by Mrs C | Sep 1, 2021 | Blog
Juggling the joys and stresses of parenthood with the work of a career can be an overwhelming task. As you search for a job that will allow you to do that juggling a bit more easily, consider the level of flexibility, the benefits and the independence of time that potential jobs offer! Look for professional jobs that will allow more freedom of time and more helpful resources for you and your kids.
Flexibility
Your kids have daily needs, school, extracurriculars, and lives that require time and attention on your part! A job that allows flexibility of schedule will open up your availability to be there when your kids need you. For example, positions that prioritize task completion over hours spent, or that offer opportunities for remote work, mean that you can work where and when you want or need to and tailor your daily schedule accordingly. In addition, companies that offer flexible work hours have shown increased levels of productivity, and are generally more efficient with their funding.
Benefits
Look for a job that provides benefits for yourself and your family. This can include health insurance, disability insurance, 401K plans, vacation time or holiday breaks, and even paid time off. In addition, most employers provide dental insurance along with other medical benefits. These benefits can save you a significant amount of money on essential insurance plans that you would not have access to otherwise. Companies may also offer reimbursements on travel, phone use, and any extra expenses. Be aware of all the benefits you can take advantage of, so that you aren’t missing out on valuable resources for your kids.
Independence
Even with all the flexibility possible, it is extremely beneficial to have a job that you can “leave” at the workplace. Not having your job on your mind all the time is an incredibly valuable element to careers for the sake of your relationships with and availability for your children. Plus, parent-friendly jobs create a better balance of work and play by allowing you to compartmentalize those parts of your life and give your full attention to the things you value most. In interviews or through reviews, look into what potential employers expect of you in everyday tasks to figure out what kind of equilibrium of work life and home life you can create.
As you search for a job that will tailor well to your family needs, financial goals, and career dreams, you should also seek out those that help you put family first! You may have to compromise here and there, but a job that has any or all of these qualities will foster a better home life for you and your family.
Read next: How to Secure Financial Success for Your Children
by Mrs C | Sep 1, 2021 | Blog
Insurance is meant to instill confidence that the buyer is always taken care of in case of an accident, emergency, or unexpected medical situation that requires some serious financial help. But what if that insurance company you put your trust in refuses to pay for your needs? Here are a few things you should do in this situation that will help you solve the issue and receive the help you need.
Ask Them for an Explanation
One of two things can happen when you ask your insurance company to explain why something was not covered: a, they may realize that there was a misunderstanding or mistake and the case should have been covered, and you receive due compensation. B, they have to explain to you in detail why your circumstances are considered unqualified for coverage, giving you a better understanding of your policy and their expectations and providing additional information on qualification requirements that you can use to reestablish the points of your case, and re-present it to them to prove your legitimate qualification. Either way, their explanation is the biggest help you will get in resolving your problem!
Fight It in Court
If after their explanation you still feel you qualify for insurance coverage, fight their refusal! Consult a lawyer who specializes in insurance claims. An attorney can improve your chances of winning a settlement. Their training on the ins and outs of insurance policies, what is generally deserved, and how to frame a case to get the most out of your claim, are all invaluable skills to getting you the coverage you need. Furthermore, their experiences in similar cases to yours will have helped them learn tips and tricks to getting the upper hand on these kinds of legal proceedings.
Don’t Give Up!
Be persistent. Many of these cases fizzle out without the insurance provider ever giving that coverage requested of them because they ignore and postpone and excuse repeatedly until the buyer (you) gives up on trying. Your persistent demands are your best strategy for the roles to be reversed, or for you to have the time to come up with genuinely helpful information that will win you the case. Stay on top of deadlines, don’t let things go unacknowledged for long periods of time, and be bold and determined in your actions!
You put your trust and your funds into insurance payments that should protect you—make sure that they do so! Be prepared, determined, and diligent, and fight for the care you deserve.
Read this next: How to Get Compensation for an Accident That Wasn’t Your Fault
by Mrs C | Aug 25, 2021 | Blog
These days, most people are interested in going green, but many of them worry making that choice will be expensive. However, living a greener lifestyle doesn’t actually have to cost you that much. There are actually many ways in which choosing to go green can actually help you to save money and be more financially secure.
Green Means Consuming Less
It’s important to remember that when you go green it should mean that you consume less, which means saving money. This will come in the form of reusing items when possible, minimizing your use of unnecessary car trips, and purchasing longer-lasting items. All of these choices will actually result in spending less money over time. Buying longer-lasting items can sometimes be more expensive initially, but since you will no longer need to replace those items frequently, you will save money.
Costs Are Coming Down
Many of the elements of green living that have traditionally been more expensive are becoming more affordable as technology improves. This includes things like solar panels, wind turbines, and even geothermal energy. All of these energy sources can be excellent ways to decrease your carbon footprint and live a greener life. There are also tax benefits to investing in green technology that you should take advantage of. Solar costs have dropped 38 percent within the last five years, making them increasingly affordable. By taking the advantage of lowering prices and tax benefits, you can move towards a greener lifestyle without spending too much.
Green Energy Is Less Expensive
After the initial investment of installing solar panels or another renewable energy source, these green energy sources are much less expensive than other varieties. For most people, their solar panels will produce enough energy for them to run their homes. And in fact, in many cases, they will produce excess energy that they can sell back to the grid. This means not needing to pay utility payments each month, which can greatly reduce your monthly cost of living. Over time, your renewable energy will pay for itself.
Making the move to live a green lifestyle is important for individuals and the world in general. And while it is important, it doesn’t need to be expensive. It’s never too early or too late to start living greener, and it’s okay to take the process one step at a time so you don’t get overwhelmed.
Read this next: How to Take the Financial Stress Out of Your Life
by Mrs C | Aug 19, 2021 | Blog
As you see your parents age and retire, you are probably feeling a variety of different emotions. You probably feel excitement for them to step out of the workforce while simultaneously feeling a bit of anxiety about how the next phase of life will treat them. Thinking about all the main aspects of a successful retirement will help you have peace of mind.
Maximize Social Security Benefits
Helping your aging parents navigate the process of accessing their social security benefits can be challenging. Start by helping them figure out when they actually want to start collecting the benefits—most individuals will be eligible to collect social security monthly checks once they retire and turn 65. However, if an individual was born after 1960, they have to wait till they are 67.
Deciding on the right time to actually access the funds will vary from situation to situation. But the longer you wait to access your benefits, the more money you tend to get.
Account for All Assets
In addition to helping your parents make decisions about their social security, you should also help them understand their total assets. Understanding all the assets available to them can help you best determine where to allocate those assets to ensure they have a comfortable retirement.
And in fact, some non-liquid assets can actually be used for a variety of services that are important for elderly individuals. For example, home equity can be used to pay for long-term care expenses like an assisted living facility.
Figure Out a Quality Care Plan
Figuring out a quality care plan should be one of your main priorities when it comes to helping your parents be prepared for retirement. It’s essential that you talk with them about how they want to be cared for as they near their later stages of life.
Be willing to ask the hard questions about their situation—is there someone in your family willing and able to take care of them as their needs become more demanding? Is there a plan B in case that isn’t possible? Think through the different options to ensure you can really help them through the aging process.
As you watch your parents retire, make sure that they have the care they really need. Ensuring they will be comfortable in their latter years requires early preparation and thought. Don’t put off these conversations too late.
Read this next: How to Make Sure Your Family Gets Adequate Health Treatment
by Mrs C | Aug 18, 2021 | Blog
Home ownership is a primary goal for many individuals and families however it is not always the right time. Figuring out whether buying a home is the right choice for you and your family takes a lot of thought in consideration. Here are a few things to keep in mind to help you decide whether or not you should buy a home.
Think of Your Long-Term Plan
Owning your own home can save you money over renting and help you to build equity, but it works better as a long-term investment. That’s why it’s important to have a good idea of your long-term plans before purchasing a home. If you are planning on staying in the same area for the foreseeable future, then purchasing a home is probably a good idea. But if you have plans to move in the near future then you may want to hold off and continue saving. Basically, you want to make sure that your timing in choosing a home matches up with your overall plans.
Consider Costs
It’s important to have a good idea of all your home costs before you make the decision to purchase a home. From your mortgage to insurance and maintenance there are many costs involved in homeownership. But there are things you can do to decrease your costs and make home ownership more affordable. For example, the materials to choose can decrease both your upfront costs and your maintenance costs. Some choices like installing a metal roof can save you money over time. It’s all about making smart decisions.
Think About Your Family’s Needs
Every family has specific needs that they need to have met by their living situation. It’s important to consider the needs of your family before you purchase a home. In some cases, it is easier to find a rental that fits your needs than it is to find a new home that will fit the same needs. That said, you may be able to find a home that is perfectly suited to the needs of your family. Just think about things like the location, the cost, and the amenities the home will provide to help you make your decision.
Owning a home can be incredibly satisfying and it’s a way to start building up equity so you have more money to your name. But it also comes with some pretty hefty upfront costs and responsibilities that renters do not have. That’s why you need to be careful and make the right choice for you and your family.
Read this next: How to Find a Place to Live When the Housing Market Has Priced You Out
