Conducting Your Mid-Year Financial Review

Money

Money Archives

Achieve financial success and freedom

<p>You may have made New Year’s resolutions late last year and intended to make 2022 ‘your year.’ You had the best intentions, but after a couple of months, the drive faded away, and you may have forgotten what exactly you were working towards. You know that you should check in on your personal and financial plans, but you may dread the time and energy it takes to get back on track.&nbsp;</p>



<p>We just recently passed the halfway mark of 2022, and now is a great time to check in on where things stand with your financial and personal goals and to find the motivation to keep making progress, however slow. </p>



<p><em>Rich &amp; REGULAR</em> with Kiersten and Julien Saunders is no longer releasing new episodes on the SUCCESS Podcast Network, but you can still listen to the full conversation below.</p>







<iframe src="https://omny.fm/shows/rich-regular-with-kiersten-and-julien-saunders/conducting-your-mid-year-financial-review/embed?style=artwork" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write" width="100%" height="180" frameborder="0" title="Conducting Your Mid-Year Financial Review"></iframe>



<p>Listen to this week’s episode of the <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rich-regular-with-kiersten-and-julien-saunders/id1562432041" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>rich &amp; REGULAR</em></a> podcast as we talk about the things you should include in your financial mid-year review, and keep reading for some ways to conduct a personal mid-year review to help you get back on track for the rest of the year.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-review-your-accomplishments">Review your accomplishments</h2>



<p>Start your check-in by reviewing everything you’ve accomplished in the last six months. Time flies when you’re busy with work, family and life, and it can be hard to remember everything that happened in the first part of the year.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Spend time with your calendar, email and journal, and create a list of everything you’re proud of. You may have made progress on paying off debt, <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/3-keys-to-successful-investing/">increasing your investment accounts</a>, losing weight or progressing on your side hustle. Make sure you spend a little time checking in and patting yourself on the back for everything you’ve accomplished.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complete-a-brain-dump">Complete a brain dump</h3>



<p>Once you’ve listed all your accomplishments, start a list of the next things you’d like to tackle. Keeping a list of all the little things that need to be handled can help you make space in your brain to be more present and help you see patterns and groups of functions that can be accomplished together.</p>



<p>When you have a list, group your items by category, and schedule a time to handle each group. Some things, like making appointments, can be done on your lunch break or during a quiet morning.</p>



<p>Other tasks may be more involved and require more time on the calendar, like reorganizing your office or filing systems or having a brainstorming session <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/brainstorming-exercise-better-business-ideas/">for a side hustle</a>. Schedule an appointment with yourself, including requesting time off work if needed so that you can knock out a large portion of the task without interruptions.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-review-your-resolutions-and-goals">Review your resolutions and goals</h3>



<p>Once you have everything on the calendar booked, look over your original resolution list to see if what you were thinking about in January aligns with your current values and objectives. It’s okay to make changes as your life evolves, but it’s important not to let inertia take over. Now is a great time to start if you haven’t begun one of your intentions (and still want to work on it).</p>



<p>You may have had your priorities shift due to a new baby, new job, or other life event and need to reevaluate your objectives. Let go of ideas that don’t align with your values anymore, but don’t just cross items off the list because they seem too hard at the moment. You may need to shelve an idea until the timing is better, but try to make consistent, small progress on what’s important to you so that life doesn’t passively pass by in a blur.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-set-your-goals-for-the-next-six-months">Set your goals for the next six months</h2>



<p><a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-a-to-dont-list-can-help-you-achieve-your-goals/">Make a list</a> of the things you want to continue making progress on and the new things you want to add, and then spend some time breaking them down into manageable steps. Like the brain dump above, sort the actions you need to take by group and add some check-in appointments to your calendar to keep your momentum going.</p>



<p>It’s probably a good idea to limit yourself to just one or two complicated or time-consuming goals so that you can devote most of your time to making them a reality. Remember, the end of the year is only six months away, so you’ll have the opportunity to check in again and reevaluate.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-review-your-systems">Review your systems</h3>



<p>As you review your wants and needs for the next six months, spend a little time reviewing the systems you use to get things done. Do you need to find a better way to deal with all the paperwork in your life? Or do you let little things pile up until they become overwhelming?&nbsp;</p>



<p>Developing a system to deal with the things that slow you down can help you accomplish more by keeping things organized and <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesagencycouncil/2019/02/28/mindful-or-mind-full-three-practices-to-help-clear-your-cluttered-mind/?sh=5382d9bc313b" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">creating more space</a> in your brain. If you feel like you’re always behind, think about the things that get away from you and add steps to your processing system to help you manage them.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-note-about-rest">A note about rest</h2>



<p>You may have accomplished much in the year's first six months, which is excellent. You crossed a lot off your list, but you may find that there’s always something to take its place. While being an adult seems to mean a never-ending to-do list, it’s also important to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/powered-by-joy-how-and-why-to-practice-self-care-efficiently/">take time to rest</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>If you’ve been feeling down, overwhelmed or just plain tired this summer, see if there’s a place in your goal-setting for more rest.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Maybe you set huge tasks to accomplish before the end of the year, and you exhausted yourself trying to get to the halfway point. Instead of just pushing through and bearing it for the next six months, find the time to relax for a while and pick up where you left off when you’re refreshed.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-final-thoughts">Final thoughts</h2>



<p>A mid-year check-in can be helpful for various things, from financials to personal goals. Make sure you’re taking time to pick your head up from the day-to-day grind and look around at all you have accomplished and where you want to go. Spending a little time reflecting and planning can significantly affect how long it takes to get somewhere and where you finally end up. </p>

We just recently passed the halfway mark of 2022, and now is a great time to check in on where things stand with your financial and personal goals and to find the motivation to keep making progress, however slow. 

We just recently passed the halfway mark of 2022, and now is a great time to check in on where things stand with your financial and personal goals and to find the motivation to keep making progress, however slow.  | SUCCESS

Add a Personal Mid-Year Review to Help You Conquer Your Goals

Comment

Add a Personal Mid-Year Review to Help You Conquer Your Goals | SUCCESS

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Rich-Regular-Feature-Options.jpg

Home

SUCCESS

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/success_opengraph_image.png

Julien Saunders

Kiersten Saunders

Avoid Using “Buy Now, Pay Later” By Planning Ahead

<p>The <a href="https://www.forbes.com/advisor/credit-cards/buy-now-pay-later/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">buy now, pay later</a> (BNPL) option seems to be all the rage at present, and has been made available by multiple companies. But while it can be a convenient way to make purchases and get the things you need without using a credit card, it can also become a financial headache if you aren’t careful. Falling behind on payments can mean late fees and possibly even a <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/5-money-mistakes-that-could-be-ruining-your-credit/">dip in your credit score</a> if the problem isn’t fixed quickly.</p>



<p><em>Rich &amp; REGULAR</em> with Kiersten and Julien Saunders is no longer releasing new episodes on the SUCCESS Podcast Network, but you can still listen to the full conversation below.</p>







<iframe src="https://omny.fm/shows/rich-regular-with-kiersten-and-julien-saunders/the-buy-now-pay-later-dilemma/embed?style=artwork" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write" width="100%" height="180" frameborder="0" title="The Buy Now, Pay Later Dilemma"></iframe>



<p>It can be easy to think that BNPL is free money to use on everything you want and need, but the truth is that BNPL is still credit and needs to be used responsibly.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-know-the-risks">Know the risks</h2>



<p>The buy now, pay later phenomenon is growing rapidly. According to a <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/loans/personal-loans/use-of-buy-now-pay-later-outpaces-personal-loans-in-past-year" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recent NerdWallet survey</a>, 37% of respondents used BNPL services in 2021, and 12% of those borrowers used the service at least five times within the last year.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>While it can be a convenient option that may work better for younger people than a credit card or even serve as a helpful bridge between paychecks, it is still debt, with all the problems that come with it. So while using BNPL isn’t inherently wrong, it's essential to know the pitfalls before you sign up.&nbsp;</p>



<p>If you use a BNPL service, make sure you read the fine print, avoid taking on debt for wants or large purchases you can’t pay back, and understand the repayment time frame and circumstances.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Many think they’ll quickly pay the required monthly payments on time and in full, but if you don’t have the money now, are you sure you’ll have it next month? Depending on what you’ve purchased, those payments could be quite large, and it's essential to have a plan to pay it back before you click ‘buy’ so you don’t get into trouble.</p>



<p>Instead of buying something and then figuring out how you’ll pay for it, consider delaying the purchase, <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-create-a-budget/">creating a spending plan</a> and being thoughtful about the items you need.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plan-ahead">Plan ahead</h2>



<p>Like most things in life, having a plan can be the difference between making conscious choices that work for you in the long run and regret. While it can be fun to have something new and give yourself a treat every once in a while, if you have to use credit to do it—i.e. credit cards or BNPL companies—it may be worth rethinking your purchase.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Instead of relying on credit to meet your financial needs, consider doing the following:&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-make-a-budget">Make a budget</h3>



<p>When the lure of something shiny catches your eye, consider how it will fit into <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/3-ways-to-spend-your-money-wisely/">your monthly budget</a>. While everyone deserves to splurge now and again, be sure it is genuinely a splurge and not a pattern of thoughtless purchasing.&nbsp;</p>



<p>If you have a little left over every month, consider moving that amount into a savings account so that you already have the money readily available when you see something exciting. It is much more fun to make a purchase outright and know that the item is yours with no strings instead of experiencing that sinking feeling when you see the bill come due.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-save-for-big-purchases">Save for big purchases</h3>



<p>If there’s something expensive you want, like the latest technology or a piece of couture clothing, consider creating a separate savings account just for that item or category.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Many online banks will allow you to create multiple savings accounts. You can have a bucket for <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/want-financial-security-prepare-for-the-worst/">your emergency fund</a>, vacation spending, vet and medical costs, car repairs and even a fund for your next big purchase.</p>



<p>You may even find that as time goes on, you lose interest in the item you desperately wanted. It's better to find out you didn’t actually want it before spending the money rather than feeling regret and shame afterwards.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-remember-it-s-still-debt">Remember, it’s still debt</h3>



<p>If you do find yourself needing to use a BNPL service, it's okay. It can be a helpful tool if you need to make a necessary purchase and can’t wait to build up your savings account.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Many companies offer interest-free payments on BNPL, which might entice you to spend more. Remember that there’s no such thing as free money, and keeping <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/9-smart-spending-and-saving-tips/">a handle on your spending</a> and credit usage is essential. Make sure you have a plan to pay off the BNPL on time so that you don’t incur any fees or potentially affect your credit score.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-final-thoughts">Final thoughts</h2>



<p>BNPL can be a good option for people who need a bridge between paychecks or have a plan to pay off their purchases on time and in full. Avoid <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/anthony-oneal-can-help-you-get-out-of-debt/">accumulating too much debt</a> via a BNPL service by ensuring you don’t go crazy with impulse purchases and that you only use the service as a backup to help you when you need it most.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Instead of worrying about how you’ll pay back a buy now, pay later scenario, focus on saving for big-ticket items, creating a splurge section of your budget and only accumulating debt when necessary. </p>

The buy now, pay later phenomenon is growing rapidly. According to a recent NerdWallet survey, 37% of respondents used BNPL services in 2021, and 12% of those borrowers used the service at least five times within the last year.  

The buy now, pay later phenomenon is growing rapidly. According to a recent NerdWallet survey, 37% of respondents used BNPL services in 2021, and 12% of those borrowers used the service at least five times within the last year.   | SUCCESS

Avoid Using “Buy Now, Pay Later” By Planning Ahead | SUCCESS

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Online-1100x733-11.jpg

<p>With both interest rates and fears of a recession on the rise, now is an excellent time to look at your spending habits and prioritize paying off debt, especially if you have a credit card balance. While that seems relatively straightforward, and we’ve discussed developing a debt payoff plan before, the truth is that debt is usually much more emotionally charged than any of us like to let on.&nbsp;</p>



<p>When you think about debt, you may experience feelings of fear, shame and anxiety that can often be paralyzing when you consider taking action, leaving you trapped and hopeless. Before you can work on the math of your debt, you need to get a <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/5-strategies-for-working-through-difficult-emotions/">handle on the emotions</a> if you want to empower yourself to move forward.</p>



<p><em>Rich &amp; REGULAR</em> with Kiersten and Julien Saunders is no longer releasing new episodes on the SUCCESS Podcast Network, but you can still listen to the full conversation below.</p>







<iframe src="https://omny.fm/shows/rich-regular-with-kiersten-and-julien-saunders/take-charge-of-credit-card-debt/embed?style=artwork" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write" width="100%" height="180" frameborder="0" title="Take Charge of Credit Card Debt"></iframe>



<p>Listen to the week’s episode of the <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rich-regular-with-kiersten-and-julien-saunders/id1562432041" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>rich &amp; REGULAR</em></a> podcast about credit card debt, and keep reading for ways to help empower yourself to face your fears and begin tackling your debt.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-debt-is-all-around-us">Debt is all around us</h2>



<p>Debt is a fact of life for many of us. Even if you don’t have to deal with crushing student loan debt after college, you might still have a mortgage, credit cards or a car loan that keeps you up at night, worrying about the future. Debt is on the rise in 2022, with total household debt reaching $18.3 trillion in the first quarter of 2022—an increase of 8.3%, according to the Federal Reserve System.</p>



<p>While an increasing number of people are feeling the financial pinch, many may also feel emotionally overwhelmed when they consider digging themselves out of a debt hole. There is usually no quick fix to paying off debt, and maintaining the mental and emotional energy to keep going can be challenging.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Checking in on your mental state before tackling the practical side of debt can help you keep a clear focus. Spend time with your journal and consider the following to <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesfinancecouncil/2020/04/22/four-systematic-ways-to-manage-your-debt/?sh=2a938b3d1588" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">help you create a plan</a>:&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-examine-your-fear-of-debt">Examine your fear of debt</h3>



<p>Depending on how you grew up and the money story you’ve carried with you, you may have a crippling fear of debt. While debt is unpleasant for almost everyone, it can become an actual mental—not to mention financial—health problem if left to fester and grow.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Spend some time sorting out your feelings about debt. Are you ashamed or scared? Do you hear the voice of a parent or caregiver in the back of your head saying you’re stupid for taking on this amount of debt?&nbsp;</p>



<p>Learning about the debt and <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/10-money-habits-that-are-leaving-you-broke/">your motivation for spending</a> can help take some of the emotional charge out of the numbers on the screen. If you feel that your emotions around debt and finances are genuinely preventing you from developing a plan and living the life you want, consider speaking with a counselor who specializes in finances.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reframe-limiting-beliefs">Reframe limiting beliefs</h3>



<p>A helpful way to banish some of the recurring thoughts you may have about debt is to write them down and reframe them. If you believe you’ll never be able to pay down your credit card balances, it can make you feel like starting is a moot point and it is better just to keep your head buried in the sand.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Instead of giving up, write down all of the things you believe about your debt and your ability to handle money, whether they’re true or not. Then, write down the opposite, positive belief to help you reframe your thoughts and develop a list of statements to counter your limiting beliefs.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For example, if the limiting belief is that you will never pay down your credit card debt, your reframing statement might be, “I am learning to manage my money and make positive steps toward my financial future.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>It sounds hokey, but <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/4-tips-to-combat-negative-thinking/">catching your negative thoughts</a> and reframing them into a positive response can help you adjust your frame of mind around money.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-track-your-progress-for-momentum">Track your progress for momentum</h3>



<p>Keep track of how much debt you have paid off so that when you feel down about your progress you have tangible proof of how far you’ve come. <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/anthony-oneal-can-help-you-get-out-of-debt/">Paying off debt</a> can take a long time, and slow and steady definitely wins the race. Develop a system to track your progress, like making a mark in a spreadsheet or keeping an old-school paper tally to help you see what you’ve done.&nbsp;</p>



<p>There are even coloring sheets you can use to make paying off debt a little prettier, or go all the way back to elementary school and create a paper chain to help you measure your progress. For every predetermined amount you pay off, remove a ring of the chain until you’ve eradicated the debt.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-talk-to-someone">Talk to someone</h3>



<p>Talking about our fears can be the last thing we want when we’re embarrassed or feel ashamed. Consider if there is someone in your life who is either going on a similar debt repayment journey or whom you trust to support you through this period. A trusted family member, partner, friend, pastor or counselor can <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/9-ways-to-improve-your-perseverance-skills/">help you keep going</a> when you feel like giving up.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Going through debt payoff is rough, but it's even worse if you try to do it alone.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-final-thoughts">Final thoughts</h2>



<p>Debt repayment looks different for everyone and brings many of our fears and other negative thoughts to the surface. Knowing that we have the support to make our financial futures brighter and reframe our negative thoughts around money can help us make progress. Empowering yourself to conquer your debt means that not only are you better prepared for whatever ups or downs the future holds, you’re also in the best place to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-define-and-plan-for-financial-freedom/">continue your financial journey</a>. </p>

There is usually no quick fix to paying off debt, and maintaining the mental and emotional energy to keep going can be challenging. 

There is usually no quick fix to paying off debt, and maintaining the mental and emotional energy to keep going can be challenging.  | SUCCESS

Empower Yourself to Pay Off Debt

Empower Yourself to Pay Off Debt | SUCCESS

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Online-1100x733-9.jpg

How Long Should Your Career Be? 15 Years, According to This Personal Finance Couple

Business &amp; Branding

Business &amp; Branding Archives

Stay ahead in business: strategies and insights for success

<p>Most people never really think about how long their careers should be. Rather, they hope for a long and successful one, and power through until retirement or, well, death. But how long is long? How do you determine <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/terinaallen/2020/08/31/a-definition-of-career-success-and-why-so-few-people-ever-experience-it/?sh=16daef784dd2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether your career was successful</a>? And why would we willingly repeat the mistakes of previous generations when the outcome is clearly unfavorable?&nbsp;</p>



<p>It is our belief that you should plan for your career to be 15 years long. That’s it.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Now, does that mean that after graduating from college and landing a first real job at 22, everyone should be in a position to retire at 37? Of course not. We understand the litany of factors that can influence one’s income, health, living expenses and portfolio returns over a 15-year horizon. But if you’re interested in <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-define-and-plan-for-financial-freedom/">pursuing a financially independent life</a>, 15 years is a solid target.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><img src="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/CashingOut_cover-663x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-65398" width="462" height="714"/></figure>



<p>Think about it. We all generally accept that a focused four-year college education is plenty of time to have developed a fundamental mastery of a discipline. It’s enough to earn a decent wage and begin a career with a fair chance of success. Similarly, in terms of relationships, we generally understand that a five-year relationship is considered a serious one and that 10 is damn near forever.&nbsp;</p>



<p>So if a four-year education is enough to have a fundamental understanding of a subject and a 10-year relationship is an eternity, then a 15-year career is a pretty long one. Come to think of it, 15 years of doing anything is long, and it’s certainly long enough to project future outcomes. And at the end of the day, the math works the same whether it’s the career you have from age 45 to 60 or from 22 to 37.&nbsp;</p>



<p>If your professional career is already in motion, you’re earning a decent income and you agree with our four purposes of income framework, then your next step is to start <a href="https://www.betterup.com/blog/career-planning" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planning your career</a> with a definitive exit plan. It’s time to start designing a life that slowly and increasingly gives you power, instead of one that drains you of it.&nbsp;</p>



<p>So if you’re ready, let’s dive in.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-years-1-5-pay-off-debt"><strong>Years 1–5: Pay Off Debt</strong>&nbsp;</h2>



<p>For many millennials, early adulthood and the beginning phases of their careers can be defined by one word: “debt.” It’s a pervasive cloud over an entire generation’s head as they combated both the crippling 2008 economic downturn and a soaring rise in the cost of higher education. For Black women especially, there’s immense pride in being the leading recipients of associate and bachelor’s degrees conferred as of 2016. Unfortunately, the achievement is smothered by the harsh reality of student loans.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Personal debt should be viewed the same way you would view an invasive cancer in your life. In general, when people we know receive a cancer diagnosis, there’s an unwavering seriousness. They shift their entire life around to fight the disease, and the people in their corner offer their full support. With that energy in mind, we’ve found the single best way to eliminate debt is to take a holistic and community-based approach to aggressively paying it off. This means that for the first five years of your 15-year career, assuming you have debt, you need to make frugality a core aspect of your life. <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/the-new-graduates-guide-to-personal-finance/">Your primary objective</a> should be an intense focus on paying down your debt entirely or at least reducing it to a manageable level. Every increase in pay, income tax refund, gift and coin hidden in your couch is an opportunity to funnel money toward <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/anthony-oneal-can-help-you-get-out-of-debt/">paying down your debt</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Years 6–10: Find Your Superpower</strong>&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Focusing on paying off debt in the first five years of your career also has a surprising effect on your career choices. Before we started paying off our debt, earning potential was the single most important factor in the kinds of jobs we considered. But as we started to pay off debts and our monthly cost of living decreased, we found ourselves less intrigued by job openings simply because they paid more than we were making. Earning an extra few hundred dollars a month suddenly didn’t seem worth it, because we’d already proven we could accomplish the same financial goal by paying down a debt.&nbsp;</p>



<p>So instead of chasing money or a title, we chased the challenge. The way we approached goal setting became less about what roles paid us more in the short run and more about what <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-upskill-yourself-to-earn-more-money/">skills we could develop</a> to support us in the long run—far beyond the length of time we were reliant on others for employment.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Once you’ve paid off your debt, the next five years of your career should be dedicated to creating multiple income streams, or an income portfolio, outside your primary job. The bottom line is that we can’t depend on our jobs alone to give us what we need or want.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Years 11–15: Build an Escape Hatch</strong>&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Congratulations! You’ve just worked for an entire decade, and assuming it’s with the same company, you may have the option of choosing a gift from their online store. Let this be your motivation to finish the last five years of your career focused on your departure.&nbsp;</p>



<p>If you don’t have a taste for entrepreneurship, then years 11 through 15 are all about repetition. At this point, investing should feel like financial muscle memory. You should have developed a strong budgeting discipline, set ample cash aside for emergencies and completely eliminated all debt like credit cards and student loans. Your attention should be squarely focused on padding investment accounts.&nbsp;</p>



<p>If you have an itch to be your own boss, the goal is the same, except your focus during years 11–15 should also be on creating the income you need to fund those accounts. This is the time you’re putting yourself out there, <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/5-steps-to-get-others-interested-in-your-ideas/">sharing your ideas</a> with the world, selling and refining your pitch. In the previous five-year stretch, you will have already developed the professional skills you need, understood the business landscape and determined how you can fill a need. The only thing left to do <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/3-tips-to-sell-like-a-pro/">is to sell something</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="has-small-font-size"><em>Excerpted from&nbsp;<a href="https://amzn.to/3yRoz8P" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CASHING&nbsp;OUT: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away</a>&nbsp;by Julien and Kiersten Saunders with&nbsp;permission&nbsp;of Portfolio, an imprint of Penguin Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House LLC. Copyright © Julien and Kiersten Saunders, 2022.</em></p>

Come to think of it, 15 years of doing anything is long, and it’s certainly long enough to project future outcomes.

Come to think of it, 15 years of doing anything is long, and it’s certainly long enough to project future outcomes. | SUCCESS

How Long Should Your Career Be? 15 Years Is Plenty, According to This Personal Finance Couple

15 Years: The Optimal Career Length, Say Finance Experts

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/How-Long-Should-Your-Career-Be-15-Years-According-to-This-Personal-Finance-Couple.jpg

Redefining External vs. Internal Rewards to Help Choose Your Goals Wisely

<p>Rewarding yourself can often be an excellent way to get things done. If you work on a project for an hour, you can take a break by walking outside, getting a treat from the pantry or taking a nap in a hammock on a lazy afternoon.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Rewards at work look a bit different and are usually about <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-get-promoted-4-steps-to-prepare-for-the-next-step-in-your-career/">reaching for the next promotion</a> or raise. We fight for statuses that will earn us more money and higher titles or look for ways to set ourselves apart from our coworkers and gain more recognition or favor with the higher-ups.</p>



<p>Thinking about how far you have to go to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/ready-for-the-c-suite-first-read-these-3-truths/">get into the C-Suite</a> can be exhausting, but focusing on the next open position in front of you can help you put one foot in front of the other. While that can be a good plan for a while, it's essential to look up now and again and make sure you know where you’re headed in the long term instead of stepping towards the first benefit that appears before you. </p>



<p><em>Rich &amp; REGULAR</em> with Kiersten and Julien Saunders is no longer releasing new episodes on the SUCCESS Podcast Network, but you can still listen to the full conversation below.</p>







<iframe src="https://omny.fm/shows/rich-regular-with-kiersten-and-julien-saunders/cashing-out-win-the-wealth-game-by-walking-away-pa/embed?style=artwork" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write" width="100%" height="180" frameborder="0" title="Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, Part 2"></iframe>



<p>Keep reading for ways to redefine rewards to help you think about what’s best for your life. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rewards-can-be-a-distraction">Rewards can be a distraction</h2>



<p>We’ve previously discussed setting goals and <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-create-a-personal-financial-plan/">creating a financial plan</a>, and having a strategy to break down larger goals into smaller steps can help you find success. It’s not uncommon to reward yourself with little treats along the way to help maintain a streak at the gym or motivate yourself to work on a side hustle daily.&nbsp;</p>



<p>But when you start going after promotions or raises at work simply because they're there and you think they’ll earn you more external respect, you run the risk of distracting yourself from your ultimate career goals. It's vital to understand when you’re using a reward or benefit as motivation that gets you closer to your ultimate goal of cashing out and when you use it as a distraction that keeps you from moving forward.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As you start to think about the types of rewards you have pursued in your professional life, spend some time with your journal or take a long walk and ask yourself the following:&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-are-external-rewards-helping-you-get-where-you-want-to-be">Are external rewards helping you get where you want to be?</h3>



<p>This can be a tricky question to answer. On the one hand, receiving a reward at work often feels like an accomplishment—you’ve been recognized for your hard work. You got a bonus, earned a raise or were acknowledged for your contributions. That’s all good.&nbsp;</p>



<p>On the other hand, you may have never intended to be the vice president of anything, and now you feel like you have to put in the hours to live up to the title while your dreams and <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-balance-work-and-family-without-feeling-like-a-failure/">time with family</a> keep getting pushed aside.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As you review how external rewards may be keeping you from the life you want, compare them to the financial and professional goals you have set for yourself. If you find that the immediate, external rewards you’ve been chasing are taking you further away from your objectives, it may be time to look into changing how you approach things.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-do-internal-rewards-look-like-for-you">What do internal rewards look like for you?</h3>



<p>It can be scary to do things differently when you’ve only known one way forward. Instead of focusing on the next promotion or raise, think about the internal rewards that would help you further your plans.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Consider the internal rewards you can offer to yourself as stepping stones along the way. That might look like signing up for a class to help you upskill for your next intentional role at work or asking a potential mentor to meet you for coffee.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Working towards internal goals can be scary, and putting them off is easy, so consider giving yourself a small reward or treat for accomplishing them. Remember that taking action is about <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/burn-it-all-down-4-tips-for-drastically-improving-every-area-of-your-life/">improving your life</a>, not just getting a cookie when you’ve crossed a task off the list.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-are-you-helping-others">Are you helping others?</h3>



<p>We may justify focusing on external rewards by telling ourselves that we have to provide for our families. While being an adult often means going to work or doing things you may not want to do in service of your family, you need to be aware of the unspoken messages you’re sending to the people around you.&nbsp;</p>



<p>It’s also important to recognize that our kids are watching us, and when we only focus on climbing the corporate ladder, they learn that <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/the-right-moment-to-chase-your-dreams-is-now-3-tips-to-get-you-started/">giving up on your dreams</a> is something you have to do when you have a family. You may not mean to communicate that our days are best spent striving for the external rewards and the validation we get at work, but you may be doing so anyway.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-final-thoughts">Final thoughts</h2>



<p>Rewards can be a tool that help us accomplish what we set out to do. The problem comes when they become the only reason we see for taking action or making changes. It can be easy to get distracted and let outside forces push us off our intended path. It’s OK to want things and be successful, but it's crucial to recognize why you want a particular role or title and whether it is ultimately serving you and your dreams. </p>

When you start going after promotions or raises at work simply because they're there and you think they’ll earn you more external respect, you run the risk of distracting yourself from your ultimate career

When you start going after promotions or raises at work simply because they're there and you think they’ll earn you more external respect, you run the risk of distracting yourself from your ultimate career | SUCCESS

Choosing Goals Wisely: Redefining External vs. Internal Rewards

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Online-1100x733-7.jpg

Have a Strategic Plan So You Can Cash Out On Your Terms

<p>Many people have fantasies about quitting their jobs. The latest nasty email from your boss or co-worker or just getting sick and tired of doing the same old, same old day after day can lead many people to think about ways they’d leave—the more dramatic, the better!&nbsp;</p>



<p>While quitting your job and walking out in a blaze of glory might seem satisfying at the moment, it’s crucial that if you are going to quit your job, you have developed a plan to make sure your financial bases are covered and that you <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/before-you-quit-your-job-try-these-3-things/">leave on your terms</a>, not anyone else’s. </p>



<p><em>Rich &amp; REGULAR</em> with Kiersten and Julien Saunders is no longer releasing new episodes on the SUCCESS Podcast Network, but you can still listen to the full conversation below.</p>







<iframe src="https://omny.fm/shows/rich-regular-with-kiersten-and-julien-saunders/cashing-out-win-the-wealth-game-by-walking-away/embed?style=artwork" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write" width="100%" height="180" frameborder="0" title="61: Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away"></iframe>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-think-strategically">Think strategically</h2>



<p>Unless you win the lottery or are in line to inherit a lot of money, you’ll need to think strategically about any financial plans you make before quitting a job. If you’re not quite financially ready to leave the workforce but can’t handle staying in your current position, spend some time searching for a new job first.&nbsp;</p>



<p>If you’ve been <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-upskill-yourself-to-earn-more-money/">working on upskilling</a> and taking advantage of employer-offered education, now might be a great time to find a better job with a higher salary, thanks to the Great Resignation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Even if you find the perfect new position, it's still important to focus on your long-term goals and make a plan for leaving the workforce altogether. You don’t necessarily need to retire from work, but focusing on how you would live your life if you weren’t subject to a boss dictating your time can help you determine what’s essential in your life and what you want to make a priority.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-make-a-plan">Make a plan</h2>



<p>Instead of just fantasizing about leaving your current job, start taking small steps to help you get to where you ultimately want to be. Brainstorm ideas about how you would spend your time if money and security weren’t an issue. While lying on a beach for days is an excellent idea, you’ll probably get bored of doing only that after a couple of weeks and want to do something to occupy at least some of your time.</p>



<p>If you’ve always <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-write-a-book-advice-for-new-writers/">wanted to write a book</a>, start to develop structure around what your writing life would look like. If you’ve never really liked the idea of full retirement, consider what you’d be interested in doing as a second-act career.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-developing-a-spending-plan">Developing a spending plan</h3>



<p>Once you know how you’ll spend some of your free time, start to include some budget numbers in your plans. This will become your retirement spending plan and help you determine the steps you need to take to make your plans a reality. Think about how much money you’ll need to maintain your current standard of living or any changes you might make, like downsizing or moving to a cheaper area.&nbsp;</p>



<p>How old you are, any children you have and how old they are, and if you have credit card debt, student loans or medical debt, as well as costs for insurance, utilities and food should all factor into your list and will determine how much you need to spend each month. Include a buffer for inflation, rising medical and prescription costs and unexpected emergencies.&nbsp;</p>



<p>If you plan to work in retirement, realistically project how much income you’ll bring in and how much you want to work compared to your desired amount of leisure time. You may find that with a nice savings cushion in a brokerage or other investment account, some freelance work and a moderate budget, you may be closer to your job-free life than you thought. If you want total financial independence or have more to spend in retirement than you do now, your plan may take longer.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-assets-do-you-have">What assets do you have?</h3>



<p>When you have a rough idea of how much you’ll realistically need to spend each month, develop a separate list of your assets. Include balances of your non-retirement accounts and other assets. Consider investing in real estate or <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/new-entrepreneurs-heres-how-to-get-your-business-started-on-the-right-foot/">growing a business</a> that will provide income for you without having to work a traditional nine to five job.</p>



<p>Remember that most <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/types-of-retirement-plans/">retirement accounts</a> like 401(k)s or Roth IRAs have penalties if you withdraw money before age 59 ½. While those accounts are essential, and you should continue contributing to them to have security in your later years, they likely shouldn’t factor into your shorter-term asset planning.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-make-small-steps-to-achieve-your-goals">Make small steps to achieve your goals</h3>



<p>Once you have a list of your projected spending and assets, compare the two for the difference. If you see a big gap between your proposed spending plan and the available monthly income, you’ll need to work to bring them closer together.</p>



<p>Develop a list of small steps that will help you bridge the two. That might be cutting some wants from your spending plan, considering a way to bring in more passive income, working for a few more years to build up your savings account or all of the above.</p>



<p>Remember to focus on consistency over significant wins. While you probably won't ever become a millionaire by skipping $5 coffees, you can improve your financial health by developing <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-create-a-budget/">a spending and saving strategy</a> and sticking to it over time.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-final-thoughts">Final thoughts</h2>



<p>Choosing to stop playing someone else’s employment game can be scary and intimidating. The sooner you develop a plan to take care of yourself, instead of relying on an employer to do it for you, the closer you are to making your own decisions that are right for you and not based on someone else’s bottom line. </p>

If you’ve been working on upskilling and taking advantage of employer-offered education, now might be a great time to find a better job with a higher salary, thanks to the Great Resignation. 

If you’ve been working on upskilling and taking advantage of employer-offered education, now might be a great time to find a better job with a higher salary, thanks to the Great Resignation.  | SUCCESS

Have a Strategic Plan So You Can Cash Out On Your Terms | SUCCESS

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Online-1100x733-4.jpg

<p>Things in the financial world are starting to look up for some people. Even though inflation is going crazy and housing prices continue to rise, there are signs that the economic distress that many people experienced during the pandemic shutdowns is starting to ease.&nbsp;</p>



<p>But what do you do if your situation isn’t improving? Many people have been able to save more over the last two years as pandemic shutdowns kept them from traveling and going out to eat, but for a significant number of people the hardships are just as real, if not worse, than during the pandemic. With the expiration of pandemic-related government benefits and the rising prices caused by inflation, financial instability is the reality of many people, one that can cause fear, anxiety and a sense of hopelessness.</p>



<p><em>Rich &amp; REGULAR</em> with Kiersten and Julien Saunders is no longer releasing new episodes on the SUCCESS Podcast Network, but you can still listen to the full conversation below.</p>







<iframe src="https://omny.fm/shows/rich-regular-with-kiersten-and-julien-saunders/3-positive-trends-in-the-world-of-money/embed?style=artwork" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write" width="100%" height="180" frameborder="0" title="3 Positive Trends in the World of Money"></iframe>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-take-care-of-your-mental-health-nbsp">Take care of your mental health&nbsp;</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/lizfrazierpeck/2022/01/19/financial-wellness-is-critical-to-your-overall-healthand-financial-literacy-is-the-key/?sh=252a1c652cdc" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Financial burdens can affect your health</a> and well-being, especially when you feel like the only one struggling. While you may be happy for friends or family members who have gotten a new job or a raise, if you’re struggling, you might be embarrassed and think you’ll just be a downer if you tell people what’s happening. The link between mental health and financial struggles is real, and it’s vital to ensure that you <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-improve-your-mental-health/">take care of your mental health</a> even as you work to overcome your financial struggles.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pause-nbsp">Pause&nbsp;</h3>



<p>If thinking about your financial situation has your heart rate shooting up and your breath coming faster, take a deliberate moment to pause and take a series of deep breaths (just not so deep you get light headed). Doing so can help pull you out of the mental loop of seeing every financial setback as a catastrophe.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While things may be dim for you right now, taking a <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/stuck-on-a-problem-take-a-break/">little time to breathe</a> and get back on even footing can help you mentally prepare to go forward and start to work on the situation. You can’t fix your money problems overnight, but you can start getting on the right track by incorporating some of the following steps into your daily routine.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-acknowledge-your-problems">Acknowledge your problems</h3>



<p>When you <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/money-remains-a-top-stressor-for-us-adults-here-are-some-tips-to-better-manage-stress-and-finances/">experience financial struggles</a>, your first impulse might be to deny that there is anything wrong and carry on the way you always have. If you’ve recently experienced a job loss or sudden hardship, you might feel embarrassed to talk about your problems with friends and family.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While there’s no denying that financial struggle is hard, burying your head in the sand only leads to digging a deeper hole. Be sure to acknowledge the issues you have and don’t just brush them under the rug or try to downplay them when people ask how you’re doing. Most of us know that person who confuses complaining about their problems with taking action to fix their situation, but remember that it can be equally harmful to pretend that you don’t have any issues at all.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Find a balance between acknowledging and making peace with your situation and taking steps to improve your life.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-take-a-walk">Take a walk</h3>



<p>If the anxiety and fear of your financial situation has you scared and hopeless, try taking a walk. Getting outside and moving your body, especially if you can <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/5-ways-to-get-outside-and-why-you-should/">get out into nature</a> or even just away from city noise, can help improve your brain and give you some energy to work through your problems.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Walking has been shown to improve mental health and can help you to get out of your head and see new paths. While no amount of walking will help you find a job or pay off debt, a daily walk can help you keep your problems in perspective and increase your ability to see other options.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ask-for-assistance">Ask for assistance</h3>



<p>One of the hardest things to do when you’re struggling is to ask for help, but it can be one of the best ways to improve your situation. If you need support, reach out to a trusted friend or family member. Talking about your problems can offer a sense of relief, and oftentimes solutions or new perspectives appear when we say things out loud instead of keeping them bottled up inside.&nbsp;</p>



<p>If you don’t have someone in your life that you can speak to, consider contacting a therapist who deals with financial problems. They may be able to provide resources you weren’t aware of and should know how to offer practical support.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-make-a-plan-and-keep-it-simple">Make a plan and keep it simple</h3>



<p>As you develop a plan to overcome your hardships, whether you’re finding a new job, conquering debt or improving your life, do your best to keep things simple. It can be easy to overcomplicate debt pay off or job hunting by thinking too far ahead instead of identifying the next step and taking it.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Make the steps you need to take small and clearly defined so that you know when you’ve achieved them and can keep the momentum going from one task to another. Knowing that you’re putting in the work to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/the-quality-of-your-life-is-determined-by-the-quality-of-your-questions/">improve your life</a> and seeing the progress you’ve made can boost your confidence and help you keep going, even when things seem slow.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-final-thoughts">Final thoughts</h2>



<p>Anyone who has struggled with money in the past likely remembers both the hopelessness and the feeling that things will never improve no matter what you do. Those feelings can lead you to sit and wait for your problems to be fixed instead of taking action to help <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/3-smart-tips-to-improve-your-finances-this-year/">improve your situation</a>. Taking time to ensure your mental health is solid before you begin to work on your financial problems can help you progress toward your goals faster.</p>

Things in the financial world are starting to look up for some people. Even though inflation is going crazy and housing prices continue to rise, there are

Things in the financial world are starting to look up for some people. Even though inflation is going crazy and housing prices continue to rise, there are | SUCCESS

5 Ways to Better Handle Financial Stress

5 Ways to Better Handle Financial Stress | SUCCESS

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Online-1100x733-3.jpg

<p>As inflation and interest rates start to rise, you may have heard financial experts warn about a possible economic recession. Talk of a recession might have some people remembering the fear and hardships of the Great Recession in 2008, or even the disruption of the <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/recession-ended-april-2020-making-it-shortest-record-2021-07-19/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COVID-19 recession in 2020</a>, which lasted only two months.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While we can’t control the markets, and won’t know if we’re actually in a recession until several months of economic downturn have already happened, we can take action now to help us come through any problems in the best position possible. A good way to get ready is to take stock of your current financial state while planning for how broader economic problems might affect you. That way, if they do happen, you’ll already <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/4-smart-money-moves-to-plan-for-financial-security/">have a plan in place</a> and won't have to worry about what action to take. </p>



<p><em>Rich &amp; REGULAR</em> with Kiersten and Julien Saunders is no longer releasing new episodes on the SUCCESS Podcast Network, but you can still listen to the full conversation below.</p>







<iframe src="https://omny.fm/shows/rich-regular-with-kiersten-and-julien-saunders/are-we-heading-toward-a-recession/embed?style=artwork" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write" width="100%" height="180" frameborder="0" title="Are We Heading Toward a Recession?"></iframe>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prepare-your-money-and-your-mind">Prepare your money and your mind</h2>



<p>Recessions are generally accepted as <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/032015/are-economic-recessions-inevitable.asp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">part of our economic system</a>. Some economists might argue that recessions may not be inevitable, but they typically occur about once every ten years and usually follow periods of strong economic growth. If you lived through the Great Recession (2007-2009), you might be experiencing some uncertainty right now as you wonder what the future will hold.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While any coming downturn is unlikely to last as long as the Great Recession did, being ready to take action if problems arise can help you find peace of mind. To make sure you face any problems in the best financial position possible, consider the following:&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pay-off-debt">Pay off debt</h3>



<p>One of the best things you can do to prepare for any financial downturn is to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/anthony-oneal-can-help-you-get-out-of-debt/">pay off your credit card</a> or other high-interest debt. Eliminating a debt payment from your budget frees up funds for different uses and means you aren’t paying interest on outstanding balances.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Interest on your debt is the flip side of compound interest in investing. While investing over the long term can help you make money and grow your portfolio, the interest on your debt works in the opposite direction. It adds to the total balance you owe and keeps you in debt longer, especially as interest rates rise.</p>



<p>Work to pay off as much debt as possible now so that you don’t have to worry about it during a potential recession. Develop a plan to accelerate repayment and see if there are places in your budget that you can cut back, or think about a <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/working-two-remote-jobs-at-the-same-time-can-it-work/">side hustle or second job</a> to help you pay off debt.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beef-up-your-emergency-fund">Beef up your emergency fund</h3>



<p>Once you’ve paid off as much of your high-interest debt as possible, start to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/what-is-an-emergency-fund/">focus on your emergency fund</a>. Having a healthy savings account can make tough economic times easier. Aim to have about six months of living expenses in an easy-to-access fund so that if you are laid off, you don’t have to rely solely on unemployment or other assistance programs.</p>



<p>Saving six months’ worth of living expenses can seem impossible, but focus on slowly building up your savings over time. Make small, incremental savings goals to keep you motivated as you move toward a larger purpose, or automate your savings contributions so they happen without needing to think about it.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Identify places to cut back&nbsp;</h3>



<p>While you build your emergency fund and develop a plan to pay off debt, take some time to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/3-ways-to-spend-your-money-wisely/">identify expenses in your budget</a> that you can reduce or remove. If you keep a formal budget or use budgeting software, try creating a basic budget for only necessities to see how much you really need per month. Once you have that number, mindfully consider the rest of your budget categories and determine the order you’d remove them in if it becomes necessary.&nbsp;</p>



<p>You don’t have to make any cuts yet, but identifying where you want to start can help you avoid making changes in a panic. Doing this can make it easier to follow through when you do need to make cuts since you have already weighed the cost and benefit of each category and can make better choices.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-develop-your-skills-and-education">Develop your skills and education</h3>



<p>It can be challenging to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/why-you-should-focus-on-what-you-can-control/">focus on what’s in our control</a> when we feel like the world is falling apart. Before fear and uncertainty take hold, spend some time brainstorming what you would do if you did lose your job and try to identify the elements of the situation that are in your control.&nbsp;</p>



<p>You can’t prevent an economic downturn or layoffs, but you can make sure you’re in the best position possible to avoid or prepare for a job loss. Brainstorm what would happen if you were laid off. Consider the changes you would need to make and any skills that would make finding a new job easier. If you’ve been thinking about going back to school or devoting time to upskilling, now might be a good time to pursue it so that not only are you a more attractive employee at your current job, but you also have new skills that will be in demand if you did experience a job loss.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-try-to-ignore-the-news">Try to ignore the news</h3>



<p>Do your best not to react to the daily ups and downs in the financial news. Your stock portfolio may lose money in the short term, but remember that you’re invested for the long haul. Avoid panic selling at the first sign of trouble, and make sure that if you do need to pull money out of the market, you understand any taxes, fees or penalties you may owe based on the type of accounts you have, as well as the lost opportunity cost for future growth.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-final-thoughts">Final Thoughts</h2>



<p>Since we can’t control the economy, it’s essential to focus on what we can control, like paying down debt, beefing up our emergency savings, <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-upskill-yourself-to-earn-more-money/">increasing our skills</a>, and being mentally ready to make cuts or hard choices. Making sure you’re prepared for whatever comes in the future can go a long way to making sure you come out the other side with your finances and sanity intact.</p>

Some economists might argue that recessions may not be inevitable, but they typically occur about once every ten years and usually follow periods of strong economic growth.

Some economists might argue that recessions may not be inevitable, but they typically occur about once every ten years and usually follow periods of strong economic growth. | SUCCESS

How to Prepare for a Recession

How to Prepare for a Recession | SUCCESS

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Online-1100x733-24.jpg

Preparing Yourself to Have Difficult Money Conversations with Your Partner

Relationships

Relationships Archives

Relationships | SUCCESS | What Achievers Read

<p>Having financial discussions with your partner can be overwhelming, especially if it’s a newish relationship or you need to discuss complex subjects like debt and estate planning. Starting conversations without both people being on the same page means that <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/3-common-money-arguments-and-how-to-work-through-them/">things can get heated quickly</a>, especially if one of the partners isn’t expecting the discussion or feels defensive. It often seems easier just to avoid having difficult conversations altogether, except that problems won't be solved if all you do is shy away from them.</p>



<p><em>Rich &amp; REGULAR</em> with Kiersten and Julien Saunders is no longer releasing new episodes on the SUCCESS Podcast Network, but you can still listen to the full conversation below.</p>







<iframe src="https://omny.fm/shows/rich-regular-with-kiersten-and-julien-saunders/5-money-conversations-to-have-today/embed?style=artwork" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write" width="100%" height="180" frameborder="0" title="5 Money Conversations to Have Today"></iframe>



<p>Learning how to have difficult conversations can be just as important as the topic of the conversation itself. Keep reading for some tips to prepare yourself before having difficult money conversations with loved ones. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-remember-the-golden-rule">Remember the golden rule</h2>



<p>You may have heard about the golden rule—treating others the way you want to be treated. Approaching other people with kindness and empathy can be an excellent place to start when you need to have a tough money conversation with a partner or family member. Talking about a heavy subject like debt and making a plan to get away from it can feel stressful and scary, especially if you feel like the other person is judging you for the issues you face.</p>



<p>Instead of letting your emotions <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/5-strategies-for-working-through-difficult-emotions/">get the better of you</a>, take a step back and breathe deeply. Remember that this person is someone you love, and settle yourself so that you can approach your discussion honestly and gently.</p>



<p>As you look to start a difficult conversation, consider the following:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-check-your-intentions">Check your intentions</h3>



<p>Starting a discussion about someone else’s finances isn’t always easy. Whether you’re <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/dont-let-shame-around-money-rule-your-life-how-to-heal-it/">the person in debt</a> and need help or you’re worried about your partner’s finances, these conversations can be challenging. It’s essential to know your motivation before going into a talk to make sure you identify the correct problem.</p>



<p>If you’re genuinely concerned about a problem—for example, credit card debt or unchecked spending—it may be necessary to speak up. However, if you just don’t like how your partner handles their finances and it doesn’t affect your life, it may not be your business to bring up.&nbsp;</p>



<p>If it does impact your life, remember to understand your motivations before trying to figure out your partner’s.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-don-t-ambush">Don’t ambush</h3>



<p>Be sure the person you need to speak to is in a good place for the discussion. Waiting until your partner walks in the door or logs off the computer after a long day at work is probably not the best time to <a href="https://medium.com/swlh/how-to-have-hard-conversations-aa36c31e2f1b" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bring up a stressful subject</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Instead, schedule a time to sit down and talk together and let the other person know what the topic is in advance so they can prepare. Giving them time to acclimate to the idea will most likely make the discussion more productive and keep everyone on the same page.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Consider setting a date night vibe with a bottle of wine and soft lighting to help everyone relax. It may be easier to be vulnerable with someone if it doesn’t feel like you’re in a business meeting discussing spreadsheets.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-remember-what-you-love-about-the-other-person">Remember what you love about the other person</h3>



<p>Even if you’re having a difficult conversation about debt or other financial issues, remember that this is a person that you love and care about. Instead of only <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/why-you-have-to-take-control-of-your-thoughts/">thinking about the negatives</a> of the situation, think about why you enjoy spending time with this person in the first place.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Think about what you love or admire about them. Maybe they have a can-do, take-charge attitude that helps you find the courage to start again. Or perhaps they are kind and generous and help you see the softer side of the world.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Remember that you are in a relationship with the whole person, not just the problems you face together.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-listen">Listen</h3>



<p>Above all else, be sure to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-speak-well-and-listen-better/">listen to your partner</a>. You may have a clear idea about what needs to happen to fix the problematic situation, but remember that your partner is part of the discussion as well. Railroading or extreme ‘fixing’ is not developing a solution; it's just masking another problem.</p>



<p>Make a concerted effort to give your partner space to express themselves and develop a mutually beneficial plan. Listen to what the other person is saying so that you truly understand what they’re experiencing instead of exclusively pushing your agenda.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-final-thoughts">Final thoughts</h2>



<p>Whether you’re bringing up a complicated topic with someone you love or someone is starting a discussion with you, try to remember to treat the other person with kindness so that they’ll hopefully do the same for you. <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-talk-to-your-aging-parents-about-money/">Discussing money</a> is hard, especially if it’s a newer relationship or you’ve had problems in the past. Remember to be gentle with each other and work together in a true partnership. </p>

Talking about a heavy subject like debt and making a plan to get away from it can feel stressful and scary, especially if you feel like the other person is judging you for the issues you face.

Talking about a heavy subject like debt and making a plan to get away from it can feel stressful and scary, especially if you feel like the other person is judging you for the issues you face. | SUCCESS

Preparing for Difficult Money Talks with Your Partner

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Online-1100x733-20.jpg

How to Upskill Yourself to Earn More Money 

Professional Growth

Professional Growth Archives

Professional Growth | SUCCESS | What Achievers Read

<p>Upskilling, or the process of taking your skills to the next level at work, can be a great way to increase your value at your current company and help you negotiate a higher salary when you start looking for your next employment adventure. Even if your company isn’t willing to invest in continuing your education, using the concept of upskilling to increase your skills away from work may pay dividends in the future at a new company. Filling in any gaps you may be missing or working on areas that need improvement can be a great way to help you <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-get-promoted-4-steps-to-prepare-for-the-next-step-in-your-career/">advance your career</a>. </p>



<p><em>Rich &amp; REGULAR</em> with Kiersten and Julien Saunders is no longer releasing new episodes on the SUCCESS Podcast Network, but you can still listen to the full conversation below.</p>







<iframe src="https://omny.fm/shows/rich-regular-with-kiersten-and-julien-saunders/upskilling-to-earn-more-money/embed?style=artwork" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write" width="100%" height="180" frameborder="0" title="Upskilling to Earn More Money"></iframe>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-identify-your-blind-spots">Identify your blind spots.</h2>



<p>Traditionally, upskilling is done on the job and is typically cheaper for a company than hiring a new employee. Although upskilling usually comes as a perk through your company, you can also take steps to educate yourself and fill in any holes in your skillset. Upskilling may involve technical skills, such as coding or app development, or working on your soft skills <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/everything-you-need-to-know-to-become-a-great-leader/">such as leadership</a>, public speaking or personal interactions.</p>



<p>To discover the weak points in your skill repertoire, spend some time reflecting on your past performance evaluations, any feedback you’ve received or times when a project you were involved in didn’t go to plan. Although remembering past feedback may be challenging and emotional, try to honestly identify the problem and the skills that would have helped improve the situation. This list of blind spots is the first place to start when you upskill your life.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-create-a-plan-for-your-continuing-education">Create a plan for your continuing education.</h2>



<p>As you identify problems from your past and the places you could have improved, keep a running list of the skills that would have helped. These may be subjects you’ve always been interested in but never had time for, or they may be traits you actively need to improve.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Pay particular attention to the skills needed in your current position or included in your dream job description. Develop your plan for skill acquisition around the job you hope to be doing one day so that when the opportunity arises, you’ve positioned yourself well.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-make-the-time">Make the time.</h2>



<p>After you’ve developed a plan to upskill yourself, determine the amount of time per day or week you’ll devote to your new skills, and pencil it into your calendar. One of the benefits of upskilling at work is learning new skills during company time. When you take skill development into your own hands, you may have to get creative with when and how you go about it.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Look for a place in your calendar where you can carve out an hour or two to get some work done, and then be disciplined about sticking to it. Don’t burn the candle at both ends, and remember that rest and fun have a place in your daily life. If it works for you, consider spending an hour in the morning on your new skills before the rest of your family gets up or use your lunch break to get in some studying. Take advantage of audiobooks or lectures you can listen to while going for a walk or cooking dinner.</p>



<p>If your family has dedicated homework time for the kids, explain that you also have homework now, and you’re going to sit down together as a family to get it done. This might not be possible with younger kids who need your help and attention, but get creative with your time and you might find 30 minutes to an hour that would work for studying.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-low-cost-or-free-skill-upgrades">Low cost or free skill upgrades</h2>



<p>Although there are various ways to upgrade your skills, it can get expensive to upskill on your own dime. If money becomes an issue, consider the following free or low-cost ways to help you get started.</p>



<p><strong>Investigate free courses at Ivy League Schools: </strong>Harvard, Yale, Cornell, Princeton, Brown and Columbia, among others, have made several of their classes in computer and data science, health and medicine, education, personal development and social sciences available to the public for free. Check out a place like <a href="https://www.classcentral.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Class Central</a> to help you see what’s offered and how to access it.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Use LinkedIn Learning: </strong>If you’re already a LinkedIn Premium member, you can access all classes available through <a href="https://learning.linkedin.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LinkedIn Learning</a> for no additional cost. If you’re not a premium member, you can get a subscription for $29.99 a month, with a one month free trial period. Use your free month to look at various classes and see if it would be worth the cost of an ongoing subscription.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Open University: </strong>With various topics to choose from, <a href="https://www.open.edu/openlearn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Open University</a> can be an excellent opportunity for upskilling in a given area or learning about a topic you’re interested in. Designed as a set your pace program, Open University has over 1000 free courses and can even help with some continuing education requirements.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Find a mentor: </strong>In addition to taking a class or self-study course, consider <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/modern-mentorship-is-changing-but-its-still-about-relationships/">looking for a mentor</a> to help answer your specific questions and provide insight and assistance in searching for a new position or switching fields.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-final-thought">Final thought</h2>



<p>Developing your skills, either at work or on your own, can benefit you throughout your career. Even if it doesn’t lead to an increase in salary or title at your current position, developing your skills can help you find a better job. It can also <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/this-is-what-happens-in-your-brain-when-you-try-something-new/">increase your brain power</a> and help you become a lifelong learner. Investigate some of the options above and give upskilling a shot to help improve your career. </p>

Filling in any gaps you may be missing or working on areas that need improvement can be a great way to help you advance your career. 

Filling in any gaps you may be missing or working on areas that need improvement can be a great way to help you advance your career.  | SUCCESS

How to Upskill Yourself to Earn More Money  | SUCCESS

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Online-1100x733-9.jpg

<p>You know that investing money now will be good for your financial future, but it can be challenging to find the confidence to get started. Many people want to begin investing or build on their company retirement plans but get stalled out because they think they don’t know enough or need to do tons of <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/use-due-diligence-to-make-investing-easier/">research before they start investing</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/investing/survey-less-than-half-of-women-in-u-s-invest-in-the-stock-market" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">According to a NerdWallet survey</a>, only about 56% of Americans say they invest in the stock market, and only 44% of women say that they invest. You probably already know that <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/3-keys-to-successful-investing/">participating in the stock market</a> is vital to your financial future, and one of the easiest ways to get started is to start small and get curious about learning the system.</p>



<p><em>Rich &amp; REGULAR</em> with Kiersten and Julien Saunders is no longer releasing new episodes on the SUCCESS Podcast Network, but you can still listen to the full conversation below.</p>







<iframe src="https://omny.fm/shows/rich-regular-with-kiersten-and-julien-saunders/understanding-total-stock-market-index-funds/embed?style=artwork" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write" width="100%" height="180" frameborder="0" title="Understanding Total Stock Market Index Funds"></iframe>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-get-curious">Get curious</h2>



<p>If you’re a frequent listener to our podcast, you probably know that we encourage everyone to consider responsibly investing in the stock market to help them reach their long-term financial goals. Many people know that investing beyond their company-sponsored retirement accounts is essential, but the pressure of figuring out the single best path can lead to severe analysis paralysis.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Instead of freezing up whenever the talk turns to index funds, money market accounts or exchange-traded funds, research the details of your accounts and <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/investing-basics/">get curious about the investing world</a>. Keep in mind that you don’t have to learn everything before you get started, and you don’t have to invest your entire life savings in one go. As you begin to investigate the world of investing, consider the following:</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-educate-yourself">Educate yourself</h2>



<p>When you receive and review your quarterly or annual account statements, get curious about the entire report, not just the portfolio value at the end. Start to ask yourself if you understand what each section means. If not, do some research to learn the terminology and why your portfolio looks the way it does.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>The investing space has a variety of content creators (like us!) that provide information via books, podcasts or blogs, and they can help you get more comfortable with the idea of investing for the long haul.</p>



<p>Additionally, companies such as Vanguard and Fidelity have educational articles, glossaries and calculators on their sites that can aid you in understanding and gaining familiarity with investing terminology.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-have-a-weekly-check-in">Have a weekly check-in</h2>



<p>Consider setting a weekly date with yourself to check in on the state of your finances and review what you’ve learned from the previous week. Many people do this to ensure there aren’t any unauthorized charges or to confirm their bank balance, but adding just a few minutes to this check-in time allows you to review what you’ve learned about investing as well as see and measure your progress.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Often when we’re in the middle of learning something new, all we can focus on is what we still don’t know. This weekly check-in lets you see how far you’ve come in your investing journey and gives you time to course-correct if you aren’t headed in the right direction.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-start-small">Start small</h2>



<p>If you only have a small amount to invest right now or aren’t comfortable putting large sums into the market, there are still ways to invest. Most brokerage firms have $0 account minimums, and some even have fractional trading, so you can invest $5 or $10 in a partial share rather than waiting until you can buy an entire share.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Investment apps have gained popularity in recent years, and even prominent firms such as Charles Schwab, TD Ameritrade and Fidelity have investing apps that can help you develop the habit by contributing in small amounts.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-set-it-and-forget-it">Set it and forget it</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.investopedia.com/news/active-vs-passive-investing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Passive investing is a strategy</a> where the investor buys index funds that follow one of the major indices like the S&amp;P 500 or the Dow Jones Industrial Average. The investor then holds these funds for an extended time as the market ebbs and flows. This strategy can be useful for beginners or people nervous about investing because it removes all of the guesswork and active management and often comes with lower fees. Set up a monthly payment into your investment account and leave your money to grow while ignoring the financial news.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-let-time-work-in-your-favor">Let time work in your favor</h2>



<p>Remember that the longer you can keep your money in the stock market, the more potential it has to grow. Start with small amounts in a diversified fund to mitigate risk, and then let the market do its work. Continue to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/the-art-of-true-confidence/">boost your confidence</a> by <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/when-considering-your-investment-strategy-keep-these-3-rules-in-mind/">learning about investment strategies</a> and jargon, and remember that you are in charge of your money.</p>



<p>You may not become the next Warren Buffet, but getting started now with little steps into the stock market can help you grow your confidence and <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/build-better-habits-to-reach-your-2022-financial-goals/">reach your financial dreams</a>.</p>

traded funds, research the details of your accounts and get curious about the investing world.

traded funds, research the details of your accounts and get curious about the investing world. | SUCCESS

6 Tips for Investing with Confidence 

6 Tips for Investing with Confidence  | SUCCESS

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Online-1100x733-1-1.jpg

<p>The metaverse seems to be the latest buzz word, and though it might sound like a brand new concept, the word and the foundational technology behind it have been around for a while. Beginning as a virtual reality platform that hosts massive multiplayer online games, the technology became a popular tool during the pandemic when companies, institutions and individuals had to find a way to move in-person work and education to an online space.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The word metaverse came back into widespread use in late 2021 when Mark Zuckerburg of Facebook (now Meta) <a href="https://about.fb.com/news/2021/10/founders-letter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">outlined his vision</a> for what he calls “an embodied internet where you’re in the experience, not just looking at it.” <a href="https://www.td.org/atd-blog/what-is-the-metaverse-where-we-are-and-where-were-headed" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The metaverse promises</a> to create new opportunities and potentially rapid growth in virtual retail, real estate and other financial markets as well as expanding entertainment, education and work environments.</p>



<p><em>Rich &amp; REGULAR</em> with Kiersten and Julien Saunders is no longer releasing new episodes on the SUCCESS Podcast Network, but you can still listen to the full conversation below.</p>







<iframe src="https://omny.fm/shows/rich-regular-with-kiersten-and-julien-saunders/rrpod-220314-metaverse/embed?style=artwork" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write" width="100%" height="180" frameborder="0" title="“Can We Get a Podcast about the Metaverse?”"></iframe>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-the-metaverse">What is the Metaverse?</h2>



<p>First coined in 1992 by Neal Stephenson in his dystopian cyberpunk novel <a href="https://amzn.to/3IVTsvO" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Snow Crash</em></a>, the metaverse, and public understanding of its capabilities, seemed to be straight out of science fiction. Although a version of the metaverse already exists in multiplayer online games like <em>World of Warcraft</em> or <em>Second Life</em>, it is anticipated to evolve into a digital retail and entertainment space that offers <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/could-you-work-in-a-virtual-reality-virbela/">real-world experiences in a virtual environment</a>. Users will need to use virtual reality headsets and technology to participate, and much like in the online games, avatars will represent participants within the virtual space, with chances to upgrade your avatar for a price.</p>



<p>According to Mark Zuckerberg, the metaverse is poised to be the next great technological leap forward, and many companies are starting to claim their space in the virtual landscape. For example, Microsoft has plans to combine their mixed reality platform Mesh with their business communication platform Teams, labeling the combination of the two as “<a href="https://news.microsoft.com/innovation-stories/mesh-for-microsoft-teams/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a gateway to the metaverse</a>.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pros-and-cons-of-the-metaverse">Pros and Cons of the Metaverse</h2>



<p>As with any new investment, though there is potential for incredible benefits, <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/3-keys-to-successful-investing/">it’s also essential to pay attention</a> to some of the problems that could arise. There may be many new financial opportunities coming, but it’s still a little soon to know how the metaverse will influence our day-to-day financial lives.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pros">Pros</h3>



<p><strong>Enhanced educational experiences: </strong>There promises to be a <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/research/a-whole-new-world-education-meets-the-metaverse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">variety of educational advancement</a> in the metaverse, including greater integration of and access to STEM in engaging formats and a more refined version of online classes and remote collaboration. Giving a student the ability to experience history or science as a participant, rather than as a passive viewer, means that the metaverse is likely to improve remote learning exponentially and open a doorway to educational breakthroughs.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Creation of a new virtual economy: </strong>There seems to be massive interest in the worlds that the metaverse can create. Not only is there potential for a more equitable financial space built essentially from the ground up, but the integration of blockchain, cryptocurrency and new digital currencies into this virtual economy could have a <a href="https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/what-is-the-metaverse-and-how-can-i-invest-in-it" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">real-world impact on financial institutions</a>.<strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>



<p><strong>Significant growth and investment opportunities: </strong>Many companies are betting that virtual shopping experiences for real products as well as purchases of virtual items within the metaverse worlds will make a lot of money. Shoe company Nike, for example, is developing <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/nike-metaverse-rtfkt-nikeland-roblox-nft/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">an NFT version of shoes</a> for sale in virtual reality, and entertainment companies like Disney are exploring ways to create exclusive content within the metaverse.</p>



<p>Additionally, companies that make high-powered servers or components needed in computing hardware are likely to be in high demand. The speed and quality of internet services will also need to improve, so the companies that can develop that service are also likely to see an increase in revenue.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cons-nbsp">Cons&nbsp;</h3>



<p><strong>Advanced technology and internet speed requirements:</strong> Although <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/working-remotely-heres-how-to-do-it-right/">remote working may be here to stay</a> in some industries, remote education has had limited success, due in large part to a lack of hardware or access to the internet in rural or underfunded communities. There is the potential for an even wider gap in education to develop as more affluent communities have access to the metaverse while other communities may be excluded.</p>



<p><strong>Privacy concerns:</strong> Online privacy and identity theft are essential considerations in our everyday lives. <a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2019/11/15/americans-and-privacy-concerned-confused-and-feeling-lack-of-control-over-their-personal-information/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">According to Pew Research</a>, 81% of the public say that the potential risks from companies’ data collection outweigh the benefits. It’s clear the digital space isn’t going anywhere, but the metaverse could lead to more problems for individuals and institutions as even more of our daily lives become digitized.</p>



<p><strong>The blending of real and virtual worlds: </strong><a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/9-ways-to-stay-connected-during-social-distancing/">Humans are social creatures</a> and need real interaction. While virtual reality may feel like a real connection, isolation and loneliness are likely to increase among those spending a majority of their time in the metaverse. Likewise, addictions to a virtual world may lead people down a dangerous path that society isn’t equipped for. The general public will have to deal with real-life consequences as the metaverse evolves.</p>



<p>The potential growth and advancement in the metaverse seem like a gamble that many companies and individuals are willing to take. As the metaverse evolves, there may be many possibilities for developments in technology, entertainment and retail. While there is usually some benefit to getting in on the ground floor, the negative aspects also need to be considered.</p>



<p>As with any new investment, <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/when-considering-your-investment-strategy-keep-these-3-rules-in-mind/">do your research</a> and stay alert for potential issues or problems. The metaverse is poised to turn into the next big thing, but it’s vital to understand the hazards of unexplored territory.</p>



<p style="font-size:12px"><em>Disclaimer: eXp World Holdings, the holding company for SUCCESS, is also the holding company for Virbela, a virtual reality solution for organizations.&nbsp;</em></p>

As with any new investment, though there is potential for incredible benefits, it’s also essential to pay attention to some of the problems that could arise.

As with any new investment, though there is potential for incredible benefits, it’s also essential to pay attention to some of the problems that could arise. | SUCCESS

Should You Invest in the Metaverse? 

Should You Invest in the Metaverse?  | SUCCESS

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Online-1100x733-1.jpg

Do You Have to Be Passionate About Your Job?

<p>Common wisdom often tells you to pursue your passion, and the money will follow. While it's nice to think that the things that make us happy would also provide a steady paycheck, part of becoming an adult is realizing that your true passions may not align with your career. If you only focus on following your passion at work, you may limit your opportunities to gain the competence that can help you succeed in multiple areas of life.</p>



<p><em>Rich &amp; REGULAR</em> with Kiersten and Julien Saunders is no longer releasing new episodes on the SUCCESS Podcast Network, but you can still listen to the full conversation below.</p>







<iframe src="https://omny.fm/shows/rich-regular-with-kiersten-and-julien-saunders/it-s-ok-to-not-be-passionate-about-your-job/embed?style=artwork" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write" width="100%" height="180" frameborder="0" title="It’s OK to Not Be Passionate about Your Job"></iframe>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-instead-of-being-passionate-be-curious">Instead of being passionate, be curious</h2>



<p>Passion sounds like an important attribute to have in the workplace and is often the word job candidates use to signal that they’re enthusiastic and willing to go the extra mile. While many people will say what they need to to get the job, it’s important to note that actually turning your passion into your work leaves behind those who haven’t found their passion yet or can’t make money from it, leaving them despairing of ever finding meaning in their work.</p>



<p>Instead of focusing on passion in the workplace, <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/why-you-should-follow-your-curiosity/">get curious about the world</a> around you. You might not currently be passionate about learning how to code or setting up accounting or organizational systems, for example, but being interested in learning new things can give you a broader knowledge base, leading you to a new job or a new way to monetize existing skills.</p>



<p>Focusing on your interests is a good first step, but it's also important to bring a practical side to your curiosity, at least as it relates to your work life. <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/guides/smarterliving/how-to-find-a-hobby" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">While hobbies are important</a>, developing skills that will further your career may take a bit more effort to discover. Consider the following as you look to bring more curiosity into your work life.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-find-what-you-re-good-at">Find what you’re good at</h3>



<p>Many people often have a hard time figuring out what interests them or what they’d like to dig into deeper. We focus on learning the material presented to us in school, but many people don’t consciously learn a new skill after leaving the classroom.</p>



<p>An excellent place to start is to think about what interested you when you were a kid. Is there anything you liked to do as a child that you still enjoy doing now? You might not want to do it all the time or be the best at it, but finding what intrigued you in your past can be a good starting place for discovering what you’re interested in now.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Once you have a few ideas or subjects that interest you, spend some time with your journal and consider the following questions:</p>



<ul>
<li>What’s your level of interest in this subject?</li>



<li>Is this skill needed in your current work environment for a <a href="https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-develop-your-skill-set" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">career goal you’re working towards</a> or just in general?</li>



<li>Do you know someone who currently has this skill and would be willing to mentor you?&nbsp;</li>
</ul>



<p>It’s also essential to consider how you learn best and what kinds of goals you’re trying to achieve. If you want to change careers or fields entirely, you might need to go back to school for a formal degree, but if you want to focus on your soft skills <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/everything-you-need-to-know-to-become-a-great-leader/">such as leadership</a> or improving your communication skills, you can probably find a few online courses or a mentor to help guide you.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-keep-practicing">Keep practicing</h3>



<p>The more you practice a skill, the better you get at it. Learning something new not only helps keep your brain active and engaged but can also have a positive effect on other parts of your life. For instance, if you are working on your communication skills, you may find that not only are your co-workers easier to get along with, but your <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/6-ways-to-build-lasting-relationships/">personal relationships also start to improve</a>.</p>



<p>Not only will your competency continue to grow as you practice, but your new abilities can also help you gain confidence. When you’re making progress on the specific skill you’re focused on (i.e., coding, communication, writing, etc.), you’re also <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/this-is-what-happens-in-your-brain-when-you-try-something-new/">teaching your brain</a> how to learn something new and creating internal structures that can help you learn a variety of future subjects, both in and out of the workplace.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-passion-develops-alongside-skill">Passion develops alongside skill</h2>



<p>A funny thing tends to happen when you put time and effort into learning something—passion often appears unexpectedly. As you become more competent at a new skill and dive deeper into the nuances, you’ll (hopefully) find that you enjoy working on it and might even become passionate about that subject.</p>



<p>Passion can often be fleeting, especially at work, where pressure and fatigue can drain any passion you once felt and leave you feeling resentful and unsure of the next step. Being curious and putting effort into <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-master-new-skills/">mastering tasks and challenges</a>, even if you can’t use them in your current position, can help you remain energetic and interested in the wider world.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Remember that focusing on passion alone might keep you going for a short time, but focusing on your skill set will most likely serve you better in the long run.</p>

Passion sounds like an important attribute to have in the workplace and is often the word job candidates use to signal that they’re enthusiastic and willing to go the extra mile.

Passion sounds like an important attribute to have in the workplace and is often the word job candidates use to signal that they’re enthusiastic and willing to go the extra mile. | SUCCESS

Do You Have to Be Passionate About Your Job? | SUCCESS

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/rich-Regular-Podcast-S.com-Thumbnail-1.jpg

What Is Media Literacy and How Can You Improve Yours?

Personal Development

Personal Development Archives

Personal Development | SUCCESS | What Achievers Read

<p>Knowing what’s real online and in the media can be tricky, as the last few years have seen a rise in events and news stories that are hard to believe. Given that many Americans use social media as at least one of their news sources, as shown in a study done by Pew Research, and given the prevalence of inaccurate or false information on social media platforms, it’s usually beneficial to take anything you see with a grain of salt.&nbsp;</p>



<p>If you find yourself wondering if what you’re seeing online is accurate, <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-develop-critical-thinking-skills/">developing your critical thinking skills</a> might be helpful. Determining the likelihood of the truth behind a statement, and where to verify that information, can make your social media browsing a little less fraught and help you feel a little more confident about the information you’re receiving. </p>



<p><em>Rich &amp; REGULAR</em> with Kiersten and Julien Saunders is no longer releasing new episodes on the SUCCESS Podcast Network, but you can still listen to the full conversation below.</p>







<iframe src="https://omny.fm/shows/rich-regular-with-kiersten-and-julien-saunders/media-literacy-and-our-financial-lives/embed?style=artwork" width="100%" height="180" frameborder="0" title="Media Literacy and Our Financial Lives"></iframe>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hone-your-skills">Hone your skills</h2>



<p>Spotting false information online has become more complex, especially as people get their primary news information from social media and the internet. Using critical thinking isn’t a silver bullet for figuring out if something is real or fake, but it can be a tool that makes it easier to spot inaccuracy.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-remain-skeptical">Remain skeptical</h3>



<p>Skepticism, or questioning the truth of a statement, is essential in helping you establish if things are false. Although it can often be challenging to separate facts from misleading information, <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/michael-shermer-on-why-we-should-be-skeptics/">maintaining a healthy skepticism</a> of the data can help you decide whether what you’re reading is trustworthy.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Use the following to help you keep a skeptical frame of mind:</p>



<p><strong>Do you recognize the source? </strong>Major news agencies tend to adhere to stricter journalism standards than social media posts and are likely to have rigorous fact-checking procedures. While there’s always a chance the information isn’t accurate, major news sources are more likely to have been repeatedly fact checked before publishing.</p>



<p><strong>Double-check the URL</strong>. Fake news sites will often mimic an actual website that might get people to click if they don’t look closely. Standard websites usually end in .com, .gov or .org, but fake sites will often add letters onto the end of the URL. If you see websites ending in .com.co or com.lo be highly skeptical of any information listed there.</p>



<p><strong>Check the language used. </strong>One of the quickest ways to spot fake news is the style and terminology used in the message. The language is usually slightly off, with ‘a’s and ‘the’s in the wrong place or missing entirely, letters all capitalized or the repetition of ‘this is not a hoax.’ Additionally, there are typically abundant misspellings and multiple exclamation points used in false information.</p>



<p><strong>Look for missing links. </strong>Fake news sites often either quote anonymous sources or don’t provide links to facts or assertions that they make. A lack of links, or links that redirect you to websites that have nothing to do with the topic, should be a red flag.</p>



<p><strong>Confirm with large, established news outlets. </strong>The chances are that multiple outlets will cover real breaking news. ALthough you might disagree with the political leanings of the major news outlets, checking multiple major sites to see if they’re reporting the same story can be a good way to confirm if something is likely valid.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Additionally, use sites like <a href="https://www.factcheck.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Factcheck.org</a>, <a href="https://mediabiasfactcheck.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mediabiasfactcheck.com</a>, <a href="https://sciencefeedback.co" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ScienceFeedback.co</a> or <a href="https://www.politifact.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Politifact.com</a> to verify claims made in articles, speeches or television.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-go-deeper">Go deeper</h2>



<p>As you develop your critical thinking skills, it’s vital to check your own mental biases to make sure you don’t just believe the news that affirms your personal leanings, and mark the rest as fake.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Question your assumption. </strong>You may have grown up with a political leaning or certain beliefs that leave you looking at the world through a specific lens, and never asking if alternative points of view might be genuine. Start to look at the things you hold as truth and do a thought experiment to see if you can find a valid reason why someone might have a different opinion other than your own.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Look for confirmation bias. </strong>Pay attention to how often you discount information because it doesn’t confirm your view of the world. Although being skeptical on the internet is important, seeing the nuances of a situation or your own bias against a particular person or group of people instead of their message might give you some more information to use when considering difficult or contrary information.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stay-vigilant">Stay vigilant</h2>



<p>It’s essential to do your research, but remember that it’s usually worth digging deeper if something feels false to you. Some false information is easy to spot if you know what to look for, but it is likely to get more sophisticated as time goes on. Developing critical thinking skills and identifying your own biases can help you determine if what you’re seeing is likely to be true.</p>

Spotting false information online has become more complex, especially as people get their primary news information from social media and the internet.

Spotting false information online has become more complex, especially as people get their primary news information from social media and the internet. | SUCCESS

What Is Media Literacy and How Can You Improve Yours? | SUCCESS

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/rich-Regular-Podcast-S.com-Thumbnail.jpg

How Emotional Intelligence Can Improve Your Work Life

<p>If you grew up believing that there was only one type of intelligence—and you either had it or didn’t—it may surprise you to learn that there are several different types, encompassing everything from spatial awareness to music. One of the most critical to develop in the workplace is <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/the-importance-of-emotional-intelligence-in-leadership/">emotional intelligence</a>, which is the ability to perceive, manage and regulate your emotions. Emotional intelligence can offer perspective in stressful situations and can help us discern optimism from <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/5-strategies-for-working-through-difficult-emotions/">toxic positivity</a> when things look rough.&nbsp;</p>



<iframe src="https://omny.fm/shows/rich-regular-with-kiersten-and-julien-saunders/you-need-financial-wisdom-more-than-willpower/embed?style=artwork" width="100%" height="180" frameborder="0" title="You Need Financial Wisdom More than Willpower"></iframe>



<p>Listen to this week’s episode of the <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rich-regular-with-kiersten-and-julien-saunders/id1562432041" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>rich &amp; REGULAR</em></a> podcast about financial wisdom, and continue reading below for ways to strengthen and grow your emotional intelligence.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-emotional-intelligence">Emotional intelligence</h2>



<p>Research tells us that <a href="https://news.stanford.edu/pr/2007/pr-dweck-020707.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">intelligence is not fixed</a>, and working to improve your emotional intelligence can help you <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/6-steps-to-discover-your-true-self/">understand yourself</a> and grow your capacity for empathy.&nbsp;</p>



<p>EI is a sought-after trait in job candidates, especially for leading teams or working in customer service. Being a team member or leader who can put yourself in another person’s shoes can be invaluable when problem-solving or avoiding conflict.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Emotional intelligence is made up of various factors, including:</p>



<p><strong>Self-awareness</strong>: Knowing your own emotions, thoughts, and actions and how they align (or don’t) with your morals and inner world. Being able to name your feelings and emotional triggers and also understand how someone else might perceive your reactions can help you understand the perceptions of your coworkers and manager.</p>



<p><strong>Self-regulation:</strong> Emotional regulation allows you to see and acknowledge your own emotions in a socially acceptable way, which means that even when you’re having a bad day, you don’t lose control. You can keep your emotions in perspective and understand that what you are feeling in the moment isn’t necessarily reality for everyone, nor is it a reason to blame or harm others.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Social awareness:</strong> Social awareness allows you to see and recognize the emotions in other people, understand their perspective and how it differs from your own, and offer empathy when appropriate. This is especially important as it relates to people of different backgrounds or cultures and is essential to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/inclusive-leadership-starts-with-creating-a-culture-of-psychological-safety/">developing inclusive organizations</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Identifying and empathizing with the people on your team, recognizing non-verbal cues like body language or eye contact, and controlling your emotional reactions when problems arise may help people see you as a strong leader and someone to turn towards in times of trouble.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-get-ahead-at-work">Get ahead at work</h2>



<p>Offices can be stressful places, and having the ability to recognize when things are getting heated and to help others de-escalate is an invaluable skill, no matter where you are in the company hierarchy. Because emotional intelligence can improve with practice, consider incorporating the following to help you in the workplace.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 id="h-use-empathy">Use empathy</h3>



<p><a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/to-be-a-better-leader-you-need-to-empathize/">Empathy</a>, or the ability to understand how others are feeling, is often touted as a vital component of the soft skills employers look for. Being able to empathize with another person, even if you disagree with their views, can not only help you create a strong work team but is also a vital skill for your personal relationships as well.&nbsp;</p>



<p>If you are unsure how to develop empathy, try reading literature or watching TV shows with complex characters and discussing these personalities with a friend or mentor. Gaining perspective of a fictional characters’ thoughts may help you identify similar situations and people you can empathize with in real life.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 id="h-communicate-directly">Communicate directly</h3>



<p>Emotional Intelligence is often the difference between being interpreted as a compassionately direct person who tells the difficult truth, and being seen as an unfeeling jerk. Use clear and plain language to help you make your point, and when <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-speak-well-and-listen-better/">it’s your turn to listen</a>, make sure you use active listening skills to hear what the other person is saying, not just pausing until it’s your turn to speak again.&nbsp;</p>



<p>If you’re going into a <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-ask-for-more-money/">salary negotiation</a> or other stressful situation, practice asking for what you need before the day arrives. Utilize various techniques, such as writing out what you want to say, practicing in a mirror, and having mock negotiations with a friend to make sure you’re as prepared as can be and comfortable with the language you want to use.</p>



<h3 id="h-stay-realistically-optimistic">Stay realistically optimistic</h3>



<p>Toxic positivity, or maintaining a cheerful mindset no matter how dark or dire a situation, is a problem that can damage your mental health and connections to others, and can often be interpreted in the workplace as being out of touch. Intelligent optimism, on the other hand, allows you to see the problems ahead of you and develop a strategy to work through them. Staying positive (but realistic) in stressful situations can also help others maintain their equilibrium and is often used to describe great leaders.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Make sure you create a routine to help set yourself up for success and to encourage daily optimism. Although everyone’s personality is different, developing an exercise and healthy eating habit, staying hydrated, and <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-improve-your-mental-health/">prioritizing your mental health</a> can help you continue to see the bright side of things.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-keep-looking-forward">Keep looking forward</h2>



<p>Keep your emotional intelligence at the forefront in stressful situations and use it to help you and those around you succeed. By identifying what you’re feeling in the moment, how it pertains to your current situation, and empathizing with others, you create a positive outlook that can help you maintain perspective and balance.</p>

Research tells us that intelligence is not fixed, and working to improve your emotional intelligence can help you understand yourself and grow your capacity for empathy. 

Research tells us that intelligence is not fixed, and working to improve your emotional intelligence can help you understand yourself and grow your capacity for empathy.  | SUCCESS

How Emotional Intelligence Can Improve Your Work Life | SUCCESS

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/rich__Regular_Podcast_-_S.com_Thumbnail_5.png

How a To-Don’t List Can Help You Achieve Your Goals

Lifestyle

Lifestyle Archives

Elevate your lifestyle for success and happiness

<p>To-do lists are helpful tools for many people, but they can quickly take over our lives, making daily living feel like just another item to cross off of a never-ending list. If you’re anything like us, you may even add easy tasks like ‘make coffee’ to your list, just to be able to cross off a win early in the day. Much like to-do lists can be great reminders of what we need to prioritize and focus on, creating a to-don’t list can help you remember what to avoid doing and make <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/saying-no-to-more-why-giving-your-brain-space-to-wander-improves-your-productivity/">saying no</a> to the things that don’t serve you a little easier.</p>



<p><em>Rich &amp; REGULAR</em> with Kiersten and Julien Saunders is no longer releasing new episodes on the SUCCESS Podcast Network, but you can still listen to the full conversation below. </p>







<iframe src="https://omny.fm/shows/rich-regular-with-kiersten-and-julien-saunders/5-financial-donts/embed?style=artwork" width="100%" height="180" frameborder="0" title="5 Financial Don'ts"></iframe>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-to-do-or-to-don-t">To-do or to-don’t</h2>



<p>Having a to-do list is often one of the best ways to prioritize what’s essential. It helps make sure you get the most important tasks completed first.</p>



<p>The to-don’t list works similarly, but it’s a conscious effort to avoid the things that either distract you from important work or that don't help you <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/10-steps-to-achieve-any-goal/">achieve your goals</a>. If you tend to get sucked into social media when you are meant to be working on a project, or find yourself distracted from your financial plan by chasing every shiny <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/when-considering-your-investment-strategy-keep-these-3-rules-in-mind/">new investment opportunity</a>, a to-don’t list might be a helpful way to avoid the things that drain you of time and energy.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-build-your-to-don-t-list">Build your to-don’t list</h2>



<p>Start by reflecting on your objectives and the things that are meaningful to you, such as work, family, community, health and finances. Then create a list of three to five activities you’d like to devote time to consistently. Your first couple might look something like this:</p>



<p><strong>Goal: Family Time</strong></p>



<ul>
<li>Spend Saturday mornings with your kids and let your partner sleep in.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Spend <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/what-happened-when-i-ditched-technology-for-7-days/">time together without screens</a> at least once a week.</li>



<li>Have family dinner together at least four times per week.</li>
</ul>



<p><strong>Goal: Finances and Investments</strong></p>



<ul>
<li>Set a financial check-in meeting with your partner once a month.</li>



<li>Review all financial accounts weekly to confirm transactions.</li>



<li>Read a new investment book once a month.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Review financial goals once a quarter and document the progress made.</li>
</ul>



<p>As you develop your list of things you want to either add or keep in your day-to-day life, remember to keep a lookout for the things that tend to get in your way, such as too much TV or unexpected work or social obligations.&nbsp;</p>



<p>If staying up too late watching tv during the week means you get a late start every morning and have to use the weekends to catch up on work, delaying the time you spend with your family, note that off to the side for further exploration. Perhaps you say yes too often to tasks you don’t want to do, which means you don’t have as much time to devote to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/what-is-personal-development/">self improvement</a> or fitness.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reflect-on-your-priorities">Reflect on your priorities</h2>



<p>Once you have a list of your intentions and actions, spend some time creating a separate list of your <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/create-a-bulletproof-routine/">daily routine</a>, including the most mundane, such as getting dressed or brushing your teeth. A spreadsheet or internet template that keeps track of time in fifteen minute intervals might be helpful for this. Remember that the point isn’t that you’re going to stop all tasks that don’t directly benefit your stated objectives, but to see where your time goes, especially when you’re not thinking about it explicitly and default to a mindless activity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Next, compare your two lists and draw lines or assign numbers to your goals and the daily tasks that help you achieve them. Examine anything left over in the tasks list for items that distract you from making strides towards the life you want.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-say-no-to-the-right-things">Say no to the right things</h2>



<p>Once you have your list of tasks that don’t contribute to your happiness, try to find patterns in the things that aren’t serving you. As you reflect, you may find that saying yes to a work invitation that didn’t interest you, but you feel obligated to attend, keeps you from making progress, or that you avoid intimidating projects with screen time or other mindless activities.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Knowing where you spend your time can help you make sure you are devoted to the right tasks and help you move your plans forward.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-don-t-forget-to-rest">Don’t forget to rest</h2>



<p>Although focusing on your targets is essential, make sure that you also build in time to rest. Use some of your newfound time from the to-don’t list to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/5-creative-benefits-of-daydreaming/">daydream</a> or go on a walk so that you can think about what you want to focus on in the future, not just the intentions you’ve set currently.</p>



<p>Keep your to-don’t list handy as a reminder of the things that drain your time and energy and as a way to help you stay focused on your goals.&nbsp;</p>

If you tend to get sucked into social media when you are meant to be working on a project, or find yourself distracted from your financial plan by chasing every shiny new investment opportunity, a to-don’t list might be a helpful way to avoid the things that drain you of time and energy. 

If you tend to get sucked into social media when you are meant to be working on a project, or find yourself distracted from your financial plan by chasing every shiny new investment opportunity, a to-don’t list might be a helpful way to avoid the things that drain you of time and energy.  | SUCCESS

How ‘To-Don’t’ Lists Can Help You Achieve Your Goals

How a To-Don’t List Can Help You Achieve Your Goals | SUCCESS

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/how-a-to-dont-list-can-help-you-achieve-your-goals.jpg

Future of Work

Future of Work Archives

Future of Work | SUCCESS | What Achievers Read

<p>The Great Resignation provides many employees the opportunity to achieve higher titles and pay, and gives some of the power back to the everyday worker. We often hear about people leaving jobs in high numbers, but many are still happy with their current position and are just looking to relocate closer to family or for a lower cost of living. Moving can be complicated at the best of times, and if you're looking to change locations but not leave your current job, there are a few things to consider before making a decision."</p>



<p><em>Rich &amp; REGULAR</em> with Kiersten and Julien Saunders is no longer releasing new episodes on the SUCCESS Podcast Network, but you can still listen to the full conversation below.</p>







<p><iframe title="Things to Consider Before Relocating" src="https://omny.fm/shows/rich-regular-with-kiersten-and-julien-saunders/things-to-consider-before-relocating/embed" width="100%" height="180" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-work-from-anywhere">Work from anywhere</h2>



<p>With the increase in <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/the-10-best-us-cities-for-working-remotely/">remote work </a>over the past couple of years, it can seem like a great idea to move closer to family or start living that <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/digital-nomad-what-you-need-to-know/">nomadic lifestyle</a> you’ve always dreamed of. After all, if you don’t need to go into an office every day, why stay in the same old place when you could be out exploring the world.</p>



<p>Although the pandemic has opened up new opportunities for some people, employment laws and rules can be complicated and haven’t changed to accommodate the rise in remote working. When an employee moves to a new state, especially where the company doesn’t have an established presence, it can mean a lot of headaches for the HR and Accounting departments, and potentially cause problems for you.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-do-i-have-to-stay-near-the-office">Do I have to stay near the office?</h2>



<p><a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-i-avoid-loneliness-while-working-alone/">Working from home</a> has disrupted offices and workplaces, and now it might feel silly to be stuck in one location, especially since many people have spent the last two years proving that they’re <a href="https://hbr.org/2020/08/research-knowledge-workers-are-more-productive-from-home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">just as productive</a>, if not more so, away from a traditional office structure.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Remember that even if your job is remote and looks to stay that way for the time being, your company can require that you remain within commuting distance of the office. While it might be a nuclear option for many employers, most companies would be within their rights to <a href="https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/dilemma-month-can-i-make-my-remote-workers-come-back" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">terminate your employment</a> if you move outside of commuting distance, especially without telling them.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Of course, if you are a contract worker, you may have negotiated a remote work agreement or have different requirements.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moving-out-of-state">Moving out of state</h2>



<p>According to the <a href="https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/legal-and-compliance/employment-law/pages/workers-relocated-during-the-pandemic.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Society for Human Resource Management</a>, “the law of the state where the employee performs the work typically governs the employment relationship—even if the employer is located somewhere else.” If you relocate to a new state, your employer may be violating your new state’s employment laws, even if they aren’t aware of it.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Make sure you speak with your manager and your human resources department about your plan to move outside of commuting distance from your current office. While there is no guarantee that your employer will work with you on this move, at least you’ll know where you stand and can make a decision with all of the facts.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-don-t-forget-about-taxes">Don’t forget about taxes</h2>



<p>Moving to a new state can often mean a lot of expenses. From finding a moving company, renting or buying a new home and establishing utilities, there seems to be no end to the costs that quickly add up. Many people forget to consider how moving from state to state will affect your taxes.</p>



<p>Most states collect income tax, but if you’re moving from one of the following states, you may be in for a nasty surprise come tax time. Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming do not collect any income tax from residents, and New Hampshire doesn't tax earned wages. Of course, if you’re moving to one of these states, you might feel set up for success, but often these states make up for the lack in tax revenue with other types of taxes or reduced services.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Additionally, some states have a <a href="https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/state-taxes/help/which-states-have-reciprocal-agreements/00/25576" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reciprocity agreement</a> with another state, which allows workers to live in one state, work in another, and pay taxes to the state in which they live. For example, you may live in Pennsylvania but commute into New Jersey every workday, but you only have to pay taxes to Pennsylvania because of the reciprocity agreement.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Before moving, make sure you do your research. Taxes can get complicated quickly, especially when dealing with multiple states, so make sure to work with a tax professional and your payroll department to ensure you’ve covered all of the details.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-keep-communication-open">Keep communication open</h2>



<p>The easiest way to avoid these headaches for yourself and your employer is to keep the lines of communication open and honest. While your employer isn’t your friend, they also (hopefully) aren’t your adversary, so try to balance being strategic with being forthright. Being upfront with your plans can prevent a lot of trouble for both you and your employer.</p>

Listen to this week’s episode of the rich & REGULAR podcast and keep reading for some practical points to factor into your moving plans.

Listen to this week’s episode of the rich & REGULAR podcast and keep reading for some practical points to factor into your moving plans. | SUCCESS

Moving While Working Remotely

Moving While Working Remotely | SUCCESS

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/rich-Regular-Podcast-S.com-Thumbnail-2.png

When Considering Your Investment Strategy, Keep These 3 Rules in Mind

<p>One day our 4-year-old son expresses his never-ending love for waffles.</p>



<p>The next he only wants to eat oatmeal bars. On Monday, his favorite toy in the world is the red truck, but by the end of the week he can’t put down his blue sports car<em>.</em></p>



<p>For a preschooler this is normal, obviously, and there are no costs associated with changing your preferences. But as adults, being easily excitable and distracted can have dire consequences when it comes to managing your money. So how do you stay focused amidst a barrage of buzzy new investments and potentially <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-spot-a-business-opportunity/">life-changing opportunities</a>?</p>



<p>Here are a few things for you to consider.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balance-is-key">Balance is key. </h2>



<p>If you don’t know by now, we’re big fans of investing in low-cost index funds. They’re affordable, reliable and boring. But that doesn’t mean there is no place in an investment strategy for cryptocurrencies, options trading or NFTs [non-fungible tokens].</p>



<p>Imagine your diet. A balanced approach may be to eat mostly healthy, nutritious foods while incorporating a few cheat meals every now and then. The same idea applies with your money.</p>



<p>Depending on <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/the-complete-guide-to-money-how-to-create-wealth/">your goals and financial situation</a>, you may consider allocating a few percentage points of your portfolio to some of the riskier, more volatile investments, with the remainder in more proven, stable investments. This way you can rest comfortably knowing the bulk of your nest egg is backed by steadier asset classes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Don't believe the hype. </h2>



<p>We’ve all seen the headlines: “Skateboarder Becomes Millionaire Overnight by Cashing Out Piggy Bank in Altcoin.”&nbsp; Or “Teenage Prodigy Sells NFT of School Art Project for $5 Million and Has Lunchroom Named After Him.” These headlines accomplish precisely what they’re intended to do—get you excited. But there’s more to these stories than meets the eye.</p>



<p>They don’t tell you about the people who lose thousands of dollars every day, or have their cryptocurrency stolen or lost due to glitchy trading platforms. There are no headlines about the vast majority of people who have burned time and money into creating digital art that no one ever purchases. In many ways, the media platforms that promote these clickbait articles should be viewed no differently than entertainment platforms.</p>



<p>Particularly today, being <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/a-millennials-guide-to-finances-5-things-to-start-before-you-turn-30/">financially savvy</a> also requires you to be media and technologically savvy. If you’re serious about taking your financial education to the next level, then consider subscribing to a respected financial news platform where you know the articles have been well-researched by credible journalists, editors and analysts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Overcome FOMO. </h2>



<p>With recent advances in technology and financial product innovation, it’s even easier to dabble in new, exciting investments without going all in.</p>



<p>For example, if you’re intrigued by cryptocurrency but don’t want to go all in, you might consider investing in publicly traded companies that are heavy players in the crypto industry or exchange traded funds [ETFs] that allow you to invest in groups of these companies so you don’t have to choose between the best performers. This gives you exposure to the entire crypto industry while minimizing the risk of owning individual coins.</p>



<p>Now there are even cryptocurrency credit cards that reward you in crypto, much like you would earn hotel points or airline miles. And it’s just a matter of time before there are a variety of cryptocurrency index funds for retail investors to add to their retirement portfolio.</p>



<p>The point is, change in the financial landscape is here and even more change is coming. It’s natural to be intrigued by all the buzz. But you shouldn’t feel obligated to completely reverse your strategy or try to play catch-up. The fundamentals of investing are as relevant today as they’ve ever been.</p>



<p>The more you can master your emotions, be patient and practice discipline, the better off you’ll be. </p>



<p style="font-size:12px">This article originally appeared in the January/February 2022 Issue of SUCCESS magazine. <em>Photo by @DimaBerlin/Twenty20</em></p>

How do you stay focused amidst a barrage of buzzy new investments and potentially life-changing opportunities?

How do you stay focused amidst a barrage of buzzy new investments and potentially life-changing opportunities? | SUCCESS

Investment Strategy: 3 Rules to Keep in Mind

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/When-Considering-Your-Investment-Strategy-Keep-These-3-Rules-in-Mind.jpg

Build Better Habits to Reach Your 2022 Financial Goals

<p>As the new year approaches, it’s tempting to think about all of the ways you’re going to overhaul your life and make this “your year.” But before you go all out changing every aspect of your life, remember that trying to focus on more than one thing at a time can waste a lot of energy, and before you know it, you’re burnt out and right back where you started.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Instead of setting multiple goals that leave you feeling scattered and frustrated, consider concentrating on building the habits that will become the foundation of your goals. </p>



<p><em>Rich &amp; REGULAR</em> with Kiersten and Julien Saunders is no longer releasing new episodes on the SUCCESS Podcast Network, but you can still listen to the full conversation below.</p>







<iframe src="https://omny.fm/shows/rich-regular-with-kiersten-and-julien-saunders/tips-for-setting-your-2022-financial-goals/embed?style=artwork" width="100%" height="180" frameborder="0" title="Tips for Setting Your 2022 Financial Goals"></iframe>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understand-what-you-re-doing-and-why">Understand what you’re doing and why.</h2>



<p>While goal setting can be fun and aspirational, habit building often gets into the nitty-gritty of how your life and brain work. Instead of thinking about what could be, habit forming is the work it takes to get where you want to be. Spend some time thinking about the ways you can improve your life and develop a strategy to help you get there.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Start by identifying the goals you’d like to achieve this year, such as paying off debt or building up your emergency fund, and then consider turning them into actionable habits by using what James Clear, author of <em>Atomic Habits</em>, calls the <a href="https://jamesclear.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/james-clear-transform-your-habits-v3.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Three R’s</a>—reminder, routine and reward— which helps you create (or stop) a behavior.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-three-r-s">The Three R’s</h3>



<p><strong>Reminder:</strong> The reminder is the trigger that gets you to start a behavior. Getting out of bed in the morning is often the trigger to brush your teeth every day.</p>



<p><strong>Routine: </strong>In this example, brushing your teeth is the routine activity that you do every day, and might be the habit you want to build.</p>



<p><strong>Reward: </strong>The reward is the benefit you receive from the routine. For instance, fresh breath, healthy teeth and even societal approval for being well-groomed.</p>



<p>Clear argues that all habits adhere to this three-step system, and identifying the individual components can help you create new patterns or stop bad or unhelpful habits. Take some time to identify the Three R’s of the habit you want to build. For instance, if your goal is to save more this year:</p>



<p>A<strong> reminder </strong>might be that anytime you get a notification of a deposit, whether that’s your paycheck, refund or gift, you create a <strong>routine </strong>action<strong> </strong>of transferring a certain percentage of each deposit into your savings account.<strong> </strong>Your<strong> reward </strong>is watching<strong> </strong>your emergency fund grow and creating the habit of saving so that you don’t even have to think about it; you just take action.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As you build your Three R framework, also consider the following so that you give your habit building the best chance of success.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-don-t-ignore-your-context">Don’t ignore your context.</h2>



<p>Knowing what will and will not work for your lifestyle is vital for habit creation. What works for your friend or neighbor may not be best for you, and while you may hear that success is just a matter of discipline—and that can be true—it’s important to focus on the habits you are building, and ignore what other people are doing.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For example, if your goal is debt payoff, one person might move as quickly as possible and choose to start a side hustle or work a second or third job for a while, even if it adds extra stress to their lives.&nbsp;</p>



<p>But, for another, that might not be doable for multiple reasons, so they look for more unconventional ways to pay off debt, like potentially refinancing or selling excess items to have more cash flow available.</p>



<p>Habits and goals are not one-size-fits-all, so make sure you consider the context of your life when building your new habits.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-on-one-thing-at-a-time">Focus on one thing at a time.</h2>



<p>When we’re excited about a new year and the possibilities in front of us, it can be tempting to accomplish everything simultaneously. The more you try to accomplish at one time, the more you will have to remember and the more stress you’ll add to your life.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Instead, focus on one habit formation at a time for a set period, possibly a month or a quarter, depending on the habit, which allows you to work smarter and focus all of your energy on one thing. It may feel like you are wasting time or that you could do more, but remind yourself that you are building a habit for the rest of your life—not trying to get to an arbitrary finish line.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-slow-and-steady">Slow and steady.</h2>



<p>Doing everything all at once is a recipe for disaster and burnout. Remember that even though you might feel guilt or shame for not accomplishing more or succeeding faster, everyone works at their own pace and you want to create a lifelong habit, not check off an item on your to-do list.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Be sure that you honor the improvements you are working on and the habits you are creating before you get to work on the next leg of your journey. Here’s to a prosperous new year!</p>

As the new year approaches, it’s tempting to think about all of the ways you’re going to overhaul your life and make this “your year.” But before you go

As the new year approaches, it’s tempting to think about all of the ways you’re going to overhaul your life and make this “your year.” But before you go | SUCCESS

Build Better Habits to Reach Your 2022 Financial Goals | SUCCESS

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/rich-Regular-Podcast-S.com-Thumbnail-1.jpg

<p>Regrets are something that everyone will encounter in life, but trying to avoid them often causes additional problems. While having regrets is normal and not something to be ashamed of, it’s vital that regrets don’t run your life or prevent you from making intelligent decisions for your future.</p>



<p><em>Rich &amp; REGULAR</em> with Kiersten and Julien Saunders is no longer releasing new episodes on the SUCCESS Podcast Network, but you can still listen to the full conversation below.</p>







<iframe src="https://omny.fm/shows/rich-regular-with-kiersten-and-julien-saunders/rich-and-regular-things-we-regret-not-buying/embed?style=artwork" width="100%" height="180" frameborder="0" title="rich and REGULAR: Things We Regret NOT Buying"></iframe>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understand-your-regrets">Understand your regrets.</h2>



<p>Regrets come in many different forms and can be attached to past actions or future choices. It’s often a negative emotion that involves shame, guilt or blame for past actions or a missed opportunity. While everyone has regrets, it can be easy for some people to let regret take over their life and prevent them from making healthy decisions moving forward, either out of guilt and shame or the fear of making the same mistake in the future.&nbsp;</p>



<p>If fear of regret is keeping you from making an important decision in your life, sit with your journal or a sheet of paper and consider the following:&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-get-out-of-your-head">Get out of your head.</h3>



<p>Most of us have an endless loop in our heads of the wrong or hurtful things we’ve done. While most of that is embarrassing, there may also be genuine harm you’ve caused that you can’t take back. It can be easy to beat yourself up, but it’s also important to remember that you can’t change the past, and getting stuck in your head only makes it harder for you to move forward.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Cataloguing your regrets can often get you stuck in a loop of thinking about how bad or worthless you are. Instead of just listing our regret after regret with no end in sight, consider setting a timer for five minutes and writing down all of your regrets that come up in that time frame.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The goal is to get these memories on paper and out of your head so that you can free up space for rational thought. Remember that you aren’t trying to get every single regret you have ever had out in this small time frame. You may need to revisit this exercise several times over a period of time as you work through and process the memories that come up each time.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observe-your-emotions">Observe your emotions.</h3>



<p>Once the timer dings and you have your list of regrets, stop and consider each line. Try to sort them into Past and Future categories, i.e. is your memory about something hurtful or unfortunate that you said or did in the past? Or are you worried about making a decision that could negatively impact your future?&nbsp;</p>



<p>Then, match the emotions in your memories to each of your regrets and see if sentiments are repeated. Having a therapist or counselor to help you sort through everything can be helpful in this situation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Once you have a list of emotions written down, consider what your list tells you about pain you may be holding unnecessarily. If you need to apologize or make amends to the people you hurt, do so if it won’t cause further harm to you or them.&nbsp;</p>



<p>If your regrets are about a road not taken or a future choice, dive deeper into the situation and try to gain some perspective so that you can take action without getting stuck in an unhelpful thought loop.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learn-from-your-mistakes-nbsp">Learn from your mistakes.&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Making mistakes can be painful, but learning the lesson that they teach you can be priceless. Remember that everyone makes mistakes, even the people you admire, and it’s much more important to focus on the lesson learned rather than any embarrassment about your error.&nbsp;</p>



<p>We’ve all felt foolish from time to time, but if those feelings make you shy away from ever taking a chance, you’re holding yourself back from truly learning the lesson and making a change.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Go back to your list of regrets and consider the lessons you learned in each situation. While some of them may be painful or embarrassing, the chances are good that you learned from that experience and can apply the lessons to your life going forward.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-on-growth-nbsp">Focus on growth.&nbsp;</h2>



<p>It can be tempting to think that one therapy session or one exercise can fix years of pain or avoidance. Remember that understanding yourself and your past takes time and rushing doesn’t help you solve anything.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Regrets can be painful to live with, but no one gets through life without making mistakes. Instead of focusing just on your guilt and beating yourself up for things you can’t change, learn from those situations and make sure that you’ve done the work of understanding your past so that you can work toward a better future.&nbsp;</p>

Regrets are something that everyone will encounter in life, but trying to avoid them often causes additional problems. While having regrets is normal and

Regrets are something that everyone will encounter in life, but trying to avoid them often causes additional problems. While having regrets is normal and | SUCCESS

How to Let Go of Regret

How to Let Go of Regret | SUCCESS

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/rRPod_Scom_Thumbnail_11_29_21.jpeg