning: cleanliness of the facility, helpfulness of the staff, or general atmosphere of the location.</li>
</ul>
<li><b>Amenities</b></li>
<ul>
<li>Whenever I stay at hostels, I alway check for the following amenities without fail: bedsheets, towels, locker/storage, wifi.</li>
<li>If a hostel <i>doesn't</i> have a locker, I will not stay there. But that's my personal preference, as I like to keep my backpack or personal items locked away when I'm not in the room. Usually, a hostel will offer two types of storage: personal lockers in the room (these are often tiny) and one locked room for all visitors to keep their items during their stay.</li>
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<li>If you are going to have a personal locker, be sure to bring a lock! Otherwise, you can probably rent one at the hostel for a small price.</li>
</ul>
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When staying at a hostel, it's a really great opportunity to <i>socialize</i>. There are often organized bar nights or card games and, at some places, people will just gather and hang out in any common areas. I've met many friends at hostels in my travels, which, aside from the lower prices, is one of my favorite aspects of staying at hostels in general.</div>
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<h3>
Airbnb</h3>
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Want to visit a city and feel as though you're living there during your stay? This is the way to do it. Airbnb allows you to rent a room or full apartment in the city of your choice, making it feel like your home away from home for the duration of your visit.</div>
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I usually consider this option most when I'm traveling for a longer period of time, as I want to have my personal space and some sense of permanency (having a kitchen can save you a ton of money as compared to eating out all the time). But I've also found myself coming back to Airbnb when traveling short-term in certain cities, as the prices can be really low based on where and when you look.</div>
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To start, visit <a href="http://www.airbnb.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Airbnb.com</a> to search for the city and the type of place you're looking for. You can look at single rooms, shared rooms, or private apartments and then filter by your budget and any other requirements, such as pet-friendly rooms, specific amenities, language(s) of the host, etc.</div>
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When considering your options, I would suggest looking at the photos provided and also read up on the host and the rules that they have for their space.</div>
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Final Notes</h4>
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Whew, there is a lot of information of this subject, so I'm going to have to split this into two different posts. I hope that this helps you to consider different options when traveling and save you some money to be able to go out and explore the world!</div>
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If you have any questions or suggestions shout to us on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/mygrownupguide" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@mygrownupguide</a>.</div>
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Thanks and safe travels!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5648345583425604475.post-43147422072877280012016-07-10T16:09:00.000-03:002017-08-19T20:11:05.889-03:00Textbooks: To Rent, or not to rent?<img alt="Renting textbooks" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpAMeivW3KlqpmNWSXuCOxcwRUcZYCEkJtoCRJ_nzQ0x8G5Prf_JO9X4XQ5YQYTO9JZX9euKxKoiMvrBlgLbb0_L-aG8X0Hk3dygEEo7r3qGbdgzwx00Q8_Z7Km2-RfC4Nx2MMYu3Oa-E/s1600/books.jpg" style="display: none;" /><br />
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Everyone knows that the costs of attending college in the United States are high, and keep rising, but few are aware of how much of those costs are allocated just to buying textbooks!<br />
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During college, I was faced with a decision: would I rent my textbooks, or buy them? There was usually quite a dramatic difference in price between the two options, but there are pros and cons associated with either choice.<br />
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For any of you faced with this dilemma, here's some background on the topic, along with some of my tips for how to go about renting textbooks and why it's sometimes a good, or maybe not so great, idea.<br />
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<h3>
So why consider textbook rentals in the first place?</h3>
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Well, you'd be surprised to know that, on average, an undergraduate student in the 2015-2016 school year spent an average of $1300 on textbooks alone.<sup>1 </sup>If you think about it, that's a lot of money for books that are most often required by professors for their courses.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkyH3I5ePZdAKt7LRpOn46APbSFsjEXKsQupvkqw-Amt-Pa_ulfNnFpnVAXspd5OJRSCPhSkYz_ZoNc28zDUc9r_f0zpaKkcgYWkgsYJKRwMvY9g6xUIX4svcwun9AhyphenhyphenCliE3GY0Qj1MU/s1600/Textbook+Prices.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="textbooks" border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkyH3I5ePZdAKt7LRpOn46APbSFsjEXKsQupvkqw-Amt-Pa_ulfNnFpnVAXspd5OJRSCPhSkYz_ZoNc28zDUc9r_f0zpaKkcgYWkgsYJKRwMvY9g6xUIX4svcwun9AhyphenhyphenCliE3GY0Qj1MU/s640/Textbook+Prices.jpg" title="textbooks" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.24px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">©2016, National Association of College Stores, Inc.</em></td></tr>
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That's not all, either. According to the National Association of College Stores, there is an upward trend in the average costs of textbooks being sold, from $79 per new book back in the 2013-2014 academic year, to $82 per new book in 2014-2015.<br />
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Between 2002 and 2012 alone, the price of books increased by <b>82%</b>.<sup>2</sup><br />
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At this rate, the price of new books will continue to rise, making it difficult for some students to afford them. So what's the alternative? In recent years, there has been an increase in options to rent textbooks.<br />
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<h3>
The benefits of <i>renting</i> your textbooks</h3>
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Let's start off by going over some of the advantages that I personally see in regards to renting your college textbooks.</div>
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<ul>
<li><b>Costs</b> - In my experience, the cost of renting a textbook is much lower than purchasing that same book. However, it's important that you <i>compare costs</i> as soon as you receive your list of books from your professor.</li>
<li><b>Responsibility</b> - Rented textbooks are <i>temporary</i> in that, once the semester is over, you return the book and you no longer have to worry about it. This was a huge factor for me in terms of classes that didn't pertain to my major, as I had no need for these books after graduation.</li>
<li><b>Convenience</b> - There are now a few options for renting books, more than what I had during college: <a href="https://www.chegg.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chegg</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rent-Textbooks/b?ie=UTF8&node=5657188011" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/h/textbooks/rental" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a>, your college bookstore. All of these stores/websites now offer some form of textbook rental. You request the book, receive it via mail and send it back at the end of the semester. Some offer free shipping, which is also really useful.</li>
<li><b>Version issues</b> - It's very common for professors to update the edition of the textbook required for their course as those new versions are released by publishers. As this is the case, renting the newest edition is usually cheaper than buying it, as the new books were just sold on the market.</li>
<ul>
<li>It is very important that, when searching for textbooks, you consider two factors: if in doubt, search for the book by <u>ISBN number</u> (you can get this from either your course syllabus or the college bookstore) when renting. Secondly, e-mail your professor and ask if you can use a previous edition of the book instead.</li>
<li>In some cases, the professor won't require the newest edition if major changes weren't made between the versions. The older books will almost always be cheaper than the newest ones.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
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Keep in mind that, when renting textbooks, you have to limit any editing done within the book. If you're someone who likes to <i>highlight</i> or <i>take notes in the margins</i>, this may not be the best option for you!<br />
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<h3>
The benefits of <i>buying</i> your textbooks</h3>
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I will admit that there are also some benefits associated with buying textbooks so it's important to keep these in mind when making a decision.</div>
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<ul>
<li><b>Re-selling</b> - One of the advantages to buying your textbooks is that you're able to re-sell the book at the end of the semester in order to recoup some of the costs from the initial purchase. For example, if you bought the book for $125, you could sell it to a student who's taking the class the following semester for $100, which helps them and helps you.</li>
<ul>
<li>A warning if you want to re-sell your book: if the edition of the textbook for that course changes between your semester and the following semester, the book may not be worth as much.</li>
</ul>
<li><b>Ownership</b> - Doodle to your heart's content! The book is yours, so you can highlight, use stickers, take notes in the margins, circle terminology, dog-ear the pages, etc. I normally buy textbooks for the classes that are most important to my degree and/or major, as well, as I like to keep them after the semester is over, as future reference.</li>
<li><b>Used versions</b> - If you don't want to rent your book but the price of a new textbook is overwhelming, searching for a used version is a great way to save some money. Your college bookstore is a great place to check, as they will most likely have used versions available. But, if not, checking Amazon or eBay is a good start.</li>
</ul>
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For anyone looking to start their collection of professional textbooks for their library, especially anyone in the legal or medical fields, buying textbooks is probably the more practical choice!<br />
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<h4>
Final Notes</h4>
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<div>
When considering purchasing or renting your textbooks, be sure to consider all options and do your research. Each semester, I spent at least an hour comparing prices and making a list of which textbooks I needed to buy and which I could rent. Sure, it took time, but I was able to save money that I could then spent on late-night ice cream and fries instead...<br />
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<h4>
Important Terms</h4>
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<ol>
<li><u>ISBN number</u> - acronym for "International Standard Book Number." Every book has a unique ISBN that makes it easier to search for that book across different mediums.</li>
</ol>
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<h4>
References</h4>
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<sup>1</sup> <a href="https://trends.collegeboard.org/college-pricing/figures-tables/average-estimated-undergraduate-budgets-2015-16#Key Points" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CollegeBoard</a><br />
<sup>2</sup> <a href="http://www.gao.gov/assets/660/655066.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">GAO</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.nacs.org/research/industrystatistics/higheredfactsfigures.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">National Association of College Stores</a><br />
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/09/your-money/Textbooks-whether-to-buy-or-rent.html?_r=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">NY Times</a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0